Ashley Bautista

The main business involved the review and approval of drawing sets and renderings for the Veteran's Memorial Clubhouse Renovations. Changes addressed included reducing the portico size, adding main floor storage, moving a concrete ramp, evaluating support beam height, maintaining basement ceiling height due to ductwork, updating main foyer wall finishes, and clarifying ADA compliance for entry doors. The Commission accepted the plans as presented. Updates were also provided on current and future projects, including initial designs for Fire House No. 2 (currently unfunded), the status of the Town Hall MEP Improvement Project final report, planning for Brewer House parking area paving, completed roof and chimney repairs at Hockanum Library, ongoing prioritization of Public Works projects, and an agreement for the Town to handle interior demolition for the Church Corners Inn project before the developer takes over.

The Real Estate Acquisition and Disposition Committee meeting agenda included the nomination of officers (Chair and Secretary), adoption of rules governing meetings, establishment of meeting dates, and procedures for storage of records. The new business focused on the exchange of land parcels with KEP East Hartford, LLC, located at 125 and 341 East River Drive, which involves the developer donating land to the Town for open space related to the Commerce Center project and an exchange for Town-owned property along East River Drive. The September 2, 2025, meeting, referenced in the agenda for approval, involved recommending the Town Council accept the donation of Lot 3, approximately 19.72 acres, for passive recreation, as part of the land exchange proposal.

The meeting included the discussion of the Chair's resignation after eight years of service, with a motion passed for a member to serve as temporary chair and responsibilities delegated for managing future meeting technology and setting up access to Microsoft Teams. The commission reviewed updates regarding award announcements to recognize Dottie's Sea Moss and a potential candidate for an accessibility award. New business involved addressing the lack of accessibility at bus stops, specifically regarding shoveling and the potential installation of seating enclosures. The commission also emphasized the need to post information about curbside voting on the disabilities website. A motion was carried to pay the clerk.

The Town Council meeting agenda for February 3, 2026, includes standard procedural items, recognition, and resident address opportunities. Key discussion items involve a recommendation from the Real Estate Acquisition and Disposition Committee regarding a land parcel exchange with KEP East Hartford, LLC on East River Drive, and consideration of Grant Applications with the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) for the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) concerning Roberts Street Streetscape Improvements and a roundabout at Route 15 Off-ramp and Silver Lane. Other new business items include referrals regarding an itinerant food service license fee, appointments to Boards and Commissions, and a tax refund request. The council also scheduled an executive session to discuss the pending auto liability claim known as Luis Aponte-Medina v. Town of East Hartford.

The meeting addressed the delay of Senior Survey workshops, which are now scheduled to begin in April through July, pending approval from the Mayor's office; the workshops may feature a presentation from Shop Rite's Dietitian. The Commission reviewed the minutes from the first official meeting of the Commissions on Aging throughout the state of Connecticut (COACT). New business included discussing an invitation to a "Lunch and Learn" program at Arbor Acres and a discussion regarding housing options for seniors seeking to downsize. A concern was raised about conflicting communications regarding the senior center's opening status during a recent snowstorm and subsequent confusion regarding Dial-A-Ride transportation cancellations, which requires follow-up with Health and Human Services for clarification.