Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman John Tuttle, Council members Thomas Cordeiro, Christopher Goff, Barbara Moore and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, members of the press and citizens.
Not Present: William Devine
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. Cordeiro, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Organizational Meeting of November 4, 2009 and the Town Council Regular Meeting of November 10, 2009. Voted (6-0).
Student Council Report: None
Special Presentation:
Lance Q. Johnson from the East Hampton Commission on Aging, accompanied by fellow Commission on Aging member Ann McLaughlin, provided an overview of the Commission’s work to date. Mr. Johnson reviewed the Mission Statement and Goals for the Commission and provided an overview of projects they are currently working on such as transportation, donations, grant opportunities, compiling contact information for seniors and a computerized sign in system at the Senior Center.
Public Remarks:
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that she is disappointed that her suggestion of allowing the public to be able to discuss agenda items was not included on the agenda for discussion. She is hopeful the Council will reconsider that suggestion. Also, she would like it noted that at the November 10th Council meeting she explained that she had done her homework about the issue of John Ciriello being removed from the Conservation-Lake Commission. She listened to the tapes three times and wanted it known that she did her research on the subject. She also asked that the Council think about the upcoming budget season and would like the budget policy statement to be more specific, not just generalities.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, asked if the new GIS system is able to assist in the research for the item under Old Business for the Property Abutting the Middle School Athletic Complex and if it will be available to other commissions to research other properties. Also, regarding the budget policy statement, as a member of the Board of Finance, she would rather have general guidance than specifics.
A motion was made by Ms. Engel, seconded by Mr. Goff, to add two items under New Business; Landscape Subcommittee and Discussion on a Charter Revision Committee. Voted (6-0).
New Business:
Landscape Subcommittee: Chairperson Engel would like the Council to create a subcommittee to review town owned properties that can be improved such as the water tower property. The subcommittee would consist of Barbara Moore as the Chairperson, Susan Weintraub, Public Works Director Keith Hayden and Parks & Recreation Director Ruth Plummer. A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to create the Landscape Subcommittee. Voted (6-0).
Charter Revision Committee: Chairperson Engel noted that the last Charter revision occurred in 1987. There are some items that should be reviewed and updated. She noted that there is a very specific procedure/timeline for charter revision. At the next Council meeting, Mr. O’Keefe will provide a packet of information from Attorney Jean D’Aquila on the specifics of the procedures. Ms. Weintraub also noted that the Council should look at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities packet of information on the charter revision process and also research some towns that have recently done charter revisions and provide costs. Chairperson Engel would like the Council to think about residents they feel would be a good member of a commission.
Old Business:
Property Abutting Middle School Athletic Complex: Mr. O’Keefe reviewed the information presented by Parks & Recreation Director Ruth Plummer regarding the property abutting the Middle School Athletic Complex. It was noted that due to the slope on the property it would not be able to be used as a ball field and the property would not help the current drainage issues. The Council determined that there was not enough reason to purchase the property. No action was taken on this item.
Town Council Priorities: Chairperson Engel reviewed the list of items presented by Mr. O’Keefe for possible Council priorities. Ms. Engel would like the Council members to review the list and provide a listing of their Top 5 items in order and note why they feel the item is a priority. Items other than those listed can be included.
Report of the Town Manager:
Mr. O’Keefe reported that Carol Ann Tyler was appointed as the Assessor. She has been filling in as the Interim Assessor for the last few months. The applicants were narrowed down to 10 candidates that were interviewed and then to two final candidates. Carol Ann did an excellent job in her interview and has done a great job in the interim period.
The Land Use Summit will be held on Saturday, December 5th at St. Clements Castle. Two towns will be picked as pilot towns and it is hoped that East Hampton will be picked as one of the pilot towns.
A ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 1st at 4:00 pm at Governor’s Tavern for the presentation and naming of the Route 66 corridor from Cobalt to Marlborough to Governor William O’Neill Highway.
On Saturday, December 5th the Village Holiday event will be held. A full holiday calendar will be in the Rivereast on Friday, November 27th and Friday, December 4th. The Rotary Club Breakfast with Santa will also be held on Saturday morning, December 5th.
Mr. O’Keefe reported that a veteran stopped into his office and asked about the possibility of an ordinance for a full property tax exemption for totally disabled veterans. Mr. O’Keefe will bring information to the next Council meeting on this subject.
Ms. Weintraub addressed the subject of the Emergency Management Coordinator as brought up by Dale Maynard at the last meeting. She referenced Chapter 41 – Emergency Management Ordinance – noting that there is supposed to be a civil preparedness agency under the direction of the Emergency Management Coordinator. Mr. O’Keefe will look into this ordinance.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations:
Proclamation – National American Indian Heritage Month and Proclamation – Eagle Scout
Proclamations were prepared for the National American Indian Heritage Month and for Eagle Scout Brian Klotzbier. Mr. Goff will attend the Eagle Scout ceremony on Saturday, December 12th.
Bids and Contracts: None
Appointments:
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Ms. Weintraub to accept the resignations of Tim Csere from Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and Duncan McNeil, Patience Anderson and John Jordon from the Conservation-Lake Commission. Voted (6-0). Tim Csere and Patience Anderson were recently elected to the Board of Finance.
Subcommittee Appointments: Chairperson Engel provided a listing to Council members of Town Council subcommittees and board appointments. The listing will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
Financial Statements and Transactions:
End of Year Transfers/Additional Appropriation: Jeff Jylkka, Finance Director, provided an overview of the end of year transfers and additional appropriations. The listings of transfers and appropriations will be included in the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve the end of year transfers and the additional appropriations. Voted (6-0).
Tax Refunds:
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $2,280.49. Voted (7-0).
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements:
Mr. Cordeiro announced that the Podium Players will be performing Suessical at the High School on December 4th, 5th and 6th.
Public Remarks:
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that she feels it was prudent to not move forward on the land acquisition but asked how it will affect the cross country course at the Middle School. Mr. O’Keefe noted there will be no impact, the team does not currently run on that property. She also commented on the Landscape Subcommittee item being added to the agenda tonight. She noted it wasn’t put on the agenda for the public to make comment, noting that may be an FOI violation. She noted there may have been public comment on that item if it was posted for the public to view and residents may have been interested in being on the subcommittee. Ms. Engel commented that the subcommittee is made up of Council and staff members, but residents may provide comment to the Landscape Committee on
suggestions for the properties.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that she is bothered by the response given to the last comment and she is bothered by the way it looks that this Council is going to work. She believes the Council should try to obtain the public’s input. She noted that Council priorities are being discussed but no input is being allowed by the public. She feels things are being decided without public input. She doesn’t agree with many of the priorities listed on the agenda item.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Gene Maheu, HTNP, introduced their new reporter, Kelly, who will be reporting for the town of East Hampton. He would also like the Council to reconsider allowing a link to their website on the town’s website.
Ms. Engel commented that the list of Council priorities was created by the Town Manager as a guideline. The Council still needs to discuss the priorities and the budget will be considered when listing their priorities. Mr. O’Keefe also noted that the first Let’s Talk East Hampton will address Council priorities and the public will be able to provide their input.
Reserved: Carol Ann Tyler, the newly named Assessor, came in to the meeting to receive congratulations on her new position.
Ms. Engel wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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