MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
MARCH 20, 2006
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, March 20, 2006, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, City Councilors James F. McKenna, Thomas C. Jerram, Rick E. Dalla Valle, Andrew J. Slaiby, Marie P. Soliani, and Drake L. Waldron, Corp. Counsel Albert Vasko, City Engineer Edward Fabbri, Purchasing Agent Charlene Antonelli, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, Police Chief Robert Milano, and Deputy Fire Chief Jaye Giampaolo.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
MINUTES #030
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted, with the exception of Councilors Slaiby and Waldron who abstained, to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held March 6, 2006.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #040
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no public participation.
MOVE ITEM #10 ON THE AGENDA #050
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to move item #10 on the agenda to the present time.
RESOLUTION: HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT #060
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution designating the Town Clerk as the city’s applicant to file an application with the State Library for an Historic Preservation Grant in the amount of $12,000.00 for the year 2006.
RESOLUTION:
I, Joseph L. Quartiero, Town Clerk of the municipality of Torrington, do hereby certify that the following is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Town Council duly held and convened on the 20th of March, 2006, at which a constituted quorum of the Town Council was present and acting throughout.
RESOLVED, that Ryan J. Bingham, Mayor, or the Town Clerk as his designee is empowered to execute and deliver in the name of and on behalf of this municipality, an application and contract with the State Library for an Historic Document Preservation Grant.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, the undersigned has affixed his signature and the town seal this 21st day of March, 2006.
JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
TOWN CLERK
BUS. IN SECTION B #085
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to consider business in Section B.
SECTION B # 090
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize Chief Milano to use “Up To $5,000.00" from his Capital Expenditures’ “Roof Replacement Account” to fund the hiring of a structural engineer to examine the disintegrating bricks at the Police Department and referred it to the Board of Finance.
Chief Milano informed the Council that bricks in front of the building over the entryway were disintegrating, causing an immediate concern. These funds will only pay to hire a contractor to evaluate the situation and help the Purchasing Agent write the specs for the actual project. Whoever helps the Purchasing Agent write the specs will not be allowed to bid on the project.
CONSORTIUM FOR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY #225
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, a discussion was held concerning the presentation made by Mr. Guarco on March 6, 2006 in regard to the Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility.
Mayor Bingham explained the matter to Councilors Slaiby and Waldron who were absent during Mr. Guarco’s presentation. (Mr. Guarco and other municipal officials are looking to form a coalition of as many Boards of Councilmen, Aldermen, Selectmen and Education as possible, to speak simultaneously with CCM, CABE, etc. in Hartford on three issues that are a burden to cities: Prevailing Wages, Binding Arbitration, and Unfunded Mandates.)
Councilor Soliani said she had a concern over who this coalition was. She still wasn’t completely convinced that they weren’t lobbyists who need to be registered. She wasn’t comfortable in giving them the o.k. to speak for the city, and wasn’t certain that the items they were advocating needed to be thrown out.
Councilor McKenna said he wasn’t comfortable with the fact that they would go to Hartford and attack what’s in place at the moment without any ideas of what to replace it with, especially in binding arbitration.
Councilor Jerram said the city has had an issue with the three items for years, and the consortium would merely be an additional voice for municipalities.
Mayor Bingham said he didn’t necessarily think they were going to suggest throwing out those issues, but by raising them, it gives them the opportunity to look for other options. These three issues keep coming up over and over again. Adding more names and numbers to the already growing list of people who are concerned with these issues would be beneficial.
VOTE #620
Councilors Jerram, Dalla Valle, and Waldron voted in favor of the motion. Councilors McKenna, Slaiby, and Soliani opposed. With a 3-3 tie vote, Mayor Bingham voted in favor of the motion. The motion carried.
CIRMA #640
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $6,762.71 from Contingency to CIRMA for the deductible in the Mascetti claim and referred it to the Board of Finance.
Under discussion, Corp. Counsel Vasko explained that it’s the city’s obligation under our policy to turn all claims over to the insurance company so they can provide us with a defense. The city does not conduct an investigation to determine whether a claim is valid prior to turning it over to the insurance company. The insurance company does the investigation.
Corp. Counsel Vasko indicated that this claim was in excess of $100,000.00 and settled for $2,000.00.
R.A.R. EXCAVATING #840
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $5,880.00 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to R.A.R. Excavating, LLC for sewer line point repairs on Birden Street ROW, Johnson Street ROW, and Sharon Ave. ROW, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
R.A.R. EXCAVATING #850
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $2,300.00 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to R.A.R. Excavating, LLC for additional sewer line point repairs on Birden Street ROW, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
P & G PEPPER #860
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to award the Crestwood Road Sanitary Sewer Improvements contract to P & G Pepper Construction Services, Inc., in the amount of $99,350.00. The project would be done prior to the paving of Crestwood Road.
BYRNE & BYRNE # 910
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $2,675.00 from Contingency to Byrne & Byrne for professional services rendered in the Dziedzic Properties, LLC vs. Torrington ZBA matter, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
W. JUDSON REED, JR. #920
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $950.00 from Contingency to W. Judson Reed, Jr. for an appraisal of the property located at 518 Main Street in connection with the city’s foreclosure of its anti-blight lien on the property and referred it to the Board of Finance.
SELL POPPIES #945
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to allow the Polish Army Veterans’ Association of America to sell poppies on May 4, 2006.
TORRINGFORD SCHOOL BUILDING PAYMENTS #950
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the following payments from the Torringford School Building Fund #314:
VENDOR INVOICE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
Friar Asso., Inc. $15,691.00
O & G Ind., Inc. 20 Services thru 2/28/06 $365,987.00
Kloter Farms 56434 Vinyl Cottage Garage (PAI)) $ 4,979.65
School Furnishings 86,964.05 $8
Insalco Corp. 43507 Cabinets & Equipt. $ 23,380.35
BCI App. #1 Chairs, desks, files $ 7,920.00
BKM Total Off. App. #1 Chairs, comp. room & area $ 12,421.86
Window Shop 21127 Desk & table tops $ 197.03
Test-Con 3337 Inspections $ 6,768.00
Test-Con 3757 Inspections $ 721.00
Test-Con 3821 Inspections $ 508.00
Test-Con 3408 Inspections $ 3,109.00
Test-Con 3437 Inspections $ 1,518.50
Eagle Leasing 400475 Storage Container $ 425.00
Soundworks & Sec. 3657 Temp. Sec. System $ 2,394.00
Soundworks & Sec. 3668 Service Call $ 122.50
Soundworks & Sec. 3669 Service Call $ 260.00
APPOINTMENTS: CABLE TV ADVISORY BOARD #965
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to appoint the following to the Cable TV Advisory Board.
Lucille Paige, 2 year term to July 1, 2008
John Luciano, 2 year term to July 1, 2008
Susan Tocci, 2 year term to July 1, 2008
RECOMMENDATION: ORDINANCE COMM. #970
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to a Building Department ordinance.
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to schedule a public hearing for April 3, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in regard to the Building Department ordinance. Councilor Soliani seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Councilor Dalla Valle noted that the Ordinance Committee also discussed a vendor preference ordinance that Corp. Counsel Vasko will be drafting, and that it will be brought to the full Council thereafter for a public hearing.
RECOMMENDATION: STREET LIGHT COMMITTEE #1075
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to street lighting.
Councilor Jerram made a motion to remove 18 lights on pole numbers listed below, (as noted, some required the removal of poles as well). Councilor Dalla Valle seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Pole #’s 1831 and 1834, Oak Avenue.
Pole #’s 7347, 7344, 7343, 7337, 7336, 7334, 7333, 7332, 7341, 7331, on Industrial Lane. These will require the removal of the poles as well.
Pole # 7318 on Ella Grasso Avenue
Pole # 1431 on Church Street
Pole #’s 1448 and 1939 on New Litchfield Street
Pole #'s 394 and 396 on South Main Street
It was noted that the lights and poles being removed on Industrial Lane would not interfere with what the developers were instructed to install by zoning in their site plans. It was also noted that zoning is now requiring developers to install the lighting in new subdivisions being proposed, and that the lights are usually more ornamental.
It was also noted that lights were not working at the Little League Field on Oak Avenue and the basketball court next to the Parks and Recreation Office.
Councilor Jerram made a motion to:
1) Install lights on pole #’s 4583 and 4589 on Mountain View Manor, due to sharp curves in the roadway.
2) Install a light at the southern most intersection of Mountain View Manor and Mountain Road on Pole #970.
3) Relocate the existing light on pole #180 on Mountain Road to Pole #977 at the most northern intersection of Mountain View Manor and Mountain Rd.
Councilor McKenna seconded the motion. Unanimous.
RE-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #1600
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to re-open the meeting to the public for “agenda items” only. There was no public participation.
BUS: DEPT HEADS #1615
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads. There was none.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1640
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Bingham and members of the City Council.
Councilor Dalla Valle stated that volunteers would be welcomed on Wednesday to help clean up Clarence Street.
Mayor Bingham and the City Council commended the Torrington High School Basketball team for winning the state championship and recognized Councilor Waldron’s son as a member of the team.
Councilor Jerram inquired as to whether any type of ceremony would be held to recognize the team.
Mayor Bingham said he received a number of phone calls in regard to a possible ceremony for the team. He stated that something will definitely be done, but he wasn’t certain at this point what it would be. He noted that Newell Porch was planning a general assembly at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday in the High School Auditorium and the public was invited. A breakfast or dinner was also being scheduled as a fund raiser for the purchase of rings. He was open to suggestions and would be in full support of some kind of recognition.
Councilor Dalla Valle suggested placing banners that say “Home of Connecticut State Champions” at the entrance corridors of the city. Also, a proclamation from the Mayor and the City Council could also be presented to them at a later date.
Councilor McKenna was impressed with the way the kids handled themselves at the basketball games, especially the student cheering section.
Councilor Waldron noted that approximately 75% of the people in the gym were Torrington residents. He thought a proclamation would be in order and perhaps the city could invite Coach Torino and the team to a future meeting to congratulate them personally.
Councilor Soliani said she was asked to notify the Council that the Fire Department’s Award Dinner was scheduled for April 6 at Bogey’s and all are invited to attend.
She also stated that people were complaining about the sweeping of streets, specifically that some streets were being swept many times and others were not being swept at all. She thought it would be helpful to publish the schedule of streets to be swept in the newspaper so homeowners could sweep the sand into the streets.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated that a notice is published in the newspaper, however, it’s possible that all streets may not be swept.
Mayor Bingham thought it might be helpful to have Mr. Lizotte and Mr. Rollett attend the next meeting to explain their sweeping procedures.
Councilor Slaiby recognized the Torrington Swim Team as having done their best since 1997.
He informed the Council that the Mayor’s Committee on Youth has invited community leaders throughout the town to their next meeting to ask for input on ways they would like to see the youths more active in the community. He invited Mayor Bingham and the City Council to attend.
Lastly, he stated that he had received complaints about high speed traffic on Torringford East.
Mayor Bingham said Officer Shopey should be contacted to do a traffic study on the area. He would have no problem meeting with the New Hartford and Harwinton First Selectmen, who share the street with Torrington, to address the problem.
Mayor Bingham commended Councilor Slaiby for taking over the Mayor’s Committee on Youth. He was looking forward to any suggestions that may arise from their forthcoming meeting.
He noted that he and his Administrative Assistant would hash out some of the ideas that have come forth in recognition of the Torrington High School Basketball Team. A proclamation was definitely in order. Where it would be presented was still undecided. He was in full support of doing something special. He stated that his office would work with anyone who was willing to donate their time in an effort to organize an event.
Mayor Bingham requested adding an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to an executive session under contract negotiations.
ADD TO AGENDA #2450
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to add an executive session to the agenda by 2/3rds vote under contract negotiations.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS #2480
Councilor Jerram made a motion to go into executive session under contract negotiations, inviting Purchasing Agent Charlene Antonelli. Councilor McKenna seconded the motion.
Councilor Jerram withdrew his motion, Councilor McKenna withdrew his second.
Councilor Jerram amended his motion to go into executive session at 7:45 p.m. under Pending Litigations, and Contract Negotiations, and to invite the Purchasing Agent for the latter. Councilor McKenna seconded the motion. Unanimous.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
On a motion by James McKenna, seconded by Tom Jerram, the board went into open session at 8:26 p.m.
On a motion by Richard Dalla Valle, seconded by James McKenna, the board authorized the Mayor to enter into an electric supply contract for a period of up to five years.
On a motion by Tom Jerram, seconded by Drake Waldron, the board authorized the Corporation Counsel to obtain appraisals in the Walgreen and Marathon Healthcare tax appeals.
On a motion by Marie Soliani, seconded by Andrew Slaiby, the board adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
ALBERT G. VASKO, Corporation Counsel
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