MINUTES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CITY EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT FUND
FEBRUARY 2, 2009
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, February 2, 2009 in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, City Councilors Rick E. Dalla Valle, Michael Colangelo (arrived at 6:42 p.m.), Elinor Carbone Thomas C. Jerram, Marie P. Soliani, and Drake L. Waldron, Corp. Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor Stephen Nocera, City Clerk Joseph Quartiero, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Dan Lovallo, Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco, and Michael Clark, Chairman of the Municipal Renovations Committee.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m., immediately following a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the City Employees’ Retirement Fund.
MINUTES #95
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council, with the exception of Councilor Carbone, voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held January 20, 2009.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #104
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Mr. Jerry LeClerc, salesman and Vice President of Nationwide Moving & Storage in Bloomfield, reserved the right to speak during the discussion of the Municipal Renovations Committee’s relocation of City Hall furnishings, fixtures & equipment bid.
SECTION B #126
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to consider business in Section B.
MRC RELOCATION BID #130
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, a discussion was held to consider the Municipal Renovations Committee’s recommendation to hire Commercial Moving Services for the relocation of City Hall Furnishings, Fixtures & Equipment to 59 Field St. at a cost of $44,677.00.
Mr. Clark listed nine bid responses that they had received. On behalf of the Municipal Renovations Committee, he requested Council approval of the bid from Commercial Moving Services as the lowest qualified bidder.
On behalf of Nationwide Moving & Storage, Mr. LeClerc contested the decision of the committee because they had a responsible, qualified bid that is the lowest bid as well. He said their bid reflected a smaller, more maneuverable force that would get the move done while the building was open to the public. He said his company meets all the criteria and should not be thrown out as the lowest qualified vendor.
Councilor Colangelo arrived at 6:42 p.m.
Mr. Clark said when the bidders walked through, the overwhelming response from the movers was that it couldn’t be done in five days. Based on that, they decided to consider moving non-essential pieces ahead of schedule, allowing five clear days to focus on the real nuts and bolts. He said Nationwide’s bid had come in with 4 days schedule, not 5 days, with half of the personnel and 20% less time to do the project.
Councilor Dalla Valle asked if a list of employees was part of the bid package. Mr Clark replied that only the numbers of employees were required. Mr. LeClerc said Nationwide employs 60 regular personnel and 16 office personnel with no sub-contractors.
Mr. Clark added that the move was to start on a Thursday and go to Monday, Nationwide would provide 15 movers the first and second day. He said they would provide 11 movers the third day, and only 7 movers the fourth day. He felt Nationwide did not fully take the project into account.
Mrs. Gina Mariano-Bunch, president and owner of Daley Moving & Storage of Torrington expressed what a great honor it would be to service the community that she is part of. Daley’s bid was $443.00 away from the 6% City Bidder Preference. She said her bid included a scissor lift, which would allow filing cabinets to stay intact. Mrs. Mariano-Bunch pointed out that her list of employees was not mere numbers, but a list of names so that we know who is in our building on this move. For every five men, there will be at least 1 1/2 supervisors governing them with at least 15 years experience. She would have 23 men available every day of the move.
Mr. Clark said CMS was recommended over Nationwide because of the workforce. He said this did not apply to Daley because they did not meet the criteria of the bid, falling within the 6% City Bidder Preference.
Councilor Dalla Valle asked how much research was done concerning the number of employees the moving companies have on their books. Mr. Clark said he relied on what the moving companies told him.
Corporation Counsel Weaver clarified that we are bound by our own Ordinance, we will look to that local vendor if they are within 6% of the low bid. In this case, she said, they are not within 6% of the low bid, and we should enforce the Ordinance. We can reject any and all bids and are not bound to the lowest bidder.
Councilor Dalla Valle observed that we are in a recession, and we need to pride ourselves in giving business to local people. He said in the original bid that was changed the day before the actual bid was opened, Daley was within the 6% of the lowest bidder.
Councilor Jerram added that the Municipal Renovation Committee recommendation should stand.
Mayor Bingham clarified the matter by reading the language stated on the Invitation to Bid regarding the City’s right to accept or reject any or all bids as will best serve the public interest.
DENY MRC RECOMMENDATION #1604
The Council voted 2 to 4 to deny the Municipal Renovations Committee’s recommendation to hire Commercial Moving Services for the relocation of City Hall Furnishings, Fixtures & Equipment to 59 Field St. at a cost of $44,677.00. Councilors Jerram and Colangelo voted in favor.
ADD TO AGENDA #1616
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to add
an item to the agenda by 2/3 vote in regard to relocation bids.
BIDS REJECTION / REBID #1628
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to reject all bids presented and go out to rebid.
CHARLENE ANTONELLI #1707
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the council voted unanimously to appoint Alternate Member Charlene Antonelli as a Regular Member of the Board of Assessment Appeals for a three year term expiring December 6, 2010, replacing Charles A. Hyres who resigned.
T. DRISCOLL, J. DILLON, D. MATTIELLO #1716
On a motion by Councilor Colangelo, seconded by Councilor Waldron the council voted unanimously to re-appoint the following Regular Members of the Board of Ethics for a three year term expiring September 1, 2011.
Timothy Driscoll (D) John “Jack” Dillon (D) Donna Mattiello ( R)
J. TODOR, C. BERTH, #172
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the council voted unanimously to appoint the following Alternate Members of the Board of Ethics as Regular Members for a three year term expiring September 1, 2011.
John Todor ( R) replacing Juliana Bray
Candace Berth (U) will fill a Vacancy
KATHLEEN FERN RINES #1730
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the council voted unanimously to re-appoint Alternate Member Kathleen Fern Rines of the Board of Ethics for a three year term expiring September 1, 2011.
GASOLINE #1739
On a motion by Councilor Colangelo, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the council voted unanimously to accept Purchasing Agent’s Recommendation to award the bid for Gasoline to the low bidder Dime Oil Co. of Waterbury, CT contingent upon their price being no greater than 10% over the bid price of $1.6158 per gallon on Tuesday morning Feb. 3, 2009.
FUEL OIL #1750
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the council voted unanimously to accept Purchasing Agent’s Recommendation to award the bid for #2 Fuel Oil to the low bidder Dime Oil Co. of Waterbury, CT contingent upon their price being no greater than 10% over the bid price of $1.7149 per gallon on Tuesday morning Feb. 3, 2009.
DIESEL FUEL #1759
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the council voted unanimously to accept Purchasing Agent’s Recommendation to award the bid for Diesel Fuel to the low bidder Dime Oil Co. of Waterbury, CT contingent upon their price being no greater than 10% over the bid price of $1.8029 per gallon on Tuesday morning Feb. 3, 2009.
CLEANING SVC FOR ST. DEPT., REC HALL & ARMORY #1777
On a motion by Councilor Colangelo, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the council voted unanimously to accept Purchasing Agent’s Recommendation to extend the bid entitled “Cleaning Service for Street Dept., Recreation Hall & Armory” for an additional one year period to Preferred Building Maintenance, LLC of New Milford.
PORTABLE TOILET RENTAL #1787
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the council
voted unanimously to accept Purchasing Agent’s Recommendation to extend the
bid entitled “Portable Toilet Rental for the 2009 Season” for an additional one year period to A Royal Flush, Inc. of Bridgeport, CT.
FIREWORKS DISPLAY #1801
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the council voted unanimously to accept Purchasing Agent’s Recommendation to extend the bid entitled “July 4, 2009 Fireworks Display” for an additional one year period to American Thunder Firework, Inc. Of North Reading, MA for $14,000.00.
SMALL CITIES #1905
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $500.00 from Small Cities Fund # 0250 to National Community Development Assoc for Invoice #CDBG-LOWELL-110 and #CDBG-LOWELL-111 for Practitioners Course Training held in Lowell 10/27/2008 - 10/29/2008.
BMX LEASE #1952
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the council voted unanimously to vote to renew the lease with Litchfield County BMX Group, Inc. for a term of five years for the same rate of $1.00 per year.
HISTORIC DOCUMENT PRESERVATION GRANT # 2004
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the council voted unanimously to designate City Clerk Joseph Quartiero as applicant for targeted grant FY2010 Historic Document Preservation Program.
F. DUCOTEY, D. LOVALLO, E. WALL #2014
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the council voted unanimously to vote to approve the following re-appointments:
Francis DuCotey, Parks & Recreation Commissioner, five year term to expire 12/1/2011
Daniel Lovallo, Parks & Recreation Commissioner, five year term to expire 12/1/2012
Edmund (Duke) Wall, Parks & Recreation Commissioner, five year term to expire 12/1/2013
OPEN TO PUBLIC, AGENDA ITEMS #
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public on “agenda items” only.
Alan Zordan of the Municipal Renovations Committee told the council he is disappointed that their recommendation was overthrown.
Mr. LeClerc said the Council, by going out to bid the relocation again, is opening itself up to a quagmire of low prices, the three contenders should be thought of first.
Mrs. Mariano-Bunch suggested the council look at the relocation bid numbers so town employees aren’t disgusted with the service they get, and recommended her experienced movers.
Mr. Lovallo expressed his gratitude for the re-appointments.
BUS: DEPARTMENT HEADS #2393
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
No business was presented.
BUS: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL #2409
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council.
Councilor Carbone asked about the new gardener for Coe Memorial park. Mayor Bingham said the Coe Memorial Park Gardens Selection Committee will be recommending Still River Gardens LLC as the new horticulturalist for the park
Councilor Colangelo suggested High School Football games be considered for
Fuessenich Park.
Councilor Jerram explained his vote in favor of the MRC’s relocation bid recommendation, feeling the need to keep the integrity of the bid process.
Councilor Soliani agreed with Councilor Jerram & said their votes aren’t personal, they’re business.
Councilor Waldron asked the Mayor to keep the council posted on the move.
Mayor Bingham said the MRC works very hard and are very passionate about getting the best deal for the taxpayers and the best project with no cuts in quality.
He said in regard to Ms. Coe Holbrook, a Probate Judge is being consulted. A petition may be made to Probate Court to have a hearing on the matter.
He also said the Revaluation process is continuing, per state law. He stated that our taxpayers have every right to address their concerns by scheduling a meeting. He suggested www.totalevaluation.com for assessments online. He said although property values may increase, a tax increase doesn’t necessarily follow. He said we are doing our best to keep spending low.
ADJOURNMENT #2877
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
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