EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MAY 15, 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
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:40 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.
RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
Senior Master Sgt. Douglas Margelony
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
Whereas, Senior Master Sgt. Douglas Margelony, a 23 year resident of the Town of East Hartford, has a distinguished military career which includes a 4 year tour as a Paratrooper in the United States Army Airborne at Fort Bragg, and for the past 22 years serving in the Civil Engineering Squadron at Bradley Air National Guard Base, and as a United States Air Force Liaison during Operation Noble Eagle at the Pentagon; and
Whereas, (Army/Air Force) SMSgt. Margelony has also served in Nicaragua and Honduras, and earned 15 awards and decorations including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and the Presidential Award Citation; and
Whereas, SMSgt. Margelony having served in the Connecticut Air National Guard since 1990, has recently returned to Connecticut after completing a 6 month tour of duty in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn; and
Whereas, SMSgt. Margelony is the recent recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for combat heroism, the fourth-highest combat award for heroic or meritorious achievement or service while serving in the military of the United States, for exceptionally meritorious service while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 577th Expeditionary Prime Beef Engineering Emergency Force Squadron while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; and
Whereas, SMSgt. Margelony was also supported in his deployments by his wife, Lee and sons James and Clayton.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford hereby acknowledges the outstanding service of
Senior Master Sgt. Douglas Margelony
And extends its congratulations for his outstanding achievements and, with the entire East Hartford community, wishes for continued personal and professional success.
Let it further be known:
That Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc joins the Town Council in this affirmation of tribute and honor.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Sgt. Margelony thanked the Town Council and the Mayor for this recognition, noting that it had special meaning for him coming from his hometown.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Susan Kniep, 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) suggested that the Housing Rehabilitation monies earmarked in the Community Development Block Grant might be better spent on road repairs; (2) commented on the high mill rate in East Hartford which may be a reason why some residents cannot afford to pay their taxes and, as a result, are on the tax lien sale list; and (3) does not agree with the concept of the Improving East Hartford program which will name the entire town as a “designated rehabilitation area”, and asked that the Council does not go forward with the public hearing.
The following citizens came forward to speak in favor of the acquisition of 40 Central Avenue for the purposes of accommodating the Raymond Library expansion:
Lynn Evans, 238 Ellington Road; Charles Casella, 22 Brookline Drive; Bea Piersa, 181 Oak Street; and Reverend Gordon Bates, 50 Huckleberry Road.
Paula Saaf, 50 Chapman Place, #216, a member of the Hockanum River Commission, thanked the East Hartford Police and Fire Departments, and the Parks and Recreation Department for their involvement in the Hockanum River Race held May 6th. In addition, Ms. Saaf supports the acquisition of 40 Central Avenue, which would help the Raymond Library expansion project.
Mayor Leclerc (1) is looking forward to the update from Johnson Controls; (2) is in favor of the usage of CDBG money as outlined by the Grants Administrator; (3) fully supports the acquisition of 40 Central Avenue for the expansion of Raymond Library; and (4) thanked the Council for their consideration of the Willow Brook Hazard Mitigation plan, as this will be a positive step toward future development of the Silver Lane commercial corridor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 1, 2012 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the May 1, 2012 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 9/0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Johnson Controls Update on Energy Performance Contract
Mike Walsh, Finance Director, and Jim Cotton, General Manager, Johnson Controls, briefly summarized Phase I and Phase II of the town’s energy performance contract for energy conservation and cost savings with Johnson Controls. Both the Town and the Board of Education building infrastructure has been updated without adding new costs to the town’s operating budget, while at the same time, using less energy due to the installation of new energy-efficient equipment. Mr. Cotton reported that the town’s savings is approximately $1.1M annually on their total utility bills.
NEW BUSINESS
CCM Energy Purchasing Program:
Presentation:
Mike Walsh, Finance Director, stated that approximately two months ago, the Mayor requested permission from the Town Council to partner with CCM and Bay State Consultants to explore the solar market. In attendance at tonight’s meeting were John and Susan Shortsleeve, representing Bay State Consultants and Andy Merola, an attorney representing CCM, who works on CCM energy related issues. Also on hand was Paul Curran, Managing Director of Development from Sun Edison, the solar development company that was selected through the town’s RFQ process, gave a PowerPoint presentation to the Council, highlighting the benefits of solar arrays. The sites where solar arrays have been proposed are: East Hartford High School/CIBA, Norris School, O’Brien School, O’Connell
School, and the Public Safety Complex.
Approval of Resolution re: Solar Application
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Ram Aberasturia
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR CANOPY ARRAYS
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford (the Town) worked closely with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) to explore the competitive market for financially and environmentally appropriate solar opportunities, and
WHEREAS, the Town engaged CCM to continuously monitor regulatory decisions with respect to Zero Emission Renewable Energy Credits (ZEREC) ordered to be auctioned by PURA in May (Public Utility Regulatory Agency), and
WHEREAS, the Town was willing to explore coupling the ZEREC credits with a power purchase agreement in order to facilitate the design, construction, and maintenance of up to five solar canopy arrays to work seamlessly with the Town’s existing TransCanada electricity power purchase agreement, and
WHEREAS, on April 11th, the Town held a mandatory meeting with CCM for the purpose of walking 30 prospective solar bidders through the five selected sites to allow the two best proposals to present their ideas to the Mayor in a May 3rd meeting so that an informed recommendation could be made to the Town Council.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of East Hartford, hereby approves the purchasing of electricity through the CCM Energy Purchasing Solar PV Program to take advantage of long-term fixed price electricity pursuant to a Power Purchase Agreement with Sun Edison, a solar development company that has been selected through a competitively bid Request for Qualifications and has agreed to install, own, operate and maintain an on-site photovoltaic electric generation system or systems that will supply electricity at municipal and Board of Education sites specified in the agreement at no cost to the Town of East Hartford;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the East Hartford Town Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute the Power Purchase Agreement on behalf of the Town; the details of the agreement shall be mutually determined between the Mayor and the company whose signatures will indicate approval of specific terms and conditions, provided such contract shall reduce the Town’s electricity expenses by at least $800,000 over the life of the contract.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Grant re: Willow Brook Hazard Mitigation Plan
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Sec. 4-66c the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is authorized to extend financial assistance for economic development projects; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of East Hartford make an application to the State for $250,000 in order to undertake the “Town of East Hartford Willow Brook Flood Mitigation Plan Study” and to execute an Assistance Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Town Council of East Hartford 1) That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for the state financial assistance imposed by Connecticut General Statute Sec. 4-66c 2) That the filing of an application for State financial assistance by the Town of East Hartford in an amount not to exceed $250,000 is hereby approved and that Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc is directed to execute and file such application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required, to
execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of East Hartford 3) That it adopts or has adopted as its policy to support the following non discrimination agreements and warranties provided in subsection (a)(1) of Connecticut General Statutes sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a, respectively, as amended by Public Acts 07-142 and 07-245 , and for which purposes the “contractor” is the Town of East Hartford and “contract” is said Assistance Agreement:
The contractor agrees and warrants that in the performance of the contract such contractor will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, mental retardation or physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by such contractor that such disability prevents performance of the work involved, in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States or of the state of Connecticut. The contractor further agrees to take affirmative action to insure that applicants with job-related qualifications are employed and that employees are treated when employed without regard to their race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, mental
retardation, or physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by such contractor that such disability prevents performance of the work involved.
The contractor agrees and warrants that in the performance of the contract such contractor will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of sexual orientation, in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States or of the state of Connecticut, and that employees are treated when employed without regard to their sexual orientation.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Community Development Block Grant 38th Program Year Action Plan
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Linda Russo
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The Town of East Hartford is entitled to Thirty-eighth Program Year funding under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, estimated at $520,102; and
WHEREAS, receipt of this entitlement grant is contingent upon the submission of a Thirty-eighth Program Year Action Plan, and Certifications of Compliance; and
WHEREAS, citizen input was obtained, in accordance with the Grants Administration Office’s Citizen Participation Plan, at three Public Hearings held on November 2, 2011 and March 12, 2012.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford recognizes the need for funding the objectives contained in the Thirty-eighth Program Year Action Plan and endorses this Plan as reflecting the Town’s Community Development needs.
AND, FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council does support and authorize the submission of the Thirty-eighth Program Year Action Plan, and Grantee Certifications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and authorizes its Mayor, Marcia A. Leclerc, to act as representative of the Town and to enter into contract and any amendments thereof with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
38th YEAR ACTION PLAN
September 1, 2012 - August 31, 2013
PUBLIC SERVICES
Senior Support Services $ 9,713
Funding for the delivery of services to East Hartford’s elderly population. Eligible
activity under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR
570.208(a)(2)(A).
CRT - East Hartford Community Shelter $35,000
Funding to supplement the operating budget at the East Hartford Community Shelter
for the homeless located at 381-385 Main Street. Eligible activity under 24 CFR
570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)(A).
Housing Education Resource Center, Inc. $11,500
Funding for the provision of fair housing services including education and counseling
to tenants and landlords town-wide as well as foreclosure prevention. Eligible activity
under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR
570.208(a)(2)(B).
Interfaith Ministries, Inc. $9,000
Funding to supplement the operating budget of the Friendship Center’s free hot
meal program. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD national
objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)(D).
Interval House, Inc. $5,000
Funding for domestic violence shelter and counseling services for low and moderate
income East Hartford clients. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD
national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2) (A).
PROJECTS
Streetscape Improvements $80,000
Funding for physical improvements to the central business district, including, but
not limited to, tree planting, sidewalk replacement, public signage, trash receptacles,
and benches. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 270.201(c), meets HUD national objective
criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(1).
Housing Rehabilitation $265,869
Funding for limited housing rehabilitation in one to four unit owner-occupied
properties inhabited by low and moderate income families. Eligible activity under 24
CFR 570.202(a)(1), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(3).
ADMINISTRATION
Program Administration $104,020
Oversight, management, monitoring and coordination of the Community
Development Block Grant Program. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.206.
TOTAL $520,102
Approval of Sale of Tax Liens/Foreclosures
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the sale of tax liens as listed on the report attached to a
memorandum dated May 1, 2012 from Finance Director Michael Walsh to
Mayor Marcia Leclerc which lists and enumerates fifty-two properties,
along with the amount of the tax lien for each property and the high bid for
each property, resulting from the request for proposal relevant to the tax
lien sale and to accept the high bid for each of the fifty-two properties
which collectively totals $1,176,506.06 and to approve the tax lien sale of
the three mobile homes listed on the same memorandum.
Motion carried 9/0.
Recommendation from Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee re: Purchase of
40 Central Avenue
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Ram Aberasturia
to approve the acquisition of the property known as 40 Central Avenue for
the sum of $188,000 subject to receipt of a satisfactory environmental Phase I report,
land records title search, and an 8-24 Planning and Zoning Commission approval.
Motion carried 9/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refund taxes in the amount of $14,596.14
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Bill |
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Over Paid |
|
|
|
|
2010-02-0042075 |
BUDGET TRUCK RENTAL LLC |
PERSONAL PROPERTY |
$(10,568.74) |
|
C/O THOMSON REUTERS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010-03-0064000 |
CALABRETT CATHERINE |
1995 JEEP GR CHEROKEE |
$ (6.35) |
|
|
|
|
2010-01-0003503 |
DALRYMPLE SUSAN W |
34 SHANNON RD |
$ (10.00) |
|
|
|
|
2010-01-0005305 |
FRANCOEUR NORMAN J & CHARLENE B |
24 WESTERLY TER |
$ (5.05) |
|
|
|
|
2010-03-0063424 |
GARCIA MINERVA |
2007 NISSAN ALTIMA |
$ (7.06) |
2010-03-0064809 |
GRANT CLAIRE S |
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA |
$ (6.51) |
|
|
|
|
2010-01-0000041 |
IPT LLC |
19 VILLAGE ST |
$ (3,523.75) |
|
|
|
|
2010-03-0070289 |
LAUF MARILYN |
2000 FORD MUSTANG |
$ (21.17) |
|
|
|
|
2010-03-0076006 |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
VIN # 1N4AL21E58N475424 |
$ (162.05) |
|
|
|
|
2010-02-0041933 |
PUGET SOUND LEASING CO INC |
PERSONAL PROPERTY |
$ (285.51) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
$(14,596.19) |
Outdoor Amusement Permit Applications:
Pappy’s Golf Tournament Cookouts
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application entitled
“Pappy’s Golf Tournament Cookouts”, submitted by Patricia Rancourt,
President of Rancourt Enterprises, Inc. dba Pappy’s Café, to conduct
two cookouts with food and music, on Saturday, June 2, 2012 and
Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Pappy’s Café, 37 Burnside Avenue, from
approximately 12PM to 8PM with music during those same hours on
both days, 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 9/0.
Keith Berger Memorial Criterium Bicycle Races
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application entitled
“Keith Berger Memorial Criterium Bicycle Races”, submitted by
Mark Paggioli, President, Capital Velo Club Cycling Team, to conduct a
series of bicycle races on Sunday, June 24, 2012 from 9:30AM to 3:30PM
from Founders Plaza and the following streets: East River Drive, Pitkin Street,
Meadow Street, and Hartland Street; 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;
and to waive the associated permitting fee under the provisions of Section 5-6(a)
in the East Hartford Code of Ordinances.
Motion carried 9/0.
Setting a Public Hearing Date re: Improving East Hartford Program
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to set a public hearing date of Tuesday, June 5, 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 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Eric Thompson (1) inquired if the position held by Don Currey in the Human Resources department is that of Director; (2) if the 90-day term for Mr. Currey’s position will be extended; and (3) asked what Mr. Currey’s duties are in the Human Resources department.
Ram Aberasturia recognized the efforts of Michael McDermott, coach of the East Hartford High School’s Boy’s Varsity Baseball team, whose team is currently ranked 3rd in the area and 7th in the state.
Pat Harmon (1) inquired on the town’s collection rate of taxes and if the collections are up to date; and (2) suggested that citizens take notice of the field of flags at the South Congregational Church on Forbes Street.
Bill Horan (1) concurred with Councillor Harmon on the sight of the field of flags at South Congregational Church; (2) commented on the placement of flags by the Boy Scouts in town cemeteries; and (3) stated that East Hartford sports leagues are doing wonderfully and noted that the recent win of the East Hartford High School Girl’s Softball team might be due in part to the grand slam homerun hit by sophomore Kevi Oatway, whose batting average is nearly 600, with an on base percentage of over 800.
Mayor Leclerc noted that the annual Spring Clean-up – Mission Possible – will be held on Saturday, May 19th and looks forward to seeing the Councillors at this event. Additionally, the Mayor stated that Project Graduation Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday at Long Hill Country Club.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
None
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Eugene Pushefski, 58 Barbara Drive, stated that flags will be placed on graves at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, May 19th at 7:30AM.
Marc Weinberg recognized the May birthday of Councillor Linda Russo.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (10:10 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on June 5, 2012.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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