MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
SEPTEMBER 20, 2004
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, September 20, 2004, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., City Councilors Thomas C. Jerram, Paul F. Samele, Jr., Marie P. Soliani, James F. McKenna, Paul W. Summers, and Drake L. Waldron, Corp. Counsel Albert Vasko, Comptroller Alice Proulx, Public Works Director Gerald Rollett, City Engineer Edward Fabbri, Tax Assessor Donna Patchen, Building Official Francis Cardello, Park & Recreation Director Richard Calarco, Acting Police Chief Robert Milano, and Traffic Officer Robert Shopey.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES #10
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 7, 2004.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #20
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Bridget Beauchaine, 113 Sharon Avenue, read part of the memo Public Works Director Gerald Rollett had written on June 21, 2004 in regard to Sharon Avenue, whereby he stated that the work on Sharon Avenue was complete with the exception of the curb work around the telephone pole.
She thanked the Police and Fire Department for visiting Sharon Avenue and for assuring her that they would continue to monitor the area, and that she should feel free to call them if she felt there were further problems.
She complained that the ice in front of her home during the winter months was a safety issue for herself and her family, and that she had been denied delivery of her mail because of the ice.
Mayor Quinn told Ms. Beauchaine that no further work would be done on Sharon Avenue, as explained at the last meeting.
FORECLOSURE OF OLD FIREHOUSE: JR LALIBERTE #350
J.R. Laliberte, 416 West Wakefield Blvd, Winsted, stated that he would be meeting with the Building Official on Wednesday to review details of the permit he had applied for. The permit was specifically for the roof, for the masonry, and for the reenforcement of steel inside the bell tower.
Mr. Laliberte reported that OSHA was restricting workers from getting too close to power lines located on a telephone pole located close to the facade of the building. He stated that CL&P was working on a plan to redirect those lines and promised him a resolution in writing by this Friday. This issue wouldn’t hold up the work, however, since they could still work on approximately 95% of the roof. He reported that carpenters have already started working on roof rafters and the enforcements. He was hoping that all the work would be done in eight weeks.
Councilor McKenna inquired about the time frame. Mr. Cardello indicated that he would be reviewing the plans with the architect and the permit would most likely be issued on Thursday. He confirmed that some carpentry work was presently being done.
Mayor Quinn asked how long Mr. Laliberte would have to perform the tasks once the permit was pulled.
Mr. Cardello said “As long as he keeps working, he could take as long as it
takes.”
Mr. Laliberte said he was already working on things that didn’t require a permit. As soon as the permit is pulled, that work will begin. The main roof will take approximately four weeks, while the roof in the back will take about a week and a half after the demolition is done.
Councilor Soliani pointed out that eight weeks would bring us to December. She expressed her concern over the fact that people needed to be able to walk safely by the building, and that it wasn’t safe for them to walk in the road, especially in the winter.
Mr. Laliberte said “I believe I’m going to be able to respond and resolve that issue this week, as far as creating a safe walkway across the front of the fence area. The cars that park in parking spaces in front of the Chinese restaurant and pizza place are actually in front of the fence, but there’s no clear line there, no visual line that people understand they can walk in front of the fence and be safe. So, with some proper dividing off, we are going to create a walkway there. I’d say within the next week, we’ll have that worked out. I did meet with Officer Shopey and he made me some suggestions and we’re going to try them and see if that helps with that problem.”
Mr. Laliberte reported that the State Historic Preservation was satisfied with the drawings and had no objections to the work he was doing.
MOTION TO TABLE: OLD FIREHOUSE - J.R. LALIBERTE #565
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, the Council voted unanimously to table the foreclosure of the Old Firehouse: J. R. Laliberte until October 4, 2004.
AMEND BUDGET: SALT SHED #580
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to amend the Street Department 2004/2005 budget by $300,000.00 for costs related to the construction of the Salt Shed, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
APPOINTMENTS: SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY #600
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to appoint the following members to the Services for the Elderly Commission:
Reappoint Donald Mayerjak Regular Member Term to expire July 6, 2007
Evelyn Lukes Alternate to Regular Member Term to expire July 6, 2007
Donald MacLeod Alternate Member Term to expire July 6, 2006
Maureen Matave Alternate Member Term to expire July 6, 2006
Rocco Rubbo Alternate Member Term to expire July 6, 2006
PURCHASE VEHICLE & AERIAL DEVICE - TRAFFIC DIVISION #610
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Board of Public Safety’s recommendation to purchase an Altec Model AT30-G Aerial Device mounted on a Ford F-350 cab and chassis for $49,555.00. Funds are available in the Traffic Department’s Vehicle Replacement Account.
Acting Chief Milano explained that this was the vehicle used for maintaining the traffic light system and was scheduled to be replaced last year.
Officer Shopey indicated that the vehicle was actually upgraded to an F-450 because of the insulated boom. The only thing not included in their request was that this vehicle was not a four-wheel drive.
Councilor Samele inquired about the difference in price between this vehicle and a four-wheel drive.
Officer Shopey said he wasn’t certain since the Purchasing Agent hadn’t researched the cost of a four-wheel drive chassis, but his guess was between $2,000.00 and $3,000.00.
PRISONER TRANSPORT VEHICLE #690
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Board of Public Safety’s request to purchase a Prisoner Transport Vehicle from Litchfield Ford at a purchase price of $20,224.00. Funds totaling $18,000.00 are available in the Vehicle Replacement Account. The remaining $2,224.00 will come from the Vehicle Replacement Contingency Account and will be referred to the Board of Finance.
Acting Chief Milano explained the situation concerning prisoner transports.
PUBLIC HEARING: CHAPTER 128 - GARBAGE, RUBBISH & REFUSE #890
Mayor Quinn called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. to consider amending Chapter 128, Article II of the Torrington Code entitled, “Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse; Garbage Collection, and specifically, Section 128-5 Definitions.”
Assistant City Clerk Joline LeBlanc read the legal notice.
Public Works Director Gerald Rollett explained that his department and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee have been working on a program for over a year. He reported that the automated pilot program resulted in extremely positive feedback.
Mr. Rollett reported that the automated collection would save money for the City of Torrington. Tipping fees, currently at $70.00 a ton, continue to climb. Our solid waste management costs are just under $3 million a year. Automated collection is merely one step to control the solid waste curbside collection and it’s a more efficient and easier method of collection.
Mr. Rollett supported the motion to amend Chapter 128 of the Torrington Code.
Councilor Jerram pointed out that the definitions in the ordinance clearly defined the container and how and where to place them, but were there restrictions on what to place in the containers?
Mr. Rollett indicated that those restrictions are covered in the ordinance. Items not picked up include hazardous materials, chemicals, and automotive parts. Construction debris that fit into the container will be picked up by the City of Torrington. Recyclables should go into a separate container.
Bridget Beauchaine inquired how someone could dispose of a small television set or a mattress.
Mr. Rollett indicated that bulky items was not an issue at this Public Hearing, however, he pointed out that bulky waste will still be picked up if they are placed next to the container.
MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE - GARBAGE, RUBBISH & REFUSE #1140
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Summers, the Council voted unanimously to amend Chapter 128, Article II of the Torrington Code entitled, “Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse; Garbage Collection, and specifically, Section 128-5 Definitions.
SET FEE: ADDITIONAL AUTOMATED COLLECTION CONTAINER #1160
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Director of Public Works and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to set the annual fee for additional automated collection containers at $125.00.
Any one to four-family homes can apply for additional containers. Mr. Rollett indicated that $125.00 was the fee to service additional containers, so no limits had been set. The fee could be revisited on a yearly basis.
PUBLIC HEARING: TAXATION; ARTICLE VIII #1150
Mayor Quinn called the Public Hearing to order at 7:09 p.m. to consider an amendment to Chapter 187 of the Torrington Code entitled “Taxation” and specifically, Article VIII, “Tax Exemptions for Low Income Veterans” and Section 187-27 of said chapter to increase the amount of the additional exemption from five thousand ($5,000.00) to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00).
Assistant City Clerk Joline LeBlanc read the legal notice.
Len Dube, City of Torrington Veterans’ Service Officer and Commander, American Legion Post 44, pointed out that the City Council voted in 2002 to grant eligible veterans an additional tax exemption of $5,000.00 from a possible $10,000.00 allowed, and that he was now before the Council to request the following:
1) To raise the tax exemption to the maximum of $10,000.00 for those veterans who qualified AND/
2) OR raise the exemption to 10% of assessed value
3) To raise income levels from $26,100 for single and $31,900 for couples by $25,000.00.
4) To exempt payment of property tax for the current year of any U.S. serviceman killed in action during the War on Terrorism.
5) To grant a $1,500.00 tax credit to any Torrington resident who is a member of the U.S. military and can prove he/she served in the War against Terrorism for taxes due on October 1, 2003.
Mr. Dube said “I would also ask that any action taken by this Council tonight, after what I understand to be a favorable report from the Ordinance Committee, be included for this fiscal tax period, October 1, 2003.”
Councilor McKenna stated that the recommendation from the Ordinance Committee was to vote on one of the five proposals, namely to raise the tax exemption from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00, rather than to act on all of the proposals at this time. The ordinance could be revisited in the future to consider the other components.
Tax Assessor Donna Patchen stated that 323 veterans qualified on the 2003 list for the additional $5,000.00 exemption. The tax loss on real estate, effective on the October 1, 2003 grand list at a mill rate of 32.76, was $48,812.04. That was an assessment tally of $1,490,000.00. Twenty five accounts included in the 323 eligible veterans received an exemption against their motor vehicles since they didn’t own real estate, which totaled a tax loss of $2,090.74 for a total assessment of $63,820.00. The total savings for the veterans was approximately $50,000.00.
Mayor Quinn closed the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m.
MOTION TO AMEND ORDINANCE: VETERANS’ EXEMPTIONS #1660
Councilor McKenna made a motion to adopt the change to the City Ordinance
to raise the exemption for eligible veterans from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00.
(Chapter 187 of the Torrington Code entitled “Taxation” and specifically, Article VIII, “Tax Exemptions for Low Income Veterans” and Section 187-27 of said chapter.)
Councilor Jerram requested an effective date.
Councilor McKenna said “The effective date would be for the October 1, 2003 grand list.”
Councilor Jerram seconded the motion.
Councilor Jerram said they needed to identify $50,000.00 from one of the line items in their budget so they could appropriately account for the savings the veterans will experience.
Mayor Quinn pointed out that they could discuss the matter with the Comptroller.
The vote was unanimous.
PUBLIC HEARING: ABOLISH PARKING AUTHORITY #1740
Mayor Quinn called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. to consider repealing Chapter 44 of the Torrington Code entitled, “Parking Authority” which will effectively abolish the Parking Authority in the City of Torrington.
Asst. City Clerk Joline LeBlanc read the legal notice.
John Janco, Chairman of the Parking Authority, stated that his first priority when he took over the chairmanship was to address their deteriorating financial position. On December 31, 2000, the balance they had on deposit in reserve was $206,297.25. On February 29th of 2004, that amount had been reduced to $61, 471.89. In a little over four years, their expenses had exceeded their income by $130,000.00, with $12,500.00 spent on a new entrance to the parking lot next to the Torrington Library, approximately $60,000.00 spent on meters and $20,000.00 for a new truck. Today their expenses exceed well over $100,000.00 and exceed their income by $35,000.00. Parking meter fees would have to be increased by 70% to meet their expenses. He questioned how such action would improve
the downtown business climate. The Authority put $72,200.00 in a separate account for the potential purchase of a parking lot from the sale of the parking lot to St. Maron’s parish.
Mr. Janco listed several factors that caused the deterioration to occur. They included the elimination of revenue from Vogel Wetmore parking, the relocation of the Police Department and district court that quieted down the parking in this area, and the general retail climate in the downtown area had caused them to receive less revenue and increase their expenses.
Mr. Janco indicated that his first order of business this year was to meet with Mayor Quinn and explain the rapidly deteriorating position of the Parking Authority. During that meeting, a proposal was made that the Parking Authority could be eliminated, the city could assume the management of the parking lots, our employees could be retained, and the Parking Commissioners could be asked to serve on a Parking Committee. The timing is ideal because the downtown revitalization plan is currently being discussed. It was his opinion, and he wasn’t speaking for the other Commissioners because they never really voted on this issue, that this was a good plan because it protected the employment of their full time employees and at the same time it assured the continued support of the downtown business
environment.
Mr. Janco said he had a great deal of respect for the history of the Parking Authority and the years of service that past Commissioners and Chairmen have provided over the past forty years. However, he could not ignore what he had seen over the past four years and he personally felt this was the best alternative to avoid the embarrassment of financial demise over the next three years.
Donna Isely, 699 South Main Street, Secretary to the Parking Authority, said she hoped the Council would consider a compromise to table any action on the Parking Authority for six to nine months. Her reasons included the following: 1) The Parking Authority never voted to disband. 2) They had met with former Chief Janelle, who stated that he saw no reason why the Parking Authority could not receive parking fees currently going into the general fund with the approval of the Board of Public Safety. 3) Presently, there was no plan for downtown Torrington, and, in order to change Main Street to a one-way, state approval was required. 4) In raising the parking meter fees, funds could be raised for the Parking Authority.
Jeff Lalonde, President of the Torrington Development Corporation, said it was obvious there was a concern for the downtown revitalization and the City of Torrington as a whole. The number one focus was to make parking easy and friendly in the downtown area. They have had an overwhelming response at their committee level from citizens who believe that parking meters are onerous and a deterrent to good commerce on Main Street. The Development Corporation has a number of things under consideration. True none are formally adopted and none can be formally adopted until certain reports for the State of Connecticut are complete. One of the reports is the one-way Main Street. If Main Street was to be one-way headed north from Water Street, there would be forty diagonal parking spaces, more than
there are at this time. The intent of the Development Corporation is to remove all downtown and all on-street meters, leaving meters in the parking lots as they are. It is also their intent to ask the Parking Authority to be a Parking Committee and work with the city to develop the appropriate parking zones so that free one or two hour parking could occur on the streets. Metered parking at whatever rate seems appropriate could be used in parking lots for long-term parking. The Corporation thinks this would provide a friendly atmosphere and allow for the improvement of downtown commerce. They highly encourage the Council to eliminate the Parking Authority in favor of a Parking Commission with the same employees intact as a division of city government. They think this is responsible for good management and they support the idea entirely.
Luis Silva said the City of Torrington had the ability to increase revenues by growth to the grand list or by raising taxes. To disband a Parking Authority that has been in existence for forty years because of financial problems is not a reason. The Parking Authority has the ability to solve its own financial problems and the city has the power to oversee the Authority. Mr. Silva didn’t believe a change in the ordinance was required for them to increase the rates of the meters, which Mr. Janco thinks would be detrimental to the businesses downtown. Also he had just read that the city was about to double the fines.
Mr. Silva said he thought the Parking Authority should receive the revenue from the summonses, less the administrative costs since they spend the money to issue them. It wouldn’t take much to reduce the $30,000.00 or $40,000.00 deficit. Additionally, they could increase how much you need to put into the meters and their time of operation. It wouldn’t take a financial genius to determine what that should be.
In the long term, the Parking Authority would have to increase their parking areas, which they haven’t done a thing about for thirty years with the exception of resurfacing the parking areas and change the entranceway to the Library lot. He was talking about creating additional parking where they are needed, not necessarily downtown or only downtown. With the help of professionals in the city, (Engineering and Planning & Zoning) the city has the ability to prepare the necessary drawings and acquire property. The proposals to date do not solve any problems of the agency unless the city is going to assume the financial responsibility. It was his opinion that it was much better to have an agency with Commissioners meeting once a month.
Mr. Silva said he was actually disappointed with Mr. Janco for not trying to solve the problems of the agency rather than to dismantle it, and hoped Mr. LaLonde had some basis to render his opinion. He added that Mr. Lalonde should make the reports that he talked about available to the public and especially to the Council before they vote to abolish an agency that’s been in place for forty years. He said, “As far as helping the merchants downtown, as far as helping the city’s redeveloping, if it ever happens, that’s the ideal agency; if you didn’t have one, you should create one instead of abolishing one.”
Bridget Beauchaine, 113 Sharon Avenue, said she thought the city was jumping the gun in disbanding the Parking Authority because we don’t have all our studies and reports done in regard to the redevelopment. What was the feasibility of this project, she asked. Where will the money come from to pay for these two employees? Which department will be responsible for them? She was under the impression when there was talk about remodeling City Hall, that the city barn was going to be torn down and that the Parking Authority would takes its place. We’re not even certain that the state will allow Main Street to be one-way, since it’s been denied in the past. She agreed that the matter should be tabled until they have
more information in order for them to make a general policy that follows through with what they want to achieve. She inquired about the difference between the roles of the Parking Authority and the Parking Commission.
Councilor Jerram indicated that the Parking Authority was a self contained unit that operates on a budget. If it becomes a Parking Commission, the two employees would be housed somewhere within city government as either a public safety employee or a city employee.
Ann Giannattasio asked Mayor Quinn if the state had been asked whether Main Street could be turned into a one-way street.
Councilor McKenna said that was irrelevant to this Public Hearing.
Glen Royals said he thought it was easier for the city to subsidize the Parking Authority than to get rid of it completely because those shortfalls would affect the taxpayers. Would there be enough work for two employees if the city eliminated the parking meters? It was his belief that if parking meters were removed they would never come back because the cost would be too great.
Mr. Royals thought the city should get some reaction from the state to see if one-way parking on Main Street would be feasible. He didn’t think Prospect Street would be feasible as the other one-way street because of the cars parked on both sides. The city would then have two problem streets. It was also his belief that people would find a way to park where it was free rather than park in metered municipal lots. He said, “We keep raising the expenses, but we don’t bring the income back. Again the shortfalls always revert back to the taxpayer.”
Councilor Summers inquired about the procedure in terms of who would take over should they vote to repeal the Parking Authority.
Mayor Quinn stated that the proposal talked about during the summer months was to eliminate the parking meters in the downtown section but retain meters in the municipal lots. Long term parking would still be charged to generate income.
Mayor Quinn said he thought the Police Department’s Traffic Division was the most logical department to take over the Authority. Officer Shopey had anticipated its potential.
Having no more questions or comments, Mayor Quinn called the Public Hearing to a close at 7:46 p.m.
MOTION TO TABLE (PARKING AUTHORITY) #2860
Councilor Jerram made a motion to table until October 18, 2004, the repealing of Chapter 44 of the Torrington Code entitled, “Parking Authority” which will effectively abolish the Parking Authority in the City of Torrington. This was so the Council may be provided with a plan of succession as well as a three or four year history as to where the Parking Authority was financially, in terms of collections and meters to where it is today, in order for the Council to determine the financial position and burden that they will be taking on should they vote to terminate the Parking Authority. Councilor Waldron seconded the motion.
Councilors Jerram, Summers and Waldron voted in favor of tabling the matter.
Councilors Samele, Soliani, and McKenna opposed the motion. Mayor Quinn broke the tie vote by opposing the motion to table. Motion failed.
MOTION TO ELIMINATE THE PARKING AUTHORITY #2940
Councilor McKenna made a motion to adopt the ordinance to eliminate the Parking Authority. Councilor Soliani seconded the motion.
During a discussion Councilor Jerram pointed out that they hadn’t determined a date that the elimination would be effective. They would need to check with the Personnel Director to determine any ramifications within the Union structure in regard to the employees, and they should determine where the money has been. He wasn’t willing to blindfully take on that responsibility until they have more information, especially if there is a loss of meters and revenue.
Councilor McKenna stated that the issue of whether or not to eliminate parking meters was an issue that would be discussed at a future time.
Councilor Jerram indicated that the matter included two employees in a highly unionized city. This personnel issue had not been addressed.
Councilor Soliani said they had been assured their jobs would not be eliminated. They would simply get a different director or administrator.
Mayor Quinn pointed out that Traffic Division employees, as well as Mr. Carpenter, were already part of the City Hall Union and it seemed like a logical fit. He has discussed the matter with the Personnel Director, and there will be no loss of job or time. Instead of reporting to a Commission that meets infrequently on a monthly basis without direct supervision, it will be under the Police Department’s Traffic Division with regular supervision. It will also be advantageous to have that sum of money in a police supervised unit. It makes more sense not to have the same person collect and deposit the funds. This is a financial tightening up and a response to an ongoing bankruptcy situation. Adding Mr. Carpenter to the Traffic Division is another way of consolidating departments. Lastly, they
are trying to show that the City of Torrington is business friendly by increasing the parking.
Councilor Jerram said “Please don’t confuse the issue in terms of meters and being business friendly with whether or not the Parking Authority will remain to exist under its current structure or a city department structure.”
Mayor Quinn said he was just trying to give everyone the flavor of what he saw in the unionized structure that would remain intact.
Councilor McKenna said he felt it was simply an agency that had outlived its usefulness. It was just one more level of bureaucracy and he couldn’t see the purpose of having a Parking Authority any longer.
Councilor Waldron said they spoke about a Parking Commission that might exist in the future and about the Police Department taking it over. He wanted to see something more definitive in terms of who would be in charge of the Parking Authority.
Councilor Jerram said they didn’t have an ordinance change to create a Parking Commission.
Councilor McKenna said he didn’t think they talked about creating a Parking Commission, but rather a Parking Committee to simply address some of the issues relative to parking problems. He wasn’t certain whether they would have any authority to do anything. The City Council would take over the authority relative to parking.
Councilor Jerram said he still preferred seeing a concrete plan on how these employees are going to be managed so they can have termination from one and the beginning of another.
Councilor Summers stated that an agency that spends more than it takes in usually looks at increasing revenue, however, he didn’t think it would be productive for downtown Torrington to increase what we charge for meters. On the other hand, the Parking Authority spends money on meters and actually acquires parking areas. He inquired whether any thought has ever been given to making them a Parking Enforcement Authority rather than managing the real estate.
Councilor McKenna felt any enforcement could fall under the jurisdiction of the Police Department. It just seemed like one more level of bureaucracy that’s not necessary.
Councilor Summers wasn’t certain that moving them to the Police Department would be efficient for them.
VOTE AT ABOLISH PARKING AUTHORITY #3370
Councilors Samele, Soliani and McKenna voted in favor of repealing Chapter 44 of the Torrington Code entitled “Parking Authority” which will effectively abolish the Parking Authority in the City of Torrington.
Councilors Jerram, Summers and Waldron opposed the motion. On a 3-3 tie vote, Mayor Quinn voted in favor of the motion. The motion carried. The Parking Authority was abolished.
SECTION B: #3380
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to consider business in Section B.
BOILER: FIRE DEPT. #3390
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Board of Public Safety’s request to award the “Furnish and Install Boiler at Fire Department” Bid to the low bidder, All State Boiler & Construction, Inc., for $24,713.00.
PLAYSCAPE BID #3405
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the
Council, after a brief discussion, voted unanimously to accept the following recommendations from the Park & Recreation Director and the Purchasing Agent and awarded the following bids:
Playscape #1 Heritage Development Marturano Recreation $ 4,040.00
Playscape #2 Armory Marturano Recreation $ 6,743.00
Playscape #3 Durand Street New England Recreation $21,925.00
Playscape #4 Heritage Development Marturano Recreation $10,207.00
IRRIGATION AT TORO FIELD #3440
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Park & Recreation Director and the Purchasing Agent to award the bid entitled “Landscape Irrigation at Toro Field” to the low bidder, Greenacres Company for $34,300.00.
WEIGOLD ROAD #3540
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, a discussion took place in regard to the favorable recommendation from the Street Light Committee to install three lights on Weigold Road. (Poles 2232,4403, and 4408.) No paperwork.
City Engineer Edward Fabbri stated that his recommendation was not to install these lights because they didn’t meet the following criteria; at a cul-de-sac, at an intersection, at a bad alignment area. Mr. Fabbri also based his recommendation on the accident history of the area. He stated that the city had been trying to remove street lights wherever possibly in the past few years, and was afraid that this would set a precedent.
Councilor Jerram pointed out that Weigold Road had a street light at the end near the Winchester town line where plows turned around and a light near the Weigold farm.
Councilor Soliani remembered refusing to install street lights on other streets that had come before them that had no street lights on them at all.
Councilor Jerram stated that the hard cost to install each light was $308.00 and approximately $51.00 a year to operate. He felt the matter was a reasonable request and should be supported.
Councilor Summers also supported the three street lights.
VOTE #130
Councilors Jerram, McKenna and Summers voted in favor of the motion. Councilors Soliani, Samele, and Waldron opposed the motion. On a 3-3 tie vote, Mayor Quinn chose not to vote. The motion failed.
SMALL CITIES: RECORD JOURNAL #170
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $714.24 from Small Cities Fund #250 to The Record Journal for four Invitation to Bid ads.
SMALL CITIES: REGISTER CITIZEN #175
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $271.40 from Small Cities Fund #250 to the Register Citizen for two Invitation to Bid ads.
SMALL CITIES: SAFE HOMES #180
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $400.00 from Small Cities Fund #250 to Safe Homes for 1 Risk Assessment performed.
SMALL CITIES: L WAGNER & ASSO. #190
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $7,597.50 upon the receipt of drawdown #6 from Small Cities Fund #275 to L. Wagner & Asso. for professional services rendered from May 1 through July 31, 2004.
SMALL CITIES: DEFERRED LOAN #195
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize a 0% Deferred Loan in the amount of $67,600.00 from Small Cities SC-2002 for Housing Rehabilitation (Roofing, siding, heating, lead abatement, carpentry and electrical) on Project #143-203.
TORRINGFORD SCHOOL BUILDING PAYMENTS #200
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the following payments from the Torringford School Building Fund #314:
Hartford Courant Publish Legal affidavit $ 818.50
Dime Oil Co. Pump out excess oil $ 150.00
O & G Industries, Inc.5 Gallon Sealer $ 287.00
Sonitrol Service call $ 170.00
O & G Industries Application & Certificate #00002 $ 881,839.00
SCOTTSDALE INSURANCE CO. #240
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $60.50 from Contingency to Scottsdale Insurance Company for the City’s deductible in the Zavatkay matter and referred it to the Board of Finance.
BUS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #250
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Summers, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Mr. Rollett reported that the city had just finished a city public service video on the automated collection system to be shown on Cable 5.
Mr. Rollett also stated that they were hoping to pave Torringford West Street from Route 4 New Harwinton Road to East Main Street this year. He noted that it was a very difficult road to travel and plow and that it was destroying city equipment, let alone what it was doing to passenger vehicles. He noted that they had budgeted $175,000.00 to $200,000.00 to pave the road, however, upon doing some investigation as to whether state funding would be available, they found out the street does qualify and the city is putting in for a state reconstruction project, which will probably be close to a million dollars by the time they are done. Therefore, a thin overlay will be placed on Torringford West Street this fall at a cost of approximately $40,000.00 as a two or three year fix just to get us through a couple of
years. If citizens complain about the road, they can be told that there is a plan in place.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #310
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the City Council.
Councilor Jerram requested an update on the Parking Authority during the next few meetings.
Councilor Jerram also inquired whether the Council had to act on the Glock firearms that the Police Department was planning on purchasing.
Acting Chief Milano indicated that the memo on Glock firearms was in their packets for information only since they were going to shift funds within their budget to purchase them.
Mayor Quinn invited the Council to attend the Smart Growth Work Group Nemo Project scheduled September 23, 2004 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT #390
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
| 
