MINUTES
PUBLIC HEARING – Discontinue Clark St.
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
February 18, 2014
A PUBLIC HEARING was held by the City Council & WPC Authority in the Auditorium on Tuesday, February 18, 2014.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat and City Councilors Anne Ruwet, Gregg Cogswell, and Christopher Anderson. City Councilor Drake Waldron arrived at 6:22 p.m. Also present were Public Works Director Jerry Rollett, City Treasurer Arthur Mattiello, IT Director Gerald Crowley, Comptroller Alice Proulx, Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, WPCA Administrator Raymond Drew, Police Chief Michael Maniago, City Engineer Ed Fabbri, Director of Economic Development Erin Wilson, Director of Elderly Services Nancy Hodkoski, Elderly Nutrition Supervisor Joel Sekorski, City Clerk Joseph Quartiero and Mayoral Aid Timothy Waldron. City Councilors Paul Cavagnero and Paul Samele were absent.
At 6:19 p.m., Mayor Carbone called to order the public hearing regarding the discontinuance of Clark St. and City Clerk Joseph Quartiero read the legal notice. Due to the lack of quorum, Mayor Carbone determined that the vote will be taken on March 3rd.
Mr. Fabbri said he's been working with the State DPW regarding the State Courthouse to be built in Torrington and has considered the section of road, Clark St., which runs from Field St. to Clinton St. He said the State's original plan left the existing building in place, but now their plans have changed so that building is to be taken down. He said removing Clark St. from the overall site plan would give the designers some flexibility in courthouse and parking layouts. Mr. Fabbri said he consulted with the City Planner, Police Department and Fire Department regarding the discontinuance of this street, and they don't have any issues with that. He notified both the State and the resident abutters so they are aware of it as well.
There was no one present who wished to address the Council regarding the discontinuance of Clark St.
Mayor Carbone closed the Public Hearing at 6:23 p.m. and explained that the roll call vote will be deferred to the March 3rd meeting.
MINUTES
PUBLIC HEARING – Discontinue Segment of E. Lawton St.
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
February 18, 2014
At 6:23 p.m., Mayor Carbone called to order the public hearing regarding the discontinuance of a portion of E. Lawton St. and City Clerk Joseph Quartiero read the legal notice. Due to the lack of quorum, Mayor Carbone determined that the vote will be taken on March 3rd.
Mr. Fabbri said the E. Lawton St. segment is a 14' wide one-way street running from Main St. to Clarence St., approximately 142' long. The condition is such that there are retaining walls on each side that have started to slump due to invading tree roots, he said, and noted that the abutting property owners report that cars travel in the wrong direction, although traffic volume is very low. He added that there are issues with placing removed snow. Mr. Fabbri said that should the road be discontinued, the property owners adjacent to the road were interested in eliminating the road completely by filling it in and planting grass to stabilize it. He said the City would assist by placing any waste material we have, to bring that property up to grade so that no one could drive through there. He said this would also
provide a stable area for the abutting property owners. They would each gain the property up to the centerline of the road, he said.
Mr. Fabbri said no one from the public has remarked on this, other than the two property owners he talked to. He sent certified letters to those owners.
Mr. Robert Niver, owner of 427 S. Main St. noted that the road is not a low volume road anymore, and over the years he's almost had several head-on collisions trying to go in his own driveway. He said that the road is a dangerous road because anyone traveling down it in the winter cannot stop at the bottom stop sign and cars fly up the road. He said he thinks what the City wants to do is perfectly fine.
Mayor Carbone closed the Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. and said that the roll call vote will still be deferred to the March 3rd meeting.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
February 18, 2014
A REGULAR MEETING was held by the City Council & WPC Authority in the Auditorium on Tuesday, February 18, 2014.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat and City Councilors Anne Ruwet, Gregg Cogswell, Drake Waldron and Christopher Anderson. Also present were Public Works Director Jerry Rollett, City Treasurer Arthur Mattiello, IT Director Gerald Crowley, Comptroller Alice Proulx, Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, WPCA Administrator Raymond Drew, Police Chief Michael Maniago, City Engineer Ed Fabbri, Director of Economic Development Erin Wilson, Director of Elderly Services Nancy Hodkoski, Elderly Nutrition Supervisor Joel Sekorski, City Clerk Joseph Quartiero and Mayoral Aid Timothy Waldron. City Councilors Paul Cavagnero and Paul Samele were absent.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Anderson, the Council voted unanimously
to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 3, 2014. Councilor Cogswell abstained.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously
to open the meeting to the public.
Mr. George Klug of 655 Klug Hill Road spoke about the Turbine Removal Bond and Council's approval of the reimbursement, and noted some of the problems with the turbine removal.
NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Mayor Carbone introduced Ms. Erin Wilson to the Council. Ms. Wilson said she is excited to being here and is looking forward to working with the Mayor.
WPCA CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Mr. Drew and Mr. Rollett gave a presentation along with Mr. John Braccio of Wright Pierce and Dan Lawrence of Weston & Sampson. Mr. Rollett noted that with bonds currently being retired, this is a good time to start moving forward with these projects. He said he is anticipating final approval from the State for our facilities plan and permit at the Water Pollution Control facility.
Mr. Drew noted that it is important to reinvest in our assets, and it's vital to ensure continued sustainability and reliability. He said he'd like to continue to invest the $1,000,000 annual reserve retired from their operating fund into their capital projects.
WPCA CAPITAL PROJECT – E. Drainage Basin
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to approve funding of Phase I of Capital Project D2-A East Drainage Basin I/I Rehabilitation Project. Funding as Follows:
$600,000 From FY 13/14 Fund 0030.8888.5357
$500,000 From Fund 0490.8888.5900, to be repaid to Fund #490 in FY 14/15 from Fund 0030.8888.5890.0123
WPCA FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Anderson, the Council voted unanimously to accept WPCA Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for year beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2019.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to add Section B to the agenda.
Section B: COUNCIL APPOINTMENT
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously
to appoint Eric Scoville as an Alternate member of the Board of Assessment Appeals.
SENIOR CENTER GRANTS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously
to adopt resolutions authorizing the Mayor to apply for funds and sign contracts for the following grants to the Senior Center:
a) Torrington Chore Program Application in the amount of $137,032
b) Medical Transportation Program Application in the amount of $162,555
c) Bend and Stretch Program Application in the amount of $14,550
d) Home Management Resolution and Contract in the amount of $33,693
RESOLUTION/MATERIAL SCREENERS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Anderson, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution endorsing a proposal submitted by the Litchfield Hills Council of Elected Officials and Northwestern CT Council of Governments for the cooperative purchase of mobile material screeners under the Regional Performance Incentive Program referenced in Connecticut General Statutes Section 4-124s as amended by Section 251 and 253 of Public Act 13-247.
Mr. Rollett explained that a material screener is rented every year and is used to segregate material used to pave roads.
RESOLUTION/REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Anderson, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution endorsing a proposal submitted by the Litchfield Hills Council of Elected Officials for funding to design and construct a "Litchfield Hills Animal Shelter Facility" under the Regional Performance Incentive Program.
POLICE COMPUTER SERVER UPGRADE
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council considered acceptance of the Police Chief's recommendation to waive the bid process and purchase a computer Server capacity upgrade at the Police Dept. through State Contract #11PSX0247 from Advizex Technologies for $39,321.
Chief Maniago said Mr. Crowley has a plan to purchase servers for the City and forward the existing ones to the Police Department because they are almost exactly like what the Police Department was going to purchase. Chief Maniago said it's a good plan for both City Hall and the Police Department that gets them to where they need to be. He noted that they still need to spend $29,000 instead of $39,000 for some engineering and memory upgrade but the Police Department is willing to go along with the plan Mr. Crowley's come up with.
Mr. Crowley explained that he noticed the Police Department infrastructure equipment was an exact match for City Hall equipment currently in use. He said he thought a better solution might be to use the funds intended for the Police Department for City Hall infrastructure improvement, and move City Hall's existing equipment over to the Police Department. That would satisfy their needs as well as improve the existing infrastructure at City Hall, he said.
Councilor Cavagnero asked if this is, or needs to be, compatible with the public schools. Mr. Crowley replied that the Police Department is looking for equipment to improve their CAD RMS system and they are not linked with the school system in any way.
Mayor Carbone thanked Mr. Crowley for investigating this and noted that it's a winning opportunity for the City to upgrade its system and still provide the Police Department with the server upgrades that they need.
The Council voted in unanimous approval of the above plan.
TURBINE REMOVAL BOND
On a motion by Councilor Anderson, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the City Planner's recommendation to cash the bond removal check for $11,500 and send a new check from the City of Torrington to George W. Klug to partially reimburse him for the cost of the tower removal.
Atty. Rigat explained that when the tower was erected on the Klug Farm, the City Planner insisted that there be a bond in the event that this project didn't work out. When it didn't, Mr. Connor asked for the bond from the bond company and made it clear that even though the City is due the bond money, it is our intention to reimburse Mr. Klug for taking down the tower.
Mr. Mattiello suggested that an acceptance letter be written to indicate that the reimbursement is in full payment of Mr. Klug's invoice for more than $11,500.
RESOLUTION: FAIR HOUSING
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Anderson, the Council voted unanimously to readopt the following Fair Housing Resolution.
Whereas, All persons 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 all housing-related opportunities, including 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, 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 tthese 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 RESOVED, That the City of Torrington hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy 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.
Mr. Waldron explained that the Fair Housing Resolution and Policy are statements that the City makes under the authority of the Mayor's Office that we will do everything in our power to promote and defend fair housing for Torrington residents.
FAIR HOUSING POLICY
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to readopt the following Fair Housing Policy:
City of Torrington
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 of 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 timothy_waldron@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.
SMALL CITIES SERVICES
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to authorize a payment of $1597.50 from fund #250 to L. Wagner & Assocs. for professional services rendered from October 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 with regard to the Town's Housing Rehabilitation Loan Repayments.
BUDGET AMENDMENTS/TRANSFERS FY13/14
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the budget amendments/transfers for FY13/14 listed in Comptroller Proulx's Memo dated February 13, 2014.
BUSINESS BY DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Anderson, the Council voted unanimously
to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Ms. Proulx announced that the budget books are available for City Councilors.
Mr. Quartiero announced that Assistant City Clerk Carol Anderson was awarded the International Institute of Municipal Clerk's status of "Certified Municipal Clerk".
Mayor Carbone recognized Kimberly Barbieri, thanking her for her dedicated service to the City,
And wished her well in her new adventure.
Mrs. Barbieri introduced the members of the Inland Wetland Commission to the Council.
BUSINESS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously
to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council.
Councilor Cogswell offered congratulations to Mrs. Anderson, thanked Mrs. Barbieri for her service to the City, and recognized our Street Department for their great job cleaning up our streets after the storms.
Councilor Ruwet said she is always proud of how our streets look in comparison to other large cities.
Councilor Anderson agreed that our streets are cleaner than others, and congratulated Mrs. Anderson.
Atty. Rigat also congratulated Mrs. Anderson and wished Mrs. Barbieri luck in the future. He apprised the Council that Atty. Anthony DiCrosta has agreed to assist in the representation of the City in a pro bono capacity in the Tax Collectors lawsuit against the City.
Mayor Carbone said the City is in desperate need of someone to serve as a regular member of the Board of Assessment Appeals. She said that due to Minority Representation Statute, the member needs to be a Democratic or Unaffiliated elector.
Mayor Carbone announced that fundraising has begun for Independence Day Fireworks with a Dr. Seuss breakfast.
Mayor Carbone reported that she is in continued conversations with Emergency Personnel, Board of Education, private schools and community centers regarding public safety and will keep the Council apprised as progress is made.
Mayor Carbone said she has a great appreciation for the work the Street Department has done, and has joined a plow truck driver clearing the streets during a snow storm. She said the Street Department has extended an invitation to all City Council members to do a ride-along as well.fs
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilor Anderson, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously
to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson CCTC
Asst. City Clerk
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