Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro and members, William Devine (arrived 6:32 p.m.), Christopher Goff and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Acting Town Manager Robert Drewry, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, Public Utilities Administrator Vincent Susco, Don Iannicelli and Rose Gavrilovic from GeoInsight, Town Manager Search Consultant Randi Frank, many citizens, members of Boards and Commissions and member of the press and news media.
Not Present: Scott Minnick and John Tuttle
Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance: Chairperson Engel called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. All stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
A. Town Council, Regular Meeting, February 26, 2008: A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of February 26, 2008 as written. Voted (5-0)
B. Town Council, Special Meeting, March 4, 2008: A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Devine, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Special Meeting of March 4, 2008 as written. Voted (5-0).
Special Presentations:
A. Redevelopment Agency Update – This item will be postponed to the March 25, 2008 meeting.
B. GeoInsight Presentation and Recommendations of Water Development Task Force: Chairperson Engel provided an overview of the Consent Order and the tasks that the Water Development Task Force have been working on. She reported that GeoInsight will be working with the Town in addressing the Village Center Consent Order and introduced Don Iannicelli, Senior Associate/Senior Engineer and Rose Gavrilovic, Senior Project Engineer. Mr. Susco reviewed the deadlines for the State Health Department, the schematic of the treatment system and the schedule of estimated costs. Rose Gavrilovic reviewed the status of the current wells. She noted that they are in the conceptual design phase and reviewed the tasks on the schedule provided to the Council. They anticipate the start of construction on June 23, 2008. Ms. Gavrilovic answered questions of the Council. Ms. Weintraub asked about the possibility of another consent order for the additional 20 users in the Village Center. A motion
was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro to approve the spending of $503,300, which has already been appropriated, to fund Phase I of the water plan. Voted (5-0).
Public Remarks:
Chairperson Engel explained to the audience that the Council will be happy to hear comments regarding South Main Street but the Council cannot respond to these issues without jeopardizing the case which is in the application phase.
Walter Farren, 181 Wopowog Road, noted that he is concerned about water with the proposed complex being proposed on South Main Street. He is also concerned about the traffic that would be increased on South Main Street.
Susan Wielgosh, 79 North Main Street, thanked Chief Reimondo for implemented the traffic calming that will be instituted on North Main Street this summer. She would like to see a traffic study on Lake Blvd. The traffic study there also has a lot to do with South Main Street and the quality of life issues in this town are at stake and really have to be looked at now.
Diana Marsh, 65 South Main Street, reviewed dates regarding an ERT. She asked questions regarding the request for an ERT, the responses from the Zoning Official and asked why an ERT was never started.
Paul Marsh, 65 South Main Street, noted that he is concerned that the well system for Belltown Place would be donated to the town after the completion of the project. He asked why this isn’t being brought up for referendum as the town will have to pay to maintain the wells. He also asked that if wells are drilled for the 127 proposed units and then the neighboring wells go dry, will the town pay to re-drill the neighbor’s wells. Chairperson Engel responded that the well system would not go to referendum because the town is not expending the money for the well system but the town is obligated to take over the system.
Lynn Hines, South Main Street, noted that her husband filed a complaint prior to the February 25th IWWA meeting with Planning & Zoning office regarding the erosion and sedimentation control issues at Royal Oaks. These are the same developers proposing the South Main Street project. She distributed pictures of Royal Oaks.
Bill Reardon, 55 South Main Street, expressed his concern about water on South Main Street if the proposed project goes through.
Richard Walker, 69 Colley Brook Road, expressed his concern about water on South Main Street. He expressed complaints about the Building Department. He also noted his complaint that he was not allowed to present to P&Z the request to serve breakfast at this sugar house. He addressed complaints to Chairperson Engel personally.
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that he feels there are problems within the Building Department. He does not feel the land use boards are properly supported. He also does not feel that zoning enforcement is adequately done.
Irene Curtis, 13 Wangonk Trail, agrees about the issues with the land use board support staff.
Andy Shelto, 60 South Main Street, asked if the burden is on the developer to determine that there is enough water for the project. Ms. Engel noted that the developer has to provide proof of water to the State.
Chairperson Engel noted that the Town staff is working hard to do the right thing.
Phil Wielgosh, 79 North Main Street, noted there wouldn’t be as many water problems if the affordable housing was spread throughout the town instead of in one place.
Ms. Weintraub noted that the residents should contact Senator Eileen Daily and Representative Gail Hamm regarding the affordable housing issues.
Lynn Hines, South Main Street, commented on the traffic and speed issues on South Main Street. A traffic study was done on South Main Street. The average speed was 41-43 mph in a 25 mph zone.
Diana Marsh, 65 South Main Street, noted her concerns about traffic speed on South Main Street.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, requested that the Town Council consider revising the EDC ordinance to name the Town Manager as the appointing authority for members of EDC as it was in the past. Mr. Goff will work with the Town Manager on this process to change the ordinance.
Judy Isele, 31 Wangonk Trail, noted that in 2005-2006 she had interviewed for EDC with the Town Council Appointments Subcommittee not the Town Manager. She wondered if the old ordinance was followed before the official change.
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, asked for an update on Quiet Woods Road. He noted that the item to go out to bid does not address the whole road issue.
Rich Michaud, 99 Quiet Woods Road, noted that Dream Developers were supposed to widen the Quiet Woods Road when they finished construction on three houses. This was never done.
Mike Filanda, 87 Quiet Woods Road, noted that several years ago an engineering firm hired by the town put a trench on one side of the road and this has burdened the other side of the road.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that she feels that the Council does not take into consideration the public’s opinion on matters. Mr. Cordeiro noted that the Council always takes the opinions into consideration but the Council must make decisions on what is best for the Town.
Irene Curtis, 13 Wangonk Trail, commented on navigation issues with the new town website.
Mike O’Brien, 78 Quiet Woods Road, commented on an issue with a runoff drain. It was cleaned out but was filled with leaves prior to winter and needs to be cleaned out again.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, commented on the discussion regarding IWWA and the fertilizer ordinance. She was impressed with the way the Council worked with each other and engaged the audience. She also asked about the status of taping the Council meetings.
Ms. Weintraub voiced her concern about the repeated issues with the Building Department.
New Business: None
Old (Continued) Business:
A. Town Manager Search Panel: Chairperson Engel reported that Randi Frank has met with Mr. Drewry, Mr. Jylkka and the department heads. She will be meeting with each Council member individually on Tuesday, March 18th. Chairperson Engel also spoke about the makeup of the interview panel for the Town Manager search. Mr. Tuttle provided a letter in his absence regarding the make up of the committee (included as an attachment to the minutes). Ms. Weintraub had questioned the ethics of utilizing Town Manager’s from other towns. To remedy this situation, Ms. Frank has found two retired Town Managers that have agreed to serve on the panel. Dana Whitman, retired from Rocky Hill, and Peter Curry, retired from a couple of towns
in Connecticut including Newington and Darien. Ms. Engel indicated that Ted Rossi (Democrat) and Paul Peszynski (Republican) have also agreed to serve on the committee. Ms. Weintraub suggested an Independent voter on the panel. She presented a recommendation for Everett Breece. A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the five individuals named above. Voted (5-0). Chairperson Engel noted that the Council will still be looking for one more resident.
Mr. Devine left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
B. Noise Solutions Update: Chairperson Engel reported that she and Mr. Drewry met with Paul Angelico regarding noise concerns at Angelico’s Restaurant. He indicated that he will work harder to control the noise issues. Regarding traffic, Mr. Angelico will be posting signs in the parking lot asking patrons to leave quietly. The police department will be installing traffic cones that will be on the center line to help to slow traffic. Chairperson Engel noted that the lighting at Angelico’s was in compliance. The lighting at the dock that was in question will be re-checked. Ms. Weintraub read a portion of the State Statutes regarding noise pollution.
Report of Acting Town Manager:
A. 127 East High Street: The owner of 127 East High Street has heard from the insurance company. The adjuster has settled on a price and expects a check within approximately two months.
B. Water Tower: The bid specs for the water tower removal will be put out to bid in approximately two weeks. The bids should be awarded in April.
C. STEAP Grant Application: The STEAP grant was completed and delivered to the State.
D. Other: Mr. Drewry commented that most unimproved roads are having issues with the amount of rain and ice conditions. He reported that the budget has been submitted to the Board of Finance.
Ms. Weintraub asked about the granite curbing. Mr. Drewry is waiting on a call from the Department of Transportation. Ms. Weintraub also asked about the Housing Authority question, the list of grants and deeded town property.
Appointments:
Subcommittee on Appointments Update/Action: Mr. Goff reported that he and Mr. Cordeiro met as the Appointments Subcommittee to interview Parks & Recreation Advisory Board members. Lynnae Smith’s term ended and her vacancy will be filled. The following appointments are being recommended:
Reappoint Richard Norkun for a 3 year term through December 31, 2010
Appoint Tim Adams for a 3 year term through December 31, 2010
Appoint John Wright for a 3 year term through December 31, 2010
Appoint Mark Vickery to fill a vacant term through December 31, 2008
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to appoint the individuals noted above. Voted (4-0).
Liaison Reports:
Ms. Weintraub reported that the Streetscape Steering Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, March 18th and will be discussing scheduling a meeting for Route 151 traffic calming.
Mr. Goff reported that he is working on a regional activity with Nancy Wyman’s office, surrounding town and the EDC. He will report back with more information.
Chairperson Engel reported that she met with the Seniors. They had a lot of good questions for Ms. Engel.
Board, Commission, Agency & Task Force Remarks:
Judy Isele, Board of Finance reported that the Board of Finance will be holding budget workshops on Friday, March 14th from 1:00pm to 7:00pm at the Town Hall. The Board of Education will be meeting with the Board of Finance on Saturday, March 22nd at 7:00am at the Town Hall.
Scott Bristol reported that the Brownfields Steering Committee is reviewing the 12 RFQ’s that were received for the 103 Main Street remediation grant.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations: None
Financial Transactions: None
Tax Refunds: A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $7,186.16. Voted (4-0).
Bids and Contracts: None
Communications and Announcements:
Ms. Weintraub reported that Terry Prestash and Val Greco, local graphic designers, have agreed to work with her on a public relations campaign for the Fertilizer Ordinance.
Ms. Weintraub noted that the Salmon Brook Watershed Partnership Conservation Action Plan is looking for an appointment of a member. A motion was made by Ms. Weintraub, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to appoint Peter Aarrestad to be the town representative on the steering committee of the Salmon Brook Watershed Partnership Conservation Action Plan. Voted (4-0).
Public Remarks:
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, noted that the 2008-2009 budget should be looked at to include more funding for the unimproved roads, and that the Council needs to look at the overall cost of what it takes to maintain the unimproved roads including the cost of the equipment such as a road grader, etc vs. the cost of improving the roads on a recurring basis. Also that the Council should think about creating a bond to make the improvements for the remaining unimproved roadways in East Hampton given the only other major service provided to the residents is schooling.
Phil Wielgosh, 79 North Main Street, asked if anything can be done about the individual that drives around town blowing an airhorn in the middle of the night.
Irene Curtis, 13 Wangonk Trail, asked about the status of the Airline Trail improvements.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented on the Water Task Force meetings being held at the Town Garage at 7:00am on Friday mornings. She asks that they be held at the Town Hall. She noted that there was no organizational meeting for this group. They are an ad hoc commission for the town. She is concerned that there are no chair or vice chair for this task force. She feels this is inappropriate. She also feels that there is a conflict having two Town Council members sitting on this task force. Mr. Drewry noted that the issue of having the meeting at the Town Hall is having the door unlocked to citizens as the rest of town hall is not open. He noted that the Town Attorney indicated that there is no requirement to have a chair or vice chair.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that the town can’t keep ignoring road issues during the budget process.
Reserved: None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Voted (4-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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