MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
APRIL 21, 2003
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was
held on Monday, April 21, 2003, in the Council Chambers.
In attendance were Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., City Councilors Thomas C. Jerram, 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, Public Works Director Gerald Rollett, City Engineer Edward Fabbri, Superintendent of Equipment Maintenance Michael Michaud, Data Processing Manager William Hoffman, Park & Recreation Director Richard Calarco, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, Police Chief Roger Janelle, Deputy Police Chief Robert Milano, Fire Chief John Field, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, Board of Public Safety Commissioners James Potter, Thomas Telman, Carolann Kennedy-Pucino, and Richard Zaharek, Board of Finance Member Bruce Cornish, and Fire Chief Jason Noad from the Burrville Volunteer Fire Department.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.
MINUTES #010
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted to accept the minutes of the special meeting held March 24, 2003 on budgets. Councilor Samele abstained.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #040
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public, however there was no public participation.
SET PUBLIC HEARING #060
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to set a public hearing date of May 5, 2003 in regard to the WPC Administrator’s recommendation on the proposed sewer user fee.
CARDINAL ENGINEERING #120
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payments of $1,400.00, $1,400.00, $700.00, & $3,289.38 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund # 490 to Cardinal Engineering, Inc. for preliminary study work on the East Main Street / New Harwinton Road Sanitary Sewer Improvements and referred the payments to the Board of Finance.
CARDINAL ENGINEERING #130
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $8,651.87 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to Cardinal Engineering, Inc. for the East Main Street / New Harwinton Road Sanitary Sewer Improvements, and Phase 1 Design Work from Columbus Road to New Harwinton Road, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
TRUMBULL CONSTRUCTION #150
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $24,688.17 from Bond Fund #302 to Trumbull Construction Co., Inc. for Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Torrington Phase III Sewers, Contract 4 - Highland Avenue.
Mr. Fabbri explained that the sewer lines and service laterals to the homes on Highland Avenue had been installed and he was trying to get the gas company to replace the ninety-year-old gas lines prior to paving an overlay.
Councilor Bascetta inquired whether the contractors would be obligated to repair any settling in the overlay in the future.
Mr. Rollett noted that the work would be guaranteed for one year. He pointed out that the “overlay” on the road would not be a “reconstruction.” The Department of Environmental Protection was still looking at the possibility of changing the sewers on Highland Avenue. Mr. Rollett didn’t expect to get an answer from the Dept. of Environmental Protection on installing new sewers for another year.
The board moved to discuss budgets.
FIRE DEPARTMENT #300
Chief John Field informed the Council that his initial budget included an additional position for the Fire Marshal’s office because they were obligated under State Statute to be on a twelve-month cycle for inspections and they were currently on an eighteen-month cycle.
Chief Field reported that the telephone system would be purchased with encumbered funds as well as monies from the current budget.
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the board voted unanimously to tentatively approve the Fire Department budget as it stood, with a bottom line figure of $3,763,218.00, or .97% increase.
POLICE DEPARTMENT #400
The Police Dept. wages dropped by approximately $10,000.00. Chief Janelle said he thought the drop was due to the 75% of the federally funded officer. Originally, the calculation was to pay 100% of that wage and there was an error when the calculation was made. The city was paying 75% and the government was picking up the remaining 25%.
Councilor Reginatto inquired about the DARE Program. Chief Janelle indicated that the funds remained intact.
It was noted that the budget appeared to have a 9% increase. Ms. Proulx explained that the report the Council had in front of them included the 2003 “adopted” budget rather than the “amended” budget and that she could furnish them with a new report.
Councilor Reginatto pointed out that he committed himself three years ago to adding two new officers to the police force for the next five years, however, because of the financial situation, he would go along without increasing the force for the coming year.
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the board voted unanimously to tentatively approve the Police Department budget with a bottom line figure of $5,419,801.00, or a 3.13% increase.
PUBLIC SAFETY MISCELLANEOUS #560
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to tentatively approve the Public Safety Miscellaneous budget.
CIVIL PREPAREDNESS #580
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, a discussion took place in regard to the Civil Preparedness budget.
Councilor Reginatto expressed his concern over the fact that the city had two people doing the same job; one was getting paid and the other was rolling the work into his regular wages.
Commissioner Potter indicated that the board had expressed a concern over a police officer who was being paid to do public relations and seemed to be contributing a lot of his time to civil defense.
Chief Field indicated that he, Chief Janelle, and Officer Vannini were all aware of the situation and were working to address the matter.
Mayor Quinn noted that State Statute mandated a civil defense director and that person was working according to the job description. He also noted that we had an Emergency Operations Officer and an Emergency Operations Center that were more technically advanced than it was five or ten years ago. Officer Vannini had been working diligently with the police and firemen in emergency situations. They had planned to streamline the operations in a professional manner in years to come. However, terrorist activity had stepped up their plans and the chiefs, Officer Vannini, and other officers were being asked to do more than they had in the past with regard to civil defense.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether civil defense was equipped with a vehicle.
Chief Field explained that the $1,200.00 in vehicle repairs was for the EOC bus.
The $4,000.00 in communications was for an incident command system.
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to tentatively approve the Civil Preparedness budget.
CANINE CONTROL #810
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to tentatively approve the Canine Control budget with a bottom line figure of $68,653.00.
TRAFFIC MAINTENANCE #950
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to tentatively approve the Traffic Maintenance budget with a 3.76% increase.
PURCHASE OF TRACTOR #1190
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to waive the bid process and piggyback onto the Board of Education’s bid to purchase a New Holland farm tractor from Grunder’s Farm Equipment, Inc., for $22,915.00.
TORRINGTON FORD #1230
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 approve an additional $1,500.00 for the purchase of three cruisers ($500.00 each) to cover Torrington Ford’s clerical error.
Councilor Dalla Valle said he would oppose the request on the basis that Torrington Ford had submitted a proposal which was accepted by the Council and he didn’t feel the city should pay for their error.
Mr. Michaud stated that the original error was $1,000.00 for each car and they decided to split the difference.
Councilor Bascetta indicated that it would have been beneficial to see the proposals submitted by the other vendors.
Councilor Jerram made a motion to table the matter. Councilor Bascetta seconded the motion. Councilors Jerram, Samele and Bascetta voted in favor of the motion to table. Councilors Soliani, Dalla Valle and Reginatto opposed the motion. Mayor Quinn broke the tie and voted in opposition of the motion to table.
The Council went back to the original motion to accept the Board of Public Safety’s recommendation to approve an additional $1,500.00 for the purchase of three cruisers ($500.00 each) to cover Torrington Ford’s clerical error.
The Council voted 4-2 in favor of the motion to approve an additional $1,500.00 for the purchase of three cruisers ($500.00 each) to cover Torrington Ford’s clerical error. Councilors Dalla Valle and Reginatto opposed the motion.
DOCUMENT IMAGING SCANNING SYSTEM #1490
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously after a brief explanation by City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero, to approve an encumbered $64,000.00 expenditure for the purchase of a Document Imaging Scanning System.
SMALL CITIES: REGISTER CITIZEN #1700
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $315.72 from Small Cities Fund #276 to The Register Citizen for a legal notice in regard to the Small Cities Program.
FRIAR ASSO. #1740
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $3,150.00 from Torringford School Building Acct. #314 to Friar Associates in connection with pre referendum professional services.
PROCLAMATION #1780
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Proclamation: Elks National Youth Week, May 5 - May 11, 2003.
APPOINTMENT: SELECTMAN #1800
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Republican Town Committee’s recommendation to appoint Andrew Nargi as Selectman to replace Bruce Hillman, Jr. who resigned on April 5, 2003.
Mayor Quinn administered the oath of office of Selectman to Andrew Nargi.
ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS #1880
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Samele, a discussion took place in regard to the recommendations from the Ordinance Committee
Councilor Soliani, Chairman of the Ordinance Committee, made a recommendation to the Council to have Corp. Counsel Vasko begin foreclosure procedures on property located at 12 Grove Street, owned by Lila Turk. She explained that this property had recently sold during a tax auction and the property owner had sixty days to pay the back taxes prior to the new owner taking over. The foreclosure would take place only if the owner was to redeem his property by paying back taxes.
Councilor Soliani made a recommendation to the Council to have Corp. Counsel Vasko begin foreclosure procedures on property located at 155 Park Avenue, owned by Wilfred Reil, Jr. based on when the property owner was originally cited for blight approximately one and a half years ago. She explained that this property was redeemed by its owner after it was sold at a tax sale.
Councilor Jerram inquired what would become of 155 Park Avenue after a successful foreclosure.
Councilor Soliani indicated that the committee was hoping to get some action on getting the property cleaned up but the city didn’t have any plans for it at this time.
Councilor Soliani made a motion to have Corp. Counsel Vasko begin foreclosures on the following properties: 12 Grove Street and 155 Park Avenue. Councilor Samele seconded the motion.
During the discussion, Councilor Jerram added that foreclosure would take place upon a successful redemption by the current owner of Grove Street, and immediately on the property owner of 155 Park Street.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired about the status of the Rhoades property. It was noted that the procedure to foreclose on the Rhoades property had begun some time ago and the matter was presently in litigation.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated that the Rhoades property should be foreclosed and sold to the person who the Council said would get it in the first place.
Mayor Quinn stated that they would make a business decision after the foreclosure on the Rhoades property.
The vote to begin foreclosure against 12 Grove Street and 155 Park Street was unanimous.
STREET LIGHT RECOMMENDATION #2310
There was no recommendation from the Street Light Committee at this time.
BUS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #2320
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads. There was none.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #2400
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the City Council.
Councilor Jerram inquired about street sweeping.
The budget calendar was briefly discussed. Ms. Proulx indicated that the projected revenue so far was $32,964.764.00 and the reductions from the state were projected to be $700,000.00.
ADJOURNMENT #2730
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:53 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
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