Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
East Hampton High School Library
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman John Tuttle, Council members Thomas Cordeiro, Christopher Goff 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 and Barbara Moore
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 Ms. Weintraub, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of March 9, 2010. Voted (4-0-1) Mr. Tuttle abstained.
Public Remarks:
Fran Klein, Bellevue Street, provided a letter to the Council requesting that the Council revisit a Noise Ordinance. The letter will be included in the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that the noise issues need to be addressed. She commented that she is troubled by an article she read in the newspaper about an amphitheater being proposed for Sears Park and a concern over the noise that could be generated. She also feels the Sears Park sticker fees should not be waived for the anniversary year.
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, commented that he feels the the Sears Park sticker fees should not be waived for the year. He also commented on the information provided on the agenda report.
Tom Wells, North Main Street, commented that he is in favor of the town continuing to clear the sidewalks and he reviewed the costs of clearing the sidewalks.
Old Business:
2010 Sears Park Decal Fees:
Earlier in the year the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board requested that Town Council consider waiving the vehicle sticker fee for Sears Park for the 2010 season to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the park. The item had been tabled to wait for budget figures. Mr. O’Keefe noted that based on budget constraints it is recommended that the fees remain the same as last year. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board now agrees with that recommendation.
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to keep the Sears Park decal fees for 2010 the same as 2009. Voted (5-0).
Ruth Plummer, Director of Parks & Recreation, noted that a special event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the park will be held in June with no fee charged for entrance to the park. The Council also suggested that an additional special event day be held each month during July and August with no fee charged.
Set Town Meeting Date for Memorial School Roof & Underground Oil Tank
Replacement:
The Memorial School roof and underground oil tank replacement projects were approved at the Town Council meeting of February 23, 2010. It was voted that the vote would be held at a Town Meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the following resolution: “RESOLVED, that the Town Council hereby authorizes the Chairman of the Town Council to call a Special Town Meeting to be held on the 26th day of April, 2010 in the auditorium at the East Hampton High School, 15 North Maple Street, in East Hampton, at 7:00 p.m., to act upon a resolution regarding the costs in connection with improvements to Memorial Elementary School consisting of the replacement of all or portions of the roof, removal and replacement of a fuel oil tank and related work”. Voted (5-0).
The call of the meeting would include a “not to exceed” amount as the full engineering and design work cannot be completed until after the project is approved.
Student Council Report:
Erik Harper from the High School reported the following:
- A Red Cross blood drive was held last Tuesday at the High School. Many students and teachers donated blood to help save three lives per donation.
- Spring sports are starting this week and the teams will be training to get ready for a great 2010 season.
- The prom fashion show is Thursday, March 25th for students to see models of dresses and tuxedos that they may rent along with raffle prizes.
- The benefit basketball game that is held every year will be held on April 8th and will consist of many grade teams as well as faculty teams that play for a good cause.
- The high school is doing well overall.
New Business:
Discussion with Superintendent of Schools Concerning School Busing Issues and Receipt of Letter Concerning East Hampton Education Association Contract:
Superintendent of Schools Judith Golden provided an overview of the recent school bus violations and what is being done to correct the situation. A letter from Nichols Bus Service, a copy of the Board of Education agenda reporting form and a letter from Dr. Golden to Mr. Nichols will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office. Dr. Golden answered questions of the Council regarding this matter.
A revised letter dated March 22, 2010 from Michael Vasquenza, Chairman of the Board of Education, was reviewed regarding the East Hampton Education Association (EHEA) contract. A copy of the letter will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, that the Town Council will accept for review and approval only the contract changes submitted by the Board of Education, and approved by the East Hampton Education Association. No other sections of the current EHEA contract will be changed. Voted (5-0).
Report of the Town Manager:
Mr. O’Keefe reported that the town has received a grant from Pepsi. Pepsi will participate in the Lake Clean-Up Day on May 8, 2010 with many promotional activities.
Ms. Engel reported that the option for an amphitheater at Sears Park is an idea that was discussed by the O’Neill Park Committee. The options will be brought before Council for full discussion and approval.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations:
Mr. O’Keefe reviewed an opportunity for the Town of East Hampton to participate in a grant application with the towns of Glastonbury and Portland for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to approve the resolution for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. Voted (5-0).
Bids and Contracts: None
Appointments: None
Financial Statements and Transactions: None
Tax Refunds:
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $4,072.49. Voted (5-0).
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements:
A packet of communications was provided to the Council members.
Public Remarks:
Don Coolican, Board of Education Member, commented on the average cost per student figures that were reported in the newspaper.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that she attended the Board of Education meeting and is very concerned about the bus issue. She feels the article in the Courant is being minimized and someone should be held accountable.
Fran Klein, Bellevue Street, thanked Dr. Golden for her report. She would like to see a cost analysis of the staff time used to resolve the busing issues.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that the full Council should discuss the location of the O’Neill Memorial before letters are sent to the State and STEAP applications are altered.
Sal Nucifora, 147 Colchester Avenue, commented on a development being planned at 140 Colchester Avenue. He thought maybe the property could be used for economic development. Letters were sent to the neighbors of that property regarding an upcoming hearing. Ms. Engel noted that she believes this is an approved development and he may want to attend the hearing to voice his concerns.
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that approximately 30 people contacted him regarding the school bus issues and people are concerned. The information from the Superintendent was good and may take a while to re-build the trust with the bus company.
Reserved: None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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