MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
MAY 1, 2006
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, May 1, 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 (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), and Drake L. Waldron, Corp. Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Public Works Director Gerald Rollett, City Engineer Edward Fabbri, Purchasing Agent Charlene Antonelli, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, and Administrative Assistant Stephen Nocera. Councilwoman Marie P. Soliani was absent.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
MINUTES #015
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the following minutes:
A special joint budget meeting with the Board of Safety held April 10, 2006.
A regular meeting of the City Council held April 17, 2006.
A special City Council budget meeting held April 24, 2006.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #030
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no public participation.
SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION #035
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council, acting as the WPC Authority, voted unanimously to approve the extension of a public sanitary sewer beginning at Louis Circle extending 1,718 feet through an easement to the existing cul de sac in Stonehouse Way. (The new sewer line will be constructed and paid for as part of the Target store retail development.)
SAWICKI & LOMBARDOZZI #060
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to waive the bid process and renew the city’s contract with Sawicki & Lombardozzi, Inc. for our annual audit service for years ending June 30, 2007, 2008 and 2009 for a fee of $64,000.00/year.
WEST STATE MECHANICAL #070
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to extend the current HVAC bid contract for the fiscal year 06/07 with West State Mechanical Services, Inc. at the same rates and terms and conditions as the existing bid.
MOSCAD RTU’s #080
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to have Northwest Communications, the sole source, furnish and install three MOSCAD RTU’s (Remote Terminal Units) at the Ella Grasso, Industrial Lane and Torringford Farms pump stations.
PUBLIC HEARING: SEWER USER FEE #160
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing for May 15, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. to set the sewer user fee for the period from July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007.
TORRINGFORD SCHOOL PAYMENT #170
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to approve the reimbursement of $295.76 from the Torringford School Building Fund #314 to the Torringford School for curtains & accessories.
RESOLUTION: SMALL CITIES’ GRANT #180
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution and to file an application in regard to the Small Cities’ Neighborhood Sidewalk and Pedestrian Safety Improvement grant in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00.
CERTIFIED RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY OF TORRINGTON
SMALL CITIES PROGRAM
Certified a true copy of a resolution adopted by the City of Torrington at a meting of its City Council on May 1, 2006, and which has not been rescinded or modified in any way whatsoever.
May 2, 2006 ____________________________
Date Clerk, Joseph L. Quartiero, CMC
WHEREAS, Federal monies are available under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development pursuant to Public Law 93-383, as amended; and,
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Chapter 127c, and Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development is authorized to disburse such Federal monies to local municipalities; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City of Torrington make application to the State for $500,000.00 in order to undertake a Small Cities Community Development Program and to execute an Assistance Agreement therefore, should one be offered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for State Assistance imposed by Park VI of Chapter 130 of The Connecticut General Statutes; and,
2. That the filing of an application by the City of Torrington in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 is hereby approved, and that the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to file such application with the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required by the Commissioner, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an Agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, recessions, and revisions thereto, to implement project activities, if approved, and to act as the authorized representative of the City of Torrington.
SMALL CITIES: CITY OF TORRINGTON #190
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $75.00 from Small Cities Fund #250 to the City of Torrington for a limited title search performed.
BUILDING DEPT. REPORT #200
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to approve the Building Department Report for March 2006.
L.H. CEO #210
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Jerram, a brief discussion was held in regard to the services and increases from Litchfield Hills Council of Elected Officials.
Mayor Bingham stated that he wanted LHCEO to justify their cost increase in per capita fee for Torrington, the largest municipality in the organization. No vote was necessary.
STREET LIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS #240
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the board voted unanimously to hear recommendations presented by the Street Light Committee.
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to:
1) Remove lights on pole #’s 2322 and 2324 on Castlewood Lane.
2) Replace light on pole # 2323 on Castlewood Lane, which was hit by a tree.
3) Reallocate light on pole # 2320 opposite from Castlewood to Shirley Drive.
4) Remove light on pole 378 and keep light on pole # 380 on South Main St.
RE-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #350
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to re-open the meeting to the public for “agenda items” only. There was no public participation.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #370
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
City Engineer Ed Fabbri informed the Council that the Target project still needed permits. Once obtained, all their approvals will be in place.
Councilor Slaiby inquired whether further development would take place in that area once the sewer pipe is installed.
Public Works Director Jerry Rollett indicated that this board, acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, established a boundary within the city that is within the sewer service area. This sewer line is within the area, so it doesn’t
open any new areas.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether they were able to get an interconnect through Wal Mart.
Mr. Fabbri said both parties seemed to be in favor of an interconnect.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #450
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Bingham and members of the City Council.
Councilor Slaiby requested a meeting to discuss the redevelopment and an update on the court house.
Mayor Bingham indicated that they were still waiting for the EIE process to be completed. The State Historical Society presented some issues to the McGuire Group and the DECD. They were waiting to receive the draft. A public hearing will be scheduled, and adjustments can then be made from public comment. It’s being tied up at the state level, but the city is providing them any information which they request to try to move it along as quickly as possible. After it’s passed, we still need to go before the State Bonding Commission. Word from State Senators and Representatives is that we might have a problem in getting it fully funded.
Councilor Jerram indicated that the Torrington Development Corporation meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. They canceled their meetings for April and May because the state was holding back the EIE Study. This is the organization that the city has empowered to run the redevelopment plan, and, until they receive the EIE Study, there is nothing they can do.
Mayor Bingham indicated that he would ask Christina Emery to give the Council an update on the matter at their next meeting.
Councilor Dalla Valle thought it would be premature to hold a meeting since nothing can occur until the study is done.
Councilor Waldron acknowledged the fact that City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero’s son was inducted into the Torrington High School Hall of Fame.
Councilor McKenna commended Dr. Temkin and his committee for the work they did at Coe Park.
He also voiced his displeasure concerning the way Corp. Counsel Al Vasko was relieved of his duties. He thought there was a lack of communication with Atty. Vasko, as well as the City Council, and felt it was handled poorly.
Councilor Jerram thanked Mayor Bingham for attending the opening day ceremonies for Little League. He asked if the cancellation of games due to inclement weather could be posted on Park & Recreation’s home page, at least during the week when staff is on duty.
Councilor Jerram requested an executive session to get an update on the ongoing law suits with the new Corp. Counsel, Ernestine Weaver.
Councilor Jerram stated he appreciated Councilor McKenna’s comment on the Corp. Counsel matter, but noted that there are several positions within the city who serves at the pleasure of the Mayor, and, while no one likes to see change, they have to respect the changes being made.
Councilor Dalla Valle agreed that the Mayor should be allowed to make those decisions without consulting the Council.
Mayor Bingham acknowledged the fact that May was designated Lime Disease Month. He noted that it was something everyone should be aware of and that it was 100% preventable.
ADJOURNMENT #880
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 6:57 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
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