Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro and members, William Devine, Christopher Goff, Scott Minnick, John Tuttle and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Acting Town Manager Robert Drewry, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, Town Attorney Jean D’Aquila, citizens, members of other Boards and Commissions and members of the press.
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 Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to amend the agenda to add an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to enter Executive Session at 6:31 p.m. regarding pending litigation. Voted (7-0). Attorney D’Aquila was also present in Executive Session.
The Council exited Executive Session at 6:40 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to amend the agenda to add an item to act on the resolution regarding the pending litigation. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to approve the resolution discussed in Executive Session authorizing Interim Town Manager Robert G. Drewry to sign all documents related to the pending litigation. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to amend the agenda to add an item under New Business regarding supporting clean, renewable energy sources. Voted (7-0).
Approval of Minutes:
Town Council, Regular Meeting, May 27, 2008: A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of May 27, 2008 as written. Voted (7-0).
New Business:
A. Resolution Supporting Clean, Renewable Energy Sources: Mr. Tuttle reviewed the resolution to support the goal of having 20% of the town’s electricity come from clean, renewable sources by the year 2010. Resident Dan Olson will make a presentation to the Council at the next meeting. Mr. Olson and Mr. Tuttle would both be willing to serve on any committee that may be formed. Mr. Tuttle asked that the Council review the resolution for possible action at the June 24th meeting.
B. Other: Tax Suspense List: Mr. Drewry reviewed the recommendation of transferring the listed uncollected taxes to the tax suspense book. These taxes are put on the inactive list but can still be collected. A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Devine, to approve the transfer of the listing of uncollected taxes to the tax suspense book. Voted (7-0).
Old Business:
A. Lake Education and Awareness Program: Mr. Drewry noted that Ruth Plummer is contacting the Chairmen of the Lake Commission, IWWA, Conservation Commission and Parks & Recreation Board. Christopher Goff will be the Town Council liaison to the new group.
B. Lighting at Angelico’s: Chairperson Engel reviewed a letter from Jim Carey regarding the lighting at Angelico’s. Mr. Drewry noted that the valet parking lighting has been adjusted but is continuing to be reviewed and the signs are in place.
C. Commission on Aging: Chairperson Engel noted that a draft of Colchester’s Commission on Aging document has been reviewed by Town Attorney Jean D’Aquila and her changes have been incorporated into the document. Joanne Ewing, Senior Center Director, will be reviewing the document as well. Chairperson Engel asked that the Council review the document and it will be discussed at the next meeting.
D. Town Manager Search: Chairperson Engel reported that seven candidates will be interviewed by the Town Manager Search Committee on Thursday and Friday, June 12th and 13th. The top 5 candidates will then meet with the Town Council one on one on Saturday, June 14th and with the full Council on Sunday, June 15th. Mr. Minnick noted that he spoke to Randi Frank with questions and concerns regarding the Search Committee and the weekend process.
E. Other: None
Public Remarks:
Mike Filanda, 87 Quiet Woods Road, asked if the plans have been finalized for Quiet Woods Road. He reviewed past drainage issues in front of his driveway. Mr. Drewry responded to his questions and concerns.
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, noted that he would like to see the plans for Quiet Woods Road before they go out to bid. He noted he has had past issues with the stone swales.
Chris Burt, 21 Day Point Road, asked if the Streetscape project is on schedule. He has a concern about work he is planning on property that he owns in that area. Mr. Drewry noted that Mr. Burt can stop in to look at the plans in his office.
Special Presentations:
The Conservation Commission presentation will be rescheduled to a future meeting.
Remarks from the Chair: None
Report of Acting Town Manager:
A. Senior Housing PILOT Program: Mr. Drewry reported that he hopes to have information at the next meeting.
B. Rte 151 Traffic Study: Mr. Drewry reported that he received one letter back from the State. He is still awaiting word on the stop lights. He also noted that he met with Sue Weintraub, Liz Harris of the Streetscape Committee and Barbara Angelico of the Middle Haddam Association regarding what the Association can do that the State may not agree to do such as streetlights.
C. Watrous Street: Mr. Drewry noted that the Town will be going to court on June 23rd to get an injunction against the property owner on Watrous Street. They will then be required to move the cars or they will be in contempt of court. Mr. Minnick asked why the owner cannot be arrested for trespass. Mr. Drewry noted there is no complete survey.
D. Traffic Cones on North Main Street: Mr. Drewry reported that the cones have been installed on North Main Street. Due to locations of crosswalks there were a smaller number installed than originally anticipated. Some of the cones will be adjusted due to turning issues.
E. Other: Mr. Drewry attended the Community Development Block Grant Program as a requirement for the small cities grants. It is a 4 day seminar that will be attended by Mr. Drewry and two other staff members.
Chairperson Engel reviewed a letter received by Roy Duncan regarding the lake level and the placement of the buoys on the lake. Mr. Drewry noted that the buoys will be put in on Friday. Mr. Drewry has left several messages for Mr. Bevin regarding closing the dam. Chairperson Engel noted that Mr. Duncan referenced in the letter why the dam control has not been taken over by the Town. Mr. Drewry noted that the dam has been passed down in the Bevin family. Mr. Drewry will continue to try to contact Mr. Bevin.
Mr. Drewry reported that after Marie Durkin’s retirement Nancy Hasselman has been named the Interim Collector of Revenue. She will be evaluated in 3 months. Currently there are two part time employees that have filled Nancy’s prior position.
Mr. Drewry reported that the Building Department has received a report regarding 127 East High Street that indicated that the entire building must be taken down. There is a July deadline for the property owner.
Mr. Devine asked about the Distefano property. Mr. Drewry reported that he would like to wait and see what happens when the construction begins at the intersection. A new appraisal will be needed after property is taken in the construction process.
Appointments:
Chairperson Engel noted that the Ethics Commission has had two recent resignations due to members moving out of town. The Ethics Commission is also interested in adding two additional alternates. The Appointments Sub Committee will meet with the Chairman of the Ethics Commission for discussion.
The Appointments Sub Committee interviewed two individuals for the Housing Authority. A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Minnick, to appoint Patricia Dufour with a 5 year term through December 31, 2012 and Jeanne Hubbard with a term through December 31, 2010 to finish the term of her recently deceased husband. Voted (7-0).
Liaison Reports: None
Board, Commission, Agency & Task Force Remarks: None
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations:
Proclamation for Maria B. Durkin: Mr. Cordeiro read the proclamation for Maria B. Durkin.
Financial Transactions: None
Tax Refunds: None
Bids and Contracts:
A. Village Center Water System Construction Bid: This item will be tabled to the June 24th meeting.
B. Connected to Connecticut: Chairperson Engel reported that a letter was received from the Economic Development Commission regarding their recommendation to extend the contract for Connected to Connecticut for the next fiscal year. A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to extend the contract for Connected to Connecticut for the next fiscal year. Voted (7-0). Craig Stevenson from Connected to Connecticut answered questions from the Council regarding past and future projects.
Communications and Announcements: None
Coming Up: The Project Graduation presentation will be rescheduled for next month.
The June 24th meeting will include the following reports and presentations:
Red McKinney will discuss Old Home Day.
Dan Olson will do a presentation on clean, renewable energy sources.
A report will be available from Ruth Plummer regarding the Lake Education and Awareness Program.
Public Remarks:
Irene Curtis, Wangonk Trail, asked about the status of the Airline trail and the continuation of the trail to the center of town. Mr. Drewry reported that the survey has been done from Smith Street to the center. The continuing repairs are on hold due to the high amount of water still in the pipes.
Reserved: None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m. Voted (7-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
| 
