MINUTES
PUBLIC HEARING
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
September 6, 2016
A PUBLIC HEARING was held by the City Council & WPC Authority in the City Hall Auditorium on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 to solicit public comment regarding an amendment to City Ordinance §187-27 “Tax Exemption for Low-Income Veterans” pursuant to the adoption of Public Act 16-191, “An Act Concerning Veterans’ Property Taxes.”
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Jaime LaMere and City Councilors Paul Cavagnero, Gregg Cogswell, Anne Ruwet, Daniel Farley and Luisa Noujaim. Councilor Drake Waldron was absent.
Mayor Carbone called the public hearing to order at 6:30 p.m.
City Clerk Joseph Quartiero read the legal notice.
“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Councilmen of the City of Torrington will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium, 140 Main St., Torrington, CT to solicit public comment regarding an amendment to City Ordinance §187-27 “Tax Exemption for Low-Income Veterans” pursuant to the adoption of Public Act 16-191, “An Act Concerning Veterans’ Property Taxes.” All interested parties are invited to attend and be heard. Dated at Torrington, Connecticut, this 17th day of August, 2016.”
Mr. Len Dube of Funston Ave. said he wants to make Torrington a veteran-friendly community and he recommended a coalition be formed from real estate agents, bankers, lenders and insurance brokers. He said there should be a head tax for school attendees.
Mr. Thomas Preato of Norfolk Rd. recommended passage of the ordinance amendment saying it will attract veterans from outside the area.
Mr. Bud Atwood of Hoffman St. noted that the additional $10,000 will assist veterans’ windows.
Mr. Leo Martigneni of Highfield Dr. urged passage of the amendment saying the country owes our veterans a great debt.
Mayor Carbone closed the public hearing at 6:46 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC CITY CLERK |
Carol L. Anderson CMC Asst. City Clerk |
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
September 6, 2016
A REGULAR MEETING was held by the City Council & WPC Authority in the City Hall Auditorium on Tuesday, September 6, 2016.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Jaime LaMere and City Councilors Paul Cavagnero, Gregg Cogswell, Anne Ruwet, Daniel Farley and Luisa Noujaim. Councilor Drake Waldron was absent. Also present were Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Water Pollution Control Administrator Ray Drew, Comptroller Alice Proulx, Public Works Director Jerry Rollet and Economic Development Director Erin Wilson.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:46 p.m. starting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Carbone extended her sincere gratitude to all our veterans for their service not only during times of war but also for their continued service to our community.
AMEND CITY ORDINANCE §187-27 and §187-28
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted by Roll Call Vote to amend Ordinance §187-27 and §187-28 as follows: (Deletions appear struck through and additions are in bold.)
ARTICLE VIII. - TAX EXEMPTION FOR LOW-INCOME VETERANS
§ 187-27. - Exemption granted
Pursuant to Section 12-81f of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended by Public Act 16-191, any veteran or surviving spouse entitled to an exemption of property taxes in accordance with the Subdivisions 19 and 22 of Section 12-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes shall be entitled to an additional exemption in the amount of $10,000.00 $20,000.00, provided such veteran's qualifying income or surviving spouse's qualifying income does not exceed the maximum amount provided in §12-81l of the Connecticut General Statutes by more than $25,000.00.
§ 187-28. - Application for exemption.
Any such veteran or spouse submitting a claim for such additional exemption shall be required to file an application on a form prepared for such purpose by the Assessor not later than the assessment date with respect to which such additional exemption is claimed as provided for by §12-81f(c)(d) of the Connecticut General Statutes.
RECESS
On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to recess the meeting at 6:51 p.m.
RECONVENE
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to reconvene the meeting at 6:59 p.m.
MINUTES
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting held August 15, 2016. Councilor Noujaim abstained.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one present who wished to speak.
MAYORAL RE-APPOINTMENTS
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Mayor’s re-appointment of Marie Soliani, John Luciano and Lucille Paige as Torrington Representatives on the Cable TV Advisory Council for two-year terms expiring July 1, 2018.
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Mayor’s re-appointment of Gregory Mele, Paul Summers, Richard Calkins, Gregory Perosino and James Bobinski as Regular Members of the Flood and Erosion Control Board for three-year terms expiring February 1, 2019.
On a motion by Councilor Farley, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Mayor’s re-appointment of Jon A. Sheaffer, Jr. and Donna Greco as Alternate Members of the Flood and Erosion Control Board for three-year terms expiring February 1, 2019.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Farley, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to enter Executive Session under pending negotiations at 7:03 p.m. inviting Water Pollution Control Administrator Ray Drew, Public Works Director Jerry Rollet and Economic Development Director Erin Wilson.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to enter open session at 7:54 p.m.
RESOLUTION: Former Stone Container Property, 200 Litchfield St.
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to adopt resolution #143-16-12 authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the State of CT Dept. of Economic Development regarding a $100,000 grant for 200 Litchfield Street.
WHEREAS, pursuant to C.G.S. Sec. 32-763 the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is authorized to extend financial assistance for economic development projects; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City of Torrington make an application to the State for $ 100,000 in order to undertake the 200 Litchfield Street project and to execute an Assistance Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Board of Councilmen that it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for the state financial assistance imposed by CGS Sec. 32-763 that the filing of an application for State financial assistance by the City of Torrington in an amount not to exceed $100,000 is hereby approved and that Elinor Carbone, Mayor is directed to execute and file such application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the
City of Torrington.
LOW-EMISSION RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDIT: Fuel Cell Project at WPCF
On a motion by Councilor Farley, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to act on behalf of the City to negotiate, execute and administer a contract with one of the preferred fuel cell contractors that responded to the RFP.
BAR PLANNING GRANT: Downtown MDP & Riverfront
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Economic Development Director’s recommendation to award the City of Torrington Brownfield Area-Wide Revitalization (BAR) Planning Grant contract to BL Companies of Meriden, CT and to authorize the Mayor to negotiate, execute and administer the contract on behalf of the City. Mayor Carbone explained that this will help the City develop a brownfield remediation strategy, focused on Franklin St., Franklin Dr., and 200 Litchfield St.
PURCHASE AMMUNITION
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to waive the City bid process and purchase ammunition off the State Contract from Eagle Point Gun of Thorofare, NJ in the amount of $26,515.35 pending Board of Public Safety Approval.
RESOLUTION: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Lease/Purchase
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-16-13 authorizing the Mayor to sign the Lease Purchase Agreement entitled “Master Equipment Lease/Purchase Agreement” and to execute all documents related to the agreement.
BE IT RESOLVED that Elinor Carbone, Mayor, is hereby authorized to sign the Lease Purchase
Agreement entitled “Master Equipment Lease/Purchase Agreement” for the upgrade to the Self
Contained Breathing Apparatus units for the Torrington Fire Department. Said Mayor is hereby
further authorized to execute any and all amendments or addendums to said agreement.
SMALL CITIES
On a motion by Councilor Noujaim, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Small Cities Committee to approve a change order to Project #143-399, and approve Projects #143-425, #143-432 and #143-462.
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Farley, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the payment of $600 to Boston Lead Co., LLC for Requisition #15-SC-28 for Project #143-432.
TAX COLLECTOR TAX REFUNDS
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Noujaim, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the 47 refunds indicated on the list dated September 1, 2016.
TAX COLLECTOR SEWER USAGE FEE REFUNDS
Acting herein as the Water Pollution Control Authority, on a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the 9 sewer usage fee refunds indicated on the list dated September 1, 2016.
CENTER BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS
On a motion by Councilor Farley, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to award the Center Bridge Improvements contract to Hemlock Construction of Torrington, CT for $207,848.25 and to execute and administer all documents including change orders and pay applications on behalf of the City.
BUSINESS BY DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads. ~~~
Chief Brunoli commended his staff for collecting more than $20,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, announced an upcoming 15-year remembrance ceremony for 9/11 at the North End Station and announced an upcoming program sponsored by Local 1567, Home Depot and Operation Save A Life to distribute smoke detectors and promote prevention before intervention.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by the Mayor and members of the City Council.
Councilor Farley commended our Veterans for all they do for our community.
OPEN TO PUBLIC: AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
On a motion by Councilor Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Farley, 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 Cogswell, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:09 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Carol L. Anderson CMC
Asst. City Clerk
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