MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
APRIL 18, 2005
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, April 18, 2005, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Councilman Paul F. Samele, Acting as Mayor in Mayor Quinn’s absence, City Councilors Thomas C. Jerram, Paul W. Summers, and Drake L. Waldron, Corp. Counsel Albert Vasko, City Engineer Edward Fabbri, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, Police Chief Robert Milano, Police Officer Thomas Vannini, Personnel Director Thomas Gritt, and the City Labor Counsel, Atty. Victor Muschell. Absent along with Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., was Councilor Marie P. Soliani, and James F. McKenna.
Councilor Samele called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
MINUTES #020
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held April 4, 2005.
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to approve the amended minutes of the special joint meeting with the Board of Safety held April 11, 2005. (Councilor Jerram was the person inquiring about the Traffic Maintenance budget; not Councilor Summers - minutes corrected.)
CONTRACT: POLICE DEPARTMENT #050
Councilor Samele suggested amending the agenda in order to approve the Police Department’s new contract.
On a motion by Councilor Summers, seconded by Councilor Jerram, a discussion took place in regard to the Police Department’s new contract.
The City Labor Counsel, Atty. Victor Muschell, explained the most important issues within the new contract. He explained that, for years the city has been at odds with the Police Department in terms of how to get coverage on weekends, primarily from the Detectives, because they worked a Monday to Friday schedule. There was always a question whether or not Detectives had to be on call during weekends, and if they were, they were required to get paid under labor regulation rules. Disciplinary action was often taken if a Detective failed to report to duty when called in for a weekend matter. The Detectives inquired why they should be disciplined for failing to report to duty if they weren’t on call. A number of grievances and prohibitive practice complaints have been filed in regard
to this matter. Finally, an agreement was reached through these negotiations that would eliminate the entire problem. The agreement was to give current Detectives a rotating schedule of five days on, two days off, and four days, three days off. During the course of a year, Detectives, and others who fall into that category, will receive 26 extra days. In return, they agreed to be “on call” at all times. Detectives hired after the contract is signed can be put on a weekend schedule without regard to rotation, and could be assigned to weekends permanently.
Atty. Muschell indicated that this new schedule will end up providing better coverage for the City of Torrington and save the city money.
Atty. Muschell stated that the city’s consultant on insurance matters felt it was better for the city to have all of its employees on the same plan. The city is making progress to change that. Atty. Muschell explained that the Board of Education’s non-certified employees have already agreed to this plan and the City Hall and Public Works employees were in negotiations over the issue and that he expected they would agree. The plan includes an increase in co-pays, deductibles, and out-of pocket maximums. The prescription drug coverage increased from $.75 to $5.00 for generic, $15.00 for listed drugs, and $25.00 for non-listed drugs. The premium cost charged to employees increased by 27%. Even though the cost of the insurance to the city will be less, it will only dampen the
increase in total insurance costs.
The bargaining unit also agreed to having civilian dispatchers should the city ever go that route. The contract also allows for a civilian to perform clerical functions in the Records Division.
Atty. Muschell indicated that the cost of the new contract would be as follows, pending on staffing levels, etc.:
2004-2005 - $133,700.00
2005-2006 - $137,000.00
2006-2007 - $153,700.00
Atty. Muschell state that he, Personnel Director Thomas Gritt, and Police Chief Robert Milano were recommending the approval of the contract. He informed the Council that no vote was required to approve the contract since the agreement will become binding automatically after 30 days. However, a vote to reject was necessary should the Council choose to do so.
MOTION TO APPROVE POLICE DEPT. CONTRACT #560
Councilor Jerram made a motion to approve the Police Department’s contract as presented. Councilor Samele seconded the motion. Unanimous.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #580
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no public participation.
OLD FIREHOUSE: J. R. LALIBERTE 610
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the board voted unanimously to table the foreclosure of the Old Firehouse: J. R. Laliberte (Tabled on 7/19, 8/16, 9/7, 9/20, 10/4, 11/1, 12/20, & 02/07.). Mr. Laliberte would attend the next Council meeting on May 2, 2005.
WAIVER OF SANITARY SEWER CONNECTION FEE - RESSEL #620
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to grant David and Anita Ressel a waiver of the sanitary sewer connection fee of $2,500.00 for their proposed house to be located on lot 2 shown on a Survey Drawing prepared by Sterling Land Surveying entitled “Resubdivision Map”.
WAIVER OF SANITARY SEWER CONNECTION FEE - RESSEL #630
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, discussion took place in regard to the City Engineer’s recommendation to waive the sanitary sewer connection fee of $2,500.00 for an existing house located at 1931 Torringford West Street for a five (5) year term.
During a discussion, Councilor Samele requested amending the aforementioned motion to a ten (10) year term and to include Peter Vergaro’s property as well.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that Mr. Vergaro was the property owner across the street from the Ressels. He stated that, generally when the city waives a sewer connection fee it’s for the period of the agreement, which in this case is for ten years, and the city includes all the property owners. If Mr. Vergaro were to connect to the sewer line within the ten year period, he would have to reimburse the developer for 1/3 of the construction cost.
Councilor Jerram amended his motion to reflect the changes mentioned by Councilor Samele. (To waive the sanitary sewer connection fee of $2,500.00 for an existing house located at 1931 Torringford West Street for a
ten (10) year term and to include Peter Vergaro’s property as well).
WPC Administrator Raymond Drew stated that he was concerned about setting a precedence to waive the sewer connection fee for every sewer extension requested. He indicated in this instance, the city desires to extend sewers to reach a point near the pumping station because it’s the city’s long term goal to eliminate the pumping station, and this project brings the city 368 feet closer to that objective. On the other hand, a waiver of the connection fee wouldn’t be automatic if it was in an area that wasn’t in the city’s long term plan.
Councilor Jerram indicated that sewer connection fees had previously been waived where people had paid the construction costs to install the line at their own expense.
Mr. Drew indicated that every situation had not been waived, citing Mortimer Street as an example, whereby a three unit sewer extension was approved but only one unit received a waiver. There have been sewer extensions where no waivers were given. There’s no set standard as to when it’s economical or in the best interest of the city to waive the fee.
Councilor Jerram indicated that a 368 foot extension was pretty lengthy.
Mr. Drew stated that it would cost the city more than $7,500.00 (the cost of three connection fees) to extend the sewers by 368 feet.
Councilor Summers amended his second. The vote was unanimous to waive the sanitary sewer connection fee of $2,500.00 for an existing house located at 1931 Torringford West Street for a ten (10) year term, and to include Peter Vergaro’s property as well.
PUBLIC HEARING: EDW. BYRNE MEM. JUSTICE ASST. GRANT #880
Councilor Samele called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. to obtain community input on the City’s proposed grant application for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to enhance the Police Department’s response to crime.
Asst. City Clerk Joline LeBlanc read the legal notice.
Police Chief Robert Milano stated that his department was eligible to receive a $26,000.00 grant whereby they could provide some services and purchase some equipment. The funds would be used to test gas masks and chemical suits, and to purchase eight portable radios. The funds would also allow the department to provide for dedicated patrols of block watch neighborhoods. The grant will enhance their operations and their ability to provide services and he urged the Council to support the application.
Officer Vannini explained that the federal government had taken over the administration of the grant from the state and somehow forgot to send out the applications. The department was given an extension, since it was due a week or so ago. Officer Vannini indicated that the grant would supply the department with items that normally would be difficult to obtain because of fiscal restraints. The grant will cost the city nothing. The total grant will be $26,892.00.
Councilor Jerram inquired whether the new radios will have good transmission over the varying terrain.
Chief Milano said the city had been very diligent in trying to develop additional towers. Another tower will be installed in Burrville quite soon, which is the last remaining major dead spot in town. Several years ago when the city changed from analog to digital, Nextel donated four repeaters which we have been putting up. They piggy back on cell phone towers. The current one in Burrville is being put up by Sprint/Nextel, who will do the entire installation at no cost to the city. The new radios will replace those that are 13 to 14 years old and are breaking down on a daily basis. Portable radios were meant to last about seven years.
Councilor Samele called the Public Hearing to a close at 7:08 p.m.
APPLY FOR JUSTICE ASST. GRANT PROGRAM #1080
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to allow the Police Department to file a grant application under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to enhance the Police Department’s response to crime.
SANITARY SEWER #1100
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to approve a 136 foot extension of public sanitary sewer beginning at the east end of Putter Lane extending westerly 96 feet across Torringford Street and southerly 40 feet along Torringford Street to serve two lots proposed with this subdivision and allow for future extension to serve an existing house to the south.
SMALL CITIES: COMM. HEALTH & WELLNESS #1110
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $29,545.00 from Small Cities Fund #278 to the Community Health & Wellness Center for services rendered in regard to the sub-recipient agreement executed on February 8, 2005. To be paid upon drawdown #1.
Councilor Jerram pointed out that Mr. Wagner had included several items on this invoice that had to do with Winsted and inquired as to why the city was expending Small Cities money in Torrington for something that had to do with Winsted.
Dave Rivera, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor, said it was his understanding that the money funding this clinic was DECD money, which was given to them under certain conditions that they provide services on a regional basis and that they take specific medical references from doctors in Winsted, Waterbury, etc. As long as clients met certain financial criteria, they could receive treatment at this clinic. He assumed there were people from the Winsted shelter who were referred by a physician and met that criteria.
SMALL CITIES: REPUBLIC-AMERICAN #1180
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $201.60 from Small Cities Fund #276 to the Republican-American for an invitation to bid ad in regard to the Sullivan Senior Center project.
SMALL CITIES: PROJECT #143-211 # 1190
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to authorize a change order for $7,535.00 from Small Cities Grant # HRLR for roofing and masonry work on Housing Rehabilitation Project #143-211 P1.
SMALL CITIES: PROJECT #143-209 #1220
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to authorize a 3% direct loan for $19,633.00 from Small Cities Grant # HRLR for carpentry work on Project #143-209.
TORRINGFORD SCHOOL BUILDING #1240
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to approve the following invoices from the Torringford School Building Fund #314:
Business Electronics, Inc. Invoice #115652 $ 443.50
O & G Industries Application #9 $1,022,870.00
Friar Associates, Inc. Invoice #20 $ 15,691.00
PROCLAMATIONS #1250
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the board voted unanimously to accept the following proclamations:
May 1 - May 8 Holocaust Remembrance Days from Liberation to the Pursuit of Justice.
May 2 - May 8 Elks National Youth Week
BUS: DEPT HEADS #1255
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads. There was none.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1270
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to consider business presented by Acting Mayor Samele and members of the City Council.
Councilor Jerram asked Atty. Vasko whether the Attorney General had filed a suit against the federal government for the No Child Left Behind law and the mandates it placed on the state, and whether we could obtain a copy of the language used, so that perhaps the city could do the same to the State of Connecticut.
Corp. Counsel Vasko said he didn’t think the Attorney General had filed a suit, but we could get copy of the language.
The next Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 25, 2005 to discuss budgets. Anyone requesting a department head to be present should contact Alice Proulx, Comptroller.
Councilor Summers pointed out that National Youth Service awards would be given out tomorrow at Coe Park at 3:15 p.m. The public was invited.
Councilor Summers also stated that the Mayor’s Committee on Youth will be sponsoring their annual auction at Coe Park on Sunday, between 1 and 3 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT #1440
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Summers, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:18 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
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