MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL AND WPC AUTHORITY
APRIL 18, 2011
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held in the Auditorium on Monday, April 18, 2011.
Present were Mayor Ryan Bingham, City Councilors Gregg Cogswell, Elinor Carbone, Marie Soliani, and Drake Waldron, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Brett Simmons, Fleet Manager Emil Castro, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, Economic Development Director Rose Ponte, City Clerk Joseph Quartiero, Board of Education Director of Human Services William Joslyn, Mark McEachern and Tom Ethier of the Torrington Historic Preservation Trust, and State Senator Kevin Witkos. City Councilors Gerald Zordan and Paul Samele were absent.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on April 4, 2011.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Chris Wiley questioned expensive labor costs for government contractors, complained about city email taking a week to be repaired, objected to the replacement of the word “money” with the word “funds”, and said citizens should be able to spend their money the way they want to. He criticized the alternative school proposal and suggested the reason for student failure should first be determined. Mr. Wiley asked if the infrastructure of Torrington is ready for the future and expressed a hope that it is not headed in the direction of Maywood, CA, that closed its doors in June of 2010.
PRESENTATION: Legislative Update from Senator Witkos
Senator Witkos summarized the State’s fiscal situation and the Governor’s proposed budget solutions.
Councilor Soliani said she feels the City of Torrington would be best served if all our representatives were working together to help the Council help the people of Torrington. She said she doesn’t see that happening.
Councilor Cogswell asked about progress in reducing State mandates. Senator Witkos said it’s a long process and nothing has been passed into law yet.
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIONER: G. CARBONE
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Gerard Carbone as Parks and Recreation Commissioner, replacing Edmund (Duke) Wall, for a 5 year term expiring December 1, 2013.
Councilor Carbone abstained.
ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSIONER: S. BERGAD
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Sally N. Bergad to the Arts and Culture Commission, replacing Julia Sloan, for a 2 year term expiring December 31, 2012.
HISTORIC PROPERTY STUDY COMMITTEE
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani the Council considered authorizing the Mayor to appoint a historic property study committee to prepare a historic property study for City Hall and a proposed ordinance for a historic property commission.
Ms. Ponte said she is in the process of trying to designate Torrington as a certified local government. She said this designation, from the National Parks Service, is a partnership between local, Federal and State governments that promotes historic preservation at a grass-roots level. This will give Torrington the ability to apply for historic preservation enhancement grants, supplement certified local government grants, provide education and training opportunities, and allow Torrington to participate in regional historic preservation objectives. She said this is another step in preserving our historical assets.
Mr. Ethier described the process of becoming a certified local government. The study committee’s initial report on one local property, City Hall, is submitted to the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism and the local Planning and Zoning Commission, a public hearing is held, a commission is established, and a local ordinance is put in place to protect the exterior of the building.
The Council’s vote was unanimously in favor.
AGREEMENT: Torr. Brd. of Educ. & Torr. Public Sch. Admin Assn
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to accept the agreement which was tabled by City Council on April 4, 2011, between the Torrington Board of Education and the Torrington Public School Administrators Association effective from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013.
Mr. Joslyn pointed out some features such as no salary increase for the first year, insurance benefits and cost shares remaining the same, and a ground-breaking incentive for exceeding stated goals. He said it is a stipulated, arbitrated agreement.
Councilor Waldron abstained from the vote.
SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING: Neighborhood Assistance Act
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing for June 6, 2011 at 6:30 pm to review and discuss proposals for participation in the 2011 Neighborhood Assistance Act.
WINTHROP ST. BARN ROOF REPAIRS
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council considered the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent and the Parks & Recreation Superintendent to award the Winthrop Street Barn Roof Repairs project to Ultimate Construction of West Hartford, CT for a base price of $15,148 including gutters, as well as the following to be determined as needed:
$1.90/SF for Decking Replacement $9.50/LF for Rafter Replacement
$5.50/LF for Fascia Replacement $6.50/LF for Soffit Replacement
Councilor Carbone noted this was not the lowest bidder. Mr. Simmons said although the base bid was higher, the unit cost was lower. Councilor Carbone said the base price of $14,798 did not include gutters, and the gutter system was another $1350. She said this adds up to $16,148 not $15,148. She asked if the additional work will require Council approval. Mr. Simmons said no, it will be handled through the contract and a change order.
Councilor Carbone amended her motion to reflect the correct base price of $16,148. Councilor Waldron amended his second and the motion was unanimously approved.
PLOW TRUCK
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council considered the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent, Fleet Manager, and Superintendent of Streets to purchase a 2011/2012 International 7600 SFA Plow Truck from Marola Motors of Torrington, CT in the amount of $192,700.00, pending approval from Board of Finance.
Councilor Carbone questioned the rationale for not going with the lowest bid, a $16,000 difference. Mr. Castro said it was not the specified engine, had a urea system with costly maintenance, and required additional maintenance software. Mr. Castro said the biggest benefit is that we already have the software and parts to maintain the International vehicle. He also noted the good service received from Marola Motors.
Councilor Carbone said she would rather wait until June, after the State concludes its budget process.
Mr. Marola explained the risk of a price increase.
Mr. Castro said the price is less than those purchased off a State Contract, and noted this is replacing a 1998 plow truck.
PLOW TRUCK Tabled
Councilor Carbone made a motion to table this purchase, seconded by Councilor Soliani, and unanimously approved.
FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to readopt the following resolution:
Whereas, All American citizens are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their
choice; and
Whereas, Federal fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex,
handicap, familial status or national origin be given equal access to rental and homeownership opportunities,
and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and
Whereas, Connecticut fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin,
ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or
mental disability, or sexual orientation, be given equal access to all housing-related opportunities, including
rental and home ownership 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, obtain financing and enjoy all other housing-
related services of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis as provided by state and federal law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the chief executive officer of the City of Torrington or his/her 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 and for advising such person of the
right to file a complaint with the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities
(CHRO) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or to seek assistance from
the CT Fair housing Center, legal services, or other fair housing organizations to protect his or her
right to equal housing opportunities.
Adopted by the City of Torrington on April 18, 2011.
FAIR HOUSING POLICY STATEMENT
On a motion by Councilor Soliani, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to readopt the following
Fair Housing Policy Statement.
It is the policy of the City of Torrington to promote fair housing opportunities and to encourage racial and economic integration in all its programs and housing development activities.
Programs funded and administered by this City of Torrington must comply with the provisions of Section 46a-64c of the C.G.S., and with related state and federal laws and regulations that prohibit discriminatory housing practices.
The City of Torrington or any sub-recipient of the City of Torrington will carry out an affirmative marketing program to attract prospective buyers or tenants of all majority or minority groups, without consideration of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, creed, sexual orientation, marital status, lawful source of income, disability, age or because the individual has children in all programs and housing development activities funded or administered by the City of Torrington.
The municipality’s Office of the Mayor is responsible for the enforcement and implementation of this policy. The Fair Housing Coordinator may be reached at (860) 489-2228 or steven_nocera@torringtonct.org.
Complaints pertaining to discrimination in any program funded or administered by this City of Torrington may be filed with the Office of the Mayor. The municipality’s Grievance Procedure will be utilized in these cases.
Complaints also may be filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity, Special Enforcement Unit, 21 Grand Street, Hartford, CT 06106, Telephone (860) 541-3403.
A copy of this policy statement will be given annually to all City of Torrington employees and they are expected to fully comply with it. In addition, a copy will be posted throughout the City of Torrington.
FOG RECEIVING FACILITY
Herein acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously approve the following payments from Fund #490 Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement for Clean Water Fund Project CWF-611-C, Torrington Regional FOG Receiving Facility:
DATE |
VENDOR |
INV# |
AMOUNT |
DESCRIPTION |
3/30/2011 |
CH Nickerson |
|
$55,321.41 |
Release of Retainage |
3/23/2011 |
Robinson & Cole |
50023898 |
$15,094.72 |
Bond Counsel Services PLO |
CITY HALL GRIEVANCE #11-01
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to deny City Hall Grievance #11-01 based on a recommendation from the Personnel Committee. Councilor Carbone added that scheduling split shifts to cover vacations and extended leaves for illness is a long-established past practice.
TABLED: PUBLIC WORKS GRIEVANCE #11-01
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to table Public Works Grievance #11-01 based on a recommendation from the Personnel Committee.
MUNICIPAL RENOVATIONS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments from Fund #316, Municipal Renovations:
VENDOR |
INV# |
AMOUNT |
DESCRIPTION |
O & G |
#19-CTYHALL |
$212,245.10 |
Services through 2/28/2011 |
Giordano signs & Graphics |
3277a |
$535.00 |
Directory Signs |
SMALL CITIES FUND #250
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments from Fund #250, Small Cities:
VENDOR |
Req./Inv. # |
AMOUNT |
DESCRIPTION |
The Fair Housing Assn. of CT |
HRLR-188 |
$80.00 |
Registration Fee, Annual Dues |
SafeHomes, Inc. |
#5083 |
$327.50 |
Lead Clearance Testing |
BUILDING DEPT. REPORT
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Report for the month of March, 2011.
ADD SECTION B TO AGENDA
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to add Section B to the agenda.
CONCRETE DUGOUTS PROJECT
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent and the Parks & Recreation Superintendent to award the Design/Build Concrete Dugouts Project to United Concrete Products of Yalesville, CT for a base price of $23,968.00 with the following alternates to be determined as the project commences: Alt. 1: remove dugouts - $3,500.00 Alt. #4: install aluminum louvers - $140.00
Mr. Simmons explained the prefabricated structure is to replace existing dugouts that fell into disrepair at the Oak Avenue Sports Complex. He said his Capital subcommittee has amended his overall capital plan to accommodate this purchase out of the current budget and ensure that we have a safe structure.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public on "agenda items" only.
Mr. Wiley expressed his opposition to the Historic Property Study Committee, saying it’s nice to “have old stuff but we need to move on.” He advised the Council to be very careful.
BUSINESS BY DEPT HEADS
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads. No business was presented.
BUSINESS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council.
Councilor Cogswell thanked Duke Wall for his years of service on the Parks & Recreation Commission.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to add Section B to the agenda.
SMALL CITIES PROJECTS #143-266 AND #143-270
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to approve Project #143-266 for roofing, heating, and basement water-proofing in the amount of $17,400 and Project #143-270 in the amount of $6,800.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Carbone and unanimously approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted, Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Asst. City Clerk
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