Council Welcomes New Administrator, Discusses Zoning Changes

The following is a report of actions taken at the Town Council meeting of Feb. 13, 2012. 

7 p.m. — Town Council President Joe Robicheau presents a proclamation to outgoing, interim Town Administrator David Dolce. The audience stands and applauds. 

7:05 — The town clerk swears into office the . The audience stands and applauds. 

7:13 — Len Katzman stands and asks council about . Parking signs have recently appeared near the tower. 

7:23 — Council approves victualler license for . 

7:31 — Council votes to approve bills in amount of nearly $276,000. 

7:39 — Newly sworn-in Town Administrator Klimm gave his first report. "I am mindful that the preparation of our budget must be of the highest priority," he said. 

7:42 — A public hearing is held on a proposed zoning ordinance regarding "Residential Driveways and Lot Coverage." Councilor Jim Seveney recused himself. The change "removes language which requires driveways and parking areas to be counted as lot coverage in residential developments," said Gary Crosby. 

8:19 — Council closes public hearing. Councilor Keith Hamilton motions to approve language change for Article IV. Section C. 10. The council votes 4 to 2 in favor of the motion with Judi Staven and Liz Pedro against. 

8:27 — Sen. Chris Ottiano and Rep. Dan Reilly provide update on . 

8:31 — Ottiano says he plans to draft two new pieces of legislation: one related to the , providing more power to town councils with such projects; and, two, a bill to . 

8:52 — Council votes 7 to 0 to deny a request to refund towing fees to vehicle owner David Silvia, whose car is involved in a criminal investigation. Silvia, who allegedly loaned his car to the person arrested, said the town should reimburse the fees since he did not receive a phone call. Police Chief Lance Hebert said the actions taken were "standard procedure." 

9:12 — The council heard a report on illegal stormwater discharge. Councilor Liz Pedro asked for an opinion from the town solicitor. Pedro asked if two people, residing in the same household, could serve on the same board, or if this was an Open Meetings' violation. "They are going to have issues," said D.A. D'Andrea. "To me, it's discrimination," said Karen Gleason, who said the council is referring to her and her husband. 

9:22 — Council votes to approve Request for Proposal for auctioneering services, which will auction off and furniture. 

9:50 — Council votes 6-1 to draft resolution opposing H-7250 and other state legislation mandating that expired teacher contracts must continue at existing terms and conditions. Voting in opposition was Jim Seveney. 

10:05 — Keith Hamilton motions to continue meeting past 10 p.m. deadline. Council votes to approve motion. 

10:06 — Council votes 7-0 to approve 3% tax exemption for income-eligible senior citizens. 

10:08 — Council votes 7-0 to deposit Early Retirement Reinsurance Program (ERRP) funds into Other-Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) trust. 

10:18 — Council votes 5-2, with Pedro and Kesson opposed, to authorize council president to sign and submit five-year financial forecast for town. 

10:19 — Council votes 7-0 to award contract to replace awning at Glen Manor House. 

The council adjourned to executive session at 10:24 p.m. Liz Pedro recused herself.