MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
March 20, 2017
A REGULAR MEETING was held by the City Council & WPC Authority in the City Hall Auditorium on Monday, March 20, 2017.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Jaime LaMere and City Councilors Paul Cavagnero, Anne Ruwet, Daniel Farley, Luisa Noujaim, Gregg Cogswell and Drake Waldron. Mayoral Aide Timothy Waldron, Inland Wetlands Officer Rista Malanca and Comptroller Alice Proulx were also present.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting and Public Hearing held March 6, 2017. Councilors Ruwet and Cavagnero abstained.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one present who wished to speak.
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Mayor’s recommendation and appoint Jessica Wright to the Torrington Area Health District Board of Directors to fill the remainder of a three-year term expiring January 9, 2019.
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Mayor’s recommendation and re-appoint Thomas A. Gluz to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a three-year term expiring December 6, 2019.
CONSULTANT: NAUGATUCK RIVER GREENWAY
On an amended motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded as amended by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to award a contract to Anchor Engineering Svcs., Inc. of Glastonbury, CT to complete Task 1, Survey and Base Mapping, and Task 2, Develop Final Design Plans, for the contracted amount of $58,800, paid for, in part, by a Recreational Trail Grant from CT DEEP, and to place Anchor Engineering Service, Inc. on an approved on-call list.
Ms. Malanca defined on-call engineers as those used for small jobs that would require quotes instead of going through the bid process. Mayor Carbone clarified that all projects would still be presented to City Council for approval. Councilor Cavagnero requested a list of projects initiated outside the bid process and Mayor Carbone explained that they are seen as line items in budget reports.
PORTABLE TOILET RENTAL
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s and Parks & Recreation Supervisor’s recommendation to authorize the Mayor to award, execute and administer a contract for the rental of portable toilets with A Royal Flush, Inc. of Bridgeport, CT for $60 per regular unit per month and $90 per handicap unit per month.
E. SEWER BASIN REHAB PROJECT
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments from Fund #490 Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement for Capital Project D-2Ab East Sewer Basin Rehabilitation Project and Capital Project D-14 Capacity Management Operation and Management Plan (CMOM):
DATE CONTRACTOR INVOICE# AMOUNT$ DESCRIPTION
2/27/2017 Walter Combes Pay Req #3 $6,737.50 East Basin Sewer Inspection
1/6/2017 Insituform Technologies Pay Req #2 $749,074.86 East Basin Sewer Construction
3/7/2017 Updike, Kelly & Spellacy 79433.00005 $10,000 East Basin Sewer Legal Services
3/7/2017 Wright-Pierce NASSCO $5,690 NASSCO Training CMOM
FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-17-9 endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice, as follows:
Whereas, All persons are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice; and
Whereas, Federal fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, be given equal access to all housing-related opportunities, including rental and homeownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and
Whereas, Connecticut fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression be given equal access to all housing-related opportunities, including rental and home ownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and
Whereas, The Town of Torrington is committed to upholding these laws, and realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOVED, That the Town of Torrington hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase, obtain financing and enjoy all other housing-related services of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis as provided by state and federal law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the chief executive officer of the Town of Torrington or her designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of an illegal discriminatory housing practice in the Town of Torrington and for advising such person of the right to file a complaint with the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or to seek assistance from the CT Fair Housing Center, legal services, or other fair housing organizations to protect his or her right to equal housing opportunities.
Councilor Cavagnero expressed his desire to protect seniors in senior-only housing. Timothy Waldron explained that this policy is based on the rights of citizens to buy or rent housing in any area of town, avoiding discrimination. Councilor Cavagnero said this law is a clumsy tool that needs to be refined. Mayor Carbone noted that she discussed this with the Housing Commissioner, explaining Torrington’s housing needs for an aging demographic. Councilor Cavagnero said our legislators should address this. Councilor Noujaim said she has learned that this could be seen as reverse discrimination.
SMALL CITIES RESOLUTION
On a motion by Councilor Farley, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-17-7 amending Program Income Plan to permit funding of additional activities from that Program Income, as follows:
Whereas, the City of Torrington has received funds under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program , administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Housing, pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended; and
Whereas, the City of Torrington has expended those funds pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the Code of Federal Regulations, and the Assistance Agreement, and,
Whereas, those funds received by the City of Torrington have generated Program Income.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
I. That it is cognizant of the conditions for the use of Program Income as prescribed by Title 24, Pa11 570, Section 489(e) of the Code of Federal Regulations.
That it realizes Program Income is governed by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
That it may use Program Income only for the following activities:
The activity that generated the program income if the activity continues to meet the requirements of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
Any additional activity that meets the requirements of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act if the Town receives DOH 's written approval to fund it with Program Income.
That it may use Program Income to fund Administrative and Program soft costs within the following limits:
Administrative Costs 8%
Total Administrative and Program Soft Costs 12%
(Housing Rehabilitation Activities Only)
Total Administrative and Program Soft Costs 20%
(All Activities Except for Housing Rehabilitation)
That it is hereby amending the Program Income Plan(s) that was adopted for the original activity that generated the Program Income to permit the funding of additional activities from that Program Income.
SMALL CITIES PROJECTS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Small Cities Committee and approve both Project #143-478 and a Change Order to Project #143-467. Councilor Waldron explained that the new project is for emergency heating and there is plenty of equity, and the change order is for $200.
SMALL CITIES INVOICES
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to approve payment for the following requisitions:
Vendor Requisition # Date Amount Description
City of Torrington 15-SC-45 3/3/2017 $ 225.00 Three Title Searches
Lisa Scapin/Jim Pescatore Home Improvemt LLC 15-SC-44 3/3/2017 $2711.00 Work completed
TAX COLLECTOR TAX REFUNDS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the 16 tax refunds indicated on the list dated March 20, 2017.
TAX COLLECTOR SEWER USAGE FEE REFUNDS
Herein acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to vote to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the 9 sewer usage fee refunds indicated on the list dated March 20, 2017.
BUILDING DEPT. REPORT
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Dept. Report for February 2017.
RELEASE TAX & SEWER LIENS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to accept Corporation Counsel’s recommendation and authorize the Mayor, pursuant to CGS §12-179, to release the tax and sewer liens listed on Atty. LaMere’s memo dated March 20, 2017.
BUDGET AMENDMENTS/TRANSFERS
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to approve the budget amendments/transfers indicated on the Comptroller’s Memo dated March 15, 2017, pending Board of Finance approval on March 21, 2017.
BUSINESS BY DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, 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 Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council.
Councilor Cogswell said the Ordinance Committee will convene after this meeting.
Councilor Farley commended the Torrington Library, having attended its Grand Opening.
Councilors Noujaim and Waldron thanked the Street Dept. for the good job they did plowing streets after a recent storm.
Mayor Carbone commended the Street, Police and Fire Departments for their work during the storm, and updated the Council on the recent Irish Celebration with June Zeiner named Lord Mayor for March 17th, the Library Open House, and the status of the current Budget Process. She announced the Civitan Club’s upcoming fundraiser to purchase US Flags for Veterans’ graves.
OPEN TO PUBLIC: Agenda Items Only
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public to discuss agenda items only. There was no one present who wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Carol L. Anderson, MMC
Asst. City Clerk
| 
