City Council

Hon. Mark D. Boughton, Mayor Common Council Members Mayor Mark D. Boughton called the Common Council Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2007. Present were Council Members: Louise P. McMahon, Shailesh Nagarsheth, James H. Johnson, Michael J. Calandrino, Duane E. Perkins, Fred Visconti, Benjamin Chianese, John J. Esposito, Thomas J. Saadi, Joseph M. Cavo, Pauline R. Basso, Paul T. Rotello, Jane Diggs, Mary Teicholz, Robert T. Riley, Colleen A. Stanley, and Lynn H. Taborsak. Absent were Council Members: Charles Trombetta (out of town), Mary G. Saracino (out of town), & Gregg W. Seabury (out of town – visiting new Grandchild) PRESENT: 17, ABSENT: 3, VACANCY: 1 Also present were Jean Natale, City Clerk and Robert J. Yamin, Corporation Counsel PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG & PRAYER: Councilwoman Jane Diggs led everyone in the room in the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilman Riley led everyone in the room in a prayer. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Lynn Waller, 83 Highland Avenue, spoke on items #2 and #35 Ken Gucker, 89 Padanaram Road spoke on items #1, #5, #7 and #36 Christine Halfar, 8 Settlers Hill Road, spoke on items #2 and #7 Public Participation was closed at 7:45 p.m. Mayor Boughton read the announcements for the month of July and introduced the new Director of Finance, David St. Hilaire who will begin his duties on July 16th. MINUTES: A motion was made by Councilman Cavo and seconded by Councilman Nagarsheth that the Common Council approve the Minutes of the Common Council Meeting of June 5, 2007 as presented and to waive the reading of same as the Council have copies of the Minutes and are available in the City Clerk’s office. The motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR: Councilwoman Basso presented the following items for the Consent Calendar: 4- COMMUNICATION—Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board Receive the communication and accept the grant of $125,550.00 from the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board for the Summer Youth Employment Program. 6- COMMUNICATION—Certification of Funds – Police Salary Increases Receive the communication and authorize the transfer of $282,495.00 from the City’s Contingency Account to facilitate funding of the adopted Police Union Contract. 23- RESOLUTION – 2007 Labor Day DUI Enforcement Program Receive the communication and approve the Resolution to authorize the City of Danbury Police Department to apply for and accept funding from the State of Connecticut, Department of -1- Page 1 of 7 Transportation for the “2007 Labor Day DUI Enforcement Program” in the amount of $11,250.00 with a local match of 3,750.00 for a total of $15,000.00 25- RESOLUTION – Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Receive the communication and approve the Resolution to authorize the City of Danbury Police Department to apply for and accept funding from the U.S. Department of Justice for the “Justice Assistant Grant” in the amount of $28,199.00 26- RESOLUTION – Danbury WPCP – Nitrogen Removal Project Receive the communication and approve the Resolution that Mayor Mark. D. Boughton is authorized to execute and file applications, contracts and agreements on behalf of the City of Danbury with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection for state grants and loans available for the Nitrogen Removal Project. 27- RESOLUTION – Danbury WPCP – West Side Sewer Interceptor Project – Phase 1 Receive the communication and approve the Resolution that Mayor Mark. D. Boughton is authorized to execute and file applications, contracts and agreements on behalf of the City of Danbury with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection for state grants and loans available for the West Side Sewer Interceptor Project. 28-RESOLUTION – Easements – Miry Brook and Ye Olde Road Receive the report and adopt the Resolution. 29- REPORT – RESOLUTION & ORDINANCE – Project Grant and Loan Agreement Rose Hill Avenue over Still River – Bridge No. 04175 Receive the report and adopt the Resolution and Ordinance as recommended by the committee. 30- REPORT & ORDINANCE – Design Review Board Receive the report and adopt the Ordinance as recommended by the committee. 31- REPORT & ORDINANCE – Tax Credit for Elderly Home Owners Receive the report and adopt the Ordinance as recommended by the committee. 33- AD HOC REPORT & RESOLUTION – Cell Phone Use by City Bus Drivers Receive the report and adopt the Resolution as recommended by the committee. 34- AD HOC REPORT & RESOLUTION – Honeywell Energy Conservation Program Receive the report and adopt the Resolution as recommended by the committee. 37- AD HOC REPORT – Affordable Housing – Caroline Commons – Receive the report and approve the recommendation of the committee. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo and seconded by Councilman Riley to accept the Consent Calendar. The motion carried unanimously. 1. AD HOC REPORT — Appointment of Council Member At Large: Councilman Cavo moved to waive the reading of the report and confirm the appointment of Philip D. Curran to fill the vacancy on the Council. Councilman Visconti seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The Mayor asked Mr. Curran to come forward and be sworn in as a Councilman. Councilman Curran joined the Council on the dais. With Councilman Curran seated, the attendance was now 18 present, 3 absent and no vacancy. -2- Page 2 of 7 2. COMMUNICATION—Funding Request DTV: The City Clerk read the communication from the Mayor. Councilman Cavo moved to accept the communication and transfer the funds. Councilman Chianese seconded the motion. Discussion followed on the hiring procedures, adult supervision, and possible participation of other schools and Comcast regulations. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COMMUNICATION—Collective Bargaining Agreement between City of Danbury and Local 801: City Clerk Natale read the communication from the Mayor. Council Members Cavo, Johnson, Visconti and Curran recused themselves from the following action. Councilwoman Stanley moved to accept the communication and approve the agreement. Councilwoman Basso seconded the motion. Councilman Perkins asked if a representative was present in the audience. No one was present. The Labor Attorney Murray stated the Union approved by a 3-1 margin. The motion carried 14 yes 0 against and 4 not voting. 4. COMMUNICATION—Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board: The communication was received on the consent calendar and approved. 5. COMMUNICATION—City Land Donated to Non Profits: City Clerk Natale read the communication from the Mayor. Councilwoman Diggs asked that this be referred to an Ad Hoc Committee, the Corporation Counsel and Director of Planning. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members James Johnson, Louise McMahon and John Esposito to the Committee. 6. COMMUNICATION—Certification of Funds – Police Salary Increases: The communication was received on the consent calendar and approved. 7. COMMUNICATION—Request for Ad Hoc – Parade Ordinance: City Clerk Natale read the communication from Councilman Cavo. Councilman Calandrino asked that this be referred to an Ad Hoc Committee, the Corporation Counsel and the Chief of Police. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Charles Trombetta, Mary Saracino and Esposito to the Committee. 8. COMMUNICATION—Transfer of Maintenance and Control to the Tarrywile Park Authority: The Communication was withdrawn -3- Page 3 of 7 9. COMMUNICATION—Other Post Employment Benefit Trust Agreement: City Clerk Natale read the communication. Councilman Riley asked that this be referred to an Ad Hoc Committee, the Corporation Counsel and Director of Finance. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Jane Diggs, Shay Nagarsheth and Paul Rotello to the Committee. 10. COMMUNICATION—Donations to Dress for Success Program: City Clerk Natale read the communication donating money to the Dress for Success Program from City Employees. Councilman Shay Nagarsheth moved to accept the donations and send a letter of thanks and seconded by Councilwoman McMahon. The motion carried unanimously. 11. COMMUNICATION—Donations to Danbury’s Emergency Shelter: City Clerk Natale read the communication donating money to Danbury’s Emergency Program from American Legion Post 60 and Auxiliary for Veterans livings at the Shelter. They received on personal and food items from Yvette Benjamin and Bette Batista-Warrington as well as food donations from the Town of Brookfield’s Social Service Department. Councilman Johnson moved to accept the donations and send a letter of thanks and seconded by Councilman Perkins. The motion carried unanimously. 12. COMMUNICATION—Donations to the School-Based Health Centers: City Clerk Natale read the communication donating money to the School-Based Health Center in honor of Cecelia Bacelar, Editor of the Tribuna, 48th Birthday. The donations came from individuals and businesses. Councilwoman McMahon moved to accept the donations and send a letter of thanks and seconded by Councilman Cavo. The motion carried unanimously. 13. COMMUNICATION—Donations to the Department of Elderly Services: City Clerk Natale read the letter donating money to the Department of Elderly Services from Prospect Ridge. Councilman Cavo moved to accept the donation and send a letter of thanks and seconded by Councilman Chianese. Motion carried unanimously. 14. COMMUNICATION—Request for Sewer – Butternut Lane Neighborhood: City Clerk Natale read the request. Councilwoman Diggs asked that this be referred to a Neighborhood meeting along with the 7th Ward Council Representatives, Director of Public Works Department and 30 day report from Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 15. COMMUNICATION—Request for Sewer – Home Place: City Clerk Natale read the request. Councilman Riley asked that this be referred to an Ad Hoc Committee along with the Director of Public Works Department and 30 day report from Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Michael Calandrino, Pauline Basso and Fred Visconti to the Committee. 16. COMMUNICATION — Request for Sewer – 3 Concord Street: City Clerk Natale read the request. Councilwoman McMahon asked that this be referred to an Ad Hoc Committee along with the Director of Public Works Department and 30 day report from Planning Commission. Mayor -4- Page 4 of 7 Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Michael Calandrino, Pauline Basso and Fred Visconti to the Committee. 17. COMMUNICATION — Request for Sewer – 29 Clapboard Ridge Road: City Clerk Natale read the request. Councilwoman Basso asked that this be referred to an Ad Hoc Committee along with the Director of Public Works Department and 30 day report from Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Michael Calandrino, Pauline Basso and Fred Visconti to the Committee. 18. COMMUNICATION — Request for Sewer – Johnson Drive Area: City Clerk Natale read the request. Councilman Johnson asked that this be referred to a neighborhood meeting, an Ad Hoc Committee along with the Director of Public Works Department and 30 day report from Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Charles Trombetta, Robert Riley and Duane Perkins to the Committee. 19. COMMUNICATION — Request for Sewer – 6 & 10 Sheridan Street: City Clerk Natale read the request. Councilman Nagarsheth asked that this be referred to an Ad Hoc Committee along with the Director of Public Works Department and 30 day report from Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Robert Riley, Gregg Seabury and Duane Perkins to the Committee. 20. COMMUNICATION — Request for Water – 6 & 10 Sheridan Street: City Clerk Natale read the request. Councilman Nagarsheth asked that this be referred to an Ad Hoc Committee along with the Director of Public Works Department and 30 day report from Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Robert Riley, Gregg Seabury and Duane Perkins to the Committee. 21. COMMUNICATION — Request for Sewer and Water – 1A Fairfield Avenue and 14 Morton Street: City Clerk Natale read the request. Councilman Riley asked that this be referred to an Ad Hoc Committee along with the Director of Public Works Department and 30 day report from Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Robert Riley, Gregg Seabury and Duane Perkins to the Committee. 22. COMMUNICATION — Request for Sewer and Water – Reynolds Road: City Clerk Natale read the request. Councilwoman Diggs asked that this be referred to an Ad Hoc Committee along with the Director of Public Works Department and 30 day report from Planning Commission. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Robert Riley, Gregg Seabury and Duane Perkins to the Committee. 23. RESOLUTION – 2007 Labor Day DUI Enforcement Program: -5- Page 5 of 7 The communication was received on the consent calendar and approved. 24. RESOLUTION – Victims Advocate Law Enforcement Grant: City Clerk Natale read the request. Councilman Cavo moved to accept the communication and apply for the Grant. Councilman Riley seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding future funding with Chief Baker. The motion carried unanimously. 25. RESOLUTION – Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant: The communication was received on the consent calendar and approved. 26. RESOLUTION – Danbury WPCP – Nitrogen Removal Project: The communication was received on the consent calendar and approved. 27. RESOLUTION – Danbury WPCP – West Side Sewer Interceptor Project – Phase 1: The communication was received on the consent calendar and approved. 28. RESOLUTION – Easements – Miry Brook Road and Ye Olde Road: The communication was received on the consent calendar and approved. 29. REPORT – RESOLUTION & ORDINANCE – Project Grant and Loan Agreement Rose Hill Avenue over Still River – Bridge No. 04175: The communication was received on the consent calendar and the Resolution and Ordinance as recommended by the Committee was approved. 30. REPORT & ORDINANCE – Design Review Board: The communication was received on the consent calendar and the Ordinance approved. 31. REPORT & ORDINANCE – Tax Credit for Elderly Home Owners: The communication was received on the consent calendar and the Ordinance approved. 32. REPORT & ORDINANCE – Energy Tax Credit: Councilman Cavo moved to waive the reading of the report and approve the Ordinance. Councilwoman Basso seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding those that did not apply. The motion carried unanimously. 33. AD HOC REPORT & RESOLUTION – Cell Phone Use by City Bus Drivers: The communication was received on the consent calendar and the Resolution approved. 34. AD HOC REPORT & RESOLUTION – Honeywell Energy Conservation Program: The communication was received on the consent calendar and the Resolution approved. -6- Page 6 of 7 35. AD HOC REPORT & RESOLUTION – Charter Revision Commission: Councilman Cavo moved to waive the reading of the report and approve the Resolution. Councilwoman Basso seconded the motion. A discussion followed on how the members would be appointed. The motion passed 18 yes and 2 against with Council Members Saadi and Taborsak voting in the negative. 36. AD HOC REPORT – Halas Farm Market: Councilwoman Basso moved to waive the reading of the report and approve the recommendations of the Committee. Councilman Nagarsheth seconded the motion. Councilman Visconti asked a question regarding ‘Greenhouses’ on the property and was assured any additions would have to go through all the proper departments for approval. The motion carried unanimously. 37. AD HOC REPORT – Affordable Housing – Caroline Commons: The communication was received on the consent calendar and approved. 38. DEPARTMENT REPORTS—Police, Fire, Fire Marshall, Elderly Services, Health-Housing & Welfare, Dream Homes, Public Works, Permit, Unit, Library: A motion was made by Councilman Cavo and seconded by Councilwoman Basso to receive the communication and accept the Department Reports as presented. A discussion followed with some departments. Councilman Riley praised Maureen Singer for receiving the Nightingale Award. Mayor Boughton extended all committees except Item #28 from June 2006 and Item #8 from July 2006. A motion was made by Councilman Rotello and seconded by Councilwoman Basso that the Common Council Meeting be adjourned. The motion carried unanimously at 8:45 pm. Respectfully submitted, Dot Stasny Recording Secretary Attest, Mark D. Boughton, Mayor -7- Page 7 of 7