Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
East Hampton High School Library
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Susan Weintraub, Vice Chairman Glenn Suprono and Council Members Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson, Barbara Moore and George Pfaffenbach. Also present were Town Manager Michael Maniscalco, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, members of the press and citizens.
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. Dostaler, seconded by Ms. Moore, to add an item to Executive Session for Pending Litigation regarding Barton Hill Grinder Pumps. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to add an item to Resolutions/Ordinances for Discussion on the Council of Governments Ordinance. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Ms. Moore, to adopt the agenda as amended. Voted (7-0).
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of July 10, 2012 as written. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Special Meeting of July 24, 2012 as written. Voted (4-0-3). Mr. Dostaler, Ms. Moore and Mr. Pfaffenbach abstained as they were not present at that meeting.
Public Remarks
The following individuals spoke in support of the Epoch Arts STEAP grant application:
Brent White, 16 Fairlawn Avenue; Linda Schroth, Board Member for Epoch Arts; Kim Page, 99 Midwood Farm Road; Stephen Lockwood, 15 Beechcrest Drive; John Schroth, Epoch Arts; Brandt Sanderson, South Main Street; Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive; Britta Gustafson, Barton Hill Road; Gary Gustafson, Barton Hill Road and Brian Schroth, teacher at Epoch Arts.
Maureen Hawkins, Colchester Avenue, thanked the town for the new furniture at the Senior Center.
Deborah Day, 49 Champion Hill, commented on the request for water at the Chatham Historical Society building on Bevin Boulevard and asked for assistance from the town.
Don Coolican, West Lane, noted that he supports the Ambulance Association. He encourages Town Council to revisit charter revisions especially staggered four year terms for Council.
Bids & Contracts
None
Presentations
Ambulance Association
Tom Donnelly, Chief of the East Hampton Volunteer Ambulance Association, provided an overview of the Association. He noted that they are a private non-profit group established in 1953. They handle East Hampton, Haddam Neck and mutual aid to surrounding towns. There are approximately 30 members in the group and they have two ambulances that can each carry two passengers. They provide instruction for CPR classes and they also provide stand-by service at community events. More volunteers are always needed.
Middle Haddam Historic District Commission
James Royster, Chairman of the Middle Haddam Historic District Commission, provided an overview of the commission. The Commission is formed through State statute and town ordinance and has five full members and three alternate members. Their main function is to monitor and protect the historical appearance of exterior architectural features of buildings and structures that are open to view by any public way, street or place. They have put together a handbook regarding the rules for the district and instructions for filing for a Certificate of Appropriateness for changes to buildings in the district.
Chatham Historical Society
Sandra Doran, President of the Chatham Historical Society, provided a brief history of the society dating back to 1963. They have received many donations of items for the museum that are on display. The museum is open to the public on the 1st Sunday of the month. There is a historic house tour scheduled for September 29th from 10am to 4pm. They have also co-sponsored Explore East Hampton hikes with Parks & Recreation.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
Discussion of Procedural Resolution for the Review of New Items
Mr. Maniscalco discussed the current process of items brought before Council with the expectation that they will be approved as soon as presented. He is working on a resolution that will require that after the initial submission of an item, it be placed on a future agenda for approval. There will be some exceptions such as emergency situations. In discussions with CCM, other towns are looking at the same process. Although the approved procedure is not yet in place, the Council will begin to follow this process with new items presented.
Discussion of Blight/Hearing Officer Ordinances
Mr. Maniscalco provided an overview of the draft Blight ordinance. The ordinance that Portland recently approved seemed the best fit for our town. East Hampton already has a Hearing Officer ordinance in place. Mr. Maniscalco noted that a blight ordinance is not only to protect property values but it is for safety reasons. Council members will provide feedback to the Town Manager by next week. It is requested that the Police Chief be available for the Public Hearing to discuss safety issues. A user friendly document will be developed for distribution to residents. Mr. Maniscalco will talk with Portland officials to discuss any issues they have had since putting the ordinance in place.
Discussion of Council of Governments Ordinance
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to schedule a Public Hearing on September 11, 2012 prior to the regular Town Council meeting for the discussion of the new Council of Governments ordinance. Voted (7-0).
Continued Business
Epoch Arts STEAP Grant
The Council discussed concerns raised at the last meeting regarding the Epoch Arts STEAP grant application and the process by which Epoch Arts was chosen to apply for the grant. Procedures will be put in place so that Town Council is made aware of grant opportunities in advance and to ensure that all parties that could participate in the grant process are notified.
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Suprono, to provide a letter of support for the Epoch Arts STEAP grant application. Voted (7-0).
Clean Energy Task Force
Mr. Maniscalco met with CCM to discuss energy task forces. Most focus on green energy initiatives but the focus should be expanded to include energy savings. He will be working with CCM to formulate wording to create a new Clean Energy Task Force.
Chatham Historical Society Water Request
Mr. Maniscalco provided a cost estimate from Vincent Susco for a possible water main extension to serve the Chatham Historical Society building on Bevin Boulevard. The cost estimate for the water main is $46,250. Staff will look into other cost effective options and any grant opportunities that are available. Costs for sewer hookup will be explored as well.
New Business
Tax Deferral – 195 West High Street
Wayne Rand presented his application for a tax deferral for his property development on 195 West High Street. He explained that the tax deferral allows him to reduce the tenant’s expenses for the two years of the deferral. The Council had questions on the completeness of the forms presented.
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to approve the two year tax deferral. Motion withdrawn.
Mr. Maniscalco will work with staff and Mr. Rand to complete the documents. He will also provide estimated costs associated with the deferral and the benefits at the next Council meeting.
Appropriate Use of Town Equipment
Mr. Maniscalco reported that he has received reports of inappropriate use of town vehicles. The town is looking at the possibility of purchasing GPS tracking units. In addition to alleviating inappropriate use of vehicles this will also address safety issues.
Main Street Grant
Mr. Maniscalco reviewed a new program available through the State called the Main Street Investment Fund. The details have been provided to the Economic Development Commission for suggestions for the program. Mr. Maniscalco discussed the possibility of a revolving loan fund with low/no interest for property owners to improve the façades of their buildings. A summary will also be put together by Jeff Jylkka of the loan program that was available in the past.
Committee Appointment for Supervisors Union Negotiations
Ms. Weintraub reported that a committee for has been formed to assist the Town Manager and Labor Attorney in the negotiations for the new supervisor’s union. The members are Sue Weintraub, Ted Hintz and Glenn Suprono.
Committee Appointment for Panel to Review RFP’s for Town Attorney
Ms. Weintraub reported that a committee has been formed to work with the Town Manager and Jeff Jylkka on the review of the RFP’s for the Town Attorney. The members are Derek Johnson, George Pfaffenbach and Kyle Dostaler.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Maniscalco reported the following:
- At the next Council meeting, a representative from CL&P will attend to give a presentation on safety around live wires. At a future meeting another presentation will be given on the appropriate use of generators.
- The legal RFP’s are due in on August 20th
- The Board of Education fire clean-up is complete. Insurance handled the costs. There is discussion about moving the power lines to the building underground.
- The UV plan for the consent order for Company #1 Firehouse has been approved by the State.
- The Stuff-A-Cruiser event for the Food Bank was very successful.
- A draft policy for utilizing the Everbridge emergency phone system should be in hand by the end of the week.
- The emergency weekend drill was successful.
Liaison Reports
None
Appointments
None
Tax Refunds
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Hintz, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $6,411.86. Voted (7-0).
Public Remarks
Pat Gauthier, 6 Old Marlborough Road, commended the Council on the thoroughness and speed of processes including the appointment of a new Town Manager, the appointment of the High School Building Committee and the research into a blight ordinance.
Kim Page, 99 Midwood Farm Road, thanked the Council members for their service and for the approval of the support letter for the Epoch Arts STEAP grant.
Brent White, 16 Fairlawn Avenue, commented on process and that process was not always followed in the past.
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements
The State is working on stop signs on the Airline Trail where it crosses Smith Street due to concerns with traffic.
The regular meeting ended at 9:20 p.m.
Executive Session:
- Pending Litigation regarding Barton Hill Grinder Pumps
- Potential Purchase of Real Estate
- Strategy & Negotiation with Respect to Collective Bargaining Units:
- MEUI
- Council 15 AFSCME AFL-CIO
- NAGE/NAME R1-216
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to enter Executive Session at 9:28 p.m.
Present in Executive Session were Sue Weintraub, Glenn Suprono, Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson, Barbara Moore, George Pfaffenbach and Town Manager Michael Maniscalco. Public Utilities Administrator Vincent Susco joined Executive Session for Item A only.
Executive Session ended at 10:28 p.m.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to adjourn the meeting at 10:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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