Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
East Hampton High School Library
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Susan Weintraub, Vice Chairman Glenn Suprono and Council Members Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr. (arrived at 6:35 pm), Derek Johnson (arrived at 6:35 pm) and George Pfaffenbach. Also present were Interim Town Manager John Weichsel, Town Attorney Jean D’Aquila, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, members of the press and citizens.
Not present: Barbara Moore
Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairperson Weintraub called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the East Hampton High School Library.
Adoption of Agenda
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to move New Business – Microphone System for Town Meetings/Web Conferencing following Public Remarks. Voted (4-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Pfaffenbach, seconded by Mr. Suprono, to add an item under Executive Session to discuss Town Manager Status. Voted (4-0).
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of March 13, 2012 and the Town Council Special Meeting of March 13, 2012 as written. Voted (4-0).
Public Remarks
None
New Business
Microphone System for Town Meetings/Web Conferencing
Finance Director Jeff Jylkka gave a demonstration of web conferencing for possible use during the Town Manager interviews. Possible updates to the audio and microphone system for meetings is being investigated.
Presentations
Middle Haddam Library
James Royster, President of the Middle Haddam Library provided an overview of past and upcoming educational and entertainment seminars and presentations. The library received a grant last year to restore the antique windows. They also switched over the oil heating system to LP gas. The library received a $335,000 bequest from the estate of Leonard Blake and is in the process of determining the use for the funds. Mr. Royster noted that it costs $45,000 per year to operate the library. He requested an increase for operating expenses from $3,000 to $10,000 from the Town budget.
East Hampton Public Library
Library Director Susan Berescik provided an overview of the content and programs available at the public library. Their programs include those for children and families, summer concerts, book discussions and film discussions. They have many online features available through their webpage/ blog. They are above state average in service categories and are connected to the statewide library.
Continued Business
New Town Manager Recruitment Update
The Town Council will meet with the recruitment consultant, Lorraine Baltimore, on Tuesday, April 3rd at 4:00 pm to review the resumes that have been received for the Town Manager position.
Volunteer Recognition for April
A Volunteer Recognition reception will be held on Sunday, April 22nd from 2pm to 5pm at the Senior Center. The Council discussed possibly producing a button to give to the volunteers.
Village Center Sign
Ms. Weintraub has gotten pricing for an addition to the East Hampton sign to include a banner that is changeable for seasons/events. EDC has endorsed the banner. Public Works will change the banners when needed and will store the banners.
Plan of Conservation & Development Implementation Plan
Mr. Weichsel provided the Council a copy of the Plan of Conservation & Development Implementation Plan Table with changes made by town staff members. The Council needs to look at the priorities and possibly combine categories and create standing committees. This topic will be discussed further at the next Council meeting.
Interim Town Manager Report
Implementation of Spellman Point Report
Mr. Weichsel provided a memo from Jim Carey regarding a correction to the zoning regulations that was initiated in 2003. The memo will be attached to the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Town Communication System for Emergency Plan
A meeting will be held in early April to discuss the Everbridge system for the town.
Lake Pocotopaug Draw Down Fact Sheet
Mr. Weichsel spoke to Mr. Bevin regarding a fact sheet for the dam. They would prefer to keep the process as it has been over the years. Ms. Weintraub would like something in writing such as who to call, the timeframe of the major drawdown, press release information and what to tell residents if they call with issues. This listing would be kept in the Town Manager’s office.
Other
Ms. Weintraub asked about the press release for the firefighters that was discussed at the last meeting. A call will be made to the Fire Department for information.
Liaison Reports
Mr. Dostaler attended the Board of Education meeting on March 26th. Dr. Golden announced her retirement as of June 30, 2012. She will stay on under an interim contract until December 31, 2012.
Ms. Weintraub attended the EDC meeting on March 20th. EDC will hold a special meeting with members of other interested boards and town departments to discuss the June 9th CT Open House event.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
Proclamation: Recognizing Brian Joseph Foberg for Earning the Rank of Eagle Scout
A proclamation was prepared for Brian Joseph Foberg recognizing his rank of Eagle Scout. The Council congratulated Brian and his family who attended the meeting.
Bids & Contracts
Approval of Contractor for Roadway Improvements
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to award the contract for roadway improvements to the lowest qualified bidder, Charles Pasteryak, Jr. Inc. in the amount of $914,882. Voted (6-0).
Appointments
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to reappoint Darin Hurne, Kevin Kuhr and Meg Wright as alternates to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Voted (2-4) Mr. Hintz and Mr. Pfaffenbach in favor; Mr. Dostaler, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Suprono and Ms. Weintraub against.
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to appoint Scott Sanicki and Paul Hoffman and to reappoint Meg Wright as alternates to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Voted (4-2). Mr. Dostaler, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Suprono and Ms. Weintraub in favor; Mr. Hintz and Mr. Pfaffenbach against.
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to reappoint JoAnn Ewing to the Housing Authority. Voted (6-0).
Tax Refunds
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $140.46. Voted (6-0).
Public Remarks
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, reminded everyone that the Board of Finance is holding a Public Hearing on Monday, April 2nd. She also mentioned an opening on the Conservation-Lake Commission which is a Town Manager appointed position.
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements
Ms. Weintraub read a letter from Carol Huber of 70 Spellman Point Road asking questions about building permits and how violations are handled. The letter will be forwarded to P&Z and IWWA. The letter will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Ms. Weintraub noted the Town will receive an equity distribution from CIRMA in the amount of $9738.00 in July.
Ms. Weintraub reported that the Animal Control officer, Michael Olzacki, has requested ordinances regarding livestock and fencing based on animal weight. He has discussed the possible ordinances with Jim Carey and with the Town of East Haddam.
The regular meeting ended at 8:18 p.m.
Executive Session: Update Town Council on Ongoing Litigation Matters
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to enter Executive Session at 8:18 p.m.
Present in Executive Session were Chairperson Susan Weintraub, Vice Chairman Glenn Suprono, Council Members Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson and George Pfaffenbach, Interim Town Manager John Weichsel and Town Attorney Jean D’Aquila.
Attorney D’Aquila left the Executive Session after Update on Ongoing Litigation Matters.
Executive Session: Update on Town Manager Status
Present in Executive Session were Chairperson Susan Weintraub, Vice Chairman Glenn Suprono, Council Members Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson and George Pfaffenbach and Interim Town Manager John Weichsel.
Executive Session ended at 9:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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