MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
JUNE 16, 2003
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, June 16, 2003, in the Council Chambers.
Present was 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, City Engineer Edward Fabbri, Director of Elderly Services Nancy Gyurko, Park & Recreation Director Richard Calarco, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, Inland Wetlands Officer Kimberly Barbieri, and Small Cities’ Consultant to the City Larry Wagner.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
MINUTES #020
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the public hearing on the city budget held May 8, 2003.
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held May 19, 2003.
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the special joint meeting with the Board of Finance on budgets held May 28, 2003.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #050
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Bill Knight, 140 East Pearl Street, spoke about challenges pedestrians faced by the new traffic signalization system. He informed the Council that Mayor Quinn had agreed to take a walk with him and his wife, while blindfolded, and that he had found the intersections difficult to cross. Mr. Knight also pointed out that the audio signal at the top of East Main was difficult to hear because of the traffic, and suggested that another audio signal be installed at the bridge where there are six lanes of traffic.
Thomas Hines, 50 Wilson Avenue, reported that students who play in the Vogel Wetmore playground are protected from traffic only by a chain link fence and that guide rails should be installed at the end of John Street and at the “V” at Church Street and Mason Street. He presented the Council with some pictures of the playground.
Michael Alciati, 171 Charles Street, inquired about the progress on the ditch on his property.
Mr. Fabbri stated that a revised easement agreement had been sent to the property owner directly beneath Mr. Alciati’s property and to date, no action had taken place. Since this particular easement is the key to gain access to the area, nothing further will take place until the easement is secured.
Corp. Counsel Vasko stated that he would attempt to contact the property owner to get a response one way or another this week in order to move forward with the project.
Mr. Alciati inquired whether Mr. Fabbri had applied for the D.E.P. permits.
Mr. Fabbri indicated that he will apply for the permits once the easements are secure.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT #450
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Soliani, discussion took place in regard to the request to authorize the payment of $16,109.00 from Contingency to the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation as part of outstanding debts owed for the Traffic Signal Project 143-150. (Tabled on 6/2/03)
Councilor Dalla Valle pointed out that he had not seen anything in the Board of Public Safety minutes where they had addressed this issue.
Corp. Counsel Vasko explained that the former City Engineer, Joseph Cosentino, wanted a larger fiber optic system for things his department was thinking about doing in the future and the state would only pay for a certain number of fiber optics. The state had agreed to install the upgraded system but the city was responsible for it. It appeared as though the city had made a partial payment in 1997.
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero explained that Officer Shopey had informed him there was money encumbered for this expense in 1997, but over time, the monies that were left over in that budget were turned into surplus at that year’s end.
Councilor Bascetta inquired whether the new traffic signal system was doing the job the state said it was going to do.
Councilor Jerram said Officer Shopey had indicated that the signalization downtown was based on 1992 traffic counts and not those that are available today.
Councilor Bascetta asked if the programming of the system was the city’s responsibility.
Councilor Jerram said he wasn’t certain if Officer Shopey had indicated that the state’s approval would be required to change the timing of the traffic lights.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated that the state was currently working on some changes and suggested holding off on the payment until those changes are complete.
MOTION TO TABLE #550
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to table the request to authorize the payment of $16,109.00 from Contingency to the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation as part of outstanding debts owed for the Traffic Signal Project 143-150. (Tabled on 6/2/03)
CAPUANO GMC #550
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Board of Public Safety’s recommendation to purchase a used, 2002 Chevrolet cargo van from Capuano GMC for the sum of $15,800.00.
WEST STATE MECHANICAL #610
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to extend West State Mechanical’s contract for Plumbing, Furnace & Boiler Services for a year with a 5% increase on labor rates. (Tabled 6/2/03).
PUBLIC HEARING: At 7:00 p.m. Mayor Quinn called to order the Public Hearing 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. The city is considering submitting an application for neighborhood infrastructure and recreational improvements.
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero read the legal notice.
Small Cities’ Consultant to the City Lawrence Wagner stated that the public hearing was part of the state’s process to identify community development housing or economic development needs from citizens or organizations that may be eligible for funding under the Small Cities Program. The Small Cities Program is a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that provides funding to the State of Connecticut, who then funds communities with less than 50,000 population such as Torrington. Projects eligible under this program must be in four major categories: Housing, Community Facilities, Economic Development, or Public Services, and they must meet one of three national objectives: Eliminate slum and blight, primarily benefit low and moderate income people or eliminate an imminent
threat to public health and safety.
Mr. Wagner indicated that the city has had a tremendous experience with this program. The city currently has funds for the Senior Center garage, and a very active housing rehabilitation program. In the past, funds have been used for park improvements, sidewalk and street improvements, etc.
Mayor Quinn opened the meeting to the public.
Claudia Sweeney, Director of the Torrington Housing Authority, identified a need for senior housing in the City of Torrington. She stated that the waiting list at the present time was between one year and one year and a half and that the young disabled and the elderly make up about 50% of the waiting list. Many of the applicants apply at the last minute when they realize they cannot remain in their homes any longer and end up in rest homes, when, in reality, they could live much more independently for a longer period of time with a few support services if they lived in a sheltered environment such as a senior housing project. The Housing Authority also runs a Section 8 Program however, it’s not appropriate for many seniors because they feel segregated from the community and somewhat fearful.
Councilor Dalla Valle identified a need for more recreational facilities and availability for the youth in the City of Torrington. The appropriate location has already been identified as the Jiggs Donahue Park on East Pearl Street, and the most prominent form of recreation would be a skate board park. In addition to that would be new lighting, sidewalks, and an overall general improvement of that area to enhance the parking areas and the walkways from the parking area. The park currently has a basketball court and a play scape for other children so it would be a multi-use recreational facility.
Patricia Fairchild, Chairperson of the Park & Recreation Commission, stated that the Commission had voted in support of the application for a Small Cities grant for the construction of a skateboard park at Jiggs Donohue Park.
Robert Hunter, 17 South Street, expressed his appreciation to the city for considering funding the skate board park.
Michael Milo, 129 Alvord Park, also expressed his appreciation.
Benjamin Boisvert, 101 Norfolk Road, stated that he was certain that people would frequent the park, no matter what the cost would be to use it.
Councilor Dalla Valle stated that there would be no charge for attending the park.
Mr. Wagner indicated that the Council had heard some needs of the community. If so directed, he will work with the appropriate entities to start defining projects that will then come back in front of the Council for them to decide which ones will be submitted to the state. The state will require schematic plans, budget cost estimates and an outline of the project.
Mayor Quinn called the public hearing to a close at 7:15 p.m.
APPROVE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS #1180
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to approve the submission of an application for neighborhood infrastructure and recreational improvements, and to accept the status of its current Small Cities projects and programs. Councilor Jerram seconded the motion.
AMEND MOTION #1200
Councilor Dalla Valle amended his motion to approve the submission of an application for neighborhood infrastructure and recreational improvements, specifically the Senior Housing Needs and the Skate Board Park, and to accept the status of its current Small Cities projects and programs. Councilor Jerram seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Mr. Wagner indicated that a pre application would ensue, as well as a formal resolution and a full application including the location, sight plans, budgets, etc. The state is expected to start inviting projects after they get a new allocation of funds from the federal government in August or September. Optimistically speaking, if everything went well, construction for the skate board park could begin next summer.
SPECIAL DIET MEALS-ON-WHEELS #1350
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the following recommendations from the Services for the Elderly Commission:
To extend the contract with Charlotte Hungerford Hospital for a period of one year, beginning Oct. 1, 2003, for the preparation of the Special Diet Meals-on-Wheels. The cost of the meal preparation will remain the same at $3.94 per hot meal and $2.05 for the evening snack. (The contract is contingent upon receipt of funds from the State of Connecticut Dept. of Social Services.)
To extend the contract with Kim Bickford for the period of one year, beginning on Oct. 1, 2003 for the delivery of Special Diet Meals-on-Wheels. The cost will increase by $.05 for a total of $1.95 per meal delivery. (The contract is contingent upon receipt of funds from the State of Connecticut Dept. of Social Services.)
TORRINGFORD FARMS POND #1400
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, a discussion took place concerning the Wetlands Enforcement Officer’s letter dated June 10, 2003 in regard to Torringford Farms Pond.
Councilor Dalla Valle pointed out that, originally, the contractor involved was willing to pick up some of the cost and inquired whether that was still the case.
Ms. Barbieri said “Yes, but very reluctantly so, now that it’s doubled.” She indicated that the company had enlightened her on some new information but she hadn’t had a chance to review it completely.
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to table the matter. Councilor Samele seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-1 with Councilor Bascetta opposing.
CARDINAL ENGINEERING #1500
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $11,541.74 from Bond Fund #302 to Cardinal Engineering, Inc. on the East Main Street/New Harwinton Road Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Phase 1 and 2.
CARDINAL ENGINEERING #1510
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $2,348.75 from Bond Fund #302 to Cardinal Engineering, Inc. for Sanitary Sewer Improvements to Highland Avenue.
W. W. MANCHESTER #1520
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $22,759.15 from Bond Fund #302 to W. W. Manchester Construction Co., Inc. for the installation of Sanitary Sewers on East Main Street at Willow Street.
W. W. MANCHESTER #1540
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $6,024.94 from WPCA Capital Improvement Reserve Account to W. W. Manchester for Sanitary Sewer Repairs at High Street and Litchfield Street and other emergency repairs.
FRIAR ASSOCIATES #1590
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $109,364.00 from Torringford Elementary School Building Fund #314 to Friar Associates for professional services rendered through May 31, 2003, as the first of eleven equal installments under the Bidding and Negotiations Phase.
SMALL CITIES: SAFE HOMES #1610
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $300.00 from Small Cities Fund #261 to Safe Homes for one risk assessment performed.
SMALL CITIES: #1640
On a motion by Councilor Jerram , seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the following:
A 0%-deferred loan in the amount of $4,216.00 from Small Cities Fund #265 for Project #143-188.
A 0%-deferred loan in the amount of $18,380.00 from Small Cities Fund #265 for Project #143-166.
A 0%-deferred loan in the amount of $42,711.00 from Small Cities Fund #265 for Project #143-172.
A 0%-deferred loan in the amount of $5,200.00 from Small Cities Fund #265 for Project #143-185.
A 0%-deferred loan in the amount of $4,500.00 from Small Cities Fund #265 for Project #143-187.
BUILDING DEPT. REPORTS #1660
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Reports for April and May 2003.
Councilor Dalla Valle requested a report showing the ratio of monies coming in versus the expense of running the department.
Mayor Quinn stated that his request will be noted in the minutes and the Building Department will be instructed to prepare a report.
UNITED WAY #1700
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted 5-1 with Councilor Soliani opposing the vote, to grant permission for United Way to install their thermometer in front of City Hall from September 5 to November 14, 2003.
APPOINTMENTS: MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS COMMITTEE #1710
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to approve the appointments of Attorney Debra Brown and Gary Capitanio to the Municipal Buildings Committee.
The new appointees were invited to the June 3, 2003 meeting as participants, however they did not vote. It was also noted that funds had previously been allocated to pay for invoices they were receiving.
MURDOCK CLAIM MANAGEMENT CO. #1790
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Reginatto, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $748.00 from Contingency to Murdock Claim Management Co. F/B/O The Hanover Insurance Company for the deductible in the Zavatkay matter and referred it to the Board of Finance.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that the deductible in this matter was $25,000.00 and that the attorneys had filed a motion for summary judgement which should be ruled on shortly by the court.
MURDOCK CLAIM MANAGEMENT CO. #
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council, after a brief discussion, voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $12,488.76 from Contingency to Murdock Claim Management Co. F/B/O The Hanover Insurance Company for the deductible in the Hepburn matter and referred it to the Board of Finance.
RECOMMENDATIONS: ORDINANCE COMMITTEE #2020
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Ordinance Committee to schedule a public hearing on July 7, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. concerning an ordinance on littering and dumping and a second public hearing immediately following to amend the Anti-Blight Ordinance.
BUSINESS: DEPT. HEADS #2100
On a motion by Councilor Reginatto, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Deputy Fire Chief Giampaolo expressed his thanks for the Council’s support on the Fire Department’s budget during the special joint meeting with the Board of Finance.
BUSINESS: MAYOR AND MEMBERS #2140
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the City Council.
Councilor Jerram inquired whether the Council would like to revisit the hiring freeze or maintain it for another period of time. Since it dealt with personnel issues, he suggested including Mr. Gritt in any discussions on the matter.
Mayor Quinn said he thought they should have a discussion.
Councilor Reginatto asked if Officer Shopey could be made aware of Mr. Knight’s comments regarding the new signalization. He also felt they should get cost estimates to install guide rails at the Vogel Wetmore School playground.
Councilor Reginatto indicated that the Council and/or the Personnel Committee should have been informed about the change of working hours at City Hall from Mayor Quinn.
Councilor Jerram stated that we have five elementary schools and the only one having a protected playground is East School. If we are to look at safety issues for school playgrounds, all schools should be looked at, as well as the impact of traffic.
Councilor Dalla Valle felt Mr. Hines’ main concern with the safety of the Vogel Wetmore playground was due to the configuration of the traffic coming right at the island where the playground is located versus cars traveling north and south of it. He thought they could look at Vogel Wetmore by itself.
Councilor Dalla Valle commended the Elks for their fine ceremony on Flag Day. He also attended the event which Cherie Gath planned in recognition of the troops coming home.
He inquired whether the city could send a letter of recognition on behalf of Mayor Quinn and the City Council to the young men and women who served in the military to welcome them home.
Mayor Quinn stated that they could work on that together.
Councilor Reginatto inquired whether the city was going to have fireworks on July 4.
Mayor Quinn stated that there may be an opportunity to do something with a patriotic flare in combination with the Park & Recreation’s Torrington Week.
ADJOURNMENT #2570
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
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