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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
May 2, 2016
A REGULAR MEETING was held by the City Council & WPC Authority in the City Hall Auditorium on Monday, May 2, 2016.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone and City Councilors Paul Cavagnero, Anne Ruwet, Daniel Farley, Luisa Noujaim and Drake Waldron. Councilor Gregg Cogswell was absent. Also present were Board of Finance Members Christopher Diorio, Laurene Pesce, Mark Bushka, Christopher Anderson and Frank Rubino.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. starting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting held April 18, 2016.
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting held jointly with the Board of Finance on April 18, 2016.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one present who wished to speak.
REFUNDING BONDS
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council considered adoption of Resolution #143-16-7 entitled “Resolution With Respect to the Authorization, Issuance and Sale of Not Exceeding $14,030,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of City of Torrington General Obligation Refunding Bonds”.
Mr. William Lindsay of Independent Bond & Investment Consultants, LLC explained the proposed bond refunding and its potential results. Addendum 1
With a roll call vote, the Council voted unanimously in favor of adopting the following resolution:
RESOLUTION WITH RESPECT TO THE AUTHORIZATION, ISSUANCE AND SALE OF NOT EXCEEDING $14,030,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF CITY OF TORRINGTON GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS
WHEREAS, Section 7-370c of the Connecticut General Statutes provides authority for any municipality to issue refunding bonds for the payment, funding or refunding of bonds, notes or other obligations previously issued; and
WHEREAS, Section 7-370c provides that such refunding bonds shall be authorized and issued by resolution of the legislative body of the municipality; and
WHEREAS, the City of Torrington, Connecticut (the “City”), desires to refund all or any portion of any one or more series of the City’s outstanding general obligation bonds (the “Prior Bonds”).
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
Section 1. That the City issue its general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount of up to $14,030,000 (the “Bonds”) to refund certain of the Prior Bonds and to finance such additional amounts as are needed to pay all fees, costs, expenses and redemption premium, if any, in connection with the refunding of the Prior Bonds and the authorization, issuance and sale of the Bonds, including, but not limited to, legal, advisory, printing and administrative expenses, underwriter’s discount, and expenses in connection with credit enhancement, if necessary, and the proceeds of the Bonds be appropriated for the foregoing purposes; provided, however, that the refunding of the Prior Bonds provides a net debt service savings to the City and that the amount of the Bonds issued does not exceed the amount needed to refund the
Prior Bonds and to pay the costs authorized herein.
Section 2. That the Mayor and the Treasurer of the City (the “Officials”) are hereby authorized to determine the date, rates of interest, principal payment amounts, maturities, dates of principal and interest payments, the form of such Bonds, the provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the holders of such Bonds and such other terms, conditions and particular matters regarding the Bonds and the issuance and securing thereof, all in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes and the Charter of the City, and to take such actions and execute such documents including, but not limited to, a contract of purchase, to provide all supporting documentation as may be necessary or desirable to accomplish such purposes and to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c2-12, and any other applicable provision of law thereto enabling. The Bonds authorized hereby shall be general obligations of the City secured by the full faith and credit of the City.
Section 3. That the Bonds shall be signed by the Officials either by their genuine signatures or by facsimiles of such signatures printed on the Bonds and that the law firm of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C., Hartford, Connecticut, is designated as bond counsel to render an opinion approving the legality of the issuance of the Bonds.
Section 4. That the Officials are hereby authorized to designate a bank or trust company to be the certifying bank, registrar, escrow agent, transfer agent and paying agent for such Bonds; to provide for the keeping of a record of the Bonds; to designate a financial advisor to the City in connection with the sale of the Bonds; and to designate an underwriter in connection with any negotiated sale and purchase of the Bonds.
Section 5. That the Officials are authorized to sell the Bonds at a public or negotiated sale; to deliver the Bonds and to perform all other acts which are necessary or appropriate to issue the Bonds; to make representations and covenants on behalf of the City for the benefit of the holders of the Bonds to provide secondary market disclosure information in accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c2-12, as it may be amended from time to time, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering a continuing disclosure agreement; their respective approvals to be conclusively evidenced by their signature on any such agreements relating thereto.
Section 6. That the Officials are authorized to refund the Prior Bonds from the proceeds of the Bonds and other moneys as they may determine to make available for this purpose, and to defease the Prior Bonds by executing and delivering an escrow agreement in such form and upon such terms as they shall approve, such approval to be conclusively evidenced by their execution thereof.
Section 7. That the Officials are hereby authorized on behalf of the City to make such representations and covenants for the benefit of the holders of the Bonds which are necessary or appropriate to ensure the exemption of interest on the Bonds from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including, but not limited to, covenants to pay rebates of investment earnings to the United States in future years; their respective approvals to be conclusively evidenced by their signature on any such agreements relating thereto.
Section 8. That the Officials be authorized to designate other officials or employees of the City to take such actions and execute such documents, as are determined to be necessary or advisable and in the best interests of the City in order to refund the Prior Bonds and to issue, sell and deliver the Bonds, and that the execution and delivery of such documents shall be conclusive evidence of such determination.
Section 9. That the City hereby declares its official intent under Section 1.150-2 of the Federal Income Tax Regulations that costs related to the issuance of the Bonds may be paid from temporary advances of available funds and that (except to the extent reimbursed from grant moneys) the City reasonably expects to reimburse any such advances from the proceeds of borrowings in an aggregate principal amount not in excess of the amount of borrowing authorized above. The Officials are authorized to amend such declaration of official intent as they deem necessary or advisable and to bind the City pursuant to such representations and covenants as they deem necessary or advisable in order to maintain the continued exemption from federal income taxation of interest on the Bonds authorized by this resolution, if issued on a tax-exempt
basis, including covenants to pay rebates of investment earnings to the United States in future years.
E. BASIN SEWER REHAB
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council considered adoption of Resolution #143-16-9 authorizing the Mayor, in the best interest of the City, to file applications, enter into agreements, and execute all documents with the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the planning, design and construction of the East Basin Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
Mr. Drew explained the scope of work.
With a roll call vote, the Council voted unanimously in favor of adopting the following resolution:
RESOLUTIONS OF BOARD OF COUNCILMEN, AS THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY, REGARDING THE EAST BASIN SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City of Torrington, Connecticut (the “City”) has made application to the State of Connecticut for project funding in an amount not to exceed $4,100,000 for the planning, design and construction of the East Basin Sewer Rehabilitation Project (the “East Basin Sewer Rehabilitation Project”).
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
Section 1. That it is in the best interests of the City of Torrington, Water Pollution Control Authority to obligate funds in an amount not to exceed $4,100,000 from its Sanitary Sewer Capital Fund for the planning, design and construction of the East Basin Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
Section 2. That it is in the best interests of the City of Torrington, Water Pollution Control Authority to file applications and enter into agreements with the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the planning, design and construction of the East Basin Sewer Rehabilitation Project. In furtherance of this resolution, the Mayor for the City of Torrington, or the Mayor’s designee, is duly authorized to enter into and sign said agreements on behalf of the City of Torrington, Water Pollution Control Authority. The Mayor for the City of Torrington, or the Mayor’s designee, 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 agreements and to execute any amendments,
rescissions, and revisions thereto.
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council considered adoption of Resolution #143-16-8 entitled “Resolution Authorizing An Appropriation of $4,100,000 for the East Basin Sewer Rehabilitation Project And The Financing of Said Appropriation By The Issuance Of Revenue Bonds, Notes And Obligations Of The City In An Amount Not To Exceed $4,100,000.”
With a roll call vote, the Council voted unanimously in favor of adopting the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNCILMEN AND OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY (“WPCA”) RATIFYING THE WPCA’S APPROPRIATION OF $4,100,000 FOR PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE EAST BASIN SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $4,100,000 OF REVENUE BONDS, NOTES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY IN THE SAME AMOUNT TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION
BE IT RESOLVED,
Section 1. That the City of Torrington (the “City”) ratifies the appropriation of $4,100,000 by the Water Pollution Control Authority (the “WPCA”) for the planning, design and construction of the East Basin Sewer Rehabilitation Project, including, but not limited to the planning, design, construction, acquisition and installation costs, related site and other improvements, equipment, materials, technology infrastructure, storage and other temporary relocation costs, traffic control costs, permit fees, survey and study costs, architect, engineering and other consultant fees, legal fees, net temporary interest and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project and its financing (the “Project”). The WPCA is authorized to reduce or modify the scope of the Project and the entire appropriation may be
expended on the Project as so reduced or modified.
Section 2. That the City issue its bonds, notes or obligations in an amount not to exceed $4,100,000 to finance the appropriation for the Project. The amount of bonds, notes or obligations authorized to be issued shall be reduced by the amount of grants received for the Project to the extent that such grants are not separately appropriated to pay additional costs of the Project. The bonds, notes or obligations shall be issued pursuant to Sections 7-259, 7-263a, and 7-369 of the General Statutes of Connecticut, Revision of 1958, as amended (the “Statutes”), and, as applicable, any other enabling acts including without limitation Sections 22a-475 to 22a-483 of the Statutes. The bonds, notes or obligations shall be special limited obligations of the City secured as to both principal and interest solely by a pledge of and lien upon
all or any portion of the revenues of the WPCA (the “WPCA Revenues”), and shall not be secured by a pledge of the full faith and credit of the City. The bonds, notes or obligations may be issued in one or more series. The Treasurer shall keep a record of the bonds, notes or obligations. The Mayor and the Treasurer of the City shall sign the bonds, notes or obligations by their manual or facsimile signatures. The bonds, notes or obligations shall bear the seal of the City or a facsimile of the seal. The law firm of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. is designated as bond counsel to approve the legality of the bonds, notes or obligations. The Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to determine the amount, date, interest rates, maturities, form and other details of the bonds, notes or obligations; to designate a bank or trust company to be certifying bank, registrar, transfer agent and paying agent for the bonds, notes or obligations; to sell the bonds, notes or obligations at
public or private sale; to deliver the bonds, notes or obligations; and to perform all other acts which are necessary or appropriate to issue the bonds, notes or obligations.
Section 3. That the City issue and renew its temporary notes or interim funding obligations from time to time in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds from the sale of the bonds, notes or obligations or the receipt of grants for the Project. The amount of the temporary notes or interim funding obligations outstanding at any time shall not exceed $4,100,000. The temporary notes or interim funding obligations shall be issued pursuant to Sections 7-264, 7-264a, 7-378 of the Statutes, and, as applicable, any other enabling acts including without limitation Sections 22a-475 to 22a-483 of the Statutes. The temporary notes or interim funding obligations shall be special, limited obligations of the City secured as to both principal and interest solely by a pledge of and lien upon all or any portion of the WPCA Revenues, and shall not
be secured by a pledge of the full faith and credit of the City. The City shall comply with the provisions of Sections 7-378a and 22a-479(c) of the Statutes with respect to any such interim funding obligations. The Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to determine the amounts, dates, interest rates, maturities, form, and other details of the temporary notes; to sell the notes at public or private sale; to execute and deliver the notes; and to perform all other acts which are necessary or appropriate to issue the temporary notes.
Section 4. That the City hereby declares its official intent under Federal Income Tax Regulation Section 1.150-2 that costs of the Project may be paid from temporary advances of available funds of the WPCA and that the City reasonably expects to reimburse any such advances (except to the extent reimbursed from grant moneys) from the proceeds of borrowings in an aggregate principal amount not in excess of the amount of borrowing authorized above for the Project. The Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to amend such declaration of official intent as they deem necessary or advisable and to bind the City pursuant to such representations and covenants as they deem necessary or advisable in order to maintain the continued exemption from federal income taxation of interest on the bonds, notes or obligations authorized by this
resolution if issued on a tax-exempt basis, including covenants to pay to the United States in future years rebates of investment earnings derived from the investment of the proceeds of such obligations.
Section 5. That the Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized, upon a determination that such action is in the public interest, to issue any bonds, notes, obligations, temporary notes or interim funding obligations authorized by this resolution in such form and manner that the interest on such bonds, notes, temporary notes, or other obligations may be includable under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding Internal Revenue Code of the United States, as from time to time amended, in the gross income of the holder or holders of such obligations.
Section 6. That the Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to make representations and enter into written agreements for the benefit of holders of the bonds, notes, obligations, temporary notes or interim funding obligations to provide secondary market disclosure information, which agreements may include such terms as they deem advisable or appropriate in order to comply with applicable laws or rules pertaining to the sale or purchase of such bonds, notes, obligations, temporary notes or interim funding obligations.
Section 7. That the Mayor, or any other proper officer or official of the City, is authorized to apply for and accept grants and/or loans from the State of Connecticut or any other entity to finance the Project, and to enter into any grant or loan agreement prescribed by the State or any other grantor or lender, and that the Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to take any other actions necessary to obtain grants or loans pursuant to Section 22a-479 of the Statutes, or to any other present or future legislation, or to implement such grant or loan agreements. Any grant proceeds may be used to pay project costs or principal and interest on bonds, notes, obligations, temporary notes or interim funding obligations.
Section 8. That the Mayor, the Board of Councilmen, the WPCA, the Treasurer, and other proper officers and officials of the City are each authorized to take any other action which is necessary or desirable to complete the Project and to issue bonds, notes or obligations or obtain grants to finance the aforesaid appropriation.
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council considered adoption of Resolution #143-16-8 entitled “Resolution Authorizing An Appropriation of $4,100,000 for the East Basin Sewer Rehabilitation Project And The Financing of Said Appropriation By The Issuance Of Revenue Bonds, Notes And Obligations Of The City In An Amount Not To Exceed $4,100,000.”
With a roll call vote, the Council voted unanimously in favor of adopting the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNCILMEN AND OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY (“WPCA”) RATIFYING THE WPCA’S APPROPRIATION OF $4,100,000 FOR PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE EAST BASIN SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $4,100,000 OF REVENUE BONDS, NOTES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY IN THE SAME AMOUNT TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION
BE IT RESOLVED,
Section 1. That the City of Torrington (the “City”) ratifies the appropriation of $4,100,000 by the Water Pollution Control Authority (the “WPCA”) for the planning, design and construction of the East Basin Sewer Rehabilitation Project, including, but not limited to the planning, design, construction, acquisition and installation costs, related site and other improvements, equipment, materials, technology infrastructure, storage and other temporary relocation costs, traffic control costs, permit fees, survey and study costs, architect, engineering and other consultant fees, legal fees, net temporary interest and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project and its financing (the “Project”). The WPCA is authorized to reduce or modify the scope of the Project and the entire appropriation may be
expended on the Project as so reduced or modified.
Section 2. That the City issue its bonds, notes or obligations in an amount not to exceed $4,100,000 to finance the appropriation for the Project. The amount of bonds, notes or obligations authorized to be issued shall be reduced by the amount of grants received for the Project to the extent that such grants are not separately appropriated to pay additional costs of the Project. The bonds, notes or obligations shall be issued pursuant to Sections 7-259, 7-263a, and 7-369 of the General Statutes of Connecticut, Revision of 1958, as amended (the “Statutes”), and, as applicable, any other enabling acts including without limitation Sections 22a-475 to 22a-483 of the Statutes. The bonds, notes or obligations shall be special limited obligations of the City secured as to both principal and interest solely by a pledge of and lien upon
all or any portion of the revenues of the WPCA (the “WPCA Revenues”), and shall not be secured by a pledge of the full faith and credit of the City. The bonds, notes or obligations may be issued in one or more series. The Treasurer shall keep a record of the bonds, notes or obligations. The Mayor and the Treasurer of the City shall sign the bonds, notes or obligations by their manual or facsimile signatures. The bonds, notes or obligations shall bear the seal of the City or a facsimile of the seal. The law firm of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. is designated as bond counsel to approve the legality of the bonds, notes or obligations. The Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to determine the amount, date, interest rates, maturities, form and other details of the bonds, notes or obligations; to designate a bank or trust company to be certifying bank, registrar, transfer agent and paying agent for the bonds, notes or obligations; to sell the bonds, notes or obligations at
public or private sale; to deliver the bonds, notes or obligations; and to perform all other acts which are necessary or appropriate to issue the bonds, notes or obligations.
Section 3. That the City issue and renew its temporary notes or interim funding obligations from time to time in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds from the sale of the bonds, notes or obligations or the receipt of grants for the Project. The amount of the temporary notes or interim funding obligations outstanding at any time shall not exceed $4,100,000. The temporary notes or interim funding obligations shall be issued pursuant to Sections 7-264, 7-264a, 7-378 of the Statutes, and, as applicable, any other enabling acts including without limitation Sections 22a-475 to 22a-483 of the Statutes. The temporary notes or interim funding obligations shall be special, limited obligations of the City secured as to both principal and interest solely by a pledge of and lien upon all or any portion of the WPCA Revenues, and shall not
be secured by a pledge of the full faith and credit of the City. The City shall comply with the provisions of Sections 7-378a and 22a-479(c) of the Statutes with respect to any such interim funding obligations. The Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to determine the amounts, dates, interest rates, maturities, form, and other details of the temporary notes; to sell the notes at public or private sale; to execute and deliver the notes; and to perform all other acts which are necessary or appropriate to issue the temporary notes.
Section 4. That the City hereby declares its official intent under Federal Income Tax Regulation Section 1.150-2 that costs of the Project may be paid from temporary advances of available funds of the WPCA and that the City reasonably expects to reimburse any such advances (except to the extent reimbursed from grant moneys) from the proceeds of borrowings in an aggregate principal amount not in excess of the amount of borrowing authorized above for the Project. The Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to amend such declaration of official intent as they deem necessary or advisable and to bind the City pursuant to such representations and covenants as they deem necessary or advisable in order to maintain the continued exemption from federal income taxation of interest on the bonds, notes or obligations authorized by this
resolution if issued on a tax-exempt basis, including covenants to pay to the United States in future years rebates of investment earnings derived from the investment of the proceeds of such obligations.
Section 5. That the Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized, upon a determination that such action is in the public interest, to issue any bonds, notes, obligations, temporary notes or interim funding obligations authorized by this resolution in such form and manner that the interest on such bonds, notes, temporary notes, or other obligations may be includable under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding Internal Revenue Code of the United States, as from time to time amended, in the gross income of the holder or holders of such obligations.
Section 6. That the Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to make representations and enter into written agreements for the benefit of holders of the bonds, notes, obligations, temporary notes or interim funding obligations to provide secondary market disclosure information, which agreements may include such
terms as they deem advisable or appropriate in order to comply with applicable laws or rules pertaining to the sale or purchase of such bonds, notes, obligations, temporary notes or interim funding obligations.
Section 7. That the Mayor, or any other proper officer or official of the City, is authorized to apply for and accept grants and/or loans from the State of Connecticut or any other entity to finance the Project, and to enter into any grant or loan agreement prescribed by the State or any other grantor or lender, and that the Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to take any other actions necessary to obtain grants or loans pursuant to Section 22a-479 of the Statutes, or to any other present or future legislation, or to implement such grant or loan agreements. Any grant proceeds may be used to pay project costs or principal and interest on bonds, notes, obligations, temporary notes or interim funding obligations.
Section 8. That the Mayor, the Board of Councilmen, the WPCA, the Treasurer, and other proper officers and officials of the City are each authorized to take any other action which is necessary or desirable to complete the Project and to issue bonds, notes or obligations or obtain grants to finance the aforesaid appropriation.
SOLAR PROJECT
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council considered authorizing the Mayor to enter into a land lease agreement with GRE GACRUX, LLC aka Greenskies Renewable Energy LLC, for a portion of City property located at the Torrington Landfill, 105 Vista Drive for the installation and operation of a Solar Array Project.
Public Works Director Gerald Rollett explained the process and steps involved in a project that will hopefully generate some use and income for this property.
Councilor Cavagnero said it would be in the best interest of the City to take a longer look at what can be accomplished with a large-scale solar array implementation. He said he didn’t like this process, it seems premature and the City should not accept the short money.
Mr. Rollett said this is his third attempt in six years. He said this time it is a land lease with steady income to the City that will be worth $1,900,000 over its 20-year lifespan.
Mayor Carbone described the other bids received and explained how this is the best choice. She commended Mr. Rollett for his work on this.
With a roll call vote, voted 4/1 in favor with Councilor Cavagnero voting in opposition.
INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION – STATUS UPDATE ON WPCF COMPREHENSIVE UPGRADE
WPCA Administrator Ray Drew and Christine Kurtz from Wright Pierce updated the Council on the WPC Facility upgrade. Mr. Drew gave a history of the Water Pollution Control Facility and explained the need for the current project. He described the recommended facilities plan for $52,000,000 to upgrade the preliminary treatment process, provide new septage receiving facility, upgrade the primary treatment process, re-purpose the existing tanks for nitrogen removal, construct a phosphorus removal process, implement sludge dewatering and install a new secondary clarifier. Mr. Drew said the flood protection rules, existing tank structural design and project timing have changed, among other things. He described the significant changes, the value engineering savings and the estimated total cost of the project.
SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARINGS
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on May 16, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. to set the Sewer User Fee for the period from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on Monday, June 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. to review and discuss proposals for participation in the 2016 Neighborhood Assistance Act.
ADD TO AGENDA
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to add the following item to the agenda.
REPAIR WPCF GENERATOR
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Farley the Council voted 3/1, with Councilor Cavagnero opposed, to accept the recommendation of the WPCA Administrator and waive the bid process and award the repair of the WPCF Generator to Cummins Power System, LLC due to their ability to start immediately. Councilor Noujaim abstained. Councilor Cavagnero objected to the process, saying the generator should have been on a timeline and properly budgeted for.
SANITARY SEWER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to approve a payment of $45,894.57 from Fund #490 Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement to True Blue Environmental for Capital Project D-2A East Drainage Basin Rehabilitation, requisition #9 dated March 25, 2016.
TAX REFUNDS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the four (4) refunds indicated on the list dated April 20, 2016. Addendum 2
WPCA - SEWER TAX REFUNDS
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the nine (9) sewer usage refunds indicated on the list dated April 20, 2016. Addendum 3
SMALL CITIES PAYMENTS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to approve the following payments:
Vendor Requisition # Date Amount Fund Description
City of Torrington 15-SC-11 4/15/2016 $300.00 272 Title Searches
Boston Lead Company, LLC 15-SC-10 4/14/2016 $1900.00 272 Lead Testing
Boston Lead Company, LLC 15-SC-09 4/14/2016 $210.00 272 Lead Testing
Boston Lead Company, LLC 14-SC-73 4/14/2016 $190.00 271 Lead Testing
BUSINESS: DEPARTMENT HEADS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads. No business was presented.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council.
Councilor Cavagnero said the taxpayers, citizens and voters would be better served if department heads stuck closer to the original intent of how we conduct city business.
Councilor Ruwet thanked the Mayor for the letter she sent our representatives regarding the impact SB-1 will have on the city’s revenue. She also thanked the Mayor and all those who came out to the public forum to talk about the closing of UConn’s Torrington campus.
Councilor Noujaim expressed a concern that parents of high school students have regarding one of the assistant principals’ administrative leave.
Councilor Waldon noted that the closure of the Torrington UConn campus is a sad thing, along with the closure of Sky Top Lanes. He said he was glad to see the return of Main Street Marketplace as we need more positive things.
Mayor Carbone said that Sky Top Lanes’ closing is sadly the end of an era, but there are plans for redevelopment of that property. She said she is attempting to schedule another meeting with the Board of Education before the mill rate is set. Mayor Carbone noted that her letter to the legislative delegates addressed her concern about the $3,300,000 deficit in revenue due to the State’s mill rate capping on our motor vehicles and said it is very difficult for us to consider setting the mill rate when we don’t know what the revenues are going to be. Mayor Carbone announced a public informational meeting tomorrow night at 6 pm regarding the State-funded Highland Avenue project that includes new sidewalks, road paving and drainage work that will leave Highland Avenue significantly changed.
OPEN TO PUBLIC: AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to
open the meeting to the public to discuss agenda items only. There was no one present who wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Carol L. Anderson CMC
Asst. City Clerk
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