MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
JULY 17, 2006
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, July 17, 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 (arrived at 6:34 p.m.), Corp. Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Comptroller Alice Proulx, Public Works Director Gerald Rollett, Purchasing Agent Charlene Antonelli, Fire Chief John Field, Fire Marshal Timothy Taurau, Building Inspector Brett Zuraitis, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor Steven Nocera, and Personnel Director Thomas Gritt.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
MINUTES #030
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the special meeting held June 29, 2006.
Councilor Waldron arrived at 6:34 p.m.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #040
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Len Dube, Veterans’ Service Officer and Commander of American Legion Post #38, spoke about two proposals which he hoped the Council would consider and approve at their next meeting.
Both issues have to do with current law passed in the Connecticut General Assembly. The first was passed approximately four years ago to give additional tax credits to veterans. This is the final segment of a proposal that would expand the veterans tax exemption by raising the qualifying income levels by $25,000.00, increasing the current level of $27,700.00 for a single person to $52,700.00 and from the current married couple level of $33,900.00 to $58,900.00 in accordance with Connecticut State Statute 12-81.
The second proposal has to do with the Elderly Homeowners Tax Freeze in accordance with legislation passed during the past session which will go into effect on October 1, that certain elderly people will be eligible. A home owner must be age 70 or older, and must have lived in the State of Connecticut at least one year. The tax freeze would continue for a surviving spouse which is at least age 62, if the homeowner dies. Homeowners must meet the same income levels that apply to the existing state-reimbursed “circuit breaker” program, which gives qualified homeowners aged 65 and over a tax credit against the property taxes on their homes. At present, the annual income limits for this tax freeze is $27,700.00 for a single person, $33,900.00 for married couples, which is adjusted annually
for inflation.
Sgt. Major (Retired) Len Dube stated that many elderly citizens are in dire need for some consideration for a property tax freeze. Since there is a strong need to address the situation, he requested that his proposals be placed on the August 7, 2006 City Council agenda.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated there was some confusion about the first proposal, whereby people thought Sgt. Major Dube was asking for an additional $25,000.00 tax break which would make more veterans eligible to take advantage of what’s due to them, instead of raising the income levels.
Sgt. Major (Retired) Len Dube stated that the most needy veterans would be eligible, those who haven’t been recognized before when he’s appeared before the Council three times prior.
Councilor Dalla Valle pointed out that all veterans should be eligible for the same amount of money.
Mayor Bingham stated that his proposals will be on the August 7 agenda.
Research will take place as to whether or not a public hearing is necessary.
PRESENTATION: MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS COMMITTEE #315
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council allowed a presentation to be given by the Municipal Buildings Committee.
On behalf of the Municipal Buildings Committee, Public Works Director Gerald Rollett, stated that they were looking for support from the City Council on the Municipal Buildings Project, which would entail major renovations to City Hall and the construction of a small garage on Winthrop Street, so it could be submitted to the Board of Finance as part of the procedure to bring it to referendum.
Mr. Rollett indicated that the average life of a commercial building in the United States is 59 years old. City Hall was built in 1936. In the 70 year history of City Hall, it has never undergone any major renovations. During that time, many items have been addressed, such as building codes, accessibility requirements, public needs, fire codes, etc. Any renovations that have taken place have occurred on a piecemeal basis. Because City Hall is a massive masonry building, it’s very difficult to perform any work on the building and it also has a bearing on the cost involved in trying to bring this building up to modern standards.
The project will keep the historical significance of City Hall intact. The front facade, the marble hallways, the grand central staircase will remain. The project will re-organize offices for better use, make them more accessible to the public, and improve efficiencies where departments can interact better with each other.
Based on a June 2006 construction cost estimate, the project cost is estimated at $19,500,000.00. Construction costs have increased significantly over the years and continue to escalate at a major rate.
Mr. Rollett made a power point presentation. To hear the entire presentation, please refer to Tape # 500.
The renovations at City Hall include but are not limited to the following: asbestos and lead abatement, repair leaks in walls and roof, replace flooring, security issues, make bathrooms and hardware handicapped accessible, air conditioning, roof, door, and window replacement, repair or replace the fire escape, repair parking lot to better utilize the space, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection.
Mr. Rollett introduced Joseph Ferrucci, Project Architect from Fletcher Thompson Architects, who reviewed the conceptual plan with the Council.
Mr. Rollett indicated that the actual construction cost would be $16,000,000.00 for major City Hall renovations and a new garage at the City Barn site, and $3.5 million in soft costs, which are everything that will be incurred to get the project going, i.e., testing fees, design fees, relocation fees, and services. Most likely, Small Cities’ funding will be available for any identified ADA improvements to the building. Utility incentives will be maximized. Bob Axelrod, member of the Buildings Committee and Account Executive at CL&P will make certain the city maximizes any utility company incentives that are available.
The bulk of the project will be through public bonding. Mr. Rollett hoped to gain support from the Council. The Planning & Zoning Commission has already accepted the Section 8-24 necessary to begin the project, and it will come before the Council for their approval. Bond Counsel will draft the proper resolutions necessary to put before the Board of Finance and the City Council. If approved, a referendum could be held in the fall.
Councilor Slaiby inquired about the relocation of employees while City Hall is being renovated.
Mr. Rollett indicated that employees would have to be relocated for approximately 18 months while the renovation takes place. They are looking for a potential site similar to Timken’s.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether the Building Committee looked into how much it would cost to build a new building, and whether they may consider building new as opposed to renovating.
Mr. Rollett indicated that they were working on getting those figures together. He said “When we get those costs and if it’s an issue, we might be back in front of this Council with a different recommendation”.
Councilor Dalla Valle thought moving the auditorium and meetings to the first floor was an excellent idea.
Councilor Jerram inquired whether they had calculated what the rough cost per square foot was.
Brian Holmes, Construction Manager, said approximately $400.00 a sq. ft.
Councilor Jerram asked if this was the sole project the committee entertained when the Buildings Committee was brought back to life earlier this year, or if it was a project consisting of the most necessary changes to City Hall, or even looking at another location.
Councilor Soliani, member of the Buildings Committee, said their charge was to look at buildings that absolutely needed to be repaired. Most members of the Buildings Committee share the same goal to refurbish rather than build brand new somewhere else. They thought it would be in the best interest of the city if City Hall remained where it is as part of the historic district, knowing full well that it would be just as expensive to renovate this building.
Councilor Jerram said he would need to know what the alternatives are before he could support this project. He felt the Council needed to take a good, hard look at what the proper project should be before putting it out to the voters. He had a hard time committing to $20 million.
Mr. Rollett stated, if City Hall was to move elsewhere, the city would still own a building with the same issues.
Councilor Jerram thought City Hall could be offered for redevelopment as part of the downtown renovation plan. The space could be used for retail. He inquired whether the Buildings Committee had considered a government center around the courthouse area.
Mr. Rollett indicated that City Hall is named on the Historic Register as a contributing historic structure in downtown Torrington.
Councilor Jerram asked what the alternative plan was if the project failed at referendum.
Mr. Rollett stated that he would piecemeal major renovations again.
Fire Marshal Taurau stated that his office will have no choice but to proceed with fire code violations if the City Hall renovations don’t move forward.
Mr. Rollett stated that no action was necessary from the City Council at this time. A similar presentation would be made to the Board of Finance. Bond Counsel will draft resolutions to be approved by both, the Board of Finance and the City Council at a later date.
CIRMA DEDUCTIBLES #2950
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payments from Contingency to CIRMA in the amount of $5,647.50 for a reimbursable deductible in the Becker case and $25,000.00 for a reimbursable deductible in the Schapp case, and referred them to the Board of Finance.
REPAIR LADDER TRUCK #2955
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to accept the final figures of the repair costs to the ladder truck in the amount of $22,425.00 from the Vehicle Replacement Contingency Account and referred it to the Board of Finance.
HOOKER & HOLCOMB #2970
On a motion by Councilor Slaiby, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to waive the bid process and award a contract to Hooker & Holcomb, Inc. to provide actuarial services for the City’s Pension Plans and for actuarial services related to the Post Employment Benefits Plan and referred it to the Board of Finance.
VALMARK ELECTRIC #2980
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor McKenna, a discussion took place on the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the Electrical Services Bid to the low bidder, Valmark Electric of Torrington, Ct.
MOTION TO TABLE #2990
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to table the Valmark Electric bid for an executive session under Contract Negotiations.
HUNT COMPUTER DESIGN #3020
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Board of Safety’s recommendation to waive the bid process and award a contract for software for the Fire Department to the sole source vendor, Hunt Computer Design.
GASOLINE BID #3030
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the Gasoline Bid to East River Energy’s alternate bid proposal.
Councilor Dalla Valle thought it was time for the Council to review the vehicle use by city employees.
#2 HEATING OIL BID #3080
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, a discussion took place in regard to the #2 Heating Oil Bid.
Mrs. Antonelli gave the Council the option to lock in at tomorrow morning’s price, or to pay as they go, and possibly lock in at some point in time during the rest of the season if and when the price goes down.
Councilor Jerram made a motion to lock into tomorrow’s price. Councilor McKenna seconded the motion. Councilors McKenna, Jerram, Soliani and Waldron voted in favor of the motion. Councilors Dalla Valle and Slaiby opposed. On a 4-2 vote, the motion carried.
SEWER CONNECTION FEE - UNIVERSITY SUDS, INC. #3800
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council, acting as the W P C A, voted, with the exception of Councilor Dalla Valle who opposed, to accept Mr. Rollett’s recommendation that the payment for the sanitary sewer connection fee for the proposed laundromat, University Suds, Inc., be paid in installments over a ten year period at a 5% interest rate.
Councilman Dalla Valle thought the payments spread out for ten years was excessive and suggested five years.
Mr. Rollett indicated that the ten years comes from the sewer use ordinance.
Tim Sipe, owner of University Suds, Inc. stated that the ten year term is pretty steady with what they find throughout Connecticut, having two laundromats in New Britain and a third in New Milford. If the city felt 5% was too low, he was fine adding another 1%. He just didn’t want to be the business that sets a precedence for every other business hereafter to pay that same rate when it hasn’t been established to this point.
Councilor Jerram indicated that Mr. Sipe would pay a much higher rate if he went to a bank for a loan, and they as Councilmen had to be fair to the taxpayers.
Corp. Counsel Weaver indicated that Industrial Suds, Inc. will be posting a financial guarantee bond which will assure the ten year payments.
BEECHER HOUSE SOCIETY #195
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, a discussion took place in regard to the request to extend the deadline of The Beecher House Society, Inc. Master Plan of Development for six months.
Chandler Saint, President of the Beecher House Center for the Study of Equal Rights, stated that it was their belief that it was in everyone’s best interest to extend the filing date for the Master Plan.
He noted that they were behind schedule for reasons no one had control over. He faced massive changes in the principal personnel central to this project. Since he had last met with the City, they had gone through three campus directors, one tri-campus director, three provosts, two Mayors, an Economic Development Officer, and two Corporate Counsels. The changes have been extremely positive except for one, but they have hurt their ability to move forward in a timely manner due to the re-briefing involved. For the last two years, two things critical to the Beecher Center had not occurred as scheduled. A degree program in American Studies promised to them in 2003 was finally approved last month by the Department of Higher Education. A commitment to a long term UCONN campus on University
Drive was still not clear to them. Without resolving these issues, they could not proceed, since without them funding and academic support would not occur.
Several personal situations to Mr. Saint have also caused delays. They had problems in disposing the assets they had acquired in Litchfield and were still battling to get the deeds which were passed over a year ago by the State Legislature.
At the present time, the city needs to concentrate on the downtown redevelopment and the Beecher Society needs to know where they fit in. Was there a commitment by the city to the UCONN campus as it is on University Drive? The right thing to do is to extend the lease for six months, get the reviews of the downtown development done, and let Beecher complete the first phase of the Documenting Venture Smith project.
Councilor Dalla Valle expressed his concern over leasing ninety acres in that part of town, because there isn’t much recreational space in that area. He asked Mr. Saint if they needed the entire ninety acres.
Mr. Saint stated there were approximately twelve buildable acres. The remainder included wetlands, vertical areas, and areas of sewer easements. The encumbrances will be 1) how to get the buildings in there and 2) how to get to them. They anticipated having a lot of outdoor activities as part of their programs. One of the things that was compelling to them when they looked at the site, was the lake at the lower end of the land. They ultimately envisioned activities going on in the large part of that tract of land.
Councilor Slaiby asked Mr. Saint if they had a contingency plan, should the UCONN campus move downtown.
Mr. Saint indicated their would be no point in building the center at that location if UCONN wasn’t there.
Councilor Slaiby asked if there was even a possibility of moving the house to downtown Torrington, which would add to the historical district.
Mr. Saint said he had no idea, but assumed it would be extremely difficult to find a suitable piece of land to put it on.
Councilor Jerram asked if the property had ever been surveyed.
Mr. Saint stated, as far as he knew, the exterior of the house has never been surveyed in its history. However, he noted that there was a preliminary soil map.
Mr. Saint indicated that relocating UCONN to the downtown area would have an adverse affect on their project.
Councilor Jerram said, when Mr. Saint appeared before the Council two years ago, he stated that they needed to secure the land and the lease to show that the City of Torrington was serious about having the Beecher Society located here, and so they could move forward with fund raising to establish the plan. The commitment from the Beecher Society was to have the plan on that site within two years, and Mr. Saint doesn’t even have a team of people working on this plan.
Mayor Bingham stated that he had conversed with officials from UCONN and, although the city would love to see the campus move downtown, UCONN informed him that they had no plans, and more importantly, no funds to move downtown.
Mr. Saint indicated that the most critical problem was that the American Studies program, promised in 2003 that it would be delivered within six months, did not materialize. That had to do with a staff member at UCONN who is no longer employed there. That left them in a position that made many on going things impossible.
Councilor Dalla Valle asked Mr. Saint if they would be willing to allow the city to use some of the space that didn’t fit into their package, and weren’t going to use for recreational facilities, if the city needed it for new development in the area.
Mr. Saint said he assumed the Beecher Society would be willing and assumed UCONN would be willing as well.
Mr. Saint indicated that getting a six month lease extension, now or in January, would not affect any building schedules because they wouldn’t do any ground breaking until next summer.
Mr. Saint said they were satisfied with the six month extension. UCONN has said they were out of money until the year 2014 or 2015, unless they see something in the city’s development plan, saying the city is going for bonding to move a significant part of that complex downtown. There’s no way that campus is going anywhere. What would please the Beecher Society the most is for the Council to say that UCONN should remain on University Drive.
Councilor McKenna indicated that the Beecher Society hasn’t even started the Master Plan. What would make him think they would be at that point in six months?
Mr. Saint stated that they had preliminary studies that show it will work. They need to go back to UCONN to make sure the piece of land owned by UCONN that sticks in the middle is not a problem. He added that they would be complete in six months or they would be gone. He assured the Council that the key issue was to get the American Studies. It was only in the last month that they were able to get American Studies. They never expected this educational program to grow to the level it has, but ultimately, it’s what is going to make this a very important center, whether they are on University Drive, or in Guilford.
Councilor McKenna said he was confused with Mr. Saint’s statements that everything hinged upon this program at UCONN, and that UCONN is staying on University Drive, and now he was saying he was going to have this great program whether it’s at University Drive or Guilford.
Mr. Saint said “Given the choice, if we can’t be facilitated with the University here, we would go to where else we would be facilitated with a University.” Their choice had always been UCONN, however.
Dorothea DiCecco, Treasure of the Beecher House Society, spoke in regard to the programs and how they have evolved.
Councilor McKenna said his concern was that the Master Plan in the lease was supposed to be about the construction and the use of the land for the center. He assumed the programs that would occur there would be an ever evolving type of situation. The Council’s concern is that they don’t see any of that occurring. Personally he couldn’t envision anything coming to fruition in six months. He thought they should have appeared before the Council six months ago if they were envisioning problems with the state.
Mr. Saint said he kept the Economic Development Office informed about the fact that the American Studies was still a problem.
Councilor Dalla Valle requested not to make a different motion than what was already on the floor being discussed and asked the Mayor to call for a vote. (The request was to extend the deadline of The Beecher House Society, Inc. Master Plan of Development for six months.)
Councilors McKenna, Dalla Valle, Slaiby, and Waldron voted in favor of the motion. Councilors Jerram and Soliani opposed. On a 4-2 vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Saint guaranteed Councilor McKenna that they would return with a finished plan.
RESOLUTION: TOM VANNINI #1465
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution authorizing Thomas Vannini to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for participation in the FY 2007 Emergency Management Performance Grant program.
RESOLUTION:
I, Joseph L. Quartiero, do hereby certify that the following is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the Board of Councilmen at its meeting on July 17, 2006, at which a quorum was present and acting throughout, and that the resolution has not been modified, rescinded, or revoked and is at present in full force and effect.
RESOLVED, that the, Thomas Vannini, be and hereby is authorized to act on behalf of the Board of Councilmen in executing a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, for participation in the FY 2007 Emergency Management Performance Grant program.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has affixed his signature THIS 18TH DAY OF July, 2006.
JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
TOWN CLERK
P & G PEPPER #1470
On a motion by Councilor Slaiby, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payments of $2,092.00, $3,416.76, $2,963.61, $4,860.04, and $3,182.54 from Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Fund #490 to P & G Pepper Construction Services for various sewer line point repairs and referred them to the Board of Finance.
Councilor Jerram pointed out these invoices dated back to 2004 and suggested that perhaps we could require our vendors to submit their invoices in a more timely manner.
APPOINTMENTS: ELDERLY COMMISSION #1500
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Services for the Elderly Commission on the following appointments:
Re-appoint Aldo Bergonzi for a second term to expire in July 2009
Appoint Don Angino as a regular member to replace Maureen Shugrue for a term to expire in July 2009.
Appoint Archie Perez to replace Don Angino as Alternate for a term to expire in July 2009
SMALL CITIES: I.C.S., INC. #1520
On a motion by Councilor Slaiby, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $149.00 from Small Cities Fund #276 to I.C.S., Inc. as a partial payment against contractor’s payment application #9. To be processed upon receipt of drawdown #12.
SMALL CITIES: WASTE MANAGEMENT #1530
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $450.25 from Small Cities Fund #250 to Waste Management of CT., Inc. for services rendered.
TORRINGFORD SCHOOL BUILDING PAYMENTS #1540
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the following payments from the Torringford School Building Fund #314:
Friar Asso. Invoice #35 Professional Services $ 15,691.00
O & G Industries Invoice #23 Professional Services $328,557.00
ME O’Brien I060582-IN Playscape $ 4,364.00
ME O’Brien I060625-IN Playscape $ 15,500.00
ME O’Brien I060627-IN Playscape $ 3,000.00
Torringford School Reimbursement Boxes $ 381.75
Dell Computers N05355053 Security Carts $ 2,574.00
Dell Computers N06396705 Laptops $ 28,120.80
Dell Computers N06858903 Laptops $ 21,090.60
RECOMMENDATIONS: PERSONNEL COMM. #1560
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to hear recommendations from the Personnel Committee.
Councilor Jerram made a motion to move forward with the proposed wage increases for Management Resolution employees in the range of 3 to 3 ½%, and switch to the Century Preferred revised plan and cost sharing of their health insurance benefits.
Councilor Dalla Valle noted that the wage increase was 3 ½%, as opposed to a range of 3 to 3 ½% as stated by Councilor Jerram, and asked that the amounts for cost sharing be incorporated into the motion.
Personnel Director Tom Gritt also stated that Management Resolution personnel could choose an optional plan (Blue Care POE) if they preferred and the cost sharing would be ½ the cost of the Century Preferred plan.
Councilor Jerram amended his motion to include the 3 ½% raise, the cost sharing amounts for Century Preferred were $4.00 per single, per week, $5.00 per couple, per week, and $6.00 per family, per week, and the cost sharing amounts for the optional plan, Blue Care, was ½ the amount of the Century Preferred plan.
Councilor Dalla Valle seconded the motion. Unanimous.
RE-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #1650
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to re-open the meeting to the public on Agenda Items only.
Samuel Slaiby, 204 Benham Street, noted that, in addition to the possible bonding to renovate City Hall, the city will be looking at another large bonding referendum to carry our share of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. He suggested that perhaps the city could make a concentrated effort to communicate to the taxpayers of Torrington how all the pieces will fit together. The city needs to explain that the downtown redevelopment is going to cost some money, but we’re all going to get the benefit of money coming back to this town when the tax base improves. It will be a partnership between the city, the state and the private individuals. He suggested using Cable 5 to educate the citizens of Torrington.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #2010
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. There was none.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL #2020
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor Bingham and members of the City Council.
The Council commended the Parks & Recreation Department for a fine display of fireworks on July 4th.
Councilor Waldron inquired whether the city received the rent check from Shookie.
Corp. Counsel Weaver indicated that the check was received and Shookie, Inc. was on schedule.
ADJOURNMENT #2540
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:12 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
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