Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 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, and Barbara Moore. Also present were Acting Interim Town Manager Anne McKinney, Town Attorney Jean D’Aquila, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, members of the press and citizens.
Not Present: Susan Weintraub
Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairperson Engel called the regular meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room at the Town Hall.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Special Meeting and Regular Meeting of September 27, 2011 as written. Voted (5-0-1). Mr. Cordeiro abstained as he was not present at the September 27th meetings.
Public Remarks
Ann McLaughlin, 85 North Main Street, thanked the Council for their support in the Yellow Ribbon ceremonies. She also thanked Mr. Goff for speaking at the ceremonies, the Police Chief for assigning an officer for traffic and the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary for all of their help. The Council thanked Ann for all of her work on the Yellow Ribbon committee.
Fran Klein, Bellevue Street, thanked the Council members that are not running again for their past work, good luck to those running in November and welcomed Ms. McKinney. She gave a thank you to each member of Council.
Michael Salafia, Union President for the Police Department, provided an additional petition signature to Council on the petition stating the confidence in the ability of Sgt. Michael Green to perform his duties as an officer and supervisor and feel that he should be reinstated. Mr. Salafia noted 10 of 13 officers have signed the petition and asked for help for the police department.
Janice Cavanaugh, 204 Hog Hill Road, commented on last year’s rally against Jeff O’Keefe and noted her concern for the upcoming elections.
Michael Bloch, 31 Cone Road, commented on the number of users at the Transfer Station noting 700 stickers sold actually accounts for more people noting one sticker is for a family.
Peter Brown, 76 Barton Hill Road, thanked the Council for all the work they have done. He noted he supports the Police Department and Officer Salafia. He also wondered why the Police Chief signs off on independent investigations and not the Town Manager.
Lori Weech, 41 Cone Road, commented that she wanted to clarify that those wearing the black t- shirts last year were not the Chatham Party but were townspeople taking back their town.
Janice Cavanaugh, 204 Hog Hill Road, offered her comments on why people signed the petitions last year.
Fran Klein, Bellevue Street, commented that she felt Chief Reimondo followed the law and procedure at the last Council meeting. She also commented that all of the officers she has dealt with have been very courteous and helpful. She asked that no one be judged without due process.
Mr. Goff thanked Ms. Klein for being respectful even though they don’t always agree.
Ms. Engel thanked Ms. Klein and applauds due process but in her opinion feels Mr. O’Keefe didn’t get it.
Old Business
Discussion of Hope Church Fee Waiver:
A letter was received from Hope Church requesting that fees be waived for the applications for Inland Wetlands, Planning & Zoning and building permits for their new construction on Route 66. Ms. McKinney noted that it has been customary to waive the fees for religious groups, non-profits and service organizations.
A motion was made by Mr. Cordeiro, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to approve the waiver of the fees. Voted (6-0)
New Business
Discussion of Transfer Station Fees
The Council received an email from a citizen concerned about the cost to dump leaves at the transfer station. After discussion of cost comparisons to other towns and the costs for brush disposal the Council decided to waive the fee for leaves and possibly discuss the other fees at a future meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Carillo, to eliminate the fee for disposing of leaves at the Transfer Station. Voted (5-1). Mr. Cordeiro against.
Village Center Clean Up Fee Waiver Request
The Red Door Boutique will be working on a village center cleanup in the next few weeks. There are several mattresses in the parking lot near 82 Main Street that they would like to dispose of at the transfer station. They have asked that the fee for the transfer station be waived for the disposal of the mattresses.
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, to waive the transfer station fees for the clean-up of mattresses from the 82 Main Street parking areas as proposed by the Red Door Boutique. Voted (6-0).
Report of Acting Interim Town Manager
- Acting Interim Town Manager Anne McKinney thanked Fran Klein for her comments. She looks to move forward with a positive attitude and respect.
- Ms. McKinney reported that she has been meeting with the town employees on a one-on-one basis, noting they had the choice to not attend, to attend with a union representative or with Human Resources if they wish. She plans to compile the issues of importance and then meet with the department heads to resolve the issues.
- She is in the process of visiting each of the town office buildings.
- Frank Grzyb, Facilities Manager, applied to CL&P to participate in a lighting incentive program for all the exterior lights at seven town facilities. The existing lighting will be replaced with new energy efficient fixtures that also have a longer life expectancy, therefore saving money on maintenance. CL&P has never before offered incentives for exterior lighting fixtures. The work includes all exterior lighting at the four schools, Public works, Library/Senior and Sears Park.
- Ms. McKinney announced that Town Clerk Sandra Wieleba has earned the prestigious Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
- Two agents from CT OSHA recently conducted a surprise inspection of the East Hampton Police Department. They were responding to employee complaints made to OSHA concerning the building. The complaints filed were for no ventilation, poor air quality and electrical problems within the department. OSHA spent several hours at the site conducting air and water tests as well as inspecting the entire department and all equipment. They recently reported their findings: all air and water tests came back within normal ranges and they found no evidence of electrical issues or any problems with the ventilation. At the closing conference, they stated that there were no violations found and no fines imposed on the Town.
- Ms. McKinney received a letter from Attorney Leon Rosenblatt stating that if she uses her position to cause injury to his client, Chief Reimondo, she will be a defendant in a lawsuit in short order. Ms. McKinney noted that when she accepted the position she did not come in to hurt or harm anyone and is saddened by things that have occurred. Her actions are governed by the Charter, the employee handbook, the Code of the Town of East Hampton and the statutes. She will seek fairness and serve in the best interest of all of the residents.
Mr. Goff asked about the plowing of the Congregation Church parking lot. Ms. McKinney has spoken with Keith Hayden and Judy Golden. Attorney D’Aquila noted that the discussions will continue with the Board of Education. Ms. Engel noted that the parking lot is used for municipal use in the village center. Ms. McKinney and Atty. D’Aquila will look into the issues prior to a vote.
Mr. Goff noted a drainage concern on Hog Hill relating to a tree that fell during Storm Irene. Ms. McKinney will look into the issue.
Mr. Goff asked about designated smoking areas at Sears Park. Ms. McKinney noted this will be on the agenda for the next meeting.
Ms. Moore noted that the Village Center needs some assistance with additional signage for businesses. Ms. Engel noted that EDC should be involved in this.
Mr. Cordeiro asked about a permanent sign on each end of Route 66 for the sports championship teams. Ms. Carillo noted that permanent signs may need legislation since it is a state road. This item will be added to the October 25th agenda.
Ms. McKinney noted that she spoke with Mr. Quinlan from CL&P. A meeting will be scheduled at a future date.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
Adopt Resolution for State of CT Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security Grant
Mr. Cordeiro read the resolution for the State of CT Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security Grant which will be included in the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s Office.
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adopt the resolution for the State of CT Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security Grant as read. Voted (6-0).
Bids & Contracts
None
Appointments
None
Financial Statements and Transactions
None
Tax Refunds
A motion was made by Mr. Goff, seconded by Ms. Carillo, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $1,325.13. Voted (6-0).
Coming Up
The October 25th meeting will include Fire/Police/Public Works Radios and possible discussion with regard to Michael Green internal investigations and Attorney Daigle’s comments.
Public Remarks
Ann McLaughlin, 85 North Main Street, urged the Council to appoint members to the Commission on Aging.
George Pfaffenbach, 30 Hyde Farm Terrace, commented that he used to plow snow and an F350 should be able to plow the church parking lot.
John Moore, 16 Lake Boulevard, commented that the residents at Laurel Ridge would be a good contact for the Commission on Aging as the residents there would like to be more involved in the community.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, suggested that an article be put together to note what the Commission on Aging does and what they are involved in.
Maureen Hawkins, Colchester Avenue, noted that if the commissions are explained better there may be more applicants.
Lori Weech, 41 Cone Road, commented that the church parking lot is needed for the Center school drop off. She also noted an issue with the pedestrian light near St. Patrick Church.
Cynthia Abraham, 47 Clark Hill Road, commented that she is on a board of the Congregational Church. She noted that the church is not looking to change who plows but is looking for financial assistance. On another topic she noted that signs for school sports champions should include teams and individuals.
Brandon Cunningham, 6A North Maple Street, commented that the pedestrian light near Stop & Shop is also not working properly.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, asked for an update on John Weichsel. Ms. McKinney reported that John is hoping to be released from the rehabilitation facility by Friday and will continue his recovery at home. She has been providing him updates daily.
Ann McLaughlin, 85 North Main Street, commented that the Commission on Aging has contacted several places in town where they would like to go and introduce themselves – including Laurel Ridge.
Mary Flannery, 10 West High Street, commented on the Congregation Church parking lot noting the Senior Center is there and may still be there when the snow flies. She also noted that she likes what Anne McKinney has said tonight and noted there is good and bad in all political parties.
Peter Brown, 76 Barton Hill Road, commented there was a funeral at the Congregation Church over the weekend and used half of the parking lot and there was a great deal of traffic in the village center. People were looking for parking for soccer at Center school and several other things.
Michael Bloch, 31 Cone Road, asked why the transfer station cannot accept household trash and noted there is only one hauler in town.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, noted that the new parking lot near the Library is now open for additional parking for the village center.
Reserved
None
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:25 p.m. Voted (6-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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