City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 2, 2019 Honorable Mayor, Mark D. Boughton, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & PRAYER The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mike Pinter. Councilman DiGilio led all in prayer. ROLL CALL: COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Phil Curran, Bruce Bennett Mike Esposito, Colleen Stanley, Warren Levy, Robert Taborsak, Andrew Wetmore, Irving Fox, John Priola, Vinny DiGilio, Joseph Cavo, Chris Arconti, John Esposito, Duane Perkins, Ben Chianese, Farley Santos, Nancy Cammisa, Paul Rotello, Fred Visconti, and Joe Scozzafava. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Palma is out of the Country. PRESENT: 20, ABSENT: 1 ALSO PRESENT: Robert J. Yamin, Corporation Counsel; Les Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel; and Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant. PUBLIC SPEAKING  Chris Setaro, 7 Lewis Allen Drive, Danbury, discussed Items 9. and 10.  Lynn Waller, 83 Highland Avenue, Danbury, discussed Items 1., 5., and 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Boughton made the announcements for the month of July. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meeting held June 4, 2019 A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman Perkins, to waive the reading and accept the minutes as presented, as all members have copies and copies are on file for review in the office of the Legislative Assistant. The motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 3. COMMUNICATION – Appointment – Library Board of Directors Receive the communication and confirm the appointment of Deborah R. Gogliettino to serve on the Danbury Library Board of Directors. 4. COMMUNICATION – Appointment – Aviation Commission Receive the communication and confirm the appointment of Robert King to serve on the Aviation Commission. 6. COMMUNICATION – Request to Accept Donation – Police Department Receive the communication and accept the donation of K-9 equipment valued at $1,103.87 to the Danbury Police Department K-9 program from the Hometown Foundation & Puerto Vallarta Authentic Mexican Restaurant and send the appropriate letters of thanks. 7. COMMUNICATION – Request to Accept Donation – Parks and Recreation Receive the communication and accept the donation of materials and labor necessary to erect a batting cage valued at $1,400.00 from the Dominican Softball League and send the appropriate letters of thanks. 11. RESOLUTION – Request to Enter MOU with the FCI Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or Patrick Ridenhour, Chief of Police, to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the Danbury Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) and the City of Danbury Police Department for the purposes of using the firing range on FCI property, to assist in police firearm training and such related purposes. 12. RESOLUTION – Land Acquisition – 25 Miry Brook Road (Renewal of Authority) Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution renewing the authorization of the Office of Corporation Counsel to acquire the real property located at 25 Miry Brook Road (Schedule A) either by negotiation or eminent domain through the institution of suit against the interested property owner and holders of mortgages encumbering the property by February 1, 2020 and be it further resolved that the City Council hereby authorize Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or Paul Estefan, Airport Administrator, as his designee to apply for Federal or State grants to obtain funding to acquire said property; to appropriate 2.5% of the total grant amount if the grant is approved, execute any necessary documents, and take any additional actions necessary. 13. RESOLUTION – Land Acquisition – 89 Wooster Heights Road (Renewal of Authority) Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution renewing the authorization of the Office of Corporation Counsel to acquire the real property located at 89 Wooster Heights Road (Schedule A) either by negotiation or eminent domain through the institution of suit against the interested property owner and holders of mortgages encumbering the property by February 1, 2020 and be it further resolved that the City Council hereby authorize Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or Paul Estefan, Airport Administrator, as his designee to apply for Federal or State grants to obtain funding to acquire said property; to appropriate 2.5% of the total grant amount if the grant is approved, execute any necessary documents, and take any additional actions necessary. 14. RESOLUTION – Aggressive Driving/Speed Enforcement Grant – Police Department Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or Chief Patrick Ridenhour, Chief of Police, as his designee, to apply for and accept grant funding not to exceed $50,000.00 from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office "2018 Speed and Aggressive Driving Enforcement" program, no local match is required. 15. RESOLUTION – ALA Great Stories Club - Library Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or Katie Pearson, Library Director, as his designee, to apply for and accept grant funding not to exceed $1,200 from the American Library Association through its "Great Stories Club" no local match is required. 16. RESOLUTION – Kline Family Foundation – Library Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or Katie Pearson, Library Director, as his designee, to apply for and accept grant funding in the amount of $250,000.00 from the Library Journal and Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation’s "Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize" no local match is required. 17. REPORT – Water and Sewer Easement and Line – 18-20 Sheridan Street Receive the City Engineer and Planning Commission’s Reports and approve the request for water and sewer easements and mains for 18-20 Sheridan Street subject to the steps and conditions as recommended by the City Engineer and Planning Commission. A motion was made by Councilman Wetmore, and was seconded by Councilman Taborsak, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 1. COMMUNICATION & RESOLUTION – Establish Charter Revision Commission A motion was made by Councilman Arconti, to receive the communication and refer to an Ad Hoc consisting of Corporation Counsel and a representative from the Mayor's Office. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Ad Hoc Committee with the following Councilmembers - Arconti as Chair, Stanley, and Chianese. 2. COMMUNICATION – Appointment – Other Post Employment Benefit Board A motion was made by Councilman Wetmore, seconded by Councilman Santos, to receive the communication and confirm the appointments of Andrea Gray, Roger Palanzo, and Warren Levy to serve on the City of Danbury's Other Post Employment Benefit Board as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COMMUNICATION – Appointment – Library Board of Directors *CONSENTED - as received. 4. COMMUNICATION – Appointment – Aviation Commission *CONSENTED - as received. 5. COMMUNICATION – Request for Ad Hoc – Danbury Museum – Sale & Acquisition of Land A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio, to receive the communication and refer to an Ad Hoc consisting of Corporation Counsel, Director of Finance, Director of Planning, and a representative from the Danbury Museum. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Ad Hoc Committee with the following Councilmembers - DiGilio as Chair, Priola, and Visconti. 6. COMMUNICATION – Request to Accept Donation – Police Department *CONSENTED - as received. 7. COMMUNICATION – Request to Accept Donation –Parks and Recreation *CONSENTED - as received. 8. COMMUNICATION – Request for Water – 333 Main Street A motion was made by Councilman Curran to refer to City Engineering and Planning for a report. Hearing no objection, Mayor Boughton so ordered. 9. RESOLUTION – Metro-North Trainline Study Councilman Fox suggested regional cooperation. Councilman Taborsak received clarification regarding further steps from Mayor Boughton who noted further appropriations would have to return to the City Counsel. Mayor Boughton also responded to Councilman Mike Esposito regarding whether traffic impact study in the downtown area could be added as an addendum to the City's side later as relates to parking. A motion was made by Councilman Mike Esposito, seconded by Councilman Cavo, to receive the correspondence and adopt the Resolution with the revisions so that it may be used for various grant requests regarding the Metro-North Trainline Study. The motion carried unanimously. 10. RESOLUTION – Tolls A motion was made by Councilman Chianese, to refer to an Ad Hoc Committee. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Ad Hoc Committee with the following Councilmembers - Stanley as Chair, DiGilio, and John Esposito. The Director of Economic Development, a Chamber of Commerce representative, the City's Lobbyist, State Representatives, the Director or a representative from Public Works, and the Director of Planning, shall be invited. 11. RESOLUTION – Request to Enter MOU with the FCI *CONSENTED - as received. 12. RESOLUTION – Land Acquisition – 25 Miry Brook Road (Renewal of Authority) *CONSENTED - as received. 13. RESOLUTION – Land Acquisition – 89 Wooster Heights Road (Renewal of Authority) *CONSENTED - as received. 14. RESOLUTION – Aggressive Driving/Speed Enforcement Grant – Police Department *CONSENTED - as received. 15. RESOLUTION – ALA Great Stories Club - Library *CONSENTED - as received. 16. RESOLUTION – Kline Family Foundation – Library *CONSENTED - as received. 17. REPORT – Water and Sewer Easement and Line – 18-20 Sheridan Street *CONSENTED - as received. 18. REPORT AND ORDINANCE – Water Rates – Chapter 48 – Sections 70, 74, 75, 77 Mr. St. Hilaire responded to Councilman Chianese's questions regarding water rates and the budget. A motion was made by Councilman Priola, to receive the report and adopt the amended Code of Ordinance Section 48-70, 48-74, 48-75, and 48-77 to reduce the water rates as specified in said amendment sections as of July 1, 2019. The motion carried unanimously. 19. REPORT AND ORDINANCE – Storm Drain Illicit Discharge – Chapter 49 – Section 1-20 A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded, to waive the reading of the Minutes as all Members have copies and copies are on file for review in the Office of the Legislative Assistant. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Rotello noted concerns with the restrictions noting there is room remaining for less restrictive rules for normal consumer and residential behavior. Councilwoman Stanley noted discussions with Public Works and urged education, not education through fines. Councilman Taborsak cited specific wording that is of concern regarding 'reasonable attempts.' Councilman DiGilio commented that the Ordinance is the best source of education. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, seconded by Councilman Wetmore, to receive the report and adopt Storm Drain Illicit Discharge Chapter 49-Sec 1-20. The motion carried 13-7, Councilmen Rotello, Visconti, John Esposito, Santos, Perkins, Chianese, and Taborsak voting no. 20. DEPARTMENT REPORTS – Police, Fire, Health-Housing & Welfare, Public Works, Permit Center, UNIT, Elderly, Library, Dream Homes Councilman Chianese thanked the Danbury Police Department for reduced crime and thanks (to Tom ______) for work done at the tennis courts. Councilman Santos received answers to questions regarding (mic off). He mentioned a concern regarding Hatter's Park graffiti. He commented that veterans have been assisted by Danny Hayes aside from his job hours. Councilman Visconti thanked individuals from the Police, U.N.I.T., and Public Works for work at Rogers Park with regard to noise. He added that he is not in favor of the batting cages at that site. He would like double- parking at Lion's Way looked into. Councilman John Esposito concurred regarding appreciation for reduced crime. Police Chief Ridenhour responded to his questions regarding patrols regarding the fireworks event. In response to Councilman Curran's inquiry, it was noted that the individual who passed away at the dog pound was a part time employee and the family has the City's condolences. Mr. Kaplanis and Ms. Pearson responded to Councilman Taborsak regarding summer youth programs. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman Perkins, to waive the reading of the Departmental Reports, as all members have copies and copies are on file for review in the office of the Legislative Assistant. The motion carried unanimously. Mayor Boughton thanked Major Pinter for his service. He extended all Committees. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilman (unclear) , and was seconded by Councilman Taborsak, to adjourn the City Council Meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lori Goor Recording Secretary Attest, Mark D. Boughton, Mayor