EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
OCTOBER 29, 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 8:15 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, Olde Roberts Street, (1) believes that the taxpayers have a right to comment on any executive session matters before Council action; (2) inquired if Billy Casper Golf LLC (BCG) is licensed to conduct business in the state of Connecticut; (3) suggest that the town’s contract with MDM Golf LLC be referred to the Town Council’s Investigation and Audit Committee; (4) asked that the Council send the BCG contract to referendum; and (5) wished Eric Thompson well in his future endeavors.
Mayor Leclerc updated the Council on (1) the town’s Parks and Recreation Department is holding registration for its rapidly expanding winter basketball program; (2) the Boo Bash held on Saturday, October 26th was a success with over 300 tickets sold; (3) the Annual Elementary Cross Country run will be held on Saturday, November 2nd at McAuliffe Park; (4) a flu clinic will be held at the south end Senior Center on Friday, November 1st; (5) since October is Fire Prevention month, Fire Chief Oates asked the Mayor to remind all residents to check the operation of their smoke alarms and C.O. detectors; (6) the East Hartford Police Department’s K-9 Division was highlighted at the recent Connecticut Pet Expo where they were holding demonstrations; (7) the town’s curbside leaf collection will
commence on Monday, November 4th, starting at Governor Street and proceeding clockwise throughout town. The Mayor also stated that this year, in addition to the call-in phone number, residents can access an updated map posted to the town’s website each Friday, showing progress made and neighborhoods scheduled for upcoming collection; (8) the public information meeting on the expansion of the Hockanum River Linear Trail will be held on Wednesday, October 30th at 7PM in the Welling Conference Room here in Town Hall; and (9) the 2013 Road Improvement Project made significant progress despite a late start – all asphalt apron work started, but some were not completed and will be finished by the end of the year; any tree belt grass restoration might have to wait until the spring.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 15, 2013 Executive Session/Tax Appeals
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2013 Executive Session/Tax
Appeals.
Motion carried 8/0. Abstain: Rossi
October 15, 2013 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2013 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 8/0. Abstain: Rossi
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
East Hartford Golf Course Update
Michael Walsh, Finance Director, summarized the progress the town has made with the BCG contract. Mr. Walsh, along with Tim Bockus, Public Works Director, Rich Gentile, Assistant Corporation Counsel, and Gregg Verallis, Facilities Manager, met with three employees of BCG at the East Hartford Golf Course to review what needed to be done during the transition phase of the management of the course. Below is an excerpt from the October 28th memo from Mike Walsh which highlights the proposed changes to the course:
- On October 18th, BCG sent three of their staff to walk the golf course. BCG were pleased with the size and layout of the pro-shop as well as the equipment located in the kitchen, the bar area, and restaurant.
- BCG recommends removing the drop ceiling in the basement area and treating for mold growth. Once treated, a new drop ceiling should be reinstalled.
- The restaurant is planned to reopen on March 15, 2014. BCG likes the exposure of the restaurant to the traffic on Longhill Street.
- The Golf Course will be renamed East Hartford Golf Course.
- Coffee and a cooler full of beverages will be made available from the pro shop.
- BCG, once under contract, will “blitz” the course cutting greens, fairways, and rough. They will apply winter fertilizer and other chemical applications to prevent winter mold growth, and they will operate the sprinkler system before they close it to understand how it works.
- Former Superintendent Steve Foran will lend his expertise to BCG as needed.
- The course will remain open into November (walking only), weather permitting, to allow BCG to begin the process of setting up marketing, a website, and to conduct meet and greets to publicize the new operators and to sell season passes.
- No investment in golf carts or maintenance equipment will be made until early 2014.
10. The house along the first fairway will be used as the home for the new superintendent, a BCG employee. An onsite employee will reduce the
opportunities for vandalism and theft at the course. It also provides a more stable environment for that employee.
11. BCG remarked that the gas system, the butler building storage, and the three bay maintenance shed were all positive attributes of the course.
12. Items in need of immediate attention include:
- Mold remediation in the basement
- New drop ceiling in the basement
- Fencing around the dumpster
- Dig out the stump behind the 9th green and curb/landscape the island
- Install the flag pole on the newly renovated island
- Cart away all the brush (and red stockade fencing) behind the red stockade fencing behind the first green
- Add a white split rail fence along Longhill Street
13. BCG has priced out the value of the existing restaurant equipment for the Town for negotiation purposes.
14. The Town and BCG continue to work through contract negotiations. The Council’s resolution set the acceptable framework and the negotiations are going
well with a resolution expected shortly.
15. BCG will have an agronomist onsite Wednesday (10/30) making a list of chemicals needed to be applied to close the course for the winter so that it can be
properly opened in the spring.
16. MDM is vacating the course effective with the end of the business day on October 31, 2013.
Rochambeau Senior Apartments – Senior Safety
Chair Kehoe announced that a thank-you letter was received by Chief of Police Mark Sirois from the Rochambeau residents who attended a presentation given by Sargent Peter Vanek on safety issues that seniors face in their own homes.
2013 Leaf Collection Schedule
Chair Kehoe reiterated what the Mayor reported: the town will begin collection of curbside leaf collection on Monday, November 4th at the Governor Street neighborhood and proceed clockwise throughout town. There will only be one curbside collection, but the town will continue to pick up bagged leaves until December 13th, weather permitting.
CT Veterans’ Day Parade
Chair Kehoe stated that this year’s Veterans’ Day Parade will be held on Sunday, November 3rd in Hartford. He urged residents to attend this event to honor all veterans, especially those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Councillor Clarke announced that the town’s Patriotic Commission will be placing American flags at gravesites on Saturday, November 1st, starting at 8AM in Hillside Cemetery. Volunteers are welcomed.
Resignation of Gloria Visgilio-Lupi from the Historic District Commission
Chair Kehoe announced that Ms. Visgilio-Lupi is resigning from the Historic District Commission and thanked her for her participation in that commission and for her commitment to the town.
NEW BUSINESS
Appointments to Boards and Commissions:
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the appointment of Stephen Roczynski, 25 Cree Road,
to the Inland/Wetlands Environmental Commission; whose term shall
expire December 2014; and
to approve the appointment of Robert F. Rosa, Jr., 1882 Main Street,
to the Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals, whose term shall
expire December 2014.
Motion carried 9/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refund taxes in the amount of $17,662.12
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Bill |
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Over Paid |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0052138 |
BAILEY DONALD L OR |
1992//1HGEG8644NL042091 |
$ (7.91) |
|
BAILEY MELISSA |
|
|
2012-03-0052402 |
BARNETT JODI L |
2002//1GNDT13S722244125 |
$ (12.13) |
2012-03-0053695 |
BONSU PATRICIA A |
2007//4T1BE46K47U098801 |
$ (21.01) |
2012-03-0054440 |
BROWN NACKESHIA N |
1993//2T1AE04E5PC022281 |
$ (5.53) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0057002 |
COLLINS JAMES Q JR |
2005//2G1WF55E559370523 |
$ (217.31) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0059659 |
DICKEY ALAN C |
2004//1B3EL36R24N174005 |
$ (40.83) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0089279 |
EDWARDS DEVELL |
1996//WAUEA88DSTA187885 |
$ (5.26) |
|
|
|
|
2010-03-0063736 |
GELCO CORPORATION |
2004//2FTZA54664BB19045 |
$ (151.79) |
2011-03-0063878 |
GELCO CORPORATION |
2004//2FTZA54664BB19045 |
$ (164.74) |
2012-02-0040726 |
GENGRAS CHEVROLET INC |
585 CONNECTICUT BLVD |
$ (14,596.30) |
2012-03-0064513 |
GRANSTON DONNETH H |
1998//1NXBR12E7WZ071867 |
$ (127.85) |
2012-03-0069927 |
LAWRENCE PETER E |
1991//2HGED6344MH571201 |
$ (50.09) |
2011-03-0070663 |
LEE KYUNG S |
2001//1FTSE34L71HA41101 |
$ (6.65) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0071815 |
MAGUERRERO CLAUDINE R |
1994//4S6CY58V8R4409701 |
$ (24.65) |
2011-03-0074391 |
MONTALVO ARACELIS |
2005//1HGCM56715A060679 |
$ (47.68) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0075317 |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
2010//JN8AS5MV5AW100728 |
$ (394.09) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0077020 |
PAGAN GERARDO H |
2008//JS1GT77AX82100940 |
$ (12.76) |
2012-03-0077655 |
PETERSON D L TRUST |
2007//1LNHM85V17Y625010 |
$ (258.32) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0079862 |
REID CORDEA A |
2004//JN8AZ08W84W340278 |
$ (31.88) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0083934 |
SQUIRE VILLAGE APT |
2003//1GBJK34U53E337465 |
$ (262.96) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0085725 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
2010//JTKKU4B42AJ052285 |
$ (396.11) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0086122 |
UDEH MARY |
1994//JT3AC12R7R1141771 |
$ (12.99) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0087916 |
WHEELS LT |
2003//1GEEH90Y03U550232 |
$ (363.84) |
2012-03-0087921 |
WHEELS LT |
2004//2G1WF52E649229754 |
$ (128.23) |
2012-03-0087927 |
WHEELS LT |
2009//1FMCU03799KC24925 |
$ (321.21) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
$ (17,662.12) |
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Esther Clarke (1) inquired on the progress the N.E.A.T. Committee makes on the blighted properties in East Hartford. The Mayor explained that the Committee focuses on approximately 20 properties in an area of town and works with the property owners to clean up their properties. The lack of progress on some of the properties is due to foreclosure action or delays in enforcing blight citations before the housing court. (2) the road in front of 755 and 763 Brewer Street needs repair – large potholes in the road. The Mayor will look into this.
Ram Aberasturia acknowledged that Dario Quintero, owner of Dario’s Auto Service on Burnside Avenue, and his daughter, Rena, were attending this meeting as it is part of a class assignment for Rena. Chair Kehoe welcomed the Quintero’s and invited them to stay after the meeting if they had any questions that he might be able to answer.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
East Hartford Founders LLC v Town of East Hartford – Tax Appeal
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Ram Aberasturia
to accept the Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to settle the
pending real property tax appeal known as East Hartford Founders, LLC
v. Town of East Hartford, Docket No. CV-12-6016121S, involving
20 Hartland Street, from the fair market value of $18,937,080 to the fair
market value of $18,600,000, which shall generate a reduction of
$6,865.66 in property taxes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Nathan Primus v Town of East Hartford – Tax Appeal
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to accept the Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to settle the
pending real property tax appeal known as Nathan Primus v. Town of
East Hartford, Docket No. CV-12-6015867S, involving 627 Burnside
Avenue, from the fair market value of $362,520,000 to the fair
market value of $316,000,000, which shall generate a reduction of
$2,479.09 in property taxes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Angelo Tamarro v Town of East Hartford – Tax Appeal
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to accept the Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to settle the
pending real property tax appeal known as Angelo Tammaro v. Town of
East Hartford, Docket No. CV-12-6015882S, involving 111-113 Forbes
Street, from the fair market value of $307,000 to the fair market value of
$277,000, which shall generate a reduction of $902.88 in property taxes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Joseph Albuquerque v Town of East Hartford – Workers’ Compensation
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to accept the Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to fully
and finally settle the workers’ compensation claim brought by
former Town employee, Joseph Albuquerque, for the total sum of
$125,000.00, to be paid by the Travelers Insurance Company.
Motion carried 9/0.
Michael Daly v Malley, et al – Federal Court Action
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Bill Horan
to accept the Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to settle the
pending federal court action known as Michael Daly v. Malley, et al.,
Civil Action No. 3:06-CV-01536 (MPS) for the total sum of $7,500.00.
Motion defeated 3/6 Yeas: Kehoe, Horan, Weinberg
Theresa Lawrence Martin v Town of East Hartford – CHRO Complaint
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Bill Horan
to accept the Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to fully and
finally settle the complaint filed with the Commission on Human Rights
and Opportunities by former Town employee, Theresa Lawrence Martin,
for the total sum of $4,000.00.
Motion defeated 2/7 Yeas: Horan, Weinberg
William Adamovich v Town of East Hartford el al – Pending Superior Court Action
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Bill Horan
to accept the Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to settle the
pending superior court action known as William Adamovich v. Town of
East Hartford, Docket No. CV-10-6012652S, for the total sum of
$25,000.00.
Motion carried 9/0.
Settlement of Town Claim against MDM Golf, LLC
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Bill Horan
to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel’s office to settle
the Town’s claims against MDM Golf, LLC for monies owed the Town under its
June 20, 2013 lease, specifically the Town’s claim for the September 2013 rent ($5,000),
the October 2013 rent ($5,000), monies due the MDC ($61,460.09) and taxes owed the
Town of East Hartford ($901.23), for the following consideration:
Receipt of the following equipment and fixtures:
2. Norlake 6X8 Walk in Cooler
3. 48” Delfield Sandwich/Pizza Prep Table
4. 400# Scotsman Ice Cuber & Bin
5. 79” Beverage Air Deep Well Horizontal Cooler
6. Marsal & Son Double Deck MB 60 Pizza Oven
7. Hobart 1612 12” Heavy Duty Slicer
8. Beverage Air 2 Door Beer Cooler
9. 1 Compartment Jackson Low Temp Dish Machine (*Clean/Soil Tables)
10. Two Door Continental SS Reach in Cooler
11. Three Compartment Bar Sink w/Faucets
12. 48” Drainboard
13. Pitco 35# Fryer
14. US Range 365” 6 Burner Range w/Conventional Oven
15. 60” 3 Compartment Sink with Faucet
16. 24- 42” Tables
17. 24 Table Bases
18. 80 Chairs
Motion carried 8/1 Nay: Thompson
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Esther Clarke
to amend the agenda by adding the following item:
Under New Business: “Resolution Honoring Eric Thompson”.
Motion carried 8/0 Abstain: Thompson
Resolution Honoring Eric Thompson
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Esther Clarke
to adopt the following resolution:
Whereas, Eric Thompson was appointed to the East Hartford Town Council on January 2, 2007 and was elected in his own right on November 12, 2007; and
Whereas, Eric served as a Council liaison to the Emergency Management Commission and also served on the Ordinance, Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition, Tax Policy, and Investigation and Audit Committee, and was particularly instrumental in the development of a landmark ordinance regulating adult oriented businesses in order to protect public safety and public health, the result of which was the virtual elimination of such businesses from the town; and
Whereas, Eric demonstrated his leadership skills, serving as the Republican leader on the East Hartford Town Council since June 1, 2010; and
Whereas, under Eric’s leadership, communication between the Republicans and Democrats on the Town Council was greatly facilitated – leading to consensus building and civility on the town’s legislative body; and
Whereas, Eric’s quiet demeanor belies a strong ethical character and deep compassion for his community.
Now therefore, be it resolved that the East Hartford Town Council expresses their regret that this day is the last meeting in which they will be serving with Eric Thompson and offers our sincerest wishes for a bright future for Eric and his family.~May God bless him and his family with health and success always.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
The entire Council congratulated Councillor Thompson on his commitment to the town and wished him well in the future.
Councillor Thompson thanked the Council for making his years of service interesting and enjoyable and thanked his family for allowing him the time it takes to serve the town in this capacity.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Anita Morrison, Woodbridge Avenue, (1) asked all to support donations to the Food Bank, which will be collected by Boy and Girl Scouts on Saturday, November 9th; and (2) thanked Councillor Thompson for his dedication and commitment to the town.
Susan Kniep, 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) extended her appreciation to Councillor Thompson for all that he’s done on the Council and looks forward to his continuing service to the community in other capacities; (2) is against settling the MDM contract as was passed earlier this evening; and (3) asked if Billy Casper Golf is licensed to conduct business in the state of Connecticut.
Ram Aberasturia asked for prayers for the health of Marcus Oladell, who serves on the Board of Education.
Barbara Rossi reminded all that Eastern Standard Time starts on November 3rd and urged all to vote on Tuesday, November 5th.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (10:00 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on November 26th.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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