EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
WELLING CONFERENCE ROOM
NOVEMBER 26, 2013
PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe, Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr., Majority Leader Barbara-Ann Rossi,
Minority Leader Esther B. Clarke, Councillors Marc I. Weinberg, Linda A. Russo, Patricia Harmon and Anita D. Morrison
ABSENT Councillor Ram Aberasturia
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:58 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) spoke against the rate increase imposed by the Metropolitan District Corporation; (2) asked that the Republican caucus add the MDC rate hike to the next Town Council agenda; (3) believes that the Council should hold a public hearing on the changes that are made to the Mayor’s budget prior to approval of that budget; and (5) is against the appointment of Robert Keating to the East Hartford Housing Authority.
Patricia Sirois, 45 Jefferson Lane, Chair of the Beautification Commission, asked that the Council approve the Holiday Fest amusement permit. Ms. Sirois stated that, this year, all proceeds from Holiday Fest will go to East Hartford’s Food Banks.
Mayor Leclerc commented on the following issues: (1) the Holiday Fest 2014 brochure is on the town’s website; (2) the East Hartford Library – relocated to the East Hartford Community Cultural Center – is up and running. The Wickham Library has extended hours to accommodate the needs of their patrons; (3) Pratt & Whitney transferred the J-57 engine, on display at the Raymond Library, into storage until the building is renovated; (4) at the Prescription Take Back Day, held on October 26th, the town discarded 33 gallon bags of drugs; (5) bagged leaf collection will continue through December 4th; (6) the senior food clinic will be held on December 6th at the south end Senior Center from 1PM to 3PM; and (7) Social Services will hold their toy drive on Friday, December 6th.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 29, 2013 Executive Session/MDM Golf
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the minutes of the October 29, 2013 Executive Session/MDM
Golf.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Morrison
October 29, 2013 Executive Session/Various Tax Appeals
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the October 29, 2013 Executive
Session/Various Tax Appeals.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Morrison
October 29, 2013 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the October 29, 2013 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Morrison
November 12, 2013 Organizational Meeting
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Esther Clarke
to approve the minutes of the November 12, 2013 Organizational Meeting.
Motion carried 8/0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Responses to Questions Asked of Administration – Road Repairs 755-763 Brewer Street
Chair Kehoe reported that the Mayor indicated the road repairs in front of 755-763 Brewer Street have been temporarily patched; a permanent fix will occur in the spring.
Disposition of Furniture/Desks from the Library
Chair Kehoe stated that pursuant to Section 10-3 (c) of the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances, Library Director Susan Hansen has reported the disbursement of various furniture items through public auction. A copy of the list is on file in the Town Council office.
2013-2015 Town Council Subcommittee Assignments
Chair Kehoe announced the following assignments:
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
2013-2015
Economic Development Personnel & Pensions
Barbara Rossi Marc Weinberg, Temp Chair
Pat Harmon Ram Aberasturia
Anita Morrison
Public Building Commission
Education, Board of (Liaison) Rich Kehoe
Rich Kehoe Anita Morrison
Anita Morrison
Real Estate Acq. & Disp. Com.
Linda Russo, Temp Chair
Bill Horan
EMS Anita Morrison
Linda Russo
Pat Harmon
Pension & Retiree Benefit Board
Esther Clarke
Fees Committee
Marc Weinberg, Temp Chair Riverfront Recapture (Liaison)
Ram Aberasturia
Pat Harmon Marc Weinberg
Housing Authority (Liaison) Tax Policy Committee
Linda Russo Bill Horan, Temp Chair
Esther Clarke Marc Weinberg
Pat Harmon
Investigation & Audit Com. Town Owned Property Other Than RE
Bill Horan, Temp Chair Marc Weinberg, Temp Chair
Barbara Rossi Rich Kehoe
Esther Clarke Pat Harmon
M.D.C. (Liaison) Inspections/Permits Committee
Bill Horan Barbara Rossi, Temp Chair
Linda Russo
Anita Morrison
Ordinance Committee
Rich Kehoe, Temp Chair
Bill Horan
Esther Clarke
Budget Committee
Ram Aberasturia, Temp Chair
Barbara Rossi
Anita Morrison
Development Department Update
Eileen Buckheit, Director of Development, presented the Town Council with a PowerPoint review of the structure and progress of the Development Department. The three branches of the department are (1) Development; (2) Planning; and (3) Grants. Ms. Buckheit indicated that while the residential sector needs some improvement, there is positive growth in the industrial and business areas of town. Ms. Buckheit listed numerous companies – including manufacturers – that have relocated to East Hartford.
East Hartford Golf Course Update
Mayor Leclerc stated that she signed the new contract with Billy Casper Golf LLC (BCG) on November 6, 2013. BCG has already begun some interior mold remediation and exterior landscaping and will continue to work throughout the winter in preparation of the start of golf season next spring. Also, the Mayor indicated that BCG is planning on opening the restaurant March 2014.
NEW BUSINESS
Referrals to Ordinance Committee:
East Hartford Veterans Affairs Commission
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Esther Clarke
to refer to the Ordinance Committee the issue of possibly creating an ordinance that would
establish a Veterans Advisory Committee, and to report back to the Town Council with its recommendations.
Motion carried 8/0.
Pension and Retiree Benefits Board Jurisdiction
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Esther Clarke
to refer to the Ordinance Committee the issue of determining the authority of the Pension and Retiree Benefit Board in light of a recent change to the Pension and Retiree Benefit Board’s procedures and presumed authority under the Charter, with instructions to notify the Town Council of its recommendations and findings.
Motion carried 8/0.
Referral to Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee re: 355 Maple Street
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to refer to the Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee the
possible acquisition of the property at 355 Maple Street, offered to the
town by the Department of Transportation of the State of Connecticut, with
instructions to review the possible conveyance of this property to the town
and to report back to the Town Council with its recommendations.
Motion carried 8/0.
Appointment of Robert Keating to the East Hartford Housing Authority
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the appointment of Robert N. Keating, 15 Knollwood Road, to
the East Hartford Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners, whose
term shall expire July 2018.
Motion carried 8/0.
Youth Services Department: Local Prevention Council Grant
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that Marcia A. Leclerc Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of this municipality a grant application in an amount not to exceed $5,675 with the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to support the activities of a local alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse Prevention Council, and to file any amendments or reports as may be required to successfully complete the terms of the grant contract.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Marcia A. Leclerc was elected Mayor. Her term of office began on November 8, 2013 and will continue until November 9, 2015. As Mayor, Marcia A. Leclerc serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Town of East Hartford, and is duly authorized to enter into agreements and contracts on behalf of the Town of East Hartford.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
CRCOG and OPM Regional Performance Incentive Grants
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
CRCOG Support Resolution
OPM Regional Performance Incentive Program
Whereas Section 4-124s as amended by Section 251 and 253 of Public Act 13-247 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and
Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and
Whereas on October 23, 2013 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and
Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and
Whereas the Town of East Hartford has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal(s) entitled
- Regional Nutmeg Network Connections
- Regional Data / Disaster Recovery Center
- Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory
- Human Resources On-line Clearinghouse and Templates
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the East Hartford Town Council does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
Outdoor Amusement Permit Application: Holiday Fest 2013
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application entitled
Holiday Fest 2013, as submitted by Patricia Sirois, Chair of the East Hartford Beautification Commission, to conduct the Annual Holiday Fest from December 6th through December 9th with activities as follows:
- Tree-lighting ceremony with music and singing to be held on the lawn of the Town Green on Friday, December 6th, between the hours of 6:30PM and 7:30PM;
- Miscellaneous activities including an outdoor petting zoo, horse drawn wagon and a snowman building contest to be held on the Town Green on Sunday, December 8th, between the hours of 12:00PM and 3:00PM; and
- Tree of Lights ceremony with music to be held on the lawn of the Town Hall on Monday, December 9th, between the hours of 6:00PM and 6:30PM
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 8/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Linda Russo
to refund taxes in the amount of $5,899.12
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 8/0.
Bill |
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Over Paid |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0050837 |
ALLEN MARISSA L |
2000//JF1GF4854YG804427 |
$ (123.62) |
2011-03-0064284 |
ALLY BANK |
2008//1GYFK63868R228773 |
$ (865.53) |
2012-03-0086671 |
ALLY BANK |
2010//1J4PN2GK3AW109435 |
$ (371.58) |
2012-03-0086693 |
ALLY BANK |
2010//3D4PG4FB1AT140799 |
$ (281.80) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0052184 |
BAKER HANSEL U |
1998//1HGCG5656WA231031 |
$ (12.07) |
2011-03-0053201 |
BEZARES MARY J |
2002//1GCHG35R421160483 |
$ (172.27) |
2012-01-0001961 |
BURNHAM BROTHERS INC |
1907 MAIN ST |
$ (267.35) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0055021 |
CAB EAST LLC |
2008//3LNHM28T38R605672 |
$ (323.08) |
2011-03-0055023 |
CAB EAST LLC |
2010//2FMDK4JC3ABA16569 |
$ (335.98) |
2012-03-0055338 |
CAO PHOI |
2004//2T1BR32E24C304760 |
$ (19.80) |
2012-03-0056331 |
CHASE AUTO FINANCE CORP |
2010//JF2SH6CC5AH703544 |
$ (565.22) |
2012-03-0057400 |
CONNORS MARIA |
2001//KMHDN45D71U094308 |
$ (100.62) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0058513 |
DAIMLER TRUST |
2009//WDDGF81X69R083617 |
$ (592.30) |
2011-04-0081888 |
DAVIS SAKIYA M |
2003//1HGCM56663A094489 |
$ (244.32) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0063297 |
GARNER DIANE M |
2002//1FTNX21L42EA78650 |
$ (23.49) |
2011-03-0065059 |
GREEN SARAHJO D |
2010//JTDBU4EE2AJ080535 |
$ (39.58) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0065597 |
HAWKINS LOIS L |
1998//1GKDT13W7W2535049 |
$ (6.98) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0067794 |
JOHNSON LORI J |
2009//2T1BU40E89C057789 |
$ (35.03) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0070549 |
LEWIS KARAYAHN T |
2004//1N4BA41EX4C867682 |
$ (23.89) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0074507 |
MUDDARLA BHARATH |
2005//KMHDN56D45U142910 |
$ (33.37) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0075273 |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
2011//3N1AB6AP6BL726077 |
$ (347.35) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0078282 |
PORSCHE LEASING LTD |
2008//WP0CB29958S775530 |
$ (581.22) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0082593 |
SANTINI RAMON L |
1995//1FTCR14A1STA32842 |
$ (152.51) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0085713 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
2010//JTDKN3DU5A0193465 |
$ (50.84) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0087926 |
VW CREDIT LEASING LTD |
2008//WVWLK73C88E224511 |
$ (329.32) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
$(5,899.12) |
2014 Town Council Meeting Schedule
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the 2014 Town Council meeting schedule as follows:
Please note the start time for all regular Town Council meetings is 7:30PM on the first and third Tuesdays of the month:
January 7 July 15
January 21 August 5
February 4 August 19
February 18 September 2
March 4 September 16
March 18 October 7
April 1 October 21
April 15 Wednesday, November 5
May 6 November 18
May 20 December 9
June 3
June 17
Motion carried 8/0.
2014 Budget Workshop Schedule
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Esther Clarke
to approve the 2014 Budget Workshop Schedule as follows:
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, February 24, 2014
Mayor’s Summary of Budget 6:30 p.m.
Fire Department
Administration Chief Oates 6:45 p.m.
Suppression
Fire Marshal
Apparatus Maintenance
Alarm Maintenance
Emergency Medical Service
Emergency Management
Fire Capital Improvements
Public Safety Complex
Public Safety Communications
Police Department
Police Administration
Operations
Criminal Investigation
Police Capital Improvements
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Board of Education
Superintendent of Schools Nathan Quesnel 6:30 p.m.
Inspections and Permits
Administration Gregg Grew 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Town Treasurer Joseph Carlson 8:30 a.m.
Town Council Rich Kehoe
Town Clerk Robert Pasek
Registrars of Voters Mary Mourey & Judi Shanahan
Selectmen
Probate Court Allan Driscoll
Finance
Administration Mike Walsh
Accounts and Control
Information Technology
Purchasing
Assessor
Revenue and Collections
Employee Benefits
Risk Management
Debt Services
Contingency
Capital Improvements
Revenues
Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
Summary
Project Narratives
Finance
Public Works
Parks and Recreation
Fire Department
Police Department
Public Library
Other Departments
Boards and Commissions
Beautification Commission Patriotic Commission
Inland/ Wetlands/Environment Commission Board of Assessment Appeals
Personnel Board of Appeals Human Rights Commission
Historic District Commission Emergency Medical Commission
Library Commission Zoning Board of Appeals
Public Building Commission Fine Arts Commission
Retirement Board Commission on Aging
Commission on Services for Persons w/Disabilities
The Hockanum River Commission Veterans’ Affairs Commission
Board of Ethics
Lunch Break 12:30 p.m.
Executive
Office of the Mayor Marcia Leclerc
Channel 5 Irene Cone
Corporation Counsel Scott Chadwick
Human Resources Santiago Malave
Public Library Susan Hansen
Youth Services Cephus Nolen
Development
Administration Eileen Buckheit
Redevelopment Agency
Economic Development Commission
Planning & Zoning Commission
Monday, March 3, 2014
Grants Administration 6:30 p.m.
Public Works
Administration Tim Bockus
Engineering
Highway Services
Waste Services
Fleet Services
Building Maintenance
Metropolitan District Commission
Public Works Capital Improvements
Public Safety Complex Maintenance
Parks and Recreation
Administration Ted Fravel
Maintenance
Other Facilities
Park Special Program
Parks & Recreation Capital Improvements
Health and Social Services
Administration Jim Cordier
Community Health & Nursing Services
Environmental Control
Social Services
Services for the Elderly
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Regular Meeting 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Public Hearing - Budget 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Special Meeting - Budget 7:00 p.m.
Motion carried 8/0.
Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the appointment of Luz Torres, 86 Stanley Street, to
the Beautification Commission, whose term shall expire December 2016;
to approve the appointment of Adrian Spence, 153 Shadycrest Drive, to
the Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals, whose term shall
expire December 2018;
to approve the following appointments to the Historic District Commission:
Joshua Quintana, as an Alternate, 22 Milwood Road, whose term shall
expire December 2018; and
Adrian Spence, 153 Shadycrest Drive, whose term shall expire December
2018.
Motion carried 8/0.
Town Council – acting as the Committee of the Whole for the Real Estate Acquisition and
Disposition Committee re: Sidewalk and Drainage Easements for the Connecticut River
Academy/Riverside Drive
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
that the Town Council, acting as a Committee of the Whole for the Real
Estate Acquisition and Disposition Committee, accept a drainage
easement, and a sidewalk easement, between Goodwin College Inc. as
Grantor and the Town of East Hartford, as Grantee, which easements run
on, across and under a portion of the property owned by Goodwin College
Inc. and known as No. 1-5 Riverside Drive, which easements are
necessary for the reconstruction of Riverside Drive, a town road, and which
easements will be memorialized by easement agreements to be negotiated
between the Town of East Hartford and Goodwin College Inc. and
recorded on the town’s land records, and which easements are more
particularly shown on a map entitled “Proposed Easement Map, Drawing
No. EMT-1, Connecticut River Academy at Goodwin College, 1-5 Riverside
Drive, East Hartford Connecticut prepared by Zuvic Carr and Associates,
scale 1”=20’, Date 11/03/13, Job Number 1576, Check by EEM”.
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Esther Clarke (1) stated that, in light of the Library’s relocation to the East Hartford Community Cultural Center, the front area of that building needs some attention, i.e., collection of leaves and debris, etc.; (2) indicated that some of the interior furnishings at the Wickham Library are worn and need updating; (3) inquired on town bid no. 14-14, legal services for the town’s levee system. The Mayor and Tim Bockus, Public Works Director indicated that this bid is part of phase II of the toe drain project. (4) asked if the Administration was aware that the Commission on Services for Persons with Disabilities are buying supermarket gift cards for residents of Hutt Heights. The Mayor indicated that the Council could review this issue at budget time. (5) indicated in the minutes from the
Commission on Aging is a reference to the purchase of a new stove for the south end Senior Center. The Mayor stated that a new stove is not being purchased for the south end Senior Center. (6) still has issues with the lack of progress on the properties contained on the N.E.A.T. list. The Mayor indicated that this document is an internal memo for the same chronic properties that are ongoing issues for a long time. Chair Kehoe suggested a change to the format of the list, which could include actions taken on the individual properties, and the expected time in which the next action will be taken.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
Christine Reddington v Town of East Hartford – Auto Damage Claim
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Anita Morrison
to accept the recommendation of Corporation Counsel to settle the personal
property damage claim of current Board of Education employee, Christine
Reddington, for up to the total sum of $3,000.00.
Motion carried 8/0.
Tax Appeal - 430 Burnside Avenue, Rafael Zeligzon
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to accept the recommendation of Corporation Counsel to settle the pending real
property tax appeal known as Rafael Zeligzon v Town of East Hartford, Docket
No. CV-13-5015816S, involving 430 Burnside Avenue from the fair market value
of $166,590 to the fair market value of $97,530 which shall generate a reduction of
$2,122.13 in property taxes.
Motion carried 8/0.
Tax Appeal - 265 Ellington Road, School Street Plaza, LLC
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to accept the recommendation of Corporation Counsel to settle the pending real
property tax appeal known as School Street Plaza, LLC v Town of East Hartford,
Docket No. CV-13-6020284S, involving 265 Ellington Road, from the fair market
value of $12,228,150 to the fair market value of $10,050,000 which shall generate
a reduction of $66,934.56 in property taxes.
Motion carried 8/0.
Mia Vasquez, ppa Damaris Lao v. Town of East Hartford, Docket No. CV-12-6037699S
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to accept the recommendation of Corporation Counsel to settle the pending
Superior Court action known as Mia Vasquez, ppa Damaris Lao v
Town of East Hartford, Docket No. HHD-CV-12-6037699S, for the total sum of
$27,500.00 as a full and final settlement.
Motion carried 8/0.
Rahiem Robinson, et al. v Town of East Hartford, Docket No. CV-11-6019677S
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to accept the recommendation of Corporation Counsel to settle the pending
Superior Court action known as Rahiem Robinson, et al v Town of East Hartford,
Docket No. HHD-CV-11-6020284S, for the total sum of $60,000.00.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Morrison
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Mayor Leclerc indicated that bagged leaf collection will continue through December 13th – not December 4th as
she had stated earlier in the meeting.
Barbara Rossi wished all a Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy Hanukkah.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Pat Harmon
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (10:30 p.m.).
Motion carried 8/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be December 10, 2013.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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