City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 1, 2016 Honorable Mayor, Mark D. Boughton, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & PRAYER Scott Ferguson led all in the Pledge of Allegiance. Vinny DiGilio led all in prayer. ROLL CALL: COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Philip Curran, Christina Chieffalo, Mike Esposito, Jack Knapp, Warren Levy, Gregg Seabury, Andrew Wetmore, Irving Fox, John Priola, Vinny DiGilio, Joseph Cavo, Thomas Saadi, Fred Visconti, Elmer Palma, Christopher Arconti, John Esposito, Duane Perkins, Ben Chianese, Paul Rotello, Nancy Cammisa, and Joseph Scozzafava. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None. PRESENT: 21, ABSENT: 0 ALSO PRESENT: Les Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel; David St. Hilaire, Director of Finance; Alan Baker, Chief of Police; TJ Wiedl, Fire Chief; Antonio Iadarola, Director of Public Works; David Day, Public Utilities Superintendent; Scott Ferguson, Tax Collector; and Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant. PUBLIC SPEAKING  Richard Palanzo, 27 Middle River Road, Danbury, discussed Item 2.  Lynn Waller, 83 Highland Avenue, Danbury; discussed Items 3. and 12.  Jim Moriarty, 35 Wooster Heights, Danbury; discussed Item 14.  Sharon Palanzo, 27 Middle River Road, Danbury, discussed Item 12.  Margaret Mitchell, 2 Park Place, Danbury; discussed Item 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Boughton made the announcements for the month of March. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meeting held February 2,2016 A motion was made by Councilman Cavo and was seconded, to waive the reading and accept the minutes, as all members have copies and additional copies are available in the office of the Legislative Assistant. The motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilman Seabury read the Consent Calendar as follows: 4. COMMUNICATION - Lease - Chow House-Farrington Woods Park Receive the communication and authorize Mayor Mark D. Boughton or his designee, to execute the proposed Residential Lease for the Chow House in Farrington Woods for the term expiring February 28, 2017 at the annual term rental amount of $8,400. 5. COMMUNICATION - Request for Funds-Presidential Primary Receive the communication and approve the request for funding in the amount of $30,300 for the purposes of the Presidential Primaries to be held on April 26, 2016 which includes funding necessary training required by State Election Laws. 8. RESOLUTION - PCLB Foundation Grant-Health Department Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mark D. Boughton, Mayor of the City of Danbury, or Scott T. LeRoy, Director of Health and Human Services, as his designee, to apply for and accept said funds from the Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation Inc., to be utilized for operating costs and programs of the City Shelters and to execute all contracts and agreements necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. The funding request will not exceed $20,000 and there is no City match required. 10. RESOLUTION - Dial-A-Ride Transit Service Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or his designee, to negotiate and execute all necessary agreements or other documents on behalf of the City of Danbury as related to participation in the enhanced regional municipal Dial-A-Ride matching grant program through the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation and with, or on behalf of, in conjunction with HART (Housatonic Area Regional Transit) in order to accomplish purpose thereof. Local match of 50% is provided by the City’s annual allocation to HART in the adopted budget. 11. AD-HOC REPORT - Government Entities Receive the communication and adopt the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee in accordance with Section 2-184 of the Danbury Code of Ordinances, reestablishing the Danbury Parks and Recreation Commission and the Aviation Commission through June 30, 2020 and refer the Ordinance to a Public Hearing. A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio and seconded by Councilman Perkins, accept the Consent Calendar as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 1. COMMUNICATION - Promotions Fire Department A motion was made by Councilman Mike Esposito, seconded by Councilman Cavo, to receive the communication and approve the appointment and promotion of Lieutenant Robert Forbes to the position of Fire Captain in the City of Danbury Fire Department. The motion carried unanimously. 2. COMMUNICATION - Appointment-Superintendent of Buildings A motion was made by Councilman Knapp, seconded by Councilman Curran, to receive the request and confirm the appointment and promotion of Sean Hanley to the position of Superintendent of Buildings. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COMMUNICATION - Request for Tax Exemption-Habitat for Humanity A motion was made by Councilman Arconti, to receive the communication and refer to an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of Corporation Counsel, Director of Finance, Mayor's Office, and Tax Assessor. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Ad Hoc Committee with the following Councilmembers - DiGilio as Chair, Levy, and Chianese. 4. COMMUNICATION -Lease - Chow House-Farrington Woods Park *CONSENTED - Receive the communication and authorize Mayor Mark D. Boughton or his designee, to execute the proposed Residential Lease for the Chow House in Farrington Woods for the term expiring February 28, 2017 at the annual term rental amount of $8,400. 5. COMMUNICATION - Request for Funds - Presidential Primary *CONSENTED - Receive the communication and approve the request for funding in the amount of $30,300 for the purposes of the Presidential Primaries to be held on April 26, 2016 which includes funding necessary training required by State Election Laws. 6. COMMUNICATION - Appointment to Zoning Commission A motion was made by Councilman Fox, seconded by Councilman Seabury, to receive the communication and confirm the appointment of Robert C. Melillo to the Zoning Commission. The motion carried unanimously. 7. COMMUNICATION - Request for Water - 2 Riverview Dr. -Maplewood Health Care A motion was made by Councilwoman Cammisa, to receive the communication and refer to the Engineer and Planning Commission for a report. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton so ordered. 8. RESOLUTION - PCLB Foundation Grant - Health Department *CONSENTED - Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mark D. Boughton, Mayor of the City of Danbury, or Scott T. LeRoy, Director of Health and Human Services, as his designee, to apply for and accept said funds from the Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation Inc., to be utilized for operating costs and programs of the City Shelters and to execute all contracts and agreements necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. The funding request will not exceed $20,000 and there is no City match required. 9. RESOLUTION - PCLB Foundation Grant - Elderly Services A motion was made by Councilman Cavo and seconded by Councilman Saadi, to receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing the Mayor or Susan Tomanio, Director of Elderly Services, to apply for and accept grant funding from the Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation for Part Time Coordinator, Supplies, and Programs at the Elmwood Hall Senior Center. The motion carried unanimously. 10. RESOLUTION - Dial-A-Ride Transit Service *CONSENTED - Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or his designee, to negotiate and execute all necessary agreements or other documents on behalf of the City of Danbury as related to participation in the enhanced regional municipal Dial-A-Ride matching grant program through the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation and with, or on behalf of, in conjunction with HART (Housatonic Area Regional Transit) in order to accomplish purpose thereof. Local match of 50% is provided by the City's annual allocation to HART in the adopted budget. 11. AD-HOC REPORT - Government Entities *CONSENTED - Receive the communication and adopt the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee in accordance with Section 2-184 of the Danbury Code of Ordinances, reestablishing the Danbury Parks and Recreation Commission and the Aviation Commission through June 30, 2020 and refer the Ordinance to a Public Hearing. 12. AD-HOC REPORT - Governmental Advocacy & Lobbying Services A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, seconded by Councilman Seabury, to waive the reading of the Report as all members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office for review. The motion carried unanimously. The Council discussed the merits of the lobbying service and those dissenting explained their positions. A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio, seconded by Councilman Cavo, to receive the communication and adopt the Committee's recommendation approving the funding of $25,000 for the Governmental Advocacy & Lobbying Services in Hartford. The motion carried 18-3, Councilmen Saadi, Visconti, and Chianese dissenting. 13. AD-HOC-REPORT - Neighborhood Preservation Zone A motion was made by Councilman Arconti to receive the report and refer to a Public Hearing. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton so ordered. 14. AD-HOC- REPORT - Regulation of Noise A motion was made by Councilman Arconti to receive the report and refer to a Public Hearing. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton so ordered. 15. DEPARTMENT REPORTS – Police, Fire, Health-Housing & Welfare, Dream Homes, Public Works, Permit Center, UNIT. Elderly A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, seconded by Councilman Levy, to waive the reading of the Report as all members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office for review. Hearing no objections, so ordered. Mr. Iadarola and Mr. St. Hilaire responded to Councilman Perkin's inquiry regarding contracts related to oil and natural gas in light of current competitive pricing. Blended rates were discussed. Councilman Fox asked what areas around the High School, notably the playing fields and stadium, would be usable during construction. Mr. Iadarola responded discussing the need for safety and that these types of decisions being made in conjunction with the Board of Education. Councilman Levy asked for input on the City's water quality in light of recent news reports in other cities. Mr. Day stated Danbury does not have the issues that Flint, Michigan does, and Danbury's water meets all State and Federal requirements for drinking water; he can provide that information. Mr. Curran commented on a dangerous situation with a tree down on Old Ridgebury Road and inquired whether in is within Danbury's or Richfield's purview. Mr. Iadarola noted they have always taken care of issues with regard to safety, regardless. Mr. Boughton noted there was an issue getting proper barricading. Mr. Visconti thanked Fire Chief Wiedl, Engine 21, and Mill Plain Volunteer Fire Department for assistance with a backed up storm drain in back of the YMCA. He thanked Police Chief Baker for assisting with a 911 call. Mr. Cavo thanked Mr. Iadarola, Mr. Khouri, and Mr. Hughes for the great job on the Crosby Street Bridge redo with minimal traffic impact. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, a motion was made by Councilman Arconti, seconded by Councilman Fox, to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The Mayor extended all committees, and appointed the Board of Education Budget Committee as follows: Levy as Chair, Seabury, Scozzafava, Fox, and Visconti. The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lori Goor Recording Secretary Attest, Mark D. Boughton, Mayor