MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2007
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, City Councilors James F. McKenna, Thomas C. Jerram (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), Rick E. Dalla Valle, Andrew J. Slaiby, and Marie P. Soliani, Corp. Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Fleet Supervisor Michael Michaud, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, Personnel Director Thomas Gritt, and the City Labor Counsel, Victor Muschell. Councilor Drake L. Waldron was absent.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PROCLAMATION #030
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to endorse the proclamation honoring the Girl Scout Council of Northwestern Connecticut, Inc. 95th Anniversary on March 12, 2007.
LOCAL 1579 CITY HALL CONTRACT #045
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to accept Local 1579 City Hall employees’ contract for three years commencing retroactively on July 1, 2005 and ending June 30, 2008.
The City’s Labor Counsel, Atty. Victor Muschell, explained that the tentative agreement is essentially the same as the agreement submitted for Public Works, in that it’s a three-year contract retroactive to July 1, 2005 and ending June 30, 2008. The wage increase includes a three and one-half percent (3½) starting July 1, 2005, three and one quarter percent (31/4) starting July 1, 2006, and three and one half percent (3½%) starting July 1, 2007. The cost for wages computed by the Comptroller is $36,154.00, $44,358.00, and $49.323.00 respectively for each year. The later years are estimates depending on how many employees there are.
Atty. Muschell said they reduced the pool of sick leave from 1½ days a month to 1 and 1/4 days per month. This amounts to 3 days less a year that will accrue toward their sick leave. Anyone hired after the date of this contract will not be paid for unused sick leave. This is estimated to save the city approximately $350,000.00 over the next few years.
Atty. Muschell stated that co-pays on health insurance were increased. This will not necessarily create a cost saving for the city but will cause a reduction in the amount of increases on medical insurance cost. The contract also increased the cost that employees pay toward medical insurance from $5.00 to $7.25/wk for an individual, $10.00 to $12.00/wk for a couple, and $13.00 to $15.50/wk for a family in the first year, retroactive to July 1, 2005. Beginning July 1, 2007, the dollar figures will move to 6% and ration up automatically as the cost of insurance increases.
The contract also calls for an additional vacation day after 21 years. This agreement will give those people reaching 21 years of employment an additional day for each year of service after 21 years, but the maximum stays at 25.
Atty. Muschell and Personnel Director, Thomas Gritt, highly recommend the acceptance of this contract by the City Council.
Mayor Bingham noted that the changes in sick leave could save the city considerable funds, starting with the upcoming budget when state mandates require cities to fund liabilities such as sick leave payout, etc. In anticipation of retroactive wages, the Comptroller already budgeted funds to cover these costs.
Councilor Dalla Valle asked why the percentage on the medical insurance didn’t start in the second year of the contract.
Atty. Muschell said it was a point of the negotiations, and the contract did in fact, go into arbitration.
MINUTES #480
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of February 5, 2007.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #490
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no public participation.
CSI BUILDING #495
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to waive the bid process and award the purchase of a Pre-Cast Pump Station to CSI Building at a cost of $27,989.00 per proposal #90771, and waive the bid process and award the purchase of a Duplex Pump System to Water and Waste Equipment at a cost of $12,385.00 per quote #06-011-044 Rev. D
WPC Administrator Raymond Drew indicated that this is the final phase to get this pump station to current city standards and to tie it into our current communication network, and the permanent fix for the long term odor issues that have existed along Country Club Road.
Mr. Drew noted that the pump station was a precast, concrete building, which will arrive already assembled. Site work will be performed by local contractors. Installation of the pumps, valves, air releases, etc. will be done by Public Works.
Mr. Drew explained that they could go out to bid but would probably end up with the same two bidders who provided quotes.
Both projects will be paid from fund 0311.5900.0116.
RESOLUTION: ST OF CT DEP #780
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution authorizing Mayor Ryan Bingham to enter into contracts with the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.
RESOLUTION:
Be it resolved that it is in the best interest of the City of Torrington to enter into contracts with the Department of Environmental Protection.
In furtherance of this resolution, Ryan J. Bingham, Mayor, is duly authorized to enter into and sign said contracts on behalf of the City of Torrington.
The Mayor is further authorized to provide such additional informational and execute such other documents as may be required by the state or federal government in connection with said contracts and to execute any amendments, recisions, and revisions thereto. The City Clerk is authorized to impress the seal of the City of Torrington on any such document, amendment, recision, or revision.
I, Joseph L. Quartiero, City Clerk of the City of Torrington, do hereby certify this to be a true copy of the resolution duly adopted by the Board of Councilmen of the City of Torrington, its legislative body, at a meeting held on February 20, 2007 and that it has not been rescinded, amended or altered in any way, and that it remains in full force and in effect.
Joseph L. Quartiero, City Clerk
NEW VEHICLE: ENGINEERING DEPT. #790
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council, with the exception of Councilor Slaiby who opposed, voted to accept the request from Fleet Manager Michael Michaud to purchase a new vehicle to replace one in Engineering that was totaled in an accident. Payment will be processed through vehicle replacement account not to exceed $19,000 and referred it to the Board of Finance.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS = SHOOKIE REC. #1020
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to move Item #1 and go into Executive Session at 7:00 p.m. under contract negotiations for Shookie Recreation.
OPEN SESSION #1030
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to reconvene to an open session.
VETERANS’ PLAQUE #1040
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to transfer $600.00 from Contingency to the Veterans Plaque Fund 231 and referred it to the Board of Finance.
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero stated he researched twenty-three hundred (2300) discharge papers (DD-214), and found 173 servicemen from Torrington who served in Viet Nam who were not on the board. These funds will update the board to honor those who should be listed.
Mr. Quartiero was certain that those who are serving in Iraq will want to be honored as other servicemen are, and perhaps funds could be sought from civic organizations for the purpose of purchasing new boards and nameplates..
Councilor Jerram suggested adding funds to the 2007-2008 budget under Boards and Agencies - Veterans’ Administration for future maintenance of these boards.
Mr. Quartiero indicated that a committee made up of veterans, should be established to determine whose names should be included on the board.
PORTABLE TOILETS BID #1250
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the bid for Portable Toilets for the 2007 season to the lowest bidder, A Royal Flush of Bridgeport, CT.
SMALL CITIES: SAFE HOMES #1260
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $395.00 from Small Cities fund #250 to Safe Homes, Inc. of Waterbury, CT., for Risk Assessment and Consulting Services performed.
SMALL CITIES: CITY OF TORRINGTON #1270
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $384.99 from Small Cities Fund #279 to the City of Torrington for Town Reimbursement for Bid Documents in regard to the Neighborhood Sidewalk & Pedestrian Improvements Project.
APPOINTMENT: NW CT VISITOR’S BUREAU #1275
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Marilyn Plaskiewicz to the Northwest Connecticut Visitors Bureau.
MUNICIPAL RENOVATIONS COMM. #1290
On a motion by Councilor Slaiby, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to accept Mayor Bingham’s recommendation to create a Municipal Renovations Committee consisting of the following: Isadore Tempkin, Edward Cook, Alan Zordan, Jack Dillon, Michael Clark, Timothy Sparks, William Hill, Joseph Barbieri, along with Councilors Marie Soliani and Thomas Jerram.
Mayor Bingham noted that fire and building code issues will be addressed, as well as maintenance issues, i.e. heat, lights, leaks, abatement of lead and asbestos, etc.
SMALL CITIES: NE MINORITY NEWS #1445
On a motion by Councilor McKenna, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $492.00 from Small Cities fund #279 to Northeast Minority News, Inc. of Hartford, CT for Invitation to Bid Ad in regard to Neighborhood Sidewalk and Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project.
APPOINTMENT: BD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS #1460
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to accept Mayor Bingham’s recommendation to appoint Justin Giampaolo to the Board of Assessment Appeals to replace Raymond Rubino who resigned.
BUILDING DEPT. REPORT #1500
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department’s report for January 2007.
TORRINGFORD SCHOOL INVOICES #1510
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the following payments from the Torringford School Building Fund #314: PLEASE SEE GRID AT END OF MEETING.
RECOMMENDATIONS: ORDINANCE COMM. #1540
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to discuss possible recommendations from the Ordinance Committee.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated that the Ordinance Committee met to discuss the proposed Responsible Contractor Ordinance. However, the person who requested said ordinance was not present, and there was no recommendation on this matter at this time.
Councilor Dalla Valle requested that the Mayor and Council endorse a trans fat free initiative, as opposed to establishing an ordinance for the City of Torrington, because this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Health Department.
He hoped the Mayor, the City Council, the citizens and all restaurants within the city, would voluntarily comply with a trans-fat free initiative. He noted that the state is looking to pass a bill on this matter.
Mayor Bingham suggested that the Council take this request under advisement and research it so they can be aware of all the implications. He also suggested doing a proper presentation on the matter. This item will be placed on the next City Council agenda.
RECOMMENDATIONS: SMALL CITIES #1935
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to discuss recommendations from the Small Cities Committee.
Councilor Soliani noted that they reviewed a request and a subordination and have no recommendation to the entire board at this time.
RE-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #1990
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to reopen the meeting to the public for “agenda items” only.
Chris Parker, 222 High Street, inquired about negotiations with Shookie Recreation.
Mayor Bingham said the Council will be working on a formal motion for next month’s meeting.
Mr. Parker also inquired when the Municipal Renovations Committee will meet.
Mayor Bingham said they will meet on February 26 at 6:30 in the Mayor’s Office.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #2060
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 #2075
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Bingham and members of the City Council.
Mayor Bingham informed the Council that they are 99% certain they have the approvals to begin construction on the Still River Greenway Bike Trail soon. The project will go out to bid. He commended everyone involved in the project.
Mayor Bingham asked Councilors Soliani, Dalla Valle and Jerram if they could be available again this year to participate on the budget subcommittee. He also will ask Board of Finance member Bruce Cornish to participate.
Mayor Bingham noted that CCM furnished the city with a list of issues that will hold public hearings in Hartford. He asked the Council to review the list and feel free to attend any public hearing they felt would benefit the city.
ADJOURNMENT #2235
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:55 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Vendor |
Invoice Date |
Invoice # |
Description |
Amount |
O & G |
1/31/07 |
Appl. #30 |
Prof. Svcs through 1/31/07 |
$76,048.00 |
Nystrom |
12/5/06 |
178161 |
US & World Maps |
$917.95 |
Micro Computer |
8/7/06 |
0379230-IN |
Bal. Due on Back Orders |
$250.00 |
Hewlett Packard |
8/17/06 |
40839364 |
Agreed-upon Restocking Charge for returns |
$246.30 |
Insalco Corp |
2/6/07 |
Appl. #3 |
Wedge Pillows - Nurse Rm |
$149.55 |
R & S Rentals, Sales |
1/26/07 |
Appl. #2 |
Soft sided Cab for tractor |
$2475.00 |
Bartholomew |
1/31/07 |
Appl. #5 |
Misc. Furniture |
$20,000.00 |
BCI |
1/30/07 |
per PO 07-5137 |
US Flag for Gym |
$220.15 |
| 
