EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AUGUST 6, 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 8:03 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 New Business – move item 8.G. East Hartford Police Officers’
Association Arbitration Award re: Successor Pension Agreement –Second
Arbitration Review, to 8.A. and re-letter the remaining agenda items; and
add item 8.H. Setting a Public Hearing Date for the Relocation of
Billboards at 275 Connecticut Boulevard.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Susan Kniep, 44-46 and 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) asked that the MDC court case be added to the next Town Council agenda; (2) thought the intent of the relocation of the billboards at 275 Connecticut Boulevard should be clearer; (3) does not believe that the Mayor’s salary should be increased due to the economic conditions of the town and the message that it will send to the town’s employees; (4) suggested that motions should be more specific, especially with the tax appeal cases discussed in Executive Session so that they include what the original market value was for such property; and (5) asked that the Council reject the arbitration award of the East Hartford Police Officers’ Association as the town cannot afford this agreement.
Mayor Leclerc commented on the following: (1) East Hartford Community Resource Center has been recognized by the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission for their outreach programs; (2) at the latest K-9 Olympics, Todd Mona and Primo took 1st Place; Officer Zavalick and Axel took 5th Place; Officer Grossi and Hades took 6th Place. Also, the K-9 Officers and their partners now have trading cards which are used for community policing interaction with citizens and youth; (3) the Hot Spot unit has made a significant impact on targeted areas removing illegal drugs and guns; (4) Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a Pirates Plunge at Terry Pool on Saturday, August 10th and a Hawaiian Splash at Lords’ Pool; (5) the first half of the tax collection process on the 2012 Grand List
was concluded on August 1st and the town has completed the tax lien sale with over $680,000 in tax revenue; (6) the solar panels and canopy arrays are moving through the town’s Planning and Zoning application process; (7) the revised RFP for the East Hartford Golf Course is being reviewed and hopefully, should be ready next week – MDM LLC, the current golf course manager, is current with his monthly rent; (8) 2013 Road Repair program has started; (9) the $300,000 grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving will be utilized for the Raymond Library project; (10) the four new library employees are present at this meeting and will introduce themselves; and (11) the Human Resources Department has been especially busy with filling positions being vacated by employees who have retired.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 16, 2013 Executive Session/Various Tax Appeals
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2013 Executive Session/Various
Tax Appeals.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Horan, Aberasturia
July 16, 2013 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2013 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 8/0. Abstain: Aberasturia
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Introduction of New Library Personnel
Mayor Leclerc introduced the new Library Director Susan Hansen who spoke to the Council on her qualifications and then introduced the following new library employees: Katherine LeGeyt, Assistant Library Director, Elizabeth Morin, Administrative Aide, and Jason Pannone, Reference Librarian/Cultural Assets Manager. All of the newly hired employees stated that they were excited to be part of the East Hartford community and look forward to enhancing library services in East Hartford and incorporating town history into the library.
Resignation of Valerie Scheer from Fine Arts Commission
Chair Kehoe announced that Ms. Scheer has resigned from the Fine Arts Commission and thanked her for her commitment to the community.
Hartford Foundation For Public Giving Library Grant Award
Chair Kehoe stated that this $300,000 grant will help in renovating of Raymond Library.
NEW BUSINESS
East Hartford Police Officers’ Association Arbitration Award re: Successor Pension Agreement – Second Arbitration Review
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to take no action on the second arbitration review of the East
Hartford Police Officers’ Association Arbitration Award regarding
the successor pension agreement.
Motion carried 9/0.
A copy of the arbitration award follows these minutes.
Youth Services Prevention Grant
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the East Hartford Town Council approves the submittal of a grant application to the Office of Policy and Management in the amount of $85,240.75 for the East Hartford Youth Task Force and that Marcia A. Leclerc, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is hereby authorized to sign and execute on behalf of this municipality said grant application and grant award and to file any amendments or reports as may be required to successfully complete the terms of the grant contract.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/1. Nay: Horan
Memorandum of Understanding: East Hartford Youth Services Department and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
that pursuant to §3.4 (c) of the East Hartford Town Charter, the
Town Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding
between the East Hartford Department of Youth Services and the
University of Connecticut School of Social Work as attached to a
memo from Cephus Nolen, Director of Youth Services, to Marcia A.
Leclerc, Mayor, dated July 22, 2013.
Motion carried 9/0.
STP Urban System Project: Brewer Street Reconstruction
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
Connecticut DOT Project 42-TBD
Brewer Street Reconstruction
Main Street (State Route 517) to 200’ east of Glenn Road
Approximately 2,013 LF of complete road reconstruction.
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford has published a display advertisement, issued a press release to local news agencies, and mailed a formal letter to both abutting property owners and a number of officials and agencies, announcing the proposed STP Urban Transportation project known as Brewer Street Reconstruction Project #42-TBD; and
WHEREAS, a public informational meeting was held on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at the Welling Conference Room, East Hartford Town Hall, 740 Main Street, East Hartford, CT from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at which meeting residents had an opportunity to voice their concerns; and
WHEREAS, the Capitol Region Council of Governments has selected this project as a regional priority and has agreed to utilize federal funds for right-of-way, preliminary engineering and construction activities; and
WHEREAS, the project is located on a municipally owned road, all phases (preliminary engineering, right of way and construction) will be performed by the Town of East Hartford or its consultant(s), utilizing 80% Federal funds, 10% state funds and 10% local funds for all phases, with the Town of East Hartford contributing additional non-participating costs; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has considered the concerns of the residents from the public informational meeting and finds that the proposed Brewer Street Reconstruction project is in the best interest of the Town of East Hartford, and will promote the health, safety and general welfare of its residents and provide for convenience and safety of the motoring public.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the East Hartford Town Council, based on the above information and by virtue of this resolution, hereby fully supports the proposed project.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refund taxes in the amount of $9,715.93
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Bill |
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Over Paid |
2012-03-0051160 |
ANAYA EDWIN O |
2004//JYARJ06E14A014766 |
$ (21.47) |
2012-03-0051161 |
ANDALUZ WASHINGTON E |
1994//1HGCD5635RA157287 |
$ (41.48) |
2011-01-0003217 |
AUSTIN JOHN D & CARMEL A |
888 TOLLAND ST |
$(2,712.15) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0056220 |
CHANTHAVATH PHETAROUNE |
1998//JN1CA21D5WT519921 |
$ (20.32) |
2012-03-0056719 |
CLAY PAMELA D ESTATE OF |
2004//1FAFP34Z64W124055 |
$ (42.67) |
|
CLAY ROCHELLE AD |
|
|
2011-01-0000590 |
CORELOGIC |
8 RIDGEWOOD RD |
$(3,037.02) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0058417 |
DADONA JOSEPH J OR |
1997//1N4BU31D0VC114205 |
$ (20.19) |
2012-03-0058418 |
DADONA JOSEPH J OR |
1991//1FTCR10UXMUB34122 |
$ (16.12) |
2011-03-0058903 |
DAVIS CAITLIN M |
2006//4T1CE38P86U749806 |
$ (180.58) |
|
|
|
|
2011-01-0004924 |
FAY THORNTON J & VIRGINIA E TRUSTEE |
18 DEPIETRO DR |
$ (15.40) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0063878 |
GLEASON TIMOTHY A |
2004//KMHWF25S54A017466 |
$ (39.38) |
2012-03-0064413 |
GOULET DONALD |
1998//2P4FP25B2WR813720 |
$ (12.16) |
2012-03-0064415 |
GOULET DONALD C OR |
2000//1LNHM82WXYY828282 |
$ (25.42) |
|
GOULET MONIQUE M |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0065628 |
HANCOX JULIAN M |
2001//2G1WF55E219304859 |
$ (64.40) |
2012-03-0065215 |
HANCOX JULIAN M |
2001//2G1WF55E219304859 |
$ (136.96) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0068884 |
KNIGHT CEDRIC O |
1995//4M2DV11WXSDJ00186 |
$ (40.82) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0069524 |
LAMPRECHT MARION |
1997//1G1NE52M2VY143098 |
$ (22.04) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0075280 |
NAPOLETANO VEDA M |
2000//4A3AA46L2YE030025 |
$ (35.27) |
2011-03-0075828 |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
2008//1N4AL21E98N539822 |
$ (441.04) |
2012-03-0075622 |
NUNEZ RICHARD |
1996//1HGCD5530TA272758 |
$ (26.86) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0076226 |
ORTIZ SAMUEL |
2002//3D7HU18N22G187839 |
$ (45.44) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0076485 |
PADILLA JOHN |
2001//JS1GN79A212100413 |
$ (15.14) |
2012-03-0078046 |
PINDI MITHILESH |
1998//4T1BG22K4WU371321 |
$ (35.56) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0079141 |
REBBALAPAL VENKATARAMA C |
2005//2HGES16595H528228 |
$ (41.93) |
2012-03-0080362 |
RODAS MODESTO E |
2000//1N4DL01D9YC133558 |
$ (20.81) |
2011-03-0082049 |
RYDER TRUCK RENTAL INC |
2004//1HTMMAAN14H619173 |
$ (621.28) |
2011-03-0082062 |
RYDER TRUCK RENTAL INC |
2006//1FUJA6CK76LW22063 |
$ (271.50) |
2011-03-0082075 |
RYDER TRUCK RENTAL LT |
1996//JALC4B1K1T7000354 |
$ (10.19) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0081636 |
SAKSENA ARTIK |
1997//1G2WP12K0VF244038 |
$ (25.33) |
2012-03-0082008 |
SANTIAGO LISA |
2003//2G4WS52J831249044 |
$ (38.19) |
2011-04-0087328 |
SIKOSKI JEREMY M |
1994//1GNDT13W2R0164451 |
$ (31.65) |
2011-03-0085063 |
SUNTRUST LEASING CORP |
2002//1GCCS14W328135781 |
$ (114.47) |
|
|
|
|
2012-01-0014364 |
THIBODEAU ROLAND & ANITA J |
76 GREENBRIER RD |
$ (145.17) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0087912 |
VW CREDIT LEASING LTD |
2009//WA1KK78R19A024162 |
$ (273.50) |
2011-03-0087914 |
VW CREDIT LEASING LTD |
2008//WVWKC71K08W269004 |
$ (725.72) |
2011-03-0087926 |
VW CREDIT LEASING LTD |
2008//WVWLK73C88E224511 |
$ (235.52) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0088189 |
WARE N RICHARD |
2000//JT3HN86R8Y0272594 |
$ (23.71) |
2012-03-0087900 |
WHEELER DEBRA A |
2001//1HD1GDV161Y313421 |
$ (56.28) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0089338 |
YANTIN CIARRA L |
1999//JN1CA21D6XT814849 |
$ (32.79) |
|
|
TOTAL |
$(9,715.93) |
Setting a Public Hearing Date re: Section 2-3 Mayor’s Salary
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to set a public hearing date of Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 7PM in
Council Chambers to hear public comment on the proposed
revision to Section 2-3 of the East Hartford Code of Ordinances,
entitled “Mayor’s Salary” which draft is dated August 6, 2013, with the
following change:
“Beginning November 14 11, 2014 and annually thereafter, the Mayor’s
salary shall increase by fifty percent of the increase in the consumer price
index-all urban consumers for the preceding calendar year, provided that
the Mayor’s salary for November 14 11, 2013 shall be increased by fifty
percent of the consumer price index-all urban consumers for the calendar
years 2006 through 2012 inclusive.”
Motion carried 9/0.
Appointment of Jack Jacobs to the Inland/Wetlands Environment Commission
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Esther Clarke
to table the appointment of Jack Jacobs to the Inland/Wetlands
Commission as an alternate.
Motion carried 9/0.
Setting a Public Hearing Date re: Relocation of Billboards 275 Connecticut Boulevard
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Eric Thompson
to set a public hearing date of Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 7PM in Town
Council Chambers to hear public comment on the proposed agreement of
the relocation of billboards presently at 275 Connecticut Boulevard to
Roberts Street with notice to the residents of Roberts Street of such
hearing and provided the billboard facings are not visible to such residents.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Eric Thompson received a question from a resident of 10 Clark Street regarding tree overgrowth and wasn’t sure if the overgrowth was on private or town-owned property. The Mayor responded that she would ask Tim Bockus, Public Works Director and Tree Warden, to look into this and take the proper steps that are necessary for remediation.
Additionally, Councillor Thompson asked the Chair when a meeting would be held to review the private streets in East Hartford, such as Spencer Court. Chair Kehoe suggested a meeting through the Ordinance Committee after Labor Day.
Pat Harmon (1) asked if Kahoots was still operating; (2) suggested that the town start road repairs in June, after the schools are on summer vacation, rather than in late August when schools are just opening; and (3) asked when Church Street was scheduled for repair, since it is in very bad condition. The Mayor responded (1) Kahoots is not in business anymore; (2) the road repair process lends itself to the earliest start date possible would be August; and (3) indicated that Public Works will do a skim coat on Church Street as a temporary fix, until such time as a more permanent repair is scheduled.
Barbara Rossi asked the Mayor to announce why trash collection was not available in the Jerry Road neighborhood today. Mayor Leclerc stated the town was down a trash collection truck and routes had to be reallocated. The person assigned to trash collection was not familiar with the route and inadvertently skipped the Jerry Road area, however, trash collection will resume tomorrow.
Linda Russo commented on the new Holiday Inn Hartford on East River Drive and what an enhancement it is to the area. The Mayor said that there will be a ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Councillor Russo stated that the replacing of the timber bulkhead has begun and commented on the enormity of the project. The Mayor indicated that there is a meeting scheduled with the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss the progress of the levee system.
Bill Horan noted that Nate Quesnel, Superintendent of Schools, has received an award “Forty Under Forty”, and congratulated Mr. Quesnel for this honor.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
Elba Caban v. John DuPont, et al
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Bill Horan
to accept Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to settle the
pending civil court action known as Elba Caban v. John DuPont, et al,
Docket No. 3:09 cv 0786 (WWE), for the total sum of $162,500.00.
Motion carried 9/0.
Tarawatti Tomby, Administratrix of the Estate of Waneeza Shaw
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Bill Horan
to accept Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to settle the
pending civil court action known as Tarawatti Tomby, Administratrix
of the Estate of Waneeza Shaw v. Marc Cottrell, et al,
Docket No. CV-11-6025477S, for the total sum of $475,000.00.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
None
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (9:45 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on August 20, 2013.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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