December 2006 Common Council Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

December 5, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Prayer were recited. The members were recorded as:

PRESENT – McMahon, Nagarsheth, Johnson, Trombetta, Perkins, Visconti, Chianese, Esposito, Saadi, Cavo, Basso, Diggs, Teicholz, Cutsumpas, Riley, Saracino, Taborsak

19 - PRESENT – 2 ABSENT

Mr. Calandrino and Mrs. Stanley were out on personal emergencies.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Bob Fuller – 18 Lake Road – Spoke on item #22. Change of name to Point Driftwood would be very confusing.

Doug VanClief – 15 Driftwood Point – Spoke on item #22 to ask the council to reconsider changing the name of Point Driftwood Rd.

Jay Weiner – 150 Brushy Hill Rd. – Spoke in favor of item #15.

Thomas Valeri – 40 Brushy Hill Rd. – Spoke in favor of item #14 and item #15.

Roseann Albert – 201 Brushy Hill Rd. – Spoke in favor of item #15.

Andrew Wetmore – 117 Great Plain Rd. – Spoke in favor of item #19.

Bob Nolan – 8 Southern Blvd. – Spoke in favor of item #15.

David Coelho – 52 Aunt Hack Rd. – Spoke in favor of item #15.

Bob Parker – 16 Josh Lane – Spoke in favor of item #21.

Howard Tuvelle – 157 Brushy Hill Rd. – Spoke on item #21. Mr. Tuvelle would like to see this new authority have more to do the legacy of Mr. Ives and was in favor of item #15.

Mark Nolan – 37 Brushy Hill Rd. – Spoke in favor of item #12 and would like to see using the State median income to adjust the annual index. Spoke in favor of item #14, #15 and item #20.

Mary Reynolds – 15 Library Place – Spoke in favor of item #15.

MINUTES – Mr. Cavo moved to waive the reading of the Minutes of the common Council Meeting held November 9, 2006 as all members have copies and copies are on file with the City Clerk. Seconded by Mrs. Diggs. Motion carried unanimously.

CONSENT CALENDAR – Ms. Basso presented the following items for the consent calendar.

2 - Reappointment – Commission on Aging

3 - Appointment – Youth Advisors to the Youth Commission

9 - West Side Sewer Interceptor – Phase 1 Easements

16 – Certification of Funds – Underground Storage Tanks

17 – Resolution – DUI Enforcement Grant

18 – Report – Proper Installation of Mailboxes

20 – Report & Ordinance – Danbury Housing Partnership

21 – Ad Hoc Report & Ordinance – Charles Ives Authority for the Performing Arts

23 – Ad Hoc Report – Donation of Land – Birch Road/King Street.

Mr. Cavo moved to accept the Consent Calendar as read. Seconded by Mr. Seabury. Motion carried unanimously.

1 - COMMUNICATION – Appointments to the Police Department

Letter from Mayor Boughton requesting confirmation of the appointment of Matthew Casazza as Police Officer. Mr. Seabury moved to receive the communication and confirm the appointment. Seconded by Mr. Saadi. Motion carried unanimously.

Letter from Mayor Boughton requesting confirmation of the appointment of Regina Guss as Police Officer. Ms. Basso moved to receive the communication and confirm the appointment. Seconded by Ms. Saracino. Motion carried unanimously.

Letter from Mayor Boughton requesting confirmation of Matthew Georgoulis as Police Officer. Mr. Cavo moved to receive the communication and confirm the appointment. Seconded by Mr. Chianese. Motion carried unanimously.

2 - CONSENTED – Reappointment - Commission on Aging

Letter from Mayor Boughton requesting confirmation of the reappointment of Charlotte Barrows as a Member of the commission on Aging with a term to expire October 1, 2009. The communication was received on the consent calendar and the appointment confirmed.

3 - CONSENTED – Appointment-Youth Advisors to the Youth Commission

Letter from Mayor Boughton requesting confirmation of the appointment of Connor Policastro and Edward Joseph to fill vacancies as Youth Advisors to the Youth Commission. The communication was received on the consent calendar and the appointment confirmed.

4 - COMMUNICATION – Donations to the Department of Elderly Services

Letter from Susan M. Tomanio, Director of Elderly Services, requesting permission to accept donations in the amount of $75.00 for performances by both the Cellmates and the Senior Center Band and Chorus and $20.00 from Mr. Walter Ward. Mr. Cavo moved to receive the communication, accept the donations and send the appropriate letters of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Chianese. Motion carried unanimously.

5 – COMMUNICATION – Donation of Danbury Library

Letter from Mark Hasskarl, Library Director, requesting permission to accept donations of $250.00 from Susan and Keith Ritter of Westport, Connecticut and $5,000.00 from Mrs. Alfred Jarvis, Wallingford, Connecticut. Mr. Nagarsheth moved to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the appropriate line item and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Chianese. Motion carried unanimously.

6 - COMMUNICATION – Donation to Welfare, Social Services – Time and Equipment

Letter requesting permission to accept donations from Nicole Griswold ReZOLV Creative Solutions, LLC for her transcription of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness from the printed report to a CD. Mr. Johnson moved to receive the communication, accept the donation and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. McMahon. Motion carried unanimously.

7 – COMMUNICATION – Donations to Welfare, Social Services - Printing

Letter requesting permission to accept donations from the Savings Bank of Danbury for the 32 additional copies of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. Mr. Johnson moved to receive the communication, accept the donation and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Chianese. Motion carried unanimously.

8 – COMMUNICATION – Donations to the City Holiday Party

Letter from Dena Diorio, Director of Finance & Personnel requesting permission to accept donations of raffle prizes for the City Holiday Party. Ms. Saracino moved to receive the communication, accept the donations and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Rotello. Motion carried unanimously.

9 - CONSENTED – West Side Sewer Interceptor – Phase 1 Easements

Receive the communication and authorize Corporation Counsel’s office to take the necessary steps to acquire the easements as described therein. The communication was received on the consent calendar. See Appendix for Resolution.

10 - COMMUNICATION – Request for Sewer and Water Extension – 176 Shelter Rock Rd.

Mrs. Diggs asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and a 30-day report from the Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Riley, Seabury and Esposito to the committee.

11 – COMMUNICATION – Request for sewer and Water Extension – Prindle Lane

Mrs. Teicholz asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and a 30-day report from the Planning commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Diggs, Teicholz and Rotello to the committee.

12 - COMMUNICATION – Request to Amend Affordable Housing Program

Mrs. Saracino asked that this be referred to Corporation Counsel for a 30-day report. Mayor Boughton so ordered.

13 – COMMUNICATION – Request to Rename and Number Briar Ridge Road

Ms. Basso asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, Corporation Counsel, Director of Planning and a 30-day report from the Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Basso, Teicholz and Rotello to the committee.

14 – COMMUNICATION – Property Tax Abatement to Encourage Open Space

Mr. Riley asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, Director of Finance, Corporation Counsel and a 30-day report from the Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Saracino, Johnson and Perkins to the committee.

15 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Ordinance – Sale of City Park and Open Space

Mr. Trombetta asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, Director of Planning and a 30-day report from Corporation Counsel. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Nagarsheth, Cutsumpas and Visconti to the committee.

16 – CONSENTED – Certification of Funds – Underground Storage Tanks

Receive the communication and approve the appropriation of $196,565.00 from the city’s fund balance to remove underground storage tanks. The communication was received on the consent calendar.

17 – CONSENTED – Resolution – DUI Enforcement Grant

Receive the communication and approve the resolution allowing the Police Department to apply for and receive the 2007 Expanded Driving under the Influence Enforcement Grant from the State of Connecticut. The communication was received on the consent calendar. See Appendix for Resolution.

18 - CONSENTED – Report – Proper Installation of Mailboxes

Receive the communication and take no action at this time. The report was received on the consent calendar.

19 – REPORT & ORDINANCE – Sex Offender Ordinance

The Common Council met as a committee of the whole immediately following a public hearing in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall on November 27, 2006.

Mrs. Teicholz moved to receive the report and adopt the ordinance as proposed and moved to have the Chief of Police notify the probation officer of a convicted sex offender who is listed on the sex offender registry and may be still on probation when there is a violation of this ordinance. Seconded by Mr. Trombetta. Discussion followed.

Ms. Saracino moved for a friendly amendment to ask the Mayor’s office and Corporation Counsel to petition legislature to allow us to charge a higher fine of $1,000. Seconded by Mrs. Teicholz. Discussion followed.

Mr. Saadi asked, if the motion, with regards to notifying the probation officer, is considered a change to the ordinance as proposed or an additional recommendation and, can this be implemented. Mrs. Teicholz stated that this is a recommendation and is not changing the ordinance.

Mr. Saadi moved to amend the main motion to change the language in Section (3) Enforcement Procedure, that reads “If the person refuses to leave or is later found to be in the same Child Safety Zone….” to “If the person refuses to leave or is later found to be in “a” or “any” Child Safety Zone….”. Seconded by Mr. Chianese. Mr. Saadi stated that the current language would allow offenders to “zone hop”. Discussion followed.

Mr. Cavo asked Attorney Casagrande if Mr. Saadi’s proposed amendment be a substitutive change to this ordinance that would require returning to committee and a public hearing. Mr. Casagrande stated that Mr. Saadi’s amendment would increase the reach of the ordinance and therefore would go beyond procedural. Discussion followed. Mr. Johnson moved the question. Seconded by Ms. Basso. Motion carried with 11 voting yes and 8 voting no.

Mr. Saadi’s amendment to the main motion to change the language as stated above failed with 8 voting yes and 11 voting no. Discussion followed.

Main motion carried to receive the report and adopt the ordinance as proposed with Mrs. Taborsak voting in the negative. See Appendix for Ordinance.

20 – CONSENTED – Report & Ordinance – Danbury Housing Partnership

Receive the report and approve the committee’s recommendation. The report and ordinance were received on the consent calendar. See Appendix for Ordinance.

21 – CONSENTED – Ad Hoc Report & Ordinance-Charles Ives Authority for the Performing Arts

The report and ordinance were received on the consent calendar and the recommendation of the committee to refer the Charles Ives Authority Ordinance to a public hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered.

22 – AD HOC REPORT – Change of Name – Point Driftwood

Mr. Cavo moved to recommit this back to its original committee. Seconded by Ms. Saracino with Mr. Chianese voting in the negative.

23 – CONSENTED AD HOC REPORT – Donation of Lane – Birch Road/King Street

Receive the report and approve the recommendation of the committee to decline the offer of the donation of land. The report was received on the consent calendar.

24 – DEPARTMENT REPORTS – Police, Fire, Fire Marshall, Elderly Services, Health-Housing & Welfare, Dream Homes, Public Works, Permit, UNIT.

Mr. Cavo moved to waive reading of all department reports as all members have copies and copies are on file in the Office of the City Clerk. Seconded by Mr. Nagarsheth. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Boughton stated that Mr. Calandrino is unable to attend the 2006 Audit Committee meeting and will be replaced by Mrs. Teicholz.

There being no further business to come before the Common Council, Mr. Seabury moved for adjournment, motion was seconded by Ms. Basso. Motion to adjourn carried unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________
Linda Coords, Ass’t City Clerk

_____________________________
Mark D. Boughton, Mayor

APPENDIX TO COMMON COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 5, 2006

17 – RESOLUTION – DUI Enforcement Grant

WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, Division of Highway Safety has made a grant available in the amount of $55,300.00 for the 2007 Expanded Driving Under the Influence Enforcement Program; and

WHEREAS, a 25% local cash match in the amount of $13,825.00 is required with the State contributing $41,475.00 to reach the total cost of the program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Mayor Mark D. Boughton is hereby authorized to apply for said grant and to accept grant funds if approved, and Mayor Mark D. Boughton is authorized to sign all contracts necessary to effectuate the purposes of said grant. Any prior acts of the Mayor in applying for such grant funds are hereby ratified.

19 – REPORT & ORDINANCE – Sex Offender Ordinance - November 28, 2006

The Common Council met as a committee of the whole immediately following a public hearing in the Common Council Chambers in the City Hall on November 27, 2006. Mr. Cavo noted for the record that Mr. Perkins was working. Mr. Esposito and Ms. Basso were out of town on vacation.

Mr. Casagrande, Corporation Counsel, summarized the origins of this proposed ordinance. Mr. Casagrande put into the record Court exhibits regarding the recidivism rate of persons convicted of sexual offenses having a greater likelihood of recommitting this act than other felons. Mr. Casagrande also stated that this type of ordinance will survive constitutional scrutiny as long as the council can advance a rational basis for the ordinance or the restrictions and, he clearly sees a rational basis for this ordinance. The ordinance and the restrictions will minimize the threat that different sex offenders will come into contact with children. This is a compelling interest and a rational purpose.

Mrs. Teicholz moved to recommend the adoption of the sex offender ordinance including the change to Subsection (2) the following additional language: “which persons’ last known addresses (as shown on the Sex Offender Registry) are within the City of Danbury.” Seconded by Mr. Seabury.

Discussion followed. Mr. Nagarsheth moved the question. Seconded by Mr. Cutsumpas. Motion carried with Saadi, Visconti, Chianese and Taborsak voting in the negative.

Main motion carried with Mrs. Taborsak voting in the negative. Motion carried 17 yes and 1 no. Mrs. Teicholz moved to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Rotello. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________________
Joe Cavo, Chairman

AMENDING CITY OF DANBURY CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 12 (OFFENSES, MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BY ADDING SECTION 27, PROHIBITING REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS FROM ENTERING PUBLIC PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES FREQUENTED BY CHILDREN; DEFINING CHILD SAFETY ZONE, CHILD SEX OFFENDER; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES AND PENALTIES; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.

WHEREAS, the Connecticut Legislature has found that persons convicted or found not guilty by means of mental disease or defect of certain criminal offenses against minors and sexually violent offenses, present a continuing danger to the health and safety of the public, sufficient to require that such persons register with the Connecticut Commissioner of Public Safety; and

WHEREAS, as of November 2006, the Connecticut Department of Public Safety’s Sex Offender Registry (“Sex Offender Registry”) shows that approximately forty (40) people living in Danbury are registered sex offenders; and

WHEREAS, the Common Council finds from the evidence that the recidivism rate for released sex offenders is alarmingly high, especially for those who commit their crimes on children; and

WHEREAS, the Common Council recognizes that the City of Danbury has a compelling interest in protecting children from the threat of sexual abuse; and

WHEREAS, the City’s public parks, playgrounds, sports and recreation facilities are provided for the use, education, training, entertainment and enjoyment of children and their families, and such venues are intended to be and should be free of the dangers presented to children’s health, safety and welfare by persons required to register on the Sex Offender Registry; and

WHEREAS, the Common Council finds that the public health, safety and welfare of the community, particularly children, will be best served by prohibiting persons required to register with the Sex Offender Registry from entering into a public park, playground, recreation center, bathing beach, swimming pool or wading pool, sports field or sports facility.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANBURY:

SECTION 1. That the City of Danbury Code of Ordinances be amended by adding Section 27 to Chapter 12, as follows:

Chapter 12 - 27

(1) Prohibition Regarding Child Sex Offender in Child Safety Zone.
(a) Definitions: For the purpose of this Ordinance the following terms, phrases, words and derivations shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words in the plural number include the singular and words in the singular number include the plural. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
(i) "Child Safety Zone " means:
(a) A park, playground, recreation center, bathing beach, swimming pool or wading pool, gymnasium, sports field, or sports facility, including the parking area and land surrounding any of the aforementioned facilities, which is 1) under the jurisdiction of any department, agency, or authority of the City of Danbury, including but not limited to the Board of Education of the City of Danbury, or 2) leased by the City of Danbury to another person for the purpose of operating a park, playground, recreation center, bathing beach, swimming pool or wading pool, gymnasium, sports field, or sports facility.
(ii) "Child sex offender" means:
(a) A person who has been convicted or found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect of 1) a “criminal offense against a victim who is a minor,” 2) “a nonviolent sexual offense,” 3) a “sexually violent offense,” or 4) any felony that the court finds was committed for a “sexual purpose,” as those terms are defined in subdivisions (2), (5), (11) and (12) of Section 54-250 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended, and who is required to register with the Commissioner of Public Safety pursuant to Sections 54-251, 54-252, 54-253 or 54-254 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended, or
(b) A person who has been convicted or found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in any other state, in a federal or military court or in any foreign jurisdiction of any crime the essential elements of which are substantially the same as any of the crimes specified in subdivisions (2), (5) and (11) of section 54-250 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended, and which requires registration as a sexual offender in such other state or in the federal or military system, and who resides in this state on and after October 1, 1998.
(iii) “Not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect” means that which is defined in subdivision (6) of section 54-250 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended.
(b) Prohibition.
It shall be unlawful for a child sex offender to be present in any Child Safety Zone.
(c) Exceptions.
The provisions of this Ordinance shall not apply to:
(i) Any person whose name has been removed from the Connecticut Department of Public Safety’s Sex Offender Registry or from the registry of any other state or in the federal or military system by act of a court or by expiration of the term such person is required to remain on such registry.
(ii) Any person entering into a facility in a Child Safety Zone for the sole purpose of voting in any municipal, state or federal election or referendum, provided that the person leaves the facility immediately after voting.

(2) Notice.

The Chief of Police or his designee shall make reasonable efforts to provide prompt, actual written notice of the enactment of this Ordinance (which notice shall contain a copy of the Ordinance) to all persons who are listed on the Sex Offender Registry as of the effective date of this Ordinance, as well as those persons who are added to the Sex Offender Registry thereafter, which persons’ addresses (as shown on the Sex Offender Registry) are within the City of Danbury. Such notice requirement may be satisfied by the mailing of such notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested to the last known address of such person as listed on the Sex Offender Registry or as otherwise known to the Chief of Police. The failure of any person to receive such actual written notice shall not be a defense to a violation of this Ordinance.

(3) Enforcement Procedures.

If a police officer reasonably believes that a child sex offender is in a Child Safety Zone in violation of this Ordinance, the officer shall require the suspected child sex offender to provide his/her name, address, and telephone number. If it is established that the individual is a child sex offender, then the officer shall issue a written warning that he/she is in violation of this Ordinance and require the person to leave the Child Safety Zone. If the person refuses to leave or is later found to be in the same Child Safety Zone, the penalties set forth in subsection (4) of this Ordinance shall apply.

(4) Penalties.

Any person in violation of this section shall be fined in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each violation. Fines under this Ordinance shall not apply when the prohibited conduct results in a conviction for a new criminal offense under any applicable state or federal law or when the prohibited conduct is the basis for the revocation of any condition of parole or probation.

(5) Severability.

If any provision of this Ordinance is invalidated by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect. If any provision of this Ordinance is in conflict with state law, state law shall prevail.

SECTION 1. That the City of Danbury Code of Ordinances Section 12-34 (b) (4) is hereby amended by adding the language that is underlined as follows:

Danbury police officers shall be authorized to issue citations for violations of the provisions of sections 3A-27, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-13, 12-14, 12-24, 12-27, 12-33 and 18-13 of the Danbury Code of Ordinances. In addition to the foregoing, Danbury police officers shall be authorized to issue citations for violations of the provisions of the Danbury Code of Ordinances identified in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this subsection.

20 – REPORT & ORDINANCE – Danbury Housing Partnership – November 28, 2006

Mrs. Saracino moved to recommend the adoption of the ordinance creating the Danbury Housing Partnership. Seconded by Mr. Riley.

Mr. Saadi asked if Section 10-77, subsection (1) referring to “other housing needs” would include the issue of senior housing. Mr. Leroy, Director of Health, Housing & Welfare, answered that it does include senior housing and the wording was placed in the ordinance to give the partnership flexibility over the years to take up that issue. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

__________________________________
Joseph Cavo, Chairman

THAT Sections 10-75 and 10-77 of the Code of Ordinances of Danbury, Connecticut are hereby amended to read as follows:

Sec. 10-75. Danbury Housing Partnership created.

(a) There is hereby created the Danbury Housing Partnership. The Partnership shall include, but shall not be limited to, the mayor or his designee and not less than twelve members to be appointed by the mayor from among the following categories, with consideration given to candidates with demonstrated experience or interest in the area of housing and homelessness:
(1) representatives selected from any of the following sources: the planning commission, zoning commission, environmental impact commission, The Danbury Housing Authority or any local economic or community development agency.
(2) representatives of the local business community, such as local bankers, financiers, realtors and developers.
(3) representatives of public interest groups, such as housing advocates, members of the clergy, members of local civic groups, human service agencies and representatives of local nonprofit corporations.
(4) local urban planning, social service, employment, marketing, communications, land use and housing professionals.
(b) A quorum of the Partnership shall consist of five (5) members. Except as otherwise provided in the Danbury Code of Ordinances, Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of the meetings and the business of the Partnership.
(c) During the month of November in each even-numbered year, the members of the Danbury Housing Partnership shall elect from among its members a chairman, a vice-chairman and a secretary, each of whom shall hold office until his or her successor has been elected. The vice-chairman shall assume the duties of the chairman in case of his or her absence or inability.
(d) Of the initial members appointed by the mayor, at least four shall be appointed to serve for a term of three (3) years, at least four shall be appointed to serve for a term of two (2) years and at least four shall be appointed to serve for a term of one (1) year. Thereafter, the appointment of all members shall be for a term of three (3) years.

Sec. 10-76. Duties of Danbury Housing Partnership.

The duties of the Danbury Housing Partnership, as determined by the chairman in consultation with the mayor, shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(1) To take measures necessary to implement the Plan to End Homelessness in Ten Years as adopted by the Common Council of the City of Danbury in March of 2006 (the “Plan”), as the same may be amended from time to time, subject to the availability of resources in any given budget year;
(2) To oversee measures to implement the Plan and to monitor and assess the effectiveness of such measures;
(3) To provide annual reports to the mayor and the common council, summarizing the measures taken in the prior year to implement the Plan, the results of monitoring the effectiveness of the measures taken and describing the projected administrative and budgetary needs for the next fiscal year;
(4) To advise the mayor and the common council concerning policies, projects, and proposals potentially affecting the homeless to ensure their conformity with the Plan;
(5) To propose to the mayor and the common council for review and approval any revisions to the Plan determined to be necessary to effectively meet the endorsed aim of eliminating chronic and long-term homelessness by the year 2015;
(6) To examine and identify housing needs and opportunities in the community;
(7) To identify available public or private land that is suitable for the development of affordable housing;
(8) To review applicable laws, customs, practice and regulations including specifically zoning regulations, to determine whether such laws, customs, practices and regulations restrict the development of affordable housing in community;
(9) To establish priorities to meet identified housing needs in the community.
(10) To recommend activities or projects designed to create additional affordable housing in Danbury

Sec. 10-77. Standing committees.

The Danbury Housing Partnership shall establish four standing committees, whose members shall be appointed by the chairman of the Partnership. Said committees shall reflect the major action areas outlined in the Plan. The standing committees shall be as follows:

(1) The Committee on Housing and Community Development. Said committee shall, in addition to such other housing needs as identified by the Partnership, be responsible for facilitating the housing development, rehabilitation, preservation and related neighborhood improvement activities outlined in the Plan. The committee shall encourage the production of permanent and supportive housing proposed in the Plan and shall assist the Social and Supportive Services Committee and insure that development activities for the benefit of the Homeless population are coordinated with the City of Danbury.
(2) The Social and Supportive Services Committee. Said committee shall be responsible for supporting and monitoring the Point of Entry system as well as for coordinating activities with the Danbury Continuum of Care. Among other things the committee shall also be responsible for discharge planning, eviction prevention, cost management, transitional housing services, Housing Authority preference policies, expansion of homeless services and the coordination of services for the homeless. The committee shall coordinate its efforts with those of the Housing and Community Development Committee to insure that the appropriate transition and support services are in place for the benefit of the homeless population.
(3) The Financial Resources and Fundraising Committee. Said committee shall be responsible for aggressive pursuit of financial resources necessary to implement the initiatives identified in the Plan and for coordinating efforts to avoid duplication and unnecessary competition among organizations committed to the achievement of Plan objectives. The committee shall advise the Partnership and the mayor as to whether or not the service and development proposals from organizations with similar missions are consistent with the objectives of the Plan.
(4) The Public Relations, Marketing and Education Committee. Said committee shall be responsible for keeping the mayor, common council and the general public informed about the progress being made by the Partnership to implement the Plan. The committee shall be responsible for the creation of a web page devoted to the Partnership and for coordination of effort with other committees to develop marketing materials to support fundraising and program development activities. The committee shall be responsible for facilitating the training and educational recommendations contained in the Plan.