EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JUNE 5, 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, and Patricia Harmon
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 8:29 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.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to amend the agenda as follows:
Under Communications and Petitions –
- Resignation of Councillor Robert Damaschi
- Riverfront Recapture Presentation
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Charles Casella, 22 Brookline Drive and Maureen Rogers, 1909 Main Street, both stated their support of the Connecticut State Library Construction Grant on tonight’s agenda.
Mayor Leclerc (1) welcomed the Riverfront Recapture presentation; (2) supports the Connecticut State Library Construction Grant; (3) thanked the new appointees to Boards and Commissions for their service to the town; (4) explained that the Maintenance Agreement for the Main Street Amenities project is an encroachment agreement with the state of Connecticut, which specifies that the town is required to maintain any embellishments that the town adds to that area; (5) announced that on June 11th, DEEP will be featuring East Hartford in a film regarding the town’s energy performance contract as a way for DEEP to inform the other cities and towns in the state. The Mayor suggested that members of the Town Council and the Board of Education to participate; (6) said that different town departments have been video-taped and
will be seen on Telemundo as a way to reach out to the town’s large Hispanic community; and (7) stated that, once again, Mike Walsh, the town’s Finance Director, has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 15, 2012 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the May 15, 2012 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 8/0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Resignation of Robert Damaschi from the Town Council
Chair Kehoe announced, regrettably, the resignation of Bob Damaschi from the Town Council and thanked him for his many years of service to the Town of East Hartford, having served both on the Board of Education and the Town Council.
All the Councillors joined the Chair in commending him for his extensive term of service and wished him and his family well for the future.
Riverfront Recapture Presentation
Prior to the presentation, Chair Kehoe announced that the U.S. Government recognized the Connecticut River as the first “Blue Way” in the nation. The major criteria for this recognition is the collaborative effort between government and the private sector to enhance the usability of that river – something that Riverfront Recapture has played a major role in for the past thirty years. Joseph Marfuggi, President and CEO of Riverfront Recapture, Inc., addressed the Council on the Blue Way designation, thanking Senator Blumenthal and Congressman Larson for the part they played in this recognition.
Charlie Myers, Director of Events and Programs for Riverfront Recapture, Inc., reviewed the many free events held on the riverfront, highlighting Riverfest, Sporting Chance for Youth Day, the Dragon Boat & Asian Festival, and the U.S. Title Series Power Boat Race.
Mr. Marfuggi also invited students from East Hartford High School to attend Riverfront Recapture’s High School Rowing Program, which is free of charge and helps teens to learn how to work together. Additionally, Mr. Marfuggi noted that, in conjunction with Mayor Leclerc, Riverfront Recapture will be sending letters to local businesses and individuals to encourage their financial support so that the free events held on the riverfront can continue.
NEW BUSINESS
Referral to Investigation & Audit Committee re: 2011 Bond Referendum
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refer to the Investigation & Audit Committee the issue of the procedures
followed in notifying the public of the 2011 bond referendum and to report
back to the Town Council with its findings.
Motion carried 7/1. Nay: Weinberg
Connecticut State Library Construction Grant
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the duly elected Mayor, Marcia A. Leclerc, of the Town of East Hartford, is empowered to make application for and execute on behalf of this organization, a certain contract with the Connecticut State Library, State of Connecticut, for a State Public Library Construction Grant to fund renovations to the flat roof and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning mechanicals of the Raymond Library.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
Maintenance Agreement for Main Street Amenities Project
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Linda Russo
to adopt the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that Marcia A. Leclerc, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford is authorized to sign the Encroachment Agreement for the Main Street Amenities Project, CT Rout 5 as shown on the Plan “Main Street Amenities, Bridge to Bridge, Main Street (U.S. Route 5), East Hartford, Connecticut” prepared by the East Hartford Department of Public Works, Engineering Division, and dated April 5, 2012 (the “Project” and take all other necessary actions to implement such Project.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
2012 Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program provides State of Connecticut tax credits to businesses who contribute to community programs benefiting low income or handicapped individuals in such areas as: job training, job education, community services, and energy conservation, and;
WHEREAS, sixteen proposals have been received from area agencies, listed on the 2012 State of Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Proposal Summaries sheet as attached, and have requested to be included in the 2012 State of Connecticut tax credit program through the Town of East Hartford, and;
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing to present these applications was held on May 16, 2012, as required by the State of Connecticut.
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: That Marcia A. Leclerc, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is authorized to forward these applications to the State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for their review and inclusion into the 2012 Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
Town of East Hartford
2012 State of Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Program
Proposal Summaries (16 total)
Organization Program Title
Boy Scouts of America, CT Rivers Council Prepared for Life
Community Economic Development Fund Foundation Small Business Counseling, Business
Training Institute, Community Development
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Work Force Technology Program
Connecticut Training Center, Inc. Building Upgrades for Energy Efficiency
Connecticut Training Center First Step Program
EH Chamber of Commerce Community Jobs Program
Energy Conservation Project
Goodwin College, Inc. Job Connection
Redesign Campus to Add Energy Effectiveness
Goodwin College Foundation, Inc. Retrofit Building with Energy Efficient
Replacement Windows
Support for Low Income Students
Hispanic American Cultural Council Building Upgrade for Energy Efficiency
English is the Key
Integrated Health Services Client Health Services
Energy Efficiency Project
United Connecticut Action for Neighborhoods, Inc. Main St. Improvement Project/Bridge to Bridge
Suspense List: Grand List Year 2008 – Personal Property & Motor Vehicle; Grand List Years 2003, 2008-2009 – Mobile Homes; Grand List Year 2010 – 63 Bantle Road
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to transfer the uncollectible, uncollected personal property, motor
vehicle, mobile home, and real estate taxes as referenced in a
memo dated May 23, 2012 from Iris Laurenza, Collector of
Revenue, to Marcia Leclerc, Mayor from various Grand List years
to the suspense rate book in the total amount of $330,195.63 as
follows:
Personal Property for Grand List Year 2008 $ 35,487.33
Motor Vehicle for Grand List Year 2008 $292,041.38
Mobile Home for Grand List Year 2003, and
Grand List Years 2008 & 2009 $ 1,789.90
Real Estate (63 Bantle Rd) for Grand List Year 2010 $ 877.02
Motion carried 8/0.
U. S. Department of Justice re: Justice Assistance Grant Program
2012 Summer Violence Reduction Initiative
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, has funding available to the Town of East Hartford under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program through the State of Connecticut JAG Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, these funds may be used to improve or enhance Law Enforcement Programs with no cash match by the Town of East Hartford; and
WHEREAS, the East Hartford Police Department desires to use these funds to conduct proactive police activities in the Town of East Hartford and to purchase a Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED).
NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED; That Marcia A. Leclerc, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is authorized to make application to, and execute and approve on behalf of this corporation, any and all documents, contracts, and amendments as may be required by the U.S. Department of Justice as they pertain to this Justice Assistance Grant.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
Automated Fingerprint Identification System
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Ram Aberasturia
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, has funding available to the Town of East Hartford under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program through the State of Connecticut JAG Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, these funds may be used to improve or enhance Law Enforcement Programs with no cash match by the Town of East Hartford; and
WHEREAS, the East Hartford Police Department desires to use these funds to procure equipment to include an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED; That Marcia A. Leclerc, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is authorized to make application to, and execute and approve on behalf of this corporation, any and all documents, contracts, and amendments as may be required by the U.S. Department of Justice as they pertain to this Justice Assistance Grant.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
Referral to Ordinance Committee re: Withholding Building and/or Health Permits
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to refer to the Ordinance Committee the Tax Collection Policies of
the Town of East Hartford with a view toward creating an ordinance
that will permit the Town to withhold building and/or health permits issued
to citizens and/or businesses who are delinquent on taxes owed the Town,
with instructions to investigate the issue and report back to the Town
Council with its recommendations, if any.
Motion carried 8/0.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the following appointments:
1. Beautification Commission
Lee Ann Manning; term to expire December 2012
2. Commission on Aging
Jacqueline Pencz; term to expire December 2013
3. Economic Development Commission
Susan Skowronek; term to expire December 2013
4. Historic District Commission
Eileen Driscoll (Alternate); term expires December 2013
Motion carried 8/0.
Outdoor Amusement Permit Applications:
East Hartford Little League Jamboree
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to waive the 30-day time period requirement for filing the
application entitled “East Hartford Little League Jamboree”, and to
approve this application submitted by Brian Oatway, President,
East Hartford Little League, to conduct baseball games, skills
competitions, an awards ceremony and a family BBQ in Gorman
Park on Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 9AM to 1PM with food and
musical entertainment during those same hours, with cleanup
ending at approximately 6PM, 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.
Rotary Family Day
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application entitled
“Rotary Family Day” submitted by Daniel Larson to conduct a
Family Day picnic and duck boat race in Martin Park with food,
family activities and musical entertainment on Sunday June 10,
2012 from 12PM 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.
For the following motion, the Chair recognized Councillor Aberasturia, who yielded the floor to Councillor Thompson.
Concierta de Alabanza
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application entitled
“Concierta de Alabanza” submitted by Shakera Brown, Events
Coordinator for the United Pentecostal Church, to conduct a free
outdoor music conference for town residents to be held on the
Town Green, Saturday June 23. 2012 from 10AM to 2PM with
music from 11AM to 1PM, 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
due to the Town of East Hartford as this is a charitable event.
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Ram Aberasturia recognized the EHHS baseball team who defeated top-ranked Greenwich High School in the state semi-finals.
Pat Harmon (1) asked when the Council will recognize the Top Twenty students; (2) inquired on who is responsible for paying police coverage at the Coca-Cola plant during the present labor strike and also asked about the number of police cruisers at any one time; and (3) requested a Development Department update.
Eric Thompson recognized Robert Damaschi’s granddaughter who received a scholastic award from the Connecticut International Baccalaureate Academy.
Bill Horan stated how much he enjoyed the Annual Brian Aselton Motorcycle Run held on Sunday, June 3rd. He commented on how good it was to see East Hartford as a destination venue.
Rich Kehoe reminded all that the “stop log” exercise will be held on Saturday, June 9th, which will prepare the town in the event of a major flooding. Additionally, the Chair noted the East Hartford Police Department Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, May 31st was a wonderful experience for him and the other Councillors who attended.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
None
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Mayor Leclerc (1) acknowledged the EHHS baseball team and referenced back to 2008 when there was an allocation funded to repair the East Hartford Middle School baseball field – the same year the team started and now has graduated to the High School; (2) recognized the civic mindedness of Bob Damaschi and wishes him well in his future endeavors; (3) commented on how well the Walk Through East Hartford – held on May 30th – went and how energizing it was. She recognized the efforts of the Public Works and Parks & Recreation Department’s employees for their hard work in beautifying the town; and (4) invited the Council to join the Mayor and her Directors on the Dragon Boat Race to be held on the river August 18th and 19th.
Barbara Rossi recognized the efforts of the Parks & Recreation and Public Works Department employees who did an exceptional job at the Memorial Day Weekend events. Also, Councillor Rossi thanked Buettner’s Florists for the beautiful roses they provided for the cemeteries.
Marc Weinberg wished a Happy Birthday to State Senator Gary LeBeau.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (10:01p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on June 19th.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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