EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MAY 1, 2012
PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe, Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr., Majority Leader Barbara-Ann Rossi,
Minority Leader Eric A. Thompson, Councillors Marc I. Weinberg, Linda A. Russo, Ram Aberasturia,
Patricia Harmon and Robert J. Damaschi (left at 9:30 p.m.)
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. The Chair announced the exit locations in accordance with
Connecticut General Statutes §29-381, after which the Council joined him in the pledge of allegiance.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Susan Kniep, 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) is hopeful that the Municipal Tax Exempt Lease Purchase between the Town of East Hartford and the Board of Education regarding solid waste collection will reduce costs; (2) stated that there are significant financial issues at the state level that could affect the town’s budget; (3) asked that the cell tower issue at Gorman Park, which was recently voted down by the Fees Committee, be brought before the full Council for a vote; and (4) strongly believes that the Council should create an ordinance permanently banning cell towers in any parks or school property in East Hartford.
Franklin Kucza, 87 Greenlawn Street, spoke to the waiver of qualifications for the Director of Inspections and Permits and inquired if the town is getting the best qualified candidate for this position and other director’s positions.
Michael Kaluszka, 34 Prasser Drive, hopes that the cell tower issue in Gorman Park is a dead issue. He also stated that the Parks & Recreation department needs to allocate more time in cleaning up Gorman Park.
Al Lavigne, 30 Prasser Drive, asked that the full Town Council actually vote down the cell tower issue in Gorman Park.
Mayor Leclerc (1) complimented the Council on the refinishing of the dais; (2) stated that she has more information on the waiver of qualifications for the Director of Inspections & Permits that she’ll share with the Council when that agenda item is discussed; (3) said that the Improving East Hartford Program, which is before the Council, will be discussed in detail tonight; (4) explained that Michael Walsh, Finance Director, will detail the cost effectiveness of the Municipal Tax Exempt Lease Purchase Agreement for the collection of solid waste from the Board of Education; and (5) reported that the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation sent a notice to the Mayor’s office, which she shared with the Town Council, that Interstate 84 will be repaved in the East Hartford/Manchester area starting June
2012.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 17, 2012 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the April 17, 2012 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Horan, Rossi
NEW BUSINESS
Section 2-115 of the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances: Director of Inspections &
Permits (Building Official) – Waiver of Qualifications
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Bill Horan
that pursuant to Section 2-114 of the Town of East Hartford Code of
Ordinances, this Town Council waive the educational requirement
of a Bachelor’s Degree as noted in the job description for the
Director of Inspections and Permits (Building Official) under Section
2-115 of the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances.
Motion carried 6/3. Nays: Thompson, Harmon, Damaschi
Town of East Hartford Flood Protection System Rehabilitation:
Professional Services Contracts: GEI Consultants, Inc.
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to authorize the Town of East Hartford to enter into eight
professional services contracts with GEI Consultants, Inc. for the
continuance of design efforts and operational improvements
associated with the town’s flood protection system totaling
$734,174 as follows:
- Stormwater Pump Station Outfall Inspections $ 81,548
- Piezometer Monitoring, Floodwall Monitoring,
Crane Testing and Megger Testing $ 47,560
- Flood Protection System Training Program
Development $ 59,560
- Toe/Collector Drain Replacement
Project – Phase I $ 193,213
- Meadow Hill Sediment Disposal Evaluation $ 124,784
6 Reciprocating Internal Combustion
Engines (RICE) Evaluation $ 18,266
- Construction Consultation/Phase Services
For the Pump Station Rehabilitation – Phase II $ 11,050
- Construction Administration and Inspection
For the Pump Station Rehabilitation – Phase II $ 198,193
Total $734,174
Motion carried 8/1. Nay: Damaschi
Pump Station Construction Contract Authorizing Resolution
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford intends to solicit competitive bids for improvement to its storm water pump stations (Meadow Hill, Pitkin Street and Cherry Street), and
WHEREAS, the anticipated bid opening date is May 9, 2012, and
WHEREAS, the Town, through its consulting engineer, has prepared a construction cost estimate of approximately $685,000.00 for the pump station improvements, and
WHEREAS, the Town desires to award the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the Town of East Hartford is authorized to enter into a construction contract upon recommendation of the committee of Award.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Municipal Tax Exempt Lease Purchase Agreements:
Town of East Hartford 5-Year Capital Improvement
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford intends to purchase various capital equipment as part of the Town of East Hartford’s Approved 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan for the Years 2012-2013 through 2016-2017; and
WHEREAS, the cost of the various capital equipment and replacement furniture designated for lease-purchase financing totals $758,000; and
WHEREAS, the Town will budget $197,000 in fiscal years 2013-2014 through 2016-2017 in the General Operating Fund to pay principal and interest on the purchases.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the Town of East Hartford is authorized to enter into a master lease purchase agreement and related documents with Chase Equipment Finance, Inc. in the principal amount not to exceed $758,000. The interest rate, payment schedule and other details of the financing shall be mutually determined between the company and the Mayor, whose signatures will indicate approval of specific terms and conditions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town declares its intent to be reimbursed for any temporary advances from the General Fund to pay for any part of the equipment from proceeds of the lease financing in accordance with Treasury Regulation 26 CFR 1.103-18 and/or 26CFR1.150-2.
On call of the vote, motion carried 6/3. Nays: Thompson, Harmon, Damaschi
Town of East Hartford & Board of Education: Solid Waste Collection
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Ram Aberasturia
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford intends to purchase one refuse truck and dumpsters as part of cooperative agreement with the East Hartford Board of Education to allow the Town to begin picking up solid waste at Board of Education facilities; and
WHEREAS, the cost of the aforementioned capital equipment designated for lease-purchase financing totals $325,000; and
WHEREAS, the Town will budget $90,000 in fiscal years 2013-2014 through 2016-2017 in a Special Revenue Fund to pay principal and interest on the purchases.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the Town of East Hartford is authorized to enter into a master lease purchase agreement and related documents with Chase Equipment Finance, Inc. in the principal amount not to exceed $325,000. The interest rate, payment schedule and other details of the financing shall be mutually determined between the company and the Mayor, whose signatures will indicate approval of specific terms and conditions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town declares its intent to be reimbursed for any temporary advances from the General Fund to pay for any part of the equipment from proceeds of the lease financing in accordance with Treasury Regulation 26 CFR 1.103-18 and/or 26CFR1.150-2.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
At this point, Councillor Damaschi left the meeting.
U. S. Department of Energy: Better Buildings Challenge Program
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Linda Russo
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford has initiated a number of energy savings projects including:
- A TransCanada electricity purchase agreement whereby a portion of the electric generation is from hydro, a renewable energy source; and
- Two Energy Performance Contracts totaling $12.2 million with $6 million paid for with the proceeds of a Qualified Energy Conservation Bond that included a 70% federal interest subsidy; and
- The construction of a LEEDS certified Firehouse; and
- Two ARRA projects for LED traffic signals and a more efficient rooftop HVAC unit for use here at Town Hall, and
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford is currently exploring the competitive market for up to five solar canopy arrays using zero emission reusable energy credits as the partial funding source and will be exploring the competitive market for energy efficient streetlight replacements for our community, and
WHEREAS, based on the collective body of energy efficiency work completed and the unfinished body of work in progress, the U. S. Department of Energy has invited East Hartford to join the Better Buildings Challenge, a recent Presidential leadership initiative which seeks to create jobs through energy efficiency while preserving natural resources, and
WHEREAS, the Town desires to participate by committing to provide leadership to other communities, publicly pledging to improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020, and by providing an initial showcase project within the coming year.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the Town of East Hartford is authorized to enter into the Better Buildings Challenge Community Partnership Agreement. The details of the agreement shall be mutually determined between the Mayor and the U. S. Department of Energy, whose signatures will indicate approval of specific terms and conditions.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
“Improving East Hartford Program” – Revised Resolution
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Eric Thompson
to set a public hearing date of Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 7PM in Council
Chambers to hear public comment on the proposed resolution regarding the
“Improving East Hartford Program” pursuant to the procedure set forth in
§12-65(d) of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 8/0.
[Referral to Tax Policy Committee] Abatement of Taxes re: 1535-1537 Forbes Street
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the abatement of property taxes assessed on
1535-1537 Forbes Street pursuant to Town Ordinance §10-4
as such property is now owned by a non-profit organization
which is exempt from taxes pursuant to Connecticut General Statues §12-81.
Motion carried 8/0.
Outdoor Amusement Permit Applications:
Gengras Harley-Davidson Open House Demo Days
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application entitled
“Gengras Harley-Davidson Open House Demo Days” submitted
by Hannah Gavin, Events Coordinator for Gengras Harley-Davidson,
to conduct a 2-day demonstration of Harley-Davidson motorcycles
for test rides to the public, with music, food and vendors at Gengras
Motorcycle, Inc., 221 Governor Street, East Hartford on Saturday, May 5th
from 9AM to 5PM, with music during those same hours and on Sunday, May 6th
from 9AM to 4PM, with music during those same hours, subject to compliance
with adopted codes and regulations of the State of Connecticut, the Town
of East Hartford, and any other stipulations required by the Town of East Hartford or its agencies.
Motion carried 8/0.
Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application, entitled
“Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis” submitted by Mary Beth
Fecteau, Community Development Manager for the Crohn’s and
Colitis Foundation of America to conduct a 2-mile walk in Great
River Park with food and entertainment on Saturday, May 12, 2012
from 2PM to 7PM with a DJ providing music from 4PM to
approximately 6:30PM, subject to compliance with adopted codes
and regulations of the State of Connecticut, the Town of East
Hartford, and any other stipulations required by the Town of
East Hartford or its agencies.
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Pat Harmon asked the Mayor for a response to the questions she raised at the April 17th Town Council meeting. The Mayor complied.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
None
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Mayor Leclerc (1) announced that May 19th will be the town-wide clean up and, this year, it will expand beyond the Main Street corridor – highlighting various areas of town; (2) stated that a window designer has been hired to work with Main Street businesses – among others – Main Hardware and Michael’s Bakery; (3) reported that on Saturday, April 28th she was honored to throw out the first slow pitch to the girl’s East Hartford Little League softball teams; (4) told the Council that both the YMCA and ChildPlan had an event this past weekend that helped to facilitate summer and educational programs for the town’s youth; (5) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers televised a presentation that will be airing on Channel 5 in the future, explaining the progress made
on the town’s levee system to residents; (6) is hopeful that she will have a program on the MDC’s Clean Water Project and the cause for the recent increase in bills due to the transmission charge; (7) thanked the Council for approving the waiver of qualifications for the Director of Inspections & Permits; and (8) stated that Ted Fravel, Parks & Recreation Department Director, and Tim Bockus, Public Works Director are working well together regarding the maintenance workers associated with Parks & Recreation; and (9) said that this summer Mr. Fravel will evaluate the usage of the town’s pools and prepare a cost analysis of the maintenance of the pools.
Rich Kehoe noted that the back areas – wooded areas – of Gorman Park need attention.
Bill Horan (1) commented on the monumental task of cleaning Gorman Park and appreciates any efforts that can be made on this matter; (2) thanked the Mayor and the Police and Fire departments for participating in opening day for the East Hartford Little League on Saturday, April 28th; (3) was pleased to see Dan Larson, representing Goodwin College, throw out the first baseball, and Mayor Leclerc throw out the first softball; and (4) thanked Ted Fravel, Parks & Recreation Director, for also attending, which – according to the EHLL President – was the first time in fifteen years that the Parks & Recreation Director attended opening day.
Barbara Rossi congratulated the East Hartford High School Marching Band and Jazzapella who spent their spring vacation week at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and performed on the Main Street Parade and stage performances as well. Councillor Rossi also thanked Lisa Beauchamp, principal of Hockanum Elementary School, for hosting the Arbor Day celebration, sponsored by the town’s Beautification Commission, on Friday April 27th. Ms. Rossi also thanked Tony Russo, Parks Department foreman, for “helping” the children plant a dogwood tree in the courtyard and a mountain laurel bush in the front of the school.
Marc Weinberg noted the May birthdays of Mayor Leclerc, Councillor Eric Thompson, Mary Alice Dwyer-Hughes, and Marc’s mother – Bernice Dame.
Bill Horan thanked the Park’s maintenance staff and rangers for all the work they did for the East Hartford Little League’s opening day and commented that the town’s fields look the best they’ve looked in years.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (10:30 p.m.).
Motion carried 8/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on May 15, 2012.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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