Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman John Tuttle and Council Members Chatham Carillo, Thomas Cordeiro, Christopher Goff, Barbara Moore and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Interim Town Manager Robert Drewry, 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. in the Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room at the Town Hall.
A moment of silence was observed for those who lost their lives and those who were injured in the shooting in Tucson, Arizona.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2010 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting as amended. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2011 Special Meeting as written. Voted (7-0).
Public Remarks
Angela Sarahina, Old Middletown Avenue, commented on the approval of minutes and why all of Ms. Weintraub’s proposed changes were not approved when Ms. Engel made changes to minutes at a previous meeting that were all approved.
New Business
Approval of Sears Park Fee Recommendations
Ruth Plummer, Director of Parks & Recreation, was in attendance to review the Sears Park sticker fees for the 2011 season. The only change will be the addition of a $50 fee for Youth and Student groups that access the lake during the off season. In the past crew and sailing teams from surrounding communities have utilized the Sears Park boat launch during the off season at no charge.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to approve the Sears Park sticker fees as recommended by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. Voted (7-0).
Discussion on Adding Alternates to the Commission on Aging
Mr. Goff reported that it was suggested to him by the Commission on Aging that alternates be added to that commission. They are a 5 member commission with no alternates and it is sometimes difficult to achieve a quorum. Adding alternates would help alleviate that issue.
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, to set a Public Hearing date of January 25, 2011 at 6:15 p.m. to discuss adding two alternates to the Commission on Aging. Voted (7-0).
Special Presentation:
Ron Gaudet of White Oak Development presented information regarding a land based solar array on the property between WPCA and Public Works. Federal and State grant money is available for the construction. There would be no cost to the town for this project. White Oak would build the array and sell the power back to the Town at a discount. A letter of commitment would be needed from the town and the project would need to follow the proper channels, such as planning & zoning. The Council discussed the project’s pros and cons. Mr. Cordeiro was concerned with the disruption to the area for a project that is not owned by the town. Ms. Weintraub asked for an additional rendering of the project to see how the property would look as you drive into town. An informational session will be
scheduled for February 22, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the project further. More information on the location will be announced at a later date.
Old Business
Update on Dog Pound Regionalization
Mr. Goff provided an overview of the work that has been done to date regarding regionalizing the dog pound with the Town of East Haddam. The current East Hampton facility will require a 30 day notice to break the lease. He is awaiting final numbers from Mark Walter in East Haddam but estimates $6,000 in cost. This would cover the buildings, grounds, supplies and operations. The East Hampton animal control officers would have access to the facility in East Haddam. Our current building and use fees are approximately $11,000 to $12,000.
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Moore, to authorize Interim Town Manager Robert Drewry to sign a contract with the Town of East Haddam for the use of their animal control facilities not to exceed $6,000. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Cordeiro, for the Interim Town Manager Robert Drewry to notify the landlord of the animal control facility that the lease will be terminated with a 30 day notice pending approval of the new lease. Voted (7-0).
Ms. Engel asked Mr. Drewry to direct Jeff Jylkka to work with the Board of Finance on possible savings on the consolidation of personnel for animal control.
Discussion of Noise Ordinance
Mr. Cordeiro and Ms. Weintraub discussed the Hartford noise ordinance which includes the 100 foot audible measurement. The Department of Environmental Protection supports the Hartford ordinance. Chief Reimondo noted that he has no problem with the 100 foot ruling as long as it will work, it is effective and it stands up in court. Ms. Weintraub discussed the community court and court process. Mr. Cordeiro and Ms. Weintraub will bring back specific information and results of tests of the 100 foot rule.
Update on Conservation-Lake Commission Watershed Signing
Ms. Weintraub tried to reach Peter Zawisza from the Conservation-Lake Commission by email and will provide him the guidelines and information on use of the wayfinding signage logo.
Report of Interim Town Manager
Mr. Drewry reported the following:
- Public Works is prepared for the impending snow storm
- Four labor attorney firms were interviewed. A decision will be made soon.
- The Senior Center plans are out to bid. Approximately 30 contractors have purchased the plans. Mr. Cordeiro asked about the use of the annex at the Senior Center for use as meeting space. This space will be unavailable to the public going forward based on conditions of the grant. Mr. Goff will work with Mr. Drewry, Dr. Golden and Mr. Reich regarding meeting space in the school buildings.
- The report from Attorney Coe regarding Sgt. Kelly’s complaint should be received this week. It will be emailed to Council once received.
- ICMA was not able to produce information related to a draft Request for Qualifications for the Interim Town Manager. CCM will be forwarding information from area towns that placed an ad for an Interim Town Manager; an RFQ was not used in those towns.
- Art Jacobson has resigned from the Cemetery Board. Jack Lanzi has been appointed to serve out Mr. Jacobson’s term.
- Town email accounts have been set up for all Town Council members and a policy is being worked on for email.
Ms. Weintraub asked the following of Mr. Drewry:
- What is the status of the Amphitheater at Sears Park? An RFP will be sent out in the next few weeks for a consultant to design the amphitheater at Sears Park. A letter was received from the State to change the scope of the project but some cost estimates still needs to be sent to the State.
- What is the status of funding for the water system? The funds will clean up the well heads and move leeching fields. The money that does not require matching funds will be utilized but the town will not utilize funding that requires a town match.
- What is the status of the email that was received regarding the drawdown of Lake Pocotopaug for the winter? Mr. Drewry reported that it will be discussed by the Conservation-Lake Commission at their January meeting.
- What is the status of the report from Jim Carey regarding the request of the Middle Haddam Historic District Commission to change their minutes per Ms. Faber’s letter? Mr. Drewry will check with Mr. Carey prior to the next meeting.
- Will Mr. Drewry be attending the meeting regarding the Arrigoni Bridge construction on Thursday, January 13th? Mr. Drewry will be attending the meeting.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
None
Bids & Contracts
None
Appointments
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Ms. Weintraub, to appoint Maria Peplau to the Board of Finance to fill the seat vacated by Judy Isele. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Moore, to accept the resignations of Art Jacobson from the Cemetery Board, Kurt Comisky from the Conservation-Lake Commission and Alan Pawlak from the Economic Development Commission. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Ms. Engel, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to reappoint David Simko and Leroy Goff to the Fire Commission. Voted (6-0). Mr. Goff recused himself from this item as his father was included in the appointments.
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Ms. Moore, to reappoint Dean Kavalkavich, Peter Wall and Scott Hill to the Inland Wetlands Watercourses Agency. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Goff, to reappoint Richard Walsh as a full member and Colleen Mellen as an alternate member of the Middle Haddam Historic District Commission. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to reappoint Mark Barmasse to the Water & Sewer Commission (WPCA). Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Moore, to appoint the following individuals to the Arts & Cultural Commission:
Monica Kangley through December 31, 2013
Shirley Brooks through December 31, 2012
Rachel Mansfield through December 31, 2013
Val Bozzi through December 31, 2011
Richard Leone through December 31, 2012
Elizabeth Namen through December 31, 2013
Carol Lane through December 31, 2012
Elizabeth Sennett through December 31, 2011
Steven Kelly as the High School liaison
Voted (7-0).
Sue Berescik, Library Director, will be the staff liaison to the commission. One additional commission member will be named at a later date.
Financial Statements and Transactions
None
Tax Refunds
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $4,316.95. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Carillo, to approve a sewer use/interest refund in the amount of $1,830.00. Voted (7-0).
Communications/Correspondence/Announcements
None
Coming Up
None
Public Remarks
Fran Klein, Bellevue Street, commented on the original request for a noise ordinance two years ago. A noise ordinance would provide for future planning in the village center.
Maureen Hawkins, 37 Colchester Avenue, commented on the difficulties having outside groups use the annex at the Senior Center.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented that the State recently talked about closing down the river ferries. She would like the Council to appeal to State Legislators to not close the ferries with the upcoming construction on the Arrigoni Bridge. She also commented on the dog pound and hopes that the Council is not trying to interfere with positions in the Police Department with the possible consolidation of animal control.
Don Hazard, 216 Wopowog Road, commented that he is the owner of the current dog pound property. He provided information on the size of the pound as compared to East Haddam. He noted the town is responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep of the building. He commented on the savings that were discussed and does not feel the numbers are correct. He feels the town should utilize the East Hampton facility and regionalize with other towns such as Marlborough. He is very upset over the whole process.
Reserved
None
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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