Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, City Councilors Elinor Carbone, Thomas Jerram, Marie Soliani, Paul F. Samele, Jr., Drake Waldron and Rick Dalla Valle, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco, City Planner Martin Connor, and City Clerk Joseph Quartiero. Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
MINUTES #84 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held March 15, 2010. Councilor Samele abstained.
MINUTES #90 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting held March 22, 2010.
MINUTES #100 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting held March 29, 2010. Councilors Soliani and Jerram abstained. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC #109 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one who wished to speak.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Real Estate/Lease Discussion #121 On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to enter Executive Session at 6:35 p.m. under Real Estate regarding a lease discussion.
OPEN SESSION #122 On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to enter Open Session at 6:45 p.m.
PERMISSION TO SELL POPPIES #129 On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to give the local Polish Army Veterans Assn. Of America Post 110 permission to sell poppies within City limits on Thursday, May 6 and Friday May 7, 2010.
INCENTIVE HOUSING ZONE #136 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone the Council voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution:
- Authorize submission of the zone adoption application under the Housing for Economic Growth Program referenced in Section 8-13(m-x) of CGS and
- Identify the City Planner, Mr. Martin Connor, AICP, as an individual authorized to sign the zone adoption application and administer the project. Such application is attached to, and made a part of, this record.
Mr. Connor explained this amounts to setting an overlay zone allowing for increased housing density or mixed use, as long as 20% is restricted to affordable or work-force housing, with residents whose income is 80% of the median or approx $66,000 for a family of four, with no more than 30% of their income, or $1700 per month being spent on housing costs.
Mr. Connor said in exchange, a developer would get 25% more housing than normal, which falls in place with the Plan of Conservation and Development to increase downtown density. He said we're looking for affordable housing for young people since the State of CT has the highest rank of exodus for 25 to 30 year olds in the country. One of the main reasons for this, he said, is housing costs.
Mr. Connor informed the Council that he would like to send this application to the State just to see if it even qualifies, and, should it go forward, each housing unit may be eligible for $2000 from the State and additional thousands if constructed within five years of adoption.
Councilor Jerram asked if 'Section 8' housing could be a part of this. Mr. Connor replied it could be, but it's not likely.
Councilor Carbone pointed out the documents indicate the applicant may propose a higher percentage of units, longer term and/or lower income thresholds. Mr. Connor said that developers won't do that as it isn't a way to make money.
Councilor Jerram said in our housing stock we have more than an ample supply of affordable housing, and the carrot of $2,000 per unit in today's State budget is a dream. He asked if property owners are interested. Mr. Connor said they studied the Kelly, Stone Container, Franklin Street and Rhodes properties, and the owners know about it, but the Planning & Zoning Commission isn't completely sold on this. He said once it is determined that this meets State criteria, we don't necessarily have to go forward with public hearings, the idea is to meet with the four property owners and let them know if they're eligible for this program and then bring developers forward on a preliminary basis so we can talk to them. He said he would like to see the work-force housing that this program allows.
Councilor Jerram asked if the City could establish its own overlay zone and not have State requirements to implement an Incentive Housing zone and if the city could set an overlay zone determining market rate housing. He pointed out Torrington Development Corp. was adamant about the Phase 5 Residential Component being strictly market rate housing. He asked if we are restricted or prohibited from doing this. Mr. Connor said zoning underneath the overlay zone can be changed, and that he is only asking to submit the application, to see what happens. All decisions on the overlay zone will go through the regular process like everything else does.
Councilor Carbone said she personally would like to see all those parcels developed, utilized, and re-used. She questioned the prospect of ending up with 300 units, not knowing how we could absorb that number of new families. Councilor Carbone added the Malone & McBroom market analysis completed for the Torrington Development Corp. indicated we have an inventory of available housing and there isn't an urgent need for more housing. She asked how do we control growth and how will it impact our schools and other infrastructures we're going to need in this city. Mr. Connor said this is an opportunity to at least look at it and see if it meets the basic requirements. Councilor Carbone commended Mr. Conner on a very comprehensive report and asked if a developer would be able to change the underlying zone. Mr. Connor said the city determines what the overlay zone is going to be, with regulations written for single family, duplexes or multi-family. Zone changes, he said, are at the discretion of the commission.
Councilor Dalla Valle said he agrees with Mr. Connor in that all we're doing is asking if we qualify. Any opportunity we throw away is foolish on our part, he said, and why take a chance on losing something we could possibly get. Councilor Dalla Valle said he doesn't see any reason why we shouldn’t go forward and at least apply to see if we're eligible, and whether or not we ever use it is another story. He said any way we can find to develop those four properties at a lesser cost to us is in our best interest.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT #694 On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of this municipality a contract with the Connecticut State Library for an Historic Documents Preservation Grant and designate the City Clerk, Joseph Quartiero, as applicant for the targeted grant FY2011 Historic Preservation Program.
SCHED. PUBLIC HEARING: SMALL CITIES GRANT APPL. #710 On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on Monday, April 19, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. to review the City's proposed 2010 Small Cities Grant Application in the amount of $300,000 for Housing Rehabilitation.
Mayor Bingham explained that this revolving loan fund is pretty much at zero, with a significant waiting list where applicants could wait a year or longer. He said this grant would be good way to clear the waiting list and provide much needed work for some local contractors. It won't delay an application for next year since the Small Cities Program requires 2/3 completion by the next time an application is made. He added some potential plans include renovation to the Senior Center, a sidewalk revolving loan or incentive plan.
ELECTRICAL SERVICES #781 On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent's recommendation to extend the current bid contract for FY 10/11 for Electrical Services to Connole's Electric, LLC with the same rates, terms and conditions. Councilor Dalla Valle questioned the contract dates; Mrs. Zucco said she'll obtain coverage confirmation in writing.
SHELVING UNIT #828 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent's recommendation to waive the bid process and purchase shelving unit and roller shelves from Dupont Systems, Inc. in the amount of $11,425.00.
WATER STREET SIDEWALK PROJECT #835 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone the Council voted unanimously to authorize payment of $218.90 to the Republican-American from Fund #282, Water St. Sidewalk Project, for the Notice of Bid Ad, Invoice #551640.
MRC INVOICES #842 On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to authorize payment of the following invoices: |
