MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
JULY 21, 2003
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, July 21, 2003, in the Council Chambers.
In attendance were Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., City Councilors Thomas C. Jerram, Paul F. Samele, Jr., David M. Bascetta, and Richard E. Dalla Valle, Corp. Counsel Albert Vasko, City Engineer Edward Fabbri, Purchasing Agent Charlene Antonelli, Superintendent of Streets Robert Lizotte, Deputy Police Chief Robert Milano, Traffic Officer Robert Shopey, Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, Park & Recreation Director Richard Calarco, Personnel Director Thomas Gritt, and Board of Public Safety Commissioners Thomas Telman, Robert Zordan, and James Potter.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES #015
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted, with the exception of Councilor Jerram who abstained, to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held June 2, 2003.
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held June 16, 2003.
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted, with the exception of Councilor Bascetta who abstained, to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held July 7, 2003.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #045
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
On behalf of the Board of Public Safety, Commissioner Telman stated that the board had requested on a number of occasions that a joint meeting with the City Council be scheduled and none had been forthcoming.
As Chairman of both boards, Mayor Quinn stated that he scheduled meetings and he would schedule it in due time.
Timothy Schapp, 265 Gaylord Lane, pointed out that the Council had voted in February 2002, to gravel one lane on Gaylord Lane and in October 2002, they voted to install an apron to his driveway and, to date, nothing had been done. He reported having been told by Mr. Rollett that there was no money in the budget to do anything with Gaylord Lane. Mr. Schapp had spoken with Street Department personnel who said they could use grindings that were stockpiled within the city and that they could be in and out of there in a couple of days. Mr. Rollett stated that there were no grindings available for Gaylord Lane. Mr. Schapp furnished the Council with photos of such grindings.
Superintendent of Streets Robert Lizotte explained that the pictures depicted grindings from the recent reclamation of Oak and Perkins Streets, and that the city would use millings, not reclaimed materials, to do the road and the city didn’t have any millings.
Mr. Schapp pointed out that the Council had voted not to abandon the road, and, since it was his only access to his home, it needed to be open, safe, and plowed by the city during the winter months, especially since his elderly mother was living with him, in the event they may ever need an ambulance.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated that he had asked Mr. Rollett about this matter during the last meeting and was informed that the apron was done.
Mr. Schapp indicated that the city had repaved the paved portion but stopped right at his property line just before the cul-de-sac. The apron was never done. He had personally dumped stone in order to access his driveway.
Mr. Lizotte told Mr. Schapp that the city would dump process stone if Mr. Schapp would remove his process stone.
Mr. Schapp reported that he had rented a loader and moved 50 tons of process from his property into the street because his driveway had sunken during the winter and the truck wouldn’t go onto his property to dump materials. At the same time, he raised the end of the road so the water wouldn’t run down Gaylord Lane and wash it out.
Councilor Dalla Valle said, “The statement that we got was correct, they only left out the fact that you did it, not us.”
Mr. Schapp said “Right.” He said he wasn’t looking for a brand new, paved street. The Council voted for a one lane, gravel road, and they voted to do the whole road. He said he’d be happy with the first 500 to 600 feet to his driveway, and the city had tons of reclaimed material they could use.
Mr. Fabbri indicated that Mr. Schapp had a permitted driveway which he had not built. He had some wetlands crossing and a permit, the city had no permit in terms of wetlands, and no funds set aside for that project.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether they could review some of the capital improvement projects to see which ones may or may not be done and divert some of the funds to Gaylord Lane.
Mr. Schapp indicated that he would have to take some type of action if the work wasn’t done soon. He asked that it be resolved by August.
Mayor Quinn said everyone understood the issue and that it would be looked at when Mr. Rollett returned from vacation.
Chad Widing, resident of Koury Terrace, addressed pedestrian safety on East Main Street, from WalMart to Main Street. Although he had never been hit by a vehicle, he reported that drivers had aimed their vehicles at him when crossing the street on a number of occasions when he had the walk light and right-of-way to cross. He stated that the city was looking at a very serious problem for the elderly, the disabled, and those who didn’t have a driver’s license. He was well aware that the city had no jurisdiction over East Main Street because it was a state road. He was informed by the Police Department that there were no funds to do anything with East Main Street, however, the city could raise funds quickly if the Police Department closely monitored the
area and fined drivers who broke the law.
Mr. Widing said it was his intention to have more people attend the next meeting to demonstrate that he was not the only one who was afraid of their personal safety to walk city streets.
Councilor Bascetta inquired whether sidewalks would be provided in the renovations of a portion of East Main Street.
Ed Fabbri, City Engineer, indicated that he had presented the idea of adding sidewalks in the Moscarillo area to Planning & Zoning and they declined to require them. He had also spoken to the D.O.T. about installing sidewalks in the Greenridge to Torringford West Street area, and they were not opposed to the idea. Because of recent state cutbacks, it will take several years for that to happen.
Mr. Widing pointed out that four pedestrians had been killed trying to cross the street in the Koury Terrace area. He thought it would be less costly to fix the problem than to pay for law suits against the state and the city in addition to fixing the problem in the future.
Mr. Fabbri indicated that he could revisit the issue with the D.O.T.
Mr. Widing suggested having one lane of traffic going up East Main Street and installing a turning lane in the center of the street.
Councilor Jerram asked Mr. Widing if he had ever approached the Board of Public Safety about having increased patrols or some other type of supervision.
Mr. Widing indicated that he had made several attempts in the past.
When Councilor Dalla Valle asked, what he would like done with East Main Street? Mr. Widing said he would like to see sidewalks on East Main Street from Fern Drive west to WalMart. The traffic should also be slowed down so that it is safe for motorists as well as pedestrians.
Councilor Dalla Valle explained to Mr. Widing that any funds derived from fines to unlawful motorists were sent directly to the state and the city reaped no profits from them.
Mayor Quinn stated that Mr. Widing’s complaint had been heard by the City Council as well as Deputy Police Chief Milano and three members of the Board of Public Safety, and that the City Engineer would revisit the matter with the D.O.T.
D.O.T. (TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROJECT) #730
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council after a brief explanation from Officer Shopey, voted unanimously 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, and referred it to the Board of Finance. (Tabled on 6/2/03 & 6/16/03.)
TELREPCO CO. #815
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to approve Officer Shopey’s request to purchase a Panasonic Toughbook Model CF-01GPS from Telrepco Co. of Wallingford, CT for a total cost of $2,815.00 for use in the Traffic Unit.
TORRINGFORD FARMS POND #835
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, a discussion took place in regard to the request from Roland Boutin (Torringford Farms Association) to table the Torringford Farms Pond matter, per his memo to Kim Barbieri dated July 17, 2003. (Tabled on 6/16/03 & 7/7/03.)
Mayor Quinn indicated that Torringford Farms had changed leadership recently and they were reviewing the matter.
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously on the request from Roland Boutin to table the Torringford Farms Pond matter.
PUBLIC HEARING: REPEAL ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 128 #880
At 7:00 p.m. Mayor Quinn called to order a public hearing that was “continued” from a public hearing begun on 7/ 7/ 03 to consider repealing Article 1 of Chapter 128 of the Torrington Code entitled “Littering and Dumping” and substituting a new ordinance entitled “Littering and Dumping” in its place.
Assistant City Clerk Joline LeBlanc read the legal notice.
Councilor Jerram stated the continuance was a result from questions Public Works Director Gerald Rollett had in regard to the language.
Corp. Counsel Vasko stated that Mr. Rollett reviewed the changes.
There were no further comments or questions. Mayor Quinn closed the public hearing at 7:03 p.m.
REPEAL ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 128 #940
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to repeal Article 1 of Chapter 128 of the Torrington Code entitled “Littering and Dumping” and to substitute a new ordinance entitled “Littering and Dumping” in its place.
PUBLIC HEARING: ABANDON PORTION OF ARTHUR STREET #950
Mayor Quinn called to order a public hearing at 7:04 p.m. to consider an ordinance to abandon a portion of Arthur Street.
Assistant City Clerk Joline LeBlanc read the legal notice.
Tony Cimmino, owner of Tony’s Automotive Center on Arthur Street expressed his concern that the abandonment would force him to change his business address. That would mean involving his attorney and accountant, having to be re-inspected by the DMV, and having to re-apply for a new dealer’s license. He asked the Council not to make any changes to the street name.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated, that initially, two public hearings were going to be scheduled, one to abandon a section of Arthur Street and the second to change the name of either end of Arthur Street. The second public hearing was not scheduled because Mr. Fabbri was away.
Councilor Dalla Valle stated they could allow it to remain Arthur Street on both sides.
Mr. Fabbri said he had no problem with leaving both ends as Arthur Street as long as public safety officials had no opposition.
Deputy Chief Milano and Deputy Chief Giampaolo had no opposition to leaving both ends as Arthur Street.
Greg Mele, Eastside Electric, 23 Garfield Street, inquired whether there would be a gate at the Garfield Street side.
Mr. Lizotte stated that it would be gated at both ends and that most of the traffic would be generated by the Street Department.
Lou Capra of the Arthur Street condominiums, inquired whether residents would still be able to obtain sand from the garage in the winter.
Mr. Lizotte stated the sand would be in the proposed turn around just outside the gate.
ABANDON A PORTION OF ARTHUR STREET #1310
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to abandon a portion of Arthur Street, but that no name change be involved in this abandonment. Councilor Jerram seconded the motion. Unanimous.
P & G PEPPER CONST. SERV. #1350
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $3,158.75 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to P & G Pepper Construction Services, Inc. for the installation of sanitary and storm sewers on Greenridge Road, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
PORTABLE IRRIGATION SYSTEM BID #1360
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendations from the Purchasing Agent and Park & Recreation Director to award the “Portable Irrigation System” bid to Allens Seed Store of Exeter, RI for $9,815.00 for a T210 portable irrigation system with a 9HP booster pump.
The primary use of this system would be Alvord Park.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether the process would include supplying water to the BMX Track.
Mr. Calarco indicated that that was part of the proposal.
REPLACEMENT OF THREE (3) COPIERS #1410
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Bascetta, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the “Replacement of Three Copiers as such:
Fire Dept: to Network Imaging, Southington, CT for $223.52/mo x 48 mos. = $10,728.96
Mayor’s Off: to Ryan Business Sys. So Windsor, CT $191.66/mo x 48 mos = $ 9,199.60
Assessor’s Off: Ryan Business Sys. So Windsor, CT $116.52/mo x 48 mos = $ 5,592.96
JWC ENVIRONMENTAL #1430
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, a discussion took place in regard to the request to waive the bid process and purchase two Model 20000 Mini Monsters from JWC Environmental at $9,875.00 each from Fund #31, WPCA Capital Reserve.
WPC Administrator Raymond Drew indicated that the grinders were not replaced when the system was upgraded. As a result, they had experienced ragging problems in the course of the years. The previous piston pumps were replaced with double disk diaphragm pumps. Unlike the piston pumps, the rubber disk pumps were susceptible to puncturing and wear and tear on the rubber. In order to correct the deficiency in the pumping system, in-line grinders should be installed prior to the pumps.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether funds had been budgeted for this expense.
Mr. Drew indicated that funds were not budgeted in the capital reserve as a capital project, however, he was viewing this as part of the facility study. He stated that the Capital Reserve had an inflow of revenue and they could make up additional revenues in the future to pay for this expense, however, funds could be used from the New Equipment line item if the Council so desired. He reported that it was no longer economically feasible for them to operate this pumping system in its present condition until the facility study is completed. Flushing the system and priming the pumps is causing excess water to be introduced into the sludge. Their goal is to ship out 6% sludge, however, when they introduce water, they basically ship out water.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired about the urgency of the matter and why the item didn’t go out to bid.
Mr. Drew stated that there was no immediate urgency and they could continue to operate as is, however, it wasn’t economically feasible. He reported getting quotes from three companies that were most knowledgeable in grinders. He expected each grinder to cost between $10 and $15,000.00 and JWC came in at $9,875.00 for a quality piece of equipment.
Councilor Dalla Valle opposed waiving the bid process for something that was not urgent.
Councilor Bascetta inquired whether any electrical upgrades would be necessary for the new grinders.
Mr. Drew indicated that any necessary electrical work would be done in-house.
Councilor Jerram inquired as to how much time was lost when pumps broke down between the breakdown, the cleanup and the repair.
Mr. Drew indicated that it took about twelve hours to break down a pump and replace the parts needed to get it back and running. Two pumps were rebuilt in April; one cost $2,400.00 and the other $2,600.00. The new system would extend the life of the pumps and reduce the incidents of premature failures.
On the same motion, the Council voted 3-1 to waive the bid process and purchase two Model 20000 Mini Monsters from JWC Environmental at $9,875.00 each from Fund #31, WPCA Capital Reserve. Councilor Dalla Valle opposed because the item didn’t go out to bid.
HIRE PERSONNEL #1730
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Personnel Director to hire a Police Officer and an Assistant Plant Operator-in-Training.
Deputy Police Chief Milano indicated that the hiring of a police officer would represent the last of their authorized strength of 76 officers, plus one Chief and one Deputy Chief. He stated that this was an unfilled position from the original allotment and that his department had not requested a net increase in personnel in this year’s budget.
Mr. Drew indicated that the position of Assistant Plant Operator-in-Training was to replace the Chief Operator who retired last year. Funds were budgeted for the position.
FRIAR ASSO. #1780
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $109,364.00 (Invoice #2) from the Torringford Building Fund #314 to Friar Associates for professional services rendered through June 30, 2003, as the second of eleven equal installments under the Bidding and Negotiations Phase.
SMALL CITIES: RECORD JOURNAL #1810
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, a discussion took place in regard to the request to authorize the payment of $348.00 from Small Cities Fund #265 to Record Journal for three invitation to bid ads.
Councilor Jerram inquired where the Record Journal published from, since all the advertising was in spanish, and why we were advertising so far away from Torrington.
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to table the request to authorize the payment of $348.00 from Small Cities Fund #265 to Record Journal for three invitation to bid ads until further information could be sought.
PROCLAMATION: CT. BIKE WEEK #1870
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Proclamation “Connecticut Bike Week”, August 3 - 10, 2003.
Assistant City Clerk Joline LeBlanc read the Proclamation.
Councilor Dalla Valle said there seemed to be a conflict of interest with events scheduled for August 10 and asked if anything could be done collectively to accommodate the bikers.
Mr. Buley reported that a comprehensive plan for the entire week was coming together through the efforts of himself, Christina Emery, Mayor Quinn, Richard Calarco, and Officer Shopey and that it should be solidified in a day or two.
Mr. Buley said he was proud of the Town of Torrington for coming forward through the Mayor’s Office, the City Council and private businesses to create a nice plan and thanked Mayor Quinn and Councilor Dalla Valle for their help. Councilor Dalla Valle’s request to accommodate Connecticut Bike Week was being met through everyone involved and Mr. Buley was very appreciative of that fact.
SPECIALTY NATIONAL INSURANCE CO. #2120
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $1,000.00 from Contingency to Specialty National Insurance Company for the deductible in the Shirley McLeod matter and referred it to the Board of Finance.
Corp. Counsel Vasko explained that Ms. McLeod had fallen on the steps from the municipal parking lot onto the sidewalk and suffered some fairly severe injuries.
GORDON, MUIR & FOLEY #2170
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, a discussion took place in regard to the request to authorize the payments of $4,467.60 and $8,937.48 from Contingency to Gordon, Muir & Foley, LLP for professional services rendered in the Southwest School matter.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that $3,755.17 remained in the Southwest School account that could be used prior to using funds from Contingency.
Councilor Dalla Valle amended the motion to authorize the payments of $4,467.60 and $8,937.48 from which $3,755.17 would come from the Southwest School account and $9,649.91 would come from Contingency and be sent to the Board of Finance for approval. Councilor Jerram seconded the motion. Unanimous.
RECOMMENDATIONS: ORDINANCE COMMITTEE #2300
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that the Ordinance Committee didn’t meet so the item was removed from the Agenda.
BUS: SECTION B #2310
On a motion by Councilor Bascetta, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to consider business in Section B.
LITCHFIELD FORD #2360
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Jerram, a discussion took place in regard to the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to waive the bid process and purchase a 2002 Ford Taurus for use in Planning & Zoning from Litchfield Ford for $10,500.00 from funds in the Vehicle Replacement Account.
Councilor Jerram stated that the Council should look at the bigger issue, which was to have a comprehensive vehicle replacement plan that spelled out how it would be funded, what items would be funded, what the life expectancies of the vehicles would be, etc., He indicated that he would like to see some consistency in the city’s fleet of vehicles because that would make it more efficient and easier to repair and it would give the Council a better grasp on a well-defined vehicle replacement plan and when it’s the appropriate time to look for replacements instead of replacing one vehicle at a time.
Mayor Quinn reported that the vehicle in question was planned for replacement and would replace a vehicle that had met its life expectancy.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether the city currently had a valid vehicle replacement fund.
Mayor Quinn stated that the city did have a valid vehicle replacement fund and this item was included in it. There were some controversies over whether items were included or excluded and the actuarial will determine whether the numbers and the years are appropriate.
Mrs. Antonelli indicated that she should be receiving another proposal on the actuarial this week.
Councilor Jerram inquired whether the city had an actual inventory of vehicles, which he felt was a good place to start.
Mayor Quinn stated that the city did have an inventory of vehicles.
Mrs. Antonelli stated that the list she had was not current. Mike Michaud promised to update the list when he comes back to work.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired about the urgency to replace this vehicle. Mrs. Antonelli indicated that the vehicle it’s replacing had reached the point where it was more expensive to continue to maintain. That was the criteria Mr. Michaud used as a basis to replace a vehicle. She pointed out it was very difficult to go out to bid for a used vehicle because they were unlikely to locate more than one or two vehicles to meet certain specifications, and dealers didn’t want to put up 5% bid bonds.
Councilor Bascetta suggested expediting the actuarial and getting a list of inventory prior to approving this request.
Mrs. Antonelli informed the Council that only one company had submitted an RFP to do the actuarial after sending 40 to 50 direct RFP’s and posting the item on the state’s and city’s websites. The companies were saying they could build a table to determine how much money would be needed, however, the information necessary to determine the city’s need would have to come from city officials.
Councilor Dalla Valle stated for the record, that he would be opposing any request in the future that would require waiving the bid process.
Mrs. Antonelli indicated, with all due respect, she would continue to present items with a request to waive the bid process if she felt it was in the best interest of the City.
MOTION #2780
Councilor Samele voted in favor of the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to waive the bid process and purchase a 2002 Ford Taurus from Litchfield Ford for $10,500.00 for use in Planning & Zoning from funds in the Vehicle Replacement Account. Councilors Jerram, Bascetta, and Dalla Valle opposed the motion. The motion failed.
TORRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL PAYMENTS #2790
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the following payments from the Torrington High School Building Fund #285:
Bell Electric Invoice #11725 $397.35
Iffland Lumber Co. Order #425111 $784.03
APPOINTMENTS #2810
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to accept the following appointments.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether the appointments made the boards politically balanced.
Mayor Quinn said “yes.”
Economic Development Commission:
Sharon Dante for a 5 year term expiring February 2008, replacing Eugene Farley
Laura Sabia for a 5 year term expiring February 2005, replacing Francis Hennessy.
Board of Finance:
James Zeller, Jr. for a 6 year term expiring December 2007, replacing Carl Michelet.
Park & Recreation:
Dan Lovallo for a 5 year term to expiring December 2007, replacing Edmond “Duke” Wall.
Parking Authority:
Donna Isely for a 5 year term expiring January 2007, replacing Ron Barrante, Jr.
Jayne Martigneni for a 5 year term expiring January 2006, to fill a vacancy.
Inland Wetlands:
Kathy Carlson for a 3 year term to expiring September 2004, replacing James Morro.
Zoning Board of Appeals:
Robert Della Donna for a 5 year term to expiring December 2005, to fill a vacancy in Alternates.
Planning & Zoning Commission:
Re-appoint Doris Murphy, IW Liaison, Sec. for a 5 year term expiring December 2005.
Re-appoint David Frascarelli, for a 5 year term expiring December 2007.
Paul Summers for a 5 year term expiring December 2004, to replace Robert DellaDonna.
Greg Perosino for a 5 year term expiring December 2003, to replace Janet Iffland.
Janet Iffland for a 5 year term expiring December 2006, replacing Paul Summers as Alternate.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #2930
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Mrs. Antonelli indicated that the vehicle she had recommended would most likely not be available if she had to go through the bid process.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #2990
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the City Council.
Councilor Jerram requested an itemized list of vehicles the city owned. He thought it was imperative to move forward with this matter, especially if the actuarial will need certain information from city officials.
Councilor Jerram also stated he would be in favor of a joint meeting with the Board of Public Safety as requested by Commissioner Telman during the public portion of this meeting. He felt it would be a pro-active measure for all elected officials responsible for the safety of the City of Torrington to discuss vehicle
replacements, determine the inventory and know the direction they were going. He hoped Mayor Quinn could fit it in the schedule by the end of the summer.
Mayor Quinn said he would see how he could accommodate that schedule.
Councilor Dalla Valle agreed with Councilor Jerram. He would entertain the request to hold a joint meeting with the Board of Public Safety, however, he failed to see the necessity of having a vehicle replacement policy and a meeting with the Board of Safety if Corp. Counsel Vasko had already ruled that the
Council had no jurisdiction over vehicles for the Board of Safety. If the Board of Public Safety is responsible for their vehicles, then they should have their own vehicle replacement policy, separate from the city’s vehicle replacement policy. He deferred the matter to Corp. Counsel Vasko for a legal opinion based on his past opinion.
Corp. Counsel Vasko said he would research the matter.
Councilor Jerram said his theory behind a joint meeting with the Board of Public Safety to determine the inventory was that even though the Board of Public Safety is responsible for the replacement of their own vehicles, they would still have to come before this board to request funds to replace their vehicles.
Councilor Dalla Valle said he had a problem with the recently enacted trash pass-off, where the city took $1.3 million and passed it back to the business owners, which he, as well as the rest of the Council, had voted for. He now wanted to hold the trash collectors accountable because some had doubled their prices and sent a letter to their customers saying that the increase was based
on a vote taken by the City Council on May 20, 2003, forcing them to double the amount to charge for trash pick up. He indicated that the business owners were being held hostage for a vote taken by the Council and the trash collectors were using their vote to line their pockets. He thought the city needed to
investigate the matter and stop it because the Council was being slandered in those letters and the City of Torrington was taking the heat for things that were not foreseen by them. He understood where the city passed on the cost to the trash collectors, but they didn’t need to gouge the businesses by doubling what
should have been a fixed cost.
Mayor Quinn acknowledged that the Council did not set any price.
ADJOURNMENT #3380
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
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