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Minutes 07/20/2009
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
JULY 20, 2009
A   REGULAR  MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held in the Senior Center Main Room on Monday, July 20, 2009.
Present were Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, City Councilors Richard Dalla Valle, Michael Colangelo, Elinor Carbone, Thomas Jerram, Marie Soliani and Drake Waldron, and Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco, Fleet Manager Emil Castro, Superintendent of Streets Robert Lizotte, WPCA Administrator Ray Drew, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Director of Public Works Jerry Rollett, Torrington Development Corporation Executive Director William Baxter, Vincent McDermott of Milone & MacBroom, Municipal Development Project Chairman Atty. Peter Herbst, and Torrington Development Corporation President Atty. Victor Muschell.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES #28
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held July 13, 2009.
CHANGE ORDER OF AGENDA #30
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to address agenda item #3 before item #2. It was seconded by Councilor Colangelo and unanimously approved.
PRESENTATION: TAR WARS
Mayor Bingham called forward the Tar Wars Poster Contest Winners and presented them with a City of Torrington Certificate of Achievement.  Dr. Stephanie Fowler explained that Tar Wars is a tobacco-use prevention program. She said one student, Matthias Auer, was recognized at the National Tar Wars Convention in Washington, DC. Other students recognized were Amanda Fowler, Morgan Kolukisa, Ciara Pray, Jovan Momcilov, Ariana Lee-Wilson, Eric Mayerjak, Cecilia Petricone,~Zachary Aubin, Matheus Feitoza, Alain Fleetwood,Sarah Ha, Michaela Cisowski, Allison Garabedian, Michael O'Brien, and Julianna Provenzano.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #225
On a motion by Councilor Colangelo, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
CHANGE ORDER OF AGENDA #273
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to address the last agenda item next in order and to open it up for discussion and vote.
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN #302
Councilor Jerram asked how parking will be enhanced.  Mr. McDermott said the extension of City Hall Ave. will result in condensed, more efficient parking behind the Warner. In a subsequent phase, more parking will be obtained through the acquisition of property and consolidation. Mr. McDermott said currently there is sufficient parking for demand, and as conditions improve, there will be room for more.
Councilor Jerram asked how many additional parking spaces would be available after the initial phase is completed.  Mr. McDermott said there would only be a slight increase in this phase, and the bulk of the investment in phase 1 is the construction of City Hall Ave to improve traffic circulation.
Councilor Colangelo asked what the bottom line is.  Mr. McDermott said the Phase 1 Improvements including City Hall Ave., the parking lots, the streetscape improvements and the realignment of the intersection is in the vicinity of seven million something, with acquisition on top of that.
Councilor Dalla Valle asked how many additional parking spaces would be obtained by creating a one-way Main St, which he is not in favor of because of congestion and what it would do to businesses.  Mr. McDermott said there may be about 14 additional spaces in the new configuration.
Councilor Dalla Valle asked if the State has approved the change to make Main Street one way. Mr. McDermott said the State Traffic Commission acknowledged the plan saying it is consistent with state policy.
Councilor Dalla Valle asked what the City's share of the expense would be.  Mr. McDermott said the money for this project has not been allocated beyond preliminary engineering design. Mayor Bingham said they have applied for every possible grant.
Councilor Carbone asked if the next phase, engineering, can't take place unless the City Council approves this plan.  Mr. McDermott said that is a fair assumption, and that funds seem to be available at the State level to get through preliminary design and land-use permitting.
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN CONT'D #947
Atty. Muschell added to the philosophy explaining that this plan is only a concept.  The details such as a one-way street or the configuration of parking spaces are yet to be determined. In order to proceed further, do engineering work and come up with answers, the MDP needs to be approved so they can move on to the next part of this project.
Councilor Jerram asked if the extended City Hall Ave would be a two way street, and if there have been traffic counts made.  Mr. McDermott said a full traffic impact evaluation was done, and levels of service improved with this plan as a qualitative improvement, not the numbers of cars.  The keys to overall improvement are in City Hall Ave, good urban planning and a block method rather than dead ends to improve circulation in general. Having Main Street one way increases its efficiency.  All assumptions will be tested again to make sure current numbers of traffic volume are consistent with original numbers done in 2004.
Councilor Jerram questioned the effect on historical buildings.  Mr. McDermott said the State Historic Preservation Officer has signed off on the Flieg & Newbury and Wolcott House buildings.  The plan has design guidelines, with the hope of "façade-ectomies"
Atty. Herbst said the committee members included the City Planner, the City Engineer, the Director of the Historical Society, and the Economic Development Coordinator with a goal of developing a plan that was pedestrian-friendly, bring more people and business downtown and revitalize the downtown.  Atty. Herbst said, as Chairman of the MDP, he respectfully asks the Council to endorse their plan at this point.
Councilor Colangelo asked what the estimated time frame would be and when Council would be needed for further approvals.  Atty. Muschell said with Council approval tonight, surveyors may be on the street in a few weeks, and (design) completed four months thereafter.  He clarified that Council's approval would be sought for the potential need for money, eminent domain, the addition of a city street and the accepting of State grants.
Councilor Jerram   pointed out that there is limited first floor retail space downtown.
Atty. Muschell said we have to be less negative about why it won't work and more positive about why it could work.
ADD TO AGENDA #1781
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to add an item to the agenda.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE MDP #1791
Councilor Carbone made a motion to approve the following Resolution:

Whereas the Torrington Development Corp. has prepared the Downtown Municipal Development Plan, Phase 1(the MDP) in accordance with Chapter 132 of the CGS that proposes to revitalize the project area in phases through a combination of public and private investment;

Whereas the MDP has been reviewed by the Torrington Planning and Zoning Commission and has been found to be consistent with the City's Plan of Conservation and Development;

Whereas the MDP has been reviewed by the Litchfield Hills Council of Elected Officials and has been found to be consistent with the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development;

Whereas the MDP has been reviewed by various State of CT departments and agencies and has been found by the Office of Policy & Mgt. to be consistent with the State's Policies and Plans;

And Whereas the Torrington Development Corp. has adopted the MDP and has referred the MDP to the Torrington City Council for adoption;

Now therefore, be it resolved, that the Torrington City Council hereby adopts Downtown Municipal Development Plan Phase 1, dated July, 2009 and affirms the Determination of Findings contained in Chapter 15 therein.

Adopted this 20th day of July, 2009.

Councilor Colangelo seconded the motion, then rescinded his second saying Councilor Soliani did so much work on the project.
Councilor Soliani seconded the motion to approve the Resolution, and the motion was unanimously approved.  
DISCUSSION: PLOW TRUCK CHASSIS #1903
Councilor Soliani asked for a lifetime projection for the plow trucks' repair.  Fleet Manager Castro said he could possibly get them roadworthy and safe through two seasons via patching, overlay, and re-fabrication.  Councilor Soliani questioned the labor costs and Mr. Castro explained the interdepartmental invoicing system for the vehicle replacement plan.
Street Superintendent Lizotte reminded the Council that once the current repairs are made, there's no guarantee something major won't happen to the 20-year old trucks.
Councilor Jerram said a better budget picture is needed regarding State allocation of funds to support their share of what we do.  He said money being in the vehicle replacement account doesn't mean we have to spend it.  Mr. Lizotte asked if the Vehicle Replacement Account is being frozen.  Councilor Jerram said he didn't say that.

Councilor Soliani asked if one truck could be repaired.  Mr. Lizotte said his recommendation is that both trucks be repaired as they should have been replaced five years ago.

Mr. Castro said that certain repair items, such as cracks on the rails, must be x-rayed by the dealer.  Mr. Lizotte said there's no guarantee that the dealer will re-certify the trucks.

Councilor Colangelo asked what the impact on the City's plowing plan would be if no trucks were refinished, or if we get one new truck, or no new trucks.

Mr. Lizotte said the plowing routes are reviewed every year, keeping routes down to 4.5 hours.  If one truck goes down during a storm, it could add two hours to every other route.

Councilor Colangelo asked about contracting during storms. Mr. Lizotte said it had been done in the past and Mayor Bingham said it could be looked into, but he doesn't recommend that at this point.

Councilor Colangelo pointed out that our financial picture is no clearer now than when this was started.  Councilor Jerram said the only way to find money if necessary is to cut people's jobs, and if layoffs occur in the Street Dept., they may not need two trucks.

Councilor DallaValle said the (Vehicle Replacement) money has been approved, and a lot of money was spent on a Study of when to replace vehicles, and what would be safe.  He said a committee was formed to make those decisions, and that committee voted in favor of buying two vehicles last year. He said a dollar amount can't be put on public safety and the safety of the employees who will be using these trucks.  He added that we've switched from salt and sand to pure salt which will eat through the chassis again very quickly.

Councilor Carbone asked if these are the only four-wheel-drive trucks on the road.  Mr. Lizotte replied they are, and the routes that they clear are the worst terrains and hilliest areas.  Mr. Castro said with his five-man crew he could probably get the trucks ready in 45 days. Mr. Lizotte said the purchased vehicles would take 4 months, if ordered today, but wouldn't be seen until the middle of December.

Councilor Jerram said the plan doesn't include changes in employment levels.

Mayor Bingham said no employees would drive a truck that hadn't been deemed safe by the Equipment Maintenance Dept.

Councilor Dalla Valle said no vote is required to repair the vehicle, only to purchase one.

Mr. Lizotte said he doesn't have $70,000 in his budget to repair trucks. Mayor Bingham said it would take the form of a transfer.

MOTION: PLOW TRUCK CHASSIS #2548
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to waive the bid process and accept the State Bids for the purchase of two plow truck chassis and two dump bodies for fiscal year 2008-2009 out of Acct. #0309.5900.0105.  Councilor Waldron seconded the motion.  Councilor Colangelo said there are other options that could be considered, and the prudent decision is to wait and see what the money situation is.  The motion was denied 2/4, with Councilors Dalla Valle and Waldron voting in favor.

Mayor Bingham said this will be brought back for discussion if the State passes their budget anytime soon.  Councilor Jerram suggested investigating contractors or used vehicles.

SMALL CITIES MOTION TO TABLE #2644
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to table approval of a $75.00 payment from the Housing Rehab Grant Fund #0250 to The City of Torrington Corporation Counsel for a Title Search performed for 130 Highland Ave.
SMALL CITIES #2669
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments from Small Cities fund #288:

Mastrobattisto Inc
07-SC-33
$40,777.00
Willow Gardens
L. Wagner & Assocs.
07-SC-34
$8,550.00
Prof. Svcs 4/1/09 – 06/30/09
L. Wagner & Assocs.
07-SC-35
$3,102.50
Prof. Svcs. 01/01/09 – 03/31/09

MUNICIPAL RENOVATIONS #2671
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments from the Municipal Renovations Fund #0316.

CMF Communications
09-70
480.00
Remove feeds @ City Hall
Friar Associates, Inc.
270160025
12635.37
Contract administration
Horizon Engineering
2
234.23
Prof Serv - 3/28-5/1/09
Horizon Engineering
3
1255.69
Prof Serv - 5/2-5/29/09
Horizon Engineering
4
6000.02
Prof Serv - 5/30-6/26/09
Torrington Business Park
7/1/2009
9461.73
July rent
O&G Industries
Application #1
637203.61
Services thru 5/31/09
O&G Industries
Application #2
363887.20
Services thru 6/30/09

REGIONAL FOG RECEIVING FACILITY #2686
On a motion by Councilor Colangelo, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent and WPCA Administrator to award the Regional FOG Receiving Facility contract to the lowest bidder, CH Nickerson & Co., Inc. for the lump sum amount of $892,732.00 pending CT DEP approval.
STORM SEWER: BIRCHWOOD & TORCON #2700
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent's and City Engineer's recommendation to award a unit price contract to YB Paving, LLC, of Seymour, CT in the amount of $49,770.00 for the Storm Sewer Project at Birchwood Drive & Torcon Drive.
POLICE MOBILE REPORT WRITING SYSTEM #2748
Councilor Colangelo made a motion to approve expenditures in the amount of $11,852.00 for the upgrade to the Police Mobile Report Writing System from Accucom Consulting, Inc., per the Purchasing Agent's recommendation, having been approved by the Board of Public Safety on July 15, 2009, pending approval of the Data Processing Manager. Councilor Jerram seconded the motion.  Mayor Bingham said that Sgt. Recchini and Mr. Pullano worked closely with the Command Staff on this issue.  Councilor Colangelo reiterated his desire to see all Information Technology in the city combined into one department. The motion was unanimously approved.
BUILDING DEPT #2782
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department report for June 2009.
OPEN TO PUBLIC: AGENDA ITEMS ONLY #2790
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public on "agenda items" only.  There was no one who wished to speak.
Councilor Jerram spoke on behalf of Mr. Royals, saying his concerns included very few changes being made in the MDP based on public comment, he disagreed with the one-way Main Street and diagonal parking plan, he was concerned about the lack of a plan for tenants and funding levels, and he was concerned about the City Hall Ave. plan.
Mayor Bingham said there's no doubt that we all want downtown Torrington to succeed, that all concerns are valid and will be addressed throughout the process.
BUSINESS BY DEPT HEADS #2916
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.   
Deputy Fire Chief Brunoli said he is looking forward to working with the Council.
BUSINESS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL #2944
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of City Council.
Councilor Carbone congratulated Dep. Chief Brunoli on his recent promotion, and said it's important to note that the MDP is still very conceptual, opportunities to examine it more closely will present themselves.  She said the TDC was diligent in making the process transparent and inclusive, and that public input is valued.

Councilor Colangelo congratulated Dep. Chief Brunoli and said suggested reviving the Blight Ordinance.  As chairman of the Lighting Committee, he asked if there was any new lighting technology.  Mayor Bingham said as part of the Federal Stimulus Block Grant for Energy Efficiency and the plan is to switch as many street lights to LED as money will allow.  The goal is to take part of the savings and reinvest it in more LED lamps. Mr. Rollett said lighting technology has improved and is improving still.

Councilor Dalla Valle recounted Dep. Chief Brunoli's remark that his appointment was a good day for the City of Torrington, indicating his integrity and commitment.

Councilor Jerram congratulated Dep. Chief Brunoli and said we have to be creative in how plow service is provided; in these economic times we should be very judicious with the Vehicle Replacement Funds. He said to proceed with caution into the unknown with the MDP.

Councilor Soliani congratulated newly appointed Deputy Chief Brunoli and newly wed Asst. to the Mayor Stephen Nocera.  She thanked the Council for approving the MDP saying it will be a wonderful, exciting time.

Councilor Waldron congratulated Dep. Chief Brunoli on his promotion.

ADJOURNMENT #3424
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Colangelo, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.

ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC_
              CITY CLERK


Respectfully submitted,

Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Asst. City Clerk