Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
East Hampton High School Library
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Susan Weintraub, Vice Chairman Glenn Suprono, Council Members Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson (arrived 6:40 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.
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. Pfaffenbach, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of November 13, 2012 as written. Voted (4-0-2) Mr. Hintz and Mr. Suprono abstained as they were not present at the meetings.
Public Remarks
None
Presentations
None
Bids & Contracts
Authorization to Enter Into Negotiations of Joint Facilities Agreement
Mr. Maniscalco reported that he has been in contact with the First Selectman in Colchester regarding entering into negotiations for the Joint Facilities Agreement. The original agreement is from 1978 with revisions in 2001.
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to authorize the Town Manager to enter into negotiations of the Joint Facilities Agreement. Voted (6-0).
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
Action on Clean Energy Task Force Resolution
Mr. Maniscalco reviewed the Clean Energy Task Force resolution. A press release will be distributed asking for volunteers to serve on the task force.
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Suprono, to approve the Clean Energy Task Force resolution as written. Voted (6-0).
Mr. Johnson arrived at the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Continued Business
Emergency Management Fund Appropriation
The Board of Finance has accepted the fund transfer proposal for the emergency preparedness equipment. The listing of equipment will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to approve the emergency management fund appropriation. Voted (7-0).
Fats/Oils/Grease (FOG) Ordinance
Mr. Maniscalco reported that the Fats/Oils/Grease Ordinance was sent to the attorney and was received back just prior to the meeting. One comment was that the ordinance should tie to the state statute rather than having specifics in the ordinance. Any revisions to the rules would require an ordinance change. Another comment was that there could be other options than an ordinance which have been put in place in other communities. This item will be put on the next agenda for further discussion. Ms. Weintraub also questioned Mr. Susco regarding a public meeting for sewer use fees. Mr. Susco noted that only public notice is required not a public meeting.
New Business
Fire Commission Presentation Regarding Purchase of Fire Truck
Rich Dufour of the Fire Commission provided an updated worksheet of new engine equipment. He had met with Finance Director Jeff Jylkka and Chairman of the Board of Finance Matt Walton to review the items. There was discussion and questions from the Council regarding the fire truck equipment needs and budget items. There was also discussion of an independent audit of fire apparatus and the needs of the department and the town. The Board of Finance would need to make a recommendation before the Council can vote on the funding.
Discussion of 13 Watrous Street Parking Lot
Mr. Maniscalco was approached by Matt Bevin regarding utilizing the parking lot at 13 Watrous Street for use by his employees. Letters were received from the Brownfields Redevelopment Agency and from the Economic Development Commission regarding this property. These letters will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office. Concerns were raised regarding this site as it is a brownfields site. Mr. Maniscalco will have more discussion with Mr. Bevin.
Discussion of Alternates for Appointments Sub-Committee
Ms. Weintraub noted that she named Glenn Suprono to the Appointments Sub- Committee replacing Derek Johnson and that Ms. Weintraub would be an alternate. Mr. Hintz asked about minority representation on sub-committees.
Approval of 2013 Meeting Dates
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to approve the 2013 meeting dates as written. Voted (7-0). The listing will be filed with the Town Clerk.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Maniscalco reported the following:
- The Economic Development Commission will hold a tax deferral workshop on December 6th
- A Tri-Board Meeting is scheduled for December 19th at 7pm in the Middle School Library
- He met with the Middlesex Revitalization Commission regarding revolving loans for small business owners
- Union negotiations are in process
- The Employee Handbook is in the process of being updated. It will go to the Town Attorney and will then be presented to Council.
Mr. Johnson asked about the 82 Main Street lease. Mr. Maniscalco noted there is no new information at this time.
Liaison Reports
Mr. Dostaler attended the Board of Education meeting. They are in the process of interviewing Superintendent candidates and Interim Superintendent candidates.
Ms. Moore attended the Board of Finance meeting. Mike Rich from the Fire Department gave the presentation on the fire truck. They also reported that revenues are down, tax collection is up and legal fees are higher.
Board & Commission Liaison Reports
Mary Ann Dostaler from the Brownfields Redevelopment Agency thanked everyone that attended the dedication of the 103 Main Street parking lot. She also voiced concerns and possible legal liabilities regarding using 13 Watrous as a parking lot. She noted the area cannot be capped or paved until after remediation.
Appointments
Mr. Dostaler brought forth a suggestion to change the membership of the Fire Commission from 5 members to 7 members. This would require an ordinance change. This item will be discussed at the next meeting.
Interviews for various commissions are in process.
Tax Refunds
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $860.77. Voted (7-0).
Public Remarks
Marty Swan, Fire Department, asked about the reappointment of Rich Dufour to the Fire Commission. It was noted that he can serve 90 days past the term ending date.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, commented on a program being worked on in several communities to leverage CL&P’s purchasing power to purchase generators.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, commented that there is a significant need to look at a long term needs assessment.
Robert Rainville, 130 Tartia Road, commented on the need for fire equipment for the town.
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements
Ms. Moore commented on an older brochure that shows the buildings in the Village Center. She is hopeful that the future Design Review Board will help to keep the downtown looking beautiful.
The Governor’s office is adding a status to driver’s licenses for veterans to assist first responders and other offices in showing individuals who may be eligible for programs.
The Jingle Bell parade and Breakfast with Santa will take place on December 1st.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Ms. Moore to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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