EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
OCTOBER 16, 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 Esther B. Clarke
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.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Susan Kniep, 44-46 and 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) thanked the Council for including on the agenda MDC’s update on the Clean Water Project and their proposed $800M bond referendum; (2) suggested that the MDC post on their website employee salaries, including benefits, and pensions for complete transparency to the public; (3) asked what the audit process is at the MDC for their projects; (4) asked if there will be a meeting to discuss Senate Bill 22 on October 30th as stated in the Council minutes; (5) thanked the Council Clerk for posting the East Hartford Housing Authority’s agendas, minutes and meeting packet on the EHHA’s homepage of the town’s website; and (6) asked that the East Hartford Housing Authority post their salaries, including benefits and pensions, as well as contractors’ wages,
to their homepage on the town’s website.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 2, 2012 Executive Session/Krempasky
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the October 2, 2012 Executive
Session/Krempasky.
Motion carried 9/0.
October 2, 2012 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the October 2, 2012 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 9/0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
MDC Update: Clean Water Project and Bond Referendum
Chair Kehoe stated that the $800M bond referendum for the MDC’s Clean Water Project will share the November 6th ballot with the two local bonds – road reconstruction bond in the amount of $10M and the window wall replacement at the East Hartford Middle School in the amount of $1.6M. The Clean Water Project will separate sewage water from storm water and, therefore, will reduce the amount of pollutants being dumped into the Connecticut River Watershed. This is Phase II of a long-term project.
Vice Chair Horan, the Town Council liaison to the MDC, introduced Bill Hogan, Engineer with the MDC, Brendan Fox, Attorney for the MDC and Andrew Fisk, Executive Director of the Connecticut River Watershed Council.
Mr. Hogan addressed the impact of the Clean Water Project and the bond referendum with the Council through a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Hogan gave a brief history of the project. The Clean Water Project was established as part of a settlement of two environment pollution enforcement actions against the MDC. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, who in 2006, imposed a 15-year schedule for the completion of the work associated with eliminating or controlling the combined storm water and sewage that empties into our rivers and streams, ensuring that the work measures up to the standards of the Connecticut DEEP. In 2006, a federal consent decree from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was issued to eliminate the eight structural overflows.
Mr. Hogan stated that the increases expected are based on a financial model that shows the surcharge rate – which will pay down the debt service of the bonds – gradually increasing from the 2012 rate of $1.90/CCF to $5.75/CCF in 2021. The rate will level off in 2021 – which is when the project will most likely be completed – and maintain that rate through 2040, at which time it will gradually decrease until the debt service is paid in full.
Mr. Fisk spoke on the campaign measures the Connecticut River Watershed Council is taking to reach out to the eight member towns of the MDC to educate the public on the benefits of voting in favor of the MDC’s bond referendum.
NEW BUSINESS
Town of East Hartford Flood Protection System Rehabilitation:
Denise Horan, the Town Engineer, and Tim Bockus, Public Works Director, summarized for the Council what has been completed to date on the town’s levee system.
Professional Services Contract – GEI Consultants Inc.
Construction Contract – Colassale Concrete Inc.
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to authorize the Town of East Hartford to (1) enter into a
professional services contract with GEI Consultants, Inc. in the
amount of $203,785 for assisting during the next phase of the
project; and (2) enter into a construction contract with Colossale
Concrete, Inc. in the amount of $980,100 in response to the
USACE’s 2010 Periodic Inspection, which includes the removal of
unwanted vegetation along the entire length of the town’s flood
protection system.
Motion carried 9/0.
Replica Tall Ship Viewing
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application entitled
“Replica Tall Ship Viewing” submitted by Daniel Larson, Senior
Project Manger for Goodwin College, Inc., to conduct a two day
public viewing and boarding of a tall ship, the “Half Moon” at 133
Riverside Drive, at the tall water dock on the Connecticut River
scheduled to arrive on October 23, 2012 with the public viewing
portion to take place on Saturday, October 27, 2012 and Sunday,
October 28, 2012 form 9AM to 4PM 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.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refund taxes in the amount of $10,824.15
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Bill |
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Over Paid |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0056400 |
CHASE AUTO FINANCE CORP |
2010//1YVHZ8BH2A5M18777 |
$ (220.54) |
|
|
|
|
2010-03-0060893 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2009//1FAHP36N99W247388 |
$ (138.23) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0060895 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//1G1ZA5EB2A4103726 |
$ (351.24) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0060899 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2009//KMHCN46C79U374498 |
$ (113.51) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0060901 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2009//2A8HR54119R678616 |
$ (541.44) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0060908 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//1G2ZA5EB6A4103613 |
$ (378.96) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0060925 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2009//1FTRW14809FB05093 |
$ (181.12) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0060963 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//1HGCP2F31AA077995 |
$ (201.53) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0060968 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//3GNBAADB4AS545062 |
$ (58.24) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0060978 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//1J4BA3H10AL135090 |
$ (273.30) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0061000 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//1GNUKJE30AR261377 |
$ (161.58) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0061031 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//KMHDU4AD9AU835244 |
$ (87.16) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0061047 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//2G1WB5EN4A1247087 |
$ (188.45) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0061056 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//2D4RN5D12AR211722 |
$ (182.94) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0061058 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//KNADH4A38A6619970 |
$ (77.51) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0061060 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//2G1WA5ENXA1160264 |
$ (137.64) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0061072 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2011//KNADH4A34B6736625 |
$ (49.50) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0061082 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//1D7CW3GK6AS234918 |
$ (211.22) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0061088 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//1G1ZC5EB7AF279234 |
$ (189.63) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2010-03-0061091 |
EAN HOLDINGS LLC |
2010//2T1BU4EEXAC280641 |
$ (92.33) |
|
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR |
|
|
2011-03-0061346 |
ENTERPRISE FM TRUST |
2008//1GCGG25C581162334 |
$ (37.06) |
2011-03-0061348 |
ENTERPRISE FM TRUST |
2004//2HGES16524H601938 |
$ (121.74) |
2011-03-0061349 |
ENTERPRISE FM TRUST |
2004//2HGES16574H581556 |
$ (121.74) |
|
|
|
|
2010-03-0066840 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2008//1HGFA16528L046537 |
$ (196.65) |
2010-03-0066858 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2008//1HGCP26338A153968 |
$ (66.68) |
2011-03-0066895 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2009//19UUA86509A018569 |
$ (379.72) |
2011-03-0066898 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2009//5J6RE48779L066407 |
$ (124.18) |
2011-03-0066899 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2009//2HGFA55519H707286 |
$ (205.78) |
2011-03-0066901 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2008//1HGFA16528L046537 |
$ (422.34) |
2011-03-0066912 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2010//5J6RE4H53AL048392 |
$ (480.93) |
2011-03-0066917 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2009//1HGCP26309A164296 |
$ (226.46) |
2011-03-0066918 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2008//1HGCP26338A153968 |
$ (490.38) |
2011-03-0066920 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2008//1HGCP26318A102016 |
$ (245.19) |
2011-03-0066930 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2010//2HGFA1F56AH330143 |
$ (355.04) |
2011-03-0066954 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2009//2HGFA16569H532749 |
$ (163.60) |
2011-03-0066972 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2009//2HGFG12889H528572 |
$ (177.28) |
2011-03-0066981 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2009//JHLRE48729C008052 |
$ (310.10) |
2011-03-0066983 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2009//2HNYD288X9H505964 |
$ (475.36) |
2011-03-0066993 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2009//5J6RE48359L027604 |
$ (203.46) |
2011-03-0067002 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2007//2HJYK16247H530758 |
$ (138.00) |
|
|
|
|
2010-03-0076004 |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
2007//5N1BV28U57N140230 |
$ (379.39) |
|
TAX OPERATIONS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010-03-0059199 |
TD AUTO FINANCE |
2007//1J4FA54187L199812 |
$ (459.58) |
|
ATTN: SUNNY CARLBERG |
|
|
2010-03-0059205 |
TD AUTO FINANCE |
2008//1D8HN54P38B124855 |
$ (115.82) |
|
ATTN: SUNNY CARLBERG |
|
|
2010-03-0059216 |
TD AUTO FINANCE |
2007//1D7HU18N97S227916 |
$ (507.36) |
|
ATTN: SUNNY CARLBERG |
|
|
2011-03-0059052 |
TD AUTO FINANCE |
2008//1D8HN54P38B124855 |
$ (519.04) |
|
ATTN: SUNNY CARLBERG |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0086332 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
2009//JTEES41A392140880 |
$ (65.20) |
|
ATTN: PRODUCT OPERATIONS WF21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
$ (10,824.15) |
Referral to Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee re: Town-owned Land – Corner of Chester and Forbes Street
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Bill Horan
to refer to the Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee the
review of the town-owned property at the corner of Chester and
Forbes Street regarding the possible sale and/or disposition of that
property and to report back to the Town Council with its
recommendations, if any.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Pat Harmon (1) asked for report on the auction of the Haunted House items; (2) requested an update on the Maple Street culvert project; (3) reported that 3 or 4 manholes located on Oak Street near the intersection of Silver Lane are significantly lower than the road – it creates a “dip” in the road; and (4) asked when leaf collection will start. The Mayor responded (1) the auction was well attended, but doesn’t have the dollar amount yet. She’ll share that with the Council when she gets the total; (2) Tim Bockus stated that the Maple Street project is on schedule and the road may be opened as early as Friday, October 19th; Mr. Bockus also responded to Councillor Harmon’s inquiry on two gas main leaks on Forbes Street, due to the road construction in the area,
stating that both were CNG’s responsibility and not the town’s; (3) Tim Bockus will inspect the manholes in question on Oak Street and see what can be done; and (4) Mayor Leclerc stated that roadside and bagged leaf collection will begin on November 5th and go through December 14th or when the first snow falls – collection to start on Silver Lane, going east to Forbes Street and then in a clockwise pattern through town.
Barbara Rossi reported that the traffic light trip for the light in the straight or right-turn lane on Maple Street at the intersection of Main, Maple and Broad Streets does not work. Therefore, cars will sit at the light until someone drives into the left-turn lane. Tim Bockus responded that the traffic light, which is town-owned, has had problems in the past and he’ll look into it.
Eric Thompson asked who will be in attendance for the October 30th Town Council meeting to discuss Senate Bill 22. The Chair responded that the town’s state delegation will be in attendance. The Mayor stated that members of the Capital Region Development Authority will also attend the meeting.
Esther Clarke wanted to know what can be done about the abandoned foundation at 48 Branch Drive. The Mayor stated that the town has been working with non-profit agencies to identify properties in East Hartford that could be redeveloped – this is one that the town is working with the bank to acquire and potentially a non-profit agency could build a home on this foundation.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
Workers’ Compensation Claim – Sandor Binkley
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Esther Clarke
to accept Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to fully and finally
settle the outstanding Workers’ Compensation claims of former employee,
Sandor Binkley, as follows: (1) a partial waiver of the Town’s lien in the
amount of $3,430.00; and (2) accepting $6,500.00 in full and final
satisfaction of the Town’s lien of $9,930.00.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Eugene Pushefski, 58 Barbara Drive, asked what the Inland/Wetlands sign posted on Sandra Drive relates to. Chair Kehoe indicated that the Council would look into it Also, Mr. Pushefski thanked Tim Bockus and his staff for maintaining the field.
Mayor Leclerc (1) announced that East Hartford has been designated a Heart Safe Community; (2) stated that today’s CRDA meeting included a tour of Connecticut Fast Track. Also, working in conjunction with Connecticut Transit Authority, the Mayor has asked for a weekend configuration for the town’s residents, which would include a bus loop from the north end to the south end of East Hartford; and (3) said that this weekend was very busy with the Fall Fest, ING Marathon, and the town’s document “shredding” day.
Marc Weinberg wished Bill Horan and Ram Aberasturia Happy Birthday.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (9:20 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on October 30, 2012.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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