Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman John Tuttle and Council members Thomas Cordeiro, Christopher Goff, Barbara Moore (arrived at 6:40 p.m.) 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. ~
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of May 25, 2010 as amended. Voted (5-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to add and move the following items:
Add to Old Business – Noise Control Task Force
Add to New Business – Response to Harassment Claims
Add to New Business – Solar Lease
Move Items 9A/B to follow Student Council Reports
Voted (4-1) Ms. Weintraub against.
Student Council Reports:
Erik Harper from the High School provided the following report:
- The High School is winding down. Sports are coming to a close. Each team had a great spring season. The school has three Class S state champions for track and field this year. Nate Abraham and Andrea Galanto both won the state championships in pole vault and Elizabeth Plummer won the 300 hurdles.
- Finals are fast approaching and students are beginning to review for their last tests of the year. Seniors are anxious to be done with school as well as the other classmates anxious to move up.
- The sports award banquet is Friday followed by a picnic for all athletes at the YMCA camp in Portland.
- The top ten are being recognized tonight and have already received their medals from the school at Senior Awards Night that took place on Thursday, June 3rd.
- All students will be attending an awards ceremony on Friday in which student achievements throughout the year will be recognized in front of the whole student body.
This will be Erik’s last report to the Council and to the town as he is graduating High School and will be leaving for the Air Force Academy shortly after graduation. He thanked the Council for the opportunity to be the High School representative. The Council provided their congratulations to Erik and best wishes at the Air Force Academy.
Ms. Engel announced that the Middle School Scholar Leader Award was presented to Brandon Goff and Madison Savage.
The East Hampton/Vinal Tech Football team is in spring training in anticipation of the fall season, thanks to the East Hampton Sports Boosters and private donations.
Ms. Moore arrived at the meeting at this time.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations:
Adoption of Resolution for Memorial School Roof & Oil Tank Replacement:
The certified resolutions will allow the Board of Education to file applications for School Construction Grants.
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to adopt the certified resolutions for the Memorial School Roof and Oil Tank Replacements. Voted (6-0).
Authorization of Board of Education Computer Lease - Purchase:
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to approve the resolution for the Authorization of Board of Education Computer Lease-Purchase. Voted (6-0).
Special Presentation:
Goff House Board of Directors on Space for Town Annex Functions:
Terry Concannon, President and Dean Markham, former President of the Goff House presented a proposal to the Town Council for the lease of space for the Town Hall Annex departments. A copy of the report will be included in the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office. Two options include leasing space from the Goff House or the town purchasing the building with the museum area being leased back to the Goff House.
Middle Haddam Homeowners Association Proposed Project for Old Middle Haddam School: Barbara Angelico and Ted Rossi of the Middle Haddam Association provided a presentation on the Middle Haddam School property. The Association would like to turn the building to a community use facility. Two options were presented for the building, one as a town owned building, another as a lease purchase option. If the property is developed privately it is less expensive than going through the municipal requirements. Architect Jeff Bianco reviewed plans that were formulated which includes recreation space and office space. Mr. Rossi provided a financial handout which will be included in the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office. The building options will be discussed with the Facilities
Implementation Task Force. A meeting of that group will be planned in the near future.
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Moore, to move Discussion of Town Hall Annex Relocation Options to this point in the meeting. Voted (6-0).
Discussion of Town Hall Annex Relocation Options:
Mr. O’Keefe provided an overview of the relocation options for the Town Hall Annex departments. The details of each option are included in the agenda report which will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office. The Town Council and the Annex staff will tour the buildings that are being considered.
Public Remarks:
Angela Sarahina, Old Middletown Avenue, noted her concerns on the investigation of the harassment claims. She questioned why the official was not put on administrative leave while the investigation was done.
Robert Foberg, Charles Mary Drive, asked how many square feet are available at 10 Summit Street and 27 Skinner Street.
Ellen Steinbushel, Haddam Neck Road, thanked the Council and the road crew for the great job that was done on the repair of Haddam Neck Road. They have requested an additional speed limit sign.
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, commented that there are various areas available for parking in the village center if the annex functions are moved to the village center. He noted that the Lake Pocotopaug sign post still needs to be repaired. He also asked what has been done regarding engineer work/contractors for the town.
Gail Hamm, 1 Spice Hill Drive, read a letter regarding the harassment claims and how she has been involved. The letter will be included in the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that she agrees with Gail Hamm’s comments on the harassment claims.
Fran Klein, Bellevue Street, commented that she is concerned whether the town has a policy in place to protect town employees and whether there is training available.
Old Business:
Charter Revision Referendum Information:
Approval of Form of Ballot Question – One or Multiple Questions
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve one question for the ballot for the Charter Revision. Voted (6-0).
Approve Language for Ballot Question(s)
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the language for the Charter Revision ballot question as follows: “Shall the Town of East Hampton approve the Charter changes as recommended by the Charter Revision Commission and as adopted by the Town Council?” Voted (6-0).
Formation of Arts & Cultural Commission:
Mr. Cordeiro continues to work on the formation of the Arts & Cultural Commission. This item will be included on the agenda for the next Council meeting.
Adoption of Social Media Policy:
The Council reviewed the revised Social Media Policy. Proposed changes include: Remove (or his/her designee) from item 4.1; Add new category – Purpose – and include Item 8 from the City of Hampton policy; Add item 1 and 2 from City of Hampton Attachment B – Blog Standards – Author & Commenter Identification.
The revised Social Media Policy will be included in the Employee Handbook which will be reviewed by the attorney.
Noise Control Task Force:
Ms. Engel noted that the Noise Control Task Force was suspended at the last Council meeting pending the outcome of the ZBA appeal hearing. She is recommending that the Noise Control Task Force be unsuspended with new membership. She proposes Mr. Tuttle, Mr. Cordeiro and Chief Reimondo (or a designee) make up the new task force. She would like them to utilize the decibel meter and do readings near Angelico’s. Sergeant Green will be going to Hartford to do a drive around with an officer to see how their noise ordinance is enforced.
Ms. Weintraub would like to present all of her information at the next Council meeting. Ms. Engel suggested she present the information to the new task force members.
A report will be presented on the task force’s findings at the June 22nd meeting.
New Business:
Amendments to Planning & Zoning Fees/Schedule Public Hearing:
The Planning & Zoning department has made recommendations to amend the Planning & Zoning Fee Schedule to include all multi-family developments on a per unit basis.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to send the Planning & Zoning Fee Schedule to a Public Hearing on July 13, 2010. Voted (6-0).
Harassment Issue Update:
Ms. Engel presented a statement that she prepared that she will be forwarding to the press regarding the harassment issues. The letter will be included in the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
Update on Employee Handbook:
Mr. O’Keefe provided an update on the employee handbook. The update of the handbook began in October, 2006. In 2008 the town contracted with the law firm of Sullivan, Schoen, Campane & Connon, LLC to work with the town’s Human Resources department to formulate, review and present the various rules,regulations and human resources policies that are needed in today’s organizations. Ms. Engel noted that a sexual harassment policy will be included in the Employee Handbook. The revised handbook should be ready for review at the July 13th Council meeting.
Solar Lease:
DCS Energy has provided an opportunity for the town to lease a photovoltaic solar system on the roof the East Hampton Library. The town will be able to use the clean electricity generated from the solar panels. DCS Energy will retain the rights to the renewable energy credits generated from the solar PV for the life of the system. After 5 years, the town can purchase the PV system for $1 or have the system removed at no cost to the town.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve the contract for a lease from DCS Electric for a photovoltaic solar system to be installed on the roof of the East Hampton Library. Voted (6-0).
Report of the Town Manager:
Mr. O’Keefe reported on the following:
- The bids are out for the lake aeration system
- Bids for the Water Supply Plan close on June 22nd
- The town is still #1 on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund listing
- There is a public safety concern regarding the water tower on Summit Street. Notification has been given to the property owner to see if he will do the work to remove the tower, if not, the town will do the work and place a lien on the property.
- JoAnn Ewing from the Senior Center was named Citizen of the Year by the Village Lions
- Ken Wagner will be attending the IWWA meeting on Wednesday, June 9th to present the nutrient loading report. Also, he has left AECOM and has gone out on his own.
Bids and Contracts:
Award Contract for Wayfinding Signs
A motion was made by Ms. Weintraub, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to award the contract for the wayfinding signs to the lowest qualified bidder, W.S. Sign Design Corporation, in the amount of $28,479.70. Voted (6-0)
The sign in the Village Center will be placed near the Goff House instead of in the triangle.
Also, a portable speed monitor sign has been purchased for traffic calming on the Route 66 corridor and benches, a trash receptacle and colored concrete will be placed in front of Classic Auto similar to the front of Town Hall. The property owner thought this was a great idea. The property owner has agreed to empty the trash receptacle.
Appointments:
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Weintraub, to reappoint Monica Kangley as the Tenant Member of the Housing Authority with a term through December 31, 2014. Voted (6-0).
Financial Statements and Transactions: None
Tax Refunds:
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $49.42. Voted (6-0).
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements: None
Public Remarks:
Angela Sarahina, Old Middletown Avenue, asked why Ms. Engel and Attorney D’Aquila met immediately deciding to hire the lawyer that is used by the Board of Ed and the Police Department. She feels this is a conflict. She asked why this wasn’t done in an executive meeting.
Diana Jones, Tartia Road, commented that if sexual harassment training is to be held it should also include the police department and all town employees.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, asked when the Town Engineer position will be posted. She noted that a comment was made that the Charter Revision Commission was disbanded but there was no Council action on that. For the Social Media policy, an important point from the Hampton policy included a statement regarding Freedom of Information. Regarding the sexual harassment complaints, she feels there are significant concerns that it was not handled properly. She is also concerned that the handbook will be reviewed by the same firm representing the harassment claims.
Scott Sanicki, 102 Quiet Woods Road, asked if the Barton building on Skinner Street is an option for the annex employees. He also commented on the number of elected individuals on the Charter Revision Commission noting no more than one third can be elected officials. He notes 2 of 5 as 40%. He commented that this could be challenged in the future.
Gail Hamm, 1 Spice Hill Drive, asked why the Probate Court is not included in the plans for the Annex. She asked that the Probate Court stay in East Hampton after the temporary move to Marlborough.
Angelo Tammaro, 27 Lake Boulevard, commented that he is pleased that the noise meter will be used near Angelico’s. He commented on a visibility issue turning out of Barbara Avenue onto North Main Street. He asked how the walls at Angelico’s were permitted and the legality of the walls.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, commented that it is wonderful that the community is coming forward with available space opportunities for the annex.
Fran Klein, Bellevue Street, commented that she is disappointed that there was a conflict of interest seen with her serving on the Noise Control Task Force. She wouldn’t have entered into looking at noise issues if she contemplated there was a conflict of interest.
Reserved: None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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