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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
May 6, 2013
A REGULAR MEETING was held by the City Council & WPC Authority in the City Hall Auditorium on Monday, May 6, 2013.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan Bingham, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat, City Councilors Drake Waldron, Paul Samele, Gerald Zordan, Elinor Carbone, Marie Soliani and Gregg Cogswell. Also present were Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Fleet Manager Emil Castro, City Planner Martin Connor, Assessor Donna Patchen, Director of Elderly Services Nancy Hodkoski, City Engineer Ed Fabbri, Water Pollution Control Administrator Raymond Drew and Police Chief Maniago. Also present were Genevieve Sherman of C-PACE and Anthony Tranghese of FIA.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:41 p.m.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held April 15, 2013. Councilors Soliani and Samele abstained.
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting held April 29, 2013. Councilor Waldron abstained.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Bill Knight asked the Mayor to appoint a commission on people with disabilities. Mayor Bingham said he would obtain a sample of an ordinance for this.
Shawn Stoecker-Hempstead asked the Mayor to do something about the parts of Torrington that are not wheelchair accessible.
RESOLUTION: C-PACE
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the City to enter into a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy ("C-PACE") Agreement with the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority.
Genevieve Sherman, C-PACE manager, summarized this program that allows building owners to receive 100% financing for energy improvement to their property.
401a PLAN CHANGES
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to approve changes to the investment lineup for 401a plans as presented by FIA. Mr. Tranghese said the number of options should be reduced from 38 to 14. Participants would still be able to invest in a diverse portfolio across all asset classes that are similar in nature to current offerings, he said. (Addendum 1)
COMPLETE STREETS INITIATIVE
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution supporting the Connecticut Department of Transportation Complete Streets Initiative as outlined in Public Act 09-154, an Act Improving Bicycle and Pedestrian Access:
WHEREAS, complete streets mean roadways planned, designed, and constructed to provide appropriate access to all legal users in a manner that promotes safe and efficient movement of people and goods, whether by car, truck, transit, assistive device, foot, or bicycle.
WHEREAS, a complete streets policy means a document that provides guidance for the planning, design, and construction of roadways or an interconnected network of transportation facilities being constructed or reconstructed and designated for a transportation purpose that promotes complete streets and meets all of the following requirements: (I) is sensitive to the needs of the city of Torrington; (ii) considers the functional class of the roadway and project costs and allows for appropriate exemptions (iii) considers the varying mobility needs of all legal users of the roadway, of all ages and abilities;
WHEREAS, increasing walking and bicycling offers improved health benefits for the population and makes Torrington a more livable community;
WHEREAS, the Connecticut legislature has passed complete streets legislation that requires the Connecticut Department of Transportation and local governments to consider all users in transportation-related projects;
WHEREAS, complete streets support economic growth and community stability by providing accessible and efficient connections between home, school, work, recreation, and retail destinations by improving pedestrian and vehicular environments throughout communities;
WHEREAS, complete streets enhance safe walking and bicycling options for school-age children, in recognition of the national Safe Routes to Schools program; and
WHEREAS, the City of Torrington recognizes the importance of street infrastructure and modifications such as sidewalks, crosswalks, shared-use paths, bicycle lanes, signage, and accessible curb ramps that enable safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for all users;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Torrington, Connecticut, that:
FIRST: to the extent feasible, the City of Torrington will incorporate complete streets design considerations and practices as a routine part of infrastructure planning and implementation.
SECOND: the City of Torrington supports the continued development of Torrington’s master plan, parks and recreation plan, and capital improvements plan and program that support ease of use, safety, and accessibility for all users within the City of Torrington. |
Mr. Connor said this initiative is consistent with the transportation section of the City's Plan of Conservation and Development, making sure that all users of roadways are considered in roadway spending decisions including those on foot, on bicycles and those in assistance devices such as wheelchairs. He said this smart-growth action could help us in the long run particularly with State projects. He noted that this is a resolution, not an ordinance, but is a great step in the right direction.
Councilor Carbone expressed her concern about the lack of sidewalks or wide shoulders on East Main Street. Mr. Connor said that the City Engineer has a good plan for East Main Street, and the Planning & Zoning Commission tries to get sidewalks installed in new projects. Councilor Carbone said she would like to see this referred to our Ordinance Committee for more serious action. Mayor Bingham added that the City Engineer and Land Use Departments are working on a comprehensive sidewalk plan, but it's extremely difficult to suggest funding in any significant way when we're trying to maintain and protect the vehicular traffic infrastructure that we are most liable for.
Councilor Carbone suggested an advisory board be established to work with the Land Use and Engineering Departments because we should be making a stronger commitment to all of our users. She repeated that she would like to see this forwarded to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Cogswell agreed.
LOCAL FLOOD PROTECTION MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to extend the Local Flood Protection Project Routine Maintenance Contract with Premier Landscaping in the amount of $16,500, funded by LOCIP, as described in their proposal letter dated November 21, 2012. (Addendum 2)
RECORDS PRESERVATION FUNDING
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to deny authorization of $25,000 per year in the City Clerk's records budget for the encapsulation of birth, death and marriage certificates through 2012 and the scanning of birth records dating back to 1950. Mr. Quartiero showed the Council samples of preserved and unpreserved vital records books, explaining the cost can be as high as $1700 per book. Councilor Cogswell suggested the cost be split out over several years. Mayor Bingham said he wouldn't try to influence the decision and added that funds added to the budget today will only be removed again tomorrow. Councilor Soliani said this is clearly important but should be a lower amount this year. Mayor Bingham recommended the Council vote against this now and add it
in tomorrow if desired, as part of the normal budget process.
2014 REAPPRAISAL & REVALUATION
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent's and the Assessor's recommendation to authorize the Mayor to award the 2014 Reappraisal and Revaluation to Municipal Valuation Services, LLC of Fairfield, CT for the contracted prices of $120,000/$60,000 and to have the Mayor act on behalf of the City regarding the execution of the contract and its administration.
Mrs. Patchen said the references for this company were exceptional and it has the highest designation that can be received in the real estate appraisal business. She said they could start June 1st and could meet deadlines.
POLICE INTERCEPTOR UTILITY
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent, Fleet Manager, and Police Lieutenant and award the purchase of a 2013 Ford Utility Police Interceptor from MHQ of Middletown CT for $33,998, with an additional estimated cost of $500 for vehicle lettering by a local vendor, having been approved by the Board of Public Safety on May 1, 2013, and pending Board of Finance approval.
POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDAN
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent, Fleet Manager, and Police Lieutenant and award the purchase of a 2013 Ford Sedan Police Interceptor from MHQ of Middletown CT for $31,625, with an additional estimated cost of $500 for vehicle lettering by a local vendor, having been approved by the Board of Public Safety on May 1, 2013, and pending Board of Finance approval.
SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING: Sewer User Fee
Acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. to set the Sewer User Fee for the period from July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014.
MUNICIPAL RENOVATIONS FUND
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to approve the payment of $1648.00 to Pro-Film for Invoice #41012 from the Municipal Renovation Fund #316 for the installation of security film on glass in City Hall.
SMALL CITIES PAYMENTS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments from Small Cities Fund #250:
Vendor |
Amount |
Invoice # |
Invoice Date |
Description |
Republican American |
$485.56 |
HRLR-214 |
4/19/2013 |
Legal notice for public hearing on 2013 grant |
NCDA |
$750.00 |
HRLR-212 |
3/25/2013 |
Meeting Registration Fee, Mayor & Mayoral Aide |
Ryan Bingham |
$172.65 |
HRLR-216 |
4/24/2013 |
Travel expenses, trip regarding Small Cities projects |
Tim Waldron |
$837.62 |
HRLR-215 |
4/24/2013 |
Travel expenses, trip regarding Small Cities projects |
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to add Section B to the agenda.
SENIOR CENTER BATHROOM ALTERATIONS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Carbone, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent to award the Senior Center Bathroom Alterations project to city-based bidder Burlington Construction Co., Inc. for the contracted price of $98,550, and to authorize the Mayor to act on behalf of the City regarding the execution of the contract and its administration. Ms. Hodkoski noted that they have raised $25,000 towards this project, with another $10,000 committed from the Thrift Shop.
SMALL CITIES SUBORDINATION
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Small Cities Committee and approve a subordination of the Small Cities loan in the amount of $45,485 for Frieda Corey to her home mortgage, being refinanced from the amount of $42,075 to $58,000. Councilor Waldron said this involves refinancing of a previously approved subordination. He said there is plenty of equity in the home, it is not a risk to the City, and the City's position does not change with this subordination.
ADD TO THE AGENDA
On a motion by Councilor Zordon, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to add to the agenda.
SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING: Changes to Blight Ordinance
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Ordinance Committee and schedule a public hearing on Tuesday, May 28th, immediately following the previous public hearing at 6:30 p.m., to solicit citizen input on proposed changes to the Blight Ordinance.
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. There was no one who wished to speak.
BUSINESS BY DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Chief Brunoli reported on a recent house fire that was successfully extinguished.
BUSINESS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Samele, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council.
Mayor Bingham announced the upcoming fundraiser, Fireworks Wine Tasting, on June 14th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. He also announced that he will have a city budget
recommendation tomorrow (May 7, 2013).
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilor Carbone, seconded by Councilor Zordan, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:52 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Asst. City Clerk
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