TO: Mayor Gene F. Eriquez and Members of the Common Council
RE: Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held August 1, 2000
The meeting was called 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, Gallagher, Gogliettino, Michael Moore, Martin Moore, Saracino
21 Present
There were no members of the public requesting to address the Common Council.
MINUTES
Minutes of the Special Common Council Meeting held July 3, 2000 and the Common Council Meeting held July 6, 2000. Mr. Arconti made a motion that the minutes 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.
CONSENT CALENDAR
John Esposito submitted the following items for the Consent Calendar:
3 - Adopt the Resolution to allow the City of Danbury to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $12,300 from the Union Savings Bank Foundation to purchase appliances for Elmwood Hall
4 Adopt the Resolution to allow the City of Danbury Department of Health and Housing to apply for and accept additional funding in the amount of $102,040 from the State of Connecticut Department of Health Services for the School Based Health Center
11 Confirm the reappointment of Tori Stepanov, Frank Klecha and Levi Newsome to the Conservation Commission
12 Confirm the reappointment of Barbara Chianese, Sylvia Esposito and Steve Gillotti to the Fair Rent Commission
13 Confirm the appointment of Jeffrey Carrine to the Parking Authority
16 Approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $318 from the Elderly Services donation account to the Commission on Aging budget as described
20 Approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $47,530 from the Water Fund, Fund balance to the Water Fund accounts as described
22 Approve the reappropriation of $107,266.44 to the Water Fund and $41,903.50 to the Sewer Fund as described
24 Approve the extension of sewer and water lines on Benedict Avenue
26 Approve the upgrade of the water main on Fifth Avenue, pending the Planning Commission recommendation
28 Receive the report and take no action at this time
32 Receive the report and approve the recommendation to table the request until further information is received
Mr. Scalzo made a motion to adopt the Consent Calendar as read. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
1 ORDINANCE Governmental Entities Review and Evaluation
Mrs. Abrantes asked that this be deferred to public hearing. Mayor Eriquez so ordered.
2 RESOLUTION Tarrywile Park Open Space and Watershed Land
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
THAT Mayor Gene F. Eriquez be and hereby is authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Danbury a Grant Agreement under the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance to acquire and manage open space land pursuant to Section 7-131d of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Mr. Levy made a motion to receive the communication and adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. Motion carried unanimously.
3 RESOLUTION Union Savings Bank Foundation
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the Union Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. has made funding in the amount of $12,300.00 available to the City of Danbury for the purposes of purchasing kitchen appliances for Elmwood Hall; and
WHEREAS, this grant requires no local match.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Mayor Gene F. Eriquez be and hereby is authorized to apply for and to accept said grant funds for the purposes proposed and to execute such documents as may be required to effectuate the purposes thereof.
The Resolution to allow the City of Danbury to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $12,300 from the Union Savings Bank Foundation to purchase appliances for Elmwood Hall was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
4 RESOLUTION School Based Health Center
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Health Services has notified the Department of Health and Housing of the City of Danbury of the Citys eligibility to apply for a School Based Health Center Continuation Grant in an amount not to exceed $406,040; and
WHEREAS, the grant term will cover a two year period of July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2000 for $202,000 and a second year July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001 for an additional $204,040 with no local match required; and
WHEREAS, the States purpose in providing these funds is to enable the Citys Health and Housing Department to provide the age appropriate accessible and affordable medical and mental health care services of Danbury High School students.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury is hereby authorized to apply to the State of Connecticut Department of Health Services for said grant funds and to accept the award if offered; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Mayor Gene F. Eriquez is hereby authorized to take any and all actions necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof.
The Resolution to allow the City of Danbury Department of Health and Housing to apply for and accept additional funding in the amount of $102,040 from the State of Connecticut Department of Health Services for the School Based Health Center was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
5 RESOLUTION Main Street North Streetscape Improvement Project
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
Federal Project No. TEA-1034 (101)
State Project No. 34-302
City Project No. 98-08
PROJECT: Main Street North TEA-21 Streetscape Project
THAT Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury, be and hereby is authorized to sign the agreement entitled AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT AND THE CITY OF DANBURY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTRACT PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES FOR THE MAIN STREET NORTH STREETSCAP UTILIZING FEDERAL FUNDS UNDER THE ENHANCEMENT COMPONENT OF THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM”, together with such other supplemental or related and necessary documents as may be necessary for the accomplishment of the purposes thereof.
Mr. Levy made a motion to receive the communication and adopt the resolution. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously.
6 COMMUNICATION Appointment as Public Works Director
Letter from Mayor Gene F. Eriquez notifying the Common Council that he has appointed William J. Buckley as Director of Public Works. Mr. Gogliettino made a motion that the communication be received and the appointment confirmed. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
7 COMMUNICATION Appointment as Personnel Director
Letter from Mayor Gene F. Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lynne A. Beardsley as Director of Personnel. Mr. Saadi made a motion that the communication be received and the appointment confirmed. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
8 COMMUNICATION Appointment of Two Part-time Attorneys
Letter from Mayor Gene F. Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointments of Robin Edwards Otto and Grace Scire as part time attorneys in the Corporation Counsels Office. Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to receive the communication and confirm the appointments. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously.
9 COMMUNICATION Appointments and Promotions in the Police Department
Letter from Mayor Gene F. Eriquez requesting confirmation of the following appointments and promotions:
To Deputy Chief Captain Mark C. Rosato
To Captain Lt. Robert Myles, Lt. Terrance Shanahan
To Lieutenant Sergeant Shaun I. McColgan, Sgt. Thomas Wendel.
Sgt. Peter Gantert
To Sergeant P.O. Rory R. DeRocco, P.O. George Chelso
To Detective Police Officer P.O. Rachel Nolan, P.O. Julio Lopez
Mr. McAllister made a motion that the appointment of Captain Mark Rosato to Deputy Chief be confirmed. Motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Abrantes made a motion that the appointment of Lt. Robert Myles and Lt. Terrance Shanahan to Captain be confirmed. Seconded by Mr. McAllister. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. McAllister made a motion that the appointment of Sgt. Shaun McColgan, Sgt. Thomas Wendel and Sgt. Peter Gantert to Lieutenant be confirmed. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Scalzo made a motion that the appointment of P.O. Rory DeRocco and P.O. George Chelso to Sergeant be confirmed. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. McAllister made a motion that the assignment of P.O. Rachel Nolan and P.O. Julio Lopez to Detective Police Officer be confirmed. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously.
10 COMMUNICATION Appointment to Position of Police Officer
Letter from Mayor Gene F. Eriquez requesting confirmation of the appointment of Scott Clark to the position of Police Officer. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication and confirm the appointment. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried with Mr. Scalzo voting in the negative.
11 COMMUNICATION Reappointments to the Conservation Commission
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the reappointments of Tori Stepanov, Frank Klecha and Levi Newsome to the Conservation Commission for terms to expire July 1, 2003. The reappointments were confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
12 COMMUNICATION Reappointments to the Fair Rent Commission
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the reappointments of Barbara Chianese, Sylvia Esposito and Steve Gillotti to the Fair Rent Commission for terms to expire July 1,2003. The reappointments were confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
13 COMMUNICATION Reappointment to the Parking Authority
Letter from Mayor Eriquez requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Jeffrey Carrine to the Parking Authority for a term to expire July 1, 2005. The reappointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
14 COMMUNICATION Donation to the Department of Elderly Services
Letter from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath requesting permission to accept the donation of a ping pong table from the Brookside Rest Home to be used at the Danbury Senior Center. Mr. Saadi made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Shuler. Motion carried unanimously.
15 COMMUNICATION Donation to the Department of Elderly Services
Letter from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath requesting permission to accept donations in the total amount of $100 from Get Away Tours, Second Home/Ashlar Mgmt and Heritage Heights to be used by the Danbury Senior Center. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the proper line items and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
16 COMMUNICATION Reappropriation of Donated Funds
Request for Leo McIlrath that the sum of $318 be transferred from the Elderly Services donations account to the Commission on Aging budget. A certification of funds was attached. The transfer of funds was authorized on the Consent Calendar.
17 COMMUNICATION Review of China Conference
Letter from Council Member Pauline Basso asking that a committee be appointed to review the Mayors trip to China. Mr. Gallagher asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee. The Mayor appointed Council Members Gallagher, Machado and Basso to the committee.
18 COMMUNICATION Insurance Funds
Request from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro that the sum of $211,347 be transferred to the Contingency Account to cover a shortfall in insurance funds. Mr. Gogliettino made a motion that the communication be received and the transfer of funds authorized. Seconded by Mr. Levy. Motion carried unanimously.
19 COMMUNICATION Airport Trees
Request from Airport Administrator Paul Estefan for the sum of $18,700 to pay the firm of Hoyle and Tanner so that they can identify the trees that need to be trimmed at the Airport. A certification of funds was attached. Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the transfer of funds. Seconded by Mr. Machado. Motion carried unanimously.
20 COMMUNICATION Water Fund Shortfalls
Letter from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro stating that due to an increase in insurance costs due to bids received, along with the retirement of an employee who is entitled to receive compensation for unused sick days he will need a transfer of funds in the amount of $47,530 from the Water Fund, Fund Balance to the Operation Labor, Workers Compensation Insurance and Property Insurance Water Fund accounts. The transfer of funds in the amount of $47,530 was approved on the Consent Calendar.
21 COMMUNICATION Ice Rink Appropriation of Escrow Funds
Request from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro that the Common Council authorize the appropriation of $1.8 million to a new Capital line item entitled "Ice Rink Improvements". All costs associated with the completion of the ice rink will be charged against this appropriation. Current costs (legal, engineering, etc.) will be charged to this account. The balance of the original escrow ($30,911.81 plus interest earned) will be reappropriated at a future date.
Mr. Levy made a motion to appropriate $1.8 million to a new Capital line item entitled “Ice Rink Improvements”. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. Martin Moore offered an amendment to appropriate the sum of $222,000 to the new line and the rest to remain in escrow. Seconded by Mrs. Saracino. After much discussion, Mr. McAllister made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Mr. Buzaid. Motion failed with Council Members Levy, Scalzo, McAllister, Buzaid, Machado, Shuler, Gallagher and Gogliettino voting in the affirmative and Council Members Smith, Saadi, Dean Esposito, Coco, Arconti, John Esposito, Abrantes, Pascuzzi, Basso, Furtado, Michael Moore, Martin Moore and Saracino voting in the negative.
After further discussion, Mr. Furtado moved the question. Seconded by Mr. Gogliettino. Motion carried with Council Members Saadi, Coco, Basso, Martin Moore and Saracino voting in the negative.
The amendment failed with Council Members Basso, Martin Moore and Saracino voting in the affirmative.
Main motion carried with Council Members Smith, Basso, Martin Moore and Saracino voting in the negative.
At 9:45 P.M. Matthew Gallagher left the meeting.
22 COMMUNICATION Water and Sewer Fund Reappropriations
Request from the Director of Finance that the Common Council reappropriate funds left unspent in the Water Fund and the Sewer Fund and certifying that the sum of $107,266.44 is available to be reappropriated tot he Water Fund and $41,903.53 to the Sewer Fund. The reappropriations as described were approved on the Consent Calendar.
23 COMMUNICATION Request for Sewer and Water Extensions on East Hayestown Road
Mrs. Abrantes asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission. Mayor Eriquez appointed Council Members Abrantes, McAllister and Martin Moore to the committee.
24 COMMUNICATION Report regarding Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Extensions on Benedict Avenue
Report from William Buckley stating that from a Public Works Department standpoint there is no problem with the extensions of sanitary sewer and water lines to the project subject to the eight conditions normally attached to such extensions. The extension of sewer and water lines to Benedict Avenue were approved on the Consent Calendar.
25 COMMUNICATION Combination of Wooster Hose and Citizens Hose
Mr. McAllister asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Fire Chief, the Director of Public Works, the Corporation Counsel, the Director of Finance and the petitioners. Mayor Eriquez appointed Council Members Dean Esposito, Buzaid and Saracino.
26 COMMUNICATION Water Main Upgrade Fifth Avenue
Letter from Director of Public Works William Buckley stating that it has been determined that the existing 6” water main in Fifth Avenue is not adequate to provide proper fire protection. Western Connecticut State University has agreed to hire an engineer to design an upgrade to an 8” pipe of a portion of the existing Fifth Avenue Water Main. This is subject to a positive recommendation of the Planning Commission.
The upgrade of the water main on Fifth Avenue, pending the Planning Commission recommendation, was approved on the Consent Calendar.
27 COMMUNICATION TaAgan Point Water Company
Mr. Furtado asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and the Corporation Counsel. Mayor Eriquez appointed Council Members Arconti, Smith and Saracino to the committee.
28 COMMUNICATION Report regarding offer of Purchase or Lease for Property on Garamella Boulevard
Reports from the Director of Planning, the Corporation Counsel, the Chief of Police and the Director of Public Works regarding an offer to purchase or lease property on Garamella Boulevard. The reports were received on the Consent Calendar and no action taken.
29 REPORT Request for Sewer Extension 83 Newtown Road
Dean Esposito submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for sewer extension on 83 Newtown Road met on July 25, 2000 at 8:00 P.M. in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Dean Esposito and Tom Saadi. Martin Moore was absent. Also in attendance were City Engineer William Buckley and Philip Baumann.
Mr. Esposito asked for an overview of the request. Mr. Baumann explained that he was looking to get a sewer extension to his property to help increase the changes for sale. Working with the adjoining property owner he would get an easement threw their property to connect to the City sewer line. After some review, Mr. Buckley said that hew saw no problem with this request. With the easement in place, the extension was possible.
Mr. Saadi made a motion to recommend approval of the request for a sewer extension to 83 Newtown Road subject to the normal eight steps and acquisition of the easement. Seconded by Mr. Esposito and passed unanimously,
Mr. McAllister made a motion that the report be received and its recommendations approved. Seconded by Mrs. Saracino. Motion carried unanimously.
30 REPORT Request for Sewer and Water Extensions on Shelter Rock Road
Dean Esposito submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for sewer and water extension on Shelter Rock Road met on July 25, 2000 at 7:00 P.M. in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Dean Esposito, Michael Moore and Martin Moore. Also in attendance were City Engineer William Buckley, Attorney Paul Jaber, Tom Gissen of Ginsburg Development and Jeanne Williamson of Consultants and Engineers, as well as Council Members Saadi, Furtado and Basso, ex-officio.
Mr. Esposito asked for an overview of the request. Ms. Williamson gave the committee a detailed description of what was planned for the project regarding sewer and water. Mr. Buckley explained that the Engineering Department has reviewed the request and found it acceptable based on the normal eight steps. He recommended two additional steps. Step Nine Phasing plan be set with each completed phase to be reviewed and approved by the Public Works Department before a CO is granted. Step Ten the developer is responsible for the full completion of the sewer line installation to the landfill pump station regardless of any change in the insulation agreement.
Mr. Saadi asked if the new lines could be installed in a way that there may be an addition to them for service to some residents in the area. Ms. Williamson said that an end cap boot could be installed for that purpose. Mr. Furtado asked about the status of the landfill pump station and size of the pipeline to the plant. Mr. Buckley said that the pump station pumps might need to be upgraded to insure adequate flow.
Michael Moore made a motion that the request for sewer and water extensions to Shelter Rock be approved subject to the normal eight steps and the additional two steps recommended by the City Engineer as outlined above. Seconded by Martin Moore and passed unanimously.
Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the report and approve its recommendations. Seconded by Mr. Gogliettino. Motion carried with Mr. Saadi abstaining.
31 REPORT Agreement with Danbury Hospital/Interfaith Social Action Corporation
Mrs. Smith submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the agreement with Danbury Hospital/Interfaith Social Action Corp. met on July 12, 2000 at 7:05 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Smith and Furtado. Mrs. Basso was on vacation.
Attorney Paul Jaber gave a summary of the history of this project. The main purpose of this meeting was to amend the existing documents in order to relocate some of the proposed structures and areas. The architects presented the revisions. Director of Parks and Recreation Robert Ryerson and the Corporation Counsel stated that there were several meetings with various City departments and all agreed that the revised project would be the best concept. Mr. Furtado asked about the water supply on the property and he was told that the well and the water would continue to be a back up to the hospital. Various spokepersons expressed their hope that these revised plans would be accepted and that construction could start in the Spring.
Mr. Furtado made a motion to amend the various agreements among the three parties which would change the location of the various areas and structures. The parties are the City of Danbury, Danbury Hospital and Interfaith Social Action Corp. Mrs. Smith seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Mr. Furtado made a motion to receive the report and approve its recommendations. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
32 REPORT Regional Safe Home for Children
Mrs. Smith submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for funds for a regional safe home for children met on May 8, 2000 at 7:05 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room. In attendance were committee members Smith, Michael Moore and Saracino.
This meeting was scheduled because the issue was tabled from a meeting held on April 19, 2000. The request for assistance for operating costs, purchasing and/or renovation costs were reviewed. Questions asked by the committee included whether other municipalities offered funding, how much money is committed to the down payment, what other agencies are involved, how severe are the needs of the children and what are their ages? State Representative Lewis Wallace stated that there is a request pending for bond money and the expected amount is $300,000. Progress on this request should be known in about six weeks. Representatives from Family and Childrens Aid explained that the State Department of Children and Family will not allow us to limit serving only children from Danbury, However, it is more than likely that the majority would be from Danbury and the balance from the surrounding areas.
Corporate help has been and will continue to be provided by GE Capital a well as from the United Way and other local corporations such as Union Savings Bank. This would be the second facility of this nature in Danbury. The house if for sale and there is community support for the project. Mr. Moore and Mrs. Saracino expressed the Councils willingness to support this endeavor. With the hope of bonding for the purchase of the house, it would be the Councils intent to support operations and/or renovation expenses.
Since the bonding issue is outstanding a motion was made to table the request until further information is received. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The report was received and its recommendation to table the request until further information is received was granted on the Consent Calendar.
33 REPORT St. Peters Cemetery
John Esposito submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request from the Bridgeport Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation regarding St. Peters Cemetery met on July 24, 2000 at 7:00 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members John Esposito, Machado and Martin Moore. Also in attendance were Attorney Robert Talarico, Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk, Assistant City Engineer Patricia Ellsworth and Council Member Manny Furtado, ex-officio.
Attorney Talarico stated that the Dioceses would like to grant a conservation easement and utility easement (sanitary sewer) on a portion of the property owned by it at St. Peters Cemetery. In lieu of monetary compensation they are requesting that the City discontinue, as a public highway, that portion of Lake Avenue Extension from Kenosia Avenue to Interstate 84. In doing so, the Diocese will be able to utilize that area to expand its facilities and would be compensated for not being able to utilize the land over which a conservation easement is granted. Upon discontinuation of the use of Lake Avenue Extension, Robert Electric, owners of a portion of the property on the road will reserve the right to use the road. The cemetery will maintain the road and will not impede their access. The City will have no further responsibility regarding the road.
Mrs. Ellsworth stated that the conservation easement would also provide Mill Plain Road with a sewer interceptor to relieve capacity problems and will allow the City to conserve the land and reserve the right to install the sewer line. Attorney Gottschalk stated that the City has the right to discontinue road use through the Common Council. Whenever the City does discontinue a road, the owner of land off that road retains the right to use the road. If the road is not a public highway, the Diocesan Corporation does not have to comply with Zoning regulations regarding setbacks, etc. and will gain additional buildable land.
Mr. Machado made a motion to recommend approval of the request to grant the Bridgeport Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation a portion of Lake Avenue Extension in exchange for the specified conservation easement and the right to install sanitary sewer and water lines along the area outlined to the City, with the understanding that other property owners will have the rights to the center of the road to Kenosia Avenue and have the rights of access. The road will be maintained by the Diocesan Corporation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Moore and passed unanimously.
Mr. Gogliettino made a motion to receive the report and accept the conclusion of the report. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. After discussion, Mr. Levy offered an amendment to his main motion that actions recommended by this committee are contingent on resolution of outstanding road maintenance issues in a way satisfactory to the owners of Roger Electric. Seconded by Mr. Gogliettino. Amendment passed unanimously. Main motion, as amended, passed unanimously.
34 DEPARTMENT REPORTS Public Works, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Health and Housing, Fire Marshall, Department of Elderly Services. 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 Dean Esposito. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Eriquez extended all committees.
There being no further business to come before the Common Council a motion was made at 10:10 P.M. by Mr. Gogliettino for the meeting to be adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________
JIMMETTA L. SAMAHA
Assistant City Clerk