MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
NOVEMBER 6, 2006
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, November 6, 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 Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Public Works Director Gerald Rollett, City Engineer Edward Fabbri, Director of Elderly Services Nancy Gyurko, Tax Assessor Donna Patchen, and WPC Administrator Raymond Drew.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
MOVE ITEM #010
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to move the following item to the present time.
PRESENTATION: CHILD CARE CENTER #020
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the donation of art work created by several children who attend the Torrington Child Care Center. Mayor Bingham thanked Mary Cecchinato, Director of the Torrington Child Care Center, and informed her that the piece will proudly be displayed in the Council Chambers for all to appreciate.
MINUTES #200
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held October 2, 2006.
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council, with the exception of Councilor Jerram who abstained, voted to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held October 16, 2006.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #225
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no public participation.
OVERTIME FOR TAX ASSESSOR #250
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, discussion took place on the request for overtime from the Tax Assessor.
Councilor Dalla Valle stated that the Council created the extra burden in the Tax Assessor’s Office and didn’t feel any discussion was necessary.
Councilor Slaiby made a motion to table the matter. Councilor Soliani seconded the motion. Councilors McKenna, Slaiby, and Soliani voted in favor of the motion. Councilors Dalla Valle, Jerram and Waldron opposed the motion. On a 3-3 tie vote, Mayor Bingham voted in favor of the motion to table the matter until the next meeting.
Councilor Jerram stated that perhaps other options could be investigated in the meantime, i.e., increase hours from 32.5 to 37.5 and/or curtail some of the hours that the Assessor’s Office is open to the public.
Councilor Soliani suggested getting some type of report in regard to possible other options versus overtime.
INCREASE SALARY: INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN #350
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the revised job description for the position of Information Systems Technician dated October 30, 2006 and to increase the annual salary for this position to $47,390.00 retroactive to 07/01/06.
PUBLIC WORKS GRIEVANCE #420
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, discussion took place in regard to Public Works grievance #06-05. (No paperwork.)
Councilor Jerram, Chairman of the Personnel Committee, indicated that it was the committee’s recommendation to deny grievance #06-05.
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to deny the third step grievance #06-05.
MOVE ITEM #450
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to move Item #11: Vote to accept the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent to award the “Winter Road Sand” bid to Haynes Materials of Seymour, CT for $18.00 per cubic yard for an annual total estimated at $180,000.00.
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to open #11. Councilor Jerram seconded the motion.
Councilor Dalla Valle realized that he meant to move #12: Vote on recommendation from the Purchasing Agent that the Senior Center Plowing RFQ be awarded to Haeley, LLC as the most advantageous bid for the City of Torrington.
The Council agreed to continue with #11 at this time.
Public Works Director Jerry Rollett informed the Council that the bid for the sand included its delivery to the salt and sand storage building.
On the previous motion, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent to award the “Winter Road Sand” bid to Haynes Materials of Seymour, CT for $18.00 per cubic yard for an annual total estimated at $180,000.00.
MOVE ITEM #520
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to move Item #12: Vote on recommendation from the Purchasing Agent that the Senior Center Plowing RFQ be awarded to Haeley, LLC as the most advantageous bid for the City of Torrington.
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to vote on Item #12. Councilor Jerram seconded the motion. Discussion took place.
Councilor Dalla Valle said he didn’t know why this matter was being presented to them or why it went out for a quote, since it was under the $10,000.00 threshold. He noted that Mr. Castelli had provided excellent service to the Senior Center for 24 years. He said the Purchasing Agent noted that it was advantageous to the city to take a different bidder because they were $900.00 less; however, the amount which Castelli was charging was public record which gave other bidders the advantage in submitting their quote. He further stated that Mr. Castelli is willing to match the lower quote, so it now becomes advantageous to the city to continue his services.
Councilor Soliani had no problem staying with Mr. Castelli if it was legally possible.
Corp. Counsel Weaver said it was merely a quote and the Council could do as they please with this matter.
On the previous motion, the Council voted unanimously to oppose the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent that the Senior Center Plowing RFQ be awarded to Haeley, LLC as the most advantageous bid for the City of Torrington.
ADD TO THE AGENDA #710
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to the Senior Center Plowing.
CASTELLI BROS. #770
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to award the Senior Center Plowing contract to Castelli Bros. for the 2006-2007 year.
Councilor Dalla Valle amended his motion to include “At the same price that the quote from Haeley, LLC came in as, $8,012.00, and under the same conditions that the contract with Castelli has been in the past.” Councilor McKenna seconded the amended motion. Unanimous.
RESOLUTION: STREET SCAPE FUND #805
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution and to authorize Mayor Bingham to execute a grant application with the State of Connecticut OPM in the amount of $5,000.00 for participation in the Grant for City Street Scape Fund.
I, Joseph L. Quartiero, certify that I am the Secretary of the City of Torrington, Board of Councilmen.
The City of Torrington is submitting a grant application to the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management for the amount of $5,000 for City Street Scape Fund.
That being said, Honorable Ryan J. Bingham, Mayor of the City of Torrington, is hereby authorized to act on behalf of the Board of Councilmen in executing said Grant Application with the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management, for participation in the Grant for City Street Scape Fund.
SEWER HOOK-UP FEE: 444-446 MAIN ST. #820
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted after a brief discussion to deny, with the exception of Councilor Dalla Valle who voted to approve, the waiving of the sewer hook-up fee for property located at 444-446 Main street owned by Tony Lee.
Public Works Director Jerry Rollett’s recommendation was to deny the request.
TRUCK LOADING PUMP #990
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the WPC Administrator to waive the bid process and award the Replacement of Truck Loading Pump #1 to Borger at a cost of $17,132.00 from Fund #30, WPCA Capital Reserve.
RESOLUTION: HOMELAND SECURITY #1210
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution and to authorize Mayor Bingham to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security in order for the DEMHS to administer $6,342,520.00 in local pass-through funding for six designated regional projects, and to authorize Mayor Bingham to sign any documents between the municipality and DEMHS in this regard.
RESOLUTION
I, Joseph L. Quartiero, City Clerk of Torrington, do hereby certify that the following is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the Board of Councilmen at its duly called and held meeting on November 6, 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 City Council may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security any and all documents which it deems to be necessary or appropriate; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Ryan J. Bingham, as Mayor of the City Council is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the City Council and to do and perform all acts and things which he deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents.
The undersigned further certifies that Ryan J. Bingham now holds the office of Mayor and that he has held that office since 12/5/05.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate this 8th day of November, 2006.
APPOINTMENTS #1285
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to appoint the following:
Inland Wetland Commission: Thomas Telman to replace Rick Bette for a term ending in September, 2007.
IWC Liaison to the
Conservation Commission: Christine Altman to replace Rick Bette
SMALL CITIES: REGISTER CITIZEN #1295
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $366.04 from Small Cities Fund #250 to The Register Citizen for a Legal Notice placed in regard to the construction of sidewalks and curbs.
TORRINGFORD SCHOOL INVOICES #1310
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of the following invoices from the Torringford School Building Fund #314:
Vendor Invoice Description Amount
Friar Associates #38 Professional Services $15,698.00
O & G Industries #27 Professional Services $129,706.00
Industrial Safety #2 Bldg. Maint. Items $ 574.10
KI c/o BCI #3 Book Boxes $ 10,730.50
Insalco #1 Community Plaything44,805.61
Insalco #1 Kindergarten Furniture $ 8,160.89
Insalco #2 Nurses’ Room Cots $ 2,831.29
Sonepar #3035599 $ 180.00
CXTec #6344835 $ 237.03
Corporate Image FA080806 Signage $ 9,150.00
Travellers/St Paul Builder’s Risk Ins. Polic y$ 3,277.00/Mo.
It was explained that the Traveler’s Insurance policy expired in September and that a month to month invoice will be issued for this insurance until the work is complete.
BUILDING DEPT. REPORT #1420
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Report for September 2006.
STREET LIGHT RECOMMENDATION #1430
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to hear the recommendations from the Street Light Committee.
MOTION
Councilor Jerram made a motion to remove sixteen lamps from the poles listed on the November 1, 2006 Street Light Committee agenda. Councilor McKenna seconded the motion.
City Engineer Ed Fabbri informed the Council that Turri Electric replaced four of the lamps on the list during the past week, and that the city had not given them notice to replace those bulbs.
Mr. Fabbri also indicated that the lamp listed on pole # 3191, Franklin Street should have read Franklin Drive.
Councilor Soliani received a complaint from a resident of Whitewood Road stating that the road was extremely dark.
CCouncilor Dalla Valle disagreed with the removal of the light on pole #360, Franklin Street and the removal of the light on pole #1922, Summer Street. He recommended leaving the light on pole #1922, Summer Street and removing the light on pole #1920 in its place.
Councilor Dalla Valle pointed out that the city still had a lighting issue on Shirley Road from May 1, 2006 which has not yet been resolved.
AMEND THE MOTION #1720
Councilor Jerram amended his motion to reflect the removal of 13 lights. The city would maintain the following lights: pole #2444, Whitewood Road, pole #1922, Summer Street, and pole #360, Franklin Street. Councilor McKenna seconded the amended motion. Unanimous.
Councilor Jerram indicated that Mr. Fabbri, the Manager of GIS/Technical Services David Scherf, and the Street Light Committee have been working to identify every street light in the city and attempt to develop a comprehensive plan to identify lights that are redundant, and to determine whether a lamp should be replaced or removed from service once it fails.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #1840
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to re-open the meeting to the public on Agenda Items only. There was no public participation.
BUS: DEPT HEADS #1860
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero reminded everyone to vote.
City Engineer Edward Fabbri suggested that perhaps a management study on salaries should be performed. He felt the city takes a step backwards when a manager leaves to take a position elsewhere for more money.
Councilor Soliani agreed that many of the manager’s job descriptions should be reviewed. She had seen a number of very reliable managers walk away from the city during her tenure as Councilwoman because money was an issue. She thought the Council should find a way to be more creative with the budget in order to hang on to those employees.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #2075
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor Bingham and members of the City Council.
Councilor Jerram wished John Timm, Director of Parks and Recreation, the best of luck in his future endeavors.
He noted that the Torrington Junior PeeWees suffered a terrible loss against Newington and their season has now ended. He noted that the Elks basketball will soon begin for kids from grades 3 to 8.
Councilor McKenna urged everyone to vote.
Councilor Slaiby asked if there was any movement on recycling #5 plastic and yellow cardboard.
Public Works Director Jerry Rollett indicated that they were looking to recycle box board in the future. The Solid Waste Recycling Committee will be meeting with CRRA representatives in three weeks to hear CRRA’s recycling plans for the future.
Councilor Soliani thanked Mayor Bingham for attending the presentation by the former ambassador to the Vatican and the former Mayor of Boston.
Councilor Waldron said he had a complaint from a resident of Squire Hill on why they couldn’t recycle.
Mr. Rollett said they have separate bins for paper and plastic, as well as dumpsters, and they should be recycling the same items as the city.
ADJOURNMENT #2400
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:40 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
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