MINUTES
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY AND THE BOARD OF FINANCE
May 12, 2015
A SPECIAL JOINT MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority and the Board of Finance was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Tuesday, May 12, 2015.
Present were Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat, City Councilors Christopher Anderson, Drake Waldron, Anne Ruwet, Gregg Cogswell and Paul Cavagnero; and Board of Finance members Frank Rubino, Joshua Ferreira, Bill Lamoin, Mark Bushka, Thomas Scoville and Laurene Pesce. Also present were Comptroller Alice Proulx and Deputy Comptroller Gina Casper. City Councilor Paul Samele was absent.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m.
CITY BUDGET FY2015-2016
Mayor Carbone explained the budget cuts that have been made so far and reviewed several handouts with the Boards. She asked City Council to discuss this further at their regular meeting on Monday, May 18 and explained the items that are still in flux including State revenue and the Tax Collector contract.
Mrs. Pesce pointed out that the Grand List must be increased and our legislators need to be brought in, as the Northwest corner does not receive the State or Federal funding that other areas receive.
Mayor Carbone reported that the Boards and Agencies stipends will now be treated as competitive grants, with justification for the requests and a call for matching funds. She said this will be a more transparent way of assisting these agencies, by receiving information about how these programs benefit the City or how this investment benefits that agency.
Councilor Cavagnero called for a citywide discussion on a public education system design that is fundamentally flawed and suggested a moratorium be created. He spoke in favor of spending $45,000 for the Senior Center, to help seniors who have spent their life building this City.
TAX COLLECTOR APPOINTMENT
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Anderson, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting for public comment.
Robert Crovo expressed his desire to continue as Tax Collector after having served for the past 16 years and listed the reasons why he would be the best choice.
Gary Eucalitto spoke on behalf of Dr. Crovo and said a new Tax Collector would be a mistake and a distraction from the problems the City has such as fixing the education system, bringing business to town, and cleaning up the south end of Torrington.
Tom Jerram noted the successful partnership the City has with the current Tax Collector, said that recent issues could be solved with contractual changes, and offered his support for Dr. Crovo for the next term.
Robert Conforti said he felt Dr. Crovo has done a wonderful job and agreed with Atty. Jerram’s support for Dr. Crovo as Tax Collector.
Mr. Ed Corey said he doesn’t think the candidate matters as much as the strength of the contract and recommended changes be made to resolve complaints, including mandatory and automatic
return of overpayments and an allowance for the City to mediate disputes. Mr. Corey asked the Boards to refrain from cutting public safety staffing levels.
Darlene Battle spoke in favor of keeping the private Tax Collector policy of receiving 100% of our tax revenue. She expressed her support of the Public Safety budgets, saying it is critical to work towards prevention and being prepared.
Joseph Quartiero spoke in favor of Dr. Crovo and expressed his concern about changing to an unknown Tax Collector from a successful tax collection system that has worked well.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Mrs. Pesce, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, both Boards entered Executive Session at 8:44 p.m., under section 1-200(6)(A), inviting Attorney Charles Roraback.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, both Boards entered Open Session at 9:53 p.m.
DISCUSSION
Mayor Carbone explained the Tax Collector process that began with a Request for Qualifications in December 2014. She said there were deficiencies in all three proposals received and it was decided to proceed with a Direct Vendor Solicitation with five interviews conducted by a committee. Mayor Carbone said the scores were tabulated and the committee presented a recommendation. She said that based on that process, the candidate selected for recommendation is Launa Goslee for Tax Collector with the Torrington Tax Collector, LLC group that would provide financial backing.
Atty. Peter Gelderman introduced the members of TTC, LLC.
Launa Goslee said she is looking forward to the opportunity to serve as the next Tax Collector. She said the TTC team prides itself on operating in the most reliable and professional manner possible, offering fair, consistent and respectful treatment and the highest level of customer service.
Dan Kusic spoke about the tax collection experience on the TTC team and what they will offer the citizens such as a robust website with online payment alternatives, phone system integration, taxpayer collateral materials to help explain matters to the public, surge period staffing, regular meetings with City staff and comprehensive reporting.
Leo DiNicola spoke about his experience in financial management, software experience, data management, imprinting and mailing services.
Councilor Cogswell noted that tax collection is a sensitive issue in Torrington and pointed out that the Tax Collector is there to serve the taxpayers. Ms. Goslee said she will follow State Statutes and City Ordinances. The policies and procedures will not change, she said, and she will offer the utmost customer service and communications.
NEGOTIATE CONTRACT
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Mrs. Pesce, both the City Council and the Board of Finance voted 8/3 with Mr. Lamoin, Mr. Bushka and Mr. Ferreira opposed, to authorize the Mayor to negotiate the terms and conditions of the appointment of Launa Goslee as the City of Torrington Tax Collector and to negotiate the provisions of the agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of such appointment and the term of office.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilor Anderson, seconded by Mr. Rubino, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 10:31 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, MCTC, CMC
Asst. City Clerk
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