MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
December 20, 2010
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Monday, December 20, 2010.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan Bingham, Corporation Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, City Councilors Drake Waldron, Gerald Zordan, Marie Soliani, Elinor Carbone, and Gregg Cogswell, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor Stephen Nocera, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, Public Works Director Gerald Rollett, Fleet Manager Emil Castro, Superintendent of Streets Robert Lizotte, City Engineer Ed Fabbri, Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco, Members of the Parks and Recreation Commissioner Dan Lovallo, James Pescatore, and Patricia Fairchild and Members of the Coe Memorial Park Advisory Committee Susan Coe Holbrook, Frank Pennington, Margaret Keywan, and Mary Zbell. Councilor Samele was absent.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held December 6, 2010.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Ms. Daline Dudley requested the Council not renew the Still River Gardens contract, reevaluate the oversight role of the Parks and Recreation Commission over the Coe Memorial Park Advisory Committee, and consider a more suitable arrangement for all parties involved.
Ms. Susan Coe Holbrook stated the true vote of the Gardeners Review Committee’s December 15th meeting was 3/2 against renewal of the Still River Gardens contract, with six voting members as in the past. Still River Gardens has not lived up to expectations, she said, and after spending more than a million dollars to restore the park, it deserves the best to maintain that investment. With the development of Main St. and Downtown, Coe Memorial Park should be in stellar condition and be the centerpiece of that redevelopment.
RESCIND MOTION: CONSERVATION COMMISSION, N. FRITCH
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to rescind the motion made on December 6, 2010, to approve the appointment of Nicole Fritch to the Conservation Commission, to replace Nancy Schroeder-Perez, who has moved out of town. This was the wrong commission.
INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION: N. FRITCH
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Nicole Fritch to the Inland Wetlands Commission, to replace Nancy Schroeder-Perez, who has moved out of town.
PRESENTATION: CITY ROAD CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED BUDGET ESTIMATE
City Engineer Ed Fabbri gave a presentation on the upcoming pavement reconstruction needs of the City with approximately 60 miles of roads that are in need of some repaving in the next year or two.
He said they working with the utility companies to create efficient work schedules, as both the water and gas companies will also be upgrading.
FELICITY LANE PUMP STATION
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to authorize a payment of $4,097.15 to W.W. Manchester from Fund #490 Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement for Retainage Invoice dated 12/8/2010 for the Felicity Lane Pump Stn.
WPCA: FORD RANGER XLT
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s, Fleet Manager’s, and WPCA Administrator’s recommendation to award a bid contract to Ray Seraphin Ford, Inc. in the amount of $17,922.00 for a 2011 Ford Ranger XLT for the WPCA.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS: STILL RIVER GARDENS LLC
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council considered the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Supervisor and the Purchasing Agent to enter into contract negotiations with Still River Gardens for Horticultural Services for the Coe Memorial Park Gardens for FY 2011/2012.
Mayor Bingham explained that the Still River Gardens LLC contract requires a review process which includes the completion of an appraisal form by committee members who were part of the RFQ. He suggested the Council focus on the comments that were made in the review meeting and not get caught up in technicalities of who can or cannot vote. He said there are seven discussion points in the performance appraisal including knowledge of work, quantity of work, quality of work, ability to learn new duties, initiative, cooperation, and judgment, along with an area for comments and critiques. There are five ratings ranging from well-informed to inadequate, he said, and read some of the written comments, both positive and negative, to the Council.
Commissioner Lovallo spoke in favor of Still River Gardens LLC saying what looks good to one may not look good to another and that the Council should listen to the Parks Superintendent when making this decision. He pointed out that Parks Staff had to work for hours at a time in the past, but did not have to assist Still River Gardens LLC. once. He said they are pleasant, visible, and easy to work with and thinks the park looks great.
Susan Coe Holbrook spoke in opposition of the number of votes accepted on the Review Committee’s decision to enter into contract negotiations with Still River Gardens LLC. To change the rules in the middle of the game is not appropriate, she said. Ms. Holbrook admitted that Still River Gardens LLC worked very hard, but Coe Memorial Park deserves to be the jewel of Torrington. She does not believe in the last two years that it is that jewel.
Councilor Carbone recommended a new designer to work with Still River Gardens LLC be considered, and requested this motion be tabled to allow time for further investigation.
Laurie Stickney, owner-operator of Still River Gardens LLC, said it has been their pleasure to garden at the park, one of the most important features of downtown Torrington. She said they feel they have executed and followed through with the contract they have with Torrington, and a Victorian garden theme was never mentioned when they were hired. Mrs. Stickney said they did introduce and implement five elements of Victorian Era Gardens, keeping within their budget, but a lot of the existing plants were not Victorian era plants. She said she would not be interested in working off another firm’s design, as Councilor Carbone suggested, since they are themselves a design firm. Although they appreciate the commitment of the Coe Memorial Park Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Commission, Mrs. Stickney said there
were obvious communication problems between the two and they often felt caught in the crossfire. She feels they were unfairly scrutinized, more so than any other town contractors, and held to a very intense review and recording process. She said that, given the opportunity, they would like to continue to work on the Park and come up with a better plan to continue to revitalize the gardens. They are proud of the work they’ve done this past season, and have received many compliments. But just like art, gardens are subjective, and people have different opinions.
Mayor Bingham said a document is being created to put the Coe Memorial Park Advisory Committee’s role, responsibilities, and communication lines in writing formally.
Councilor Zordan asked if the motion should wait until the committee has straightened itself out and everyone understands what’s going on, or if it is so time sensitive that it has to be acted on soon.
Mayor Bingham said it is incredibly time sensitive, if an RFQ process becomes necessary it would take longer for someone new to come in and get up to speed. He said we should give Still River Gardens LLC
the professionalism that they gave us, and make a decision tonight.
Councilor Cogswell asked for clarification that the contract would come back to Council for final approval. Mayor Bingham replied that yes, Council is the contracting authority. He also clarified that a vote in favor of entering contract negotiations with Still River Gardens, is a vote to continue with them.
Councilor Soliani added that she thinks Coe Park is so beautiful, we need to do as much as we can to bring it back to the Victorian look.
he Council voted 4/1, with Councilor Carbone opposed, to enter into contract negotiations with Still River Gardens for Horticultural Services for the Coe Memorial Park Gardens for FY 2011/2012.
LCD AGREEMENT: DISPATCH AND OTHER SERVICES
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to execute an “Agreement between Litchfield County Dispatch, Inc. and the City of Torrington” for dispatch and other related services.
Mayor Bingham summarized that LCD will be providing dispatch services for police and fire, working with Campion on how they tie in, with a seamless system ultimately.
Councilor Carbone asked if the dispatch section of our budget will be eliminated, and Mayor Bingham replied it will remain but as a flat fee.
Mayor Bingham commended those involved in this multi-year discussion, especially Deputy Chief Brunoli and the First Selectmen from surrounding towns. He noted that there will be growing pains, that transitioning our services isn’t going to be seamless, but our Police and Fire Departments and LCD are committed to making it work.
LCD LEASE AGREEMENT: DISPATCH AND OTHER SERVICES
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to enter into a “Lease Agreement” with Litchfield County Dispatch for a 20-year lease for the Emergency Communications Center.
Mayor Bingham explained that there is clearly a long term commitment here, fair contract with market consideration and maintenance cost abatements included.
PORTABLE TOILET RENTAL
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to exercise the option to renew clause for portable toilet rental for the 2011 season from A Royal Flush, Inc.
SMALL CITIES REHAB GRANT
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to authorize reimbursement to the City of Torrington in the amount of $75.00 from Fund #250, Small Cities Housing Rehab. Grant for a Title Search performed.
Councilor Zordan questioned this expenditure. Mayor Bingham explained we do our own title searches to save money, and they are performed when a Small Cities Loan is issued to make sure it’s well secured.
MUNICIPAL RENOVATIONS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments from Fund #316, Municipal Renovations:
VENDOR |
INV# |
AMOUNT |
DESCRIPTION |
Litchfield Drapery & Blinds |
113010 |
4,856.00 |
Replace solar screens |
W.B. Mason |
SSB282 & SPE150 |
709.00 |
furniture for probate |
Moody's Investor Service |
F1775444-000 |
7,700.00 |
Professional Services |
IBIC |
321 |
23,734.00 |
Financial Advisory Svcs |
US Bank |
2753880 |
3,000.00 |
Admin/Paying Agent fees |
US Bank |
2753895 |
3,000.00 |
Admin/Paying Agent fees |
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public on "agenda items" only.
Susan Holbrook suggested the Still River Gardens contract be made air-tight with no room for misunderstandings.
BUSINESS BY DEPT HEADS
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Deputy Chief Brunoli said the dispatch project was not about him, but rather about everyone working together.
Mr. Simmons said he looks forward to working with Still River Gardens again, as they were a pleasure to work with and a very professional company.
BUSINESS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council. The Council members each expressed their Christmas wishes, Councilor Soliani added she is looking forward to seeing new Victorian garden designs and hopes the Mayor will be able to fix the negative energy coming from two very viable commissions in the City.
Mayor Bingham said the support of City Council will be needed for the Coe Memorial Park Advisory Committee as there have been years of undefined issues, and it’s time for a fresh start.
Councilor Waldron pointed out that the garden design won’t be new, it will be modified so it’s more Victorian, and we can’t afford to totally redesign the park at this stage but maybe over a period of time we can get to that point.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to enter Executive Session under pending litigation at 7:51 pm.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to return to Open Session at 8:10 pm.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Waldron motioned to adjourn at 8:10 pm. It was seconded by Councilor Carbone, and unanimously approved.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Asst. City Clerk
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