Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel and 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 and John Tuttle
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 June 8, 2010 as amended. Voted (5-0-1). Ms. Weintraub abstained.
Ms. Weintraub noted that on page 5, the word “sign” should not be included with speed monitor. She also questioned the make up of the Noise Control Task Force but no changes were made to that section.
Student Council Reports: Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2010!
Public Remarks:
Angela Sarahina, Old Middletown Avenue, commented that she is upset about losing the Chief of Police. She feels the dismissal was due to retaliation.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that there was no discussion with the Board of Finance regarding spending in the Police Department.
Kyle Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that he doesn’t feel safe in town if the Chief can be so easily disposed of. He feels the dismissal was politically motivated and opens the town to financial liability.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that the actions dismissing the Police Chief are disgusting and frightening. She also feels the dismissal was politically motivated.
Fran Klein, 12 Bellevue Street, commented that this is the first time she is hearing of a budgetary crisis. She is always concerned with process and content. She feels there was no reason to fire the Chief.
New Business:
Approval of Old Home Days Police Overtime Cost and Insurance Coverage:
Each year the Old Home Days Committee requests that the town pay the cost for police overtime coverage for the Old Home Days activities and that the Town provide an insurance rider for the event at Center School.
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the town paying the cost of police overtime coverage and that the town provide an insurance rider for Old Home Days. Voted (4-1) Ms. Weintraub against.
Approval of Suspense List for Uncollectible Taxes:
Nancy Hasselman, Tax Collector, provided an overview of the tax suspense list. The suspensed taxes are still collectible however, it is necessary to put them in the suspense book and not incur further costs in trying to pursue collection.
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to approve the tax suspense list and authorize the Tax Collector to transfer those uncollectible taxes to the suspense tax book. Voted (5-0).
Approval of Community Water System Water Rates 2010/2011:
Vincent Susco provided an overview of the water system rates and scenarios. He noted that the WPCA approved Scenario B. The full agenda item including all of the rate scenarios will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office. Mr. Susco also noted that the Royal Oaks water customers will have an additional $10 fee added to their rates for 39 months to handle the previous water issue in that development.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve the 2010/11 Operating Budget for the two Community Water Systems owned by the Town and operated by the WPCA and authorize an increase in water rates to fund their operation with Rate Scenario B – to split the difference between the four surrounding towns and the two investor owned and operated systems, with the following water rates: Commodity $: $4.71/1000 gallons; Monthly Meter $: $11.10/EMU and Average Monthly Bill: $39.42.
Adoption of Bond Resolution for the Continued Development of a Municipal Water System:
The Town of East Hampton was recently ranked number one for funding through the State of Connecticut’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. This funding will allow the Town to move forward with the production of engineering and construction documents which would place this project in a “shovel ready” status and allow the Town to continue seeking Federal, State and local grants for further development of the system. The Town Meeting is recommended to be held on Monday, July 12, 2010.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve the resolution to appropriate and bond for the costs associated with the continued development of a Municipal Water System. Mr. Cordeiro read the full resolution. Voted (4-1) Ms. Weintraub against.
Ms. Weintraub asked why the vote would be held at a Town Meeting rather than a referendum. She noted space issues with the Town Meeting that was held for the purchase of the land for the water supply. The remainder of the Council member were comfortable holding the vote at a Town Meeting.
Town Attorney Representation of Zoning Enforcement Officer at ZBA Hearing:
Ms. Weintraub recused herself for this vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to authorize the Town Manager to hire independent Counsel to represent James Carey at the ZBA hearing on July 12, 2010. Voted (4-0).
Ms. Weintraub rejoined the meeting.
Reconstitution of Facilities Implementation Task Force and Set Meeting Dates:
Ms. Engel listed the following people to be included in the reconstituted Facilities Implementation Task Force:
Matt Walton or a designee from the Board of finance
Julie Ciucias as a member of the public
Rowland Rux from the Planning & Zoning Commission
Judy Golden, Superintendent of Schools
Mike Vasquenza from the Board of Education
Melissa Engel and John Tuttle from the Town Council
Jeff O’Keefe, Jeff Jylkka and Frank Grzyb as staff members
The first meeting will be set up in the next couple weeks.
Old Business:
Update on Employee Handbook:
Mr. O’Keefe contacted the names given by Gail Hamm to have the Employee Handbook reviewed. One person does not do that type of work, the other suggested that we contact CCM who will review the handbook for free. The draft should be ready for the July 13th Council Meeting.
Discussion of Town Hall Annex Relocation Options:
The Council took a tour of the available office space in the Village Center. The option has arisen to purchase the Goff House for approximately $150,000. Questions arose as to whether the building can be sold since grant money has been involved in that building. The Council instructed the Town Manager to work with Dean Markham to see if the building is able to be sold to the town. The Town Manager will also have Frank Grzyb look at heating and cooling.
Update from Noise Control Task Force:
The newly staffed Noise Control Task Force has not met officially but Mr. Cordeiro and Mr. Tuttle went to the areas near Angelico’s to take some noise readings with the decibel meter. A copy of their initial findings will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office. Ms. Weintraub distributed noise ordinance information that she collected from the City of Hartford and Windham. Sergeant Green is scheduled to ride along with the Hartford Police Department to see how their noise ordinance is enforced.
Report of the Town Manager:
Mr. O’Keefe reported on the following:
- The bid opening for the water supply plan update was held today, June 22nd. The bids ranged from $13,000 to $60,000.
- The bid opening for the lake aeration system is scheduled for June 23rd.
- The final construction documents for the senior center are complete.
- The new STEAP grant funding is available. He will be working with EDC.
- There are hazard mitigation grant funds available.
- A series of community meetings will be scheduled for the water bonding initiative.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations: None
Bids and Contracts: ~ None
Appointments:
The Appointment Sub-Committee will be meeting to interview applicants for the Middle Haddam Historic District Commission.
Financial Statements and Transactions: None
Tax Refunds:
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $4,574.56. Voted (5-0).
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements:
Ms. Moore asked if Public Works can cut the grass around the civic group signs on Route 66 and Route 16.
Ms. Engel passed along a request made by Russ Oakes for the town to fund the purchase of flags for the telephone poles to replace those that were damaged last season. The cost would be $1,200. By consensus the Council decided against the funding noting that community organizations should be approached rather than the town funds.
Ms. Engel reminded everyone that there will be one meeting each month in July and August; July 13th and August 10th.
Public Remarks:
Angela Sarahina, Old Middletown Avenue, noted her concern that the water system funding will be going to a Town Meeting rather than a referendum. She noted that the water system was voted down at a referendum. At the last Town Meeting regarding water people were not allowed to speak. She also commented that the towns named on the worksheet handed out regarding the Police Department was not comparable to East Hampton.
Julie Ciucias, 67 Viola Drive, commented on a decibel level interview that she heard. She does not feel the town should fund the flags. She also commented that the community space at the Goff house should be preserved as the town needs the public space.
Scott Sanicki, Quiet Woods Road, asked for confirmation on the cuts from the Police Department to cover budget deficits.
Lieutenant Green wanted to assure the community that the day to day operations of the police department will be handled going forward.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that there was no public discussion about the consideration to downsize the police department and that the community will be shocked. She also commented on the Town Manager texting during public comments earlier in the meeting.
Fran Klein, 12 Bellevue Street, commented that she is truly offended by the inclusion of the letter from her attorney regarding the zoning appeal. She feels it should be private.
Angelo Tammaro, Lake Boulevard, asked about the legality of the fence at Angelico’s. He also asked if someone checked on the visibility at the stop sign at Barbara Avenue and North Main Street. He also asked why the Zoning Enforcement Officer needs legal representation.
Laurie Wasilewski, Hog Hill Road, commented that the town should not be paying for police overtime for Old Home Day and the amount should be more exact. She also commented that the bond resolution for the water system should be a referendum, not a town meeting. She remembers the last town meeting where people were not able to speak and it creates issues for people who work 2nd and 3rd shift. She also asked where the money will come from for purchasing the Goff House.
Reserved: None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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