MINUTES
PUBLIC HEARING
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
March 6, 2017
A PUBLIC HEARING was held by the City Council & WPC Authority in the City Hall Auditorium on Monday, March 6, 2017.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Jaime LaMere and City Councilors Daniel Farley, Luisa Noujaim, Gregg Cogswell and Drake Waldron. Councilors Paul Cavagnero and Anne Ruwet were absent. Mayoral Aide Timothy Waldron and Parks and Recreation Superintendent Brett Simmons were also present.
Mayor Carbone called the public hearing to order at 6:33 p.m.
City Clerk Joseph Quartiero read the legal notice.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Torrington will conduct a public hearing on Monday, March 6, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium, located at 140 Main Street, Torrington, CT to discuss its 2017 Small Cities Program Application and to solicit citizen input.
Maximum award limits are $700,000 for Public Facilities, $700,000 for Public Housing Modernization of 25 units or less, or $800,000 for 26 units and over; $500,000 for Infrastructure; $400,000 for Housing Rehabilitation Program for single towns, $500,000 for two-town consortium, and $600,000 for three or more Towns; $25,000 for Planning Only Grants; $500,000 for Economic Development Activities, and $500,000 for Urgent Need.
Major activity categories are: Acquisition, Housing Rehabilitation, Public Housing Modernization, Community Facilities, Public Services, and Economic Development. Projects funded with CDBG allocations must meet at least one of three National Objectives: 1) benefit to low and moderate income persons, 2) elimination of slums and blight, or 3) meeting urgent community development needs. Only one (1) project Application may be submitted to DOH.
The City is proposing to submit an Application under the Housing Rehabilitation category for a City-Wide Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Program. The City of Torrington anticipates applying for up to the maximum grant amount of $400,000.
The City will create a revolving loan fund with program income (principal and interest) generated from repayments of the grant for future housing rehabilitation loans.
The purpose of the public hearing is to obtain citizens’ views on the City’s community development and housing needs and review and discuss specific project activities in the areas of housing, economic development or community facilities which could be a part of the City’s Application for funding. The hearing will also review and discuss the City’s prior Small Cities projects including any currently open or underway.
The public hearing will give citizens an opportunity to make their comments known on the program and review and discussion of the Program Income Reuse Plan. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, you may direct written comments to the City of Torrington, 140 Main Street, Torrington, CT, 06790 or you may telephone Timothy E. Waldron, Mayoral Aide at 860-489-2228. In addition, information may be obtained at the above address between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm Monday through Wednesday; 8:30am and 6:30pm Thursday; and 8:30am and 12:30pm Friday.
The City of Torrington promotes fair housing and makes all programs available to low- and moderate-income families, and will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, lawful source of income, or gender identity or expression.
“All are encouraged to attend. The hearing is accessible to the handicapped. Any disabled persons requiring special assistance or non-English speaking persons should contact Thomas Gritt, ADA Coordinator at 860-489-2210 at least five days prior to the hearing.” The City of Torrington is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Peter Testa of L. Wagner Assocs. explained how the $400,000 in Housing Rehabilitation funds will be distributed and updated the Council on the status of current projects.
There was no one present who wished to speak, and Mr. Quartiero and Mr. Waldron noted that no comments were previously received from the public.
Mayor Carbone closed the public hearing at 6:39 p.m.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
March 6, 2017
A REGULAR MEETING was held by the City Council & WPC Authority in the City Hall Auditorium on Mon., March 6, 2017.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.
RESOLUTION: Small Cities Comm. Devel. Block Grant Applic.
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the following Resolution #143-17-8
WHEREAS, Federal monies are available under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Housing pursuant to Public Law 93 – 3 83, as amended; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 127c, and Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commissioner of Housing is authorized to disburse such Federal monies to local municipalities; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City of Torrington make application to the State for $400,000 in order to undertake a Small Cities Community Development Program and to execute an Assistance Agreement therefore, should one be offered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE City Council;
- That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for State Assistance imposed by Part VI of Chapter 130 of The Connecticut General Statutes; and,
- That the filing of an application by the City of Torrington in an amount not to exceed $400,000 is hereby approved, and that the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to file such Application with the Commissioner of the Department of Housing, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required by the Commissioner, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an Agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, rescissions, and revisions thereto, to carry out approved activities and to act as the authorized representative of the City of Torrington.
Mayor Carbone noted that this program has been a tremendous opportunity for the City’s residents, helping the under-served and those who wish to age in place.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 21, 2017.
On an amended motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded as amended by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting held March 1, 2017 with corrections noted.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one present who wished to speak.
DISCUSSION: Tax Collection from Hairdressing Salons
Mayor Carbone said there is a State Statute that allows municipalities to attempt tax collection through various methods such as applying tax liens or withholding permits, etc.
Atty. LaMere explained CGS §12-146(a), entitled “Revocation of Municipal and District Health Department Permits for Failure to Pay Property Taxes”.
Mayor Carbone explained that there are a number of establishments that are delinquent by more than 12 months, and the Tax Collector, in the interest of transparency, is hereby advising Council of her intent to exercise this option under §12-146(a). She said the Tax Collector will notify the Department of Health that there is a delinquency and ask them to refrain from renewing licenses.
FIREWORKS DISPLAY 2017
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to authorize the Mayor to award, execute and administer a contract for the 2017 Fireworks Display to Pyro Engineering, Inc. (dba Bay Fireworks) of Bethpage, NY for the amount of $13,900.
Mr. Simmons explained that the event costs roughly $32,000 including Parks & Recreation Staff, Police Department and Fire Department. He said they raise about $24,000 and have decided to spread the event across two days, July 7 and 8, to provide weather-related options and increased revenue.
THS TURF PAYMENT
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $738.34 to Gibson Holdings, LLC (dba Giordano Signs) for Invoice #8741 dated February 21, 2017, for the rules sign at the THS Athletic Field.
TAX COLLECTOR TAX REFUNDS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the 26 tax refunds indicated on the list dated March 6, 2017.
TAX COLLECTOR SEWER USAGE FEE REFUNDS
Herein acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the 29 sewer usage fee refunds indicated on the list dated March 6, 2017.
BUSINESS BY DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads. No business was presented.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council.
Councilor Cogswell expressed his opposition the Governor’s proposed plan to tax our local community hospitals. Mayor Carbone and the other members agreed.
Councilor Farley recommended that everyone read the Mayor’s newsletter.
Councilor Waldron asked to add to the agenda.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to add to the agenda.
SMALL CITIES
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to approve a Change Order to project #143-470.
Mayor Carbone updated the Council on the recent forum held regarding the BAR grant, a recent smoke detector event, her efforts to oppose a health district consolidation mandate, the recent St. Jude Telethon, and the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
OPEN TO PUBLIC: Agenda Items Only
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to discuss agenda items only. There was no one present who wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Carol L. Anderson, MMC
Asst. City Clerk
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