Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro and members, Christopher Goff, John Tuttle and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Acting Town Manager Robert Drewry, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, many citizens, members of other Boards and Commissions and a member of the press.
Absent: William Devine and Scott Minnick.
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.
A motion was made by Ms. Weintraub, seconded by Mr. Goff, to move Item 11B – Proclamation for Donald Ingraham following Approval of Minutes. Voted (5-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to add an item to New Business – Proposal, Discussion and Approval of Liaisons from the Middle School and High School. Voted (5-0).
Approval of Minutes:
A. Town Council, Regular Meeting, March 25, 2008: A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of March 25, 2008 with edits discussed. Voted (5-0).
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamation:
Proclamation for Donald Ingraham: Chairperson Engel read a proclamation for Donald Ingraham for 50 years of service to the East Hampton Volunteer Fire Department. A standing ovation and round of applause were given to Mr. Ingraham.
Old (Continued) Busines:
A. Town Manager Search: The profile for the search for the Town Manager is now available. Chairperson Engel thanked Ms. Weintraub for her assistance with the brochure. The printed ad will be in the ICMA Newsletter on April 14th. It is currently available online at ICMA and publicservicecareers.org. Ms. Weintraub provided a brochure from ICMA related to Council/Manager forms of government.
B. Set Public Hearing EDC Ordinance Amendment: A draft of the EDC ordinance revision was reviewed changing the appointment authority for EDC members from the Town Council to the Town Manager. A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Weintraub, to set the public hearing date for the EDC ordinance change to April 22, 2008 at 6:00pm. Voted (5-0).
C. Elected Officials Serving on Ad Hoc Committees: Chairperson Engel read portions of a letter from Attorney Jean D’Aquila noting that elected officials are allowed to serve on study, advisory and consulting committees.
D. Collect Facilities Report Priority List from Council Members: Chairperson Engel noted that she will collect the Facilities Report when they are ready from the Council members. A workshop will be held in the near future.
E. Other: None
New Business:
A. WPCA Use of Town Owned Property: Vincent Susco, Public Utilities Administrator, reviewed the First Amendment to Sewerage Transit and Disposal Agreement. The WPCA has requested approval from the Town Council to construct a pump station on town owned property on East High Street. The funding for this project will come from the WPCA budget. The work for this project will be in conjunction with the sewer line coming through from Marlborough, which will be a cost savings. A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to adopt the First Amendment to Sewerage Transit and Disposal Agreement. Voted (5-0).
B. Mr. Goff proposed the idea of a student liaison from the Middle School and the High School to the Town Council. The Superintendent of Schools and the Principals at the schools were very much in favor of the idea. The students will have prepared reports for each Town Council meeting. There was consensus from the Council to accept the idea of student liaisons.
Remarks from the Chair:
Chairperson Engel reported on the following:
Kyle Dostaler had a question at a prior meeting regarding names being provided by the Appointments Sub Committee of those being considered for appointment per a former FOI complaint. Ms. Engel read from prior minutes indicating that providing names was not required by the FOIC.
Kimberley Fontaine had a concern about Watrous Street zoning issues. Mr. Drewry and Mr. Carey are in the process of dealing with the zoning violations.
Traffic Study on Lake Boulevard – Ms. Engel noted that traffic studies are done based on traffic volume and violations. Based on the traffic and lack of violations on Lake Boulevard, the expense for a traffic study is not justified. Mr. Angelico is going to put up signs for entrance on North Main Street and the egress on Lake Boulevard would be for exit only. Also, the lights in the parking lot will be adjusted. The dock light will be reviewed when the season starts. Additionally, the third egress will be reviewed with the police chief.
Attorney D’Aquila provided a written response regarding a question of the meetings with St. Clements requiring agendas and minutes. She noted that the meetings are not meetings of a public agency and no quorum of an agency is present for the sessions therefore no agendas or minutes are required. If and when the Council considers a proposal then the FOI rules would apply.
It will be requested of the IWWA to have an agenda item for the Lake Commission at their meetings.
Report of Acting Town Manager:
A. Fertilizer Ordinance – Workshop Tuesday, April 29, 2008 6:00pm East Hampton Middle School: The workshop will include Parks & Recreation, IWWA, Lake Commission and retailers. Mr. Tuttle suggested inviting Paul Muhlberg from Chem Lawn also. This workshop will help to decide whether this ordinance will go forward.
B. Main Street Bridge: The plans for the design are approximately 85% complete. The Design Review Board has reviewed the plans. Mr. Drewry will invite the engineer to attend the next Council meeting.
C. Comstock Bridge: The State did not receive the Federal grant. The State is looking to fund the renovation with State dollars. This project will not be completed until 2010/2011. The State will be applying to the Department of Environment Protection which takes approximately one year.
D. Police Chief’s Report: A year end report from the Police Chief was presented to the Council. Future reports will be presented at the end of each quarter.
E. Other – Mr. Tuttle asked for an update on 127 East High Street – Mr. Drewry noted that the back taxes have been paid. The adjuster will be paying the mortgage on the building and estimates are being received for the demolition of the building.
Ms. Weintraub asked for an update on Quiet Woods Road – Mr. Drewry noted that he met with some of the residents and are looking to obtain another easement to do more work on that road.
Ms. Weintraub asked if the road that will be worked on for the season can be posted on the website. Mr. Drewry noted he will post that information after the budget process.
Public Remarks:
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, thanked Mr. Drewry for coming out to Quiet Woods with the Town Engineer. He feels that there will still be funding issues and the question will be raised which portion of the road gets done or look for more funds. He is still concerned if the upper portion of the road is done there will still be runoff problems. He asked the Council to look for additional funds to complete Quiet Woods Road. He also noted that looking at the Capital Improvement Plan he does not see any funding to address unimproved roads in town.
Phil Wielgosh, 79 North Main Street, noted that Mr. Drewry may want to include the owner of Jessica’s Garden at the meeting regarding the Fertilizer Ordinance. He spoke about a product that contains water insoluble nitrogen.
Susan Wielgosh, 79 North Main Street, thanked the Council and Mr. Angelico regarding the noise and lighting concerns. She suggests a meeting with the Town Council, Planning & Zoning, Police Department, Building Department, Zoning Officer and Health Director regarding health and safety issues on North Main Street and Lake Boulevard. She spoke about possible safety patrolling on Friday and Saturday nights, slow down signs and yellow caution lights on Lake Boulevard. She also asked about no loitering/quiet zone signs on the fences. She provided a handout regarding noise from 7pm to 10pm. She believes in the Council and believes they will make a difference in their neighborhood.
Ms. Weintraub asked about a traffic control officer on weekend evenings such as at St. Clements. Ms. Engel noted that would need to be discussed with Chief Reimondo. The expense for that would fall to the property owner.
Irene Curtis, 13 Wangonk Trail, provided and reviewed a chart to the Council regarding the election recounts. She feels the Council should take a proactive role in ensuring accurate electronic elections. She noted the official SEEC resolution will be announced.
Appointments:
Mr. Goff asked if the opening on the Streetscape Steering Committee needs to be filled as it is not a permanent committee. Ms. Engel noted it does not need to be filled.
Mr. Goff and Mr. Cordeiro conducted interviews for the Water and Sewer Commission and the Middle Haddam Historic District Commission.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to appoint Gregory Allen to the Water and Sewer Commission through June 30, 2012. Voted (5-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Ms. Weintraub, to appoint the following individuals to the Middle Haddam Historic District Commission:
James Royster, full member through December 31, 2012
George Coshow, alternate through December 31, 2009
Gina Ritchie, alternate through December 31, 2010
Christopher Dart, alternate through December 31, 2011
Voted (5-0).
Liaison Reports:
Mr. Tuttle reported that some of the members of the Water Development Task Force met with St. Clements on March 27, 2008. There was a regular meeting of the Water Development Task Force on March 28th. There was discussion of a third water source for the Village Center, a report of ongoing discussions with St. Clements and the water tests being done at the Library.
Mr. Tuttle reported that Friar Associates will be meeting with the Board of Education on April 28th to provide a detailed report on the High School needs.
Ms. Weintraub reported that the Board of Finance met on April 7th, although there was no quorum, there was general discussion on the budget and handed out revisions. The mill rate increase is .57 which would bring it to 23.87 for the mill rate.
Chairperson Engel reported that there will be a Special Town Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 on the budget. The Board of Finance and Board of Education are also invited.
Board, Commission, Agency & Task Force Remarks:
John Ciriello, Lake Commission, invited the Town Council to the Lake Commission’s second educational course which will be held on April 21st and 24th from 7pm to 9pm at the Library.
Bob Hart, Lake Commission, reminded the Council that there is one vacancy on the Lake Commission.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations:
Fair Housing Resolution: Mr. Drewry reported that the town is receiving funding for Small Cities Grants. The Council is required to adopt the Fair Housing Resolution in order to continue to receive funding. A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to adopt the Fair Housing Resolution. Voted (5-0).
Financial Transactions:
Additional Appropriation FY 2007-2008 – Capital Reserve $310,000 as Recommended by the Board of Finance
· Student Management Software
· Phone System Replacement – Memorial and Center School
· Door Replacement – High School
· Door Replacement – Board of Education Office
· Painting – Board of Education Office
· Lead Abatement – Board of Education Office
· Greenhouse Repairs – High School
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to approve the additional appropriations as recommended by the Board of Finance. Voted (5-0).
Tax Refunds: A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $13,457.34. Voted (5-0).
Bids and Contracts:
Site Improvements at Sears Park: Mr. Drewry reported that thirteen bids were received for site improvements to Sears Park. The asphalt driveway to the boat launch will be replaced with gravel and the boat trailer parking will be expanded. Mr. Drewry recommended the bid be awarded to the low bidder, B&W Paving in the amount of $29,674. A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to award the bid to B&W Paving in the amount of $29,674. Voted (5-0).
Special Presentations:
Lake Commission Update – Chairman Robert Hart: Mr. Hart, John Ciriello and Irene Curtis from the Lake Commission were in attendance. Mr. Hart presented an overview of the Lake & Watershed Management Implementation Plan. He reviewed the goals which include:
· Improve lake water quality to achieve no less than 2 meters transparency during the entire year
· Maintain and enhance the fish population
· Prevent invasive weed infestation
· Educate town agencies and residents on lake and water shed issues
Mr. Hart reviewed the full Table of Contents for the Lake & Watershed Management Implementation Plan.
Mr. Tuttle suggested that Chairperson Engel send a letter to the Boards and Commissions regarding the Lake Education Course.
Communications and Announcements:
Chairperson Engel reported that the Nature Conservancy is sponsoring a Salmon River Watershed Conservation Compact Ceremony at Comstock Bridge on May 14th at 10am.
Ms. Weintraub asked about the Seven Hills bonding issue regarding work that has not been completed. Mr. Drewry and Mr. Carey are discussing the matter with the developer.
Coming Up:
Budget Meeting – April 16, 2008
Town Council Adopts Budget – April 22, 2008
Public Hearing EDC Ordinance – April 22, 2008 6:00pm
Public Remarks:
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, mentioned that a few years back asphalt that was reclaimed from work done on South Main Street was put onto Quiet Woods Road and it worked well. Will the town be able to reclaim the asphalt from Flanders Road and possibly use it on Quiet Woods Road? Mr. Drewry noted that Flanders Road asphalt won’t be milled, it will be ripped up so it won’t be able to be re-used. Mr. Drewry will check into it. Also, Mr. Sanicki asked if the town has looked into a town-wide contract for the collection of trash instead of each individual home owner contracting with the outside companies.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, made a suggestion about providing a short description on the boards and commissions so those wanting to volunteer will know what the board’s responsibilities entail.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, spoke about the town possibly sponsoring a one day free bulky waste disposal at the transfer station.
Irene Curtis, 13 Wangonk Trail, commented that there is a lot of trash around the edge of the lake. The Conservation Commission normally sponsors Earth day activities. Mr. Ciriello noted that the Lake Commission will be doing activities for Earth Day.
Reserved: None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Voted (5-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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