City Council

TO: Mayor Mark D. Boughton and Members of the Common Council RE: Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held May 6, 2003 Mayor Boughton called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer, as well as a moment of silence for former Council Member Harry Scalzo, were offered. The members were recorded: PRESENT – Nolan, McAllister, Null, Kelly, Buzaid, Dean Esposito, Machado, Shuler, Scozzafava, Levy, John Esposito, Saadi, Dittrich, Basso, Darius, Furtado, Gogliettino, Moore, Neptune, Setaro ABSENT – Coladarci 20 Present 1 Absent Mrs. Coladarci was ill. PUBLIC SPEAKING Donna Hamblet, 53 Coal Pit Hill Road – Thanked the committee for its work on Coalpit Hill Road. Hopes to have a three-way stop sign and have the road regarded. Alice Shanley, 62 Great Plain Road – Spoke against cutting funds to WeCahr Virginia Gamber speaking for Margerie Titus, 25 Morrow Drive – Ms. Titus has lived in Danbury for 20 years and has worked at Stop & Shop for 14 years. WeCahr did everything for her. Margaret Mitchell, 2 Park Place – It was easy to get the budget information. The Education Budget concerns her because it is so large. There are two sets of grants – the City and CDGB. Funds for East Ditch are all listed under unfounded grants. These might not come through. Please put $500,000 for East Ditch in the Bond Package. Regarding item 22, Amended Ambulance Budget, carry out collections in a more lenient manner. George O’Loughlin, 15 Maple Ridge Road – Introduced the new Superintendent of Schools Eddie Davis. He spoke regarding item 20, amended to Education Budget – thanked the Education Budget Committee for being active. There is very little wiggle room. $173,000 is related to State grants and $6,000 for renovations to fields. They had to transport students around the City. Victor Gellineau, 10 Killian Drive – Member of the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Center. The center provides services to all people of Latin America. Provides education that is not provided in schools. Fred Hammond, 3 Seeley Street – Interfaith AIDS budget cuts. Leveraged the money from this year’s budget to $60,000 and brought in a nutritionist. They are good stewards of the money the City has given them. He spoke about cutting funds because other towns don’t chip in. Continue to take the high road. Tom Devine, 261 Main Street – Spoke regarding item 23, Ciao lease. Had the lease for the past ten years. There are five tables on the outdoor patio. It has become an intricate part of downtown. George Schmiedel, 72 Garfield Avenue – Spoke regarding item 23. Don’t waive building fees or tax incentives for people who are remodeling. MINUTES – Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held April 1, 2003. Mr. Levy made a motion to adopt the minutes as presented and waive the reading as all members have copies, which are on file in the clerk’s office for public inspection. Seconded by Mr. Gogliettino. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR – John Esposito submitted the following items for the Consent Calendar: Page 1 of 24  5 – Adopt the Resolution to apply for and accept funding from the State of Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Program as described and defer to public hearing. 7 – Adopt the Resolution to allow the WIC program to apply for and accept grant funds in the amount of $689 for Farmers Market Coupons. 8 – Adopt the Resolution for the Police Department to apply for and accept grant funding from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation in the amount of $22,821.00 for the 2003 Memorial Day and Fourth of July Driving Under the Influence Enforcement Program as described. 9 – Adopt the Resolution to allow the Police Department to apply for and accept grant funding from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation in the approximate amount of $54,147.00 for the purchase of DUI enforcement vehicles as described. 10 – Adopt the Resolution for the Police Department to apply for and accept grant funding from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation in the amount of $20,000 for the purchase of a speed monitoring awareness trailer vehicle as described. 11 – Adopt the Resolution to authorize the Corporation Counsel, subject to and only upon approval by the Planning Commission, to acquire Shore Road storm drainage easements as described in Schedules A and B. 12 – Adopt the Resolution to authorize the Corporation Counsel, subject to and only upon prior approval by the Planning Commission, to acquire certain parcels of land described in Exhibits A through H necessary to implement the North Main Street Redevelopment Plan. 18 – Approve the transfer of $429 from the Elderly Services Donations Account to the Commission on Aging budget as described. 25 – Adopt t he Resolution to authorize Mark D. Boughton, Mayor of the City of Danbury and the Corporation Counsel to take such action as may be necessary to transfer ownership of new City facilities at Osborne Street to Interfaith Social Action Corporation with the same terms of the current ground lease, subject to and only upon prior approval by the Planning Commission as described. 35 – Approve a request to accept parcels of land at Crow’s Nest Lane subject to Corporation Counsel’s report of March 12, 2003 and only after a positive recommendation by the Planning Commission. 37 – Authorize Mark D. Boughton, Mayor of the City of Danbury to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement for the Workforce Investment area on behalf of the City as described. 40 – Approve a request to accept a warranty deed for a road widening parcel as well as a sidewalk road widening easement at 146-148 South Street in accordance with requirements of the Planning Commission and subject to City Engineer approval as described. 41 – Receive a report from the Director of Public Works and Corporation Counsel regarding drainage problem at 205 Stadley Rough Road and approve the recommendations. 44 – Receive a report regarding water extension at Margerie Street and approve the recommendations. 45 – Receive a report regarding confirmation of Deputy Corporation Counsel and approve the committee recommendation to confirm the appointment of Eric Gottschalk. 46 – Receive a report regarding water extension at 24 Clapboard Ridge Road and approve the recommendations. 2 Page 2 of 24  47 – Receive a report regarding traffic problems on Coalpit Hill and approve the recommendations. 48 – Receive a report regarding water extension at Habitat for Humanity property proposals and approve the recommendation subject to conditions as described. Dean Esposito made a motion to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented. Seconded by Ms. Neptune. Motion carried unanimously. 1 – ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION – An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2003 and Ending June 30, 2004 and a Resolution Levying the Property Tax for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2003 and Ending June 30, 2004. a. General Government I Budget Report Mr. Saadi submitted the following report: The General Government I Budget Committee met on April 15, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Saadi, Levy, Moore and Buzaid. Also in attendance were Mayor Mark Boughton, Director of Finance Dena Diorio, Council Members Gogliettino, Dean Esposito, Basso and Null, ex- officio, Library Director Betsy McDonough, President of the Library Board Hal Wibling, City Clerk Helena Abrantes and members of the public. Common Council – Council President Warren Levy said there has been a change in the allocation for the Common Council’s budget that is in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The actual costs of operating the Common Council were higher than the $8,000 reflected in the past. This budget is reflective of the true costs of running the Council and places those costs in the appropriate line items. Mr. Gogliettino asked for an explanation of moving the salary of the assistant clerk into this budget. Mr. Levy stated that the authority to hire assistant clerks is provided by Charter to the Common Council and, as such, the salary is more appropriately located within the operating costs for the Council. Mayor’s Office – Mr. Gogliettino asked about he unfilled position up to the end of last year. Mayor Boughton stated that he filled the position at the end of 2002. The position is that of communications director and will be filled when the current director leaves at the end April. City Clerk – Mrs. Abrantes asked why the assistant clerk was taken out of her budget. Mr. Levy explained that the salary for that position and other operating costs for the Common Council were now placed within the Common Council’s budget to reflect the true costs of operation of the Common Council. He stated that the Common Council fills the assistant clerk’s position and that the assistant clerk works for the Common Council. Mr. Saadi said that many expenses directly attributable to the operation of the Council that had been placed in other line items in the past should be reflected within the Council’s budget. Town Clerk – Mr. Saadi asked for confirmation that the proposed reduction will not affect the salary for budget of the current town clerk. Ms. Diorio said that was correct. Mr. Saadi presented research showing that the proposed salary of $45,000 for the Town Clerk was in line with salaries in other towns with comparable populations and levels of work as Danbury. Outside services were reduced because of the new indexing system that will be put in place. Dean Esposito said he is concerned about the reduction of an elected official’s salary. Mayor Boughton said that the new salary would only go into effect upon the retirement of the current Town Clerk. Dean Esposito asked about the elimination of an assistant town clerk. Mayor Boughton stated that the position was vacant because of a resignation and was not funded. Permit Coordinator – This new office has four full-time staff members and two part-time employees. Mr. Levy asked about the responsibility of running the Tech Center. Ms. Diorio said, in addition to running the Tech Center that person would work the front desk where the mail is processed. Mr. Esposito asked if someone was handling the mail now. Ms. Diorio said that position has been eliminated. 3 Page 3 of 24  Mr. Moore made a motion to recommend approval of the General Government I Budget as proposed by the Mayor. Seconded by Mr. Buzaid. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Nolan made a motion to receive the report and adopt its recommendations. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. After discussion, Mr. Darius made a motion to transfer $60,552 from the Common Council budget to the City Clerk’s budget. Seconded by Dean Esposito. Motion failed with the members voting as follows: YES – Null, Kelly, Dean Esposito, Machado, Shuler, Darius, Neptune, Setaro NO – Nolan, McAllister, Buzaid, Scozzafava, Levy, John Esposito, Saadi, Dittrich, Basso, Furtado, Gogliettino, Moore 8 Yes – 12 No Dean Esposito made a motion to amend the Town Clerk’s salary to $58,000. Seconded by Mr. Shuler. Motion failed 5 yes, 15 no with the members voting as follows: Yes – Null, Dean Esposito, Shuler, Darius, Setaro No – Nolan, McAllister, Kelly, Buzaid, Machado, Scozzafava, Levy, John Esposito, Saadi, Dittrich, Basso, Furtado, Gogliettino, Moore, Neptune 5 Yes – 15 No The main motion carried 15 yes and 5 no with Council Members Dean Esposito, Shuler, Darius, Neptune and Setaro voting in the negative. b. General Government II Budget Report Mr. Furtado submitted the following report: The General Government II Budget committee met on April 29, 2003 at 7:30 P.M. In attendance were committee members Furtado, Shuler, Neptune, Darius and Nolan. Also in attendance were Mayor Mark D. Boughton, Director of Finance Dena Diorio, Council Members Levy and Gogliettino, ex-officio, grant agency representatives and members of the public. Data Processing – Mr. Nolan asked how the merger with the Board of Education would impact these line items? Ms. Diorio said that the two budgets would have to remain separate for the first year. Mr. Shuler asked if the future purchase of computers would come through the City. Ms. Diorio said they would. Grants – Ms. Diorio explained the updated review process. Ms. Diorio tried to determine our level of support versus support from other towns. Mr. Furtado said the grant allocations increase every year. He said we should look to reduce them in the future. Ms. Neptune asked why we are still giving a $10,000 grant to the Portuguese Cultural Center and what part of the community does it serve? Mr. Boa said it serves the whole community and this grant will be used for youth activities. Mr. Nolan stated that he will not support changes, but shares other committee members concerns about the process. Both Mr. Nolan and Mr. Darius questioned how we would determine who is or is not worthy of receiving a grant. Mr. Darius said there is a need for a policy to be put in place and a consensus that these organizations are performing functions that the City would otherwise have to pick up should we decide not to fund the organizations. The Hispanic Center performs services for the Community that the City would ultimately be responsible for. He said that if we change any of these grants we would be doing so arbitrarily. Pension Expense – Mr. Gogliettino asked Ms. Diorio if the pension funds are well funded or are we in danger of having to put more money into them? Ms. Diorio said the general employees are fully funded, but we may have to put money into police and fire funds due to losses. 4 Page 4 of 24  Employee Service Benefits – Mr. Darius asked about the $60,000 reduction. Ms. Diorio said if employees had a lot of accrued vacation, they were being allowed to cash them out. EMT Health and Life Insurance – Mr. Darius asked if there have been any re- negotiations since last year? Ms. Diorio said they have all gone out to bid. The only savings was on life insurance. Our increase will be 14% and the Board of Education increase will be 17%. Contingency – A discussion was held as to being able to guarantee that the contingency account will not be depleted in the first six months of the fiscal year. Mayor Boughton said there is no way to guarantee this. It depends on the snow and ice budget and you cannot predict what the winter will be like. Ms. Neptune made a motion to recommend adoption of the Mayor’s budget as proposed. Seconded by Mr. Nolan. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Nolan made a motion to receive the report and adopt it recommendations. Seconded by Mr. Darius. Motion carried unanimously. c. Education Budget Report Mr. Nolan submitted the following report: The Education Budget Committee met on April 10, 2003 and on April 30, 2003 in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance at the April 10th meeting were committee members Nolan, Neptune, Gogliettino and Scozzafava. Also in attendance were Director of Finance Dena Diorio, Board Finance Director Elio Longo, Superintendent of Schools Bill Glass, Assistant Schools Finance Director Melody Schroeder, School Board Members Gladys Cooper, Michael Fazio, Eileen Alberts, George O’Loughlin, J. R. Mitchell, Council Member Paul McAllister, ex-officio and Lynn Waller. In attendance at the April 30th meeting were committee members Nolan, Neptune, Gogliettino, Kelly and Scozzafava. Also in attendance were Director of Finance Dena Diorio, Schools Finance Director Elio Longo, Superintendent of Schools Bill Glass Council Members Levy and Basso, ex-officio, School Board Members O’Loughlin, Cooper, and Mitchell, and members of the public. Mr. Nolan stated that the Education Budget is the most difficult portion of the budget because it is the largest share of the entire budget. The Board of Education proposed a budget and the City proposed somewhat less of a budget. The committee will hear the rationale of how the budget was structured on both sides. Mr. Nolan asked Director of Finance Dena Diorio to speak to some of the nuances of this budget such as proposed savings. Ms. Diorio stated that the Board requested eighty-eight million dollars and the Mayor gave the Board eighty-five and one half million dollars. The Mayor also offered as an initiative, a dollar for dollar plan. For every dollar saved by the Board, the City would match it. School Board Members addressed their concerns to the committee concerning the inflexibility this amount of money would cause and the growing enrollment in the schools, as well as pay-to-play and binding arbitration. Dr. Glass addressed the competitive of hiring the best teachers. Dr. Glass was asked to speak to the no child left behind legislation. Dr. Glass explained the criteria in reading that must be met and that we must have highly qualified teachers. A discussion followed about this new law. Mr. Gogliettino said he is not clear on the dollar for dollar savings initiative. Ms. Diorio explained that for every dollar the Board can save through administrative cost savings, the City would match that with a dollar from our fund balance. That would give the Board an extra million dollars to spend. Mr. Nolan asked about the general point of reaping savings. A lengthy discussion regarding sports in the schools followed. Mr. Nolan asked Dr. Glass to detail, in writing, the kinds of things we need to spend additional revenues on. He said that last year’s budget had the single highest 5 Page 5 of 24  percentage increase in the last decade. Mr. Nolan asked the committee that if they have questions to please get them to him. The committee will reconvene on April 30th. Mr. Nolan opened the meeting at 7:00 P.M. Mr. Scozzafava made a motion to recommend adoption of the Mayor’s proposed budget, authorizing that the proposed savings plan be adopted and that any additional monies received from the State will be reappropriated to the Board of Education. Seconded by Mr. Nolan. Mr. Longo stated that he met with the Mayor and has reduced the budget request to a 7% increase by eliminating all priority goals. In response to Mr. Gogliettino’s question, Mr. O’Loughlin addressed the IT merger. There has not been a formal proposal. A discussion following about the No Child Left Behind legislation. Mr. Scozzafava stated that these are difficult times. The School Board must look for innovative ways to save money. Although schools are our number one priority, we cannot drive out our elderly or young families. Mr. Scozzafava said we have to work together and would not want to seem dooms day reports coming out about the budget. Mr. Nolan said he agrees with Mr. Scozzafava that these are difficult times. We have converging lines between quality of life and resulting property values, while we have job layoffs and a downturn in the economy. The motion carried with Council Members Nolan, Kelly and Scozzafava voting in the affirmative and Council Members Gogliettino and Neptune voting in the negative. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the report and adopt its recommendations. Seconded by Mr. Scozzafava. Mr. Gogliettino made a motion to amend the report by adding $300,000 and eliminating the incentive. Seconded by Ms. Neptune. Motion failed 8 yes and 12 no with the members voting as follows: Yes – Null, Kelly, Buzaid, Machado, Shuler, Gogliettino, Neptune and Setaro No – Nolan, McAllister, Dean Esposito, Scozzafava, Levy, John Esposito, Saadi, Dittrich, Basso, Darius, Furtado, and Moore Main motion carried with Mr. Darius voting in the negative. d. Public Works Budget Report Mr. Machado submitted the following report: The Public Works Budget Committee met on April 23, 2003 at 7:30 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Machado, John Esposito, Dean Esposito, Chris Setaro and Joseph Scozzafava. Also in attendance were Director of Public Works William Buckley, Director of Finance Dena Diorio, Director of Parks and Recreation Robert Ryerson, Superintendent of Public Buildings Richard Palanzo, Gerald Daly and Sandra Moy from Tarrywile Park, Council Members Levy and Gogliettino, ex-officio, and Members of the public. Mr. Machado opened the meeting by stating that we have been going through an unstable period and a recession. Federal and State cuts have been enacted. We have to be thankful to live in a City with so many resources and dedicated people. Parks and Recreation – Director Robert Ryerson said that three line items were changed. He asked for an increase in overtime salaries and he requested more money in part-time services. He also asked for an increase in outside services. John Esposito asked if Mr. Ryerson could handle the increase in parks usage with the amount of money he has. Mr. Ryerson said he could and he is satisfied with his budget. Public Buildings – Mr. Palanzo explained the difference in the Maintain Building Structures line item. In the past he has offered a number of extra maintenance projects to allow the Mayor to decide what he wants to fund. Mr. Machado asked about projects such as Metro North and Union Station. Mr. Palanzo said the funding source for Metro North would be parking revenues. The Mayor has funded the projects that are most 6 Page 6 of 24  important. Mr. Scozzafava asked about the Preventive Maintenance line item. Mr. Palanzo said that he outsources most of it because they can barely keep up with repairs. Mr. Buckley said there has been a fairly significant increase in total dollars for maintenance. Dean Esposito asked if there are plans for a new roof on the Library? Mr. Palanzo said the trellis needs new rubber but the roof is fine. Regarding the Police Station, Mr. Buckley said we are going out to bid for $600,000 worth of repairs, especially on the locker rooms, ballistic work, etc. Mr. Scozzafava asked of we are only putting in exactly what we need so the building is safe. He feels we need a new building. Mr. Buckley said the employees would be in this building for at least five more years. Tarrywile Park Authority – Gerald Daly said there is a shortfall of $200,000, but he can live with this budget. This is a minimum needed to maintain the park. He would like the City to be responsible for minimal maintenance. They are running into problems with the floors at the Mansion. He would like a part-time preventive maintenance person for the Mansion. He would also like a program volunteer coordinator. He would like to upgrade the Mansion porch. Highways – Mr. Buckley said the increase is $200,000. He is fairly comfortable with this budget. The costs will be up this year due to the replenishing of the snow and ice account. Mr. Buckley said they would be doing $1,400,000 worth of repaving. Engineering – Mr. Buckley said one senior engineer is retiring and will not be replaced. If the economy recovers in a year or two, he would like to restore this position. He would have no problem operating at this level. Mr. Scozzafava made a motion to recommend adoption of the Public Works budget as proposed by the Mayor. Seconded by Mr. Machado. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the report and adopt its recommendations. Seconded by Mr. Nolan. Motion carried unanimously. E – Health & Housing, Public Safety and Social Services Budget Report Mr. McAllister submitted the following report: The Public Safety Budget Committee for an organizational meeting on April 16th and again on April 24, 2003 at 7:05 P.M. in Conference Room 3C. In attendance at the April 24th meeting were committee members McAllister, Coladarci, Kelly, Null and Basso. Also in attendance were Director of Finance Dena Diorio, Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath, Director of Health and Housing William Campbell, Director of Civil Preparedness Paul Estefan, Director of Welfare Deborah MacKenzie, Police Chief Robert Paquette, Fire Chief Peter Siecienski, Deputy Police Chief Mark Rosato, Assistant Police Chief Arthur Sullo, Building Inspector Leo Null, Council Members Levy and Gogliettino, ex-officio and members of the public. Mr. McAllister noted that questions raised at the organizational meeting had already been e-mailed to department heads. Fire Department – Chief Siecienski, in response to a previous question, stated that there were no new positions or cutbacks. He also explained the Volunteer Training line item. His request was $7,500 and the approved amount was $3,000. Regarding the sharp decrease in clothing and dry goods, he brought a major initiative forward whereby major protective clothing has been replaced with state of the art clothing. He stated that the $75,000 in the capital budget for headquarters renovations is basically for paint and furniture. He said he could live within his budget. Police Department – Chief Paquette said there are two components of the Automotive Equipment line item. One is in the dog ward budget. He had intended to purchase a new truck this year, but it was eliminated. He has budgeted for three SUVs in the regular police budget. The Mayor said he would include this in the equipment account in the upcoming bond package. The Chief spoke about the need for a new 7 Page 7 of 24  police headquarters. Regarding the question concerning the reduction in salary, the assistant dog warden position cannot be eliminated. He spoke with the Mayor about this and the Mayor assured him that he would hire an assistant dog warden when the current one retires. He can shift funds from the police department salary account to the dog warden salary account. Ambulance Fund – Regarding the question about equipment, Ms. Diorio said no new equipment would be purchased this year. The leases expire at the end of the next fiscal year. The non-salary equipment account includes leased equipment, medical supplies and medical equipment such as cardiac life packs. Building Department – Leo Null stated that when he submitted his budget he did not know he was going to have people retiring. The overtime account was to cover emergencies and inspections. He spoke about how the retirements would affect staffing. The Mayor has assured him that he will find money for overtime. His budget is bare bones. Health and Housing – In response to a previous question, Mr. Campbell said the elimination of the position is significant, but he does have a plan to compensate for it. He is going to cross-train an environmental officer. Jack Kozuchowski and the Senior Inspector are qualified in this area and will pick up some of the responsibility. Mr. Campbell said he could make his budget work. Welfare – In response to a previous question, Ms. MacKenzie said the part-time salary reduction would not eliminate a position. It was for a WesConn student whose hours do not match up. A discussion regarding the new car pool policy followed. Mr. Kelly made a motion to recommend that the Travel Mileage line item be increased by $500. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. The motion carried with Council Members Kelly, Null and Basso voting the affirmative and Council Members McAllister and Coladarci voting in the negative. Elderly Services – Mr. McIlrath said he is comfortable with his budget but would like to see $8,750 restored to retain a part-time staffer who previously had been paid with federal funds. Everything else in his budget is acceptable. Ms. Coladarci made a motion to adopt the Mayor’s proposed budget, as amended. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Nolan made a motion to receive the report and adopt the Public Safety Budget as proposed by the Mayor. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. After discussion, the motion carried with Council Members Kelly, Dean Esposito and Setaro voting in the negative. The Mayor called a vote on the main motion. The motion carried with 12 yes and 8 no with the members voting as follows: Yes – Nolan, McAllister, Buzaid, Machado, Scozzafava, Levy, John Esposito, Saadi, Dittrich, Basso, Furtado, Moore No – Null, Kelly, Dean Esposito, Shuler, Darius, Gogliettino, Neptune, Setaro AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2003 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2004. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANBURY: SECTION 1. That the amounts hereinafter set forth aggregating $154,260,763 or so much as may be necessary, are hereby appropriated for the General Fund, from current revenue, for the use of the several departments of the Municipal Government and for the purpose hereinafter mentioned for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004. MAYOR’S FINAL 8 Page 8 of 24  I. GENERAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET BUDGET Common Council $ 60,552 $ 60,552 Mayor’s Office 307,637 307,637 City Clerk’s Office 45,904 45,904 Ordinances 16,100 16,100 Probate Court 14,250 14,250 Registrars & Elections 144,054 144,054 City Treasurer 21,205 21,205 Director of Finance 698,260 698,260 Data Processing/Info Tech 1,050,008 1,050,008 Independent Audit 40,750 40,750 Bureau of Assessments 350,436 350,436 Board of Assessment & Appeals 4,050 4,050 Tax Collector 488,314 488,314 Purchasing 207,587 207,587 Corporation Counsel 1,377,252 1,377,252 Town Clerk 360,246 360,246 Annual Report 4,500 4,500 Permit Coordination 219,772 219,772 Planning Department 472,055 472,055 Conservation Commission 9,465 9,465 Personnel Department/Civil Service 283,263 283,263 Mayor’s Discretionary Fund 10,000 10,000 Fair Rent Commission 1,450 1,450 City Memberships 74,056 74,056 Lake Authority 48,812 48,812 Retirement Administration 85,660 85,660 MAYOR’S FINAL BUDGET BUDGET GENERAL GOVERNMENT Labor Negotiations 78,000 78,000 Public Buildings 830,976 830,976 City Hall Building 259,797 259,797 Library Building 155,414 155,414 Police Station Building 162,513 162,513 Senior Center Building 57,650 57,650 Old Library Building 34,110 34,110 Employee Service Benefit 43,000 43,000 TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT $ 8,017,098 $ 8,017,098 II. PUBLIC SAFETY Police Department $ 11,495,779 $ 11,495,779 Animal Control 132,805 132,805 9 Page 9 of 24  Fire Department 8,504,221 8,504,221 Ambulance Fund 0 0 Building Inspector 487,452 487,452 Department of Civil Preparedness 70,066 70,066 Employee Service Benefit 9,500 9,500 TOTAL PUBLIC SAFETY $ 20,699,823 $ 20,699,823 III. PUBLIC WORKS Highways $ 2,015,981 $ 2,015,981 State Aid – Highways 181,994 181,994 Snow and Ice Removal 465,000 465,000 Street Lighting 375,000 375,000 Public Building Maintenance and Repair 494,871 494,871 Equipment Maintenance 740,207 740,207 Recycling/Solid Waste 328,300 328,300 Engineering Department 966,942 966,942 Employee Service Benefit 15,300 15,300 TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS $5,583,595 $5,583,595 10 Page 10 of 24  MAYOR’S FINAL BUDGET BUDGET IV. HEALTH & HOUSING DEPARTMENT Health & Housing $ 831,482 $ 831,482 Employee Service Benefit 6,600 6,600 TOTAL HEALTH & HOUSING $ 838,082 $ 838,082 V. PUBLIC WELFARE, SOCIAL AGENCIES Welfare Department $ 314,476 $ 314,476 Veterans’ Advisory Center 54,306 54,306 Commission on Aging 243,296 243,296 Elderly Transportation 12,000 12,000 Grants – Human Services 1,302,067 1,302,067 Employee Service Benefit 3,600 3,600 TOTAL PUBLIC WELFARE, SOCIAL AGENCIES $1,929,745 $1,929,745 VI. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Schools, Regular $85,500,000 $85,500,000 Schools, Health & Welfare 231,685 231,685 TOTAL SCHOOL BUDGET $85,731,685 $85,731,685 VII. LIBRARIES Danbury Public Library $1,909,335 $1,909,335 Employee Service Benefit 5,000 5,000 Long Ridge Library 6,250 6,250 TOTAL LIBRARIES $1,920,585 $1,920,585 VIII PARKS & RECREATION . Parks & Recreation/Forestry $1,715,067 $1,715,067 Tarrywile Park Authority 245,000 245,000 Cultural Commission 67,000 67,000 Lake Kenosia Commission 2,500 2,500 11 Page 11 of 24  MAYOR’S FINAL BUDGET BUDGET PARKS & RECREATION Employee Service Benefit 3,500 3,500 TOTAL PARKS & RECREATION $2,033,067 $2,033,067 IX. RECURRENT COSTS FICA $ 1,168,303 $ 1,168,303 Pension Expense 4,080,000 4,080,000 Employee Service Benefit 164,432 164,432 Worker’s Compensation 428,381 428,381 State Unemployment Compensation 42,000 42,000 Employee Health & Life Insurance 8,418,288 8,418,288 Union Welfare 697,466 697,466 Insurance & Official Bond Premium 2,652,824 2,652,824 TOTAL RECURRENT COSTS $ 17,651,694 $ 17,651,694 X. DEBT SERVICE Interest on Debt $ 1,286,186 $ 1,286,186 Interest on Debt – School 1,126,213 1,126,213 Redemption of Debt 3,359,462 3,359,462 Redemption of Debt – School 2,250,000 2,250,000 TOTAL DEBT SERVICE $ 8,021,861 $ 8,021,861 XI. CAPITAL PROGRAM 0 0 TOTAL CAPITAL PROGRAM 0 0 XII. TRANSPORTATION Danbury Airport $ 318,666 $ 318,666 H.A.R.T. 662,427 662,427 Employee Service Benefit 1,450 1,450 TOTAL TRANSPORTATION $ 982,543 $ 982,543 MAYOR’S FINAL BUDGET BUDGET XIII CONTINGENCY $ 850,985 $ 850,985 . TOTAL CONTINGENCY $ 850,985 $ 850,985 TOTAL BUDGET $154,260,763 $154,260,763 12 Page 12 of 24  SECTION 2. That the amount of $147,750 is appropriated to the ANIMAL CONTROL FUND in the same manner as set forth in Section 1 hereof. SECTION 3. That the amount of $5,983,984 is appropriated to the WATER FUND in the same manner as set forth in Section 1 hereof. SECTION 4. That the amount of $8,312,500 is appropriated to the SEWER FUND in the same manner as set forth in Section 1 hereof. SECTION 5. That the amount of $1,489,432 is appropriated to the AMBULANCE FUND in the same manner as set forth in Section 1 hereof. SECTION 6. That a provision for elderly tax relief reserve is established in the amount of $200,000. Adopted by the Common Council Approved by Mayor Mark D. Boughton A RESOLUTION LEVYING THE PROPERTY TAX FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2003 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2004 SECTION 1. The sum of $118,824,972 representing the gross appropriation for the City of Danbury of $154,260,763 for the fiscal year of July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004, minus Indirect Revenue of $31,660,791, minus Fund Balance of $3,475,000, minus Operating Transfer In of $500,000, plus elderly tax relief reserve in the amount of $200,000, is hereby levied and assessed on all taxable property in the City of Danbury as set forth on the annual Grand List as of October 1, 2002. SECTION 2. Accordingly, the General Fund Tax Rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004 shall be as follows: TAX RATE: 24.29 MILLS SECTION 3. The taxes levied and assessed as hereinafter provided shall be payable in quarterly installments on July 1, 2003, October 1, 2003, January 1, 2004, and April 1, 2004 except for taxes levied and assessed on mobile homes, motor vehicles and where not in excess of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), which taxes shall be paid on July 1, 2003, in accordance with the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, unless said dates shall have lapsed before the effective date of this resolution, in which case the Tax Collector shall fix the dates and installments as if said dates had not been fixed herein as provided by law. SECTION 4. The Tax Collector shall cause the said taxes above levied and assessed to be inserted on the tax rolls for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004. 2 – ORDINANCE – An Ordinance Appropriating $500,000 for Public Improvements in the 2003-2004 Capital Budget and Authorizing the Issuance of $500,000 Bonds of the City to meet Said Appropriations and Pending the Issuance Thereof the Making of Temporary Borrowings for such Purpose. Mr. Levy made a motion to receive the communication and adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Mr. Nolan. Motion carried 19 yes and 1 no with Dean Esposito voting in the negative. 13 Page 13 of 24  3 – ORDINANCE – Tax Deferral Program for Elderly Homeowners Mr. Furtado asked that this be deferred to public hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 4 – RESOLUTION – Gradual Increase in Assessed Values RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12-62 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the City of Danbury completed its most recent revaluation, applicable to the assessed value of real property for purposes of property tax, on October 1, 2002; and WHEREAS, said revaluation has, in many cases, resulted in a substantial increase in the assessed value of real property tax purposes; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12-62c of the Connecticut General Statutes, the City of Danbury wishes to exercise its option to allow for the gradual increase in assessed values; and WHEREAS, a gradual increase in said assessed values would be in the best interests of the residents and taxpayers of the City of Danbury. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANBURY THAT, pursuant to the provisions of Section 12-62c of the Connecticut General Statutes, the City of Danbury does hereby provide for a gradual increase in the assessed value of real property for purposes of property tax, commencing with the assessment list of October 1, 2002, and continuing for three additional assessment years. Said gradual increase in assessment of real property shall be the result of equal incremental increases in the rate of assessment of real property to be added to the assessment ratio determined under Section 10-261a of the Connecticut General Statutes for the 2001 assessment year. For purposes hereof, there shall be determined, for the 2001 assessment year, the difference between the assessment rate at seventy per cent of present true and actual value, and said ratio of assessed value of real property to fair market value in the 2001 assessment year. Such difference shall represent the portion of the assessment rate at seventy percent to be added to said ratio in attaining the required assessment rate of seventy per cent of present true and actual value. Such amount shall be added to said purposes hereof, increments shall be considered equal if the increments are calculated in accordance with the requirements of said Section 12- 62c. For purposes hereof, construction first assessed after October 1, 2002 but before the assessment rate has been increased to seventy per cent of present true and actual value, shall be assessed initially at the rate applicable pursuant to the procedure adopted herein and thereafter at the rate then in effect with respect to all other real property in the City of Danbury. Mr. Saadi made a motion to receive the communication and adopt the Resolution in accordance with Section 10-261a of the Connecticut General Statutes. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. After discussion and remarks, Mr. Saadi made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Mr. McAllister. Motion carried 10 Yes – 10 No with Mayor Boughton breaking the tie with a yes vote. The members voted as follows: Yes – Nolan, McAllister, Machado, Scozzafava, Levy, John Esposito, Saadi, Dittrich, Basso, Moore No – Null, Kelly, Buzaid, Dean Esposito, Shuler, Darius, Furtado, Gogliettino, Neptune, Setaro Main motion carried 16 yes and 4 no with Council Members Dean Esposito, Shuler, Darius and Neptune voting in the negative. (At 9:35 P.M. Michael Moore left the meeting) 5 – RESOLUTION – Neighborhood Assistance Act 14 Page 14 of 24  The Resolution was deferred on the Consent Calendar to a public hearing. 6 – RESOLUTION – Manufacturers Property Tax Exemption RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut recently acted to reduce certain grant appropriations set forth pursuant to C.G.S. Section 12-94b, in an effort to cut costs; and WHEREAS, this reduction included grant(s) to municipalities in order to reimburse municipalities for certain state enacted exemptions from taxation for machinery and equipment; and WHEREAS, said action permits municipalities to recoup said loss in state reimbursement for such exempt property from the October 1, 2001 grand list for manufacturing machinery and equipment and commercial vehicles; and WHEREAS, the City of Danbury would be permitted by vote of its legislative body, to levy a tax with respect to such otherwise exempt property in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004 in order to recover the lost grant funds; and WHEREAS, such levy would be in an amount equal to not more than the difference between the amount of the grant payable for the otherwise exempt property under CGS Section 12-94b and the amount of such (reduced) grant pursuant to the recent State legislation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Common Council of the City of Danbury, pursuant to the provisions of Section 53 of Public Act 02-1, and with respect to such property specified therein in the City fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, hereby authorizes the levy of personal property tax upon property otherwise exempt pursuant to the provisions of CGS Section 12-81 (72) and (74) in an amount equal to not more than the difference between the amount of the grant normally payable pursuant to CGS Section 12-94b and the amount of such grant pursuant to the provisions of Public Act 02-1, for the grant list of October 1, 2001. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication and adopt the Resolution. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried with Mr. Darius voting in the negative. 7 – RESOLUTION – Farmers Market Coupon Grant RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the City of Danbury’s Women, Infants and Children’s Program (WIC) wishes to enter into an agreement with the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture for funds in the amount of $689.00 to be used for supplemental staffing during the Farmer’s Market Program; and WHEREAS, said funds are to be used to administer the issuance of farmer’s market coupons to enable WIC participants to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the local Farmer’s Market during the summer of 2003; and WHEREAS, the period for the availability of this grant is June 2003 through September 2003; and WHEREAS, no local match is required. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Danbury WIC Office is authorized to sign an agreement with the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture for this amount and to do all things necessary to administer the 2003 summer Farmer’s Market Coupon Program to its clients. The resolution to apply for and accept grant funding in the amount of $689 to be used for supplemental staffing during the Farmer’s Market Program was adopted on the Consent Calendar. 15 Page 15 of 24  8 – RESOLUTION – Driving Under the Influence Grant RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, Division of Highway Safety has made a grant available in the amount of $22,821.00 for the 2003 Memorial Day/Fourth of July Driving Under the Influence Enforcement Program; and WHEREAS, a local cash match of $9,780.00 is required in order to reach the total cost of the program which is $32,601.00. 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. The resolution to allow the Police Department to apply for and accept grant funding from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation in the amount of $22,821.00 for the 2003 Memorial Day and Fourth of July Driving Under the Influence Enforcement Program was approved on the Consent Calendar. 9 – RESOLUTION – DUI Enforcement Vehicle Grant RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, has made grant funds available to the City of Danbury for DUI enforcement; and WHEREAS, the funding will cover 75% of the full cost of fully equipped DUI enforcement vehicles ($72,196.00); and WHEREAS, the City of Danbury is required to provide 25% of the cost of the enforcement vehicles, or $18,049.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Mark D. Boughton, as Mayor of the City of Danbury be and is hereby authorized to make application for said grant and to execute such other and necessary documents as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of said grant application and the receipt of such grant. The resolution to allow the Police Department to apply for and accept grant funding from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation in the approximate amount of $54,147.00 for the purchase of DUI enforcement vehicles as described was adopted on the Consent Calendar. 10 – RESOLUTION – Traffic Enforcement Equipment Program Grant RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation Traffic Enforcement Equipment Program has made available a grant to the City of Danbury due to the City’s participation in the State’s WAVE enforcement program; and WHEREAS, the maximum partially reimbursable amount of the grant is $25,000.00, of which 80%, or $20,000, would be reimbursed to the City of Danbury; and WHEREAS, the balance of 20%, or $5,000, would be the responsibility of the City of Danbury; and WHEREAS, said grant funds would be used to purchase a Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer, used by he Community Service Division in traffic enforcement activities. 16 Page 16 of 24  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Mayor Mark D. Boughton be and is hereby authorized to make application for said grant and to execute such other and necessary documents as may be required in order to accomplish the purposes hereof. The resolution for the Police Department to apply for and accept grant funding from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation in the amount of $20,000 for the purchase of a speed monitoring awareness trailer vehicles as described was adopted on the Consent Calendar. 11 – RESOLUTION – Shore Road Storm Drainage Easements RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the City of Danbury seeks to correct drainage problems on Shore Road; and WHEREAS, it will be necessary to acquire interest in and to real property as set forth in the Schedules A and B attached hereto containing the legal descriptions of the properties involved; and WHEREAS, eminent domain proceedings will be necessary if the City of Danbury cannot agree with the owners of said properties upon the amount, if any, to be paid for their respective interests to be taken in and to the real property listed on said schedules. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation Counsel of the City of Danbury is hereby authorized to acquire on or prior to November 1, 2003 property interests as set forth in the attached legal descriptions either by negotiations or by eminent domain through the institution of suit against the named property owners, their heirs, executors, successors and assigns and their respective mortgage holders and encumbrances, if any. The resolution to authorize the Corporation Counsel, subject to and only upon approval by the Planning Commission, to acquire Shore Road storm drainage easements as described in Schedules A and B was adopted on the Consent Calendar. 12 – RESOLUTION – RDA Acquisition of Properties – Main Street RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, on January 23, 2003, the City of Danbury, acting through its Redevelopment Agency, adopted a Redevelopment Plan, which is designed to further the renewal and revitalization of downtown Danbury; and WHEREAS, said Redevelopment Plan provides for the improvement of a portion of the North Main Street area of Danbury; and WHEREAS, in order to implement said Redevelopment Plan the acquisition of certain pieces or parcels of land will be necessary; and WHEREAS, eminent domain proceedings will be required if the City of Danbury cannot agree with the property owners upon the amount to be paid for their interests in said parcels. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL of the City of Danbury, that said Redevelopment Plan is hereby approved and that the City of Danbury, through the Office of Corporation Counsel, be and hereby is authorized to acquire the aforesaid properties, as more particularly described in Exhibits A through H attached hereto, in accordance with procedures established in state law, either by negotiation or by eminent domain through the institution of suit against the interested property owners and holders of mortgages or other encumbrances upon the properties if any, on or before November 1, 2003. The resolution to authorize the Corporation Counsel, subject to and only upon prior approval by the Planning Commission, to acquire certain parcels of land described 17 Page 17 of 24  in Exhibits A through H necessary to implement the North Main Street Redevelopment Plan was adopted on the Consent Calendar. 13 – COMMUNICATION – Donation to the Police Department Letter from Deputy Chief of Police Mark Rosato requesting permission to accept the donation of a ten-passenger van for use by Explorer Post #33. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Buzaid. Motion carried unanimously. 14 – COMMUNICATION – Donation to the Department of Parks and Recreation Letter from Director of Parks and Recreation Robert Ryerson requesting permission to accept a donation in the amount of $100 for the purchase of a tree to be planted at the PAL building. Mr. Gogliettino made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation, credit the appropriate line item and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously. 15 – COMMUNICATION – Donation to the Library Letter from Library Director Betsy McDonough requesting permission to accept a donation in the amount of $200. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation, credit the appropriate line item and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Darius. Motion carried unanimously. 16 – COMMUNICATION – Donations to the Fire Department Letter from Fire Chief Peter Siecienski requesting permission to accept donations in the amounts of $9,132 for the replacement of their fire prevention robot and $357 for public safety equipment. Mr. Darius made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the appropriate line items and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mr. McAllister. Motion carried unanimously. 17 – COMMUNICATION – Donations to the Department of Elderly Services Letter from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath requesting permission to accept donations in the total amount of $200 for the use of the Senior Center. Mr. Furtado made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the appropriate line items and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Setaro. Motion carried unanimously. 18 – COMMUNICATION – Reappropriation of Donated Funds Request from Director of Elderly Services Leo McIlrath for a transfer of funds in the amount of $429 from the Elderly Services Donations Account to the Commission on Aging budget for the printing and binding account. A certification of funds was attached. The transfer of funds was authorized on the Consent Calendar. 19 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Funds – Personnel Department Request from Personnel Director Carol DeSantie for the sum of $55,000 for labor negotiations. A certification of funds was attached. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the transfer of funds for labor negotiations. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously. 20 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Additional Appropriation for the Board of Education. Mr. Nolan asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Chairman of the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, the Directors of Finance for the City and the Board, and the Corporation Counsel. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Nolan, Kelly, Gogliettino, Neptune and Scozzafava to the committee. 21 – COMMUNICATION – Funds for Teamsters Contract 18 Page 18 of 24  Request from Director of Finance Dena Diorio that the sum of $99,562 be transferred from the Revenue Line item FEMA for funds for the Teamsters Contract. The City was recently notified that it would receive $107,032.47 for reimbursable expenses related to the President’s Day storm. Mr. Gogliettino made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the transfer of funds. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously. 22 – COMMUNICATION – Amended Ambulance Budget Request from Director of Finance Dena Diorio for approval of an additional appropriation of $42,633 in the 2002-2003 ambulance fund balance. $37,800 will be used for MedFinancial’s fees and $4,833 will go toward the purchase of medical supplies. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the additional appropriation. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously. 23 – COMMUNICATION – Blight Remediation Letter from Mayor Mark Boughton requesting a subcommittee to consider several additional components to the blight process. Mr. McAllister asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee and the Corporation Counsel. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Saadi, Coladarci and Nolan to the committee. 24 – COMMUNICATION – Crow’s Nest Lane Mrs. Basso asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee and the Director of Public Works. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members John Esposito, Saadi and Basso to the committee. 25 – COMMUNICATION – Interfaith Social Action Corporation Day Care Center Letter from Deputy Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk recommending that the City quitclaim its interest in the building on Osborne Street leased to Interfaith Social Action during the term of the lease. The communication was received on the Consent Calendar and Mayor Boughton and the Corporation Counsel were authorized to take such action as may be necessary to transfer ownership of new City facilities at Osborne Street to Interfaith Social Action Corporation with the same terms of the current ground lease, subject to and only upon prior approval by the Planning Commission as described. 26 – COMMUNICATION – Request to Purchase Property on West Kenosia Avenue Mr. Gogliettino asked that this be referred to the Director of Public Works, the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Corporation Counsel for reports back within thirty days. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 27 – COMMUNICATION – Sidewalk Easement, 29-35 Padanaram Road Mr. Darius asked that this be referred to the City Engineer and the Corporation Counsel for reports back within thirty days. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 28 – COMMUNICATION – Donation of a Greenhouse and Trailer Letter from Sandra Moy, Business Manager of Tarrywile Park & Mansion stating that they would acquire the greenhouse donated by Manuel Machado to be used in conjunction with a proposed community garden. Mr. Saadi made a motion to receive the communication and accept the donation of a greenhouse and trailer and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously. 29 – COMMUNICATION – Water Problem at 26 Pleasant Street Mr. McAllister asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works, the Director of Health and the Corporation Counsel. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Machado, Buzaid and Scozzafava to the committee. 19 Page 19 of 24  30 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Easement at 2 Candlewood Drive Mr. McAllister asked that this be referred to the Corporation Counsel, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission for reports back within thirty days. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 31 – COMMUNICATION – Offer to sell Property on Grand Street to the City of Danbury Mr. Nolan asked that this be referred to the Corporation Counsel and the Director of Public Works for reports back within thirty days. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 32 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Sewer Extension – 20 Windaway Road Mr. McAllister asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Machado, Shuler and Dittrich to the committee. 33 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Sewer and Water Extension – Crow’s Nest Lane Mrs. Basso asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members John Esposito, Saadi and Basso to the committee. 34 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Sewer Extension – 4 Cedar Crest Drive Mr. McAllister asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Gogliettino, Kelly and Scozzafava to the committee. 35 – COMMUNICATION – Request for the City to Accept Crow’s Nest Lane The request to accept parcels of land on Crow’s Nest Lane subject to Corporation Counsel’s report of March 12, 2003 and only after a positive recommendation by the Planning Commission was approved on the Consent Calendar. 36 – COMMUNICATION – School Maintenance Contract New five-year contract with the Board of Education for schools maintenance that will begin on July 1, 2003. The language and content are the same as past contracts. Mr. McAllister made a motion to receive the communication and approve the contract. Seconded by Mr. Gogliettino. Motion carried unanimously. 37 – COMMUNICATION – Workfare Investment Act – Memorandum of Agreement The proposed Intergovernmental Agreement intended to spur regional efforts to increase employment, retention and earnings of the workforce, increase occupational skill attainment, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the Nation’s economy. Mayor Boughton was authorized, on the Consent Calendar, to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement for the Workforce Investment area on behalf of the City as described. 38 – COMMUNICATION – Sanitary Sewer Extension – Olive Street/Tilden Road Area Mr. Levy made a motion to take no action. Seconded by Mr. Nolan. Motion carried unanimously. 39 – COMMUNICATION – Reports regarding Lake Waubeeka Water System. 20 Page 20 of 24  Mr. McAllister asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Director of Public Work and the Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Furtado, McAllister and Basso to the committee. 40 – COMMUNICATION – Reports regarding Acceptance of Road Widening Parcels at 146-148 South Street The request to accept a warranty deed for a road widening parcel as well as a sidewalk road widening easement at 146-148 South Street in accordance with requirements of the Planning Commission and subject to City Engineer approval as described was approved on the Consent Calendar. 41 – COMMUNICATION – Reports regarding Drainage Problem at 205 Stadley Rough Road The reports were received on the Consent Calendar and their recommendations approved. 42 – COMMUNICATION – Parking Garage at Colorado Brewery Mr. Saadi asked that this be referred to the Director of Public Works, the Corporation Counsel and the Planning Director for reports back within thirty days. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 43 – COMMUNICATION – Lease with Ciao Café Mr. Darius asked that this be referred to the Corporation Counsel for a report back within thirty days. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 44 – REPORT – Request for Water Extension on Margerie Street Mr. Furtado submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for water extension on Margerie Street met on April 1, 2003 in the Third Floor Caucus Room at 7:15 P.M. In attendance were committee members Furtado and Nolan. Ms. Neptune was absent. Also in attendance were Director of Public Works William Buckley, the petitioner Jim Casali and Council President Warren Levy, ex-officio. Mr. Furtado noted the positive recommendation of the Planning Commission. Mr. Casali showed the committee the project on a map. The line will come up Hillside Avenue to Margerie to service three houses on Margerie. Mr. Buckley said he would recommend approving the request subject to the required eight steps. Mr. Nolan made a motion to recommend approval of the request subject to the required eight steps. Seconded by Mr. Furtado. Motion carried unanimously. The report was received on the Consent Calendar and its recommendations approved. 45 – REPORT – Appointment as Deputy Corporation Counsel Mr. Gogliettino submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the appointment of Eric Gottschalk as Deputy Corporation Counsel met on April 10, 2003 at 7:30 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Gogliettino, McAllister and Basso. Also in attendance were Assistant Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk and Council Member Vincent Nolan, ex-officio. Mr. Gogliettino asked Attorney Gottschalk why he feels this position is necessary. Attorney Gottschalk explained that, except for the past twelve years when he was corporation counsel, there had been a part-time attorney to serve the Mayor as corporation counsel. Things have evolved since 1987 and we now have three full-time attorneys and a part-time corporation counsel, as well as two other assistants outside 21 Page 21 of 24  the office. The need arose for someone to manage the department, as there is a need for regular oversight. He handed out a memorandum from Corporation Counsel Robert Yamin requesting that everyone report to Attorney Gottschalk. This is consistent with the way things had worked for the previous twelve years. They look to him for priorities, help and advice. They rely on Attorney Yamin for policy decisions. Mr. McAllister suggested that if no one has been appointed parliamentarian, the Deputy Corporation Counsel would act as such. Attorney Gottschalk said he would pass this recommendation on to the Personnel Department and the administration. Mrs. Basso made a motion to recommend confirmation of the appointment of Eric Gottschalk as Deputy Corporation Counsel. Seconded by Mr. McAllister. Mr. Gogliettino said he is against expanding the government more than it need be. This will warrant more salary in the future. Motion carried with Council Members McAllister and Basso voting in the affirmative and Council Member Gogliettino voting in the negative. The report was received on the Consent Calendar and its recommendation to confirm the appointment of Eric Gottschalk was approved. 46 – REPORT – Request for Water Extension at 24 Clapboard Ridge Road Mr. Scozzafava submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for water extension at 24 Clapboard Ridge Road met at 7:00 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Scozzafava. McAllister and Moore. Also in attendance was Director of Public Works William Buckley and Council Members Levy, Nolan and Furtado, ex-officio. Mr. Scozzafava noted the positive recommendation from the Planning Commission. Mr. Buckley said this extension is for the Unitarian Universalist Society Church and he would recommend granting the request subject to the required eight steps. Mr. McAllister made a motion to recommend approval of the request subject to the required eight steps. Seconded by Mr. Moore. Motion carried unanimously. The report was received on the Consent Calendar and its recommendations approved. 47 – REPORT – Traffic Problems on Coalpit Hill Mr. Buzaid submitted the following report: The committee appointed to review traffic problems on Coalpit Hill Road met twice, first on March 12, 2003 and again on April 29, 2003. In attendance at the April 29th meeting were committee members Buzaid, Saadi and Basso. Also in attendance were Captain Dan Mulvey of the Police Department, Council President Warren Levy, ex- officio, the petitioner, Donna Hamblet and members of the public. At the March 12th meeting, after discussion of the situation, the meeting adjourned to allow Captain Mulvey to investigate the situation and offer solutions. When the meeting reconvened on April 29th, Captain Mulvey submitted a detailed report stating that the concern was the amount of traffic and the moving violations by speeders. One of the biggest concerns is backing out of the driveway at 53 and 55 Coalpit Hill. Making a left hand turn is dangerous. They have done some traffic enforcement and have given out twenty summonses. His recommendations that 25 MPH speed limit sign and a slow blind sign are posted together at the approach to the houses. Beyond number 55 and over the crest a 30 MPH speed limit sign should be posted. At the North line from Putnam Drive he would like to post two 25 MPH signs and a slow blind sign together and over the crest he would like to replace the 30 MPH sign with one that says 25 MPH and repost the 30 MPH sign near Harrison Street. 22 Page 22 of 24  Regarding the tree that is obstructing the view, Captain Mulvey said he does not know if the tree is on municipal property or private property. Mr. Saadi said if the tree is on private property, the tenants should request that the landlord remove it. Mr. Saadi made a motion to adopt the recommendations by Captain Mulvey and authorize the Police Department and the Forestry Department to determine if the tree can be removed. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously. The report was received on the Consent Calendar and its recommendations approved. 48 – REPORT – Habitat for Humanity Proposals Mr. Moore submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review two proposals by Habitat for Humanity met twice, once on March 11, 2003 and again on April 22, 2003. In attendance at the March 11th meeting were committee members Moore, Neptune and Nolan. Also in attendance were Director of Public Works William Buckley, Habitat for Humanity Director Chris Brown, Council President Warren Levy and members of the public. The two proposals include property on 16 Patch Street and on Oakland Avenue. Regarding the 16 Patch Street property, Habitat asked the City to consider reducing past due sewer and water bills, or eliminate them altogether. Mr. Brown said if he had understood that the City couldn’t waive the water and sewer fees, he would not have taken the property because they cannot afford it. Attorney Yamin said the City couldn’t waive the fees since they are set by ordinance. He is exploring other options. Ms. Diorio stated that she is sensitive to the fact that Habitat did not use the sewer and water. After discussing many options, Mr. Moore said one possibility is to refer this to City departments to explore other options. Mr. Nolan made a motion to ask the Corporation Counsel to draft potential legal solutions, including ordinance change, whereby we might legally waive these fees. Alternately, the Director of Finance should propose methodology to finance this if a waiver is not possible. Seconded by Ms. Neptune. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Moore asked Mr. Brown for a brief synopsis of the Oakland Avenue proposal. Mr. Brown said that in June 2002 Habitat showed an interest in acquiring a piece of property owned by the City on Oakland Avenue. At that time, the value of the property was assessed at $1,400, which was affordable for Habitat. The new appraised value for 2002 is $33,100. They are requesting that a reasonable price be negotiated for this lot or that the City donate the lot to Habitat for Humanity. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis of 15 Oakland Avenue said that he was told that he owned this when he purchased his property fifteen years ago. Attorney Yamin said his office has determined that the City owns the lot. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis asked to be allowed to bid on the lot. Ms. Neptune made a motion to continue the meeting to allow the City departments to explore options on both these proposals. Seconded by Mr. Nolan and passed unanimously. The committee reconvened on April 22, 2003 at 7:15 P.M. In attendance were committee members Moore, Neptune and Nolan. Also in attendance were Director of Public Works William Buckley, Director of Finance Dena Diorio, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Chris Brown, Council President Warren Levy, ex-officio, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis and members of the public. Mr. Moore stated that city staff has come up with a solution for the outstanding costs on the Patch Street property. The solution is to have Habitat deed the property back to the City. The City will then sell the property back to Habitat for a nominal fee with a clean deed. This would resolve Habitat of the liens. It would not erase the charges. They would remain on the City’s books. This would not set a new precedent. 23 Page 23 of 24  Mr. Nolan made a motion to adopt the proposal to have Habitat deed the property back to the City, then have the City sell the property back to Habitat for a nominal fee with a clean deed, pending approval by the Planning Commission. Seconded by Ms. Neptune. Motion carried unanimously. The initial proposal regarding the Oakland Avenue property has been rescinded by Habitat. Mr. Moore said we would not be able to sell this property outright to Mr. and Mrs. Dennis. It would have to go through the City’s surplus declaration process allowing others to bid on it as well. Ms. Neptune made a motion to leave the property as is. Seconded by Mr. Nolan. Mr. Nolan said the most appropriate action is to leave things as they are and not declare this property surplus. Motion carried unanimously. The report was received on the Consent Calendar and its recommendations subject to conditions as described approved. 49 – DEPARTMENT REPORTS – Public Works, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, Permit Center, Health and Housing, Department of Elderly Services, Welfare, Building Mr. Levy made a motion to receive the reports and waive the reading as all members have copies, which are on file in the clerk’s office for public inspection. Seconded by John Esposito. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Boughton extended all committees. There being no further business to come before the Common Council, a motion was made by Mr. Gogliettino at 10:15 P.M. for the meeting to be adjourned. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ JIMMETTA L. SAMAHA Clerk ATTEST: _____________________________ MARK D. BOUGHTON Mayor 24 Page 24 of 24