MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
FEBRUARY 4, 2008
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, February 4, 2008 in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, City Councilors Rick E. Dalla Valle, Michael Colangelo, Elinor Carbone, Thomas C. Jerram, Marie P. Soliani, and Drake L. Waldron, Corp. Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Director of Elderly Services Nancy Hodkoski, Tax Assessor Donna Patchen, and Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES #025
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council, with the exception of Councilor Colangelo who abstained, voted to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held January 22, 2008.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #040
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Donna Labbe, member of the Torrington Early Childhood Collaborative, informed the board that they received a co-funded State Department of Education/William Caspar Graustein Memorial Foundation Capacity Building Grant for $11,500.00 for the period covering January 1, 2008, to June 30, 2008, which will be used to create a community-wide plan to address the needs of Torrington’s children from birth through eight. They anticipate an additional $31,000.00 grant for the period covering July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.
Karla Woodworth stated that they also received a Graustein Memorial Fund “Regional” grant with Winsted for $25,000.00 in 2008 and $25,000.00 in 2009 which will fund four semester classes at Northwestern CT Community College. This program will offer ten Torrington residents the opportunity to attend each semester free of charge for three college credits in Sociology and Political Science.
Mrs. Labbe also noted that the Collaborative have requested $5,000.00 from the City of Torrington for operational costs for the fiscal year 08-09.
Mayor Bingham recognized and welcomed Charles Rogers-Shaw, a Boy Scout from Troop 256 in Kensington, CT. who was present to earn his Merit Badge in Citizenship in the Community and Communications.
UPDATE: REVALUATION #160
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to hear an update on the Revaluation by Tax Assessor, Donna Patchen.
Mrs. Patchen indicated that they are still in the early stages of data collection, and everything is going smoothly. She reported having a great response from the public in terms of allowing her staff on their property to take measurements. In fact, she has received phone calls from people concerned that they may have missed the data collectors’ visit, which is something that has rarely occurred in the past. It’s possible that people are more educated on the process of revaluation and how important it is to give the data collectors access to their property. They are running at about 24% on the data collection, which is good considering the winter weather.
Councilor Dalla Valle asked how often they are inputting the data.
Mrs. Patchen said she met with Mr. Rollett and the Data Processing Manager to discuss the space that Total Valuation Services is currently using and to make certain they will have the correct wiring for their equipment. Five or six people will be in the office the majority of the time. Four people will work on residential, one on Industrial and one on commercial. Data entry people will be brought in within the next week or so, and once they start entering the data, she and her staff will randomly pick a number of cards on each street to review.
She noted that the field assessment cards will be customized closely to what Torrington is used to. Total Valuation has been very good in allowing her to design something that’s closely related to what we already have, and they will work with her in terms of trying to keep the basic terminology that we’re used to.
Councilor Dalla Valle inquired whether Total Valuation’s input of the data will relieve her staff of the extra burden of a revaluation.
Mrs. Patchen indicated that it will create more work because they are converting from Vision to a new CAMA system. They have contracted with Total Valuation Services, which is a whole new software package. They are a seamless integration with the quality data administrative package that they just purchased. Per Connecticut Statutes, they are required to simultaneously keep up the Vision System until she signs off on the 2008 Grand List, which will be in February of 2009.
Councilor Jerram inquired when she anticipated sending notices of the new values to residents of Torrington.
Mrs. Patchen indicated October or November of 2008.
DOG PARK FENCE BID #360
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to waive the bid process and purchase the labor and material to install the Dog Park fencing from the State of Connecticut DAS bid contract #06PSX0279, Proposal “A,” excluding the option for the bottom rail for a total of $19,269.35.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR BID #365
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to extend the Electrical Services Bid to Kennedy Electrical Contractors for an additional one year period at the same rate and conditions.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SVCS FOR THE ELDERLY COMM. #370
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the following recommendations from the Services for the Elderly Commission:
A. To adopt a Resolution authorizing Mayor Bingham to enter into and amend contractual instruments on behalf of the City of Torrington with the Department of Social Service for the Home Management Grant, Contract #07DSS002AD for the period covering 10/01/07 to 09/30/08 in the amount of $48,207.00.
B. To authorize Mayor Bingham to sign the Home Management Grant Acceptances and Approvals and the Certification regarding Support of Nondiscrimination.
C. To adopt a Resolution authorizing Mayor Bingham to sign and enter into Agreement #11.27-05(7) with ConnDOT for the purchase of a new van under the Section 5310 Program.
D. To authorize Mayor Bingham to sign the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Connecticut General Statutes for the ConnDOT Agreement #11.27-05(7).
BUS: SECTION B #385
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to consider business in Section B.
APPOINTMENT: DORIS RICHARDS #395
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Services for the Elderly Commission to appoint Doris Richards as an alternate to fill a vacancy on the Services for the Elderly Commission for a term to expire in July 2009.
TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM CONTINGENCY #405
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the City Clerk’s recommendation to authorize a transfer of $25,000.00 from Contingency to the Election Budget to cover the Primaries held February 5, 2008, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
SMALL CITIES: L WAGNER & ASSOC. #420
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $11,250.00 from Small Cities Fund #279 to L. Wagner & Assoc. for professional services rendered from 7/1/2007 to 12/31/2007 in regard to the Neighborhood Sidewalks & Pedestrian Safety Project. (Payment to be processed upon receipt of funds from Drawdown #7.)
SMALL CITIES: L WAGNER & ASSOC. #430
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $16,710.00 from Small Cities Fund #250 to L. Wagner & Assoc. for professional services rendered from 7/1/2007 to 12/31/2007 in regard to the Town’s Housing Rehabilitation Program.
BUILDING DEPT. REPORT #435
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Report for January 2008.
RECOMMENDATIONS: SMALL CITIES #440
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to hear recommendations from the Small Cities Committee.
PROJECT 143-263 #450
Councilor Waldron made a motion to approve the Small Cities’ application for Project #143-263 (in the amount of $8,800.00). Councilor Soliani seconded the motion. Unanimous.
REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC #470
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to reopen the meeting to the public for “Agenda” items only. No one spoke.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #475
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Dept. Heads.
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero, informed the board that InfoQuick Solution will be here Thursday to review the sports licenses, dog licenses and vital statistics to see if their reports match up to what we need for the state. The land records’ module is complete and we will have the opportunity to observe how it will work. They will be supplying the software and hardware that the Council voted on recently. He anticipates being up and running by March 1.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #550
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Bingham and members of the City Council.
Councilor Dalla Valle requested adding an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to sending a Resolution to the Legislative Delegation.
ADD TO AGENDA #585
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Colangelo,
the Council voted unanimously to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote.
RESOLUTION #600
Councilor Dalla Valle explained that the Resolution was asking for an amendment to State Statute #12-129 regarding refunds of excess payments by taxpayers to the Tax Collector’s Office throughout the state. The Resolution would add a line in the State Statute saying that it would be required by all Tax Collectors in the State of Connecticut to notify taxpayers that they’ve made an overpayment in order for them to get a refund.
Mayor Bingham noted that this amendment is a carry-on of various conversations the Council has had in recent months.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated that this process is already taking place in Torrington, based on the city’s agreement with the Tax Collector. However, this amendment would provide a statewide statute change which will benefit every taxpayer in the State of Connecticut. Councilor Dalla Valle said Senator Roraback suggested that a Resolution would be the best method for the Council to bring it forward to the State Legislators.
Councilor Jerram pointed out that on occasion overpayments are made by a bank as opposed to an individual and the taxpayer may not be entitled to that overpayment.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated that a refund would go back to whoever was entitled to it, whether it’s an individual or a bank.
Councilor Jerram noted that some times the Tax Collector holds back a payment to flush out who is entitled to receive the overpayment.
Councilor Dalla Valle pointed out that the language in the State Statute says the person has to request a refund and most people don’t know they have one coming. They would still follow the same channels, so it’s not an immediate check in the mail. People would merely be notified and then it’s up to them to request a refund.
Councilor Jerram agreed as long as it was merely a notification that wouldn’t place an undue burden on the Tax Collectors throughout the state.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated that the Resolution clearly states that it’s a notification.
Councilor Soliani said the responsibility would fall on the Tax Collector to determine who overpaid.
Councilor Dalla Valle said that was correct. His motion will authorize Mayor Bingham to sign the Resolution and bring it to the State Legislation for some dialogue to see if it can be considered statewide.
MOTION #780
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to authorize Mayor Bingham to sign a Resolution to make an amendment to State Statute Sect. #12-129 regarding overpayments by taxpayers. Councilor Waldron seconded the motion.
Councilor Jerram pointed out that Torrington’s Tax Collector has been directed to send notification to anyone identified as making an overpayment.
Mayor Bingham said the city has asked the Tax Collector to notify people who are due a refund ninety days prior to when the Collector would typically be allowed to keep the money pursuant to State Statute. The refund can be issued anywhere between two years and nine months from the date the overpayment was made. This means, three months prior to a statutory deadline, the Tax Collector has agreed to send out notifications annually.
Councilor Dalla Valle indicated that the procedure and time line is already outlined in the current State Statute. The Resolution will merely ask them to add an amendment that allows the taxpayer to be notified. It doesn’t change anything else in the statute.
Councilor Carbone said it seemed to refer to clerical errors on the part of the Assessor or the Board of Assessment Appeals as opposed to an error on the part of the taxpayer. She just wanted to make sure that whatever they were requesting our Legislative Delegation to do clarifies the difference between an error made by the taxpayer and someone else. She also noted that the time line should be respected.
Councilor Dalla Valle pointed out that the statute says “Anybody who overpays more than the rate book,” then it says “Or, by whom a clerical error was made.” So, that covers everyone.
Mayor Bingham reiterated that the Resolution was simply to notify taxpayers of an overpayment.
VOTE ON RESOLUTION #910
The Council voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Bingham to sign a Resolution to make an amendment to State Statute Section #12-129 regarding overpayments by taxpayers.
ADJOURNMENT #990
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:00 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
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