Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro (arrived at 7:40 p.m.) and members, William Devine (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), Christopher Goff, Scott Minnick and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe, Town Attorney Jean D’Aquila, 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.
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to add a resolution to the agenda regarding federal aid money for the Haddam Neck Road pavement project.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Minnick, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of August 11, 2009. Ms. Weintraub requested changes to two sections. Ms. Sirois will revise the minutes and they will be voted on at the next meeting. Mr. Goff withdrew his motion.
Public Remarks:
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, commented on the State of the Town Address and asked why there is a cost of $35.
James Royster, 17 Shipyard Road, commented on the Middle Haddam Historic District Commission revised ordinance. The document is the result of the Middle Haddam Historic District Commission, Mr. O’Keefe and the Town Council and represents the appropriate and necessary changes needed to define the boundaries of the historic district and to bring the ordinance in line with State Statute.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented on the State of the Town Address and asked if there is a suitable venue in town, expressed her concern over the fee and asked about the awards that will be given to Council members.
Peter Brown, Barton Hill Road, commented that it is a wonderful idea to recognize the Council members.
Old Business:
Review of Middle Haddam Historic District Revised Ordinance: Attorney Jean D’Aquila noted that the goals of the revision were to identify the properties within the district. The changes bring the ordinance into compliance with current statutory law. The boundaries of the district have not changed but are now more clearly defined. The draft of the revised ordinance should now be sent to the Middle Haddam Historic District Commission for their review and input. After the Historic District Commission reviews the document then a public hearing should be scheduled.
Update on Noise Control Initiatives: Mr. O’Keefe reviewed a report of noise meter readings taken by a police officer on August 15, 2009. Five officers will be trained on the decibel meter. Mr. Angelico has submitted plans to the Planning & Zoning Commission for noise barriers. An acoustics consultant may be utilized to review the plans. Mr. O’Keefe also spoke with the noise enforcement division of the DEP to gain further insight into noise mitigation options. He was also informed that noise ordinances need to be approved through DEP.
Princess Pocotopaug Taxing District: Mr. O’Keefe reported that the results of the title search for the property known as South Beach in the Princess Pocotopaug Taxing District have concluded that the property is owned by the taxing district, not the town. The Assessor’s office will begin assessing taxes to the taxing district on this property.
Report of the Town Manager:
Mr. O’Keefe attended a meeting regarding probate courts. East Hampton is still grouped with Middletown.
Mr. O’Keefe and Kerry Nielson are working on developing an RFP in conjunction with the Conservation-Lake Commission and the Friends of the Lake to investigate aeration systems for the lake. The Friends of the Lake have committed up to $25,000 toward aeration systems. There will be a special meeting scheduled with the Town Council and the Conservation-Lake Commission to review the report from AECOM with Ken Wagner.
Mike Rose has been appointed to the Conservation-Lake Commission to fill the opening of the member that was removed. Mr. O’Keefe provided an overview of the removal of the member and the background of the new member.
Stimulus funding in the amount of $214,000 has been awarded to move forward with the reclamation of Haddam Neck Road. $25,000 has also been received from CT Yankee which will be used toward the town’s portion.
Mr. Goff asked the Council members for their copies of the Town Manager’s performance review to tabulate the reviews. It was agreed that the performance reviews would be forwarded to the Human Resources Coordinator, Lisa Seymour, for tabulation. An executive session will be held prior to the next Council meeting for discussion.
New Business:
Adoption of Clean Energy Task Force Strategic Energy Plan: Mr. O’Keefe commended Mr. Tuttle and the Clean Energy Task Force for their work on the energy plan. Mr. Tuttle provided an overview of the Strategic Energy Plan which outlines the strategy to assess and act on various categories of energy use. One correction will be made to the document to change the word Portland to East Hampton under Recommendations Section 5. Ms. Weintraub asked if there is a cost benefit analysis available for a town energy manager. A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Devine, to adopt the East Hampton Energy Plan with the correction noted. Voted (6-0).
Discussion of Vintage Signage: Ms. Engel discussed the original East Hampton sign from the corner of Route 66 and Main Street. She would like to see the sign replaced at that intersection. Also, the Rotary Club will be refurbishing the bow and arrow sign on Route 66. The brush around the sign will also be cleaned up. Ms. Engel will talk to the owner of the building at Route 66 and Main Street in case the sign would be on his property. If the sign is on state property, the DOT would have to approve the placement. Ms. Engel noted that maybe there can be a second sign placed in the village center. By consensus, barring any placement issues, the Council agreed that the sign should be put back at the intersection near the original location.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations:
Proclamation for Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Awareness Month: Mr. Goff read the proclamation for the Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Awareness Month. A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Devine, to approve the proclamation as read. Voted (6-0).
Adoption of Resolutions for Barton and Middlesex Land Trust Easement Agreements: Ms. Engel reviewed the easement agreements with Jarvis Barton and the Middlesex Land Trust. These easements have been offered for no monetary payment. The only cost will be to move Mr. Barton’s septic system and to solve a drainage issue, which are actions brought on by the town’s needs. The Council discussed boat launching from the properties. Mr. O’Keefe noted that the easement agreements will need to go to DEP for review after they are signed. A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to adopt the resolution to authorize the Town Manager to enter into sanitary land easement agreements with Jarvis Barton and Middlesex Land Trust. Voted (5-1) Ms. Weintraub against.
Mr. Minnick asked if there is a finalized agreement for the easement at St. Clements. Mr. O’Keefe provided a document to the Council. There are still maps and exhibits to come which will be available prior to the Town Meeting.
Mr. Cordeiro arrived at the meeting.
Mr. Minnick and Ms. Weintraub asked if there will be a paper ballot at the Town Meeting. Ms. Engel noted it is the moderator’s discretion. Attorney D’Aquila explained the statute. The Council discussed voting and attendance procedures for the Town Meeting. The clerk will be prepared for a paper ballot if needed.
Resolution for Pavement Rehabilitation on Haddam Neck Road: A motion was made by Mr. Devine, seconded by Mr. Goff, to authorize Jeffery O’Keefe to sign the agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Town of East Hampton for the construction, inspection and maintenance of Pavement Rehabilitation on Haddam Neck Road utilizing federal funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Voted (7-0).
Bids and Contracts: None
Appointments: None
Liaison Reports:
Ms. Weintraub attended the Housing Authority Meeting. There are currently no vacancies and a wait list of 14 singles and 3 couples. The Housing Authority will be utilizing some of their savings from the PILOT program to purchase handicap accessible doors at Chatham Acres and Bellwood Court.
Ms. Weintraub met with the Streetscape Committee and town staff to review the material and locations for the wayfinding signs. They will be meeting next week with prototype signs to again look at locations.
Mr. Minnick reported at the last Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting a plaque was presented to the Wild Family in honor of past Chairman Jim Wild, who passed away.
Mr. Tuttle reported on the Clean Energy Task Force meetings. The revolving loan program they discussed for energy efficiency in the home was determined to already have a program in place. Another forum will be held at St Clements for education for residents.
Mr. Goff attended the EDC meeting. They discussed the Business of the Month program and sent a letter of support for the easements for the water source.
Ms. Engel noted there was no Senior Moment meeting but they had a picnic. The Commission on Aging will be holding a special meeting on Wednesday, September 9th at 10am for a presentation from myseniorcenter.org and their regular meeting will be held on Thursday, September 10th at 3pm.
Mr. Goff also noted that he and Ms. Engel attended the 100th birthday party for Gladys Smith and presented the proclamation from the Town Council.
Financial Statements and Transactions: None
Tax Refunds:
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $22,165.47. Voted (7-0).
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements:
Several documents were available for review by the Council.
Coming Up:
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2009.
Ms. Weintraub reported two calls she received regarding animal control noting that dispatch indicated that the officers only check in twice a day. Mr. O’Keefe noted that the animal control officers are paged when needed. The website will be updated with information.
Public Remarks:
William Choma, 20 Namonee Trail, commented on South Beach and some road conveyance issues to the association and the town. He also noted an animal control issue he was involved in over the past couple of weeks.
A letter from Fran Klein of 12 Bellevue Street was read by her daughter Rhea Klein regarding noise issues at Angelico’s Restaurant. The letter will be included with the minutes of the meeting filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, asked about the formerly burned out building on Route 66 near Old Marlborough Road, the trailers being stored at Route 196 and Main Street and if the new streetlight in front of town hall is hooked up yet. Mr. O’Keefe noted it is being worked on.
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, asked if the easements for Middlesex Land Trust and Jarvis Barton will be executed prior to the Town Meeting. Ms. Engel noted they will not be executed until the St. Clements and Greer properties are secured at the Town Meeting. Mr. Dostaler also commented on his disappointment over the removal of John Ciriello from the Conservation-Lake Commission.
Irene Curtis, Wangonk Trail, commented on her disappointment on the removal of John Ciriello from the Conservation-Lake Commission.
John Ciriello, Childs Road, commented that he was invited to a meeting with Mr. O’Keefe prior to his dismissal but with no topic available for the meeting he chose not to attend.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, asked if there has been any decision on the Small Cities grant for the Senior Center expansion. She commented on the concerns of Angelico’s being singled out but feels Angelico’s have singled themselves out being the only restaurant with outside music. She also noted her disappointment on the removal of John Ciriello from the Conservation-Lake Commission.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, noted her disappointment on the removal of John Ciriello from the Conservation-Lake Commission. She feels individuals should be able to have different opinions.
Ms. Weintraub agreed with Ms. Wasilewski.
Mr. Tuttle noted that he listened to the recording of the last Conservation-Lake Commission Meeting and supports the Town Manager’s decision to remove Mr. Ciriello from the Conservation-Lake Commission.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that regardless of the circumstances, people should be allowed to disagree.
Reserved: None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Voted (7-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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