Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
East Hampton High School Library
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Susan Weintraub, Vice Chairman Glenn Suprono (left meeting at 9:15 p.m.), Council Members Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson (arrived 6:37 p.m.), Barbara Moore and George Pfaffenbach and Town Manager Michael Maniscalco.
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. Pfaffenbach, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to move Continued Business-Sears Park Fees to follow Presentations.
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach to adopt the agenda as amended. Voted (6-0).
Public Remarks
None
Presentations
Proclamation for Gail Hamm and Eileen Daily
Alan Hurst accepted a proclamation for his wife, Gail Hamm, for her service as State Representative. Former State Senator Eileen Daily will be present at the next meeting to accept her proclamation.
Proclamations for East Hampton Fire Department, East Hampton Volunteer Ambulance Association and East Hampton Public Works
Members of the East Hampton Fire Department and East Hampton Volunteer Ambulance Association accepted proclamations for the Bevin Bell Fire. The Public Works proclamation will be given at the next meeting along with the East Hampton Police Department and Colchester Emergency Communications.
Mr. Johnson arrived at the meeting.
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 January 22, 2013 as written. Voted (6-0-1). Ms. Moore abstained as she was not present at that meeting.
Sears Park Fees
Ruth Plummer, Director of Parks & Recreation, was in attendance to review the proposed fees for Sears Park for 2013. Ms. Moore and Mr. Hintz feel that there should not be a parking fee for residents. Richard Norkun, Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board was also in attendance to answer questions and provide a history of the fees at the park. The Council asked questions and discussed the fees proposed.
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Johnson to approve the Sears Park fees as originally presented. Voted (5-2). Ms. Moore and Mr. Hintz against. The fee schedule will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
Bids & Contracts
GPS Bid
A request for proposals from qualified vendors interested in providing hardware and software to equip twenty-three (23) Public Works vehicles with a GPS Vehicle Tracking system was posted on the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services website on December 7, 2012. The town received nineteen (19) sealed proposals by the deadline of January 8, 2013. The full agenda report of details will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s Office.
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to award the contract for GPS units for Public Works vehicles to Synovia Solutions in the amount of $515 per month for 36 months for a total of $18,540. Voted (7-0).
CRRA Contract
Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) is the current provider who services all of East Hampton’s municipal solid waste. Historically, East Hampton has entered into a long term agreement with CRRA ensuring stable pricing for resident’s waste removal. The agreement has expired and East Hampton is currently disposing its municipal solid waste without an agreement which could allow CRRA the ability to increase its rates on residents. There are two options for a contract; long term and short term. This topic will be discussed further at the next meeting.
Construction Manager Contract for High School Building Committee
Cynthia Abraham from the High School Building Committee provided an overview of the construction management services contract.
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Johnson to award the contract for construction management services for the East Hampton High School to Downes Construction in the amount of $16,200. Voted (7-0).
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
Requested Feedback on Draft Tax Abatement Program/Ordinance
Mr. Maniscalco asked for feedback from the Council on the draft Tax Abatement ordinance. The ordinances from Middletown and Portland will be reviewed.
Resolution to Amend Town Pension Plan
Mr. Maniscalco provided an overview of an amendment to the Town pension plan to limit the access to permanent full time employees. This item will be further discussed at the next meeting.
Resolution to Authorize State Library Historic Document Preservation Grant
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Johnson to waive the second reading policy for this item. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Suprono, to approve and authorize Michael Maniscalco, Town Manager to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of East Hampton a contract with the Connecticut State Library for a Historic Document Preservation Grant. Voted (7-0).
Continued Business
Update on Fire Truck Progress
The bid for the fire truck was completed and released to the public on February 4, 2013. Any questions received from interested companies will be posted on the bid website for all parties to review.
Development of Procurement Manager Position
Mr. Maniscalco provided an overview of the procurement manager position. The Council questioned the need for a procurement manager and the concern of a part time facilities manager position. Mr. Maniscalco will talk with the Interim Superintendent and will put together a listing of current and future projects. This item will be discussed further at the next meeting.
New Business
Request from Housing Authority to Utilize L. Wagner Associates
Tom Denman, Chairman of the Housing Authority, and Judie Bobbi, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, were present to request the use of the services of L. Wagner Associates to apply for a Community Development Block grant in an effort to remodel and renovate the senior housing units.
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to waive the second reading policy for this item. Voted (7-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to grant permission for the Housing Authority to work with L. Wagner Associates on a Community Development Block grant.
Update on Police Chief Search
The search for a new Police Chief began on February 1st. February 25th is the last day to receive applications. The applications will be reviewed by a group of past and current chiefs to choose the top 10 applicants to bring to an oral board. From there, 3 to 7 applicants will be recommended. The goal is to have a new Chief in place by Memorial Day.
Quote from JLN Associates
Mr. Maniscalco reviewed a quote from JLN Associates. This company will provide a town wide vulnerability study, a firehouse facility review, training review, recruitment practices review and equipment review. This quote does not need approval by Council as it is under $10,000.
Conversation for Community Visioning
Mr. Maniscalco has been meeting with the Facilities/Infrastructure sub-committee and it was determined that more direction is needed from the community. He has been working with a company, Everyday Democracy, to conduct a community visioning process that can help this committee. A visioning event will be held to work toward developing a town wide master plan. A press release will be prepared to get citizens to volunteer to be a part of the process.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Maniscalco reported the following:
- Budget season is in full swing
- During the recent windstorm, the generator at Town Hall broke down. A temporary generator was provided by Higgins Electric.
- The town website will be re-worked
- The Neighbor to Neighbor project has brought about a $5,000 credit. Mr. Maniscalco would like to purchase an electric vehicle charging station for the village center. It was the consensus of the Council to purchase the station.
- No public hearing has been held to date for the WPCA rate increases.
Mr. Johnson asked that the Finance Director do an “interest rate stress test” on the town pension plan.
Mr. Hintz questioned the Interim Police Chief agreements, the appointment of Chief Reimondo to the Interim Police Chief position, who knew about the reappointment before it was made and the no re-hire portion of the agreement. Mr. Maniscalco indicated that for the safety of the town he needed to appoint an Interim Police Chief. Mr. Dostaler asked the Town Manager if the contract was legal and that if Mr. Hintz sues the town to invalidate the contract that he cannot use the Town’s attorneys in his effort to sue the town. Mr. Maniscalco indicated the contract is legal and town attorneys would not be allowed to be utilized by Mr. Hintz. Mr. Maniscalco would like to move forward toward a new Police Chief.
Mr. Hintz asked if there is an emergency preparedness action plan for Public Works. Mr. Maniscalco noted he will be meeting with staff for a post-storm review.
Liaison Reports
Mr. Dostaler attended the Board of Education meeting on January 31st. There was an update on the High School building project, Mr. Winzler reviewed the education budget and a new Superintendent was named – Diane Dugas.
Board & Commission Liaison Reports
Ms. Weintraub reported that the Facilities/Infrastructure sub-committee is looking at opportunities beyond visioning such as the needs of the Police and Fire departments.
Appointments
At the next meeting, Mr. Hintz would like to discuss the appointment of a person to a commission who is not a registered voter.
Tax Refunds
A motion was made by Mr. Pfaffenbach, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $2,407.91. Voted (6-0).
Public Remarks
Steven Ritchie, Keighley Pond Road, asked why not postpone the Chief’s retirement until a replacement could be made. He also commented that taxpayers are paying for Sears Park through their taxes.
Karen Lee, Pinebrook Road, noted her disappointment in the Council and Town Manager regarding the Chief issue. She feels the Chief’s position should be looked at. She also asked about demographics for those that purchase Sears Park parking permits.
William Choma, 20 Namonee Trail, noted his concerns regarding the Charter Section 3.1 for the appointment of the Town Manager noting his experience level. He noted last year he requested a Police Commission be looked into. He also commented on the Interim Police Chief agreements.
Patience Anderson, 17 Anderson Way, noted her disappointment in the Town Council and Town Manager and would have hoped that the Council would guide the Town Manager toward a good decision. She would like to see input from the town about whether the town needs a Police Chief.
Mr. Maniscalco responded to Mr. Ritchie noting that if he had any inclination as to keeping the Chief on after his retirement date he would have included it in the agreement. His initial plan was to hire an outside Interim Chief but that process became impossible after talking with the State Police Officers Standards Training group.
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements
Ms. Weintraub received a letter from the Town of Rocky Hill who would like support of a House bill that would provide community protection regarding prisoner nursing homes.
Ms. Moore noted in Waterbury they asked volunteers to assist in shoveling and wondered if East Hampton should do something like this in the future.
Mr. Maniscalco received an email from fireman Dan Burdick regarding the good job by Public Works for their assistance in the fire on Flannery Row during the blizzard.
Mr. Maniscalco received an anonymous email noting good job, your promise was delivered. He assumes relating to the snow storm.
Youth and Family Services and Epoch Arts will hold LunaFest, a short film festival for women on March 16th at Epoch Arts.
The regular meeting ended at 10:15 p.m.
Executive Session
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach to enter Executive Session at 10:20 p.m.
Present in Executive Session were Susan Weintraub, Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson, Barbara Moore, George Pfaffenbach and Michael Maniscalco.
Discussion of Performance Evaluation Process for Town Manager
Executive Session ended at 10:23 p.m.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach to adjourn the meeting at 10:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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