MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
DECEMBER 6, 2004
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, December 6, 2004, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., City Councilors Thomas C. Jerram, Paul F. Samele, Jr., James F. McKenna, and Paul W. Summers, Corp. Counsel Albert Vasko, Public Works Director Gerald Rollett, City Engineer Edward Fabbri, Tax Assessor Donna Patchen, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor David Rivera, and the Board of Education’s Facilities Director David Bascetta. Absent were Councilors Marie P. Soliani and Drake L. Waldron.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES #030
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Summers, the Council, with the exception of Councilor Samele who abstained, voted to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held November 1, 2004.
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Summers, the Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held November 15, 2004.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC # 040
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no public participation.
RESOLUTION: TORRINGTON CHILD CARE CENTER #050
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution authorizing Mayor Quinn to execute the Torrington Child Care Center Contract #143-CDC-27 for the year 2005 in the amount of $159,276.00.
RESOLUTION:
I, Joseph L. Quartiero, Secretary for the Board of Councilmen of the City of Torrington, a Connecticut corporation (the “Contractor”), do hereby certify that the following is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Board of Councilmen, of the Contractor duly held and convened on Monday, December 6, 2004, at which meeting a duly constituted quorum of the Board of Councilmen was present and acting throughout and that such Resolution has not been modified, rescinded, or revoked, and is at present in full force and effect:
RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Owen J. Quinn, Jr., is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of this Contractor with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a Child Day Care Program, and to affix the corporate seal.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has affixed his signature and the corporate seal of the Contractor this 9th day of December, 2004.
Joseph L. Quartiero, CCTC, CMC
Secretary for the Board of Councilmen
City Clerk, Torrington, Ct.
TAX ABATEMENT APPLICATION: BORGESON UNIVERSAL #060
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to approve the Tax Abatement Application from Borgeson Universal Co., Inc. at 100% for seven years for an estimated assessed value of improvement/additions in the amount of $1,736,100.00 which would be eligible for exemption under the city’s Tax Incentive Policy.
Councilor Jerram inquired about Nidec’s tax abatement in the past, Corp. Counsel Vasko explained Nidec’s abatement twelve years ago was 80% for seven years. However, the newer companies allotted an abatement, like Fuel Cell and MBI, received the maximum of 100% for seven years.
TAX ABATEMENT: JOHNJAN, LLC # 190
On a motion by Councilor Summers, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to approve the Tax Abatement Application from JohnJan, LLC at 50% for three years for an estimated assessed value of improvement/additions in the amount of $75,500.00 which would be eligible for exemption under the city’s Tax Incentive Policy.
P & G PEPPER #210
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $114,572.26 to P & G Pepper Construction for storm drainage work on the New Harwinton Road Sanitary Sewer Project from which $64,162.50 will come from the Northwest Interceptor Fund #302, and $50,409.76 will come from the Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 and will be referred to the Board of Finance.
CARDINAL ENGINEERING #220
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $10,921.87 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to Cardinal Engineering Asso., Inc. for inspection services performed on the East Main Street/New Harwinton Road Sanitary Sewer Improvements and to refer it to the Board of Finance.
SMALL CITIES PROJECTS 143-208; 143-212; & 143-215 #230
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to table until the next meeting the following requests for 0% deferred loans:
$47,960.00 Small Cities SC2002 Project #143-208
$11,885.00 Small Cities SC2002 Project #143-212
$37,550.00 Small Cities SC2002 Project #143-215
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #250
On a motion by Councilor Summers, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Mr. Rollett reported that a major leak had occurred in the boiler at the Teen Center and that it would cost $5,000.00 to purchase a new part and install it as compared to $10,000.00 for a brand new boiler. Because it was an emergency, he used City Hall funds to cover the purchase of a new boiler. Depending on how the City Hall budget moves along throughout the remainder of the year, he may have to ask the Council to reimburse the City Hall budget from Contingency. No action was taken at this time.
Mr. Fabbri reported that Harwinton would join Torrington for the Bogue Road bridge repair. Work will begin in the spring.
Mr. Fabbri also reported that he was able to negotiate a price from Hemlock Construction from $76,923.00 to $58,760.00 to start the Cook Brook project. Hemlock will use material from the East Pearl retaining wall project to do the Cook Brook project, tying two projects into one.
ADD TO AGENDA #380
Councilor McKenna made a motion to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to the East School Fuel Tank Replacement Project. Councilor Jerram seconded the motion. Unanimous.
MOTION TO APPROVE: EAST SCHOOL FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT #385
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the board voted unanimously to approve the Board of Education’s request to
A. Establish a Building Committee of one person naming the Director of Facilities as Committee Chair,
B. Authorize the preparation of schematic drawings and outline specifications for the proposed project including the professional cost estimates; and
C. Authorize the Board of Education to submit Form ED049 to the State Department of Education.
D. To use state grant money to directly offset an increase in the appropriation of the Board of Educational Capital Plan, thereby having a net effect of zero on city funding.
The City Council referred the matter to the Board of Finance for approval.
During the discussion, James Gaskins, Director of Business Services for the Board of Education, pointed out that the city’s legislative authority was required in order for the Board of Education to file an application and receive reimbursement. The reimbursement rate for the City of Torrington is currently approximately 70% of “eligible costs”. The local share will be slightly more than the 30%. The grant application submitted will be in the amount of $85,000.00.
Mr. Gaskins stated that cost estimates were received from two sources. Additionally, Mr. Bascetta verified prices on his own.
Mr. Bascetta explained that the current tank was a 12,000 gallon fiberglass tank, installed in-ground when the school was renovated in 1976. In 1991 the state mandated that all underground tanks be removed if they were over twenty years old. The tank at that time wasn’t twenty years of age and perhaps through the years was meant to be replaced but never was. The tank was found to have cracks thereby allowing water to mix with the fuel. The discovery was made when the boilers shut down because the filters were full of water. After digging the top of the tank, they felt there was no contamination, however, there was no guarantee.
The new tank will hold 6,000 gallons and will be installed above ground. The project should be completed by the middle of January 2005. According to the oil company used by the city, a 6,000 gallon tank will be adequate.
Mayor Quinn inquired whether reimbursement was guaranteed by the State of Connecticut.
Mr. Gaskins indicated that the project was reimbursable at a rate of approximately 70% of “eligible” costs. The actual percentage reimbursed from the state wouldn’t equal 70%, but rather 70% of “eligible” costs.
Mayor Quinn pointed out that Mr. Gaskins had identified two items in the Capital Plan that could be delayed or eliminated from this fiscal year, (East School Tractor = $15,000.00, Vogel-Wetmore Repair Blacktop = $20,000.00 ) so the fuel tank replacement project at the East School would have no impact on the
Board of Education’s bottom line.
Mr. Gaskins added that it shouldn’t hinder any services which they were accustomed to. The good news was that the project was grant eligible, therefore, the city will be getting a substantial amount of money from the state.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #700
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Quinn and members of the City Council.
Councilor Jerram thought it might be in the city’s best interest to take an inventory of our multi family and mixed commercial/residential properties to determine who should have trash bins and who should be subject to a private hauler.
Mr. Rollett indicated that the city picks up trash for residential properties of one through four units, per city code. The list which was used to distribute bins throughout the city was corrected as they went along. A number of errors were found especially with commercial properties. Every correction was checked through the Assessor’s Office and Public Works’ data base. Surprisingly, the city was collecting trash from a number of residents that should not have had that service. Some problems remain. Approximately 100 containers were distributed where they should not have been distributed. Because they are serially numbered, there should be no problem in retrieving them. The waste collection company can do a quick inventory on a spot basis. Another problem is that
people are purchasing containers that are manufactured by the same company and look identical to the city’s containers from Home Depot or Lowe’s. The city will not pick up trash in containers that are not serially numbered or don’t have a seal on the side. Approximately 170 residents still have not received their containers, and this matter is being addressed
Councilor Jerram inquired how the city could better explain the city’s policy on items that residents need to obtain the services of a private contractor.
Mr. Rollett indicated that a pamphlet explaining the city’s policy was included with every container. The city’s web site also explains the policy. A grace period was allowed until two weeks ago when Mr. Rollett informed Waste Management in writing, to start enforcing curbside collection. Only Torrington containers are being picked up.
Councilor Samele inquired about the status of the Old Firehouse.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that Mr. Laliberte was scheduled to appear before the City Council on December 20th.
Councilor McKenna commended Park & Recreation for a successful opening of Christmas Village.
ADJOURNMENT #1010
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:00 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
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