Town of East Hampton
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
East Hampton High School Library
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Susan Weintraub, Vice Chairman Glenn Suprono, Council Members Derek Johnson, Barbara Moore and George Pfaffenbach and Town Manager Michael Maniscalco.
Not Present: Kyle Dostaler and Ted Hintz, Jr.
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 to Communications/Correspondence and Announcements for a letter of fact for Matt Bevin.
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to adopt the agenda as amended. Voted (5-0).
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve the minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting of July 9, 2013 as written. Voted (5-0).
Public Remarks
Rick Berkenstock, commented that the 13 Summit Street project would bring foot traffic to the Village Center.
Presentations
Dr. George Knocklein – Lake Pocotopaug Presentation
Dr. George Knocklein provided an overview of prior lake reports, an action plan for the lake, stormwater runoff and other issues causing lake issues.
Bids & Contracts
Middle School Athletic Field Improvements
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Suprono, to award the contract for Middle School Athletic Field Improvements to Aqua Turf Irrigation LLC in the amount of $6,800 for the baseball field and $6,800 for the softball field. Voted (5-0).
Public Works Mower
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to award the purchase of a new mower to Tri-County Contractors Supply, Inc. in the amount of $107,294.70. Voted (5-0).
Resolutions/Ordinances/Policies/Proclamations
Adoption of Revised Commission on Aging Ordinance
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to adopt the Commission on Aging Ordinance as revised. Voted (5-0).
EDC Ordinance – Business Incentive Program Ordinance
The Economic Development Commission has been working on a draft ordinance for a tax assessment deferral program for the town. The draft lays out a point system which will grade projects to determine their eligibility. Cindy Rooth and James Gooch from the EDC were in attendance to provide an overview of the draft ordinance.
Airline Trail Improvement Resolution
The Town has been approved to receive a grant from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for the extension and improvement of the Airline Trail in the amount of $15,471.75.
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to exempt this item from the second reading policy. Voted (5-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Suprono, to adopt the resolution to enter into contracts with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Voted (5-0).
Continued Business
Agricultural Task Force Discussion and Date for Next Workshop
The Council discussed the creation of a new commission related to agriculture. This topic will be discussed at the next meeting.
Employee Handbook
The draft Employee Handbook that incorporated the changes suggested by Council members was reviewed.
A motion was made by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Suprono, to approve the employee handbook as presented. Voted (4-1) Mr. Johnson against.
13 Summit Street
Mr. Maniscalco provided an overview of documents regarding the 13 Summit Street project provided by the WPCA, the Chatham Health Department and the Planning & Zoning Administrator. He has also had discussions with the EDC and Brownfields Redevelopment Agency. He asked that the Council review the documents and the item will be placed on the next agenda.
New Business
Donation of Use Fire Apparatus
The Council discussed the fire apparatus that was suggested to be donated rather than sold. Mr. Maniscalco will talk with the Board of Finance and the Oklahoma town that was suggested to be the recipient of the equipment.
Town Manager Report
Police SOP Meeting Date
The first meeting for the review of the Police Standard Operating Procedures will be held on July 24th.
Labor Attorney Appointment
Mr. Maniscalco reported that the firm of Siegel, O’Connor, O’Donnell and Beck will be the new labor attorneys for the Town. He thanked Mr. Pfaffenbach and Mr. Suprono for their participation in the interviews.
3rd Party Consultant for Fire Department
JLN Associates met with the Fire Department and toured the facilities. They will be meeting with the Town Manager for an update.
Update on Fire Department Awards Program Investigation
Frank Rudewicz will be retained for the investigation into the awards program. He is cutting his cost to $195 per hour for this investigation.
Mr. Maniscalco also reported that he and the Finance Director provided a presentation to Standard and Poors and the town’s bond rating has been increased to AA+.
Ms. Weintraub asked for an action item listing and a last year to this year comparison in the department head report.
Liaison Reports
None
Board & Commission Liaison Reports
None
Appointments
Interviews will be conducted on July 24th for several open positions.
Tax Refunds
A motion was made Mr. Suprono, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve tax refunds in the amount $255.00. Voted (5-0).
Public Remarks
Cindy Rooth, Viola Drive, commented on providing water for the 13 Summit Street project.
Joe Carbonell, 63 Meeks Point Road, commented on blue/green algae concerns for the lake.
Communications, Correspondence & Announcements
Matt Bevin has asked the town to provide a letter of fact.
A motion was made by Mr. Pfaffenbach, seconded by Ms. Moore, for Mr. Maniscalco to write a letter of fact for Mr. Bevin. Voted (5-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Ms. Moore, to enter Executive Session at 8:39 p.m. Voted (5-0).
Executive Session
- Discussion of Performance Evaluation for Town Manager
Present in Executive Session: Susan Weintraub, Glenn Suprono, Derek Johnson, Barbara Moore, George Pfaffenbach and Town Manager Michael Maniscalco.
- Potential Acquisition of Property
Present in Executive Session: Susan Weintraub, Glenn Suprono, Derek Johnson, Barbara Moore, George Pfaffenbach and Town Manager Michael Maniscalco.
Executive Session ended at 9:35 p.m.
Possible Action on Executive Session Discussion
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Suprono, to approve the Town Manager’s Performance Evaluation as presented. Voted (5-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Ms. Moore, to allow the Town Council Chairperson to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding with the Town Manager regarding merit based performance of the 2013-2014 Priorities and Objectives. Voted (5-0).
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Pfaffenbach, to direct the Town Council Chairperson to sign the addendum to the Town Manager’s employment agreement increasing the salary by 2%, increasing the car stipend $100 per month and the next employee performance evaluation should be completed by July 1, 2014. Voted (5-0).
Adjournment
A motion was made by Mr. Suprono, seconded by Ms. Moore, to adjourn the meeting at 9:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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