Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 11, 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 (arrived at 6:50 p.m.), 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.
All stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silence in observance of September 11, 2001.
Adoption of Agenda
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to adopt the agenda as written. Voted (6-0).
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Hintz, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Special Meeting of August 30, 2012 as amended and the Town Council Regular Meeting of August 14, 2012 as written. Voted (6-0).
Public Remarks
Sandy Doran, 60 Colchester Avenue, commented that the Chatham Historical Society museum has a sewer lateral on the property. She also noted the water usage would be low due to the museum being open a small number of days per year.
Karen Johansmeyer, Penny Corner Road, Portland, noted she was dressed in her Fife and Drum Corps uniform to honor the victims of September 11th. She also presented Mr. Maniscalco with some literature on the Fife and Drum Corps.
Bids & Contracts
None
Presentations
CL&P Safety & Health
Warren Rogers, CL&P Safety & Health Administrator, provided a presentation on live wires. Presentations will be scheduled for the Public Works staff.
Senior Center
JoAnn Ewing, Senior Center Director, provided an overview of the Senior Center. She introduced her staff; part time assistants Donna Lindstrom and Kecia Hemphill who were in attendance at the meeting, as well as bus driver Joe Gulino who was not in attendance. Ms. Ewing provided an overview of the services provided at the center including transportation, meals, blood pressure checks, flu clinics, seminars, trips and much more. She thanked the Town Council and Town government for pursuing the grant for the new Senior Center. The seniors are very proud of their new center.
Social Services/Youth & Family Services
Wendy Ewing, Social Services/Youth & Family Services Director, provided an overview of the Social Services Department and the Youth & Family Services department. Social Services assists residents that are in need of electricity, propane, oil and rent assistance. Youth & Family services provides counseling for many issues. Presently there are 3 interns on staff with a full counseling caseload. They also run two to three programs per year in collaboration with Epoch Arts.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments Ordinance
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to adopt the ordinance to join the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments. Voted (7-0).
Continued Business
Tax Deferral – 201 West High Street
The Council discussed the tax deferral application for 201 West High Street. Questions were raised regarding the State Statute and the town resolution for this program, the forms and documents related to the program and the process and documentation from EDC after their review. It was agreed that the resolution and process for the tax deferral program needs to be reviewed and updated.
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve the tax deferral for 201 West High Street as presented. Voted (6-1) Mr. Johnson voted against. A copy of the tax deferral will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
Chatham Historical Society Water Request
Mr. Maniscalco reviewed a memo from Vincent Susco regarding a cost estimate for a possible water main extension and a sewer connection at the Chatham Historical Society museum on Bevin Boulevard. Grant opportunities are still being researched. This item will be researched and discussed further.
Discussion of Blight Ordinance
Mr. Maniscalco reviewed the draft blight ordinance. Additional revisions will be researched and the item will be presented at a future council meeting.
2nd Reading Policy
Mr. Maniscalco reviewed a draft 2nd Reading Policy. Changes to the draft were discussed. This item will be presented for approval at the next council meeting.
Progress of Phase 2 Road Improvements
Mr. Maniscalco provided an update on the Road Improvements Project. The agenda report will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
Consent Order for Co. #1 Firehouse
The UV system is being installed in the Company #1 firehouse on Barton Hill to satisfy the Consent Order from the State. The Health Department will be testing the water.
Town Council Chairperson Appointment of Working Group Committees
Ms. Weintraub created three working groups as follows:
Planning/Facilities/Infrastructure - Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr. and Sue Weintraub
Village Center - Derek Johnson, George Pfaffenbach, Glenn Suprono
Safety & Quality of Life - Derek Johnson, Barbara Moore, Sue Weintraub
These working groups will present their first report at the November 13th meeting.
New Business
ProAct Service Agreement
Mr. Maniscalco provided an overview of a new program through the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) for discounted prescription drug coverage for residents at no cost to the town. This agreement will be presented at the next council meeting for approval.
Christopher Brook Road Project
Mr. Maniscalco provided an overview of the Christopher Brook Culvert Replacement being addressed through the Midstate Regional Planning Agency and the Connecticut Department of Transportation. A public information meeting will be scheduled for October. The project summary will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
Housing/Health Code Violations and Enforcement
Health Director Thad King provided an overview of a recent housing and health code violation. He also discussed an updated uniform housing code for towns within the Chatham Health District and the registration of rental properties.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Maniscalco reported the following:
- Interviews for Town Attorney are scheduled
- Staff training for harassment, customer service and supervisory training are being scheduled
- Revisions to the Employee Handbook are in process
- A draft policy regarding communication between staff and Council is being prepared
- The test of the Everbridge system took place on September 10th. There was good feedback and issues are being addressed.
The Main Street fund will be discussed with the Economic Development Commission.
GPS units for town vehicles are being researched.
Mr. Jylkka will be talking with the Board of Finance regarding generator costs.
The RFQ for engineer consultants is being finalized.
Liaison Reports
Mr. Dostaler reported on the Board of Education meeting. Five new teachers were introduced, 2 unions are in negotiations and Kevin Reich announced his retirement as of October 31st as Assistant Superintendent. Mr. Reich will be taking on a part time per diem position as Operations Manager of Facilities for one year.
Ms. Weintraub reported on the Fire Department meeting. More volunteers are needed. A new fire truck is in the budget. They thanked the Council for finding new commissioners. The Council discussed the appointments process for the Fire Commission members. Copies of all of the applications for Fire Commission members will be distributed to Council members for review.
Appointments
None
Tax Refunds
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $2,375.90. Voted (7-0).
Public Remarks
Stephen Lockwood, 15 Beechcrest Drive, feels the town needs to be put back on track to move the town forward.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, commented that she appreciates the debate of the Council members and that everyone is doing a great job. She suggested a committee to review all of the town ordinances.
Ann McLaughlin, 85 North Main Street, commented that she received the test call from Everbridge. Regarding the housing and health code violations, she asked why there was no contact information on a tax bill. She wanted to be sure the 2nd reading policy didn’t apply to Appointments as those are a timely issue.
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements
A reminder for Council, if there are any recommendations for the Board of Finance Debt Policy please get them to Mr. Jylkka so they can be forwarded to the Board of Finance.
The regular meeting ended at 9:50 p.m.
Executive Session:
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Moore, to enter Executive Session at 10:00 p.m. Voted (7-0).
Present in Executive Session were Susan Weintraub, Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson, Barbara Moore, George Pfaffenbach and Michael Maniscalco
Executive Session ended at 10:17 p.m.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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