Town of East Hampton
Public Hearing
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
PUBLIC HEARING: Additional Appropriations Ordinance
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro and members, Christopher Goff, Scott Minnick, John Tuttle and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, citizens and members of the press.
Not Present: William Devine
Call to order: Chairperson Engel called the Public Hearing to order at 6:10 p.m.
Mr. O’Keefe provided an overview of the changes proposed to the Additional Appropriations Ordinance. The proposed changes are being recommended by the Board of Finance to clarify the existing language as it relates to the word “recommended”. With the proposed changes the Town Council could override a vote by the Board of Finance for amounts over $25,000 by going to a Town Meeting. The proposed changes also address alignment issues with the Town Charter.
Public Remarks:
Kurt Comisky, Wopowog Road and Board of Finance Member, supports the proposed changes to the ordinance noting that it would make the wording more clear.
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, asked if the changes mean that any amounts under $25,000 would need to be approved and asked to confirm that the word “approved” being added does not conflict with the Town Charter. Mr. O’Keefe noted that amounts under $25,000 do not apply.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that there seems to be quite a bit of confusion related to the funds whether over or under $25,000. She also commented on the funds expended by the Board of Finance to get legal review of an ordinance that is under the Town Council’s purview. Ms. Dostaler also noted that a change to the ordinance cannot clarify the charter; that would require a charter change.
Chairperson Engel closed the public hearing at 6:30 p.m.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Ms. Weintraub, to adjourn the Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. Voted (6-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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