Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
East Hampton High School Library
Minutes
Present: Vice Chairman Glenn Suprono, Council Members Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson (6:40 p.m.), Barbara Moore and George Pfaffenbach and Town Manager Michael Maniscalco.
Not Present: Chairperson Susan Weintraub
Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Vice Chairman Suprono called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the East Hampton High School Library.
Adoption of Agenda
An item will be added to Appointments – Planning & Zoning Commission.
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to adopt the agenda as amended. Voted (5-0).
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of March 12, 2013 as written. Voted (4-0-1) Mr. Hintz abstained as he was not present at the meeting.
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Public Hearing of March 19, 2013 as written. Voted (4-0-1) Mr. Hintz abstained as he was not present at the meeting.
Public Remarks
Bill Marshall, Fairlawn Avenue, commended the Council for revitalizing the Clean Energy Task Force. He also discussed energy saving options and possible natural gas options.
Ann McLaughlin, 85 North Main Street, invited the Council to the Welcome Home Veterans ceremony on April 13th at 11:00am in the Village Center.
Ted Barber, 50 Mott Hill Road, commented that patching potholes recently has been a waste of materials. He also commented on the sewer rates always going up and never a savings.
Brian Cutler, 265 West High Street, noted that he has had a project in the system for a sports center on Route 66 and is hopeful he will be able to utilize the current tax deferral program that may be up for repeal.
Jamie Bell, 35 South Main Street, commented representing the Economic Development Commission. She commented on the tax deferral resolution and is hopeful the EDC can have the opportunity to revise the program before it is repealed.
Ted Barber, 50 Mott Hill Road, asked about the status of the culvert near the marina on North Main Street.
Presentation
Solar Power Procurement Project for Memorial School and Wastewater Treatment Plan
John Shortsleeve from Baystate Consulting and Rob Miller from Solar City provided a presentation on the solar power project being proposed for Memorial School and the wastewater treatment plant. Photo renderings were shown of the two buildings being proposed.
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to direct the Town Manager to enter into a contract with Solar City as long as that contract has received the approval of the Town Attorney who has been directed to ensure there is language which will protect the integrity of all locations where solar panels will be installed. Voted (6-0).
Bids & Contracts
Sears Park Improvement Bids
A motion was made by Mr. Pfaffenbach, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to award the bid for Sears Park Improvements Phase 1 to H.E. Butler Company in the amount of $183,940.00 Voted (5-1) Mr. Hintz against.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
Proclamation for Yellow Ribbon Ceremony for David Jensen
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Ms. Moore, to accept the proclamation for David Jensen. Voted (6-0).
Resolution for Fire Truck
Mike Rich and Brian Bochinski were present to review the fire truck bids and the reasoning of why the Pierce bid, although not the lowest bid, is the better of the two received.
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Ms. Moore, to adopt the resolution for the fire truck purchase and set the town meeting date of April 29, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the High School. Voted (6-0).
Draft Fire Marshal Ordinance
This item will be discussed at the next meeting.
Ethics Ordinance
This item will be discussed at the next meeting.
WPCA Ordinance
The Council reviewed a revised Water and Sewer Authority Ordinance with changes that would alter the appointing authority for the Public Utilities Administrator to the Town Manager. Prior to the public hearing to change the ordinance the wording will be reviewed by the town attorney.
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Ms. Moore, to set a public hearing for the WPCA ordinance change on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Library.
Continued Business
Repeal Current Assessment Deferral Resolution
The Council discussed the repeal of the current assessment deferral resolution. The Economic Development Commission will be working on the new ordinance being formed. Several members of Council felt that Brian Cutler’s project should be grandfathered in to the current resolution and others who may be working on projects should be notified that the current assessment deferral program may be repealed. This item will be discussed further at the next meeting.
Update on High School Building Project
There was no discussion on this item as the Board of Finance didn’t vote on the project yet.
Request to Draft Explanatory Text for High School Building Project
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to direct the Town Clerk to draft explanatory text for the High School Building Project (pending approval of the project). The final wording would be reviewed by the Town Attorney. Voted (6-0).
VFW Request for Additional Memorial Day Parade Funding
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Hintz, to approve the additional $500 for the VFW for the Memorial Day Parade for the rider-less horse. Voted (6-0).
New Business
Debt Policy
The Board of Finance has drafted and approved a debt policy. This item will be discussed further at the next meeting. Mr. Johnson asked that the Finance Director explain why the town would prohibit the issuance of derivative securities.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Maniscalco reported the following:
- The Registrar of Voters emergency plan approval will be postponed until both registrars can attend the meeting.
- Another bill has been proposed similar to that submitted by Representative Ziobron regarding municipal mandates.
- The internal investigation for the letter received from Paul Owen regarding the handling of the firefighter award program was reviewed.
- The next Community Visioning meeting will be held on Thursday, March 28th at 6pm at the Middle School Library.
- The State has created the Municipal Opportunities Regional Efficiencies (MORE) Commission. Questions raised regarding the state budget are being directed to the MORE commission.
- The Parks & Recreation director has asked for a letter of support for the upcoming Airline Trail Improvement Phase I and II.
Liaison Reports
None
Board & Commission Liaison Reports
None
Appointments
Middle Haddam Historic District Commission
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Ms. Moore, to appoint Demian Battit with a term through 2018 and Colleen Mellon with a term through 2017 to the Middle Haddam Historic District commission. These commissioners are currently alternates and will be moved to full members. Voted (6-0):
Arts & Cultural Commisison
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Ms. Moore, to reappoint Carol Lane to the Arts & Cultural Commission. Voted (6-0).
Clean Energy Task Force
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Ms. Moore, to appoint the following individuals to the Clean Energy Task Force:
Javette Allen Peter Daddario
Adam Dawidowicz Robert Ferris
John Greeno
Voted (6-0)
Planning & Zoning Commission
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to reappoint Rowland Rux to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Voted (6-0).
Tax Refunds
A motion was made by Mr. Pfaffenbach, seconded by Mr. Hintz, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $661.54. Voted (6-0).
Public Remarks
Bill Marshall, Fairlawn Avenue, asked that the explanatory text also be reviewed by the High School Building Committee and the Board of Education prior to approval.
Ted Barber, Mott Hill, asked that council members use their microphones. He also asked about contracts for road repairs and the recourse the town has to have the contractors come back to fix issues.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, thanked the Council for approving the Sears Park Improvements bid as this will address runoff issues into the lake.
Rowland Rux, Wopowog Road, thanked the Council for reappointing him to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements
None
Adjournment
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Moore to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Voted (6-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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