Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
PUBLIC HEARING
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro (arrived 5:50 p.m.) and members, William Devine (arrived 6:25 p.m.), Christopher Goff, Scott Minnick, John Tuttle and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, Larry Wagner of L. Wagner and Associates, members of the press and many citizens.
Call to Order: Chairperson Engel called the Public Hearing to order at 5:45 p.m.
Mr. O’Keefe provided a background of the 2006 Community Development Block grant that was used at the 3 Walnut Avenue property to demolish the water tower and one building and the renovation of the pump house building. The project will be completed and the grant closed out by May 29, 2009.
Mr. O’Keefe introduced Larry Wagner of L. Wagner and Associates. Mr. Wagner provided an overview of the Community Development Block Grant and Small Cities Grant Program. The grants are available to towns with a population under 50,000. This is a state distribution system and is a competitive process. The grants are only available to certain categories of projects: economic development, community facilities, housing and social/community service.
The proposed project for the next grant is for Senior Center Renovations for $750,000. It will include an addition to the building, renovations including a new kitchen and parking.
Public Comment:
Monica Kangley, 27 Bellwood Court, asked what the small building at the 3 Walnut Avenue property is used for. Mr. Wagner noted it is the fire pump station.
Alice Stelzer, 5 Waterview Circle, commented that the Senior Center renovation is much needed.
Grace Wells, 60 Main Street, is in favor of the Senior Center renovation. She reviewed current parking issues.
Ivy Maurice, 30 Mallard Cove, noted that she thought the new kitchen facilities would be available for other meeting groups. Mr. Wagner noted that unless the meeting is senior related the kitchen would not be able to be used for other meetings.
Nelson Maurice, 30 Mallard Cove, spoke in favor of the Senior Center renovation. Parking is a major issue currently.
Robert Petell, Clark Hill Road, fully supports the Senior Center renovation.
Pat Dufour, 46 White Birch Road, supports the Senior Center renovation.
Jo Ann Ewing, Senior Center Director and Municipal Agent for the Elderly, commented that renovations to the Senior Center would be beneficial in many ways: accessibility, parking, separate rooms for activities and storage to name a few.
Carol Turner, Edgemere, is in favor of the Senior Center renovations, noting she hopes the architectural design is better than the original setup.
Donna Rizzio-O’Keefe, wife of Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe, commented that she has volunteered at the Senior Center since her husband became the Town Manager. She is fully in support of the renovations. They do the best with what they have but need more room. She noted that the Senior Center is like home to so many of the seniors.
Edward Gramath, 24 Maryann Drive, asked if the contract for the renovations would have a set completion date which would incur penalties if the project overruns that date.
Delores Pollack, 5 Childs Road, is in full support of the Senior Center renovations.
Trevor Wyllie, Skinner Street, supports the Senior Center renovations.
Gail Lutton, 43 Champion Hill Road, supports the Senior Center renovations and commented on the temperature control of the building.
Alice Stelzer, 5 Waterview Circle, commented that the seniors were never asked for their input on the original Senior Center.
Jane Wild, Champion Hill Road, asked about the design of the original Senior Center. She asked if the paint building would be included in the renovations. Mr. O’Keefe noted that the paint building is part of the Brownfield properties and would be part of a separate project – possibly additional parking – in the future. She also noted that parking is difficult for people coming to the Town Hall.
Carol Turner, Edgemere, asked if the $750,000 is enough to do the full project.
Alice Stelzer, 5 Waterview Circle, commented on the reduction of handicap parking spots at the Town Hall from two to one.
Larry Wagner thanked the seniors for the letters they have written in support of the Senior Center renovations. The more letters that the State sees, the better it will be for the grant. He encouraged anyone who hasn’t written a letter to consider writing one. They can be forwarded to the Town Manager’s office.
Ms. Weintraub asked how long the Senior Center would need to utilize the renovated space based on the grant obligation. Could the space be used for something else in the future? Mr. Wagner indicated that the use cannot be changed for 5 years. Between 5 and 20 years following the renovations the town would need to be granted permission from the Department of Economic and Community Development to change the use of the space.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to close the public hearing. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adjourn the public hearing at 6:25 p.m. Voted (7-0).
REGULAR MEETING
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro and members, William Devine, Christopher Goff, Scott Minnick, John Tuttle and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, members of the press and citizens.
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. Goff, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Special Meeting of March 24, 2009 and the Town Council Regular Meeting of March 24, 2009 as written. Voted (6-0-1) Ms. Weintraub abstained as she was not present at the meetings.
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to move the Resolution for the Community Development Block Grant Project to item 2C.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adopt the certified resolution for submittal of the Senior Center Renovation Project for application to the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). Voted (7-0).
Prior to the vote Mr. Minnick asked for clarification of what is included in the grant, have the plans gone to Inland Wetlands or Planning & Zoning and how long will the seniors be displaced? It will include an addition, renovations including a new kitchen, pavement and parking renovations and construction and design costs. The plans have not gone through Inland Wetlands or Planning and Zoning but will go through the proper channels when needed. The project will be done in phases and arrangements will be made for the time of construction.
Ms. Weintraub discussed with the Council their thoughts on the need for a separate community/senior center in the future. She also noted the Library is 4,000 square feet of needed programming space and the Library Director should be included in the planning process and decision making if the grant goes forward.
Student Reports: None
Special Presentations: Board of Finance Budget Presentation
Ted Hintz, Chairman of the Board of Finance reviewed the proposed 2009-2010 budget which includes a .38 mill increase. Ms. Weintraub reviewed a list of vendors and amounts spent that she requested from the Finance Department. She discussed potential savings if contracts with vendors are renegotiated and asked about any other possible savings for items purchased by the Town and Board of Education that we can show in our budget. Mr. Jylkka noted that the Town has been renegotiating contracts and prices with vendors. He also noted that the numbers included in Ms. Weintraub’s list of vendors includes capital projects, school food service and special education grants in addition to the operational budget.
Public Remarks:
Joanne Barmasse, 6 Tiffany Court, commented that reviewing contracts and trying to renegotiate terms is a good idea. She clarified a comment regarding the Board of Education budget’s $100,000 excess costs. This year they estimated very close to what they think they will need. There isn’t a lot of extra included. She also commented on the technology budget being reduced. Mr. Hintz noted the budget was reduced for next year but in working with the Superintendent, items were purchased this year rather than next year. Mr. O’Keefe noted that stimulus money is specifically earmarked for East Hampton schools.
Russell Oakes, 28 Quiet Woods Road, commented that towns in Florida have cut JV sports, freshman sports, band and glee club to reduce their budgets.
Sharon Kjellquist, 6 Lena Lane and Vice Chair of the Board of Finance, commented that last year discussions were held with technology vendors to get better pricing. She also noted that the $25,000 for the WPCA easement is not included in this year or last year’s budget. There is no cost to East Hampton.
Alice Stelzer, 5 Waterview Circle, asked about regionalization of animal control. Ms. Engel noted that the process is still ongoing
Peter Brown, 76 Barton Hill Road, commented that he attended a Board of Finance meeting last week and thanked Jeff O’Keefe and Jeff Jylkka for answering questions the night of the public hearing.
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that regionalization is a good way to lower operating costs and asked if the town has any other plans for regionalization.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, asked that the town leaders be open minded about regionalization. She also provided an idea request as a member of the Redevelopment Agency. She asked that the town look into sharing the cost of GIS flyovers with other groups.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that she is a proponent of a 0% increase budget. She feels the condition of the economy calls for a 0% increase.
Paul Peszynski, Day Point Road, commented that he heard that several employees have voted to not take wage increases and asked if it is true. Mr. O’Keefe noted that the town does not have knowledge of that statement.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, commented that this year there seems to be a division between the town government and the Board of Education. Her concern is that the taxpayers get the most out of the tax dollars and the level of services remains the same. She would like to see something done for those on a fixed income and would like to see a charter revision to have a split budget.
Dave Simko, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, noted that the board and the fire department are disappointed in the handling of the 2008/2009 budget. They are also displeased with the 2009/2010 budget and does not reflect the information they submitted. He has been working with Mr. Jylkka to resolve the issues. Some of their funds were put into capital rather than keeping it in their regular budget. He also noted that the Board of Fire Commissioners is working on two grants, one for $390,000 for the purchase of a tanker and one for $50,000 to replace all of their antiquated radio equipment. He also commented that the East Hampton Fire Department is awaiting an R1 supplementation to allow EMT’s to be covered at the scene of an accident.
Sharon Kjellquist, Lena Lane, commented on the Fire Department’s budget noting that funds were moved into capital because the items needed were capital items. The Board of Finance asked the Fire Commission to meet with Mr. Jylkka to come to a resolution. No meetings were held so this year’s budget was handled the same way. Meetings are now being held to resolve the issues.
Russell Oakes, 28 Quiet Woods Road, thanked the Fire Department for putting up and taking down the flags throughout town and for finding storage space for the flags. He noted that approximately 48 flags need to be replaced. The cost is $40 for a flag and holder. Mr. O’Keefe noted that the town will work with some of the civic organizations to get donations for new flags.
John Ciriello, 30 Childs Road, asked why the Board of Education hasn’t indicated where the $220,000 in cuts will be made. He asked if we could lose a teacher. Ms. Engel commented that Dr. Golden said there will be no teacher layoffs with a .38 mill budget.
Peter Brown, 76 Barton Hill Road, noted his concern for the stance of the Board of Finance toward the Fire Department. He noted the volunteer fire department costs the town far less than a paid fire department. He would like to see the issues resolved.
Joanne Barmasse, 6 Tiffany Court, noted that the teacher’s union has said no to re-opening their contract negotiations. She did note that there were savings on health care costs this year.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, noted that she didn’t imply the divisiveness between the town and the Board of Education; she indicated that she believes the residents of the town are divided between the Board of Education budget and the town budget. Also, she asked if the collection rate is reflected in the current budget.
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, commented that reductions need to be actively pursued possibly the way grants are sometimes handled with the person achieving the reduction receiving a smaller salary and a portion of what is saved.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented on the collection rate and remains concerned that the rate will be worse as more and more people are unemployed.
Ted Hintz, Chairman of the Board of Finance, commented on union contract wage freezes. Usually there is a catch up the year after the freeze occurs such as no increase this year and a double increase the following year.
Larry Prevost, 3 Niles Street, noted that he is disappointed there is no swimming pool for the elderly at the Senior Center.
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to move the Town Budget items under New Business to 6A. Voted (7-0).
New Business:
Approve and Adopt 2009-2010 Budget
Set Town Meeting Date (April 27th)
Set Budget Referendum Date (May 5th)
Ms. Engel asked each council member to provide their comments on the budget.
Mr. Minnick spoke about Ms. Weintraub’s discussion of renegotiating contracts and felt there should be a policy put in place requiring staff to renegotiate with vendors. He commented that the budget vote could be postponed to put this policy in place.
Mr. Cordeiro commented that based on conditions that are contractual a 0% increase is not possible. He is comfortable with the .38 mill increase. He would like to do better but the budget is lean already.
Mr. Goff supports the .38 mill increase. He is disappointed in the contractual salary increases for the Board of Education. He would like to see the budget lower but supports the .38 mill increase.
Mr. Tuttle supports the .38 mill increase. He noted that Dr. Golden assured the Council that there will be no loss in staff. He is disappointed that the teacher’s union did not step up. He noted that Mr. Jylkka is working hard for the town to save money where possible.
Mr. Devine supports the .38 mill increase. He would prefer .25 mill. He feels the sacrifice should start from the top down.
Ms. Engel was in favor of a 0% increase, compromised to .25 but supports the .38 mill increase. She spoke about the teacher’s contract and the percentage of their salary increases.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Devine, to adopt the 2009-2010 budget which includes a .38 mill increase, to set the Town Meeting date as Monday, April 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the High School and to set the referendum date as Tuesday, May 5, 2009. Voted (7-0).
Prior to the vote Mr. Minnick noted that .38 mills is the lowest budget in years and with the decrease in revenues that by default makes the .38 closer to 0%. He also noted that we now have a new Town Planner who will be working on economic development. We also spend $30,000 on Connected to Connecticut as we were absent a Town Planner. Now that we have a planner we don’t need Connected to Connecticut.
Mr. Goff feels that economic development is so important to the town and having both is beneficial.
Ms. Weintraub commented that salaries should be frozen where possible for department heads and staff.
Codification of Water Regulations: A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to authorize the Town Clerk to submit the approved water regulations to the codifier. Voted (7-0).
Old (Continued) Business: None
Report of the Town Manager:
Mr. O’Keefe reported on the following:
- $250,000 in stimulus funds will be received by the town for road preservation.
- The municipal water project is moving through the system for stimulus funds. An application was prepared and sent to the State.
- The Brownfields project at 13 Watrous Street has been added to the stimulus list.
- Letters to the liquor commission from Ms. Engel and many residents were reviewed.
- Todd Schrager has been appointed to the Economic Development Commission.
- Letters were received from several young people regarding a temporary skatepark at Center School again this year.
- Police Officer Charles Harmon has been appointed to permanent status.
- The R1 Supplement is in process.
- The Main Street Bridge is being paved beginning on Wednesday.
- The Angelico’s Parking lot court case has reached a settlement. More information will be forthcoming.
Report of the Public Works Director:
Keith Hayden, Director of Public Works, reviewed the following:
- Niles Street – the town does not own the entire road from Main Street to Skinner Street. A portion of the road off of Skinner Street is private property. There have been discussions regarding the town only maintaining the road in from Main Street up to the portion that is private property. The road would remain open but the town would only plow and maintain the town owned portion. The property owner would plow and maintain his portion of the road.
- Road sweeping is approximately half done. One of the sweepers broke down last week but is now operational.
- A culvert repair began on Staeth Road. The road is currently closed to thru traffic but should be open by Thursday.
- Catch basin cleaning and pothole patching will continue into the spring.
- A pavement management software program will be utilized to evaluate the roads. This program is needed to get Federal and State funds through the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
- An application will be submitted to the Accident reduction program. Stimulus funds are available for these projects. The intersection of Route 16 and Smith Street will be submitted.
- Route 66/196 project is still in process. The State is looking for stimulus funds for this project. Mr. O’Keefe will write a letter to see if the project can be moved up.
Mr. Minnick asked about the Distefano property at Main Street and Route 66. Mr. O’Keefe reported that Mr. Distefano is still committed to cleaning up the property. He has to wait until AT&T has completed their pole work.
Appointments:
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to reappoint Robert Kilpatrick and David Gizewicz as full members of the Ethics Commission and Mila Smith as an alternate on the Ethics Commission, all with a term ending date of April 30, 2013. Voted (7-0).
Liaison Reports:
Mr. Tuttle reported that the Clean Energy Expo was so successful that the Clean Energy Task Force will have a monthly Clean Energy Forum with dates scheduled for May 20 and June 17. There would be no forums in the summer but will continue in September. A different topic will be discussed at each forum.
Mr. Minnick attended the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting, there is a resolution on the agenda tonight related to the Airline trail development from Smith Street to Watrous Street.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations:
Resolution for Recreational Trails Program Grant: A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adopt the resolution required for the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection grant in the amount of $35,005.45. Voted (7-0).
Resolution for Fair Housing Action Plan: A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to adopt the Fair Housing Resolution, Fair Housing Policy Statement and Title IV Equal Opportunity Statement. Voted (7-0).
Financial Transactions: None
Tax Refunds:
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $1,077.80. Voted (7-0).
Bids and Contracts:
Review Contract Awards for Hazardous Materials Removal/Building Demolition and Exterior Improvements/Asbestos Removal at the Fire Pump building at 3 Walnut Avenue. The Hazardous Materials Removal/Building Demolition contract was awarded to the lowest qualified bidder, Wiese Construction, Inc. in the amount of $19,550.00. The Exterior Improvements/Asbestos Removal at the Fire Pump Building project was awarded to the lowest qualified bidder, P.F. Mik Construction Company, LLC in the amount of $43,949.00.
Communications and Announcements:
Mr. Minnick expressed his concern regarding Ms. Engel writing the letter to the Liquor Commission using her title as Chairperson of the Council. He is concerned about the town becoming involved in the issue.
Mr. Tuttle asked if the lake nutrient study is the plan that Tom Wells has been working on. Mr. O’Keefe noted that Mr. Wells is working on the Watershed Management Plan which includes the nutrient budget.
Public Remarks:
Jay Larson, 6 Niles Street, commented that the bridge on Niles Street is unsafe. He referred to the engineering report. It is an unsafe situation for residents and feels that signs should be posted.
Michelle Larson, 6 Niles Street, asked that since the town can condemn a building can they condemn a bridge? She submitted photos of the bridge.
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, commented on the condition of Quiet Woods Road. He provided photos of the area. He noted that the embankment was not properly erosion protected, there are issues with the catch basins and there are still potholes. He commented that the contractor should be required to fix the issues.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, asked if the flags will be able to be put up my May 9th. She is glad that 13 Watrous Street has been added to the list of stimulus projects. She asked if research can be done to find other private roads that the town is maintaining. She commented on the budget noting that the Council should send a budget to referendum that everyone believes in.
Irene Curtis, 13 Wangonk Trail, commented that the Lake Commission will be working with the Village Lions and the Garden Club on a Rain Garden Contest after Labor Day.
Reserved: None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. Voted (7-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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