City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 3, 2012 Mayor Mark D. Boughton called the City Council Meeting to order at 7:30pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Present were Council Members: Philip Curran, Michael Haddad, Jack Knapp, Warren Levy, Gregg Seabury, Colleen Stanley, Don Taylor, Phil Colla, Michael Halas, Shay Nagarsheth, Stephen Darcy, Joseph Cavo, Thomas Saadi, Fred Visconti, Andrew Wetmore, Peter Nero, Duane Perkins, Benjamin Chianese, Paul Rotello, Joe Scozzafava and Mary Teicholz PRESENT: 21 ABSENT : 0 Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant, Robert J. Yamin, Corporation Counsel; and Laszlo Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel were also present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG & PRAYER: David St. Hilaire, Director of Finance, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council Member Curran led everyone in the room in a prayer. PUBLIC SPEAKING Lynn Waller, 83 Highland Avenue, spoke on item #16. David Bonan, 18 James Street, spoke on item #16. Charles Setaro, 27 Deer Hill Avenue, spoke on items 4, 26 and Department Reports. Ken Gucker, 89 Padanaram Road, spoke on items 3, 10, Department Reports. Public speaking ended at 7:48pm. Mayor Boughton read the announcements. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meeting held on March 6, 2012 Council Member Cavo moved to waive the reading of the minutes as all members have copies and additional copies are on file in the Office of the Legislative Assistant, seconded by Council Member Perkins. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Consent Calendar Council Member Seabury read the Consent Calendar. 8 - Receive the Communication and confirm the appointments of Sondra Grossi (R) and Stella Eidt (R) as well as confirm the re-appointments of Carol Elder (D), Regina L. Ofiero (R), Renee Paley-Bain (D), K.T. Shartouni (U) and Patricia McCarthy (U) to the Lake Kenosia Commission with terms to expire May 1, 2015. 12 – Receive the Communication and approve the transfer of funds as requested by the Registrar of Voters Office. These fund totaling $15,139.00 will be used for the April 24th Primary. 17 – Receive the Communication and adopt the Resolution that will allow the City of Danbury to accept an increase in funding from the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board. The existing funding of $36,000.00 will be increased by $5,000.00 for a total award amount of $41,000.00 with no City match required 18 – Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution allowing the organization known as Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, the opportunity to have use of the City of Danbury’s Homeless 1 Shelter for the purpose of providing meetings as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. There are no matching requirements for funding. 19 – Receive the Communication and adopt the Resolution that will allow the City of Danbury to apply for and accept funding through the Connecticut State Library’s “2013 Historic Documents Preservation Grant Program”. The funding request will not exceed $6,500.00. 22 – Receive the Report for Sanitary Sewer Extension for the Candleview Ridge Area and take no action. 23 – Receive the Reports and approve the Sidewalk and Hydrant Easements – Lakeside Townhouses, LLC. 24 – Receive the Reports and approve the Sidewalk Easement at 27-29 Tamarack Avenue. (Tax Assessor’s Lot Nos. 110042 and 110043) 28 – Receive the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee and reject the request to purchase the Broad Street parcel. Council Member Knapp moved to receive the Consent Calendar as presented, seconded by Council Member Wetmore. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Council Member Cavo moved to move items 5 and 6 with regards to the police appointments and promotions to the top of the agenda, seconded by Council Member Saadi. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 5 - COMMUNICATION - Appointments to the Police Department Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant read the communication. Council Member Colla moved to accept the communication and confirm the appointment of Eric Cieply to the position of police officer, seconded by Council Member Seabury. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant read the communication. Council Member Colla moved to accept the communication and confirm the appointment of Michelle Stabile to the position of police officer, seconded by Council Member Chianese. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant read the communication. Council Member Teicholz moved to accept the communication and confirm the appointment of Christina Buoncore to the position of police officer, seconded by Council Member Perkins. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 6 - COMMUNICATION - Promotions - Police Department Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant read the communication. Council Member Nero moved to accept the communication and confirm the promotion of Detective Joseph A. LeRose III to the position of Police Sergeant, seconded by Council Member Colla. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant read the communication. Council Member Halas moved to accept the communication and confirm the promotion of Detective Vincent P. Daniello to the position of Police Sergeant, seconded by Council Member Chianese. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant read the communication. Council Member Wetmore moved to accept the communication and confirm the promotion of Police Officer Andrew 2 Corrado to the position of Police Sergeant, seconded by Council Member Cavo. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant read the communication. Council Member Teicholz moved to accept the communication and confirm the promotion of Police Officer Peter Tragni to the position of Police Sergeant, seconded by council member Wetmore. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant read the communication. Council Member Seabury moved to accept the communication and confirm the promotion of Police Officer Augusto “Javier” Lowe to the position of Police Sergeant, seconded by Council Member Perkins. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Mayor Boughton gave the Annual Budget Presentation. 1 - ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION - An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013 and a Resolution Levying the Property Tax for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013 Council Member Cavo moved to refer item to a Public Hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 2 - ORDINANCE - An Ordinance Appropriating $3,000,000 for Public Improvements in The 2012-2013 Capital Budget and Authorizing the Issuance of $3,000,000 Bonds of the City to Meet Said Appropriations And Pending The Issuance Thereof The Making Of Temporary Borrowings For Such Purpose Council Member Knapp moved to refer item to a Public Hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 3 - ORDINANCE - Sewer Rates as of July 1, 2012 Council Member Seabury moved to refer item to a Public Hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 4 - ORDINANCE Water Rates as of July 1, 2012 - Council Member Nagarsheth moved to refer item to a Public Hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 7 - COMMUNICATION - Appointment IT Director Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant read the communication. Council Member Curran moved to receive the communication and confirm the appointment of Frank Gentile to the position of IT Manager, seconded Council Member Seabury. Motion approved by unanimous vote. 8 - COMMUNICATION - Appointments to the Lake Kenosia Commission The communication was received on the Consent Calendar and the appointments to the Lake Kenosia Commission confirmed. 9 - COMMUNICATION - Proposed Land Swap and Driveway Installation - Newtown Road Council Member Darcy moved to refer to an Ad Hoc with the Director of Public Works, Director of Planning and Corporation Counsel. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Levy, Darcy and Nero to the committee. 3 10 - COMMUNICATION - Prevention of Housing Blight - Code of Ordinance Sections 10- 99 to 106, 12-34 Council Member Cavo moved to refer to an Ad Hoc with a representative from the UNIT, Corporation Counsel and a representative from the Office of the Mayor. Mayor Boughton so ordered and appointed Council Members Cavo, Knapp and Visconti to the committee. 11 - COMMUNICATION - Ambulance Fund Capital Equipment Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant, read the communication. Council Member Scozzafava moved to approve the issuance of a purchase order in the current fiscal year for the equipment, seconded by Council Member Nagarsheth. Matthew Cassavechia, Director of Emergency Medical Services, clarified that the equipment would be housed in paramedic units. The proposed purchase includes upgrades to two cardiac defibrillator units and six chest compression units. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 12 - COMMUNICATION - Certification of Primary Funds The communication was received on the Consent Calendar and the transfer of funds approved. 13 - COMMUNICATION - Donation of a Camera to the Fire Department Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant, read the communication. Council Member Knapp moved to receive the communication and accept the donation from the Danbury Lions in the amount of $10,090.00 for the purchase of a Thermal Imaging Camera and send a letter of thanks, seconded by Council Member Levy . Council members Knapp and Levy thanked the Danbury Lions for their generous donation. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 14 - COMMUNICATION - Lease of Bear Mountain Reservation Cottage Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant, read the communication. Council Member Nagarsheth moved to receive the communication and to recommend extending the license in accordance with the agreement, seconded by Council Member Saadi . Motion passed by unanimous vote. 15 - COMMUNICATION - Request for Water - Arch Street Council Member Seabury requested referral for reports from Engineering and Planning. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 16 - RESOLUTION - Danbury Wastewater Treatment Plant - Phosphorous Discharge Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant, read the communication. Council Member Levy moved to receive the communication and ratify the Resolution, seconded by Council Member Cavo. Discussion followed. Mayor Boughton explained that the government relations costs would be divided among the effected municipalities. This is a very complicated and technical issue with approximately 80% of the phosphorus coming from other sources and the science is questionable as to the impact of the proposed reduction. The City is waiting for DEEP to issue their draft permit which would state what the standard will be. The new standard could cause a 70% increase in user rates to the public. Once the draft permit is issued, the City would have four (4) years to come into compliance. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 17 - RESOLUTION - Northwest Regional Workforce Funding The communication and Resolution were received on the Consent Calendar and the Resolution adopted. 18 - RESOLUTION - Assistance to Homeless Shelter Clients (AA) The communication and Resolution were received on the Consent Calendar and the Resolution adopted. 19 - RESOLUTION - Historic Documents Preservation Grant The communication and Resolution were received on the Consent Calendar and the Resolution 4 adopted. 20 - RESOLUTION - 2012 Neighborhood Assistance Act Council Member Teicholz moved to refer to a Public Hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 21 - RESOLUTION - LOCIP 2012 Application Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant, read the communication. Council Member Taylor moved to receive the communication and adopt the Resolution to accept funding through the State of Connecticut LoCIP program, seconded by Council Member Levy. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 22 - REPORT - Sanitary Sewer Extensions - Candleview Ridge Area The report was received on the Consent Calendar and no action taken. 23 - REPORTS - East Hayestown Road Sidewalk and Hydrant Extensions The reports were received on the Consent Calendar and the easements approved. 24 - REPORTS - Sidewalk Easement, 27-29 Tamarack Avenue The reports were received on the Consent Calendar and the easement approved. 25 - REPORTS - Request for Sanitary Sewer Main Extension - 3 Scuppo Road Item 25 was withdrawn. 26 - AD HOC REPORT & ORDINANCE - Water Meters, Code of Ordinance, Section 21-44 Council Member Curran requested to a Public Hearing. Mayor Boughton so ordered. 27 - AD HOC REPORT - Maturity Works - No Cost Senior Work Program Council Member Cavo moved to waive the reading of the report as all members have copies and additional copies are on file in the Office of the Legislative Assistant, seconded by Council Member Perkins. Council Member Perkins moved to receive the report and approve the recommendation that the City enter into an agreement with Maturity Works and the No Cost Senior Work Program, seconded by Council Member Stanley. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 28 - AD HOC REPORT - Sale of Land to City - Broad Street The report was received on the Consent Calendar and the request rejected. 29 - DEPARTMENT REPORTS - Homeless Task Force, Police, Fire, Health-Housing & Welfare, Dream Homes, Public Works, Permit Center, UNIT, Library Council Member Cavo moved to waive the reading of the reports as all members have copies and additional copies are on file in the Office of the Legislative Assistant, seconded by Council Member Seabury. Council Member Rotello expressed his appreciation to Chiefs Baker and Herald and their staff for their handling of a recent event. Upon the request of Council Member Saadi, David Day, Superintendent of Public Utilities, advised that some of the older hydrant valves may have leaks underground which involve multiple valve shut-downs. This work is done at night to minimize impact. Council Member Cavo thanked Antonio Iadarola, P.E., Director of Public Works, and his staff for their efforts regarding a recent benefit for a sick child. 5 Council Member Taylor thanked Tom Hughes, Superintendent of Construction Services; Duke Hart, Superintendent of Public Services and Antonio Iadarola, P.E. Director of Public Works, for their work on the Germantown project, street cleaning efforts and all their efforts to make the City a better place. Council Member Perkins thanked Chief Baker for his help regarding Rogers Park. Nick Kaplanis, Director of Recreation, advised that he would be meeting with Chief Baker to discuss noise and activities in Rogers Park. Department Reports were accepted by unanimous vote. Mayor Boughton gave an update the status of the sale of 13+acres on Old Ridgebury Road. The prospective buyer has not met the requirements and the property will be put out to public bid. He continued by saying that more information for the Waste Water Treatment Plan, as it relates to the phosphorus issue, could be obtained from David Day, Superintendent of Public Utilities. Mayor Boughton announced the Budget Committee appointments as follows: General Government I General Government II Seabury, Chair Teicholz, Chair Cavo Nagarsheth Taylor Cavo Saadi Darcy Perkins Nero Health, Housing and Public Safety Public Works Curran, Chair Knapp, Chair Knapp Curran Colla Halas Wetmore Levy Rotello Chianese Education Stanley, Chair Seabury Haddad Scozzafava Visconti Mayor Boughton extended all committees. There being no further business to come before the Council a motion was made at 9:20pm by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Saadi. Motion passed by unanimous vote to adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Dorathea A. Gulya-Stasny Recording Secretary Attest: Mark D. Boughton, Mayor 6