Town of East Hampton
Town Council Public Hearing and Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
PUBLIC HEARING – CONSERVATION-LAKE COMMISSION ORDINANCE
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro and members, William Devine (arrived 6:05 p.m.), Christopher Goff and John Tuttle. Also present were Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, members of the press and citizens.
Not Present: Scott Minnick and Susan Weintraub
Call to Order: Chairperson Engel called the Public Hearing to order at 5:55 p.m.
Public Comment:
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that he feels it is unfortunate that the two commissions will be combined. It is quite a bit of responsibility for one commission. He feels it will diffuse the talent needed to fix the lake.
Tom Wells, North Main Street, provided two possible changes to the Conservation-Lake Commission ordinance. Item 20-2 K should include natural resources. Item 20-3 Paragraph 2 should read “will assist as the conduit”. He feels combining the commissions will be a detriment to the lake effort.
John Ciriello, Childs Road, commented that the Council should consider Mr. Wells’ remarks. He noted he is against the merger of the commissions, feels it is poorly planned and it will disrupt what the Lake Commission has already accomplished.
Paul Peszynski, Day Point Road, asked what brought the consultant to the conclusion to combine the two commissions.
John Ciriello, 30 Childs Road, commented that he would like five reasons why the commissions should be joined.
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented on the recommendations from a 1995 Lake Pocotopaug Management Report and listed goals that were accomplished.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that there are no sound arguments that the combined Conservation-Lake Commission will be able to accomplish their goals. She would like to see both Commissions continue to operate independently.
A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Goff, to close the Public Hearing at 6:20 p.m. Voted (5-0).
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. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of April 28, 2009 as written. Voted (5-0-2) Mr. Devine and Mr. Minnick abstained as they were not present at the meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Goff, to move Item 6A Tax Abatements to Item 2B. Voted (7-0).
Tax Abatements:
Mr. Minnick recused himself from this item as it relates to properties involving Mr. Wayne Rand. Nancy Hasselman, Collector of Revenue, reviewed the tax abatement of Blue Heron Drive, Pocotopaug Drive, Rear Pocotopaug Drive, Island View Terrace, Auburn Knoll, Seven Hills Crossing, Hyde Farm Terrace and Anderson Way. The tax abatement is standard procedure as these roads have been conveyed to the town. A refund was also granted to Mr. Rand in the amount of $403.77 on prior taxes paid on these properties. Voted (6-0).
Mr. Minnick returned to the meeting.
Student Reports: None
Special Presentations: Board of Finance Budget Presentation
Ted Hintz, Chairman of the Board of Finance, reported that at the Board of Finance Special Meeting that concluded just prior to the Town Council Meeting, by a vote of 4-2, the Board of Finance voted to remove an additional $200,000 from the Board of Education’s budget. This will result in a new .20 mill rate increase.
Public Remarks:
Alison Bliss, Arden Drive, commented on a letter in the Rivereast regarding turning the basketball court and tennis courts at Sears Park into a parking lot. She feels that would be a bad thing for the town. She would rather see a newer playground and more garbage/recycling bins.
Richard Norkun, Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, commented that the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board did not recommend the temporary skate park be placed at Sears Park. He noted that the location at Center School as last year would be a better choice.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, asked why there is a retroactive refund for the tax abatement for Mr. Rand. She also asked why there was no line item review of the Town Manager’s budget this year as was done in past years.
Barbara Moore, Board of Finance Member, commented that the Board of Finance did thoroughly go through every line in the budget book. They worked closely in open discussions about the budget with the Town Manager.
Kim Fontaine, 4 Railroad Avenue, thanked the Council for including the temporary skate park item on the agenda. She noted that the temporary skate park at Sears Park is not the ideal situation but she does fully support the temporary park at that location. A permanent park is needed and is important to the kids.
Carol Williams, Emily Lane, stated her disappointment on the amount of budget cuts to the Education budget and her concern over class size.
Kim Page, 99 Midwood Farm Road, expressed her support for a temporary and a future permanent skate park at Sears Park. She also asked why, if the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board was against a temporary skate park at Sears Park, is there is an option for a skate park in the permanent plan.
Brandon Schuler, Bear Swamp Road, asked if there is a temporary skate park at Sears Park, can out of town residents use the park?
Dalton Page, 99 Midwood Farm Road, commented that he is in favor of the temporary skate park at Sears Park.
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, thanked the Council for the work they did for the Main Street Bridge and the cleanup done at 3 Walnut Avenue.
Richard Norkun, Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, provided a response to Ms. Page about the skate park being included as an option in the permanent Sears Park Plan, he noted that the designer was told to include that as an option, it wasn’t the board’s idea.
Bunny Simko, Long Hill Road, commented that the difference in the budget vote was only 104 votes, she feels a $200,000 cut is a bit drastic.
Peter Brown, 76 Barton Hill Road, commented about finger pointing at various boards since the budget went down, he feels it is unfair and we need to look at those who did not vote.
Beth Tolhurst, commented that if a possible permanent skate park will be at Sears Park, it is fair to the neighbors to see how it will work with a temporary park.
John Ciriello, 30 Childs Road, asked what the temporary skate park will cost the town. He also noted that he does not support the cuts to education.
Alison Bliss, Arden Drive, noted that she would love to see a skate park at Sears Park but she would like to see the young people wearing helmets and pads.
Tristan Bush, Long Crossing Road, commented that there is no place to skate and the skaters deserve a chance.
New Business:
Approve and Adopt 2009-2010 Revised Budget
Set Town Meeting Date (May 26th)
Set Budget Referendum Date (June 2nd)
Mr. Cordeiro commented that he understands the economic conditions but does not support the cut of $200,000 from Education. The 104 vote difference is not a mandate. He would rather send it back to Board of Finance and feels $100,000 is much more attainable.
Ms. Weintraub commented in speaking with members of the public, the cuts are not enough. She asked about savings through state contracts, where do the savings go? Can savings be quantified and utilized to reduce the budget. She asked if there are savings options in Professional Services. She questioned the per pupil expenditure figures. Dr. Golden, Superintendent of Schools, noted that the figures are from the Strategic School Profile and include regular education only. Ms. Weintraub is also concerned with the money being spent on Connected to Connecticut and she spoke about foregoing staff salary increases. She feels more items need to be looked at in the budget. Ms. Weintraub agrees with the $200,000 cut in education and would like more cuts from general government.
Mr. Devine commented that people would like to see a 0% increase but he doesn’t believe it is possible. He would agree to $150,000 cut from education and $50,000 from general government.
Mr. Tuttle doesn’t believe the vote was a mandate. He believes the $200,000 proposed cut from education is too much. It puts a burden on class size and student athletes. He would support a lesser cut, $100,000, with a portion from education and a portion from general government.
Mr. Goff also feels the $200,000 cut from education is too much. He would support a $100,000 cut with a percentage split between education and general government.
Mr. Minnick feels that the $200,000 cut from only education is too much. He asked Mr. Jylkka if there is a way to renegotiate debt services. Mr. Jylkka noted that we have already refinanced. Mr. Minnick commented that there is a lack of trust in general government by the public. He feels general government should look at possible cuts such as vendor renegotiations, Connected to CT and non-union salaries. He would support a cut of $100,000 from education and $100,000 from general government.
Ms. Engel noted that she supports the $200,000 cut but would support $150,000 from education and $50,000 from general government.
A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Ms. Weintraub, to approve the revised budget with $150,000 being taken from the Board of Education budget and $50,000 being taken from the General Government budget. Voted (4-3) Mr. Cordeiro, Mr. Goff and Mr. Tuttle against.
A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Goff, to set the Town Meeting date of May 26, 2009 and the Referendum date of June 2, 2009. Voted (7-0).
Old (Continued) Business:
Temporary Skate Park at Sears Park: The Council discussed the option of a temporary skate park at Sears Park. The town would be responsible for putting a fence between the park and the basketball court and fixing the asphalt surface. The skate ramps would be built again by the skaters and volunteers. The skate park will be under the supervision of the Parks & Recreation department. A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to approve a temporary skate park at Sears Park this summer, with the appropriate signs posted, and regular updates to be received on issues from Parks & Recreation and the Police Department. Voted (6-1) Mr. Minnick against.
Report of the Town Manager:
Mr. O’Keefe reported on the following:
- Support letters were received from Eileen Daily, Midstate Regional Planning and Gail Hamm for the Community Development Block Grant.
- The town is getting quotes to hook up the Library/Senior Center to the Village Water System. Quotes will also be received to convert the Library/Senior Center to geothermal.
- In speaking with the Town Attorney, she noted the letter sent by Ms. Engel to the Liquor Commission regarding Dalton’s Pub put no liability on the town, in fact it was due diligence on the town’s part.
- The Plan of Conservation & Development implementation checklist will be put on a future council agenda to discuss the items that relate to commissions.
- Jack Solomon has been appointed to the Economic Development Commission with a term through December 31, 2013.
Appointments:
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to accept the resignation of Peter Bergan from the Conservation Commission. Voted (7-0).
Liaison Reports:
Ms. Weintraub reported that the Senior Housing Survey is underway. Copies have been available throughout town and were inserted into the Rivereast.
Mr. Minnick reported that the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board is working on a construction grant to extend the Airline Trail from Smith Street to the municipal parking lot in the Village Center.
Mr. Tuttle reported that the Board of Education Personnel Committee is currently negotiating the paraprofessional contract. The secretary contract will be going to arbitration. The new security systems at the schools are active. The systems include a buzzer and intercom system to allow monitored access to the schools during school hours. The Middle School received used computers from the Department of Agriculture for the classrooms.
Mr. Tuttle reminded everyone of the Clean Energy Forum on May 20th at the Middle School Commons.
Mr. Goff reported that the Commission on Aging will be holding their first meeting soon.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations:
Adoption of Conservation-Lake Commission Ordinance: The Council discussed their thoughts on the combining of the Conservation and Lake Commissions. Ms. Engel requested that a Watershed Management Plan be available by November 15, 2009 with yearly updates to the plan. A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adopt the Conservation-Lake Commission Ordinance with the changes discussed. Voted (5-2) Mr. Minnick and Ms. Weintraub against.
Adoption of MTBE Settlement Resolution: A motion was made by Ms. Weintraub, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, as follows: Be it resolved by the Town Council of the Town of East Hampton that Town Manager, Jeffery J. O’Keefe, is hereby authorized to sign all MTBE settlement documents involving Exxon and related entities on behalf of the Town of East Hampton. Voted (7-0).
Financial Transactions: None
Tax Refunds:
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Devine, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $631.38. Voted (7-0).
Bids and Contracts: None
Coming Up:
Old Home Day representatives will be coming before the Council soon regarding insurance and police protection.
Public Remarks:
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, gave his comments against the combining of the Lake and Conservation Commissions. He noted his disappointment.
John Ciriello, 30 Childs Road, provided his comments against the combining of the Lake and Conservation Commissions.
Alison Bliss, 12 Arden Drive, commented that this is the first Council meeting she has attended. She asked about a Master Plan for the town. She feels there would be a better location for the temporary skate park. She also provided her perceptions of the meeting.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, asked about the progress of putting the audio files on the town website. She asked about the grant for the Airline Trail and concerns from the Brownfields Redevelopment Agency about contaminated sites in that area.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, asked when the Conservation-Lake Commission ordinance will be effective. Ms. Engel noted it will be effective 20 days after publication, with the approximate effective date of June 3, 2009. A meeting of the combined group will be scheduled following that date.
Al Petell, 224 Clark Hill Road, commented he is on the Conservation Commission. He is looking forward to working with the combined commission and helping to solve the lake problems.
Reserved:
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to send the abolishment of the Lake Pocotopaug Commission ordinance and the Conservation Commission ordinance to a public hearing on May 26, 2009. Voted (5-2) Mr. Minnick and Ms. Weintraub against.
Ms. Engel confirmed with the Town Manager that police patrols will be done at Chatham Acres around midnight each night. Mr. O’Keefe noted that he has informed the Police Chief of the needed patrols.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Devine, 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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