TO: Gene F. Eriquez and Members of the Common Council
RE: Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held June 6, 2000
Council President Thomas Arconti 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, Coco, Arconti, John Esposito, Abrantes, Pascuzzi, Basso, Furtado, Gogliettino, Michael Moore, Saracino
ABSENT Gallagher, Martin Moore
19 Present 2 Absent
Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Moore were working
PUBLIC SPEAKING No members of the public requested to address the Common Council.
MINUTES Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held May 2, 2000. Mrs. Abrantes made a motion that the minutes be adopted as presented and the reading waived 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.
CONSENT CALENDAR John Esposito presented the following items for the Consent Calendar:
1 - Adopt the revised resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $32,230 from the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services for the Food Stamp Workfare Program
3 - Adopt the Resolution to apply for a State Department of Education grant for the replacement of the roof at Shelter Rock Road School
4 - Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $74,386.77 from the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health for the 2000-2001 Per Capita program
5 - Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $10,000 from the Connecticut State Library for a long range-planning program and approve the local and in-kind match as desired
6 - Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept funding from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Block Grant as described.
7 - Adopt the Resolution to authorize the City of Danbury Women, Infants and Children Program to enter into an agreement with the State Department of Agriculture and accept the funding of $545.50
8 - Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $3,000 from the USDA Forest Services Urban and Community Forestry Program and approve the local match as described
9 - Adopt the Resolution authorizing the installment method of payment for the Wood Street Water Line Project water assessments
10 Approve the appointment of William L. Goldstein to the Transit District Board of Directors
11 Approve the reappointment of Frank Caracansi to the Civil Service Commission
12 Approve the appointment of Russell M. Foti as alternate to the Planning Commission
13 Approve the appointment of Robert M. Steinberg to the Parking Authority
14 Approve the Reappointments of Gerald Daly, David Cook and Robert Lovell to the Tarrywile Park Authority
16 Approve the grant agreement with the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund for the Danbury Childrens First Initiative
24 Approve the transfer of $578 from the Elderly Services Donations Revenue account to the Commission on Aging budget
28 Approve the pre-application for federal assistance at the airport as described
29 Approve the loan of two voting machines to the American Legion Auxiliary
34 Approve the transfer of $17,451 from the Insurance Department Automobile Insurance line item into a new Capital line item entitled Automated Flood Warning System
35 Approve the request of $150,000 in additional funding and associated indirect revenue for the Police Special Services Account
36 Approve the request for $15,000 additional funding and associated indirect revenue for the Fire Department Special Services Account
37 Approve the transfer of $4,800 from the Insurance Department Workers Compensation line item to the Town Clerks budget as described
38 Approve the transfer of $20,000 from the Bear Mountain reserve account to be used for improvements at Bear Mountain Park as described
39 Approve the transfer of $2,202 from the Librarys Regular Salaries line item to the Library Building Maintain Buildings-Structures line item for improvements as described
47 Receive the report from the Planning Commission recommending the approval of the easement to MIA Realty Associates Limited Partnership for 195-97 Main Street
48 Receive the report from the Planning Commission recommending the approval of a water extension at Blueberry Lane
49 Receive the report from the Acting Director of Public Works regarding item 30 from the April 2000 Common Council meeting
57 Approve the amendment to the ambulance budget as proposed.
Dean Esposito made a motion that the Consent Calendar be adopted as read. Seconded by Mrs. Saracino. Mr. McAllister asked that item 36 be removed. The Consent Calendar as amended was adopted unanimously.
1 RESOLUTION Food Stamp Workfare Program
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services has notified the City of Danbury Welfare Department of its eligibility to apply for a grant for its Food Stamp Workfare Program; and
WHEREAS, the Workfare Program would refer 20 Danbury area residents each month to the Job Search training program or skill training; and
WHEREAS, the grant being offered is in the amount of $32,230.00 and will require no matching funds from the City of Danbury; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury is hereby authorized to apply for said grant on behalf of the Danbury Welfare Department and to execute any and all documents to effectuate the purposes hereof.
The revised resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $32,230 from the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services for the Food Stamp Workfare Program was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
2 RESOLUTION AIDS Prevention Program
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Services, through its AIDS Prevention Program, has made grant funds available to full-time health departments to provide HIV health education information and expanded services for the period of July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2002; and
WHEREAS, grant funds not to exceed $445,040 requiring no local match, will be made available to the Danbury Health and Housing Department for its AIDS Risk Reduction Outreach Education Program HIV Counseling and Testing Services, its Needle Exchange Program and its Ryan White Title II Case Management Program, upon approval of a grant application therefore; and
WHEREAS, the Danbury Health and Housing Department will provide these services to the general public with particular attention given to individuals concerned about possible exposure to HIV, serving both residents and non-residents with no restrictions on who may be served.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury is authorized to apply for said grant and to accept the grant award on behalf of the City of Danbury, if such award is made. Any prior actions of the Mayor or the Director of Health regarding this application are hereby ratified.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Mayor Gene F. Eriquez is hereby authorized to make, execute and approve on behalf of the City of Danbury all contracts/agreements or amendments thereof, which do not require expenditure of City funds, with the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Services regarding said grant, and to take all actions necessary to accomplish the purposes of these programs.
Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to receive the communication and adopt the Resolution. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried with Mrs. Basso voting in the negative.
3 RESOLUTION Replacement of Shelter Rock School Roof
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
That the Danbury Board of Education Building Committee, consisting of the following persons: John R. Mitchell, Michael Fazio, Bobby Poole, Ellen Morelock, George OLoughlin and Anthony Paivo and representatives of the City of Danbury consisting of the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Superintendent of Public Buildings and a designee from the Citys Engineering Department is hereby established as the Building Committee with regard t (1) Danbury High School Projects (Science Labs, Library/Media Center, Technology Center, Track and Field, Locker Room Title IX(2) Roofs including, but not limited to King Street Primary, Mill Ridge Primary, Community Resource Center, South Street School addition and Shelter Rock School.
That the Common Council hereby authorizes the preparation of schematic drawings and outline specifications for the following: (1) Danbury High School Projects (Science Labs, Library/Media Center, Technology Center, Track and Field, Locker Rooms Title IX (2) Roofs including but not limited to, King Street Primary, Mill Ridge Primary, Community Resource Center, South Street School addition and Shelter Rock School.
That the Common Council hereby authorizes the Board of Education to direct the Superintendent of Schools to file applications for school building projects as follows: (1) Danbury High School Projects (Science Labs, Library/Media Center, Technology Center, Track and Field, Locker Rooms Title IX)(2) Roofs including, but not limited to, King Street Primary, Mill Ridge Primary, Community Resource Center, South Street School addition and Shelter Rock School.
The Resolution to apply for a State Department of Education grant for the replacement of the roof at Shelter Rock School was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
4 RESOLUTION Per Capita Grant
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health has made additional per capita funds available for 2000-2001 to municipalities in accordance with Section 19a-202 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the City of Danbury through the Danbury Health and Housing Department has formulated a program to promote optimal public health quality in the City of Danbury; and
WHEREAS, a continuation grant award application for a revised amount of $74,386.77 with no local match requirement will be processed by the Danbury Health and Housing Department for a grant term of July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor of the City of Danbury, Gene F. Eriquez is hereby authorized to apply for and accept said per capita grant funds of $74,386.77 to execute all contracts or amendments thereof concerning said grant and to take all necessary actions to effectuate the purposes thereof.
The Resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $74,386.77 from the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health for the 2000-2001 Per Capita Program was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
5 RESOLUTION Long Range Planning Grant
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the Connecticut State Library has made funds, up to $10,000, available to public libraries in Connecticut for Long Range Planning; and
WHEREAS, the Danbury Public Librarys last long range plan was completed in 1995; and
WHEREAS, the Danbury Public Librarys long range plan will establish clear priorities in order to focus resources and energies; and
WHEREAS, the Danbury Public Library has made application to the Connecticut State Library for a grant of $10,000 with a local in kind match of $9,325 and a local cash match of $8,100;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT all prior acts of the Danbury Public Library personnel and the Mayor of the City of Danbury in making application for said grant are hereby ratified and that Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury is hereby authorized to accept grant funds in the amount of $10,000 upon approval of the Citys application and to do any and all things necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof, provided, however that any amendments to said application requiring expenditure of the City of Danbury funds must receive prior approval by the Common Council.
The Resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $10,000 from the Connecticut State Library for a long range planning program and approval of the local and in-kind match as desired was granted on the Consent Calendar.
6 RESOLUTION Community Development Block Grant PY26
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, as amended, which authorized the Community Development Block Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City of Danbury to apply for a grant under such Act; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury, is hereby authorized to make application on behalf of the City of Danbury to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for grant funds for the Community Development Program Year commencing August 1, 2000 through July 31, 2001 for the Twenty-Fifth Year Funding in accordance with all pertinent laws and regulations and the Statement of Community Development Objectives and Projected Use of Funds proposed by the Mayors Community Development Program Policy Committee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury, is hereby authorized to execute all contracts and take all necessary actions to effectuate the purposes of this grant application.
The Resolution to apply for and accept funding from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Block Grant was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7 RESOLUTION Farmers Market Coupon Grant 2000
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the City of Danburys Women, Infants and Childrens Program (WIC) wishes to enter into an agreement with the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture for funds in the amount of $545.50 to be used for supplemental staffing during the Farmers Market Program; and
WHEREAS, said funds are to be used to administer the issuance of farmers market coupons to enable WIC participants to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the local Farmers Market during the summer of 2000; and
WHEREAS, the period of availability of this grant is June 2000 through September 2000; and
WHEREAS, no local match is required.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Danbury WIC Office is authorized to sign an agreement with the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture for this amount and to do all things necessary to administer the 2000 summer Farmers Market Coupon Program to its clients.
The Resolution to authorize the City of Danbury Women, Infants and Childrens Program to enter into an agreement with the State Department of Agriculture and accept the funding of $545.50 was approved on the Consent Calendar.
8 RESOLUTION America the Beautiful Grant
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut, Division of Forestry has made an America the Beautiful Grant available, and;
WHEREAS, the City of Danbury has been a recipient of the Tree City USA award for the past nine (9) years; and
WHEREAS, the Citys objective is to preserve and encourage the benefit of trees in our community and implement a program of tree planting that continually demonstrates that commitment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Danbury will receive a grant of $3,000.00 with a local, in kind match value of $3,000.00 to be provided by Parks and Recreation Department; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Mayor Gene F. Eriquez be and hereby is authorized to apply for and accept said grant and execute such documents and take such action as may be necessary in order to accomplish the purposes thereof.
The Resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $3,000 from the USDA Forest Services Urban and Community Forestry Program and approval of the local match was granted on the Consent Calendar.
9 RESOLUTION Wood Street Water Assessments
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the City of Danbury caused a water line to be installed known as the Wood Street Water Line; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council has determined the amount of said assessments, after public hearing, all according to law; and
WHEREAS, the Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-137c and 7-139 and Section 21-56 et seq. of the City of Danbury Code of Ordinances authorizes the installment payment of assessments levied as the result of benefits derived from the installation of water systems; and
WHEREAS, said installment method of payment is deemed to be in the best interests of the City:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Assessment of Benefits fixed herein shall be due and payable on or before August 1, 2000 provided, however, that said assessments may be paid in installments in accordance herewith; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the following provisions shall apply to installments of benefit assessments in connection with the Wood Street Water Line:
1. The payment of any benefits by installments hereunder shall be in not more than nineteen (19) equal annual payments.
2. That minimum annual installment payments shall be One Hundred Thirty Eight Dollars and Sixty Cents ($138.60).
3. The interest on any deferred payments hereunder shall be due at a rate per annum of 5.50 percent. Any person may pay any installment for which he is liable at any time prior to the due date thereof and no interest on any such installment shall be charged beyond the date of such payment.
4. The Town Clerk shall record on the Land Records of the City of Danbury a certificate signed by the Tax Collector of said City in a form substantially as follows.
The Resolution authorizing the installment method of payment for the Wood Street Water Line Project water assessments was approved on the Consent Calendar.
10 COMMUNICATION Appointment to the Transit District Board of Directors
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointment of William L. Goldstein to the Transit District Board of Directors for a term to expire July 1, 2004. The appointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
11 COMMUNICATION Reappointment to the Civil Service Commission
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Frank Caracansi to the Civil Service Commission for a term to expire January 1, 2006. The reappointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
12 COMMUNICATION Appointment as Alternate on the Planning Commission
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointment of Russell Foti as an alternate on the Planning Commission for a term to expire January 1, 2003. The appointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
13 COMMISSION Appointment to the Parking Authority
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointment of Robert M. Steinberg to the Parking Authority for a term to expire July 1, 2004. The appointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
14 COMMUNICATION Reappointments to the Tarrywile Park Authority
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the reappointments of Gerald Daly, David Cook and Robert Lovell to the Tarrywile Park Authority for terms to expire on May 1, 2003. The reappointments were confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
15 COMMUNICATION GE Fund Environmental Stewardship Grant
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting permission to accept a GE Fund Environmental Stewardship grant in the amount of $20,800 to be used to begin Phase II of the Still River Greenway Project. Mr. Gogliettino made a motion to accept the communication as presented, handle the donation in the appropriate manner and send a thank you letter. Seconded by Michael Moore. Motion carried unanimously.
16 COMMUNICATION Grant Agreement with the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund for the Danbury Children First Initiative
Request for the approval of the agreement with the Graustein Memorial Fund so that Danbury Children First is authorized to receive funds from the fund. This year grant funds in the amount of $122,500 have been approved. The grant agreement was approved on the Consent Calendar.
17 COMMUNICATION Donation to the School Based Health Center
Request from School Based Health Center for permission to accept a donation in the amount of $1,000 from Nancy and Michael Marcus in memory of Dr. Philip Fenster. Michael Moore made a motion that the communication be received, the donation accepted, the proper line item credited and a letter of thanks sent. Seconded Mrs. Saracino. Motion carried unanimously.
18 COMMUNICATION Scholarship from the Connecticut Association of School Based Health Centers.
Letter from Melanie Bonjour requesting authorization to accept scholarship funds of approximately $1,000 from the Connecticut Association of School Based Health Centers which are being offered to cover expenses related to participation in the National Association of School Based Health Centers Sixth Annual Conference to be held in June. Dean Esposito made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation, credit the proper line item and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously.
19 COMMUNICATION Tree Donations
Three separate letters from Director of Parks and Recreation Robert Ryerson requesting permission to accept donations in the amount of $150 from the Lions Club, in the amount of $300 from the Danbury Garden Club and $100 from Mr. and Mrs. Brancato for the purchase of trees and continued yearly beautification. Mr. Levy made a motion to accept the donations from the Lions Club, the Danbury Garden Club and Mr. and Mrs. Brancato and to send letters of thanks and credit the proper line items. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
20 COMMUNICATION Millennium Project
Letter from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro requesting authorization to accept a check in the amount of $100 from the Housatonic Area Regional Transit District for the Millennium Project. Mr. Saadi made a motion that the correspondence be received, the donation accepted, the proper line item credited and a letter of thanks sent. Seconded by Mr. Buzaid. Motion carried unanimously.
21 COMMUNICATION Donation to the Library
Letter from Library Director Betsy McDonough requesting authorization to accept a donation from Edyce D. Hornig in the amount of $42.00 for the Books line item. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation, credit the proper line item and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
22 COMMUNICATION Donation to the Department of Elderly Services
Letter from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath requesting authorization to accept a donation in the amount of $25 for the SeniorNet at the Danbury Senior Center. Mr. Gogliettino made a motion to accept the communication and the donation and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
23 COMMUNICATION Donations to the Department of Elderly Services
Letter from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath requesting authorization to accept donations in the amount of $210 for the use of the Senior Center. Mr. Furtado 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.
24 COMMUNICATION & CERTIFICATION Reappropriation of Donated Funds
Request from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath that the sum of $578 be reappropriated for use of the Danbury Senior Center. A certification of funds was attached. The reappropriation of funds was authorized on the Consent Calendar.
25 COMMUNICATION Airport Maintainer WITHDRAWN
26 COMMUNICATION Airport Security WITHDRAWN
27 COMMUNICATION Tree Clearing WITHDRAWN
28 COMMUNICATION Application for Federal Assistance
Application from Airport Administrator Paul Estefan for federal assistance to obtain avigation easements, clear runway 8 approach, clear runway 26 approach, and reconstruct and mark a portion of Taxiway “B”. The pre-application for federal assistance at the Airport was approved on the Consent Calendar.
29 COMMUNICATION Request from Sue Larsen of the American Legion Auxiliary to use two voting machines for Laurel Girls State to be held at Western Connecticut State University on June 28, 2000. The loan of two voting machines to the American Legion Auxiliary was approved on the Consent Calendar.
30 COMMUNICATION State and Federal Projects
Request from Superintendent of Schools Timothy P. Connors requesting a budget amendment to increase the State and Federal projects budget total for the current fiscal year to the amended amount of $9,927,565. Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to accept the communication and approve a budget amendment to increase the State and Federal projects budget total for the current fiscal year to the amended amount of $9,927.565. Seconded by Dean Esposito. Motion carried unanimously.
31 COMMUNICATION Teamsters Contract
Certification from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro requesting transfer that will be necessary to cover the cost of this contract for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2000 and ending June 30, 2001. The transfers are $80,580 from Highway, $18,221 from Equipment Maintenance, $43,298 from Parks & Recreation and Forestry and $3,831 from the Airport. Mr. Arconti made a motion that the contract be approved and the transfer of funds authorized. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously.
32 COMMUNICATION Teamster Contract Local 677
Certification from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro certifying the availability of the sum of $43,743 to cover the retroactive increases to July 1, 1999. This transfer goes into the Highway Department and Fire Department budgets from the Insurance Department, Workers Compensation line item. Mr. Arconti made a motion to approve the communication and authorize the transfer of funds. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
33 COMMUNICATION Teamsters Contract Public Buildings
Certification from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro certifying the availability of the sum of $9,819 from the Insurance Department Workers Compensation line item to the Public Buildings salaries regular line item in anticipation of the settlement of the public buildings contract. Mr. Levy made a motion to authorize the transfer of the sum of $9,819 from the Insurance Department Workers Compensation line item to the Public Buildings salaries regular line item. Seconded by Mr. Arconti. Motion carried unanimously.
34 COMMUNICATION Automated Flood Warning and Response System
Certification from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro requesting the authorization to transfer the sum of $17,451 for a grant for an Automated Flood Warning and Response System sooner than anticipated. The transfer of $17,451 from the Insurance Department Automobile Insurance line item into a new Capital line item entitled “Automated Flood Warning System” was authorized on the Consent Calendar.
35 COMMUNICATION Police Special Services Account
Request from Chief of Police Robert Paquette that the sum of $150,000 be transferred to the Police Department Special Services Account. The request of $150,000 in additional funding and associated indirect revenue for the Police Department Special Services Account was approved on the Consent Calendar.
36 COMMUNICATION Fire Department Special Services Account
Request from Deputy Fire Chief Peter Siecienski requesting that the sum of $15,000 be transferred to the Fire Department Special Services Account. Paul McAllister asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Fire Chief and the Director of Finance. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Arconti, John Esposito and Basso to the committee.
37 COMMUNICATION Request for Funds for the Town Clerks Office
Request from Town Clerk Michael Seri that the sum of $4,800 be appropriated for the Town Clerks printing and binding and postage accounts for the remainder of the fiscal year. A certification of funds was attached. The transfer of funds of $4,800 from the Insurance Department Workers Compensation line item to the Town Clerks budget as described was authorized on the Consent Calendar.
38 COMMUNICATION Bear Mountain Improvements
Request from Parks and Recreation Director Robert Ryerson that the sum of $20,000 from the Bear Mountain Reserve account to cover improvements to the driveway and trail entrance at Bear Mountain be authorized. A certification of funds was attached. The transfer of $20,000 from the Bear Mountain reserve account to be used for improvements at Bear Mountain was authorized on the Consent Calendar.
39 COMMUNICATION Library Request for Transfer
Request from Library Director Betsy McDonough for authorization to transfer $2,202 from the librarys budget into the Public Buildings budget to be used to purchase and install lighting in the library' Audio Visual department. A certification of funds was attached. The transfer of $2,202 from the Librarys Regular Salaries line item to the Library Building Maintain Building-Structures line item for improvements as described was authorized on the Consent Calendar.
40 COMMUNICATION Supplemental Appropriation for Reimbursement of E-Rate Funds
Request from Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors for a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $132,358 as he has received notification from the Schools and Libraries Division of USAC that they will be receiving a reimbursement of E-Rate funds. The check will be turned over to the City when received. Mr. Arconti made a motion to receive the communication and approve the transfer of funds. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
41 COMMUNICATION Ice Rink Sidewalks
Letter from Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk asking for a waiver of the bidding procedure for a variety of sidewalk and curb improvements adjacent to the proposed ice rink site. The City intends to seek informal quotations from companies performing this kind of work in order to insure that the City receives the benefit of the lowest possible price.
Mr. Levy made a motion to receive the communication for purposes of discussion. Seconded by Mr. McAllister. Mr. Arconti offered an amendment to include the waiver of the bidding procedure for the ice rink sidewalks. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. After much discussion, both for and against waiving the bidding procedure, Mr. McAllister moved the question, seconded by Mr. Buzaid. Motion carried with Mrs. Basso and Mr. Gogliettino voting in the negative.
Motion to amend carried with the members voting as follows:
Yes Levy, Scalzo, Buzaid, Machado, Shuler, Arconti, John Esposito, Abrantes, Pascuzzi, Furtado, Michael Moore, and Saracino.
No McAllister, Smith, Saadi, Dean Esposito, Coco, Basso, Gogliettino
12 Yes - 7 No
Main motion, as amended, carried with the members voting as follows:
Yes Levy, Scalzo, Buzaid, Machado, Shuler, Arconti, John Esposito, Abrantes, Pascuzzi, Furtado, Michael Moore, Saracino
No McAllister, Smith, Saadi, Dean Esposito, Coco, Basso, Gogliettino
12 Yes 7 No
42 COMMUNICATION Goodkind & ODea v. City of Danbury
Dean Esposito, without objection, moved that this be moved to the end of the agenda for Executive Session.
43 COMMUNICATION Vacant Land on Garamella Boulevard
Request from Attorney Ward Mazzuco requesting conveyance of an interest in the Citys vacant land on Garamella Boulevard for parking for the Cambodian New Life Evangelical Church. Mr. Scalzo asked that this be referred to the Director of Planning, the Director of Public Works, the Chief of Police and the Corporation Counsel for reports back within thirty days. The Mayor so ordered.
44 COMMUNICATION Request for Change of Name to Josh Lane
Request from Sal Pandolfi to change the name of a section of Pond Crest Road which is presently a paper road to Josh Lane. Mr. McAllister asked that this be referred to the Planning Director for a report back within thirty days. Mayor Eriquez so ordered.
45 COMMUNICATION Request for Water Extension Bear Mountain Road and Pembroke Road.
Michael Moore asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Furtado, Michael Moore and Basso to the committee.
46 COMMUNICATION Request for Sewer Extension 3 Oak Lane
Mr. Furtado asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Machado, Shuler and Martin Moore to the committee.
47 COMMUNICATION Report from the Planning Commission regarding 195-197 Main Street
Report from the Planning Commission giving a positive recommendation for the easement to MJA Realty Associates Limited at 195-197 Main Street. The report from the Planning Commission recommending the approval of the easement to MJA Realty Associates Limited Partnership for 195-97 Main Street was received on the Consent Calendar.
48 COMMUNICATION Report from the Planning Commission regarding Water Extension on Blueberry Lane
Report from the Planning Commission giving a positive recommendation for the request for water extension at Blueberry Lane for the reason that it will solve a contaminated well problem. The report was received on the Consent Calendar.
49 COMMUNICATION Report regarding Drainage Problem
Report from Director of Public Works William Buckley requesting an additional period of time until he receives information from the petitioner Eugene McNamara. The report was received on the Consent Calendar.
50 COMMUNICATION Report regarding sidewalks on Hospital Avenue
Report from Public Works Director William Buckley stating that the stretch of roadway on Hospital Avenue from the Broadview Middle School to Osborne Street needs a sidewalk for the safety of the students who walk along its length. The report states that the job will cost approximately $150,000. Mr. Arconti made a motion to receive the report and add the project to the five-year capital improvement plan and to explore the possibility of this project being eligible for state funds. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
51 COMMUNICATION Request for Water Line 21 Shannon Ridge Road
Request from Don Taylor, Jr. requesting approval for a water line in front of his property at 21 Shannon Ridge Road. He has reached an agreement with William Buckley that if he provides the labor to install the line, the City will provide the pipe, fittings, and fire hydrant necessary to complete the extension. Mrs. Abrantes asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Pascuzzi, Buzaid and Saracino to the committee.
52 COMMUNICATION Connecticut Mooney Aircraft Sales v. City of Danbury
Mr. Furtado asked, without objection, that this be deferred to Executive Session at the end of the agenda.
53 COMMUNICATION City of Danbury v. John A. Spremullo
John Gogliettino asked that this be deferred to Executive Session
54 DEPARTMENT REPORTS Police Chief, Public Works, Fire Chief, Health and Housing, Department of Elderly Services, Engineering, Fire Marshall. The Welfare Department report was added on because it was received after the agenda deadline. Mr. Arconti made a motion that the department reports be accepted as submitted and the reading waived as all members have copies which are on file in the Office of the City Clerk for public inspection. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
55 COMMUNICATION Request for Water Extension 24-30 Mill Plain Road
Mr. Shuler asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Pascuzzi, Buzaid and Saracino to the committee.
56 REPORT Volunteer Tax Abatement
Mr. Levy submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review a tax abatement ordinance and program for Volunteer Firefighters met for a second time on May 30, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. in Conference Room 3 in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Levy, Pascuzzi and Saracino. Also in attendance were Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk, Fire Chief Carmen Oliver, Deputy Fire Chief Peter Siecienski, Common Council Members Thomas Arconti, John Esposito, John Gogliettino, Manny Furtado, Paul McAllister and Pauline Basso, ex-officio, as well as several volunteer firefighters and members of the public.
Mr. Levy opened the meeting with a review of the last time the committee met. At that meeting the committee reviewed the current membership, resources and cost of the volunteer section of the Danbury Fire Department. The committee was also given a summarized report on the recruitment and retention of volunteers that was conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Volunteer Fire Council and the U. S. Fire Administration. As a result of that report the State of Connecticut enacted Public Act 99-272. That Act enables municipalities to establish by ordinance, a program to abate up to one thousand dollars in property taxes annually to volunteer firefighters. The committee considered a two hundred fifty dollar tax abatement awards program for Danbury Volunteers. The Director of Finance said the total projected amount would have little impact on the budget and that it could easily be budgeted for. Eligibility would be based on points credited for activities required by the ordinance. The committee felt that the program had merit and could be a valuable incentive in keeping the volunteer service healthy. The committee decided it needed more time and information to make a recommendation on the qualifications for a point system.
After recapping the last committee meeting the Chairman asked the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief for comments. Both said they support an awards program thats main requirement was based on meeting department training standards and improving volunteer responses. The Chief was asked if he would like to change anything on the proposed point system qualifications. He said he would leave that up to the Common Council to determine based on the comments he has made. Committee members were also supplied with copies of ordinances with point systems from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. Also a copy of a letter from Jeffrey J. Morrissette, State Fire Administrator was given to committee members. He supports the tax abatement program.
After a good amount of discussion by all present, Mrs. Saracino made a motion to recommend the establishment of an ordinance in accordance with public Act 99-272 as follows:
All Volunteer Firefighters who are eligible by meeting the requirements of the point system as proposed by this committee be awarded on request a property tax reduction of not more than two hundred and fifty dollars for each fiscal year next following the eligibility approval. Seconded by Mr. Levy and passed with Mrs. Saracino and Mr. Levy voting yes and Mr. Pascuzzi voting no.
Mr. Furtado asked that this be referred to a committee of the whole. Mayor Eriquez so ordered.
57 CERTIFICATION Additional Funds for EMS Services
Request from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro that the sum of $30,000 be appropriated in the 1999-2000 and $32,000 in the 2000-2001 budget due to the increased volume in EMS calls this year and the increase in our collection rates by a private company, which was previously done in-house by BSI.
The amendment to the ambulance budget as proposed was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
58 Mr. Arconti made a motion to add item 58, a report from the Education Budget Committee. Seconded by Mr. Shuler. Motion carried unanimously.
The Common Council Education Budget Committee met on May 2, 2000 at 6:30 P.M. in City Hall regarding the request for a supplemental appropriation to the schools operating budget. In attendance were committee members Gallagher, Scalzo, Shuler and Saracino. Also in attendance was Dominic Setaro, Director of Finance.
Mr. Setaro explained that this request was in part due to a new method of accounting wherein the schools insurance reserve fund would be kept by the City in an internal service account, after discovery of an additional insurance reserve account. After a brief discussion, Mrs. Saracino moved to recommend to the Common Council the appropriation of $276,000 from the internal service fund to the Board of Education budget for 1999-2000 fiscal year. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shuler and carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 P.M.
Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to receive the report and approve the appropriation of $276,000 from the internal service fund to the Board of Education budget for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. Seconded by John Gogliettino. Motion carried unanimously.
59 Mr. Arconti made a motion to add item 59, a request for funds for storm damage.
Seconded by Mr. McAllister. Motion carried unanimously.
Request from Director of Parks and Recreation Robert Ryerson and Director of Public Works William Buckley for an emergency appropriation of $80,000 to hire outside contractors to assist City crews in the cleanup of trees and brush from storm damage. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the appropriation of $80,000 pending certification. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Eriquez extended all committees.
At 9:25 P.M. Mrs. Saracino Mrs. Saracino made a motion to enter into Executive Session. Seconded by Dean Esposito. Motion carried unanimously.
At 10:30 P.M. the Common Council reconvened in public session.
42 John Gogliettino made a motion to accept the terms of the settlement as outlined in Executive Session. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
52 Mrs. Saracino made a motion to accept the terms of the settlement as outlined in Executive Session. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried with 18 yes 1 no.
53 Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to accept the terms of the settlement as outlined in Executive Session. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business to come before the Common Council a motion was made by John Gogliettino for the meeting to be adjourned.
Respectfully submitted.
_________________________________
JIMMETTA L. SAMAHA
Assistant City Clerk
ATTEST: __________________________________
Elizabeth Crudginton
City Clerk