TO: Mayor Gene F. Eriquez and Members of the Common Council
RE: Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held October 3, 2000
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Prayer. The members were recorded as:
PRESENT
Levy, Scalzo, McAllister, Smith, Saadi, Buzaid, Dean Esposito, Shuler, Coco, Arconti, John Esposito, Abrantes, Pascuzzi, Basso, Furtado, Gogliettino, Michael Moore, Martin Moore, Saracino
ABSENT
Machado, Gallagher
19 Present 2 Absent
No members of the public requested to address the Common Council
MINUTES
Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held September 6
th
Mr. Arconti 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. Gogliettino. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
John Esposito presented the following items for the Consent Calendar:
2 Adopt the Resolution to enter into a new Provider Agreement with
the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, General Assistance Behavioral Health Program
3 Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept additional $3,500 in Local Capital Improvement Program funding for the purposes described.
4 - Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $4,000 from the Meserve Memorial Foundation for the purposes described
5 Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $1,536.00 from the Connecticut Association of School Based Health Centers for the purposes described
7 Confirm the reappointment of James Derwin and John Grimes to the Commission on Aging
9 Approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $288 from the Elderly Services donations account to the Commission on Aging Budget as described.
10 Approve the transfer of $15,000 into the Special Services Account as described.
17 Approve the report regarding Drainage Problems on Great Plain Road and its recommendations.
18 Approve the report and recommendations regarding the Americas Children request.
19 Approve the Progress Report and recommendations regarding Consolidation of Wooster Hose and Citizens Hose Companies
Mr. Levy made a motion to adopt the Consent Calendar as read. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. Motion carried unanimously.
1 ORDINANCES Panhandling, Truck Parking, General Penalty and Citations.
Mrs. Abrantes asked that this be deferred to public hearing. Mayor Eriquez so ordered.
2 RESOLUTION Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services General Assistance Behavioral Health Program Provision of Medical Services Provider Agreement
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut, through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services General Assistance Behavioral Health Program funds programs of general welfare assistance; and
WHEREAS, the City of Danbury, pursuant to a current provider agreement with said Department, provides welfare services to recipients of general welfare assistance; and
WHEREAS, said provider agreement permits the City of Danbury to receive reimbursement from the said Department for such services; and
WHEREAS, the parties are desirous of entering into a new, two year provider services agreement from October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2002 for the purposes of the program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury and/or Dominic A. Setaro, Jr., its Director of Finance, or their designees, be and are hereby authorized to enter into and amend contractual instruments with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services of the State of Connecticut as are necessary in order to effectuate the purposes hereof.
The Resolution to enter into a new Provider Agreement with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, General Assistance Behavioral Health Program was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
3 RESOLUTION Local Capital Improvement Program
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the City of Danbury is eligible to make application for State grant Funds through the Office of Policy and Management under the Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) for local problems with the meaning of Section 7-536(a)(4) of the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, the City of Danbury desires to make application for a State grant in the amount of $3,500,000 to cover the balance of replacing the generator at Fire Headquarters; and
WHEREAS, said project is consistent with the City of Danburys capital improvement program authorized for a five year period by the Danbury Planning Commission February 3, 1999 and February 6, 2000; and
WHEREAS, the City will maintain detailed accounting records of said project and make them available to the Office of Policy and Management of the State of Connecticut upon request; and
WHEREAS, the City of Danbury has received no prior local capital improvement grants under Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-536(a)(4) except for completed and reimbursed project numbers:
Projects-Completed/Reimbursed
034-88-010
City Hall Roof Replacement $ 65,311.00
034-88-020 Replace Tanks/Boilers City Bldgs 220,875.00
034-89-010 Replace Cross Street Bridge 35,775.00
034-89-020 Repair/Replace Roofs-City Bldgs 176,700.00
034-89-030 Water Services-Tarrywile 123,668.23
034-89-050 Rebuild/Repave Highways 83,617.00
034-89-070 Replace Cross Street Bridge 234,245.00
034-90-010 Rebuild/Repave Highways 59,945.00
034-90-020 Downtown Green Design 35,000.00
034-90-040 Roof-Fire/Police Maintenance Bldgs 81,971.83
034-91-010 Rebuild/Repave Roads 517,828.42
034-92-010 Downtown Green Construction 114,999.54
034-92-020 Library Book Security System 39,807.75
034-92-030 Triangle Street Bridge 109,000.00
034-92-040 Cross Street Bridge 94,320.74
034-92-050 Rebuild/Repave Highways 148,878.00
034-93-010 Rebuild/Repave Highways 318,011.52
034-93-020 Replace Triangle Street Bridge 90,176.83
034-93-030 Replace/Renovate HVAC-City Hall 60,000.00
034-94-010 Rebuild/Repave Highways 387,682.06
034-94-020 Library Cooling Tower 25,127.00
034-94-030 Tarrywile Park Farmhouse 28,000.00
034-95-010 Rebuild/Repave Highways 449,196.95
034-95-020 Rogers Park Field Improvements 14,749.00
034-96-010 Rebuild/Repave Highways 437,352.68
034-96-020 Field Improvements-Rogers Park 19,420.30
034-97-010 Rebuild/Repave Highways 203,533.68
034-97-020 Renovation Library Tech Center 260,000.00
034-98-010 Rebuild/Repave Highways 434,023.82
034-99-10 Renovate City Hall 440,799.00
Uncompleted Projects
034-98-020 Renovate Farm Bldg-Tarrywile Park 25,000.00
034-00-100 Part 2-Install Security System-City Hall 20,000.00
034-00-090 Boiler/Burner-Police Department 55,000.00
034-00-060 New Security System-City Hall 11,000.00
034-00-020 Roof-Community Service Center 30,000.00
034-00-030 New Generator-Fire Headquarters 34,000.00
034-00-050 Roof Replacement-Library Tech Center 40,000.00
034-00-040 Repairs-Patriot Parking Garage 35,000.00
034-00-080 Walkways/Pedestrian Bridge-Rogers Park Road 65,000.00
034-00-070 Rebuild/Repave Highways 150,000.00
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor of the City of Danbury be and hereby is authorized to make application to the State of Connecticut under its Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) in the amount of $3,500.00 to cover the balance of replacing the generator at Fire Headquarters to execute any contracts or agreements in connection therewith, to accept payments and to do any and all things necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof.
The Resolution to apply for and accept additional funds in the amount of $3,500.00 in the Local Capital Improvement Program funding as described was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
4 RESOLUTION Meserve Memorial Foundation
RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury:
WHEREAS, the Albert and Helen Meserve Memorial Fund awards grants to a variety of charitable and community organizations within the greater Danbury area; and
WHEREAS, the City of Danbury Department of Elderly Services is desirous of securing a grant in the amount of $4,000.00 for the purposes of obtaining furniture for the (soon to be built) Elmwood Hall; and
WHEREAS, no local cash match is required;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury, be and is hereby authorized to execute such documents as are necessary in order to effectuate the purposes hereof.
The Resolution to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $4,000 from the Meserve Memorial Foundation for the purposes described was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
5 RESOLUTION - Husky Outreach Funds WITHDRAWN
6 RESOLUTION Hawthorne Cove Road
Michael Moore asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Corporation Counsel, the Director of Finance and the City Engineer. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Arconti, Smith and Basso to the committee.
7 COMMUNICATION Reappointments to the Commission on Aging
Request from Mayor Eriquez that the reappointments of James Derwin and John Grimes to the Commission on Aging for terms to expire October 1, 2003 be confirmed. The reappointments were confirmed on the Consent Calendar.
8 COMMUNICATION Donations DARE
Request from Chief of Police Robert Paquette for permission to accept donations to the DARE account in the amount of $1,000.00. Mr. McAllister moved to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the proper line item and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Shuler. Motion carried unanimously.
9 COMMUNICATION Reappropriation of Donated Funds
Request from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath for a transfer of funds in the amount of $288 from the Elderly Services donation account to the Commission on Aging budget. A Certification of Funds was attached. The transfer of funds was authorized on the Consent Calendar.
10 COMMUNICATION Special Services Account Fire Department
Request from Fire Chief Carmen Oliver that the sum of $15,000 be transferred to the Special Services Account for fire watch. The transfer of funds was authorized on the Consent Calendar.
11 COMMUNICATION Request for Funds for Mobile Mammography
Request from Mayor Eriquez for the sum of $2,000 for the Danbury Hospital Mammography Mobile Unit. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the transfer of funds. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried with Martin Moore voting in the negative.
12 COMMUNICATION Water Fund Fund Balance
Request from Director of Public Works William Buckley for a transfer of funds from the water fund balance to various line items to support projects within the Water Departments arena. The sum of the transfer is $101,250.00 A certification of funds was attached. Mr. Arconti made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the transfer of funds. Seconded by Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried with Mr. McAllister and Mr. Furtado voting in the negative.
13 COMMUNICATION Easement Agreement (Sidewalk) White Street
Mr. Levy made a motion to receive the communication and carry out the easement subject to approval by the City Engineer and Planning Department. Seconded by Mr. McAllister. Motion carried unanimously.
14 COMMUNICATION Request for Sewer Extension 60 Forest Avenue
Mrs. Abrantes asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the City Engineer and the Planning Commission. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Michael Moore, Helena Abrantes and Martin Moore to the committee.
15 COMMUNICATION Request for Sewers Briar Ridge Road, Rolfs Drive, Greta Drive and Cel Bret Drive.
Mr. Saadi asked that this be referred to the City Engineer for a survey. Mayor Eriquez so ordered.
16 COMMUNICATION The Maples, Special Exception #543
Michael Moore asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Corporation Counsel and the Planning Director. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members Furtado, Saadi and Saracino to the committee.
17 REPORT Drainage Problem on Great Plain Road
Mrs. Smith submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review a drainage problem on Great Plain Road met on August 29, 2000 at 8:30 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Mary Smith, Dean Esposito and Mary Saracino. Also in attendance were City Engineer William Buckley, the petitioner, Dr. Allan Hindin and Council Members Tom Arconti, ex-officio.
Dr. Hindin presented a summary of the problem. Approximately three years ago, Great Plain Road was paved and curbings were installed. The water would go over the curb and had a negative impact on the Hindins property. The original drain could not handle the overflow of the water collecting at that spot. The City installed an additional drain, but that did not alleviate the problem. The situation was further assessed and it was decided that the drainpipe needed to be cleaned. This seemed to rectify the problem. Dr. Hindin stated that even with all the rain this summer, there have been no problems.
Mrs. Saracino made a motion that no action be taken due to the improvements that have been made. Seconded by Dean Esposito and passed unanimously.
The report regarding drainage problems on Great Plain Road and its recommendations were approved on the Consent Calendar.
18 REPORT Americas Children Request
Mrs. Abrantes submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request of Americas Children met on June 28, 2000 at 7:00 P.M. in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Abrantes and Martin Moore. Also in attendance was Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk.
The request was discussed and a bid had already been placed on the property Americas Children was requesting. Mr. Moore made a motion to take no action due to the bid which was previously received on this property and requested that For Americas Children be placed on the Bidding List for future available properties. Motion was seconded by Ms. Abrantes and passed unanimously.
The report and its recommendations regarding Americas Children were approved on the Consent Calendar.
19 PROGRESS REPORT Consolidation of Wooster Hose and Citizens Hose Companies
Dean Esposito submitted the following report:
The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for consolidation of Wooster Hose Company and Citizens Hose Company met on September 18, 2000 at 7:00 P.M. in Conference Room 3C in City Hall. In attendance were Committee Members Dean Esposito and Mary Saracino. Emile Buzaid was absent. Also in attendance were Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk, Director of Finance Dominic Setaro, Fire Chief Carmen Oliver, City Engineer William Buckley, Kevin Barry from the Mayors Office, Council Members John Esposito, Warren Levy and Pauline Basso, ex-officio, as well as representatives of Wooster Hose and Citizens Hose.
David Bunting of Wooster Hose gave an overview of the plan. Both buildings are over 100 years old and are in need of repairs. The belief is one new energy efficient house would be a good option. They now need to find out if this plan is feasible, such as how would it work, where would it be and how the operation would run. Dean Esposito stated that the fire companies made this proposal on their own and that nothing is being forced.
Mr. Esposito asked Mr. Setaro how the value of the two properties could be determined. Mr. Setaro stated that appraisals could be done in-house. The properties would have to be declared surplus and a new property would have to be found. An outside firm could also do the appraisals and it should not be too large an expense.
Mr. Esposito stated that there might be property available at Tarrywile Park. Jay Rotella of Citizens Hose stated that they originally looked at property behind Rogers Park. The Scott Fanton Museum has a 100-year lease on this property. Tarrywile Park officials showed three parcels, one on Tarrywile Park property near the lake, one on Brushy Hill Road and one on Mountainville Road near the ski slope, which would be the best one. Mr. Bunting stated that the first two had potential problems. Brushy Hill Road is two curvy for the apparatus and Tarrywile Lake is too far out of the way and the roads are too small. Mr. Esposito asked Mr. Setaro what avenue is available for finding available property. Mr. Setaro said that there is a list of City owned properties.
Mr. Esposito asked Chief Oliver for his input. Chief Oliver said that this is a win/win situation. The companies complement each other. There would be a pool of resources in one building. He stated that it is not feasible to expand the existing buildings. Mrs. Saracino asked if the buildings cannot be sold, how would the new building be financed. Mr. Setaro said that the City could have a bond issue, the cost of a new building could be put into the budget, or other funds could become available in the existing budget. Mrs. Saracino asked Chief Oliver how he sees this plan working in the future. Chief Oliver said it is the only way to go. There are now twelve companies. The City would be better off with three or four.
Mr. Esposito then introduced Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk who has been appointed Chairman of the new Task Force. Attorney Gottschalk said that although he has been appointed Chairman of the Task Force, the scope of the charge has not yet been decided. A report is expected by February 2001. Dean Esposito said that although this committee if focusing on the consolidation request, it will remain standing and they hope to follow the recommendations of the Task Force, but if the Task Force says no, that does not necessarily mean the committee will say no.
Mrs. Saracino made a motion that the committee be continued, that appraisals of the two buildings be obtained, that the City Officials look for an appropriate site for the new building and decisions continue to be made at this level. Seconded by Dean Esposito and passed unanimously.
The Progress report and its recommendations regarding consolidation of Wooster Hose and Citizens Hose Companies were approved on the Consent Calendar.
20 DEPARTMENT REPORTS Police Chief, Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, Health and Housing, Public Works, Elderly Services, Welfare.
Mr. Arconti made a motion to receive the department reports 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 Mrs. Abrantes. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Eriquez extended all committees.
There being no further business to come before the Common Council a motion was made by John Gogliettino at 8:22 P.M. for the meeting to be adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
JIMMETTA L. SAMAHA
Assistant City Clerk
ATTEST: ________________________________
Elizabeth Crudginton
City Clerk