EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
DECEMBER 10, 2013
PRESENT Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr., Majority Leader Barbara-Ann Rossi, Minority Leader Esther B. Clarke, Councillors Marc I. Weinberg, Linda A. Russo, Ram Aberasturia, Patricia Harmon and Anita D. Morrison
ABSENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Horan called the meeting to order at 7:39 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 Esther Clarke
to amend the agenda as follows:
add, under New Business, Item 8.D. entitled “Electric Vehicle
Charging Station Incentive Program Grant”.
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 26, 2013 Executive Session
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Esther Clarke
to approve the minutes of the November 26, 2013 Executive
Session – as corrected on December 4, 2013.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Aberasturia
November 26, 2013 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Anita Morrison
to approve the minutes of the November 26, 2013 Regular
Meeting – as corrected on December 4, 2013.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Aberasturia
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Update form the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC)
Bart Halloran, District Counsel for the MDC, William DiBella, Chair of the MDC, and Pasquale “Bud” Salemi, an East Hartford Commissioner on the MDC, spoke on the upcoming rate increase that was recently included in the budget passed on Monday, December 9th. The largest increase is the $2.1Billion federally-mandated Clean Water Project. Residents and businesses of member towns are responsible for paying this increase, which will raise the quarterly payment by $49.00, based on a 25-year bond note.
Vice Chair Horan stated that, as the Council liaison, he will continue to update the public and the Council on the progress that the MDC makes in their Clean Water Project, etc., during the upcoming year.
Disposition of Furniture/Desks from the Library
Vice Chair Horan 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.
Resignation of Anita Morrison from the Insurance Committee
Vice Chair Horan announced the resignation of Anita Morrison from the Insurance Committee.
Certificate of Appreciation: CT Veterans’ Day Parade
Vice Chair Horan announced that the East Hartford Town Council has received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Ferris Group for their participation in the November 2013 Annual Connecticut Veterans Parade.
NEW BUSINESS
Tentative Agreement between the Town of East Hartford and the East Hartford Supervisors’ Union, Local 818, AFSCM, Council 4:
Approval of Agreement:
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to approve the tentative agreement between the Town of East
Hartford and the East Hartford Supervisors Union, Local 818, AFSCM,
Council 4, as outlined in and attached to a memo from Marcia A.
Leclerc, Mayor, dated December 2, 2013 to Richard F. Kehoe, Town
Council Chair.
Motion carried 8/0.
Once fully executed, a copy of the contract will follow these minutes.
Supplement Budget Appropriation:
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Esther Clarke
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 818 SUPERVISOR’S CONTRACT
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford and the 818 Supervisor’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, 2013, June 30, 2014, June 30, 2015, and June 30, 2016.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the East Hartford Town Council does hereby approve this Supplemental Budget Appropriation of funds in the amount of $130,000 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 130,000
G2400-60110 |
|
Permanent Services – Library |
|
4,402 |
G3200-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Accounts and Controls |
|
6,562 |
G3300-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Information Technology |
|
5,603 |
G3600-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Assessor |
|
5,952 |
G3700-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Tax Office |
|
5,677 |
G5203-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Police Administration |
|
4,442 |
G5400-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Communications |
|
17,356 |
G7200-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Engineering |
|
6,250 |
G7300-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Public Works – Hghy Srvcs |
|
18,299 |
G7400-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Public Works - Waste Srvcs |
|
5,330 |
G7700-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Public Works - Fleet |
|
5,084 |
G7800-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Building Maintenance |
|
10,484 |
G8100-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Parks - Administration |
|
5,399 |
G8200-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Parks - Maintenance |
|
13,837 |
G9300-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Environmental Control |
|
4,527 |
G9400-60110 |
|
Permanent Services - Social Services |
|
5,397 |
Funds certified as unobligated and available.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
Hockanum River Linear Park Trail – Phase III
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Town of East Hartford, through its Town Council, does acknowledge that a Public Information Meeting was conducted on October 30, 2013 and after consideration of input received does support the advancement of design and subsequent construction of the Hockanum River Linear Park Trail (Phase III) for extension of the existing trail from 1,000 feet east of the Hillside Road parking area to Olde Roberts Street at an estimated construction cost of $720,000 utilizing funding from the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 Division I, Title I, Section 125 Surface Transportation Priorities and other municipally-secured funding sources, otherwise identified as State Project 42-TBD5 be, and hereby is, approved.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Linda Russo
to refund taxes in the amount of $1,129.48
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 8/0.
Bill |
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Over Paid |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0052392 |
BARNES DESIREE D |
2005//1HGCM56445A163679 |
$ (199.09) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0061363 |
FALLETTI NATINA |
2005//1YVHP80D755M29415 |
$ (107.29) |
2011-03-0062821 |
FORD MOTOR CREDIT |
2002//1FDWE45F32HB53083 |
$ (350.02) |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0065991 |
HERNANDEZ-COLLAZO SOVIHA |
1998//JF1SF6550WH750514 |
$ (42.98) |
2012-03-0066587 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2010//1HGCS2B82AA005431 |
$ (314.34) |
|
|
|
|
2007-03-0069039 |
JOHNSON JAMES L |
2000//JHLRD1860YC040084 |
$ (6.64) |
|
|
|
|
2011-03-0087182 |
VANSOEST AMY M |
2001//4A3AC44G21E191853 |
$ (109.12) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
$(1,129.48) |
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Incentive Program Grant
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has funding available through Electric Vehicle Charging Station Incentive Program for the installation of publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations; and
WHEREAS, funding for the grant comes from provisions of the April 2012 settlement agreement with the State of Connecticut that allowed for the merger of Northeast Utilities and NStar; and
WHEREAS, the growing use of electric vehicles offers the promise of cutting costs for motorists but also improving our environment and public health.
NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED That Marcia A. Leclerc, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is authorized to make application to, and execute and approve on behalf of this corporation, any and all documents, contracts, and amendments as may be required by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as they pertain to this Electric Vehicle Charging Station Incentive Program.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
The new Grants Administrator, Paul O’Sullivan, introduced himself to the Town Council, who welcomed him and wished him well.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Pat Harmon (1) inquired on the necessity of the fence by the walking trail near Riverpoint Condominiums. Tim Bockus indicated that the fencing was part of the timber bulkhead replacement project and should be removed in the next couple of weeks. (2) stated that there are piles of construction materials for the solar panels project at the Norris School parking lot and wanted to know what was happening with that. Tim Bockus said that the construction project is under the guidance of Al Costa, Facilities Manager for the Board of Education, but believes that the project is moving along on schedule. (3) noticed that the East Hartford Middle School has a pile of used furniture for sale and asked if the schools have a regulation that is similar to the town’s ordinance that must be complied with for the disposition of
furniture and equipment. The Mayor said that she would contact the Board of Education for an answer. (3) thanked the Public Works Department for keeping the streets safe and passable in today’s storm and also commented on a job well done for leaf collection.
Anita Morrison (1) asked if the Mayor will be updating the Council on the progress of the Raymond Library renovations and inquired on a re-opening date for the Library. Mayor Leclerc stated that the timeline for completion is March 2015; the contractor understands that failure to meet this deadline will result in liquidated damages (2) heard that the north end Senior Center – near Anna Norris School – was closing due to finances and asked if that was true. Mayor Leclerc stated that there has been no discussion about closing the north end Senior Center. and (3) thanked the efforts of the East Hartford Police Department for the “Stuff the Cruiser” event held at ShopRite and Stop & Shop Supermarkets on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
Barbara Rossi thanked Tim Bockus, Public Works Director, for the solar stop sign recently installed at the corner of Maple and Forbes Streets.
Esther Clarke (1) asked if there have been any complaints from neighbors in the area of the newly installed solar stop sign. Tim Bockus said there have been no complaints. and (2)thanked the Mayor for her response on the newly opened massage parlors in East Hartford and added that there is another parlor that has opened on Connecticut Boulevard. The Mayor said she and her staff were not aware of it, but will look into it.
Bill Horan recognized Anita Morrison’s service to the town by volunteering on the Insurance Committee, from which she just resigned due to her election to the Council.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
Merchant Founders Lodging, LLC v. Town of East Hartford
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 Merchant Founders
Lodging, LLC v. Town of East Hartford, Docket No. HHB-CV-10-6006974S,
involving 351 Pitkin Street, from the fair market value of $9,676,130 to the fair
market value of $9,574,400, which shall generate a reduction of
$2,407.58 in property taxes, for the Grand List Year of 2009 only.
Motion carried 8/0.
860 Main, LLC v. Town of East Hartford
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 860 Main, LLC v. Town of East
Hartford, Docket No. HHB-CV-13-6020158S, involving 860 Main Street,
from the fair market value of $1,420,371 to the fair market value of
$1,285,000, which shall generate a reduction of $4,160.23 in property taxes,
Commencing the Grand List Year of 2012.
Motion carried 8/0.
Brenda Rose v. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Esther Clarke
to table the matter known as Brenda Rose v. Town of East Hartford,
Docket No. HHD-CV-11-6023968S, for further negotiations.
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Mayor Leclerc (1) announced that there is a parking ban in effect until further notice; (2) stated that Holiday Fest 2013 was a success. This year’s new event “Have Your Picture Taken with Santa Underwater” was a big hit and thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for this great idea; (3) the 28th Annual Santa’s Visit drew over 280 children to it; (4) reminded all that January 5th is the Annual Brian Aselton Snow Dash; (5) announced that Gregg Donato, a 36 year town employee from the Inspections and Permits Department, is retiring on Thursday, December 12th; (6) was happy to report the hiring of the town’s new Chief of Police, Scott Sansom, who will start on January 7th; (7) wanted to recognize Officers Barboza and Sullivan who played Santa Claus and
Santa’s elf at the New Covenant Church, distributing gifts to children; and (8) wished everyone a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season.
Bill Horan wished the outgoing Chief of Police, Mark Sirois, a good retirement and commented on a job well done.
Ram Aberasturia asked that the Mayor extend an invitation to Chief Sansom to participate in the Aselton Snow Dash.
Marc Weinberg wished people of all faiths a safe and peaceful Holiday.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Pat Harmon
to adjourn (9:40 p.m.).
Motion carried 8/0.
The Vice Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be January 7, 2014.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
| 