MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
JULY 29, 2002
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority, re-scheduled from the adjourned meeting of July 15, 2002, was held on Monday, July 29, 2002, in the Council Chambers.
Present were Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., City Councilors Anne L. Ruwet, Paul F. Samele, Jr., Marie P. Soliani, David M. Bascetta, Richard E. Dalla Valle, and James D. Reginatto, Corp. Counsel Albert Vasko, Purchasing Agent Charlene Antonelli, Superintendent of Equipment Maintenance Michael Michaud, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell, the City’s Consultant to Small Cities Lawrence Wagner, and the City’s Economic Development Coordinator Christina Emery.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero read the legal notice.
PUBLIC HEARING: SMALL CITIES
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the board voted unanimously to obtain citizens’ views on the city’s community development and housing needs and to 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, and to review the status of its current Small Cities projects and programs in anticipation of this submission.
During discussion, Councilor Ruwet requested adding an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to scheduling a public hearing.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to add an item to the agenda.
Lawrence Wagner, Small Cities Grant Consultant for the City of Torrington, reported that the city had participated in the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program since 1982 on a variety of projects. This program provides federal funds to the State of Connecticut through the Department of Community Development and allocated on a competitive basis to cities having a population of 50,000 or under. The program provides funding for the areas of housing, economic development, community facilities, and social services for projects that would benefit moderate low income housing, eliminate slum and blight and remove an eminent threat to public health and safety. The city has done projects including, street improvements downtown, sewer lines and pump stations, housing rehabilitation, and small business loans
since its inception.
The purpose of the public hearing was to receive community input on general community development needs that could be funded by this program, and to respond to about thirty requests for assistance from property owners throughout the community to continue the city’s housing rehabilitation program by providing, either no payment/no interest loans or low interest loans to income eligible property owners to rehabilitate their properties. The city’s last application for this program was in 1997 and those funds were totally spent. Usually, projects either have to be sold or go to probate to recapture the funds to be used again.
Mr. Wagner informed the board that the city had recently completed two projects. One was a job coaching/mentoring program at LARC, and the other was a regional micro loan program, which was terminated for convenience with the state since demand had fallen off significantly. The city has one application pending with the state for the bus facility at the Sullivan Senior Center. That application is presently stalled at D.E.C.D. because it needs funding from the State Department of Social Services and the bond commission hasn’t met in the past few months. If that project does not move forward, D.E.C.D. has asked that it be removed and resubmitted when state funding is available.
Councilor Ruwet, Chairman of the Small Cities Committee, said the intent of the public hearing was to re-certify or re-confirm the application for the Senior Center for the $500,000.00 D.E.C.D. monies, for which the public hearing will be held on September 3, 2002.
Mr. Wagner indicated that this public hearing concerned the housing rehabilitation program and hoped to move forward with a resolution to meet the needs of those applicants.
Having no further questions or comments, Mayor Quinn closed the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing for 7:00 p.m. on September 3, 2002 in regard to the Senior Center project.
APPROVE PROPOSED APPLICATIONS # 300
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to approve the proposed application to the State Department of Economic and Community Development for funds under the Small Cities Program as discussed during the public hearing and adopt a Resolution pertaining to it.
CERTIFIED RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF TORRINGTON
SMALL CITIES PROGRAM
Certified a true copy of a resolution adopted by the City of Torrington at a meting of its City Council on July 29, 2002, and which has not been rescinded or modified in any way whatsoever.
WHEREAS, Federal monies are available under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development pursuant to Public Law 93-383, as amended; and,
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Chapter 127c, and Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development 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 $500,000.00 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:
1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for State Assistance imposed by Park VI of Chapter 130 of The Connecticut General Statutes; and,
2. That the filing of an application by the City of Torrington in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 is hereby approved, and that the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to file such application with the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, 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, recessions, and revisions thereto, to implement project activities, if approved, and to act as the authorized representative of the City of Torrington.
PUBLIC HEARING: STILLWATER POND ROAD #320
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero read the legal notice.
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to consider changing the name of Stillwater Trail and a portion of Brass Mill Dam Road to Stillwater Pond Road.
During discussion, Councilor Dalla Valle suggested acknowledging the Skokan family somehow, by recognizing Skokan Pond.
Mayor Quinn concurred. Research on how to do so would be required.
Mayor Quinn called the public hearing to a close at 7:21 p.m.
VOTE: STILLWATER POND ROAD #440
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to change the name of Stillwater Trail and a portion of Brass Mill Dam Road to Stillwater Pond Road.
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the special joint meeting with the Board of Finance held May 28, 2002.
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held June 3, 2002.
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the special joint meeting with the Board of Finance held June 4, 2002.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #480
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
B. CORNELL
Torringford Volunteer Fire Chief Brian Cornell urged the Council to support the ordinance in regard to the tax abatement for volunteer firefighters.
D. McMORROW
Dennis McMorrow, Berkshire Engineering & Surveying, requested permission to speak in reference to the following item on the agenda.
SEWER EXTENSION: V.A. CONSTRUCTION #560
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, a discussion took place with regard to the recommendation from Planning & Zoning, to extend the sewer line approximately 65 feet in regard to application submitted by Jay Prince / V.A. Construction, with the condition that the sewer extension is done at the applicant’s expense and that the applicant address the Assistant City Engineer’s comments in his 7/1/02 memo.
Mr. McMorrow indicated he was representing V.A. Construction on this matter and that he had been working with Rob Trottier, the city’s Asst. City Engineer. He noted that the sewer lines on Ryan Terrace stopped short of this property, therefore they were required to file an application to extend the sewer service to the property. He noted that they had already received a Section 8-24 referral from the Planning Commission at the last Planning & Zoning meeting and that they were seeking the Council’s approval to proceed with the process of obtaining their permits from Engineering, Zoning and Building.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether Mr. McMorrow had submitted the revised plans that Engineering had requested. (He noted that no one from these city departments was present to address the matter.)
Mr. McMorrow stated that they were submitted.
Mayor Quinn said he heard that was the case but couldn’t swear to it. It appeared to him that this matter was approved by Planning & Zoning and everyone was on board with it, and despite the seventeen items listed, everyone seemed to be in agreement, per the recommendation of Planning & Zoning.
Mr. McMorrow said “If the Engineering Department has any further questions of the plan, that we’re more than happy to address it to their satisfaction. I’m sure we’re not going to get the permit to construct that sewer line until they are satisfied with those requirements.”
Mayor Quinn asked Mr. McMorrow if they were prepared to fulfill those requirements as they were enumerated.
Mr. McMorrow said “Yes, sir.”
Councilor Dalla Valle pointed out that the agenda addressed the Asst. City Engineer’s memo dated 7/1/02 and didn’t think it would be an issue with the Council as long as they abided by what the engineer wanted.
Councilor Bascetta inquired whether the sewer line was on an easement or on City of Torrington property.
Mr. McMorrow indicated it was in the right-of-way of Ryan Terrace, and actually in the roadway, therefore, it was a public extension.
Councilor Bascetta asked if the extension would be maintained by the City of Torrington thereafter.
Mr. McMorrow said “Correct. It’s an additional 65 feet of 8 inch sewer line. We’re extending a dead end manhole to another dead end manhole.”
Councilor Reginatto inquired whether the sewer line would be going by any other properties that may tie into it.
Mr. McMorrow indicated that the other properties in the area are already developed. The 65' extension was merely to bring it to their property. He explained that they would have been happy to extend the lateral down the city street to connect to the existing manhole but the Engineering Department wouldn’t accept that. He further explained that the extension was not a forced main, but a gravity extension of the existing sewer.
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from Planning & Zoning to extend the sewer line approximately 65 feet in regard to application submitted by Jay Prince / V.A. Construction, with the condition that the sewer extension is done at the applicant’s expense and that the applicant address the Assistant City Engineer’s comments in his 7/1/02 memo.
AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR #720
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council after a brief discussion, voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the Deputy Fire Chief to approve “up to” $20,000.00 from Contingency, to replace the air conditioner compressor in the Fire Headquarters Building and referred it to the Board of Finance.
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL, LLC # 845
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, discussion took place in regard to the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the Economic Development Coordinator to award the RFP on the Web Site Development Services to Virtual Town Hall, LLC, Portland, Maine.
Christina Emery, Economic Development Coordinator, informed the Council that the city would be contracting with the selected firm on an annual basis. The main purpose was to redesign the existing Web site and make it more user friendly and more useful to residents and businesses. Funds had been allocated in the Economic Development budget for the past two years in anticipation of this project. There was also a potential for funds from Small Cities for the Economic Development Community sections of the Web page.
Ms. Emery pointed out that the new system would allow department heads to access their own pages through First Class and fill in the information themselves. At the present time, Ms. Emery maintains the city’s site but it would be to time consuming for her to maintain all departments.
Mayor Quinn noted that the public could gather current information, print forms, etc., through the Web site anytime during the day or night, instead of calling or visiting Town Hall to transact their business.
Councilor Soliani said it would be a large step in bringing the city into the twenty first century.
Councilor Bascetta inquired whether a new position would be necessary to maintain the web site.
Ms. Emery noted that Virtual Town Hall, if approved, would convert our existing Web text into a new template, eliminating the need to retype everything that’s currently on the web site. Each department will have the responsibility to add on-going information.
Charlene Antonelli stated the cost will be $4,200.00 a year, and since the city already has a First Class software license, Virtual Town Hall would give us another service or page in place of it.
The Consultant to Small Cities, Larry Wagner, indicated that the city could qualify for funds for downloading information on small business loans, etc.
Mayor Quinn noted that Mr. Hoffman had been involved with the RFP on a minimal basis and was comfortable with the recommendation being presented.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether the city could generate income from the Web site, Ms. Emery indicated that would be explored.
Councilor Ruwet suggested, for Ms. Antonelli not to rely solely on the Web site for bid requests since that would eliminate many of the smaller businesses.
The Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the Economic Development Coordinator, to award the RFP on the Web Site Development Services to Virtual Town Hall, LLC, Portland, Maine.
TRACTOR & FLAIL MOWER #1410
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, a discussion took place in regard to the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent to waive the bid process and purchase the Tractor & Flail Mower from the State of Connecticut bid contract for a total of $75,605.65 from Tri-County Contractor’s Supply, Inc., East Berlin, Ct.
Councilor Ruwet indicated she opposed waiving the bid process even though it had gone through the state’s bid process.
Councilor Soliani said she was comfortable in accepting state bids.
Ms. Antonelli noted that the state bid would have a better price by purchasing a number of these units than the city would get in purchasing just one.
The Council voted 5-1 to accept the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent to waive the bid process and purchase the Tractor & Flail Mower from the State of Connecticut bid contract for a total of $75,605.65 from Tri-County Contractor’s Supply, Inc., East Berlin, Ct. Councilor Ruwet opposed the motion.
MOWER WITH TIP UP DECK #1600
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to discuss the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the WPCA Administrator to reject both proposals on the Mower with Tip Up Deck, and that the vendors of the ride on mowers are contacted to conduct performance testing of other models that will address the stability concerns, which may or may not include the tip-up deck feature originally required in the specifications.
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to table the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the WPCA Administrator with regard to the Mower with Tip Up Deck. Councilor Ruwet seconded the motion. Unanimous.
SPRINTER VAN #1770
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, a
discussion took place in regard to the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the Superintendent of Equipment Maintenance, to waive the bid process and purchase the Sprinter Cargo Van from Freightliner of Hartford, Inc., for $37,920.30.
Mr. Michaud and Mrs. Antonelli stated only one vendor could provide this particular vehicle.
Mr. Michaud explained that the purchase of the Sprinter van would allow the Traffic Unit to carry all the equipment at once instead of having to make several trips. He stated that the van has a door on both sides and a ramp to facilitate storing the paint machine instead of transporting it on a trailer as they presently doing. Mr. Michaud further explained that the Sprinter van was specific to the job, which would facilitate the work and expand the life expectancy of the vehicle.
Councilor Ruwet said she could appreciate specifying the van for a certain task, however, that would limit its flexibility in using it for other purposes.
Councilor Bascetta thought it would be less costly to purchase a one ton van below their budget price and have Equipment Maintenance build a ramp.
Mr. Michaud indicated that the paint machine was too wide to get by a bench, and if the bench was removed they wouldn’t have a place to work when they arrived at the job site.
Mr. Michaud said “We’ve got money in vehicle replacement and we’ve let other departments borrow from it and pay back over the years from the money that’s contributed. The money is there to purchase it. They’ll borrow from the account and pay it back over the next few years.“
Mrs. Antonelli added that the Sprinter van was safer than using a trailer. The dual doors would allow them to collect the cones while they are inside the van as opposed to hanging out of the back or walking alongside the vehicle.
Councilor Dalla Valle noted that many vans now had dual doors.
Councilor Soliani inquired whether the vehicle replacement account would still have enough funds to cover an emergency.
Mr. Michaud indicated that there should be enough funds in the account for an emergency. He noted that they had accumulated approximately $50,000.00 in interest and $43,000.00 from the last auction.
Councilor Ruwet suggested tabling the issue to research other options.
Mayor Quinn said the options were either to approve the request or downsize by $13,000.00, and not have a vehicle that would function the way they wanted it to.
Councilor Reginatto inquired about the importance of transporting the paint machine in the van. He said they could have a cabinet built in a regular van to carry the glass beads, and they already had a trailer to transport the paint machine.
Mr. Michaud said the Sprinter van would offer them dry storage space for their equipment, allow them to work right out of the van, and keep them from making several trips back and forth to the job site.
Mayor Quinn pointed out that the D.E.P. was complaining about the present policy of storing the paint machine in the Traffic Unit’s garage at City Hall and that it would have to be moved.
VOTE #2140
The Council voted unanimously to reject the recommendation from the
Purchasing Agent and the Superintendent of Equipment Maintenance to waive the bid process and purchase the Sprinter Cargo Van from Freightliner of Hartford, Inc., for $37,920.30.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT REPORT #2160
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Report for June 2002.
RECOMMENDATIONS: ORDINANCE COMMITTEE #2170
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to hear recommendations from the Ordinance Committee.
The Committee recommended the City Council set a public hearing date for August 19, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. on the tax abatement for volunteer firefighters.
Additionally, Councilor Soliani reported that the committee was not ready to make a recommendation on the Church Street property.
Councilor Soliani reported that Walter Dickinson was supposed to make a presentation before the Committee but didn’t show up.
Lastly, the list of citations was reviewed. She noted that one item was tabled, two pieces of property were sold, and two pieces will be re-cited by the Building Official. The others are still being worked on by Mr. Cardello.
On a request by Councilor Dalla Valle, Mayor Quinn noted that the Ordinance Committee should gather information on the Andrighetti property, discuss it at their next meeting, and present it to the full Council for review.
RECOMMENDATIONS: PERSONNEL COMMITTEE #2470
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to deny grievance #02-01, Local 1579, which filed by two employees from the Fire Department after they were counseled and given a verbal warning.
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to deny grievance #02-02, Local 1579, which was filed by the same two employees after being counseled and given a written warning.
TORRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL #2680
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments from the Torrington High School Renovation Fund #285:
Sonitrol Invoice 00011 1t $25,497.00
Gordon, Muir & Foley Invoice 109830 $ 1,760.00
Gordon, Muir & Foley Invoice 110075 $ 1,952.50
Gordon, Muir & Foley Invoice 108861 $ 2,733.00
Builders Hardware Invoice 079379 $ 635.63
CHARTER REVISION #2730
Corp. Counsel Vasko suggested scheduling a public hearing for August 12, on the Charter Revision.
Councilors Ruwet and Soliani stated the Council should meet with the Charter Revision Commission prior to the public hearing.
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted 5-1 to table the discussion on the draft report from the Charter Revision Commission and to schedule a public hearing. Councilor Dalla Valle opposed the motion because he felt the Commission should have been in attendance since the item was on the agenda.
Mayor Quinn stated that a special joint meeting would be scheduled.
Protocol was explained by Corp. Counsel Vasko: After the City Council holds a public hearing on the draft report, the Council can then vote to make recommendations to the Charter Revision Commission to make changes to the draft report. Once the Council makes recommendations for changes, they have to meet with the Commission to discuss those possible changes. The Commission can then accept or reject those recommendations at which time the report to the Council becomes final. Once the final report comes to the City Council, it’s up to the City Council to determine which, if any, recommendations get sent to the voters for approval. The ultimate decision is up to the Council.
For Charter questions to appear on the November ballot, they need to be approved by the City Council by September 5.
SMALL CITIES: THE RECORD JOURNAL #3200
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $388.83 from Small Cities Fund #253 to The Record Journal for an invitation to a bid ad placed in regard to 110 Prospect Street.
SMALL CITIES: L. WAGNER & ASSO. #3210
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payments of $8,137.50 and $11,032.50 from Small Cities Fund #268 to L. Wagner & Assoc. for professional services rendered from July 1, 1999 through June 28, 2002.
BUSINESS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #3240
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #3260
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the City Council.
Councilor Bascetta reported receiving complaints about brush on certain city streets.
ADJOURN # 3400
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
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