MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
JANUARY 16, 2007
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, 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, and Drake L. Waldron, Corp. Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Comptroller Alice Proulx, Director of Elderly Services Nancy Gyurko, and Purchasing Agent Charlene Antonelli. Councilwoman Marie P. Soliani was absent.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m., immediately following a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the City Employees’ Retirement Fund.
MINUTES #100
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held December 18, 2006.
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council, with the exception of Councilor Jerram who abstained, voted to
accept the minutes of the regular meeting held January 2, 2007.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #115
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no public participation.
WADSWORTH-BEECHER HOUSE #125
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, a discussion took place in regard to the Master Plan of the Wadsworth-Beecher House and in the alternative, termination of the lease with the Beecher House Society. (No paperwork.)
The Council expressed dissatisfaction with the paperwork that was submitted as the Master Plan.
Mayor Bingham noted that the Council had to decide whether or not the paperwork submitted was indeed a Master Plan, and if not, Mr. Saint on behalf of the Beecher Society, would automatically be in violation of the lease.
Councilor McKenna pointed out that this does not preclude Mr. Saint or his organization from coming back at some point in time when they actually have a plan.
Mayor Bingham added that it also doesn’t stop the city from looking at other options.
Councilor Jerram felt the city should formally announce its termination of the lease, without prejudice.
Councilor McKenna noted that the Council should specify that Mr. Saint is in breach of his agreement rather than merely say the city is terminating his lease agreement.
Councilor Dalla Valle stated that the Council should take the recommendation from the City Planner whereby he stated “In my opinion, the Master Plan is incomplete and should not be approved as submitted”.
Mayor Bingham said he would be remiss not to say that Mr. Saint is attempting to accomplish an amazing and huge task for one person. Unfortunately, he did not fulfill his promise to the City of Torrington.
MOTION #320
Councilor Jerram made a motion to formally terminate the agreement with the Beecher Society, due to the lessee’s breach of contract. Councilor Dalla Valle seconded the motion.
Councilor McKenna said he wasn’t certain Mr. Saint would technically be in violation of the lease if the Council didn’t first agree that Mr. Saint did not furnish the city with a satisfactory Master Plan.
RESCIND MOTION #380
Councilors Jerram and Dalla Valle rescinded their motion and second.
NEW MOTION #390
Councilor McKenna made a motion not to accept what was presented as a Master Plan by Chandler Saint, on behalf of the Beecher House Society, as required by the lease agreement. Councilor Jerram seconded the motion.
Councilor Dalla Valle added that the vote was in part, based on the City Planner’s recommendation.
Should the Beecher Society come back to the Council with their Master Plan, Councilor Jerram hoped to see drawings and locations done by a professional or civil engineer licensed in the State of Connecticut, and stamped with their seal. The plan should include the location of the house amongst other things they will want identified in the future, in addition to where they will place their well, septic, etc.
Councilor Dalla Valle felt that would be a site plan, and not a true Master Plan. Aside from knowing specifically the location of the buildings, they would also want to know the benefits that would be derived from it, etc.
VOTE #465
The vote was unanimous.
MOTION #470
Councilor Jerram made a motion to direct Mayor Bingham to formally terminate the lease with the lessee, the Wadsworth Beecher House Society, based on the breach of the contract. Councilor Dalla Valle seconded the motion. Unanimous.
DISBAND: MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS COMM #495
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to approve the request to disband from the Municipal Buildings Committee.
Councilor Jerram thanked the Municipal Buildings Committee for all their hard work and years of perseverance.
Councilor Waldron suggested modifying the work performed by the Committee and attempt a second referendum.
Mayor Bingham said he met with Brett Zuraitis, the Building Official, Tim Taurau, the Fire Marshal, and Public Works Director Jerry Rollett to talk about the next course of action. They looked at several options and came up with the idea to reestablish a new committee entitled the Municipal Renovations Committee and give them a new set of directions. Mayor Bingham hoped members of the Municipal Buildings Committee would offer their expertise and serve on the new committee. They would look at code issues as well as issues that will face the city in years to come. Their charge will be to decide which direction to take and which projects should be done first. In the meantime, the city will obtain Requests for Qualifications to find an architect with a Code Consultant on board to address the code
issues that are of legal concern. He has asked the Building Official and the Fire Marshal to supply him with a list of their issues. Mayor Bingham was open to any comments or suggestions.
Mayor Bingham asked for a volunteer from the City Council to help sort through the Requests for Qualifications. Councilor Dalla Valle volunteered.
Mayor Bingham thanked the members of the Municipal Buildings Committee.
RESOLUTION: HOME MGMT GRANT #695
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Services for the Elderly Commission to adopt a Resolution and authorize Mayor Bingham to sign the 2007 SSBG Home Management Grant in the amount of $46,803.00 for Special Diets and Health Care Services.
RESOLUTION
I, Joseph L. Quartiero, City Clerk of the City of Torrington, a municipality organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut hereby certifies that the following is a full and true copy of a resolution adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors of said company, duly held on the 16th day of January, 2007.
“Resolved that Ryan J. Bingham, Mayor of the City of Torrington is hereby authorized to make, execute and approve on behalf of the municipality, any and all contracts and amendments and to execute and approve on behalf of this company, other instruments, a part of or incident to such contracts and amendments effective until otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors.”
Also, I do further certify that the above resolution has not been in anyway altered, amended or repealed, and is now in full force and effect.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Corporate Seal of said company this 17th day of January, 2007.
JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
TOTAL VALUATION SERVICES #710
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendations from the Purchasing Agent and the Tax Assessor to award the 2008 Reappraisal Bid to Total Valuation Services, LLC for $790,000.00, paid over a three-year period.
It was noted that $498,000.00 was already budgeted for this expense, and $150,000.00 will have to be budgeted over the next two years.
CIRMA #810
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $28,451.83 from Contingency to CIRMA for reimbursable deductibles in the following claims. Approved by the Board of Finance on 1-16-07 prior to the Council meeting.
Becker - $2,471.00
Blinkoff - $22,329.80
Anders - $3,651.03
Councilor Jerram requested an update on Pending Litigations during the next Council meeting.
BUDGET TRANSFERS: FIRE DEPT. WAGES #845
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize budget transfers for fiscal year ending June 30, 2007 in regard to Fire Department wages, per the Comptroller’s request dated January 10, 2007. Approved by the Board of Finance on 01/16/07 prior to the council meeting.
BUDGET TRANSFERS: MGMT RES. #855
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to authorize budget transfers for fiscal year ending June 30, 2007 in regard to Management Resolution wages, per the Comptroller’s request dated January 10, 2007. Approved by the Board of Finance on 1/16/07 prior to the Council meeting.
BUDGET TRANSFERS #865
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to approve the budget transfers for 10/01/06 - 12/31/06. Approved by the Board of Finance on 1/16/07 prior to the Council meeting.
SECURITY NETWORK FROM AT&T #870
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to authorize $9,704.00 from Contingency to purchase a military grade, wireless security network from AT&T for the Emergency Management Center, to be reimbursed by Homeland Security funds. Councilor McKenna seconded the motion.
AMEND MOTION #885
Councilor Dalla Valle amended his motion to approve “Not to exceed” $9,714.35 for this purchase. Councilor McKenna amended his second. Unanimous. Approved by the Board of Finance on 1/16/07 prior to the Council meeting.
SECTION B #910
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to consider business in Section B.
ELECTRICAL SERVICES BID #920
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, a discussion took place in regard to the electrical services bid.
Councilor Dalla Valle suggested awarding the bid to Kennedy Electric on the basis of having previous problems with the other vendor.
AMENDED MOTION #940
Councilor Waldron amended his motion to award the electrical bid to Kennedy Electrical Contractors. Councilor Dalla Valle amended his second. Unanimous.
APPOINTMENT: BD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS #974
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to reappoint Annette Caputi to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a three year term to expire December 6, 2009.
Mayor Bingham pointed out that Mrs. Caputi is looking to relinquish her seat at some point in the future and he was looking for someone to replace her.
APPOINTMENT: EDC #1010
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to appoint T.J. Zappulla to the Economic Development Commission for a five year term to expire February 9, 2012, to replace Michael McGuffie.
TORRINGFORD PAYMENTS #1020
On a motion by Councilor Slaiby, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the following invoices from the Torringford School Building Fund #314:
Vendor Invoice Description Amount
The Register Citizen7005148 Ribbon Cutting Ads $ 631.20
TV Lab & Appliance DVD’s $1,020.00
Micro Computer Sys.0384192-IN Digital Cameras $ 350.00
Bearcom 3608319RI 8 Walkie Talkies $1,642.74
BKM 421212 Art Room Tables $3,149.30
SMALL CITIES: L. WAGNER #1020
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $4,500.00 from Small Cities Fund #279 to L. Wagner & Asso. for professional services rendered in regard to the town’s Small Cities Block Grant Program Application and Environmental Review Record. Payment to be made upon receipt of funds from drawdown #1.
SMALL CITIES: CITY OF TORRINGTON #1035
On a motion by Councilor Slaiby, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $150.00 from Small Cities Fund #250 to the City of Torrington for performing two Title Searches.
SMALL CITIES: CITY OF TORRINGTON # 1045
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $75.00 From Small Cities Fund #250 to the City of Torrington for performing a Title Search.
RECOMMENDATION: ORD. COMM. #1050
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor McKenna, a discussion took place in regard to the recommendation from the Ordinance Committee.
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to schedule a public hearing for 7:00 p.m. on February 5, 2007 in regard to the Local Vendor Preference ordinance. Councilor Jerram seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Councilor Dalla Valle reviewed the proposed ordinance with the Council.
RECOMMENDATIONS: STREET LIGHT COMM. #1390
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, a discussion took place in regard to the recommendations from the Street Light Committee.
Councilor Jerram made a motion to remove the light on Pole #2499 between the intersection of Lyman Drive and Moore and Torringford West Street. The intersection will remain well lit with existing lamps. Councilor Waldron seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Councilor Jerram made a motion to remove the light on Pole #2807 on Deveaux Road. Councilor Waldron seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Councilor Dalla Valle stated that the new lights on Shirley Road are shining down instead of out and wasn’t certain how they could possibly light up intersections with them shining down.
Councilor Jerram reported that, according to Jerry Rollett, the Public Works Director, all new lights are designed to conform with the “Dark Sky Initiative”, however, he would bring Councilor Dalla Valle’s concern to Mr. Rollett.
RE-OPEN MEETING TO THE PUBLIC #1615
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to reopen the meeting to the public on Agenda Items only. There was no public participation.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #1625
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. There was none.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #1640
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Mayor Bingham and Members of the City Council.
Councilor Waldron gave a T.H.S. Basketball update.
Councilor Jerram said he requested presidents of certain sport leagues to prepare a budget in support of the stipend they receive from the city.
Councilor Dalla Valle thanked those involved for the opening of the skate park from dawn to dusk.
Mayor Bingham thought it was a positive step for the city to recognize skating, biking and rollerblading as a sport. This is an opportunity for those in the sport to prove to the city that they can maintain the park. The city will be monitoring the progress and making certain they are holding their end of the bargain. For safety, the park will be locked during inclement weather.
Councilor Waldron expressed his concern over the park being a distraction to high school students if it’s open during school days.
Mayor Bingham reported that he will be looking for applicants to fill several vacancies on certain boards and agencies of the city.
ADJOURNMENT #1975
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:27 p.m.
ATTEST: JOLINE LeBLANC
ASST. CITY CLERK
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