Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
East Hampton High School Library
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Susan Weintraub, Vice Chairman Glenn Suprono, Council Members Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson (arrived at 6:35 p.m.) and Barbara Moore and Town Manager Michael Maniscalco.
Not Present: George Pfaffenbach
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
An item will be added under Appointments for CT Office of Tourism.
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Mr. Suprono, to adopt the agenda as amended. Voted (5-0).
Executive Session
- Discussion Concerning an Attorney Client Privileged Communication Regarding a Complaint
Present in Executive Session: Susan Weintraub, Glenn Suprono, Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), Barbara Moore and Labor Attorney Daniel Murphy.
- Review of Proposed Draft of New Police Chief’s Contract
Present in Executive Session: Susan Weintraub, Glenn Suprono, Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson, Barbara Moore, Labor Attorney Daniel Murphy and Town Manager Michael Maniscalco.
Executive Session ended at 7:15 p.m.
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 April 9, 2013 as amended. Voted (6-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Ms. Moore, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Public Hearing of April 9, 2013 as written. Voted (4-0-2) Mr. Hintz and Mr. Johnson abstained as they were not present.
Public Remarks
James Royster, 17 Shipyard Road, President of the Middle Haddam Library Association, commented on the $10,000 in the proposed budget for the Middle Haddam Library. They are asking for an additional $10,000 in the budget.
Ted Barber, 50 Mott Hill, asked about zoning regulations for fencing. He also asked who owns and runs the WPCA. Mr. Maniscalco will provide answers to his question.
Presentation
Economic Development Commission – Tax Abatement
Cindy Rooth, Acting Chairperson of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), provided an overview of the work done by EDC on the tax abatement ordinance. EDC has researched other towns. Some towns have business incentive programs not just tax abatements or tax deferrals. Mr. Johnson suggested additional documents for EDC to review. EDC will keep the Council informed of their progress.
Bids & Contracts
Bid Award to Edit and Reformat Zoning Regulations
Mr. Maniscalco provided an overview of the bid to edit and reformat Zoning Regulations. The town received only one bid for the project. The Council would like Jim Carey and the Planning & Zoning Chairman to attend the next meeting to discuss the project. There was discussion as to whether some of the changes should be done by Town staff. This item will be discussed at the next meeting.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
To consider and act upon a resolution recommending an appropriation for the East Hampton High School Renovations, Improvements and Additional Project, and recommending the issue of bonds and notes to finance the portion of the appropriation not defrayed from grants and set special Town Meeting and Referendum date
Mr. Dostaler read the full resolution. The Council discussed the project. Mr. Hintz did not support the project from a financial standpoint. The remaining members agreed to send the project to the voters.
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to adopt the resolution for the East Hampton High School Renovations, Improvements and Additions Project as read. Voted (5-1). Mr. Hintz against.
Amendment to High School Building Committee Resolution
The original resolution for the High School Building Committee named the committee as the East Hampton High School Committee rather than the East Hampton High School Building Committee. The amended resolution corrects the name.
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to adopt the amendment to the High School Building Committee resolution to correct the name of the committee. Voted (6-0).
Amendment to Employee Pension Plan
Mr. Maniscalco reviewed an amendment to the East Hampton Retirement Income Plan to limit new employees who are eligible for the plan. All future non-union employees would be offered a 457 plan or similar rather than be included in the pension plan.
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to adopt the amendment to the Town of East Hampton Retirement Income Plan as presented. Voted (6-0).
Ethics Ordinance
Mr. Maniscalco provided an overview of the proposed changes to the Ethics Commission ordinance which include:
- Town Council approval and public posting of the Ethics Commission rules and procedures
- An additional membership qualification to exclude individuals who have been found to violate a municipal, state or federal law
- Clearer language for the affirmative vote requirement
- Requirement for attorney’s fees to be borne by the individual unless action was found to be a part of one’s public duties
This topic will be discussed further at the next Council meeting.
Continued Business
Discussion and Approval of Town Budget
Council members discussed the budget including the Board of Education budget and their rate of increase, the capital budget, Middle Haddam Library’s allocation and Town Hall staffing.
Mr. Suprono left the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to adopt the 2013-2014 Town budget with the following changes:
- Board of Education budget will be reduced to a 3.07% increase compared to last year
- Additional $10,000 appropriated to the Middle Haddam Library
Voted (4-1) Ms. Moore against
Chatham Historical Society Sanitary Facilities
Mr. Maniscalco reviewed a letter from Anchor Engineering outlining the proposals to supply the Chatham Historical Society building with water. The letter will be included with the minutes filed in the Town Clerk’s office. Pricing on a portable chemical toilet and drilling a well will be provided for the next meeting.
New Business
None
Town Manager Report
Mr. Maniscalco reported the following:
- Interviews for the Police Chief are down to two candidates
- The Town Meeting for the Fire truck is scheduled for Monday, April 29th at 7:00 pm at the High School Library
- The DECD paperwork is in progress for the Epoch Arts roof project
- One emergency generator has been purchased. There is one more to be purchased.
- The Library/Senior Center water system is being repaired. The money was budgeted in capital.
- Additional emails have been received regarding the 2011 fire department awards program. At this point the 2011 awards program needs to be concluded and move forward. If there are problems with the 2012 awards program it would be recommended to Town Council that the program be turned over to the town staff for management.
Mr. Hintz asked about the sign being proposed in the Village Center that has been submitted for State approval and the process that was followed.
Liaison Reports
None
Board & Commission Liaison Reports
None
Appointments
Arts & Cultural Commission
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Ms. Moore, to appoint Alan Hurst to the Arts & Cultural Commission with a term through 2016. Voted (5-0).
Middle Haddam Historic District Commission
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to appoint Regina Starolis as an alternate on the Middle Haddam Historic District Commission with a term through 2015. Voted (5-0).
Clean Energy Task Force: Clarification to Member Appointments to 1 or 2 Year Terms0
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Ms. Hintz to add term dates to the following individuals appointed at a prior meeting to the Clean Energy Task Force:
Peter Daddario, John Greeno and Adam Dawidowicz – 2 year terms through 2015
Javette Allen and Robert Ferris – 1 year term through 2014
CT Tourism Board
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to appoint Ann Wales to the Central Regional District CT Office of Tourism with a term through 2015. Voted (5-0).
Tax Refunds
A motion was made by Mr. Dostaler, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve tax refunds in the amount of $361.32. Voted (5-0).
Public Remarks
Carol Lane, Lake Drive, member of the Board of Education, noted her concerns regarding the budget cut for the Board of Education.
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements
The Town Meeting will be held on April 29th at 7:00 p.m. at the East Hampton High School Library.
This week is National Volunteer Week.
The Regular Meeting ended at 9:30 p.m.
Executive Session
Potential Purchase of Property
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to enter Executive Session at 9:35 p.m.
Present in Executive Session: Susan Weintraub, Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Derek Johnson, Barbara Moore and Town Manager Michael Maniscalco.
Executive Session ended at 9:45 p.m.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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