City Council

TO: Mayor Gene F. Eriquez and Members of the Common Council Re: Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held July 6, 2000 Mayor Eriquez called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer were recited. The members were recorded as: PRESENT – Levy, Scalzo, Saadi, Dean Esposito, Machado, Shuler, Coco, Arconti, John Esposito, Abrantes, Pascuzzi, Furtado, Gallagher, Gogliettino, Michael Moore, Martin Moore, Saracino ABSENT – McAllister, Smith, Buzaid, Coco, Basso 16 Present 5 Absent Mr. McAllister was out of town; Mrs. Smith, Mr. Coco and Mrs. Basso were on vacation There were no members of the public wishing to address the Common Council. MINUTES – Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held June 6, 2000. 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 Dean Esposito. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR – John Esposito presented the following items for the Consent Calendar: 1 - Approve the request to amend the application for Local Capital Improvement funds as described. 3 - Approve the acceptance of the grant amount of $4,000 towards a new generator for the Danbury Senior Center. 5 - Approve the reappointments of Carol Elder, Richard Baldwin and Philip Hadley to the Lake Kenosia Commission. 16 – Approve the transfer of $638 from the Elderly Services Donations Revenue account to the Commission on Aging budget as described. 20 – Receive the report and approve the recommendation regarding the Fire Department Special Services Account and apply the transfer retroactively to last fiscal year’s budget. 21 – Receive the report and approve the recommendation regarding the change of name from Bridle Ridge Road to Society Hill 22 – Receive the report and approve the recommendation regarding sewer and water extensions at 100 Saw Mill Road 23 – Receive the report and approve the recommendations regarding sewer and water extensions regarding 30 Old Ridgebury Road 24 – Receive the report and approve the recommendations regarding sewer and water extensions at 45-49 Lake Avenue Extension 25 – Receive the report and approve the recommendation regarding water extension at 116 Newtown Road 26 – Receive the report and approve the recommendation regarding a sewer extension at Lot 50, Huckleberry Lane Mr. Levy made a motion to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. Motion carried unanimously. 1 – RESOLUTION – Local Capital Improvement Program RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: Page 1 of 8  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 programs within 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 $31,000.00 to cover the cost of the City Hall Security System; and WHEREAS, said project is consistent with the City of Danbury’s 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 Common Council hereby approves said project and its financing; and WHEREAS, the City of Danbury has received no prior local capital improvements grants under Connecticut General Statues 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 5l7,828.42 034-92-010 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 143,878.00 034-93-010 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 Blg-Tarrywile Park 25,000.00 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 agreements in connection therewith, to accept payments and to do any and all things necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. 2 Page 2 of 8  The communication was received and the Resolution to amend the application for Local Capital Improvement funds was adopted on the Consent Calendar. 2 – RESOLUTION – School Readiness Grant – Year 4 RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut through the State Board of Education is making available a grant in the amount of $1,549,909.00 to priority school districts a School Readiness and Child Day Care Grant Program pursuant to Public Act 97-259; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this program would expand and enhance school readiness and child day care programs in the priority municipalities; and WHEREAS, this grant requires no local cash match however, the in-kind match will be provided by the sub grantees and the Board of Education; and WHEREAS, the City of Danbury and its Board of Education are desirous of participating in this grant program; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Mayor Gene F. Eriquez and Schools Superintendent Timothy Connors be and hereby are authorized to accept said grant, and execute such documents as are necessary for the accomplishment of the purposes hereof. Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to receive the communication and adopt the Resolution. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously. 3 – COMMUNICATION – Grant for Danbury Senior Center Letter from Director of Elderly Services requesting approval of a grant award in the amount of $4,000 to be used towards the purchase and installation of a new generator for the Danbury Senior Center. Acceptance of the grant amount of $4,000 towards a new generator for the Danbury Senior Center was approved on the Consent Calendar. 4 – COMMUNICATION – Millennium Project Letter from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro requesting permission to accept donations to the Millennium Project in the total amount of $182.00. Michael Moore made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the proper line items and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Dean Esposito. Motion carried unanimously. 5 – COMMUNICATION – Reappointments to the Lake Kenosia Commission Letter from Gene Eriquez requesting confirmation of the reappointments of Carol Elder, Philip Hadley and Richard Baldwin to the Lake Kenosia Commission for terms to expire May 1, 2003. The reappointments were confirmed on the Consent Calendar. 6 – COMMUNICATION – Donations to the Library Letter from Library Director Betsy McDonough request permission to accept donations in the total amount of $100 for the BOOKS line item. John Gogliettino made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the proper line item and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Michael Moore. Motion carried unanimously. 7 – COMMUNICATION – Donation to the Police Department Letter from Police Chief Robert Paquette requesting permission to accept a donation in the amount of $500 from Sacred Heart School to the DARE Program. Mr. Scalzo made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation, credit the proper line item and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Shuler. Motion carried unanimously. 8 – COMMUNICATION – Donations to the Department of Elderly Services 3 Page 3 of 8  Letter from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath requesting permission to accept donations in the total amount of $270 for the use of the Senior Center. Mr. Saadi made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the proper line items and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Dean Esposito. Motion carried unanimously. 9 – COMMUNICATION – Donations to the Senior Center Request from Director of Elderly Services for permission to accept class donations in the amount of $368.00. 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. Saracino. Motion carried unanimously. 10 – COMMUNICATION – Donation to the Police Department Letter from Police Chief Robert Paquette requesting permission to accept the donation of a 14’ boat trailer to be used by the Police Department Dive Team. Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Saracino. Motion carried unanimously. 11 – COMMUNICATION – Interfaith Social Action Corporation Letter from Karen L. Thompson, Director of the Interfaith Early Learning Center asking consideration of a debt service charge for water and sewer. Mr. Furtado asked that this be referred to the Director of Public Work for a report back within thirty days. Mayor Eriquez so ordered. 12 – CERTIFICATION – Public Buildings/Teamsters Contract – WITHDRAWN 13 – CERTIFICATION – King Street Firehouse Lease Request from Director of Finance Dominic Setaro requesting the appropriation of the sum of $16,886 to cover the cost of this lease for a 12 month period since an agreement has not been reached. Mr. Arconti made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the transfer of funds as described. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. Motion carried unanimously. 14 – WITHDRAWN 15 – COMMUNICATION – Report from the Planning Director regarding the Renaming of Pond Crest Road Report from Dennis Elpern recommending that a portion of Pond Crest Road, as a part of the Troy Estates subdivision, be renamed Josh Road. John Gogliettino made a motion to approve the change of name to Josh Lane. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously. 16 – COMMUNICATION & CERTIFICATION – Reappropriation of Donated Funds Request from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath request a transfer of funds in the amount of $638 from the Elderly Services donations account tot he Commission on Aging budget. A certification of funds was attached. The reappropriation of funds was authorized on the Consent Calendar. 17 – COMMUNICATION – St. Peter’s Cemetery Request from Attorney Robert Talarico requesting that the City discontinue as a public highway that portion of Lake Avenue Extension running from Kenosia Avenue to land of the State of Connecticut. Mrs. Abrantes asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and the Corporation Counsel. Mayor Eriquez so ordered and appointed Council Members John Esposito, Machado and Martin Moore to the committee. 18 – COMMUNICATION – Benedict Avenue – Utility Main Easements Dean Esposito asked that this be referred to the Directors of Public Works and Public Utilities for reports back within thirty days. Mayor Eriquez so ordered. 4 Page 4 of 8  19 – COMMUNICATION – Transfer of Land/Mill Plain Road and Aunt Hack Mr. Machado asked that this be referred to the Planning Commission for a report back within thirty days. Mayor Eriquez so ordered. 20 – REPORT – Fire Department Social Services Account Mr. Arconti submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for additional funds for the Fire Department Special Services Account met in City Hall on June 12, 2000 at 7:00 P.M. In attendance were committee members Arconti, John Esposito and Basso. Also in attendance was Fire Chief Carmen Oliver. The committee discussed the purpose of the account and the method of payment. Mrs. Basso moved to recommend approval of the transfer of $15,000 to the Fire Department Special Services Account. Seconded by Mr. Esposito. The motion carried unanimously. The report was received and the recommendation approved on the Consent Calendar. 21 – REPORT – Change of Name from Bridle Ridge Road to Society Hill Mrs. Abrantes submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request to change the name of Bridle Ridge Road to Society Hill met on June 14, 2000 at 5:40 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Abrantes, McAllister and Basso. Also in attendance was the petitioner Warren Null. Mrs. Abrantes read the original petition submitted to the Common Council from the residents along with the Planning Report and the Postmaster’s letter. Mr. Null advised the members of the committee of other emergency situations, which occurred, and the problem with the response of safety needs due to the confusion between the two roads, Bridle Ridge Road and Briar Ridge Road. Mr. McAllister made a motion to change the name of Bridle Ridge Road to Society Hill pending the Planning Director’s approval. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously. The report was received and the recommendation regarding the change of name from Bridle Ridge Road to Society Hill was approved on the Consent Calendar. 22 – REPORT – Request for Sewer and Water Extensions – 100 Saw Mill Road Mr. Scalzo submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for sewer and water extensions at 100 Saw Mill Road met at 7:00 P.M. on June 13, 2000 in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Scalzo and Saracino. John Esposito was at work. Also in attendance were Director of Public Works William Buckley, Mark Kornhaas, representing the petitioners, and Council Member Michael Pascuzzi, ex-officio. Mr. Scalzo read the positive recommendation from the Planning Commission’s May 17, 2000 meeting for the record. Mr. Buckley stated that there are no problems with the project and Public Works and Engineering find no problems with the proposed extension. Mrs. Saracino made a motion to recommend approval of water and sewer for the project at 100 Saw Mill Road following the normal eight steps as outlined and a ninth 5 Page 5 of 8  step, if necessary, for a phased completion of the project. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. The motion carried unanimously. The report was received and the recommendations approved on the Consent Calendar. 23 – REPORT – Request for Sewer and Water Extensions – 30 Old Ridgebury Road Mr. Scalzo submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review sewer and water extensions at 30 Old Ridgebury Road met on June 13, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Scalzo and Saracino. Also in attendance were Director of Public Works William Buckley and Steven Scharf representing the Briad Group. Mr. Scalzo read the positive recommendation from the Planning Commission’s May 17, 2000 meeting for the record. Mr. Buckley stated the water extension would be no problem. The sewer extension can be constructed to divert the Boehringer Ingleheim sewer has been engineered. A ninth step should be added that the developer would pay for the construction of the sewer line, which has been engineered. Mrs. Saracino made a motion to approve the extension of water and sewer for the Briad at 30 Old Ridgebury Road subject to the normal eight steps for sewer and water line extensions with a ninth step that the developer pay for the construction of the sewer line to divert the Boehringer Ingleheim sewer. Seconded by Mr. Scalzo. Motion carried unanimously. The Report was received and the recommendations approved on the Consent Calendar. 24 – REPORT – Request for Sewer and Water Extensions – 45-49 Lake Avenue Ext. and 1 Crestdale Road Mr. Pascuzzi submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for sewer and water extensions at 45-49 Lake Avenue Ext. and 1 Crestdale Road met on June 13, 2000 in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall at 8:00 P.M. In attendance were committee members Pascuzzi, Coco and Basso. Also in attendance were Director of Public Works William Buckley, Attorney Paul Jaber and Engineer Mark Kornhaas representing Court Street Companies, as well as Council Members Harry Scalzo, ex- officio. Mr. Pascuzzi read a letter from the Planning Commission approving the water and sewer extensions. Mr. Kornhaas and Attorney Jaber explained that this extension was requested for the required fire hydrant needed on the property. Mr. Buckley stated that there was no problem with the request. He also stated that existing City sewer and water lines to the property were sufficient for domestic water and sewer use. Mrs. Basso made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by Mr. Coco. The motion passed unanimously. The report was received and the recommendations approved on the Consent Calendar. 25 – REPORT – Request for Water Extension – 116 Newtown Road John Esposito submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for water extension at 116 Newtown Road (the Ramada Inn) met on June 13, 2000 at 8:30 P.M. in City Hall. In attendance were committee members John Esposito, Saadi and Saracino. Also in attendance was Director of Public Works William Mr. Esposito read a letter from the Planning Commission approving the request for water extension. Mr. Buckley stated that this is a proposal from the Steakhouse at 6 Page 6 of 8  the Ramada Inn. The proposal would connect into a section of a water main currently under construction. It would also bring a fire hydrant near the building as requested by the Fire Marshall’s Office. The committee expressed concern regarding water pressure in the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Buckley stated that this would not have any impact on water pressure and he foresees no problem and voiced his approval of the request. Mary Saracino made a motion to approve the request subject to the usual eight steps. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The report was received and the recommendations approved on the Consent Calendar. 26 – REPORT – Request for Sewer Extension – Lot 50, Huckleberry Lane Mr. Machado submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for sewer extension at Lot 50, Huckleberry Lane met on June 8, 2000 at 7:35 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Machado and Gogliettino. Mrs. Basso was absent. Also in attendance were City Engineer Patricia Ellsworth and the petitioner, Armando DaCunha. Mr. Machado noted the positive recommendation from the Planning Commission. Mrs. Ellsworth explained the simplicity of the request and stated that she saw no problems with the request. Mr. Gogliettino made a motion to recommend the approval of the request for sewer extension for lot 50, Huckleberry Lane, subject to the normal eight steps. Seconded by Mr. Machado. Motion carried unanimously. The report was received and the recommendations approved on the Consent Calendar. 27 – DEPARTMENT REPORTS – Police Chief, Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, Health and Housing, Engineering, Public Works, Department of Elderly Services, Welfare and Social Services. Mr. Arconti made a motion to accept 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 Dean Esposito. Motion carried unanimously. 28 – Mr. Arconti made a motion to add item 28 to the agenda. Seconded by Dean Esposito. Motion carried with Mr. Gallagher voting no. RESOLUTION – Community Employment Incentive Program RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Labor will make grant funds available to municipalities under its Community Employment Incentive Program (CEIP) to fund employment placement projects for recipients of SAGA benefit and specific Medicaid recipients; and WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Labor and municipal Welfare Departments are working together to advance their mutual goal of assisting recipients to secure employment and attain economic self-sufficiency; and WHEREAS, the City of Danbury Welfare Department is eligible to receive a grant of up to $43,853.00 for the period of July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001 upon approval of an application therefore. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Gene F. Eriquez, Mayor of the City of Danbury is hereby authorized to apply for said funds, to accept the grant if approved and the Mayor is further authorized to execute any contracts therefor and to do all things necessary to effectuate the purposes of the grant award. Mrs. Abrantes made a motion to receive the communication and adopt the Resolution. Seconded by Mr. Pascuzzi. Motion carried unanimously. 7 Page 7 of 8  29 – Mr. Arconti made a motion to add item 29 to the agenda. Seconded by Dean Esposito. Motion carried with Mr. Gallagher voting no. COMMUNICATION – Request from CARD Camp Foundation A request from the Executive Director of the CARD Camp Foundation requesting funding for tuition for Danbury children to attend the CARD Camp for four weeks this summer. Mr. Saadi made a motion to receive the communication and approve the request. Seconded by Mr. Machado. Mrs. Saracino made a motion to amend the motion to include the sum of $5,000. Seconded by Mr. Shuler. After discussion, the motion to amend carried with Martin Moore voting in the negative. The main motion, as amended, carried with Martin Moore voting in the negative. Mr. Saadi offered a further motion to amend, appropriating an additional $5,000. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried with Council Members Saadi, Dean Esposito, Machado, Shuler, Abrantes, Pascuzzi, Furtado, Gogliettino and Michael Moore voting in the affirmative and Council Members Levy, Scalzo, Arconti, John Esposito, Gallagher, Martin Moore and Saracino voting in the negative. The Main Motion, as further amended, passed with Council Members Saadi, Dean Esposito, Machado, Shuler, Arconti, Abrantes, Pascuzzi, Furtado, Gogliettino, Michael Moore, Martin Moore and Mary Saracino voting in the affirmative and Council Members Levy, Scalzo, John Esposito and Gallagher voting in the negative. The Mayor extended all committees. There being no further business to come before the Common Council a motion was made by Gallagher for the meeting to be adjourned at 8:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________ JIMMETTA L. SAMAHA Assistant City Clerk ATTEST: _____________________________ Elizabeth Crudginton City Clerk 8 Page 8 of 8