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TO: Mayor Eriquez and Members of the Common Council
RE: Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held February 6, 2001
Mayor Eriquez called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer were recited. The members were recorded as:
PRESENT Levy, Scalzo, McAllister, Smith, Saadi, Buzaid, Dean Esposito, Machado, Shuler, David Furtado, Arconti, John Esposito, Abrantes, Pascuzzi, Basso, Manny Furtado, Gogliettino, Martin Moore, Saracino.
ABSENT Gallagher, Michael Moore
19 Present 2 Absent
Mr. Moore was working and Mr. Gallagher was attending to a family matter
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Greg Pagan, 20 Old Farm Road please address the sewer problem on Old
Farm Road
Rev. Bobby Gardner, 7 Butternut Lane Would like a traffic light on Woodside Avenue
Jacqueline Hodge, 56 Franklin Street, Unit 14 Spoke on item 57. Does not consider this affordable housing.
Mayor Eriquez appointed Matthew Gallagher, Helena Abrantes, Harry Scalzo, Michael Moore and Mary Saracino to the Education Budget Committee.
MINUTES Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held January 3, 2001. Mr. Levy made a motion to accept the minutes as presented and waive the reading as all members have copies which are on file in the Office of the City Clerk for public inspection. Seconded by Mr. Buzaid. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR John Esposito presented the following item for the Consent Calendar:
2 - Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept grant funding in the amount of $1,000 for the Citys Emergency Homeless Shelter
3 - Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept grant funding in the amount of $26,368 for the Board of Education Before and After School Program
4 - Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept grant funding in the amount of $20,000 for the Rogers Park Pond, Ives Trail
5 - Adopt the Resolution to renew the application for grant funding in the amount of $20,000 for the Lake Kenosia Stormwater Study
6 - Adopt the resolution to authorize the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Agreement between the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund and the Danbury Childrens First Collaborative
10 Approve the reappointment of Carol Smith to the Parks and Recreation Commission
11 Approve the reappointment of John Hoffer and Edward Moore to the Danbury Library Board of Directors
12 Approve the appointment of Charlotte Barrows to the Commission on Aging
13 Approve the appointment of Debra Lajoie to the Commission on Persons with Disabilities
14 Approve the appointment of Kathy Gleason to the Board of Ethics
15 Approve the appointment of Charles Williams to the Parks and Recreation Commission
16 Approve the reappointment of Evelyn Durgy, Helen Masterson, Ada Humpreville, and Mel Schwartz to the Cultural Commission
17 Approve the reappointment of Paul Estefan as the Towing Hearing Officer
22 Approve the transfer of unused LOCiP funds as described
23 Approve the transfer of $10,000 into the Fire Department Special Services Account
33 Approve the transfer of $1,865 from the Elderly Services Donations Revenue Account to the Commission on Aging budget as described
34 Approve the transfer of $825 from the Contingency Fund to the Airport Maintain Buildings and Structures account
35 Approve the transfer of $4,058 from the Contingency Account to the Airport Overtime Salaries Account
39 Approve the request for an extension of time for a water and sewer extension application for a period not to exceed eighteen months
40 Receive the Planning Commission report
41 Receive the Planning Commission report
42 Receive the report regarding Taxicabs and send a copy to the petitioner
43 Receive the reports regarding the request to purchase City land on Palmer and Royal Pine Drive and deny the request to declare the parcel surplus as it was dedicated open space as part of the original subdivision
44 Receive the report regarding East Ditch Storm Sewer Line
47 Approve the Affordable Housing Contract for Southwinds Commons Condominiums
50 Receive the report regarding Executive Air and approve the recommendations to take no action at this time
51 Receive the report regarding a request for sewer and water extensions on East Hayestown Road and approve the recommendations
52 Receive the report regarding a request for a water extension at 19 & 21 Cedar Street and approve the recommendation inclusive of the normal eight steps
53 Receive the report regarding funds for the Registrars of Voters and approve the recommendation
Dean Esposito made a motion to accept the Consent Calendar, as read, with the deletion of item 47. Seconded by Manny Furtado. Motion carried unanimously.
1 ORDINANCES Fire Department
Manny Furtado asked that this be deferred to public hearing. Mayor Eriquez so ordered.
2 - RESOLUTION Homeless Shelter
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $1,000.00 to Danburys Homeless Shelter for the purchase of supplies; and
WHEREAS, the Homeless Shelter is desirous of accepting these funds and using them for these purposes;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Mayor Gene F. Eriquez is hereby authorized to accept said funds and to execute any agreements or other documents necessary to effectuate the purposes of this award.
The Resolution to apply for and accept grant funding in the amount of $1,000.00 for the Citys Emergency Homeless Shelter was approved on the Consent Calendar.
3 RESOLUTION Before & After School Program
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services has made a grant available in the amount of $26,368.00; and
WHEREAS, these funds, if awarded, would be used for the Before and After School Program for the 2000-2001 school year; and
WHEREAS, no local cash match is required.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez as Mayor of the City of Danbury is hereby authorized to apply for said grant funds and to sign all documents necessary and do all things necessary to effectuate the purposes of said program.
The Resolution to apply for and accept grant funding in the amount of $26,368 for the Board of Education Before and After School Program was approved on the Consent Calendar.
4 RESOLUTION TEA 21 Grant
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has made available a grant in an amount up to twenty thousand ($20,000) dollars for the Recreational Trails Program of TEA 21 for the Rogers Park Pond, Ives Trail; and
WHEREAS, the funding would be in the form of a pass through under the Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st (TEA 21) century; and
WHEREAS, a local cash match of 20% is required;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez be and hereby is authorized to sign any documents necessary to effectuate the purposes of said grant application and the receipt of said grant.
The Resolution to apply for and accept grant funding in the amount of $20,000 for the Rogers Park Pond, Ives Trail was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5 RESOLUTION Lake Kenosia Stormwater Study Grant
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Services has made available a grant for the purposes of Stormwater Management; and
WHEREAS, the Health and Housing Department of the City of Danbury would like to renew its application for a grant to utilize these funds for conducting a mapping and analysis of drainage discharging to Lake Kenosia; and
WHEREAS, this grant would provide $20,000 and no local match is required.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Gene F. Eriquez as Mayor of the City of Danbury is hereby authorized to sign all documents, including a Personal Services Agreement, necessary to effectuate the purposes of this grant.
6 RESOLUTION Danbury Children First Collaborative
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund has made available a grant in the amount of $56,250.00 for the purposes of implementing initiatives for children from birth through eight years; and
WHEREAS, said funds would be utilized as part of a collaborative effort among individuals and institutions set forth in the Children First Collaborative Membership Roster; and
WHEREAS, the grant award represents the second and final year of Legacy Planning and Implementation funding to the City of Danbury; and
WHEREAS, the Implementation Grant Period is January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001; and
WHEREAS, the United Way will serve as the Collaborative Agent for Danbury;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury, be and hereby is authorized to execute a Memorandum of Agreement Between the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund and The Danbury Children First Collaborative and such other documents as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof.
The Resolution to authorize the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Agreement between the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund and the Danbury Children First Collaborative was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7 RESOLUTION Assignment of Real Property Tax Liens
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statutes 12-195h authorizes any municipality to assign, for consideration, any and all liens filed by the tax collector to secure unpaid taxes on real property; and
WHEREAS, on January 22, 2001 the City of Danbury assigned certain real estate tax liens appearing on the grand lists of October 1, 1998 and October 1, 1999 to American Tax Funding, LLC; and.
WHEREAS, the assignment of additional tax liens on said grand lists to ATF would further reduce the administrative burden upon the Danbury Tax Collector for the benefit of the city; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANBURY that, Mayor Gene F. Eriquez be and hereby is authorized to accomplish the assignment to ATF of additional liens filed by the Tax Collector to secure unpaid taxes on real property appearing on the grand lists of October 1, 1998 and October 1, 1999 and having a value of $452,425.23. Mayor Eriquez is further authorized to execute any agreements or amendments thereto as may be required to accomplish the purposes hereof.
Mr. Levy made a motion to receive the communication and adopt the resolution. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. Motion carried unanimously.
8 COMMUNICATION Appointments as Police Officers
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointments of Michael J. Pederson, Douglas Clark, Robert Perun and Joseph E. Norkus, Jr. to the position of Police Officer in the Danbury Police Department. Mr. Pascuzzi made a motion that the communication be received and the appointments confirmed. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
9 COMMUNICATION Promotion within the Police Department
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the promotion of Officer John B. Murphy to the position of Sergeant in the Patrol Division. Mr. McAllister made a motion that the communication be received and the promotion be confirmed. Mr. McAllister made a motion that the communication be received and the promotion confirmed. Seconded by Dean Esposito. Motion carried unanimously.
10 COMMUNICATION Reappointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Carol Smith to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term to expire December 1, 2003. The reappointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
11 COMMUNICATION - Reappointments to the Library Board of Directors
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the reappointments of John Hoffer and Edward Moore to the Library Board of Directors for terms to expire January 1, 2004. The reappointments were confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
12 COMMUNICATION Appointment as Alternate to the Commission on Aging
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointment of Charlotte Barrows as an alternate to the Commission on Aging for a term to expire January 1, 2003. The appointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
13 COMMUNICATION Appointment to the Commission on Persons with Disabilities
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointment of Debra L. Lajoie to the Commission on Persons with Disabilities for a term to expire March 1,2003. The appointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
14 COMMUNICATION Appointment to the Board of Ethics
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kathy Gleason to the Board of Ethics for a term to expire August 1, 2001. The appointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
15 COMMUNICATION Appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointment of Charles Williams to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term to expire December 1, 2002. The appointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
16 COMMUNICATION Reappointments to the Cultural Commission
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the reappointments of Evelyn Durgy, Helen Masterson, Ada Humphreville and Mel Schwartz to the Cultural Commission for terms to expire February 1, 2004. The reappointments were confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
17 COMMUNICATION Reappointment as Towing Hearing Officer
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointment of Paul Estefan as the Towing Hearing Officer for a term to expire December 1, 2002. The reappointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
18 COMMUNICATION Donation from the Exchange Club
Letter from Police Chief Robert Paquette requesting permission to accept the donation of a complete set of Fatal Vision Goggles from the Exchange Club. The estimated value of this donation is $1,100.00. Mr. Saadi made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. McAllister. Motion carried unanimously.
19 COMMUNICATION Donation from Boehringer Ingleheim
Letter from Director of Health William Campbell requesting permission to accept a donation of panels with transaction tops, a bookcase, a file cabinet, a sorter bin for forms and two chairs to the Health and Housing Department. The estimated value of these items if $450.00. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. Motion carried unanimously.
20 COMMUNICATION Donation to the Police Department
Letter from Police Chief Robert Paquette requesting permission to accept the donation of a 9mm Intratech pistol from Mr. Jesus Tevino. The approximate value at the time of purchase was $212.00. Mr. Gogliettino made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Manny Furtado. Motion carried unanimously.
21 COMMUNICATION Donations to the Department of Elderly Services
Letter from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath requesting permission to accept donations in the total amount of $1,279 for use of the Senior Center. Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the proper line items and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
22 COMMUNICATION LOCIP Revisions
Request from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro for reappropriation of remaining LOCIP one-time grant funds in the amount of $13,212.93 as follows: $6,125 for the City Hall basement card assess system and $7,087.93 for the purchase of an Assistant Fire Chiefs vehicle. The reappropriation was authorized on the Consent Calendar.
23 COMMUNICATION Fire Department Special Services Account
Request from Fire Chief Carmen Oliver for $10,000 for the Fire Department Special Services Account due to continuous fire watch at the mall. The transfer of funds was approved on the Consent Calendar.
24 COMMUNICATION WITHDRAWN
25 COMMUNICATION Donation to the Library
Letter from Library Director Betsy McDonough requesting permission to accept a donation in the amount of $100 from Mr. and Mrs. Michael Safko for the BOOKS line item. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation, credit the proper line item and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
26 COMMUNICATION Donation Still River Greenway
Request from Dominic Setaro for permission to accept a donation in the amount of $10,000 for the Still River Greenway Project. Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation, credit the proper line item and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
27 COMMUNICATION Donations Still River Project
Letter from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro for permission to accept a donation in the amount of $5,000 from Branson and a donation in the amount of $10,000 from Mel Powers for the City Still River Project. Manny Furtado made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the proper line item and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Pascuzzi. Motion carried unanimously.
28 COMMUNICATION Millennium Project
Request from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro to accept donations in the amount of $375.00 for the Millennium Project. Mrs. Basso made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the proper line item and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mr. McAllister. Motion carried unanimously.
29 COMMUNICATION Welfare Donation and Reappropriation
Letter from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro requesting permission to accept a donation in the amount of $150 from Lionetti Painting and authorize the reappropriation of the $150 to the Welfare Departments Emergency Aid Network line item. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation, reappropriate the donation as requested and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
30 COMMUNICATION Donation to the Welfare Department
Letter from Director of Welfare Deborah MacKenzie requesting permission to accept donated items for the emergency shelter and the Welfare Department. Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donated items and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
31 COMMUNICATION Labor Negotiations
Request from Personnel Director Lynne Beardsley for the sum of $59,000 to be transfer from the Contingency Account to the Personnel Departments Professional Services line item for labor negotiation costs. A certification of funds was attached. Mr. Scalzo made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the transfer of $59,000.00 from the Contingency Account to the Personnel Departments Professional Services line item. Seconded by Mr. Levy. Motion carried unanimously.
32 COMMUNICATION Reappropriation Ambulance Funds
Request from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro that the Common Council reappropriate the sum of $55,404 which would allow the City to increase Sunday ambulance coverage, lease/purchase an ambulance and back-up vehicle and adjust various other accounts that are in need of additional funds. BSIs revised budget was attached. Mr. Gogliettino made a motion to approve the request for the transfer of funds.
Seconded by Mr. Pascuzzi. Motion carried unanimously.
33 COMMUNICATION & CERTIFICATION Reappropriation of Donated Funds
Request from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath that the sum of $1,865.00 from the Elderly Services donations account be transferred to the Commission on Aging budget. A certification of funds was attached. The transfer of funds was authorized on the Consent Calendar.
34 COMMUNICATION & CERTIFICATION Airport Maintenance of Building Account
Request from Airport Administrator Paul Estefan for the sum of $825 in his maintain buildings and structures account to cover the cleaning service done by Ratick Combustion on two furnaces at the Civil Defense building on Miry Brook Road and the old furnace at the Airport Maintenance building. A certification of funds was attached.
The transfer of funds was approved on the Consent Calendar.
35 COMMUNICATION & CERTIFICATION Airport Overtime Account
Request from Airport Administrator Paul Estefan requesting the sum of $3,000 in overtime money to cover the remainder of the winter season. A certification of funds was attached. The transfer of funds was approved on the Consent Calendar.
36 COMMUNICATION Request for Ad hoc Committee Façade Improvement Program.
Request from Council Member Michael Moore that a committee be appointed to explore the feasibility of a façade improvement program for businesses located on Main Street. Mr. Gogliettino asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Finance, City Center Board, and the Mayor. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Michael Moore, Gogliettino and Saracino to the committee.
37 COMMUNICATION Request for ad hoc committee to review Traffic Congestion
Request from Council Member Thomas Saadi that a committee be appointed to review traffic congestion and related problems at the intersection of Triangle, Cross and White Streets. Mr. Arconti asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Chief of Police, the Traffic Engineer and the Director of Public Works. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Saadi, John Esposito and Saracino to the committee.
38 COMMUNICATION Grant Audits
Request from Council Member Dean Esposito that a committee be appointed to review the possibility of requiring the submission of annual reports documenting the spending of grant funds given to volunteer fire companies, or certified audits of same. Dean Esposito asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Fire Chief, the Director of Finance, the Corporation Counsel and the President of the Volunteers. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Dean Esposito, Machado and Saracino to the committee.
39 COMMUNICATION Request for Extension of Time Sewer and Water Extensions Oil Mill Road
Request from Attorney Michael J. Mazzucco for an extension of time for a March 2, 1999 approval of a proposed sewer and water application on Oil Mill Road. The request for an extension of time was approved on the Consent Calendar for a period not to exceed eighteen months.
40 COMMUNICATION Report regarding East Lake Estates- Road Widening Parcel
Report from the Planning Commission issuing a positive recommendation regarding a road widening parcel at East Lake Estates. The Planning Commission report was received on the Consent Calendar and the parcels accepted.
41 COMMUNICATION Report regarding 303-307 White Street Road Widening Parcel
Report from the Planning Commission issuing a positive recommendation regarding a road widening parcel at 303-307 White Street. The Planning Commission report was received on the Consent Calendar and the parcels accepted.
42 COMMUNICATION Report regarding Taxicabs
Report from Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk outlining state law regarding the operation of taxicabs. The report was received on the Consent Calendar and a copy sent to the complainant.
43 COMMUNICATION Reports regarding Palmer Road and Royal Pine Drive
Reports from the Corporation Counsel, the Director of Public Works, the Planning Director, the Planning Commission and the Director of Finance regarding the request from Julian and Cristina Val to purchase City property on Palmer Road and Royal Pine Drive. The reports were received on the Consent Calendar and the request to declare the parcel surplus denied as it was dedicated open space as part of the original subdivision.
44 COMMUNICATION Report regarding East Ditch Storm Sewer Line
Report from William Buckley, outlining steps take and action to be taken regarding minor repairs and/or improvements to the East Ditch storm sewer line. The report was received on the Consent Calendar.
45 COMMUNICATION Report regarding Old Farm Road Sewer Problems
Report from City Engineer William Buckley regarding the history of a private sanitary sewer line between Old Farm Road and Southern Boulevard. Mrs. Abrantes asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the City Engineer and the Corporation Counsel. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Scalzo, Buzaid and Basso to the committee.
46 COMMUNICATION Great Plain Road Road Widening Parcel
Request from Attorney Gerald Daly for the City to accept a certain parcel of land on Great Plain Road for road widening purposes. Mrs. Abrantes asked that this be referred to the Planning Commission, the City Engineer and the Corporation Counsel for reports back within thirty days. Mayor so ordered.
47 COMMUNICATION Southwinds Commons Condominiums Special Exception 539
Request from Attorney Robin Kahn requesting Common Council approval of an affordable housing contract regarding Southwinds Commons Condominium. Mr. Arconti made a motion to receive the communication and approve the agreement. Seconded by Mr. McAllister. Mr. Arconti asked that Corporation Counsel if the Council can set sales price or by another agency. Attorney Gottschalk stated that the document was developed by standards set by State Statute. Motion carried unanimously.
48 COMMUNICATION Request to Convey City Property on Osborne Street to the Housing Site Development Authority.
Request from Attorney Paul Jaber requesting that city property on Osborne Street be conveyed to the Housing Site Development Authority for construction of 35 housing units, ten of which will be for persons with disabilities. Mrs. Abrantes asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Finance, the Planning Commission, Executive Director of WeCahr, Executive Director of Corporation for Independent Living. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Manny Furtado, Smith and Saracino to the committee.
49 COMMUNICATION Shelter Rock and Plumtrees Road Road Widening Parcel
Request from Attorney Peter Damia requesting that the City accept a strip of land along Plumtrees Road and Shelter Rock Road for road widening purposes. Dean Esposito asked that this be referred to the Planning Commission, the Director of Public Works and the Corporation Counsel for reports back within thirty days. Mayor Eriquez so ordered.
50 REPORT Executive Air
Mr. Gallagher submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request by Executive Air met on January 23, 2001 at 7:30 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Gallagher and Machado. Also in attendance were Assistant Corporation Counsel Laszlo Pinter, Airport Administrator Paul Estefan and Council Member Warren Levy, ex-officio.
As there was no representation of the petitioner, Executive Air, Mr. Machado moved to take no action at this time. Seconded by Mr. Gallagher and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 P.M.
The report regarding Executive Air was received and the recommendation to take no action at this time approved on the Consent Calendar.
51 REPORT Request for Sewer and Water Extension East Hayestown Road
Mrs. Abrantes submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for sewer and water extensions at East Hayestown Road met on November 6, 2000 at 6:30P.M. in the Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Helena Abrantes, Paul McAllister and Martin Moore. Also in attendance were Director of Public Works William Buckley, the petitioner Arthur Najamy and Farrol Lauermann.
Ms. Abrantes noted the positive recommendation of the Planning Commission. The petitioner stated that he was looking to build a single family home at this time so the petition for water was not needed and withdrawn. Mr. Buckley stated that he did not see any problem with the sewer request.
Mr. McAllister made a motion to approve the sewer extension subject to the normal eight steps. Seconded by Martin Moore and passed unanimously. The meeting concluded at 6:45 P.M.
The report regarding a request for sewer and water extensions on East Hayestown Road was received on the Consent Calendar and its recommendations approved.
52 REPORT Request for Water Extension 19 & 21 Cedar Street
Mr. Shuler submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for water extension at 19 & 21 Cedar Street met on January 30, 2001 a 7:30 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room. In attendance were committee members Shuler and Basso. Mrs. Abrantes was absent. Also in attendance was Assistant City Engineer Patricia Ellsworth.
Mrs. Basso asked if there was any reason that we should not approve this request. Mrs. Ellsworth said that as long as the eight steps are followed as well as the conditions of the Engineering Department, it would be appropriate to approve this request. Mr. Shuler asked if there would be any cost to the City. Mrs. Ellsworth said there would not be any cost to the City.
Mrs. Basso made a motion to recommend approval of the water extension to 19 & 21 Cedar Street. Seconded by Mr. Shuler. Motion carried unanimously.
The report regarding a request for water extension at 19 & 21 Cedar Street was received and its recommendation inclusive of the normal eight steps approved on the Consent Calendar.
53- REPORT & CERTIFICATION Request for Funds for Voter Canvass
Mr. Gallagher submitted the following report:
The Common Council committee appointed to review the request for funds for the Registrar of Voters met on January 23, 2001 at 7:00 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Gallagher, Levy and Saracino. Also in attendance were Director of Finance Dominic Setaro and Registrars of Voters Marge Gallo and Jean Natale.
Mrs. Gallo gave an overview of the request, explaining that the additional $7,000 was needed for postage and the annual canvas of voters as required by law. She also explained that some of the shortfall was due to the additional expenses, which occurred as part of the presidential election.
After a brief discussion regarding the timing of the canvas, Mr. Levy moved to recommend to the Common Council an appropriation of $7,000.00 to the Registrars of Voters, pending certification of funds. Mrs. Saracino seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
The report regarding funds for the Registrars of Voters was received and its recommendation approved on the Consent Calendar.
54 REPORT King Street Volunteer Fire Company Reimbursement
Mr. Saadi submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request from King Street Volunteer Fire Company for reimbursement of expenses met on January 16, 2001 at 7:35 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Saadi, Scalzo and Saracino. Also in attendance were Director of Finance Dominic Setaro, Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk, Fire Chief Carmen Oliver, Jack Otto and Tom Lechner from the King Street Volunteers and Council Members David Furtado and Warren Levy, ex-officio.
Mr. Saadi asked Mr. Otto for a brief explanation of the request. Mr. Otto stated that in the early 1960s, King Street Volunteers were totally in charge of fire protection in the King Street District. In 1963 a committee was formed and suggested that a career fire department come to King Street and Engine 14 offered to provide facilities. An addition was built on the existing structure. Funding was provided by Engine 14 over a ten-year period through a lease agreement with three five-year options. The City provided the engine and the staff. In 1990 the lease ran out and there was hesitation about signing a new ten-year lease. The career department wanted to have its own building. The 1994 lease was for ten years with options. At the end of a three-year period, the City could cancel the lease. In 1992, King Street approached the City for permission to do renovations on the building.
The Engineering Department requested a discussion about renovation or expansion. They had several meetings with the Engineering Department and submitted several design concepts to the Engineering Department and the Fire Department. Engine 14 felt that the City wanted to keep Engine 25 in the building. Soft costs were incurred. Two or three months ago, Superintendent of Schools Tim Connors announced that Engine 25 was going to relocate to King Street School property. This left Engine 14 with bills. This is the reason Engine 14 can to the Common Council for reimbursement.
Mr. Saadi asked Mr. Otto who had initiated the process. Mr. Otto stated that in 1994 there was some conversation between Engine 14, the Fire Department and Corporation Counsel about how the lease would be structured. There were informal discussions about expanding the second floor. Warren Levy spoke at a meeting with the volunteers stating that there was bond money available. Mr. Otto received a call from Engineering to come in and discuss how to get going. Mr. Scalzo stated that the bond money was in Cityworks 2000 for Engine 25 and a fire training school. When the City looked into building a new firehouse, the cost exceeded the available money. Ms. Saracino asked Chief Oliver is a definitive decision to build a new firehouse has been made. Chief Oliver said no. Mr. Setaro stated that the initial site for a new building was a problem because of opposition to using school property. The money available is not sufficient to build a fire training school and a new fire station.
Mr. Saadi referred to the April 6, 2000 letter from Corporation Counsel. Did the City put Engine 14 in this position? Attorney Gottschalk stated that he is not aware of any indication that, regardless of the outcome, the City would be willing to reimburse Engine 14 for the cost of the plans. There is no legal obligation to reimburse. Mr. Saadi asked, outside of legal obligations, did the tone put the fire company in a position to believe they would be reimbursed. Mr. Setaro stated that there was no formal agreement, but it was his understanding that the costs would be factored in and they would be reimbursed.
After further discussion, Mr. Scalzo made a motion to reimburse Engine 14 the sum of $18,840 for expenses encumbered for design and construction plans for Engine 25, pending certification. Seconded by Ms. Saracino. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Scalzo made a motion to receive the report and adopt its recommendations. Seconded by Dean Esposito. Motion carried with Mr. Pascuzzi abstaining.
55 DEPARTMENT REPORTS Public Works, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, Welfare and Social Services, Department of Elderly Services, Health and Housing. Mr. Arconti made a motion to accept the department reports as submitted and waive the reading as all members have copies which are on file in the Office of the City Clerk for public inspection. Seconded by Dean Esposito. Motion carried unanimously.
56 COMMUNICATION Neri Sand and Gravel Claim
Letter from Superintendent of Public Utilities Mario Ricozzi requesting that the City settle a claim by Neri Sand and Gravel in the amount of $7,000. The claim was for removal of topsoil and cover soil from Upper Kohanza Reservoir for use at the Danbury Landfill. Mr. Arconti asked that this be referred to the Director of Public Works and the Director of Finance for reports back in thirty days. Mayor Eriquez so ordered.
57 COMMUNICATION U. S. Filter/Flow Adjustment
Request from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro stating that according to the contract between the City and U. S. Filter, we are required to pay an additional administrative fee or receive a reduction in our fee if there is a 10% adjustment in flow, plus or minus. For 1999 and 2000 we are required to pay U. S. Filter because the flow exceeded the 10% for a number of months. Therefore, authorization to reappropriate the sum of $190,532 from Sewer Fund, Fund Balance into the Outside Services line item is requested. Mr. Levy made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the transfer of $190,532 from the Sewer Fund, Fund Balance into the Outside Services line item. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. Motion carried with Manny Furtado abstaining and Mrs. Abrantes and Mrs. Basso voting no.
The Mayor extended all committees.
There being no further business to come before the Common Council a motion was made at 9:24 P.M. by John Gogliettino for the meeting to be adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
JIMMETTA L. SAMAHA
Assistant City Clerk
ATTEST: _____________________________
Elizabeth Crudginton
City Clerk |