MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL AND WPC AUTHORITY
JUNE 20, 2011
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Monday, June 20, 2011.
Present were Mayor Ryan Bingham, Corporation Council Ernestine Yuille Weaver, City Councilors Gregg Cogswell, Paul Samele, Elinor Carbone, and Gerald Zordan. City Councilor Drake Waldron arrived at 6:35 pm. Also present were City Engineer Ed Fabbri, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Emergency Management Director Rick Dalla Valle, ZEO/Inland Wetlands Officer Kimberly Barbieri, Comptroller Alice Proulx, City Clerk Joseph Quartiero and Public Works Director Gerald Rollett.
City Councilor Marie Soliani was absent.
PUBLIC HEARING - To consider adopting property tax exemptions for buildings used exclusively in farming, granting those farmers who are able to prove gross sales of, or farming related expenses of, $15,000 or more, an exemption of not more than $50,000 of the assessed value for buildings used exclusively for farming.
Mayor Bingham called the Public Hearing to order at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Quartiero read the legal notice. There was no one present who wished to speak. Mayor Bingham closed the Public Hearing at 6:32 p.m. |
Councilor Zordan stated he will be abstaining from this vote due to a conflict of interest.
PUBLIC HEARING - To consider revising and amending Chapter 75, Alcoholic Liquor of the Torrington Code of Ordinances, allowing for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on public sidewalks that are permitted restaurant establishments in conformity with the Torrington Zoning Regulations.
Mayor Bingham called the Public Hearing to order at 6:33 p.m. Mr. Quartiero read the legal notice. There was no one present who wished to speak. Mayor Bingham closed the Public Hearing at 6:34 p.m. |
Councilor Samele asked how this will affect establishments’ liquor permits, and if their permits will need to be modified by Liquor Control. Atty. Weaver said she isn’t certain what purview the Liquor Control would have on them, but the establishments would have to be permitted by, and in compliance with, Liquor Control in order to be in compliance with this ordinance change.
ORDINANCE CHANGE: ALCOHOL ON PUBLIC SIDEWALKS
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to revise and amend Chapter 75-3 of the Torrington Code of Ordinances, Alcoholic Liquor, Exceptions, as follows:
(Additions to the ordinance are underlined)
§ 75-3. Exceptions.
A. Persons may possess beer and wine with the intent to sell, may sell beer and wine and may consume beer and wine purchased therein during any professional baseball game at Fuessenich Park only, without violating this Article; provided, however, that the person or persons selling said beer and wine has entered into a lease with the City of Torrington for use of Fuessenich Park for its professional baseball operation.
B. Restaurant establishments operating seasonal outdoor dining areas in compliance with Section 5.18 of the Torrington Zoning Regulations may sell alcoholic liquor on public sidewalks and persons who purchase alcoholic liquor from restaurant establishments operating outdoor dining areas may consume alcoholic liquor on the public sidewalk to the extent that those persons remain within the boundaries of the outdoor dining area as provided by the establishment’s zoning permit. Off-site consumption is strictly prohibited.
TABLED: ORDINANCE CHANGE -- FARMING PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to consider adopting property tax exemptions for buildings used exclusively in farming, granting those farmers who are able to prove gross sales of, or farming related expenses of, $15,000 or more, an exemption of not more than $50,000 of the assessed value for buildings used exclusively for farming.
Mayor Bingham noted that there is a question on this and asked if the motion could be tabled. Councilor Cogswell made a motion to table, seconded by Councilor Carbone, and unanimously approved. Councilor Zordan abstained.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Bingham called the regular meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. He noted the Tar Wars Poster Contest winners had already left. There were 21 winners from all elementary schools, and one statewide winner who will compete in Washington, DC.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting held jointly with the Board of Finance regarding Budgets held on May 10, 2011.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Samele, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Public Hearing regarding Senior Center Renovations, the Public Hearing regarding Sewer User Fee, and the Regular Meeting held on May 16, 2011.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting regarding Union Agreements, and the Special Meeting held jointly with the Board of Finance regarding Budgets held on May 24, 2011.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one who wished to speak.
RESOLUTION: SMALL CITIES, AMEND USE OF FUNDS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution authorizing the expenditure of Program Income Funds received under the CT Small Cities CDBG Program and amending the originally adopted plan of use:
Whereas, the City of Torrington has received funds under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development, pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended; and
Whereas, the City of Torrington has expended those funds pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the Code of Federal Regulations, and the Assistance Agreement, and,
Whereas, those funds received by the (Name of the Municipality) have generated Program Income.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
That it is cognizant of the conditions for the use of Program Income as prescribed by Title 24, Part 570, Section 489(e) of the Code of Federal Regulations. That it realizes Program Income is governed by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. That it may use Program Income only for the following activities: The activity that generated the program income if the activity continues to meet the requirements of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Any additional activity that meets the requirements of Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act if the Town receives DECD’s written approval to fund it with Program Income. That it may use Program Income to fund Administrative and Program soft costs within the following limits: Administrative Costs 16% Total Administrative and Program Soft Costs 25% (Housing Rehabilitation Activities Only) Total Administrative and Program Soft Costs 21% (All Activities Except for Housing Rehabilitation) That it is hereby amending the Program Income Plan(s) that was adopted for the original activity that generated the Program Income to permit the funding of additional activities from that Program Income. |
RESOLUTION: FARMINGTON RIVER WATERSHED RAIN BARREL PROJECT
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the CT DEP to conduct a water conservation project entitled “Farmington River Watershed Rain Barrel Program”:
Be it resolved that it is in the best interests of the City of Torrington to enter into contracts with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. In furtherance of this resolution, Ryan J. Bingham, holds the office of Mayor since December 17, 2009 and will hold the office till December 3, 2013 is duly authorized to enter into and sign said contracts on behalf of the City of Torrington.~ Ryan J. Bingham is further authorized to provide such additional information and execute such other documents as may be required by the state or federal government in connection with
said contracts and to execute any amendments, rescissions, and revisions thereto. The City Clerk of Torrington is authorized to impress the seal of the City of Torrington on any such document, amendment, rescission, or revision. |
Mrs. Barbieri explained that because Torrington has been a leader in low impact design, the CT DEP offered this $1400 grant application where rain water would be collected and used onsite, allowing it to percolate back into the soil. She said it is a smart, easy thing to do, and rain water is better for your plants than hose water. A matching federal grant will make this program free for Torrington. Mayor Bingham thanked Mrs. Barbieri and the Conservation Commission for doing this.
RESOLUTION: TORR. POLICE & YOUTH ON A MISSION GRANT
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution:
Be it resolved that Ryan J. Bingham, Mayor, is authorized to execute an agreement with the Office of Policy and Management, Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division on behalf of the City of Torrington for Grant #10JJ438093 in the amount of $10,000 for “Torrington Police and Youth on a Mission”, complying with all attached Grant Conditions.
MAIDEN LANE SIDEWALK IMPRV.
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to award a contract for Maiden Lane Sidewalk Improvements to Martin Laviero Contractor, Inc. of Bristol, CT, in the amount of $63,832 from ARRA funds, and to authorize the Mayor to act on behalf of the City regarding the execution of the contract and its administration, including approval of payment applications.
Councilor Cogswell asked about access during this project. Mr. Fabbri said the road will be closed, the west end will be barricaded off, but there will be local access on the east end for residents, businesses and deliveries.
LED STREETLIGHT PROJECT
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to award a contract for LED Streetlight Replacement Project Bid B to low bidder Republic ITS, A Siemens Co., with a business office in Billerica MA, at a unit price of $66.50 and to approve the use of the same vendor to install additional fixtures when additional funds become available at the same or lower unit price, and to authorize the Mayor to act on behalf of the City regarding the execution of the contract and its administration, including approval of payment applications.
Mayor Bingham thanked Mr. Fabbri and Mr. Rollett for their hard work obtaining these 522 streetlights.
BUDGET TRANSFERS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the budget transfers for FY 2010/2011 listed in the Comptroller’s memo of June 14, 2011 and June 16, 2011.
WISH LIST FUND ALLOCATION
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the allocation of interest earned to individual projects included in the Wish List fund, with additional review for possible closure of inactive projects to be presented at a later date.
Councilor Zordan asked what the Wish List fund is. Ms. Proulx explained it was set up for special, small, and short-term projects. Requests have been made that accumulated interest be added to the funds. Mayor Bingham cited the Conservation Commission’s Open Space fund as an example.
Councilor Carbone asked for an update on the Leoni property acquisition. Mrs. Barbieri said the estate has some difficulties, but may offer a lower price in the future.
SAN. SEWER CAPITAL IMPR. FUND #490
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the City Council herein acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, voted unanimously to approve the following payments from Fund #490, Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement for Capital Projects D-9 Harris Drive Pump Station Reconstruction and D-13 New Harwinton Road Pump Station Reconstruction.
Date |
Contractor |
Amount |
Invoice # |
Description |
06/10/2011 |
Wright-Pierce |
$26,306.69 |
77172 |
Design Svcs – May 27, 2011 |
06/10/2011 |
Wright-Pierce |
$ 8,806.64 |
77173 |
Evaluation Svcs – May 27, 2011 |
SMALL CITIES FUND #250
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments from Fund #250, Small Cities:
VENDOR |
Req. # |
AMOUNT |
FUND # |
DESCRIPTION |
Register Citizen |
02489543 |
$225.77 |
251 |
ADA Grievance Procedure Notice |
Boston Lead Co., LLC |
4752 |
$700.00 |
251 |
Risk Assessment & Abatement Plan |
SafeHomes, Inc. |
5165 |
$357.50 |
250 |
Lead Clearance Test |
OPEN TO PUBLIC ON 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. There was no one who wished to speak.
BUSINESS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Deputy Chief Brunoli reported that Litchfield County Dispatch will be taking over Fire Dispatch Operations for the City of Torrington as of June 21, 2011. Police Dispatch Operations will be taken over as of June 29, 2011. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be planned for September.
BUSINESS FROM 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. No business was presented.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Cogswell and unanimously approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Asst. City Clerk
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