MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
SEPTEMBER 16, 2002
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, September 16, 2002, in the Council Chambers.
Present were Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., City Councilors Anne L. Ruwet, Paul F. Samele, Marie P. Soliani, David M. Bascetta, Richard E. Dalla Valle, and James D. Reginatto, Corporation Counsel Albert Vasko, Comptroller Alice Proulx, Tax Assessor Brian Lastra, Purchasing Agent Charlene Antonelli, Atty. Victor Muschell, Board of Public Safety Commissioner James Potter, members of the Board of Finance Theodore Miasek, and Carl Michelet, and Board of Education member Hans Reichardt.
Mayor Quinn called the Public Hearing to order at 7:11 p.m., immediately following a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the City Employees’ Retirement Fund scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The Public Hearing was scheduled to obtain public input on the draft report of the Charter Revision Commission.
PUBLIC HEARING: CHARTER REVISION #200
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero read the Legal Notice.
Andrew Nargi inquired whether copies of the draft report had been made available to the public.
Mr. Quartiero pointed out that the legal notice was placed in the newspaper and a copy was given to anyone coming into the City Clerk’s Office requesting one.
Board of Education member Hans Reichardt noted that the Board of Education already had a four-year staggered term and inquired whether four year terms for every elected official would change that format.
Atty. Muschell, Chairman of the Charter Revision Commission, noted that the draft report, as written, recommended a four-year term for the Mayor only, however, the Commission was aware that suggestions had been made to have four year terms for all elected officials. If the Commission decided to incorporate that suggestion, a transition year might be essential to get the Board of Education and the Board of Public Safety on track, even though they are already on four year terms.
Mr. Reichardt suggested having a seven-member Board of Education instead of the present ten.
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to postpone the public hearing in order to give the public an opportunity to get a copy of the draft. There was no second.
Mayor Quinn pointed out that the Commission had already held three public hearings and the draft report was available in the City Clerk’s Office, and, if anyone was interested, they could have contacted anyone at City Hall for a copy. He noted that the draft was not set in stone and that a number of people were present to either hear or contribute to input.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that the Council could certainly hold another public hearing in the future.
Councilor Ruwet suggested listening to the people who were present.
Atty. Sam Slaiby suggested a recess to make copies.
Councilor Ruwet made a motion to recess for ten minutes. Councilor Soliani seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Councilor Ruwet amended her motion to continue with the agenda and come back to the public hearing later on during the meeting. Councilor Soliani seconded the motion. Unanimous.
SPECIAL DIETS GRANT
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Quinn’s signature on the Special Diet grant application and to adopt a Resolution to enter into a contract with the Department of Social Services.
RESOLUTION:
I, Joseph L. Quartiero, of the City of Torrington, (the “Contractor”) do hereby certify that the following is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Board of Councilmen, of the Contractor duly held and convened on September 16, 2002, at which meeting a duly constituted quorum of the Board of Councilmen was present and acting throughout and that such resolution has not been modified, rescinded, or revoked, and is at present in full force and effect:
RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Owen J. Quinn, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of this Contractor with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a Social Services Block Grant program, and to affix the corporate seal.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has affixed his signature and the corporate seal of the Contractor this 17th day of September 2002.
CONSIDER BUSINESS IN SECTION B
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to consider business in Section B.
SECTION B
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Services for the Elderly Commission to waive the bid process and purchase one Meals-on-Wheels truck from the sole vendor, Delivery Concepts East.
VISION APPRAISAL TECHNOLOGY
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to approve the recommendations from the Tax Assessor and the Purchasing Agent to award the Revaluation of Real Property bid to the low bidder, Vision Appraisal Technology.
VETERAN’S EXEMPTION #540
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, discussion was held on the Local Option for Additional Veteran’s Exemptions.
Tax Assessor, Brian Lastra, indicated that none of the local towns he had surveyed had enacted the new legislation for Veterans Exemptions. North Canaan was considering it.
Only 301 of the 2,854 veterans currently receiving an exemption would be eligible because the new legislation is based on adjusted gross income plus any other income, i.e., social security, interest, etc., The income limits are $25,400.00 per year for single veterans and $31,100.00 for married veterans.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether Mr. Lastra had figured out what the liability would be if the city adopted the new legislation to the maximum.
Mr. Lastra pointed out that the new legislation would allow up to a maximum of $10,000.00 worth of assessment exemption to veterans, over and above what they were already receiving, if the city adopted the new legislation. The Council would have to hold a public hearing and pass a local ordinance. The city’s taxable assessed value would drop by $301,000.00 and the tax levy would decrease by $11,073.79, if 301 veterans were to receive an additional $1,000.00 exemption.
Councilor Dalla Valle said it would be $111,000.00 if the city did all 300 people at $10,000.00.
Mr. Lastra said that was correct. He also noted that it was possible to get another 50 or 60 veterans applying for the exemption once the word got out.
Councilor Bascetta pointed out that the legislation had a cap of $10,000.00 however, the city could choose whatever dollar amount they wanted to implement.
No vote was taken, however, the Council asked that the proposed tax exemption be included on the agenda for the next Ordinance Committee meeting.
AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR: FIRE DEPARTMENT #790
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, discussion took place in regard to prior year funds in the Fire Department budget for air conditioner repairs.
Councilor Dalla Valle assured the Board of Safety that the Council had voted unanimously to take up to $20,000.00 from Contingency to pay for the air conditioner repairs.
Mayor Quinn explained that he had intervened by asking the Comptroller to see if there were other funds that could be used in an emergency situation. After conferring with Chief Field, it was decided that using unencumbered funds in the Fire Department’s budget would be more prudent than using Contingency.
Ms. Proulx explained that any encumbered funds to be used for a purpose other than its original intent needed to be brought before the City Council and Board of Finance for their approval. She said “If we want to let Jaye use the monies that are in these encumbrances for a purpose other than their original intent, he is giving back $11,000.00 worth of encumbrances and balances on that, the rest of it, the other $8,000.00 would have to come from Contingency, because we would be using those encumbered funds for another purpose. If we were going to go with the recommendations that I initially had before, I had the chance to talk to Jaye, then he would have to come up with $50.26 out of the contingency.”
Mayor Quinn said “My feeling is that the lower amount that we could tap into Contingency is always the way to go. Since unencumbered funds weren’t being used, it seemed like a logical place to go.”
Councilor Bascetta said “Just going through the budget process that we just went through and this is only one department that’s got all these encumbered funds.”
Ms. Proulx assured the Council that other departments didn’t have as many unencumbered funds. She explained that the city had received a better response from other departments in giving moneys back at the end of the year, but it was probably because it was done so quickly that the Fire Department didn’t have the opportunity to return as much as the other departments.
Mayor Quinn asked the Council to recall that unencumbered funds, not used during the fiscal year was the first thing they looked at to reduce the budget.
Councilor Reginatto inquired whether the Board of Safety had taken any action on this matter and whether they were in agreement.
Mayor Quinn said “No, the Charter basically calls for the City Council and the Board of Finance to do that and you have all the information that is necessary from the Fire Department that says what they want to use those for. They have to use the encumbered funds for those specific purposes.”
Ms. Proulx noted that she had reviewed all contracts with the Purchasing Agent that might have been coming out of these encumbered funds.
Councilor Bascetta said he personally felt the emergency had since passed and he didn’t think it was accommodating to the Board of Safety to change the way they initially voted on this matter. Since it was no longer an emergency situation, he felt the matter should go back to the Board of Public Safety for their input.
Mayor Quinn noted that the emergency was on-going, but the installation hadn’t taken place.
Mrs. Antonelli, the Purchasing Agent, stated that it was 95% complete and would be done by the next day.
Councilor Ruwet agreed that it should go back to the Board of Safety for discussion about the encumbered funds and / or Contingency.
Ms. Proulx pointed out that, by Charter, it didn’t have to go before the Board of Safety.
Councilor Ruwet stated that it was their charge to oversee a budget. They reviewed it, spent time on it and presented it to the Board of Councilmen.
Councilor Dalla Valle said “Maybe we could just make an amendment to this and I would like to make a motion that our original vote stands, the moneys be taken from Contingency and sent to the Board of Finance for their approval, and let them review these moneys and pay the Contingency back if these moneys are available. I don’t know why we should change a vote that we already made and why, at some point, when it was an emergency, we couldn’t have a meeting of a quorum to get the Board of Finance to sign off on that to resolve this.”
Mayor Quinn said Councilor Dalla Valle’s logic was flawless except for the fact that they (Board of Finance) weren’t there and they needed to solve an emergency.
Councilor Dalla Valle said “It might be better for the Board of Finance to realize that most of this money will be coming back from the Fire Department once everyone reviews what’s there.”
Councilor Reginatto indicated that the funds would go back to the Undesignated Fund Balance and not Contingency.
Ms. Proulx stated that it would go into revenues and wouldn’t be a reduction in expenditures. There won’t be a budget balance available in Contingency any more. It’ll be reduced by $20,000.00.
Councilor Soliani indicated that she preferred leaving Contingency intact when encumbered moneys were available. Granted, they had voted to use Contingency when it was an emergency, but it was now more cost effective to use encumbered funds.
Councilor Reginatto said he would like the Board of Public Safety to have a say in this matter since they know their budget better than anyone else.
Mayor Quinn noted that the matter would go back to the Board of Safety, the City Council and the Board of Finance.
BUDGET TRANSFER #1300
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, a discussion took place in regard to the budget transfer for line item 0010-0011-5100-0000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 2002. (Tabled on 9/3/02)
Councilor Reginatto said he still felt vacation time could not be accumulated from year to year and would vote against any motion to approve the matter.
Councilor Dalla Valle stated that the city should take a close look at the actual way vacation time is accrued. In actuality, someone with five years employment has three weeks vacation as of July 1. From July 1 on, they are accumulating another day and a half a month. Effectively, anyone in the Management Resolution deciding to leave their employ on June 1 would be paid thirty days vacation when they are only entitled to fifteen.
The Council voted 4-2 in favor of approving the budget transfer for line item 0010-0011-5100-0000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 2002. Councilors Dalla Valle and Reginatto opposed the motion.
RETURNED TO PUBLIC HEARING: CHARTER REVISION #1650
Andrew Nargi said he thought the Council should make the Board of Finance an elected board or, if that was not to be, they should be an advisory board only.
Secondly, Mr. Nargi felt the city should take the necessary steps to turn the private Tax Collector into a public Tax Collector, run by the city. He thought it would benefit the city to find out how much money a Tax Collector makes in the course of a fiscal year.
Mr. Nargi thought, there were valid arguments for and against increasing the Mayor’s term to four years. His preference was to keep the term to two years.
Virginia Kovaleski said her primary focus as a former Councilwoman was the financial management of the city. She strongly believed the city needed a Finance Director to lead the proposed reorganized department of finance.
Victor Muschell, Chairman of the Charter Revision, proceeded to give a synopsis of the proposed changes.
He stated that the Commission was certainly in favor of hiring a Finance Director. In creating the draft, the Commission decided to “enable” the hiring of a Finance Director rather than to mandate such a position. They attempted to streamline the financial departments (Tax Assessment, Tax Collection, Purchasing, Comptroller and Treasurer) under one umbrella with the intention of having them report to the Finance Director.
The Commission recommended deleting the naming of certain positions currently in the Charter since they were now covered under Union contracts.
The Commission recommended a four-year term for the Mayor only, however, they would entertain the suggestion to change the term for all elected officials to four years, even though it would be complicated to do so.
The Commission also proposed the elimination of the $3,000.00 threshold on bidding in exchange for language whereby the City Council may establish the dollar amount on an annual basis.
Carl Michelet, member of the Board of Finance, suggested eliminating the naming of as many titles in the Charter as possible. He was definitely in favor of hiring a Finance Director to optimize shared services planned for the near future.
He thought some of the boards needed to be reviewed, on the city side as well as the Board of Education, and that the number of board members be limited to seven.
He agreed with the Commission’s suggestion for the Council to set a bid limit on an annual basis and inquired when that amount would be set.
Hans Reichardt noted that page six of the proposed draft stated that the powers of the Mayor were eliminated by not appointing a Building Inspector and it was his opinion that the Mayor needed this power to control the Building Department.
Carl Michelet stated that the entire Board of Finance was adamant in their opinion that the Finance Director should report directly to the Mayor and never to the Board of Finance.
Sam Slaiby urged the Council to approve four year terms, especially for the Mayor’s position, since it was getting more difficult to find qualified candidates and campaigning was very expensive and time consuming.
For the record, Mayor Quinn stated that he was in favor of four year terms for all elected officials.
John Logan stated that a Finance Director will eventually be cost effective for the City of Torrington. This position will insulate the town, provide better oversight, and genuinely provide better ability for the Council and the Mayor to lead effectively.
He agreed with a four-year term for the Mayor and the Council.
Atty. Muschell said it sounded like election terms of office would be a hot issue and the Commission could probably agree to propose four year terms for the Mayor and the City Council, however, the question would then be “Would the public bother to vote on those off years?” He stated that it would probably come down to, either changing the Mayor’s term only or changing everyone’s term.
Mayor Quinn said his preference would be for everyone to have four year terms.
Mrs. Antonelli suggested placing the draft report of the city’s web page.
Having no further comments or questions, Mayor Quinn brought the Public Hearing to a close.
No vote was taken on the draft report
Councilors Dalla Valle suggested holding a special meeting to formulate recommendations amongst themselves to submit to the Commission.
Councilor Ruwet agreed, but added that the Board of Finance should be included in any such meeting. A joint meeting was scheduled for Sept. 30, 2002, at 7:00 p.m.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #3170
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Jack McKeon introduced two boy scouts in the process of obtaining their Eagle badge. They were John McCann and Joey Trahan, both in seventh grade at Torrington Middle School.
Board of Public Safety Commissioner James Potter thanked the Council for recognizing that the Board of Public Safety is responsible for the Police and Fire Department budgets. He noted that they should be included in any discussion that affects their budget.
FUESSENICH PARK CONCESSIONAIRE BID #3390
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted 5-1 to table the matter on whether to extend the contract on the Fuessenich Park Concessionaire Bid, or go out to bid for the 2003 summer season. (Tabled on 9/3/55.) (The Park & Recreation Commission needed to vote on this matter first.) Councilor Dalla Valle abstained.
TRUMBULL CONSTRUCTION #3450
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $153,921.85 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to Trumbull Construction Co., Inc. for sanitary sewer improvements to Oakbrook Lane, West Horace Street and Perkins Street, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
CARDINAL ENGINEERING #3470
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payments of $12,063.87 and $11,804.38 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to Cardinal Engineering, Inc. for sewer design and inspection services, in regard to the Highland Avenue and West Horace Street project and referred it to the Board of Finance.
WRIGHT PIERCE #3490
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $2,975.00 from the WPCA Capital Reserve Fund to Wright-Pierce for services rendered in regard to the Sludge Disposal Study.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABINET #3510
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, discussion took place in regard to the recommendation from the Board of Public Safety to authorize the payment of approximately $6,524.00 from Contingency to purchase a new traffic signal cabinet to replace the one that was damaged on High Street.
The Council felt the Police Department had budgeted funds for this purpose and preferred using funds from a line item rather than from Contingency.
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to table the recommendation from the Board of Safety to authorize the payment of approximately $6,524.00 from Contingency to purchase a new traffic signal cabinet to replace the one that was damaged on High Street.
SMALL CITIES: L. WAGNER & ASSO. #3700
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $1,137.50 from Small Cities Fund #258 to L. Wagner & Asso., Inc. for professional services rendered from 4/1/02 through 7/31/02.
SMALL CITIES: L. WAGNER & ASSO. #3720
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $454.74 from Small Cities Fund #274 to L. Wagner & Asso., Inc. for miscellaneous expenses associated with the 1997 Micro loan grant.
GORDON, MUIR & FOLEY #3740
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Samele, discussion took place in regard to the request for the payment of $2,805.00 from Contingency to Gordon, Muir & Foley, LLP for professional services rendered re: Torrington Middle School roof problem.
Councilor Bascetta inquired about the status of the Middle School roof. He thought the contractor who originally installed the roof should be responsible.
Atty. Vasko said, “Essentially, Monadnock Construction was the contractor for the roof, they subcontracted it to Borghesi Engineering, who subcontracted it to Weathertight Roofing. Both Monadnock and Weathertight Roofing are no longer in business. Borghesi, through Butler Roofing who is the company who supplied the roof, is now repairing or fixing the roof and this solution is supposedly going to resolve the issue with the roof leaking. Whether it does, or it does not, is something that is still up in the air because they have not completed the repairs.”
Councilor Bascetta, asked Attorney Vasko, at whose expense they were repairing the roof? Attorney Vasko responded, “Their own.”
Councilor Bascetta indicated that should be made public because of all the dissension on the matter.
Councilor Reginatto said it was his understanding that they were now repairing part of the roof that was already repaired because the first repairs didn’t work.
He questioned when they would know if the newest repairs would resolve the situation.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that the city would have to look into taking legal action if the repairs being done now didn’t work.
Mayor Quinn said, “We have consulted legal opinions if that is necessary. Right now, they are paying for the repairs. If those repairs don’t work, it will be inspected by a competent third party vendor who will look at the repairs to see if they’re done. If not, then we will go back and pursue the legal ramifications.”
Councilor Dalla Valle said he would be happy to look at warrantees in the future.
Councilor Bascetta asked why the city should pay $2,805.00 to Gordon, Muir & Foley.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that this payment was for legal advice in regard to the middle school roof.
Mayor Quinn added that this payment was not for the third party.
VOTE: TAPE #2, #120
The Council voted 4-2, with Councilors Bascetta and Dalla Valle opposing the motion to authorize the payment of $2,805.00 from Contingency to Gordon, Muir & Foley, LLP for professional services rendered in regard to the Torrington Middle School roof problem, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT REPORT #130
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Report for August 2002.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE #140
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, discussion took place in regard to the recommendations from the Ordinance Committee.
17 Britton Avenue: Being cited for fire and housing code violations. Foreclosure was being recommended. This property was also going to be recommended to the States Attorney’s Office.
Councilor Soliani made a motion to authorize Corp. Counsel Vasko to proceed with foreclosure on this property. Councilor Ruwet seconded the motion.
During a discussion, Corp. Counsel Vasko explained that everything depended on how much equity the property had and whether or not the owner would fight the procedure. He stated that he needed an appraisal on the property and asked the Council for guidance as to whether they wanted him to get quotes or go out to bid.
Councilor Reginatto wanted to move as quickly as possible, for the neighbors’ sake.
Councilor Soliani amended her motion to authorize Attorney Vasko to get an appraisal (from quotes) and to proceed with foreclosure. Councilor Ruwet amended her second. Unanimous.
102 Brook Street: On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Ordinance Committee to authorize fines on the property owner beginning September 23.
521 Harwinton Avenue: This property id being referred to Planning & Zoning for junk yard violations. This property is owner-occupied, therefore, it will be removed from the list. No action is required.
412 Main Street: The front yard has been cleared up and the owner is working on the back yard. A notice will be given to the property owner in the next week to demolish the barn behind the home. The wood structure will be condemned. No recommendation is being made to the Council at this time.
229 Church Street: Property owner is installing one window to see how it looks before proceeding with more. Property owner being fined as of 5/22/02 and has reached the $100,000.00 mark again.
77 Lewis Street: On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Committee’s recommendation to fine this property owner at $198.00 a day, as of 9/18/02.
Councilor Dalla Valle asked the Ordinance Committee if they ever looked at the trailer park behind Andrighetti’s property.
Councilor Soliani explained that the Committee decided to review a few blighted properties each time they met because the list was so long. She assured Councilor Dalla Valle that they would eventually get to the property he was referring to.
Councilor Soliani stated that the Ordinance Committee had also been discussing a proposal to amend the existing Blight Ordinance, as it concerned dilapidated buildings. Corp. Counsel Vasko was researching ordinances from other cities and would make a recommendation in the near future.
She stated that the Task Force that is in works with the Mayor’s Task Force should help in the delays that are on-going, within the process of looking at the blighted properties because there’s just so much to look at. She hoped the Task Force would assist the Ordinance Committee to help them move along in a timely fashion.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #490
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to approve the request for an executive session under Pending Litigation. (It was held at the end of the meeting.)
BUSINESS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #500
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that he was in court with the City’s Zoning Enforcement Office, Kim Barbieri, in regard to property located at 126 High Street. The court issued Mr. Cantwell, the owner, a permanent injunction, and ordered him to clean up the property. The court also issued him a civil fine of $2,500.00, attorney fees of $500.00 and court costs.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL #540
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.
In regard to a comment made earlier, Councilor Reginatto stated that he was very happy with the choice they made as Comptroller.
Mayor Quinn echoed the sentiment.
Councilor Ruwet indicated that she was pleased the city had hired a Park & Recreation Director. She hoped he would be formally introduced to the Council.
Councilor Ruwet suggested placing the high risk area of Torringford Street on the Council agenda.
Mayor Quinn said Officer Shopey had been contacted to do a preliminary report.
Councilor Ruwet pointed out that three businesses were affected by detouring traffic away from their business location during road work on New Harwinton Road. It was her belief that the city had the opportunity to negotiate which roads were used for detours and, in this case, had Torringford West Street been used, it would not have impacted these businesses. She hoped the city could work with the state on road repairs in the future and give small businesses the consideration they deserve.
Councilor Ruwet asked about the status of the D’Andrea matter.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that no decision had been reached to date.
Councilor Ruwet inquired whether it would be referred back to Harwinton’s Planning & Zoning for that project’s approval.
Atty. Vasko indicated that the project had already been approved by Harwinton.
The City appealed the decision of the Harwinton’s Zoning Commission granting their approval.
Councilor Ruwet inquired as to how the City of Torrington would be impacted, in terms of sewage, etc.
Atty. Vasko noted that the City had a sewer agreement with Harwinton, and they had the capacity. They’ll have to pump it through the other end. The only issue remaining was storm drainage and they would have to set up their drainage system in a manner that wouldn’t impact Torrington’s storm drainage system.
Councilor Ruwet believed they were pushing the sewer agreement a bit further than what it was intended.
Atty. Vasko noted that Harwinton was nowhere near the capacity stipulated in the sewer agreement, even with this project.
Councilor Dalla Valle noted that Bike Week would terminate in Torrington on Sunday afternoon and suggested putting up a welcoming banner over Main Street to let them know the city appreciates their business.
Mayor Quinn said he would see what could be done. Perhaps someone could donate such a banner.
Mayor Quinn indicated that he had September 11 Commemorative Bells for several members of the City Council who had not yet received one. He thanked those who were able to attend the multiple events held on the anniversary date.
Councilor Ruwet said it was important for the Council to be represented as a team and would appreciate being notified in a timely manner of these special events.
Councilor Dalla Valle added that the events were supposedly put on by the Mayor and city officials, however, they weren’t aware of them until they read it in the paper.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #1080
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to go into Executive Session under Pending Litigation at 9:15 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
On a motion by Rick Dalla Valle, seconded by James Reginatto, the board went into open session at 9:25 p.m.
On a motion by James Reginatto, seconded by Rick Dalla Valle, the board adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
ALBERT G. VASKO
Corporation Counsel
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