City Council

TO: Mayor Mark D. Boughton and Members of the Common Council RE: Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held April 4, 2006 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer were recited. The members were recorded as: PRESENT – McMahon, Johnson, Trombetta, Calandrino, Cavo, Perkins, Visconti, Chianese, Esposito, Saadi, Nolan, Basso, Rotello, Diggs, Teicholz, Cutsumpas, Riley, Saracino, Seabury, Stanley, Taborsak 21 PRESENT PUBLIC SPEAKING Lynn Waller, 83 Highland Avenue – spoke regarding item 31 – Dream Homes Funding. She is concerned about the amount of money and also that this adds another layer. The City of Danbury should not have to underwrite the whole cost of the salaries. Other towns should contribute. Mayor Boughton gave his budget address. Mayor Boughton appointed the budget committees. MINUTES – Minutes of the Common Council Meeting held March 7, 2006. Mr. Nolan made a motion to adopt the minutes as presented and waive the reading as all members have copies. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR – Mrs. Basso presented the following items for the Consent Calendar: 6 – Accept the communication, approve the resolution and authorize the Danbury Library and Mayor Mark D. Boughton to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $12,550 from the Connecticut State Library to assist programs for the non-English speaking program. 7 – Accept the communication, approve the resolution and authorize Mayor Mark D. Boughton to apply for and accept grant funding from the State of Connecticut on behalf of the Welfare Department in the amount of $493.36 from the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services for heating costs of the Homeless Shelter. 8 – Accept the communication and approve the resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton to execute the lease amendment of the Boxwood Lane Water Tank and to take any additional action that might be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the lease amendment. 9 – Accept the communication and approve the resolution to renew the Council’s previous approval of the acquisition of certain properties to facilitate named municipal projects. 10 – Accept the communication and approve the appointment of Mark D. Boughton as Danbury’s representative on the HRRA Board for a term of two years to expire on July 1, 2008 and to appoint Joel Urice as alternate for the same two year term. 11 – Accept the communication and approve the appointment of Trevor Rose as a Youth Advisor to the Danbury Youth Commission. 16 – Accept the communication and approve the transfer of $10,000 too the Fire Department Special Services Account. Page 1 of 12  19 – Accept the communication and approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $6000 from the Property Rentals account to the Conservation Commission/Outside Services account to support the mowing of the hiking trails and meadows at Bear Mountain Reservation. 20 – Accept the communication and approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $5,440.60 from the Historic Document Reserve Account to the Town Clerk’s Office Supplies account to fund shelving units and map cabinets for the Town Clerk’s Office. 24 – Accept the communication and approve the request to include the Colella property in the Cornell Hills Area Sanitary Sewer and Water Extension Project. 25 – Receive the communication and approve the assignment of lease by Norman and Dorothy Carvalho to Luis A. Ortega, Jose A. Marin and Segundo M. Chicaiza with concurrent assignment of the lease to 88 Balmforth Avenue, LLC consisting of the same individuals. 28 – Receive the communication and authorize Mayor Mark D. Boughton to execute all documents necessary to accepting the conservation restriction on “The Reserve” as previously approved. 29 – Accept the communication and take no action. 32 – Accept the report and approve the committee’s recommendation to approve the request for an easement for a well at 30 Middle River Road. 33 – Accept the report and approve the committee’s recommendation to take no action at this time. 34 – Accept the report and approve the committee’s recommendation to approve the license agreement at a rate of $505 per month and authorize Mayor Mark D. Boughton to execute the agreement. Ms. Saracino made a motion to adopt the Consent Calendar as read. Seconded by Mr. Calandrino. Mr. Nolan stated that without objection he would move to incorporate an easement resolution for item 8 that goes with the assignment of lease. There was no objection. Motion carried unanimously. 1 – ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION – An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007 and a Resolution Levying the Property Tax for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007. Mrs. Basso asked that this be deferred to public hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 2 – ORDINANCE – An Ordinance Appropriating $500,000 for Public Improvements in the 2006-2007 Capital Budget and Authorizing the Issuance of $500,000 Bonds and Bond Anticipation Notes of the City to Meet said Appropriations. Mr. Cavo made a motion to defer this to public hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 3 – ORDINANCE – Sewer Use Rates Mrs. Saracino asked that this be deferred to public hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 4 – ORDINANCE – Water Use Rates Mr. Calandrino asked that this be deferred to public hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 5 – ORDINANCE – Police Department Reorganization 2 Page 2 of 12  Mr. Cutsumpas asked that this be deferred to public hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 5A – Promotions in the Police Department Mr. Nolan asked that this item be added to the agenda. Seconded by Mr. Cavo. Motion carried unanimously. Letter from Mayor Boughton requesting the confirmation of the appointment of Police Officer Joseph A. LeRose to the position of detective. Ms. Saracino made a motion to receive the communication and confirmation the promotion. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Mrs. Basso made a motion to confirm the promotion of Detective John Krupinsky to the position of Sergeant. Seconded by Mr. Trombetta. Motion carried with Mr. Esposito abstaining because Detective Krupinski is his nephew. Mrs. Stanley made a motion to confirm the promotion of Police Officer Michael T. Georgoulis to the position of Sergeant. Seconded by Mr. Seabury. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Chianese made a motion to confirm the promotion of Police Officer David J. Cooney to the position of Sergeant. Seconded by Mr. Nolan. Motion carried unanimously. 6 – RESOLUTION – Library Non-English Speaking Program RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the Connecticut State Library has made funds for competitive grants available to public libraries within Connecticut for the purpose of assisting Connecticut libraries in providing outreach programs for non-English speaking populations; and WHEREAS, the Danbury Public Library has made application to the Connecticut State Library for a grant of $12,550 which requires a local match of at least $3,138 which will be met by a local in-kind match of $8,783; and WHEREAS, books, periodicals, music and films in Chinese will enable our Chinese population to maintain ties with their Chinese culture; and WHEREAS, recent Chinese immigrants need materials to help them learn English and citizenship test preparation materials; and WHEREAS, books and programs in English about the Chinese culture offers the opportunity for the larger community to experience and gain a better understanding of Chinese culture. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANBURY THAT: In accordance with the requirements of the Grant Award, the City of Danbury will provide an in-kind match of $8,783 which totals at 25% of the amount of the grant. All prior acts of authorized personnel of the Danbury Public Library and the Mayor of the City of Danbury in making application for said grant are hereby ratified and that the Mayor of the City of Danbury is hereby authorized to accept grant funds in the amount of $12,550 upon approval of the City’s application and to do any and all things necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof, provided, however, that any amendments to said application 3 Page 3 of 12  requiring expenditure of City of Danbury funds must receive prior approval by the Common Council. The communication was received on the Consent Calendar, the resolution approved and the Danbury Library and Mayor Mark Boughton authorized to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $12,550 from the Connecticut State Library to assist programs for the non-English speaking program. 7 – RESOLUTION – Supplement to Homeless Shelter Grant RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services has made available supplemental compensation for heating costs to the City of Danbury Emergency Shelter in the amount of $493.36; and WHEREAS, this amount represents a per bed/resident stipend calculated based on quarterly demographic reports submitted to the State by the Director of Welfare, and will be used towards utility costs of the shelter; and WHEREAS, the revised total amount of the grant award received from the Department of Social Services for the grant period October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006 is not to exceed $101,351.36. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Mark D. Boughton, Mayor of the City of Danbury is authorized to accept this supplemental compensation from the Department of Social Services and to do all things necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. The communication was accepted on the Consent Calendar, the resolution approved and Mayor Boughton authorized to apply for and accept grant funding from the State of Connecticut on behalf of the Welfare Department in the amount of $493.36 from the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services for heating costs of the Homeless Shelter. 8 – RESOLUTION – Boxwood Lane Water Tank RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the City of Danbury executed a lease, as lessee, with the State of Connecticut, authorizing the use of state owned land in the vicinity of Boxwood Lane for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a water tank thereon; and WHEREAS, the City of Danbury wishes to amend said lease to expand the permitted uses of said land to allow the placement of equipment on said tank, which equipment would receive emergency radio signals and relay them to the Danbury Fire Department; WHEREAS, the amendment of said lease, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Corporation Counsel, is in the best interests of the City of Danbury; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANBURY THAT Mayor Mark D. Boughton be and hereby is authorized to execute said lease amendment on behalf of the City of Danbury and to take any and all additional action as may be deemed necessary in order to accomplish the purposes of said amendment. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE ACTIONS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN, including the execution of said FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE by Mayor Mark D. Boughton on behalf of the City of Danbury on March 17, 2006 be and hereby are ratified. 4 Page 4 of 12  The communication was accepted on the Consent Calendar and the resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton to execute the lease amendment of the Boxwood Lane Water Tank and to take any additional action that might be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the lease amendment approved. RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the Fire Department of the City of Danbury would like to install emergency communication equipment on a City water storage tank located off Boxwood Lane; and WHEREAS, in order to access this facility, rights to pass over a three 93) foot wide strip of privately owned land (Assessor Lot No. F14054) are required; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Danbury to acquire, either by negotiation with the property owner(s) or by eminent domain if such negotiations are unsuccessful, property identified in the attached Exhibit A. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Danbury, through the Office of Corporation Counsel, be and hereby is authorized to acquire the easement set forth in Exhibit A, in accordance with procedures established by State law, either by negotiation or eminent domain through the institution of suit against the interested property owner(s) and holders of mortgages encumbering the properties, if any, by October 1, 2006. The resolution was received on the Consent Calendar and approved. 9 – RESOLUTIONS – Acquisition of Properties 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 and B 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 October 1, 2006. RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the City of Danbury, pursuant to authorization through the Vision2 bond package is proceeding through plans and designs to construct a downtown parking garage; and 5 Page 5 of 12  WHEREAS, in order to undertake the above referenced project, the City must acquire certain parcels of land or interests in real property as described in the Exhibits attached hereto; and WHEREAS, said easements and property interests will have to be acquired either by negotiation with the property owners or by eminent domain, if such negotiations are unsuccessful; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Danbury to acquire said rights and proceed with the work required; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Danbury, through the Office of Corporation Counsel be and hereby is authorized to acquire the easements and property interests set forth on EXHIBITS A and B attached hereto, in accordance with procedures established by State law, either by negotiation or eminent domain through the institution of suit against the interested property owners and holders of mortgages encumbering the properties, if any, by October 1, 2006. RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Danbury: WHEREAS, the City of Danbury pursuant to authorization through the Vision2 bond package is proceeding through plans and designs to make necessary improvements to the East Ditch Storm Sewer; and WHEREAS, as one phase to said proposed improvements, the City will have to obtain from property owners in order to accomplish project goals; and WHEREAS, the properties to be acquired are described and identified in EXHIBITS A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K and L attached hereto; and WHEREAS, said easements will have to be acquired either by negotiation with the property owners or by eminent domain, if such negotiations are unsuccessful; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Danbury to acquire said rights and proceed with the work required. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Danbury through the Office of Corporation Counsel be and hereby is authorized to acquire the easements set forth on EXHIBITS A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and L attached hereto, in accordance with procedures established by State law, either by negotiation or eminent domain through the institution of suit against the interested property owners and holders of mortgages encumbering the properties, if any, by October 1, 2006. The communication was received on the Consent Calendar and the resolutions to renew the Council’s previous approval of the acquisition of certain properties to facilitate named municipal projects approved. 10 – COMMUNICATION – Appointments to the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Letter from Mayor Mark D. Boughton requesting confirmation of the appointment of himself as a member of HRRA and Joel Urice as an alternate member of HRRA for terms to expire July 1, 2008. The communication was received on the Consent Calendar and the appointments confirmed. 11 – COMMUNICATION – Appointment as Youth Advisor to the Youth Commission 6 Page 6 of 12  Letter from Mayor Boughton requesting confirmation of the appointment of Trevor Rose as a Youth Advisor to the Youth Commission. The appointment was confirmed on the Consent Calendar. 12 – COMMUNICATION – Appointments to the Fair Rent Commission Letter from Mayor Boughton requesting confirmation of the appointment of Philip C. Kallinikos as a member of the Fair Rent Commission for a term to expire July 1, 2008 and the reappointment of Lydia Yaglenski. Mrs. Basso made a motion to receive the communication and confirm the appointments. Seconded by Mr. Nolan. Motion carried with Council Members Saadi, Chianese and Taborsak voting in the negative. 13 – COMMUNICATION – Donations to the Department of Elderly Services Letter from Director of Elderly Services Susan Tomanio requesting permission to accept donations in the total amount of $75.00, as well as a donation in the amount of $88.20 from an anonymous donor from the United Way Campaign. Mr. Cavo made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donations, credit the appropriate line item and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Chianese. Motion carried unanimously. 14 – COMMUNICATION – Donation to the Police Department Letter from Chief of Police Alan Baker requesting permission to accept the donation of a Smith-Corona Electric Typewriter from Captain Arthur P. Sullo for the Patrol Division. Mr. Johnson made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Cavo. Motion carried unanimously. 15 – COMMUNICATION – Donation to the Library Letter from Library Director Elizabeth McDonough requesting permission to accept a donation from Charles Warner Wendall in the amount of $100. Ms. Saracino made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation, credit the appropriate line item and send letters of thanks. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously. 16 – COMMUNICATION – Fire Department Special Services Account Letter from Fire Chief Peter Siecienski requesting that the sum of $10,000 be transferred into the Fire Department Special Services Account due to ongoing events. The transfer of funds was authorized on the Consent Calendar. 17 – COMMUNICATION – Donation to the Still River Greenway Project Letter from Jack Kozuchowski requesting permission to accept a donation in the amount of $2,500 from Emerson Charitable Trust towards the Still River Alliance Program. Mr. Calandrino made a motion to receive the communication, accept the donation, credit the appropriate line item and send a letter of thanks. Seconded by Mr. Riley. Motion carried unanimously. 18 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Funds – Park Maintenance Letter from Director of Public Works William Buckley requesting that the sum of $37,000 be appropriated to the Parks Maintenance Outside Services account for landscaping services relative to a number of locations in the City and the planting and maintenance of all the planters on the ornamental light poles throughout the City. A certification of funds was attached. Ms. Saracino made a motion to receive the communication and authorize the transfer of funds. Seconded by Mr. Cavo. Ms. Taborsak asked when was this last put out for bid? Mr. Buckley said it was four years ago. Ms. Taborsak 7 Page 7 of 12  asked if there was a reason why City employees do not do the work? Mr. Buckley said he does not have sufficient staff and would involve a great deal of overtime. Mr. Chianese stated that at the last meeting he asked the Director of Finance is there were any other excess funds in this line item and she said no. Ms. Diorio said she did not recall saying that. Mr. Chianese asked if there were any more funds available in this account? Ms. Diorio said there were some excess dollars. Mr. Chianese asked how much? Ms. Diorio said one million dollars. 19 – COMMUNICATION – Bear Mountain Hiking Trail Request from Coordinator of Environmental & Occupational Health Services Jack Kozuchowski requesting that the sum of $6,000 from the Bear Mountain Reserve Account be transferred to the Conservation Commission to subsidize mowing of the meadows. A certification of funds was attached. The communication was received on the Consent Calendar and the transfer of funds approved. 20 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Funds – Town Clerk Request from Town Clerk Lori Kaback that the sum of $5,440.60 be appropriated from the Historic Document Reserve Account to the Office Equipment Account. The transfer of funds was authorized on the Consent Calendar. 21 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Funds – Parks Maintenance – WITHDRAWN 22 – COMMUNICATION – Donation of Pipe – Sewer Extension on Great Plain Road Letter from Attorney Paul Jaber offering the donation of the cost of pipe upgrade from 8 inches to 12 inches for approximately 2400 linear feet for the sewer line which is currently being installed up Great Plain Road. Mr. Nolan made a motion to receive the communication and accept the donation without prejudice. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Mr. Calandrino asked if there were any future uses for this property. Mr. Buckley stated the pipe was designed consistent with the future service area and sized the pipes for the extension consistent with saturated development. Mr. Visconti stated that he feels it is not good business to take donations from developers. Motion carried 15 yes and 6 no with the members voting as follows: Yes – McMahon, Johnson, Trombetta, Perkins, Chianese, Esposito, Saadi, Nolan, Basso, Diggs, Teicholz, Cutsumpas, Riley, Saracino, Seabury No – Calandrino, Cavo, Visconti, Rotello, Stanley, Taborsak 23 – COMMUNICATION – Request for Water Extension – 228 Middle River Road Mr. Riley 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 Teicholz, Diggs and Chianese to the committee. 24 – COMMUNICATION – Sewer and Water Extensions – Cornell Hills Area Letter from Director of Public Works William Buckley requesting that the Colella Property be included in the sanitary sewer and water extensions for the Cornell Hills area. The communication was received on the Consent 8 Page 8 of 12  Calendar and the requested to included the Colella property in the Cornell Hills Area Sanitary Sewer and Water Extension Project approved. 25 – COMMUNICATION – Assignment of Lease – 88 Balmforth Avenue Letter from Attorney Gerald J. Daly requested that a lease agreement between the City of Danbury and Norman and Dorothy Carvalho be transferred to Luis A. Ortega and Jose A. Marin. The communication was received on the Consent Calendar and the assignment of lease by Norman and Dorothy Carvalho to Luis A. Ortega, Jose A. Marin and Segundo M. Chicaiza with concurrent assignment of the lease to 88 Balmforth Avenue LLC consisting of the same individuals approved. 26 – COMMUNICATION – Request to use City Land for Parking Mrs. McMahon asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Corporation Counsel, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Calandrino, Cutsumpas and Esposito to the committee. 27 – COMMUNICATION – Acquisition of a Portion of Reservoir Road Mr. Trombetta asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Corporation Counsel, the Director of Planning, the Director of Public Works, and the Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Seabury, Perkins and Visconti to the committee. 28 – COMMUNICATION – The Reserve – Conservation Restriction Letter from Attorney Paul Jaber requesting that the City accept a Conservation Restriction regarding the development of the Reserve. The communication was received on the Consent Calendar and Mayor Boughton authorized to execute all documents necessary to accepting the conservation restriction on the Reserve as previously approved. 29 – COMMUNICATION – Reports regarding Westville Community Association The reports were received on the Consent Calendar and no action taken. 30 – COMMUNICATION – Reports regarding 55 Newtown Road Ms. Diggs asked that this be referred to an ad hoc committee, the Corporation Counsel, the Director of Public Works and the Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Saracino, Johnson and Saadi to the committee. 31 – REPORT – Dream Homes Funding Ms. Saracino submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for funding for the Dream Homes program met on March 14, 2006 at 6:30 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Saracino, Diggs and Perkins. Also in attendance were Director of Finance Dena Diorio, Housing Authority Director Carolyn Sistrunk, Rev. P.J. Leopold, Jean Bowen from People First, Pat Tomka and Council Members Taborsak, Teicholz, Chianese and Rotello, ex-officio. Rev. Leopold stated that the Dream Homes collaborative proposed to the Mayor that the City provide support for rentals and first time homeowners. They are the point of entry for the homeless task force, but they do not know how they will be governed by the City partnership. The $54,500 will cover the salary for the Director’s position and the remaining funds will be for part- time staff for the monitoring program that will be doing intake. 9 Page 9 of 12  Ms. Saracino asked if this is a request for next year’s budget since it is coming at the end of the fiscal year. Reverend Leopold said they are ready to begin now. Ms. Diorio said there has been no request for next year’s budget. She said that grant money is given out in quarterly payments and this request would not be treated any differently. She is not sure who would be getting the check. Reverend Leopold said that ARC is going to serve as fiduciary and they have opened a separate checking account. Ms. Diorio said that the whole notion of Danbury providing funding with other towns reaping the benefits has been an ongoing concern. She asked how this is going to be accomplished and whether the City should fund a portion of the request to give them six months to generate funding from other towns. Ms. Sistrunk said funding is the key issue. Danbury is over-burdened so the key strategy is to negotiate what the pro rate should be among the region. To make it a competitive grant would be different from what the Homeless Task Force envisioned. Reverend Leopold said there is a program in existence to establish the data. Ms. Diorio stated that the City of Danbury ends up being the only funder, but the homeless come from all over. There must be a commitment to go out and get those dollars. Ms. Diorio asked if this proposal is to have the City fund these positions forever or is it transitional? Ms. Sistrunk said the Homeless Task Force Plan is for ten years and she assumes the funding should be continued at least for these two positions. Ms. Saracino asked Ms. Diorio that since the money is allotted in quarterly payments should we stop and take a look at where we are? Ms. Diorio said that would be her recommendation. Ms. Sistrunk said six months is unreasonable to consider reevaluation. If all towns agree tomorrow, they still have to go through a hearing process, etc. Ms. Diorio said it is more about demonstrating an effort on the part of the group to go after funding. Ms. Taborsak and Mr. Chianese agreed that this is really two separate grants. One is for Dream Homes and one is for Point of Entry for homelessness that fits a ten-year plan. Mr. Chianese agrees that this should be funded in stages. Ms. Diggs made a motion to fund three quarters of the $54,500 and evaluate it on its merits with monthly reports from ARC required. Seconded by Mr. Perkins. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Nolan made a motion to receive the report and adopt its recommendations. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Mr. Perkins made a motion to recommit this report for further information. Seconded by Mr. Chianese. Ms. Taborsak stated that there were four ex- officio members at the committee meeting. Because there was another ad hoc committee meeting scheduled following this one, the deliberations felt rushed. This is a good reason to recommit. Mr. Cavo noted that the Common Council approved the ten-year plan from the Homeless Task Force. This is the funding. Mr. Nolan stated that this process ha taken a long route. The plan has gone to committee. This is the funding piece. It is clear that the members have had ample opportunity. He opposes recommittal. Mrs. Stanley stated that Ms. Taborsak was correct, but she was in the room and told the committee that they had plenty of time. Mr. Saadi made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Mr. Chianese. Motion carried unanimously. Motion to recommit failed 14 yes and 7 no. 10 Page 10 of 12  After discussion, Mr. Nolan made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried with Council Members Chianese, Esposito, Saadi, Rotello and Taborsak voting in the negative. Main motion carried with Ms. Taborsak voting no. 32 – REPORT – Easement for Well at 30 Middle River Road Ms. Diggs submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the request for an easement for a well at 30 Middle River Road met on March 27, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. In attendance were committee members Diggs, McMahon and Rotello. Also in attendance were Deputy Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk, Director of Public Works William Buckley and the petitioner, Mohammed R. Alam. Ms. Diggs noted the positive recommendation from the Planning Commission. Mr. Buckley said this is the Magnet School property, formerly owned by the State of Connecticut. The well is located just slightly over the property line. The Public Works Department would recommend approval of the request providing that the Corporation Counsel puts wording in the easement to protect the City in case the well goes dry or becomes contaminated. If that should happen the City would want the well to be placed on the adjacent property. Attorney Gottschalk stated that the well predates the existing residence and the way to deal with this is to grant an easement to last as long as the well does. It is a three-foot radius easement and although the easement language has been worked out, he would like to revisit the liability language after conferring with the Public Works Department. Mrs. McMahon made a motion to recommend approval of the request for an easement for a well at 30 Middle River Road. Seconded by Mr. Rotello. Motion carried unanimously. The report was received on the Consent Calendar and the committee’s recommendation to approve the request for an easement for a well at 30 Middle River Road adopted. 33 – REPORT – Vendor Permits Ms. Stanley submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review vendor permits met on March 14, 2006 at 7:15 P.M. In attendance were committee members Stanley, Johnson and Visconti. Also in attendance were Chief of Police Alan Baker, Deputy Corporation Counsel Eric Gottschalk and Council Member Lynn Taborsak, ex-officio. Mrs. Stanley stated that Council Member Tom Saadi’s original request was for recommendations regarding the City’s policies and procedures for issuing food vendor permits to out of town vendors. Mrs. Stanley stated that she spoke with officials in many area towns and asked if they allow vending permits. They do, and they do not discriminate between residents and non- residents. There is no reason to believe that all who apply are not treated fairly. In some towns, the First Selectman may allow peddlers. Chief Baker said his department has no issue with this. Attorney Gottschalk said he looked over local ordinances, and while many of these towns have ordinances, they are inconsistent with State Statutes, but do not appear to distinguish between residents and non-residents. Mr. Visconti asked if it would be appropriate to look at an increase in the fee? Attorney Gottschalk stated that Danbury is at the maximum fee allowed by State Statutes. 11 Page 11 of 12  Mr. Johnson made a motion to take no action. Seconded by Mr. Visconti. Motion carried unanimously. The report was received on the Consent Calendar and the committee’s recommendation to take no action at this time approved. 34 – REPORT – Lease Renewal for Bear Mountain Cottage Mr. Trombetta submitted the following report: The Common Council Committee appointed to review the renewal of the lease for the Bear Mountain cottage met on March 20, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. in the Third Floor Caucus Room in City Hall. In attendance were committee members Trombetta, Basso and Saadi. Also in attendance were Assistant Director of Finance Dan Garrick and Council Members Taborsak and Teicholz. Mr. Trombetta noted the positive recommendation from the Planning Commission. The current lessee is Officer Shaun McColgan. The renewal is for a three-year lease at a monthly rental of $505.00. Mr. Trombetta asked the committee if they thought a rent increase was warranted for the next three years. Both Mrs. Basso and Mr. Saadi said in view of the lessee’s duties, the rent should remain the same. He pays the cost of utilities. A discussion followed regarding the duties performed by Officer McColgan. Mr. Saadi made a motion to recommend approval of the license agreement at a rate of $505.00 per month and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. Seconded by Mrs. Basso. Motion carried unanimously. The report was received on the Consent Calendar and the committee’s recommendation to approve the license agreement at a rate of $505 per month and authorize Mayor Mark Boughton to execute the agreement approved. 35 – DEPARTMENT REPORTS – Police Chief, Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, Public Works, Health and Housing, Permit Center, Building Department, Welfare 7 Social Services, Elderly Services, Parks and Recreation. Mr. Nolan made a motion to receive the department reports and waive the reading as all members have copies. Seconded by Mr. Trombetta. 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. Nolan at 9:15 P.M. for the meeting to be adjourned. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________ JIMMETTA L. SAMAHA, Clerk ATTEST: ____________________________ MARK D. BOUGHTON, Mayor 12 Page 12 of 12