Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
East Hampton Middle School Library
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Susan Weintraub, Vice Chairman Glenn Suprono, Council Members Kyle Dostaler, Ted Hintz, Jr., Barbara Moore, George Pfaffenbach, Derek Johnson 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 Middle School Library.
Adoption of Agenda
A motion was made by Mr. Hintz, seconded by Ms. Moore to move #15 Communications, Correspondence & Announcements up prior to public comments. Voted (7-0)
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Dostaler, to add Village Center sign clarification prior to public remarks. Voted (7-0)
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 May 14, 2013 as written. Voted (6-0-1) Mr. Johnson abstained as he was not present at the meeting.
Village Center Sign Clarification
Chairperson Weintraub stated that she worked with the Public Works Director and the Police Chief at the request of the Town Manager to find an alternate solution for the replacement of the damaged town sign in the Village Center. The State would need to approve the placement of the sign. Ms. Weintraub noted it is not the purview of the Town Council to choose the sign; it is the decision of the Town Manager and the State of CT.
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements
Mr. Hintz read aloud a letter he received from the VFW that indicated opposition to the placement of the town sign in the village center. The letter will be filed with the minutes.
Public Remarks
Many members of the community spoke in opposition to the placement of the town sign in the village center where Yellow Ribbon ceremonies are held.
Many members of the community spoke against the Right to Farm Ordinance.
Ms. Moore made a motion, seconded by Mr. Suprono, to end the debate over putting the town sign at the town village center and to not move forward with it. Voted: 7-0
Presentations:
Pictometry – East Hampton Assessor Carol Ann Tyler demonstrated the vision appraisal system.
Bids & Contracts
Tractor Replacement – The Town Manager read the agenda report recommending $21,000.00 be awarded to Kahn’s Tractor& Equipment for the purchase of a tractor for Parks & Recreation.
Ms. Moore motioned to accept, seconded by Mr. Dostaler. Voted: 7-0
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
Right to Farm Ordinance - Council members provided input into agriculture in town agreeing on the importance of the right to farm. Agricultural workshops will be scheduled to discuss the regulations and possibly form an Agriculture Committee. A copy of a right to farm ordinance from East Haddam was provided to Council.
Continued Business
Update on Fire Department Awards Program and Human Resource Functions – Mr. Maniscalco reported that the Fire Department Human Resources functions can be done through the Town Hall Human Resources since the practices are already in place.
The Fire Department Awards Program - Mr. Maniscalco stated that he is putting together a formal proposal of how the transition will work. The challenges will be the data input and the data being calculated.
New Business
Route 66 and 196 Intersection Improvements – The Town Manager spoke with the DOT who stated that due to utilities, there will be no improvements made this year. The Town Manager asked for the Council’s permission to move forward aggressively.
GIS Mapping for Town-Owned Properties and Open Space- A map indicating town owned property & open spaces and how it is zoned will be drafted.
Town Manager Report
- Fire Truck Purchase Status – Mr. Maniscalco signed the agreement to purchase the fire truck which should be delivered within the next 7 months.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station – The station is installed at the Municipal Lot at Main St Pizza and is still waiting for CL&P to add electricity. There will be signs on Rt. 2 to indicate the new Electric Station and there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony.
- Sears Park Update – They have the road in and the rain garden is dug out. The landscapers are due to plant flowers by Friday, weather permitting.
- Update on Generators – The town received the 150,000 watt mobile generator as well as a used one which will be used at the Senior Center and library.
- Update on School Wiring Project – In the process of releasing RFP for wiring the generators.
- Armed Forces Day Luncheon – The Town Manager attended the luncheon and suggested inviting Veterans on staff to the luncheon next year.
- Other – There will be a FOI Workshop on June 20. The town will participate in Ice Storm Training on June 22.
Town Council Liaison Reports
- Board & Commission Liaison Reports
Appointments
None
Tax Refunds
None
Public Remarks
A member of the community complained about the traffic on Long Hill Rd which was addressed by Chairman Weintraub and recommended that the Police Chief be contacted for monitoring the traffic on the road.
A request was made for an emergency plan for the town since we are now using the State’s plan. The mobile alert system was discussed as well as the systems that are in place to remind people to vote.
Mr. Dostaler motioned to enter Executive Session at 8:30 p.m., seconded by Mr. Suprono. Voted (7-0)
Executive Session
- Discussion of Performance Evaluation for Town Manager
- Update on Attorney Client Privileged Communication Regarding a Complaint
Executive Session ended at 8:52 p.m.
Possible Action on Executive Session Discussion
None
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Castonguay
Recording Secretary
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