RESOLUTION SMALL CITIES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM #132 On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution authorizing the Mayor to make an application to the State for $300,000 in order to undertake and carry out a Small Cities Community Development Program and to execute an Assistance Agreement:
WHEREAS, federal monies are available under the Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C § 5301, et. seq., as amended, also known as Public Law 93-383, and administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development as the Connecticut Small Cities Development Block Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 127c, and Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statues, the Commissioner of the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is authorized disburse such federal monies to local municipalities; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City of Torrington make an application to the State for $300,000 in order to undertake and carryout a Small Cities Community Development Program and to execute an Assistance Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for the state financial assistance imposed by Part VI of Chapter 130 of the CGS and that the filing of an application for State financial assistance by City Council in an amount not to exceed $300,000 is hereby approved and that Mayor Ryan J. Bingham is directed to execute
and file such application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto, to carryout approved activities and to act as the authorized representative of the City of Torrington.
FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION #143 On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the following Fair Housing Resolution to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase and obtain financing for adequate housing of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis.
WHEREAS, All American citizens are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice; and
WHEREAS, State and Federal Fair Housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, lawful source of income, sexual orientation, familial status, be given equal access to rental and homeownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and
WHEREAS, The City of Torrington is committed to upholding these laws, and realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City of Torrington hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy Statement to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase and obtain financing for adequate housing of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis: and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Torrington or his designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of an illegal discriminatory housing practice in the City of Torrington.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT REPORT #158 On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Report for the month of March 2010.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, AGENDA ITEMS ONLY #164 On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public on "agenda items" only. There was no one who wished to speak.
BUSINESS BY DEPT HEADS #173 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads. No business was presented.
BUSINESS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL #184 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council.
Councilor Dalla Valle reminded everyone of the 21st National Youth Service Day event on April 20, 2010 in Coe Park to honor the volunteerism of our City's youth, with almost 200 honorees this year.
Councilor Jerram said the first week of May is the Elks Lodge Youth Service Week with a celebration on Wednesday of that week.
ADD TO AGENDA #240 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to add an item to the agenda.
SMALL CITIES EMERGENCY BOILER #277 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to approve Emergency Boiler Replacement for Small Cities Project #143-286 in the amount of $4,222.00.
RECESS #286 Mayor Bingham called a recess at 6:38 p.m. while the Council waited for the Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m. ________________________________________________________________
PUBLIC HEARING #290 Mayor Bingham called the public hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the Fiscal Year 2010 Community Development Block Grant program and to solicit citizen input.
Legal Notice #301 Asst. City Clerk Carol Anderson read the Legal Notice.
Mr. Peter Testa of L. Wagner & Associates explained that Torrington will be applying for a housing rehabilitation grant to continue a longstanding town program, which has 26 applicants currently on a waiting list. He said the new program will generate program income - a repayment of funds loaned out to owners and repaid back to the City at the time of title transfer and the proceeds are reprogrammed and made available to future homeowners and applicants. He said this will satisfy the national objective of benefitting low to moderate income families and has been very successful in past. He added that 287 people have applied to this program since its inception 30 yrs ago.
Hearing Closed #487 Hearing and seeing no others who wished to speak, Mayor Bingham closed the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. ____________________________________________________________________
ADJOURNMENT #489 On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:05 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted, Carol L. Anderson, CCTC Asst. City Clerk |
