MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
August 16, 2010
A PUBLIC HEARING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held in the City Hall Council Chambers on Monday, August 16, 2010.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, City Councilors Drake Waldron, Elinor Carbone, Gerald Zordan and Paul Samele, Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco, City Clerk Joseph Quartiero, City Treasurer Arthur Mattiello, Data Processing Manager Rudy Pullano, Fire Chief John Field, Fleet Manager Emil Castro, Comptroller Alice Proulx, Superintendent of Streets Robert Lizotte, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Brett Simmons, Public Works Director Gerald Rollett, members of the Board of Trustees of the City Employees’ Retirement Fund David Kissko, David Prahm, Delisse Locher and Nancy Michna.
Mayor Bingham called the hearing to order at 6:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING – Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust
Mayor Bingham called the public hearing to order at 6:30 p.m. to consider enacting “Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust”, a proposed ordinance establishing a retiree benefit trust, an oversight board comprised of the Board of Finance and representatives from the City Council and Board of Education, and outlining duties of the OPEB Board.
City Clerk Joseph Quartiero read the legal notice.
There was no one who wished to speak.
Mayor Bingham closed the public hearing at 6:31 p.m.
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held in the City Hall Council Chambers on Monday, August 16, 2010.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, City Councilors Drake Waldron, Elinor Carbone, Gerald Zordan and Paul Samele, Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco, City Clerk Joseph Quartiero, City Treasurer Arthur Mattiello, Data Processing Manager Rudy Pullano, Fire Chief John Field, Fleet Manager Emil Castro, Comptroller Alice Proulx, Superintendent of Streets Robert Lizotte, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Brett Simmons and Public Works Director Gerald Rollett.
Mayor Bingham called the hearing to order at 6:30 p.m.
OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to enact “Other Post Employment Benefits Trust” as an ordinance establishing a retiree benefit trust, an oversight Board comprised of the Board of Finance and representatives from the City Council and Board of Education, and outlining duties of the OPEB Board.
Mayor Bingham explained the main goal is to meet requirements of GASB45 (Government Accounting Standards Board Statement 45), to identify liabilities and appropriately fund for them. In answer to Councilor Carbone’s question, Ms. Proulx said a separate board is being formed partly because the Board of Education is included and because the two trusts are separate from each other, as it’s a whole new liability to fund. Councilor Carbone asked for a copy of the Declaration of Trust.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held August 2, 2010. Councilors Samele and Waldron abstained.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Mr. George Julian addressed issues of concern for Torrington Towers tenants, saying most problems there commenced in 2006 when the status of the building was changed, by Chairman Slaiby with the consent of the Board, from ‘Elderly Disabled’ to ‘Mixed’. Lockout service is in the lease, he said, but the THA stopped providing it. Mr. Julian said that not providing lockout service to the elderly and disabled, which may keep them away from their medicine, is egregious in his opinion. The Torrington
Fire Dept. charges $230 because there were too many calls from young people high on drugs or alcohol, and, Mr. Julian said, the elderly just don’t have that kind of money. He said it is the THA’s responsibility which they neglected to do. He said the Towers’ status should have remained ‘Elderly Disabled’, should return to that status, and they need real 24 hour security guards. In summation, Mr. Julian said he doesn’t believe Mr. Sam Slaiby should be reappointed chairman of the Torrington Housing Authority. He thinks the Board should take a hard look at any of the other board members who went along with Mr. Slaiby’s decisions to do this kind of thing to the Towers.
BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to establish a Blue Ribbon Commission to provide viable restructuring recommendations to reduce City government expense, with eight members to be appointed by the Mayor, and having two-year unlimited terms expiring August 20, 2012.
Councilor Zordan asked if this will last only two years or continue on. Mayor Bingham replied that is up in the air, and the main focus is next year’s budget, knowing that it seems as though there will be a ‘funding cliff’ from the State on the Board of Education side. If the Commission is a success or if there are further goals they wish to achieve, there might be some continuation, Mayor Bingham said; he’d like the commission to have a finite term and reevaluate from there.
Mayor Bingham said he will send a memo to all Department Heads, Union Leaders, Employees, the General Public, and to Elected Officials and Commission Members outlining the procedure for submitting ideas, with a goal of providing a method for obtaining outside ideas both large and small.
APPTS: ARTS & CULTURE, BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to appoint the following:
--Diane Consolini to the Arts & Culture Commission, replacing Ron Alexander, with a three year term expiring December 31, 2011,
--James Bailey to the Brd of Assessment Appeals, replacing regular member Kathleen Waltos, with a 3 year term expiring December 6, 2011.
--Jessica Rinaldi to the Brd of Assessment Appeals, replacing regular member Heather Kosmulski, with a 3 year term expiring December 6, 2012.
--Richard Meda to the Brd of Assessment Appeals, replacing alternate member Annette Caputi.
ACTUARY SERVICES
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to
accept the recommendation of the committee formed from members of the Finance Department to award the Actuarial Services to EFI Actuaries, of Media, PA for the next three (3) fiscal years in the contracted amount of $16,704/$2,500/$17,750 which includes three (3) meetings per year for the valuation years and two (2) meetings in the non-valuation year, pending approval from the Board of Trustees of the City Employees’ Retirement Fund and having been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement Fund.
BUDGET TRANSFERS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the budget transfers for FY 09/10 stated in the City Comptroller’s Memo of 8/10/2010. In answer to Councilor Zordan’s question, Ms. Proulx explained these transfers are necessary because the line items within the Departments’ Budgets didn’t necessarily have enough funding in them to cover expenses. Since control is at the Department level, most of the transfers are from one line item to another within the specific Department, she said, while trying to avoid overdrafts at year end. She agreed with Councilor Zordan’s summation that these are accounting procedures to make everything balance.
DISPATCH CENTER - AUTHORIZATION TO WAIVE BID PROCESS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to
authorize the Torrington Combined Dispatch Project Team to waive the bid process and work with the specific vendors stated in Deputy Chief Brunoli’s letter of August 1, 2010.
Councilor Carbone asked if the Board of Public Safety approved this. Mayor Bingham explained it wasn’t up for a vote, but they had no objection. Deputy Chief Brunoli stated that the project has to be up and running by July 1, 2011, and while they will go out to bid when there’s time, it’s necessary to use vendors who are familiar with the City and its systems.
FIRE DEPT. GENERATOR - AUTHORIZATION TO WAIVE BID PROCESS
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Torrington Fire Department and Emergency Management to waive the bid process and award the purchase and installation of a new generator to Tower Generator Systems of Canton, CT in the amount of $119,900, with grant monies and vendor credit to be applied, leaving a total cost to the City of $29,100 to be paid from the Fire Department’s Capital Expenditure Fund.
Deputy Chief Brunoli explained they reviewed each item, the time frame, and what output was required with the vendors who currently service all generators in the City. He recommended the Council approve this choice tonight in order to make the Nov 14th deadline for installation.
PARKS DEPT. VEHICLES
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted 3/1, with Councilor Carbone opposed, to accept the recommendation of the Fleet Manager and the Purchasing Agent to award a bid for a 2011 Ford F250 with an optional plow set-up/plow rear window guard for the Parks Dept. to Ray Seraphin Ford, Inc. of Rockville, CT in the amount of $26,928 from the Vehicle Replacement Fund.
Councilor Carbone said that in light of the fact that the new Blue Ribbon Commission will be looking at all the various costs of providing services, it may be premature to make an investment of this type. She suggested it might be prudent to wait for some initial feedback from the BRC. Mayor Bingham said he would be hesitant to wait, knowing the condition of these vehicles, and that they have been approved by the Vehicle Advisory Committee. He said these have been budgeted for. Councilor Carbone said that since they are looking at immediate ways to cut costs, unless this is critical for this coming winter, she doesn’t see the reason to rush this. Mr. Simmons said both Parks Dept. vehicles being considered tonight were originally up on the replacement plan two years ago, and are worked hard all year.
Councilor Carbone asked if an investigation has been made into sharing equipment with the Board of Education. Mr. Simmons said he has to use these vehicles to maintain eleven ball fields, as well as sidewalks and bridges.
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted 3/1, with Councilor Carbone opposed, to accept the recommendation of the Fleet Manager and the Purchasing Agent to award a bid for a 2011 Ford F250 with an optional 4WD and lift gate for the Parks Dept. to Colonial Ford of Plymouth, MA in the amount of $25,104 from the Vehicle Replacement Fund.
POLICE CHIEF VEHICLE TABLED
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to table the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent and the Fleet Manager to purchase a 2010 Ford Explorer for the Chief of Police from MHQ Municipal Headquarters, West Hartford, CT in the amount of $26,579 from the Vehicle Replacement Fund, having been approved by the Board of Public Safety.
Councilor Zordan asked why a Ford Explorer is being purchased for the Chief as opposed to what he’s been using over the past few years. Mr. Castro said his understanding is that this is an unmarked undercover vehicle intended to replace one that is over 15 years old. The purchase was originally for two vehicles, but was reduced due to budget constraints.
FOUR POLICE INTERCEPTORS
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent and the Fleet Manager to purchase four (4) Police Interceptors for the Police Department from Bonnell Motors, Inc. of Winchester, MA in the amount of $29,630 per vehicle ($118,520.00 total) from the Vehicle Replacement Fund with detailing performed by Write Way Signs of Torrington for a total cost of $2,316.
UPGRADE/REPLACE OUTLOOK MAIL SERVERS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s and IT Manager’s recommendation to award a contract for the Upgrade/Replacement of Outlook Mail Svcs. to The Ergonomic Group, Inc. in the amount of $20,501.
Councilor Carbone asked about the Ergonomic Group. Mr. Pullano said they have been doing business for close to 12 years, and are gold-certified partners with Microsoft. He said it’s a complicated migration for Exchange 2010 and that doing this type of upgrade without a gold-certified partner could be disastrous and more costly in the long run. Mr. Pullano said his motto is to do it right the first time.
Councilor Carbone asked about requirements to save certain communications when dealing with electronic transmissions. Mr. Pullano said that is one of the fortes of this migration, which
finally gives us the archiving feature that is desperately needed.
SMALL CITIES INVOICES – Water Street Sidewalk Project
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to authorize payment of $1575.00 to L. Wagner & Assocs. from Fund #282, for Professional Services rendered January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 on the Water St. Sidewalk Project.
MUNICIPAL RENOVATIONS COMMITTEE INVOICES
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments from the Municipal Renovations Fund #0316:
$5039.10 to BKM Total Office for Invoice #565688, furniture
$355.00 to WB Mason for Invoice #SPE150-000, probate supplies
$442.55 to US Bank for Invoice #2619170, professional services
BROWNFIELD CONSULTING SERVICES
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Brownfield RFP Consulting Committee’s recommendation to award the consulting services contract for Torrington’s Community-wide Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund to HRP Associates, Inc., according to RFP #BRL-039-061610 dated June 16, 2010.
Mayor Bingham explained that a $1,000,000 revolving loan fund grant was won about a year ago. An RFQ was put out, with four responses. The selection committee was made up of the Mayor, his Assistant, the City Planner and the Director of Economic Development, looking at what conclusions the consultants came up with in their experience and how they worked with developers. The committee was interested in how effectively the loan program would be run and how it would attract developers.
The two factors in HRP’s favor were their joining up with L.Wagner & Assocs and their knowledge and expertise in working with developers. Mayor Bingham continued to say the next steps are to develop a marketing plan, document what sites are where, and ultimately start to process loans. He explained that within the next five years there is a requirement for the City to match the funds, but like most grants, it can come from in-kind contributions or staff time. He expects a lot will ultimately come from private development matches. At this point, he said, there’s nothing budgeted in the City, and we don’t expect there will be in the next few budget years. He said he’s hoping to meet the match eligibility in a number of creative ways.
Commissioner Zordan asked if there is a time limit, and the Mayor said we must spend the money within the next four or five years or they will seriously consider taking it back. He said if we had the committee in place to process the loans we could start within a month or so, but we have to attract the right developer, which may be harder than it looks. He cautioned that a million dollars can go quickly, given the nature of some of these sites.
ADD SECTION B TO AGENDA
On a motion by Councilor Zordan seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to add Section B to the Agenda.
SECTION B: ARMORY BLDG. VENTILATION IMPROVEMENT
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendations of Joe Alicata, Architect, and the Purchasing Agent to award the Armory Building Ventilation Improvements bid to Pellietier Mechanical Services, LLC in the amount of $34,039.15.
Commissioner Zordan asked if this was a local company, and the Mayor said they are from Thomaston.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public on "agenda items" only.
BUSINESS BY DEPT HEADS
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Mr. Simmons reported that the NW Idol contest went well.
Mr. Rollett clarified his departments’ procedure for cash receipts. He agreed they had been difficult to track, and has written a new policy that provides written accountability and sign-offs at every level.
Mr. Quartiero reported on land record image scanning to be accomplished with the $6000 grant he received. He hopes that within the next three years he will have 40 to 55 years of images scanned, allowing our City to join with other Cities through the CT Town Clerks Association to get images available on the internet.
BUSINESS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council.
Councilor Carbone reported on her participation, with the Mayor’s Committee on Youth, in the Cops and Kids Day -- a resounding success where our community was able to interact with our Police Officers in a positive environment. She also participated in Dress for Success sponsored by the Torrington Early Childhood Collaborative, who identified a need in our community and exceeded their previous efforts in trying to meet that need. Councilor Carbone congratulated Councilor Soliani on the safe return of her grandson from Afghanistan, and thanked him for his service.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to
adjourn at 7:28 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Asst. City Clerk
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