East Hartford Town Council
Town Council Chambers
April 15, 2014
PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe, Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr., Majority Leader Barbara-Ann Rossi, Minority Leader Esther B. Clarke, Councillors Linda A. Russo, Ram Aberasturia, Patricia Harmon and Anita D. Morrison
ABSENT Councillor Marc Weinberg
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:50 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) urged the Council to reject the East Hartford Police Association’s contract; and (2) asked the Council liaison to the MDC to request that the MDC website include salaries and benefits for its employees, as well as their financial audit.
Mayor Leclerc (1) due to the increased rainfall amounts that have fallen, the Public Works department is closely monitoring the height of the Connecticut River; (2) April 18th is Good Friday and all town departments will be closed; (3) street sweeping has started and should be finished by the end of June, weather depending; (4) April 26th is the Mayor’s Annual Clean-Up Day; (5) the East Hartford Golf Course opened April 1st; (6) April 26th is National Prescription Take-back Day at the Public Safety Complex; (7) on April 26th the Color-Me-Rad 5K Run will take place at Rentschler Field; (8) the Connecticut Miracle Ride to benefit Children’s Hospital will be held on April 26th; and (9) a meeting with state officials was held recently to discuss roadway
improvements to Route 2.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 1, 2014 Executive Session
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Ram Aberasturia
to approve the minutes of the April 1, 2014 Executive Session.
Motion carried 8/0.
April 1, 2014 Regular Meeting – as corrected
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the April 1, 2014 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 8/0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Presentation: Riverfront Recapture
Joe Marfuggi, President and Chief Executive Officer, updated the Council on the progress Riverfront Recapture (RR) has made over the past year with the increased participation in all the free events being held and sponsored by RR. In 2013, more than 800,000 visitors came to the riverfront. The Metropolitan District Corporation (MDC) had entered into an agreement with RR sixteen years ago to provide funds for the maintenance of the riverfront parks and a park ranger program. However, due to a decrease in water revenues to MDC, the MDC is looking to scale back its role in funding the riverfront parks and, among other things, to eventually phase out support of the park rangers.
Charlie Myers, Director of Programs and Events, reviewed the upcoming events scheduled for the next few months.
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to take item 8.G. Riverfront Recapture Management Agreement out of
order to accommodate those present.
Motion carried 8/0.
Riverfront Recapture Management Agreement
Assistant Corporation Counsel Richard Gentile addressed questions from the Council on the proposed Riverfront Recapture Management Agreement with MDC.
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
that the Town Council authorizes Mayor Marcia Leclerc to execute a
certain agreement between Riverfront Recapture, Inc. and the Town,
entitled “Riverfront Recapture, Inc. Management Services Agreement”
which contract, unless renewed by this Town Council, will terminate on
December 31, 2014.
Motion carried 8/0.
Presentation: Capital Workforce Partners
Thomas Phillips, President and CEO of Capital Workforce Partners, explained the role of Capital Workforce Partners in job training. As the regional Workforce Investment Board (WIB) in North Central Connecticut, Capital Workforce Partners coordinates programs and initiatives to develop a skilled, educated and vital workforce.~ The organization is guided by a Consortium of the region's chief and elected officials and by representatives from business, education and labor serving on its Board of Directors. Mr. Phillips spoke to his organization’s involvement in East Hartford.
NEW BUSINESS
Collective Bargaining Agreement between the East Hartford Police Officers’ Association and the Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Ram Aberasturia
to approve the collective bargaining agreement as ratified by the
bargaining unit members on March 20, 2014 between the Town of East
Hartford and the East Hartford Police Officers’ Association, which
agreement is effective July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015 and is outlined
in a memo from Mayor Marcia Leclerc to Town Council Chair Richard
Kehoe dated April 8, 2014.
Motion carried 8/0.
Referral to the Personnel & Pensions Subcommittee
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Anita Morrison
to refer to the Personnel and Pensions Subcommittee the three
new job descriptions, entitled Library Assistant, Library Specialist
and Librarian I and the three title changes entitled Librarian II –
Reference Librarian, Librarian II – Children’s Librarian and Librarian III – Assistant Library Director, with instructions to discuss the
proposed new job descriptions and title changes and report back to
the Town Council with its recommendations, if any.
Motion carried 8/0.
Referral to Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee re: 118 Main Street
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Bill Horan
to refer to the Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee the
property located at 118 Main Street, formerly known as Barry Lane, for the
purposes of the possible sale of this property to an interested buyer, with
instructions to review the matter and report back to the Town Council with
its recommendations, if any.
Motion carried 8/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to refund taxes in the amount of $4,084.31
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 8/0.
Bill |
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Over Paid |
2012-02-0041990 |
EAST HARTFORD REALTY |
1088 MAIN ST |
-691.43 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0051367 |
APONTE NILDA L JOINT |
1996//1GTGC29R1TE535381 |
-77.31 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0055522 |
CARPENTER VERONICA E |
2006//1ZVFT82HX65237042 |
-143.67 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0055882 |
CASTILLO JOSE E |
2007//2T1BR30E07C750607 |
-121.02 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0059107 |
DELAIRE WILLIAM |
2008//WBAWB33508P131605 |
-578.52 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0059965 |
DONLEN TRUST |
2010//2T3BF4DV4AW038896 |
-272.4 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0060211 |
DRURY ROBERT H OR |
2011//5XYKUDA11BG018399 |
-18 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0060701 |
EASON GEORGE JR |
1999//1G4CU521XX4640168 |
-84.2 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0062590 |
FOURNIER IRRIGATION LLC |
2004//1FTSF31P24EB08553 |
-71.64 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0066528 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2010//5J6RE4H79AL100481 |
-661.4 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0070878 |
LOPEZ ANTHONY |
2003//3VWVH69M53M146089 |
-116.52 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0079349 |
REMIGIO MICHELLE |
2000//1HGEJ8143YL091599 |
-140.08 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0083123 |
SILVER JAMES M |
2005//1J4FA49S55P343821 |
-208.97 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0083935 |
SQUIRE VILLAGE ASSOC LP |
2007//1GCHK24K27E592440 |
-252.43 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0086156 |
UNITED CENTERLESS GRI |
2002//1GCHK29112E166473 |
-223.84 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0086629 |
VASQUEZ GISSELLE |
1993//1N6SD11Y2PC437821 |
-23.58 |
|
|
|
|
2012-03-0088920 |
ZANIEWSKI MARIAN |
2007//JTMBD33V475108883 |
-17.83 |
|
|
|
|
2012-04-0084954 |
MARTIN TONYKA |
2005//YV1CZ852251206475 |
-64.97 |
|
|
|
|
2012-04-0085296 |
MICHAUD TERESA M |
2002//1B3ES56C52D570281 |
-13.52 |
|
|
|
|
2012-04-0086100 |
PATMAN SHANTE RENEE |
1998//4S6CM58WXW4412602 |
-50.69 |
|
|
|
|
2012-04-0087857 |
TAYLOR VINCENT O JR |
2000//4S3BH686XY7648719 |
-137.32 |
|
|
|
|
2012-04-0088388 |
VIERA SONIA M JNT |
2006//3VWPG71K76M754390 |
-114.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL Refunds |
-4,084.31 |
Gengras Harley-Davidson Spring Open House and Demo Days
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application entitled “Gengras Harley-Davidson Spring Open House and Demo Days” submitted by Hannah Gavin, Events Coordinator for Gengras Harley-Davidson, to conduct a weekend event at 221 Governor Street where riders will have the opportunity to take test rides with music, food, sales and vendors on the following days and times in 2014:
Saturday May 10th 9AM-5PM, with music from 11AM-3PM
Sunday, May 11th 9AM-3PM, with music from 11Am-3PM
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.
Memorial Day Parade
MOTION By Ram Aberasturia
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application entitled, 2014 Memorial Day Parade, submitted by Margaret Byrnes, Chair, East Hartford Patriotic Commission to conduct the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2014 from 9:30 AM to approximately 12:00 Noon, with music during those same hours; 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.
Bid Waiver: East Hartford Fire Department Radio Communication Program
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Esther Clarke
to waive the bidding requirements in accordance with Section 10-7(c) of
the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances to permit the East Hartford Fire Department to engage McPhee Electric, Inc. to complete the Fire
Department’s’ grant-funded radio system upgrade, as outlined in a memo
from Fire Chief John Oates to Mayor Marcia Leclerc dated April 11, 2014.
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Pat Harmon (1) noted that she received a few calls on the level of noise created by the recent Cosmic Run held at Rentschler Field. The Mayor responded that she was aware of two complaints that her office received on this event and stated that the noise levels were below the allowable decibels allowed by town ordinance. (2) reported that there are significant potholes on the portion of Brewer Street from Roxbury Road to Mitchell Drive. The Mayor said she would notify Public Works and urged all residents to do the same if they notice potholes in other areas of town.
Additionally, Councillor Harmon recently attended the Easter Bunny Breakfast and commented on a job well done by the EHHS students who staffed the event.
Anita Morrison (1) observed the CT River Academy Scholarship Walk and was impressed with the number of people who participated in this event; (2) inquired if Target and Cosco are coming to East Hartford – specifically on Silver Lane. Mayor Leclerc indicated that she had no knowledge of this happening.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
PEH 1, LP v Town of East Hartford – tax appeal
PEH 1, LP 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 PEH I, LP v. Town of East Hartford,
Docket Nos. HHB-CV-12-6017858S and HHB-CV-13-6020569S, involving
100 East River Drive, from the fair market value of $10,184,210 to the fair
market value of $5,000,000, for the Grand List years 2011, 2012 and 2013,
which shall generate a reduction of $155,282.64 in property taxes for the
2011 Grand List year; and from the fair market value of $10,184,210 to the
fair market value of $9,000,000 for the Grand List years of 2014 and 2015.
Motion carried 8/0.
Eddie Raines v. Mark Sirois, et al
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Anita Morrison
to accept Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to settle the action
pending in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut
known as Raines v. Sirois, et al., Civil Court No. 3:12CV-01824 (JCH), for
the total sum of $35,000.00 as a full and final settlement.
Motion carried 8/0.
Commerce Center Association, Inc. 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 Commerce Center Association, Inc. v.
Town of East Hartford, Docket No. HHB-CV-12-6015906S, involving 341
East River Drive, from the fair market value of $3,059,690 to the fair
market value of $1,780,000 which shall generate a reduction of $41,330.44
in property taxes for the Grand List year of 2011.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Clarke
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Clara Pierce, 17 Gold Street, commented on (1) the noise from the stadium at Rentschler Field when there are events held there; (2) asked what the relationship is between the MDC and Riverfront Recapture; and (3) agrees that the pension amounts quoted by a previous speaker
seem high for the financial limitations of the town.
Mayor Leclerc (1) attended the ribbon cutting held on Wednesday for the Pathways Academy which is located on the Goodwin College campus; (2) went to the retirement party for Jose Maldonado, a longtime employee of the Wickham Library; (3) announced that on April 25th, the EHPD will hold a formal promotional ceremony at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center; and (4) noted that there will be a positive resolution to the Riverfront Recapture/MDC issue.
Barbara Rossi wished all a Happy Easter.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Esther Clarke
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (10:46 p.m.).
Motion carried 8/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on May 6th.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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