MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
OCTOBER 21, 2002
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, October 21, 2002, in the Council Chambers.
In attendance was 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, Comptroller Alice Proulx, and City Engineer Edward Fabbri.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Mayor Quinn in an opening statement, said “Before we go to item #1 on the agenda, I would like the Council’s indulgence in saying a few words if I could, and without further. . . . I would just like to say that, first of all, this has been a very difficult week-end for myself and for my family, and as I have said in newsprint in an issue statement that I made on Saturday, that I certainly want to express my deep regrets for the actions that took place on Friday evening and that I give my sincerest apology to the City of Torrington and to the people who live in this area.
Number two is I would like to take an opportunity to thank those same people that I have apologized to for the numerous calls of support and encouragement and advice. And two, or three, I would like to say ‘Thank you’ to the City Council, who I’ve had the pleasure of working with since December of this last year, and as always, the City Council has supported the action of the Board of Councilmen and myself in this particular time. I would like to thank you for the floral arrangements that you sent to my family and me, and again commend you that in a time of political bickering and where people sometimes use issues for political gain, this City Council acted as they always had in real concern for myself, my family, and the city’s well being. And for that, I am thankful.
I would like to say that there was sustained damage to a vehicle that was in the Mayor’s possession as a result of the accident on Friday evening. We do not have the estimates of what those costs are at this point, but it is my intention that making the city whole as far as any costs are concerned to the best of my ability. I know that there is a deductible policy and I’m prepared to face that. I’m looking at the cost that will be incurred as a result of increased insurance and looking at that. Those figures are not available, but those are the intentions that I have.
First, again, to say what I have said in print form, that I am very apologetic and that I ask for your forgiveness and, number two, thanking the City Council for their support in this time, and three, saying to you that I will do whatever is financially responsible to the best of my ability, and the last thing is, I have been encouraged by most of the people in this community to move forward on the business of the people of the City of Torrington and to that end, we have a City Council agenda in front of us that has the people’s work before us, and I will go directly to Item #1 on the agenda.”
Joseph L. Quartiero, City Clerk, read the legal notice.
PUBLIC HEARING #170
A public hearing was held to obtain input on the draft report of the Charter Revision Commission.
Former Councilman Thomas Scoville said it was his belief that the Board of Finance should be an advisory board and the Mayor and the City Council should have the responsibility of setting the budget and the mill rate. He also felt a Finance Director should report to the City Council and meet with the Board of Finance to discuss long range plans, goals of the city, capital improvements and make recommendations to the Council.
If the City Council was to approve a four-year term for the Mayor, Mr. Scoville thought the Charter should include a provision to remove a Mayor as well.
Councilor Dalla Valle noted that it would take a legislative act to remove a Mayor.
Mr. Scoville said he would prefer to see that act of legislation go into effect prior to the Council approving a four-year term.
Councilor Bascetta asked Mr. Scoville if he had a preference to limit the number of four year terms a Mayor may hold office.
Mr. Scoville felt the people of Torrington would impose their own term limits.
Thomas Jerram agreed that the Department of Finance should be explored to a much greater degree to get a better fiscal accounting in terms of how the City spends the tax dollars. He also agreed that the City Council should have a greater authority on how it appropriates the city’s tax dollars. He felt the mill rate should be set by an elected board with the advice of the Mayor, rather than an appointed board.
Mr. Jerram preferred leaving the Mayor’s term to two years, in conjunction with the representation from the House of Representatives, State Senators, etc.
Councilor Dalla Valle asked the Council to consider two items be added to the Charter changes. 1) A limitation of time for any person leaving public office before going to work for anyone doing business with the City of Torrington. 2) That any business owner sitting on a volunteer board in the city not be allowed to sell items, goods, or services to that board and reap a profit while they are sitting on that board.
Mayor Quinn indicated that the City Council will send written testimony to the Charter Revision Commission, who, in turn will take that testimony, analyze it and report back to the City Council.
With no further questions or comments from anyone, Mayor Quinn declared the public hearing closed at 7:15 p.m.
VOTE ON CHARTER REVISION #440
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the board voted unanimously to table the draft report of the Charter Revision Commission.
MINUTES #450
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Samele, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held September 3, 2002.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #460
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
In regard to the Torrington versus Harwinton matter (D’Andrea), Thomas Scoville informed the board that the City Council’s thinking at the time was that a precedent would be set if a neighboring town was allowed to satisfy its affordable housing requirements using Torrington streets, storm sewers and sanitary sewers in the process of doing so.
James Morro, 109 Marcia Drive, urged the Council to continue the fight to keep the access out of Torrington and to appeal the latest decision in regard to the D’Andrea matter. He felt it was a city issue since it would allow other surrounding towns to follow suit.
Randy McHugh, Atty. from Reiner, Reiner, & Bendett representing the City on this matter, informed the board that the city’s appeal was lost by a 3-2 vote from justices of the Supreme Court, and, since the majority of the Supreme Court hadn’t ruled, the city could file a Motion to Reconsider to have the full panel of seven justices hear this case. Atty. McHugh offered to waive any additional attorney’s fees to handle the Motion to Reconsider, however, a $70.00 filing fee would be necessary. He admitted that overturning the decision was a long shot, but he thought it was worth $70.00 to take that chance. (An additional expense of approximately $500.00 would be charged if the justices allowed Atty. McHugh to re-argue his case in front of the whole panel.)
Former Councilwoman Virginia Kovaleski said she felt it would be in the best interest of the city to stop the project and urged the Council to reconsider the motion.
Steven Haynes, 180 Marcia Drive, disagreed with Councilor Dalla Valle’s belief that this project was a neighborhood issue. He believed Torrington’s tax base will be eroded when two family homes are built next door to larger, single family homes. Torrington will have to bear the costs of the accident response, road repairs, sewer maintenance, etc. He urged the Council to file a Motion to Reconsider.
Martha Lecko, Fairlawn Drive, thought the city had made many mistakes concerning this matter and she hoped the Council could set the city back on the right track.
Albert Persechino, 164 Marcia Drive, asked if the city sewers would accommodate Harwinton residents, how long it would be before Torrington would need to enlarge our sewer facility, and who would pay for that expense.
Ed Fabbri, City Engineer, stated that Harwinton would need an agreement with Torrington in regard to sewer capacity.
Councilor Bascetta believed sewer capacity was available, storm-water was the real issue.
Mayor Quinn told Mr. Persechino that Harwinton had not reached the cap allowed by Torrington, however, he was correct that every sewer hook up had an impact on Torrington’s future development. Torrington would have to re-negotiate with Harwinton if they reached their capacity. Additional needs would also fall on Torrington taxpayers.
Mr. Haynes asked Corp. Counsel Vasko if Atty. McHugh could proceed with private funding on behalf of the city if the Council voted not to continue.
Mayor Quinn stated that the City of Torrington would have to be engaged since it was a City of Torrington suit.
Mr. Haynes noted that the main point was that access was granted with an unauthorized letter by the City Attorney whereby the City Engineer, who supposedly authorized that letter stated that he never granted any such access. Should the city be forced to take access, it made far better sense to put it on a safer street, such as Torcon, where a light can be installed and traffic can be controlled.
For clarification purposes, Mr. D’Andrea stated that the original plan was to exit on Torcon Drive, however, the City Engineer said the site line on Torcon Drive and the intersection of Route 4 was not sufficient for safety purposes and he insisted that the access be on Fairlawn Drive.
Mr. Haynes asked Mr. D’Andrea if he had that in writing from the former City Engineer Joseph Cosentino, Mr. D’Andrea said “No, cause I revised the map according to his instructions. I met with him on a map dated September 3, 1999. He indicated to me that the location of the access-way between Marcia and Fairlawn was not appropriate. He wanted it directly in line with the proposed Town Line Court. He also indicated that a 20-foot access-way was not sufficient. He therefore had me revise the map. I submitted a revised map dated September 19, 1991, with a 26-foot access in the location directly across from Town Line Court which he approved and which is the subject of Mr. Vasko’s letter.”
Mr. Haynes said he and about 200 of his neighbors met with Mr. Cosentino whereby he (Mr. Cosentino) indicated that he never granted access and never wrote a letter recommending an access here, there, or anywhere. Mr. Haynes indicated that access was never studied.
Mr. D’Andrea indicated that he had filed a separate and distinct legal action in Litchfield Superior Court to insure him access-way through Harwinton. He had a stipulated judgement on file with the Litchfield Superior Court. Should the City of Torrington deny him access, he will file a motion for contempt against the city.
Mr. Morro indicated that, originally the plan was to go out on Torcon, then changed to be in line with Fairlawn. The plan was supposed to be a square, however, Dan McGuinness (former City Planner) made Mr. D’Andrea change the square to a radius for better vision. Mr. McGuinness moved the road from the top, straight off Fairlawn, to the middle to line up with Town Line Court. He noted that the neighbors’ original complaint was not to stop the development, but rather to stop the access into Torrington.
Mr. Haynes inquired whether they could address the access issue down the road. He said he would bet that the stipulation was on the access that was granted and he contended that the access that was granted was never properly reviewed by appropriate parties that could make an informed decision.
Mayor Quinn stated that the Council could legislate but legal issues were tried by lawyers. Without any further action by the City Council prior to October 25, Mr. D’Andrea will enforce his stipulated agreement and the entrance will go into Torrington.
As a taxpayer of Torrington, Mrs. Lecko was bothered with the fact that proper documentation couldn’t be produced. It was her belief that a piece of the puzzle was missing. She thought the city was in a pretty dire position.
Mayor Quinn said “Well, the City of Torrington may be and that is the basis for another legal claim besides this one. All I want to do with this claim is say that if we don’t go any further with this, then it dies as far as my interpretation, and then it is going to have to be the stipulated agreement. If there are problems with the stipulated agreement, then that will have to be argued on its merits, not defending or arguing either side.”
Cherie Gath, 38 Maple Street, who appeared before the Council several weeks ago in regard to getting space in City Hall for a Living Memorial for Torrington’s young men and women in the service, presented the Council with her ideas. She stated that she was offered an encased bulletin board by the side door that would be perfect to pin up photos and addresses. The safety issues were resolved by deciding not to hang banners from the ceiling.
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero informed the board that he had numerous discussions with Gerry Rollett and the Fire Marshal and they determined that Ms. Gath could place a table under the bulletin board and hang things on the walls as long as they didn’t obstruct any fire exit signs, etc.
Len Dube, Veterans Service Officer for the City of Torrington, indicated that Ms. Gath had approached him with her idea of the Living Memorial, which he thought had great merit. He noted that nothing was in place to honor veterans now serving under Enduring Freedom and urged the Council to approve Ms. Gath’s plan.
In regard to Item #17 on the agenda, Mr. Dube voiced his support for a public hearing
in regard to an additional veteran exemption for up to $10,000.00.
Sam Slaiby, 204 Benham Street, asked Ms. Gath if she had a list of names and addresses of young men and women currently in the service so residents of Torrington could send them Christmas cards.
Ms. Gath indicated that’s what the Living Memorial will be able to offer people.
ADD TO THE AGENDA #2460
Councilor Ruwet made a motion to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote to continue the reconsideration to the Supreme Court, as outlined by Atty. McHugh. Councilor Samele seconded the motion.
During discussion, Councilor Ruwet felt they owed their prior Council members the opportunity to support the matter to the very end.
Councilors Ruwet, Samele and Bascetta voted in favor of the motion. Councilors Soliani, Dalla Valle and Reginatto opposed the motion. On a 3-3 vote, the motion failed to receive 2/3rds of the majority.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT: LOCAL 1579 #2570
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Samele, the board, with the exception of Councilor Reginatto who abstained, voted to accept the recommendations from Atty. Muschell and Thomas Gritt and accept the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and Local 1579, City Hall Employees. (Tabled on 10/7/02.)
LIVING MEMORIAL #2620
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the board voted unanimously to approve Ms. Gath’s request to institute a Living Memorial in City Hall, based on recommendations from the City Clerk and the Public Works Director.
During discussion, Councilor Ruwet was reluctant to approve the motion until she was presented with a written plan and Mr. Rollett’s seal of approval. She thought there may be a better location that would be more recognizable to people.
Councilor Soliani noted that the matter had been presented to the Council on two occasions and felt they needed to leave it up to the expertise of Gerry Rollett and Joseph Quartiero.
Councilor Reginatto felt Ms. Gath was working well with everyone and was hoping the Living Memorial would be up for the holidays.
Ms. Gath indicated that Mr. Rollett had given her a schematic of the building and pinpointed the area she could use. She merely needed to comply with all the safety codes. She assured the Council that she would work within the space and safety restraints that were given to her.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated that his motion was to allow Mr. Rollett and Mr. Quartiero to recommend and approve whatever would take place. The Council should put their trust in these people.
The vote was unanimous.
PLOWING & SANDING OF MUNICIPAL LOTS #2850
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the board after a brief discussion, voted unanimously to approve the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the bid for the Plowing & Sanding of Municipal Lots to the only valid bidder, Lafferty Enterprises of Harwinton, for $8,800.00 plus $140.00 per hour for the removal of snow piles.
REPLACE MOTOR IN FIRE DEPARTMENT’S ENGINE #2: #2920
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Soliani, a discussion took place in regard to the Board of Public Safety’s recommendation to waive the bid process and authorize funds from the Vehicle Replacement Account to replace the motor in the Fire Department’s Engine #2.
Board of Public Safety Commissioner James Potter stated that the Board of Public Safety recommended using funds from the Vehicle Replacement Account because they felt it wouldn’t hurt their long term plan for vehicle replacement as it presently exists and because of the low amount of funds in the contingency account. He noted that it would cost approximately $24,000.00 to replace the motor in this truck.
Comptroller Alice Proulx said their only concern was that they didn’t want it to set a precedent for other departments to withdraw from the vehicle replacement for items that should be covered through other line items in the budget. Their other option is contingency, since there wasn’t enough money in the other line items to cover this expense.
The vote was unanimous.
FIREFIGHTER WORK PANTS #3060
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the board voted unanimously to approve the Board of Public Safety’s recommendation to extend the current bid from Security Uniforms on Firefighter Work Pants for one additional year per the Option to Renew clause in the bid specification terms and conditions.
TRUMBULL CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. #3100
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Samele, the board voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $249,956.90 from Bond Fund #302 issued for Torrington Phase III Sewers to Trumbull Construction Co., Inc. on the Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Torrington Phase III Sewers - Contract 4: Highland Avenue.
CARDINAL ENG. #3120
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the board voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $7,188.13 from the Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to Cardinal Engineering, Inc. for work performed on the Sanitary Sewer Infiltration / Inflow & Evaluation Study and referred it to the Board of Finance.
CARDINAL ENG. #3150
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the board, after a brief discussion, voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $8,772.50 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to Cardinal Engineering, Inc. for work performed on the Sanitary Sewer Improvements for Oakbrook Lane / West Horace Street and Perkins Street, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
TRUMBULL CONSTRUCTION #3280
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the board voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $38,259.82 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to Trumbull Construction Co., Inc. for work performed on the Sanitary Sewer Improvements for Oakbrook Lane / West Horace Street and Perkins Street, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
EAST MAIN STREET SANITARY SEWER INSTALLATION #3380
City Engineer Ed Fabbri indicated that the low bidder had asked to withdraw his bid because he had neglected to include the prevailing wage requirement. Mr. Fabbri’s recommendation was to take his letter into consideration and reject his bid. He further recommended awarding the project to Manchester Construction, however, he requested permission from the Council to do some value engineering to see if the price could be reduced.
Councilor Dalla Valle noted that the low bidder would still have the low bid if the prevailing wage was added to his bid.
Mr. Fabbri noted how important it was for this project to have a totally reliable contractor because of the location and tremendous amount of traffic, and stated that the low bidder’s references included only one sewer project, which was actually subcontracted out.
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to reject both bids and allow Mr. Fabbri to negotiate with Manchester Construction to get a lower price. Councilor Soliani seconded the motion. Mr. Fabbri would need to come back before the Council with a negotiated price. A special meeting could be held if necessary. The vote was unanimous.
A brief recess was taken.
RESOLUTION: HOMELESS SHELTER: TAPE #2, #140
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the board voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution authorizing Mayor Quinn to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the City of Torrington for a grant from the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a homeless shelter for F.I.S.H. and to affix the corporate seal.
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 Monday, October 21, 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, Jr., 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 Homeless Shelter,
and to affix the corporate seal of the Contractor this 22nd day of October 2002.
Joseph L. Quartiero, CCMC, CTC
City Clerk, Torrington, Ct.
GRIEVANCE 02-03 & 02-05: #160
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the board voted unanimously to deny Public Works Grievances 02-03 and 02-05 in regard to pension calculations. When the contract was settled, the retro pay was lumped into one year. The union’s position was that it should be paid according to the date the check was cut and should include their entire salary for 1999 even though the retro check was for 1997, 1998, & 1999. The city’s position was that it should be according to the year’s earned and not the year the check was paid.
Atty. Vasko pointed out that the city adjusted the pensions of three former employees who retired in 1998 to reflect the rate they would have made had the original contract been settled earlier.
GRIEVANCES 02-06 & 02-10: #315
The Personnel Committee voted to table these grievances.
GRIEVANCES 02-07 & 02-08: #335
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the board voted unanimously to deny Public Works Grievances 02-07 and 02-08. The city’s position was that these two people were not qualified for the job posted. The third person with the most seniority was the only qualified person for the position.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE: #400
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Samele, recommendations from the Ordinance Committee were heard.
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the board voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on November 18, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. to hear public input on the additional veteran’s exemption.
17 Britton Avenue: Councilor Soliani indicated that the State’s Attorney had agreed to take the case and Mr. Cardello was confident that it would be pursued.
Water / Church Street: Councilor Soliani indicated that there would be a letter from Mr. Cardello to Mr. Rhoades insisting that he remove the heavy timber from that property.
229 Church Street: On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the board voted unanimously to authorize Atty. Vasko to begin foreclosure against this property owner.
10 Highland Avenue: Councilor Soliani indicated that the new owners will be issued a citation giving them thirty days to bring the property into compliance. No action was taken. Letter going out on November 6.
155 Park Avenue: (Same as above.) Mr. Cardello will issue a citation to the new owners. No action taken.
102 Brook Street: A letter will be sent to the owner. Fines will begin 10/22/02.
521 Harwinton Avenue: Building Department still has heard nothing from the attorney on this matter. Atty. Vasko will be working with Planning & Zoning to get the exterior cleaned up. Public Health will also be brought in. No action taken.
Borough Street: Demolition material still needs to be removed. Mr. Cardello will send the home owner another letter. No action taken.
139 Winsted Road: Atty. Vasko will be making a recommendation at their next meeting for further action on this property. No action taken.
Trailer Park: Councilor Soliani said “There has been a court order to clean up the trailer park and the trailer park owner is going to be brought into the fine and he will receive a letter on this tomorrow.”
12 Grove Street: A letter from Mr. Cardello would be going out on the 23rd and he will be working with the Police Department and reporting back to the Ordinance Committee as to what they are going to do about this property.
Councilor Soliani indicated that the Committee tabled the amendment to the Blight Ordinance because they didn’t have a full committee.
In regard to the Task Force, Mayor Quinn stated that he met with department heads and they started rolling out some of the goal objectives. Councilor Dalla Valle, who had expressed a desire to be a member of the Task Force, along with Councilor Soliani on the blight side, would be notified of what is going on and would be invited to the next meeting.
PROCLAMATION #830
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Samele, the board voted unanimously to accept the Proclamation: Emergency Fund Day, November 16, 2002.
GENERAL FUNDING VERSUS CONTINGENCY #850
Ms. Proulx explained General Funding versus Contingency and how those funds can be replenished in case of an emergency. (See minutes of 10/7/02.)
NORTH ELM & MAIN STREET #910
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, discussion took place in regard to property located on the corner of North Elm and Main Street. (See minutes of 10/7/02.)
Mr. Fabbri stated that the D.O.T. had placed a restriction that this property be used for a park or for parking, if the city took it over. An agreement was drawn up by the D.O.T. and the city took possession of the property about a year ago. The Engineering Department was able to come up with ten to twelve parking spaces and still maintain a buffer requirement that the state had imposed for site distance requirements.
Councilor Dalla Valle believed there were twenty-four spaces in that lot. He requested that the City Engineer bring back a more current plan to the City Council for their approval in order to make additional space available for the north end merchants and for overflow parking at the Police Department.
Mr. Fabbri would work on Councilor Dalla Valle’s request. No vote was taken.
BUSINESS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #1030
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Mr. Fabbri informed the board that an informational meeting was scheduled for October 22 in regard to the reconstruction of Pinewoods Road.
Per Councilor Ruwet’s suggestion, Mr. Fabbri had received information from CCM in regard to methods of giving roads final acceptance. He indicated that he could recommend modifications to the present method if the Council wanted him to do so.
ADD TO AGENDA: EXECUTIVE SESSION #1120
Corp. Counsel Vasko requested adding an Executive Session under Pending Claims to the agenda by 2/3rds vote.
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Samele, the board voted unanimously to add the executive session to the agenda. It was held at the end of the meeting.
BUSINESS BY MAYOR AND MEMBERS #1140
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Samele, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the City Council.
Councilor Reginatto indicated that Governor Rowland was coming to Torrington and the Council had been invited.
Mayor Quinn noted that he had been alluded to the Governor’s visit on Friday. His visit was in regard to new business in Torrington.
Councilor Ruwet spoke in regard to the three businesses on New Harwinton Road that experienced a significant loss of revenue when the D.O.T detoured the traffic for repairs to the sewers. She hoped Mr. Fabbri could negotiate an alternate route with the DOT that would minimize such impact on businesses in the future.
She asked Mr. Fabbri to write a letter to those businesses on behalf of the city to help them understand that efforts were made by the City of Torrington to place the detour where businesses wouldn’t be impacted as much.
Councilor Ruwet inquired about the work being performed by the state on New Harwinton Road.
Councilor Reginatto noted that they installed steps to slow the flow of the water.
Gerry Zordan confirmed the fact that they worked to slow the flow of water in order to prevent erosion from occurring.
Councilor Ruwet reiterated the fact that traffic continued to be a problem at the intersection of Torringford Street and East and West Pearl Roads.
Mr. Fabbri noted that he could have the D.O.T review the matter if there is a sight distance problem.
Councilor Dalla Valle noted that Bike Week was a wonderful event.
He requested public awareness in regard to Highland Avenue.
He also noted that the recent repairs to Migeon Avenue were atrocious.
Mr. Fabbri indicated that the company had to come back to redo the patches, however, the road may have to remain in its present condition until spring.
Councilor Dalla Valle requested adding an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to installing a sign for the Skateboard Park at the Armory.
ADD TO AGENDA #1620
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the board voted unanimously to add the item to the agenda.
ALLOW SIGN FOR SKATEBOARD PARK #1640
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the board voted unanimously to allow the sign to be installed at the Armory.
Councilor Samele inquired whether the Council would be meeting with Charter Revision.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that the Council had fifteen days after tonight’s public hearing to make recommendations to the Charter Revision.
Mayor Quinn said his office would draft a letter explaining the process in order to communicate the Council’s position to the Charter Revision Commission. The matter would be added to the next Council agenda.
Councilor Bascetta indicated that he had not been notified about any of the meetings where Councilors met on a single basis with Charter Revision.
EXECUTIVE SESSION #1750
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session at 9:33 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
On a motion by Richard Dalla Valle, seconded by David Bascetta, the board reconvened open session at 9:40 p.m.
On a motion by Richard Dalla Valle, seconded by David Bascetta, the board moved to add an item to the agenda by two thirds regarding Southwest School.
On a motion by Richard Dalla Valle, seconded by David Bascetta, the board moved to pay Bismark Construction Company from the Southwest School Building Account the sum of $9,812.31 for change order numbers 114, 120, and 73.
On a motion by James Reginatto, seconded by Richard Dalla Valle, the board adjourned at 9:41 p.m.
ALBERT G. VASKO
Corporation Counsel
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