Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
02-05-13 Regular Town Council Minutes
EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

FEBRUARY 5, 2013

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 7:35 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

Presentation By Cabela’s to the East Hartford Police Department: K-9 Division

Officer Zavalick, K-9 Axel, Officer Mona, K-9 Primo, and Officer Grossi, K-9 Hades were present when representatives from Cabela’s donated to the East Hartford Police Department the Generation 3 Go-Pro Hero camera.  

Chair Kehoe and Mayor Leclerc recognized the partnership between the town and Cabela’s and also thanked the EHPD K-9 division for all they do everyday.


OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS

Susan Kniep, 44-46 and 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) thanked Cabela’s for their donation to the EHPD; (2) supports the appointment of Joseph Kronen to the MDC; (3) suggested that the MDC liaison from the Town Council report any updates from the MDC; (4) believes that the MDC should follow Mayor Leclerc’s example by posting vital information to their website, such as employee salaries, benefits, bonding information, etc. ;(5) noted that several employees salaries exceed $100,000 annually, and asked how this will affect their pensions which will be paid for by the taxpayers; (6) believes that the step increases for wages are an important part of the budget discussion; (7) reiterated her FOI request from the December 11, 2012 Town Council meeting; and (8) asked that there be a referral to the Ordinance Committee to strengthen the town’s Ethics laws.

Mayor Leclerc (1) supports the Retirees Pension increases, the ING Hartford Marathon and the appointments and reappointments to the various Boards and Commissions; (2) announced that again this year, the Town Clerk will waive the marriage license fee on February 14th, St. Valentine’s Day; and (3) reported that there will be a public gathering at the Marco Polo on February 13th and 14th to support Ashlee Feliciano, an East Hartford resident, will be a contestant on American Idol.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

January 15, 2013 Executive Session/Asiamah

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                        seconded by Eric Thompson
                        to approve the minutes of the January 15, 2013 Executive
                        Session/Asiamah.
                        Motion carried 9/0.
                
January 15, 2013 Regular Meeting  

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                        seconded by Pat Harmon
                        to approve the minutes of the January 15, 2013 Regular Meeting.
                        Motion carried 9/0.



COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS

Resignation of James D. Welch: Inland/Wetlands Commission

Chair Kehoe announced that James Welch has offered his resignation from the Inland/Wetlands Commission.  He thanked him for his service to the town.



NEW BUSINESS

Retiree Pension Increases: Retirees from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Marc Weinberg
                to adopt the following resolution:
                
RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE AN ANNUAL ONE PERCENT COST OF LIVING INCREASE TO TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD RETIREES WHO RETIRED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1998 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1999

WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford, through its Retirement Board, is contractually obligated to study every three years, the effect that economic conditions has had on retiree payments; and

WHEREAS, the results of the Retirement Board commissioned study shall be submitted to the Mayor who shall forward it to the Town Council for possible action; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Town Council jointly recognize the economic impacts that have caused retiree pensions to fail to keep up with the effects of inflation and will fund an increase in the fiscal year 2013-2014 budget to provide for this increase in retiree pensions.  

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council hereby approves an annual one percent cost of living adjustment for retirees and beneficiaries who retired after December 31, 1998 through December 31, 1999 to be paid as part of the pension payment for the period beginning July 1, 2012, and annually thereafter.

On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.


State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security re: Emergency Management Performance Grant

MOTION  By Ram Aberasturia
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to adopt the following resolution:
                
RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford, Connecticut, may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security any and all documents which it deems to be necessary or appropriate pertaining to an “Emergency Management Performance Grant” for the period of October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that Marcia A. Leclerc, as Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, Connecticut, is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Town of East Hartford and to do and perform all acts and things which she deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents.

On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.



Referral to Tax Policy Committee re: Tax Lien Sales

MOTION  By Bill Horan
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to refer to the Tax Policy Committee the list of properties
recommended for the town’s annual tax lien sale as attached to a
memorandum dated January 22, 2013 from Finance Director Michael
Walsh to Mayor Marcia Leclerc, with instructions to review the
proposed list of properties and the criteria used by the town to
implement a tax lien sale and to report back to the Town Council
with its recommendations, if any.
Motion carried 9/0.


Referral to Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee:

Removal of Retaining Wall – 157 King Street

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                        seconded by Barbara Rossi
                        to refer to the Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee the
                        possibility of the town entering into an agreement with the property
                        owner of 157 King Street for the purposes of removing an existing
                        concrete block wall that is failing, with instructions to investigate the
                        issue and report back to the Town Council with its
                        recommendation, if any.
                        Motion carried 9/0.

Release of State-owned Parcels – Route 5 (North) and Park Avenue

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                        seconded by Barbara Rossi
                        to refer to the Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee the
                        possibility of the town acquiring two parcels of state-owned land at
                        the intersection of Park Avenue and Main Street (Route 5 – North),
                        with instructions to investigate the issue and report back to the
                        Town Council with its recommendation, if any.
                        Motion carried 9/0.


ING Hartford Marathon

MOTION  By Ram Aberasturia
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit submitted by Josh
                Miller, Technical Director for the Hartford Marathon Foundation to
                conduct a marathon, road races and outdoor musical entertainment
                with volunteers and several thousand spectators and runners on
                Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 7:30AM to 1:30PM, with music
                between the hours of 9AM and 12PM, 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.


Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions:

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to approve the following appointments:

Library Commission                                                                Term
D       Todney Harris           34 Passaro Drive                  12/16

Economic Development Commission
D       Paul J. Sousa           56 Columbus Street                12/16
D       John P. Ryan            172 Burke Street                  12/16

Redevelopment Agency
D       John P. Ryan            172 Burke Street                  12/16

Motion carried 9/0.



Reappointments to Various Boards and Commissions:

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to approve the following reappointments:

Beautification Commission                                                                       Term
D       Elizabeth Russell               118 Oak Street                   12/16
D       Lee Ann Manning         119 Brandon Road                  12/16

BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
D       Peter Bonzani            50 Bedford Avenue                      12/18

Commission on Services for People with Disabilities
D       Virginia Lynch           77 Chapel Street                       12/15

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
D       Debra Arrieta             6 Sunset Ridge Drive                  12/16

Emergency Medical Services Commission                                           
D       Ana Gould                       446 Main Street, Apt. 112               12/15

Board of Ethics
Alternates
D       Susan Skowronek         84 Syracuse Drive                 12/18
D       Judy Shanahan           29 Whitney Street                 12/18

Fine Arts Commission
D       Terrye Blackstone               26 Holland Lane           12/18
D       Regina Barall                   821 Brewer Street                 12/18

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
D       Gloria Visgilio-Lupi            106 Sherwood Drive                12/18

Library Commission
D       Debra Arrieta                   6 Sunset Ridge Drive            12/16
D       Gloria Visgilio-Lupi            106 Sherwood Drive                12/16

Planning & Zoning Commission
D       Thomas Fitzgerald                 6 Elaine Drive                  12/18

Public Building Commission
D       Richard Domler          147 Woodlawn Circle               12/18

Redevelopment Agency
D       Ellen McCreery           39 Greene Terrace                12/18

Veterans Affairs Commission                                                                     Term
D       Mary Ann Roczynski              244 Handel Road           12/15
D       Vincent Parys                   1480 Silver Lane                  12/15
D       Kirk Allison                            66 School St., Apt. B-8   12/15
D       David Whalen                    86 Shawnee Road           12/15
D       Linda Carrasquillo              66 Arnold Drive           12/15
D       Paul Barry                              23 Candlewood Drive               12/15

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
D       Richard Torpey          134 Manor Circle                  12/18

Motion carried 9/0.



Appointments to Boards and Commissions: Republican

MOTION  By Eric Thompson
                seconded by Esther Clarke
                to approve the following appointments:
                
  • Michelle Lock to Inland Wetlands/Environment Commission; term to expire December 2014
  • Eileen Powers, Alternate, to Inland Wetlands/Environment Commission; term to expire December 2014
Motion carried 9/0.
        

Setting a Public Hearing Date of Tuesday, February 19, 2013 @ 7PM for Revisions to
the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances

MOTION  By Bill Horan
                        seconded by Barbara Rossi
                        to set a public hearing date of Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 7PM in
                        Town Council Chambers to hear citizen comment on the proposed
                        revisions to the following sections of the town of East Hartford Code of
                        Ordinances:

  • Section 10-7: Use of Request for Qualifications for State and Federal Bidding Procedures
  • Sections 5-1, 5-3, 5-4, & 5-5 and 14-7: Revising the Amusement Permit Process
  • Section 7-8 a.: Withholding Building Permits on Delinquent Tax Property
Motion carried 9/0.


Refund of Taxes

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to refund taxes in the amount of $3,898.14
                pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
                Motion carried 9/0.


Bill
Name
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info.
Over Paid
2011-03-0053138
BERUBE CLARENCE J OR
2008/JHLRE48568C004311
$    (10.87)
BERUBE GENEVA M
2010-02-0041931
BLIVEN DON
486 MAIN ST
$  (409.69)
2011-03-0054390
BROWN FAMILY LIVING TRUST
1998/JF1GF4854WH809912
$  (122.81)
2010-03-0055092
CAB EAST LLC
2007/3MEHM01177R615927
$  (265.62)
FORD CREDIT PERS PROP TAX
2010-03-0055093
CAB EAST LLC
2008/3LNHM26T28R625060
$  (346.44)
FORD CREDIT PERS PROP TAX
2010-03-0055098
CAB EAST LLC
2008/3LNHM28T58R637183
$  (277.77)
FORD CREDIT PERS PROP TAX
2010-03-0055109
CAB EAST LLC
2008/1FTWW31R88EC00467
$  (902.50)
FORD CREDIT PERS PROP TAX
2010-03-0055115
CAB EAST LLC
2008/1FMCU93198KB00796
$  (466.74)
FORD CREDIT PERS PROP TAX
2011-01-0005079
FISH DOROTHY F
135 APPLETREE DR
$    (20.00)
2010-03-0062599
FORD MOTOR CREDIT CO
2005/1FBNE31L95HA74435
$  (266.41)
FORD CREDIT PERS PROP TAX
2010-03-0062601
FORD MOTOR CREDIT CO
2005/1FTNE24L45HA79463
$  (238.53)
FORD CREDIT PERS PROP TAX
2010-03-0062603
FORD MOTOR CREDIT CO
2005/1FTNE24L45HA53414
$  (238.53)
FORD CREDIT PERS PROP TAX
2011-03-0071261
LONERGAN JAMES M,  ESTATE OF
2006/1G6DM57T860113385
$  (170.22)
C/O SIMON LEBO, EXECUTRIX
2011-03-0071843
MAILHOT RENE J
1969/CM43K9C124484
$    (19.77)
2011-03-0086766
ULLMAR MICHAEL C
1969/9A46Q189813
$  (101.80)
2011-03-0086767
ULLMAR MICHAEL C
2005/1ZVHT85H355236141
$    (40.44)
TOTAL
$(3,898.14)




Appointment of Joseph Kronen to the Metropolitan District Commission

MOTION  By Eric Thompson
                seconded by Pat Harmon
                to appoint Joseph Kronen to the Metropolitan District Commission
                to fill the unexpired term created by the death of John Grottole;
                such term to expire December 2014.
                Motion carried 9/0.


OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION

Esther Clarke believes there is a safety issue with the right-on-red sign installed at the corner of Main Street and Brewer Street (near 7-11), especially since she observed a vehicle turning east onto Brewer while a large fire engine was traveling down that same lane toward the intersection with its lights on.  Also, Councillor Clarke stated that the driveway from the 7-11 onto Brewer Street could also be a safety concern under that circumstance.  The Mayor stated she would bring this issue to the attention of Tim Bockus, Public Works Director.


OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK

Reginald Thibault, 42 Chester Street, is concerned about the operation of Kahoot’s, 639 Main Street and their adherence to the town’s Sexually Oriented Business ordinance.  Mr. Thibault read from a report that he had written from his personal observances.

Todney Harris, 34 Passaro Drive, thanked the Council for approving his appointment to the Library Commission, to which he commented that it was the first step in serving his community.

Mayor Leclerc stated that she is working on the town’s budget.

Barbara Rossi congratulated Jan Presutti, former Parks and Recreation Department employee, on her retirement after 33 years of service to the town of East Hartford.

Marc Weinberg wished a belated Happy Birthday to Esther Clarke.



ADJOURNMENT

MOTION  By Eric Thompson
                seconded by Bill Horan
                to adjourn (8:50 p.m.).
                Motion carried 9/0.


The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on February 19, 2013.




                                        Attest________________________________
                                                        Angela M. Attenello
                                                          TOWN COUNCIL CLERK