EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JUNE 18, 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 7:30 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
Proclamation: Theresa Tostarelli
Chair Kehoe read the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, Theresa Patricia Tostarelli has been a volunteer and Troop Leader with the Girl Scouts in East Hartford for 51 Years; and
WHEREAS, Theresa has devoted herself to mentoring Junior Level Girl Scouts from the East Hartford Community, and whose ongoing commitment has given generations of Junior Girl Scouts leadership skills, memorable experiences, and life long relationships; and
WHEREAS, Theresa has guided countless young women, and helped them grow through their Junior Girl Scout years.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, join with members of the entire East Hartford Town Council to offer their sincerest congratulations to
Theresa Patricia Tostarelli
for all her achievements and contributions to the mentoring of generations of Junior Girl Scouts in our community.
Mayor Leclerc joined with the Council in congratulating Ms. Tostarelli for her dedication and commitment to the community through her leadership in the Girl Scouts.
Ms. Tostarelli thanked the Mayor and the Council for this proclamation. She also thanked the girls in Troop 10051 for their hard work and dedication to the Girl Scouts.
East Hartford High School: Top Twenty Students Class of 2013
Chair Kehoe read the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Matthew Ryan, Principal of East Hartford High School, has announced the names of the “Top 20 Students” in
the Class of 2013 - the 127th graduating class in the history of East Hartford High School; and
WHEREAS, inclusion in this elite group of scholars is the result of four years of consistent exceptional work and dedication
to studies; and
WHEREAS, special honors and awards have been bestowed on the members of the “Top 20”, and the support and guidance
of parents, family and teachers must also be recognized and commended; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford hereby acknowledges the academic excellence and selection as a
“Top Twenty” student of
Rachel Forte, Valedictorian Jessica Murdzek, Salutatorian
Ashley Clancy Nicholas Castro Cassie Quattropani
Kimberly Wolkon Janet Tovar Matthew Whitesell
Hannah Oney Nakaysha Gonzales Tedisha Brooks
Amy Lee Juliet Boamah Jalen Rivera
Andrew Secker Anthony Davis, Jr. Emily Burr
Tyler Whitesell Julia Boamah Jasmine Harris
April Wilson
and extends its congratulations for this outstanding achievement and, with the entire East Hartford community, wishes for
continued personal success.
LET IT FURTHER BE KNOWN:
That Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc joins the Town Council in this affirmation of tribute and honor.
Mayor Leclerc and the Council congratulated all the students, and their families, for achieving this honor.
Councillor Aberasturia, along with Jeff Currey, Chair of the East Hartford Board of Education, presented a check for $1,200.00 to Ryan Gardner, the East Hartford High School senior, who was the winner of the Memorial Mile Race.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Prescille Yamamoto, 235 East River Drive, (1) congratulated Ms. Tostarelli for the years she served on the Girl Scouts; and (2) urged the Council to renew the lease for Circle of Life: Arts for All.
David Secker, 159 Woodycrest Court, thanked the Council for funding the music program at the High School, especially with the many financial challenges that arise during budget.
Susan Kniep, 44-46 and 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) spoke on the firefighters’ contract and urged the Council to reject the tentative agreement; (2) said that the tax lien sales suggest that residents are having problems paying their taxes; (3) stated that the state has proposed instituting a state-wide property tax; and (4) asked the Council to urge the state legislative delegation to push for binding arbitration reform.
Mayor Leclerc (1) thanked Eileen Powers for her commitment to the community through her service on several Commissions that, unfortunately, she is resigning from due to her move to Florida; (2) supports the firefighters’ contract and urged the Council to support it also; (3) supports the easements for the installation of rooftop and free-standing solar panels and hopes the Council will also; and (4) stated that a preliminary report of the town’s 10 year Plan of Conservation & Development, compiled from the public workshop meeting held on May 22nd, will be posted to the website.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 4, 2013 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2013 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 9/0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Resignation of Eileen Powers
Chair Kehoe stated that Eileen Powers has resigned from the Board of Ethics, the Inland/Wetlands Environmental Commission and the Pension and Retiree Board. Also, Ms. Powers will no longer be a Justice of the Peace. The Chair wished her well on her future endeavors and thanked her for her service to East Hartford.
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Esther Clarke
to take Item 8 J. East Hartford Housing Authority: US Dept of
Housing & Urban Development Emergency Safety and Security
Grant, out of order to accommodate those present.
Motion carried 9/0.
East Hartford Housing Authority: US Dept of Housing & Urban Development Emergency Safety and Security Grant
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
Whereas, the East Hartford Housing Authority provides housing for people with disabilities and senior citizens; and
Whereas the residents to Miller Gardens and Meadow Hill have expressed concern about public safety in their residences; and
Whereas, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development has established a grant program for emergency safety and security; and
Whereas, the East Hartford Housing Authority wants to install cameras, other surveillance systems and enhanced communications systems with the East Hartford Police Department in Miller Gardens and Meadow Hill.
Now therefore be it resolved that the East Hartford Town Council supports the grant application of the East Hartford Housing Authority for a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Emergency Safety and Security Grant to upgrade the security system in these two residential communities and encourages the East Hartford Housing Authority to continue its collaborative efforts with the Town and the Board of Education in this endeavor.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
At this point, the Council returned to the order of the agenda.
Tentative Agreement between Town of East Hartford and Local 1548 International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO:
Approval of Agreement
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to approve the tentative agreement between the Town of East
Hartford and Local 1548 International Association of Fire Fighters,
AFL-CIO as outlined in a memo dated June 7, 2013 from Santiago
Malave, Human Resources Director, to Marcia Leclerc, Mayor.
Motion carried 9/0.
Once fully executed, a copy of this contract will follow these minutes.
Contingency Transfer FY 2013-2014 (Firefighters)
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to approve a contingency transfer in fiscal year 2013-2014 to
provide a source of funds to settle the Firefighters’ Contract for the
years ending June 30, 2012, June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2014 as
follows:
From Acct G9600-60201
Contingency Reserve – Contract Negotiations $965,709
To Acct G5317-60110
Fire Suppression $965,709
Motion carried 9/0.
Supplemental Budget Appropriation & Fund Balance Transfer FY 2013-2014
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION CONCERNING A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION AND FUND BALANCE TRANSFER FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2014 TO FUND THE CONTRACT SETTLEMENT FOR THE FIREFIGHTER’S CONTRACT
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford and the East Hartford Firefighter’s Union have successfully negotiated a successor collective bargaining agreement between the two parties, and
WHEREAS, with respect to the wage portion of the award, the Town must budget for a general wage increase of 2% per year for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2012, June 30, 2013, and June 30, 2014, and
WHEREAS, the Town set aside 1% in the operating budget for the fiscal year 2013-2014 and needs to draw the remaining funding to settle this contract from Fund Balance.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the East Hartford Town Council does hereby approve this Supplemental Budget Appropriation of funds in the amount of $298,893 from the Town’s Undesignated Fund Balance and to reflect the addition of the attached Supplemental Revenue Appropriation and Expenditure Appropriation.
G0320-55900 Fund Balance Appropriation 298,893
G5317-60110 Fire Suppression – Permanent Services 298,893
Funds certified as unobligated and available.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
MOTION By Esther Clarke
seconded by Bill Horan
to take Item 8 I. 1. & 2. Recommendations from Fees Committee,
out of order to accommodate those present.
Motion carried 9/0.
Circle of Life: Arts for All
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded Barbara Rossi
to recommend that the Town Council approve the lease renewal
for Circle of Life Arts for All, Inc. at the property known as 50
Chapman Place in the East Hartford Community Cultural Center,
more specifically as follows:
Three rooms on the south-east side of the lower level of the building
(3,404 s.f.) for 2 years, beginning on August 1, 2013, for the cost
of $2.10 per s.f., and ending on July 31, 2015, and with the following
stipulations incorporated into the lease:
1. The lease is not transferable
2. No other organization or non-profit may share the space.
- And further that a copy of the new signed lease be returned to the Fees Committee for retention.
Motion carried 9/0.
Parking Lot: St. Isaac Jogues Church
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Eric Thompson
to recommend that the Town Council approve the renewal of the
lease between St. Isaac Jogues Church and the Town of East
Hartford for a parcel of land on the corner of Community Street and
Home Terrace used as a paved parking lot, for a term of one year,
expiring August 31, 2014, for the amount of $1.00.
Motion carried 9/0.
At this point, the Council returned to the order of the agenda.
End of Fiscal Year 2012-2013:
Preliminary Year-end Results
Michael Walsh, Finance Director, updated the Council on the positive ending to the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Mr. Walsh indicated that tax collections are strong and the revenue stream is good. Fund Balance is projected to be 8.2%, which is above the benchmark that rating agencies use to value a town’s financial stability.
Interdepartmental Budget Transfers
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Ram Aberasturia
to approve the interdepartmental transfers for fiscal year 2012-
2013 consistent with the transfers listed in a memorandum from
Finance Director Michael Walsh to Mayor Marcia Leclerc dated
June 18, 2013 totaling $1,942,000 in transfers within the General
Fund as follows:
|
|
|
General Fund To |
|
|
Account Number |
Name |
Amount |
G1200-60110 |
Town Clerk - Permanent Services |
15,000 |
G1300-60110 |
Registrar's - Permanent Services |
5,000 |
G2200-60110 |
Corp. Counsel - Permanent Services |
85,000 |
G2500-60110 |
Youth Services - Permanent Services |
12,000 |
G3800-61461 |
Finance - Health Insurance |
675,000 |
G5204-60141 |
Police Operations - Overtime |
175,000 |
G5316-60141 |
Fire Suppression - Overtime |
575,000 |
G7300-60110 |
Public Works - Overtime |
400,000 |
|
TOTAL |
1,942,000 |
General Fund From |
|
~ |
Account Number |
Name |
Amount |
G1100-63221 |
Town Council - Printing and Reproduction |
5,000 |
G1200-63133 |
Mayor's Office - Professional Services |
10,000 |
G2300-60110 |
Human Resources - Permanent Services |
5,000 |
G2400-60110 |
Library - Permanent Services |
60,000 |
G3100-63999 |
Finance - Other |
157,000 |
G4100-60110 |
Development - Permanent Services |
5,000 |
G6100-60110 |
Inspections - Permanent Services |
10,000 |
G8100-60153 |
Park and Rec. - Rec. Leader |
190,000 |
G9510-66411 |
Debt - Bond Interest (Town) |
116,000 |
G9510-66500 |
Debt - Note Interest (Town) |
280,000 |
G9600-63903 |
Contingency - BOE Health Contribution |
675,000 |
G9600-60201 |
Contingency - Reserve for Neg. |
422,000 |
G9700-63258 |
Capital Improvement - Energy |
7,000 |
~ |
TOTAL |
1,942,000 |
~ |
~ |
~ |
The funds being transferred are certified as available and unobligated.
Motion carried 9/0.
Supplemental Budget Appropriation & Fund Balance Transfer
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Ram Aberasturia
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION CONCERNING A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION AND FUND BALANCE TRANSFER TO FUND YEAR-END DEFICITS IN THE GENERAL FUND DUE TO HIGHER PUBLIC SAFETY OVERTIME FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2013
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford incurred higher levels of Public Safety Overtime than budgeted, and
WHEREAS, the overtime was primarily driven by the collectively bargained minimum staffing provisions of both the Police and Firefighter contracts, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Town of East Hartford to set aside additional budget contributions to fund these costs incurred in these accounts through June 30, 2013.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the East Hartford Town Council does hereby approve this Supplemental Budget Appropriation of funds in the amount of $500,000 from the Town’s Undesignated Fund Balance for the purpose of funding fiscal year 2012-2013 deficits as listed below and does hereby amend the current 2012-2013 fiscal year Operating Budget to reflect the addition of the attached Supplemental Revenue Appropriation and Expenditure Appropriation.
G0320-55900 Fund Balance Appropriation 500,000
G5203-60141 Police Administration – Overtime 250,000
G5317-60141 Fire Suppression - Overtime 250,000
Funds certified as unobligated and available.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Board of Education Capital Reserve Fund Transfer
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Barbara Rossi
that, in accordance with Article 7 §10-38 of the town of East
Hartford Code of Ordinances, the Town Council approve the Board
of Education’s request to expend $500,000 from the Board of
Education’s Capital Reserve Account for the purposes of funding
paving at Pitkin School, bathroom renovations at Hockanum
School, renovations at Barnes School, and various landscaping
improvements at Silver Lane School, Hockanum School, Sunset
Ridge School, and continued renovations at the High School and
Middle School consistent with the projects contained in the district’s
Capital Improvement Plan.
Motion carried 9/0.
Approval of Sale of Individual Tax Liens
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 June 12, 2013 from Finance Director Michael Walsh
to Mayor Marcia Leclerc which lists and enumerates 192 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 award the high bid for the 192 properties
which collectively totals $1,240,092.91 as follows:
- VMF TLI, LLC – 182 liens totaling $1,189,998.46, with a winning bid of $1,105,642.91; and
- In Vesta Services, LLC – 10 liens totaling $129,158.87, with a winning bid of $134,450.00
Motion carried 9/0.
CRCOG Funding Application – Phase II of the STP Urban System Project:
Tolland Street
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED: that the East Hartford Town Council supports the Tolland Street Reconstruction Project and the submittal of an application to the Capitol Region Council of Government’s Transportation Committee for possible funding.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Brewer Street
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Linda Russo
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED: that the East Hartford Town Council strongly supports the reconstruction of Brewer Street – Phase III and the submittal of an application to the Capitol Region Council of Government’s Transportation Committee for possible funding.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Park Avenue
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Linda Russo
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED: that the East Hartford Town Council supports the Park Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project and the submittal of an application to the Capitol Region Council of Government’s Transportation Committee for possible funding.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Approval of Easement Agreements for Rooftop and Free-standing Solar Panels (Council Acting as a Committee of the Whole for the Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee)
Roof Top Panels:
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by
that the Town Council, acting as a Committee of the Whole for the Real Estate Acquisition
and Disposition Committee and waiving the disposition requirements contained in
Town Ordinances Section 10-19(c), authorizes the Mayor to enter into Easement Agreements
in the form of the easements presented to the Town Council at this June 18, 2013 meeting for
the installation of rooftop solar panels on the following properties:
- 50 Chapman Place (EH Community Cultural Center)
2. 1235 Forbes Street (Goodwin School)
3. 31 School Street (Public Safety Complex)
4. 15 Mercer Avenue (Silver Lane School)
5. 110 Long Hill Drive (Woodland School)
Motion carried 9/0.
Free-standing Panels:
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by
that the Town Council, acting as a Committee of the Whole for the Real Estate Acquisition
and Disposition Committee and waiving the disposition requirements contained in Town
Ordinances Section 10-19(c), authorizes the Mayor to enter into Easement Agreements in
the form of the easements presented to the Town Council at this June 18, 2013 meeting for
the installation of free-standing solar panels on the following properties:
- 857 Forbes Street (IB Academy)
- 52 Farm Drive (O’Brien School)
- 301 May Road (O’Connell School)
- 40 Remington Road (Anna Norris School)
Motion carried 9/0.
Referral to Ordinance Committee re: 275 Conn Blvd Billboards
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Linda Russo
to refer to the Ordinance Committee the proposal from the owners
of the billboards presently located at 275 Connecticut Boulevard to
relocate those billboards to 199 Roberts Street, with instructions
to review the proposal and make its recommendation to the Town
Council, if any.
Motion carried 9/0.
State of Connecticut Department of Transportation: Click It or Ticket, Day & Night Program
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED: that the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford approves the applying for funding reimbursement to the Department of Transportation under the state’s “Click It or Ticket, Day & Night” program.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
None
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
Terrance Davenport v. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Bill Horan
to accept Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to fully
and finally settle the claim brought by Terrance Davenport,
for the total sum of $15,000.00.
Motion carried 9/0.
Tyresa N. Deleston v. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Bill Horan
to accept Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to settle
the pending civil court action known as Tyresa N. Deleston
v. Town of East Hartford, Docket No. HHD-CV-13-6038122S,
for the total sum of $21,000.00.
Motion carried 9/0.
Rebecca Rivera v. Gregory Verallis, et al.
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to accept Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to settle
the pending civil court action known as Rebecca Rivera
v. Town of East Hartford, Docket No. HHD-CV-12-6027542S,
for the total sum of $30,000.00.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Susan Kniep, 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) asked the Council to oppose the proposed state-wide property tax; (2) stated that even though the use of the town’s fire trucks for grocery shopping is not in the firefighters’ contract, past practice will dictate that it can be allowed; (3) believes that tax lien sales equates to eminent domain; (4) is disappointed that the Council approved the firefighters’ contract; (5) asked if the additional $2M allocation from the state is going to the town or the Board of Education and how will that money be used; and (6) noted that there is a $2M allocation to the East Hartford Housing Authority to be used for purchasing property and asked if this property will remain taxable.
Mayor Leclerc (1) announced that on June 12th, Officer Todd Mona and K-9 Primo received the Daniel Wasson Award for outstanding police K-9 team or the 3rd time; (2) informed the Council that recently, a few police officers participated with Youth Services in a mentoring program on the outdoor challenge course; (3) said that mosquito control is ongoing; (4) reminded the Council that the Farmers’ Market will start on Friday, June 21st and be located at the Town Green; (5) stated that Riverfest is coming soon, along with Sounds of Summer; and (6) also reminded the Council that the East Hartford High School senior class graduates June 25th.
Rich Kehoe announced that there will be two special meetings – June 24th and June 26th – on the proposed bids for the operation of the East Hartford Golf Course. Chair Kehoe also stated that the proposed $2M allocation from the state has not been finalized yet.
Ram Aberasturia thanked the Council, the Mayor, the Board of Education and the town’s state delegation for the scholarship presented at tonight’s meeting to Ryan Gardner, the winner of the Memorial Mile race.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (10:35 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on July 16, 2013.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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