Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 – 6:30 p.m.
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro and members, William Devine (arrived 6:33 p.m.), Christopher Goff, Scott Minnick, John Tuttle and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Interim Town Manager Robert Drewry, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, 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.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Ms. Weintraub to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of August 12, 2008 as written. Voted (6-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro to approve the minutes of the Town Council Special Meeting of August 12, 2008 as written. Voted (6-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro to add an item to the agenda to be discussed at this point in the meeting regarding traffic concerns of residents and neighbors on Niles Street. Voted (6-0).
Mr. Devine entered the meeting at this time.
Chairperson Engel heard from several residents on Niles Street regarding the increased traffic due to the Main Street Bridge construction. A traffic count was done by the residents which totaled approximately 160 to 180 cars in an hour during midday. In addition to the high volume of traffic on the narrow road is the truck traffic. Chief Matthew Reimondo reported that there have been stepped up patrols on the road. Lyon & Billard has been contacted to ask them to avoid using Niles Street. He noted that the Town cannot close or limit traffic on a public road. Additional signs will be added noting “Local traffic only” on either end of Niles Street. New detour signs have been ordered for Edgerton Street, Rt. 16 near Food Bag and Skinner Street. The placement of the detour signs will be
checked to be sure they are more noticeable. A question was raised regarding preventing trucks from using the road. The Chief indicated that trucks making local stops cannot be prevented from using the road. The Chief will look into any possibilities for solutions to the traffic issue. The Council and audience were reminded that the bridge construction should be completed by Columbus Day.
Public Remarks:
Rob Romano, 62 Auburn Knoll, noted that Seven Hills is not on any maps because the town has not approved the roads. He noted there are open items on the punch list for the developer that was supposed to be taken care of within 5 years, which ended July 28, 2008. He wanted to be sure the Council is aware of the issue.
Mr. Drewry noted that the developer is working on the issues and extensions have been granted for some items. Planning & Zoning is aware. Chairperson Engel indicated that Mr. Romano should attend the next Planning & Zoning meeting.
Jay Larson, 6 Niles Street, noted that the truck issues on Niles Street have been an ongoing issue, even prior to the bridge construction. He also asked that the speed limit on Niles Street be lowered to 15 mph. Chief Reimondo will check on this with the State Traffic Commission.
Brook Tegge, 5 Niles Street, noted that all pedestrians must also use Niles Street. Is there any way to make a temporary pedestrian crossing? He also asked if Niles Street could be turned into a one way street. He would also like to see the streetlight put back onto the street.
Roberta Fitzgerald, Main Street, noted that drivers do not realize the bridge is under construction until they get to it. She noted her concern for her child’s safety due to the high amount of traffic.
Ruth Tegge, 5 Niles Street, noted that her son was almost hit 5 times as he rode his bike or walked on Niles Street. She has called and reported the issues. She noted the road is unsafe and if the streetlight was returned to the street the drivers would be able to see the pedestrians.
Kimberley Fontaine, 4 Railroad Avenue, noted that as the Public Safety Officer, Chief Reimondo should be able close the road for the remaining time of construction due to prevalent dangerous conditions. Ms. Fontaine also handed out a proposal for a skatepark on the Center School playground property that was deeded to the town from the Bevin family. She also noted that the deed states that the town name the area “Bevin Park”.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, asked if she could call the Chairperson prior to meetings to get clarification on items on the agenda.
Kim Page, Midwood Farm Road, thanked the supporters of the Skate Jam. She noted she received comments from the public on what a good job the young people did this summer to keep the temporary skate park clean. She is hopeful there will be a place designated for a permanent skate park especially at the Center School.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, noted that the hot in place asphalt replacement on Abbey Road looked good.
Old (Continued) Business:
A. Creation of Clean Energy Task Force: Mr. Tuttle reviewed the goals and the suggested membership for the Clean Energy Task Force. A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Goff, to form the Clean Energy Task Force as described in the goals statement with the members presented. Voted (7-0).
B. Lake Education & Awareness Program: Chairperson Engel reported that the Lake Education & Awareness Program went well at the Boat Parade. The soil test kits and tee shirts were distributed by volunteers from Parks & Recreation. The program was well received. The banners are still up around town. Ruth Plummer will continue her efforts on the education and awareness program.
C. Angelico’s:
1. Lighting Correction: Ms. Weintraub noted that at the last Council meeting she indicated that Mr. Carey made errors regarding the pole and light at Angelico’s. She corrected CL&P's misinformation noting that the pole was put up in 1965 but the light was requested to be changed in June 2004. CL&P will be installing a shield on the light at no cost to the Mr. Angelico.
2. Policing at Closing: Chief Reimondo noted that patrols are done at all establishments that are open late in the evening. They attempt to patrol without intimidating the patrons so there is a fine line as to the number of patrols that are done.
3. Parking Lot: Chairperson Engel reported that Jim Carey issued a cease and desist on the use of the parking lot. Mr. Angelico filed a ZBA appeal so there is an automatic stay until the appeal is heard and decided upon. If the appeal is denied Mr. Angelico will have the option to go to Middlesex Superior Court. A stay also applies to that appeal.
Ms. Weintraub also noted that Angelico’s is not following the conditions put in place regarding the valet parking lot and the gate being closed at night. There is a sign noting “Additional Parking Across the Street” which should be removed. Mr. Drewry will check into the issue.
D. Skateboard Park Discussion: Chairperson Engel thanked Kimberley Fontaine for the proposals for a permanent skate park. The information will be given to CLA Engineers to review. The temporary skate park will be removed from the Center School basketball court on Friday, August 29, 2008. The Council discussed the proposed area for a permanent skate park at Center School on the field behind the Post Office. Once a conceptual plan is received from the engineers it will go to all agencies involved for review. A permanent skate park will come under the Parks & Recreation Department once created.
E. Board of Finance Suggested Ordinance Change: This item will be tabled to a future meeting.
F. Other: None
New Business:
Dog Warden Availability: Chairperson Engel reviewed an issue where a wandering dog was found but there was no Animal Control Officer to retrieve the dog until the following morning. Chief Reimondo and Mr. Drewry have been meeting with the Town of Colchester to work on forming a regional dog pound which would alleviate the issue of no Animal Control Officer being available. Chief Reimondo noted that Police Officers do not handle stray dogs. At this time there is no solution, residents are asked to try to retain the dogs until the Animal Control Office can arrive.
Special Presentations: None
Liaison Reports:
Mr. Tuttle reported that the Village Center Water project is underway and on schedule. Bids will be going out for the Bevin Sewer Project and the Skinner Street Water Extension. Chairperson Engel noted that the appraisal company is in the midst of the appraisal for the St. Clements property.
Mr. Tuttle attended the Lake Commission event at Sears Park on Thursday, August 21st. Chairperson Engel noted that she would like the Lake Commission to come to the Town Council with a solutions package to prepare for next year’s budget.
Mr. Tuttle also noted that he heard comments from three different individuals after the Lake presentation indicating that the tone of the meeting turned political. He does not feel this is appropriate. Chairperson Engel stated there should be no political posturing at any Town commission meeting.
Chairperson Engel noted that the August report from Connected to Connecticut is included in the Council packet and made available to the audience.
Remarks from the Chair: None
Report of Acting Town Manager:
A. Bevin Dam: Mr. Drewry noted he is still trying to contact the Bevin family regarding the dam. Doug Bevin was in attendance at the meeting and provided Mr. Drewry an additional phone number.
B. Main Street Bridge: Mr. Drewry reported that the construction is in process and on schedule.
C. Watrous Street: Mr. Drewry reported that the property owner did not comply with the court order. There will now be a contempt of court citation and simple trespass.
D. East High Street Property: Mr. Drewry noted that the burned out building was demolished and the final flooring area will be removed within 90 days.
E. Main Street/Route 66 Widening Project: Mr. Drewry noted that the contractor is waiting on AT&T. Poles have been relocated. At this time there is no updated time table.
Mr. Drewry also reported that the hot in place asphalt recycling should be completed within 2 weeks. The copper sulphate permit has been issued and is available through 2009 if needed. The Quiet Woods Road bid will be advertised on Friday.
Appointments:
Mr. Goff reported that interviews were completed for the Conservation Commission. The Appointments Sub Committee recommends the following individuals and terms:
Allen Petell through June 30, 2011
Patience Anderson through June 30, 2009
Thomas Sorenson through June 30, 2009
A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Tuttle to appoint the individuals listed above to the Conservation Commission. Voted (7-0).
The Zoning Board of Appeals has two vacancies due to resignations. Mr. Drewry will check with the Town Attorney on issues with filling vacancies on elected boards.
Board, Commission, Agency & Task Force Remarks: None
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations: None
Financial Transactions: None
Tax Refunds:
A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Goff, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $6,324.36. Voted (7-0).
Bids and Contracts:
A. Flanders Road Improvement: Mr. Drewry reported that five bids were received for the Flanders Road Improvement Project. He recommends the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Hugo Key & Sons, Inc. of Newport, Rhode Island in the amount of $325,505. A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to award the bid to Hugo Key & Sons, Inc. of Newport, Rhode Island in the amount of $325,505. Voted (7-0).
B. Security System Upgrades – Schools: The recommendation is to award the bid to Security Specialist in the amount of $79,986.
C. Security Door Installation & Improvements – Schools: The recommendation is to award the bid to Accurate Door & Window, LLC in the amount of $132,000.
D. Door Replacement – High School: The recommendation is to award the bid to Accurate Door & Window in the amount of $28,800.
E. Lead Removal & Stabilization – Board of Education
F. Painting – Board of Education: The recommendation is to award the bid for Lead Removal & Stabilization and Painting to Haz Pros in the amount of $37,000.
A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the bids listed above in items B through F. Voted (7-0).
Coming Up:
A. September 9 – Public Hearing re: Ordinance Creating Commission on Aging
B. September 9 – Judie Bobbi Presentation re: Pilot Program: This item may be moved to a future meeting.
C. September 23 – Public Hearing re: Ordinance Allowing Tax Exemption on Farm Buildings
Communications and Announcements:
Mr. Cordeiro handed out articles from the Maine Congress of Lake Associations and Peter L. Kallin.
Mr. Minnick reviewed an article regarding an energy assistance bill from the Senate. He also reviewed a press release related to the Lyman Viaduct repairs.
Ms. Weintraub noted that she spoke with David Fink of the Housing Partnership related to available grants.
Public Remarks:
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, asked about item 4F on the agenda. Chairperson Engel noted that the item was tabled to a future meeting.
Irene Curtis, 13 Wangonk Trail, noted that on a Sunday evening in the village center area she witnessed cars rolling through stop signs, drag racing and exhaust issues. She feels the traffic needs to be slowed down.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that she had a situation with a wandering dog on her property and she had to hold the dog overnight until Animal Control could arrive. She would like to see the issues handled with Animal Control being more readily available. She feels that the additional Animal Control Officer position that is budgeted should be filled.
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented on the deed from the Bevin family for the Center School playground area. He noted that the Facilities Committee reviewed the deed and found it would be very difficult to alter the deed. Also he felt the Lake Commission event went well and agreed that political issues should not be a part of Town boards and commissions.
Priscilla Connors, 10 Whittier Road, noted that the lake issues are not political and the boards should do the right thing for the town.
Kimberley Fontaine, 4 Railroad Avenue, thanked Mr. Drewry for working on the issues on Watrous Street.
Reserved: Chairperson Engel thanked Mr. Drewry for the 10 months he has served the Town as the Interim Town Manager and for going above and beyond in the work that he has done. He has been an advisor, a mentor and a friend and has shown solid leadership skills led with fairness and certainty. A round of applause was given to Mr. Drewry.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Voted (7-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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