City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 7, 2020 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 Sean Hatch. Councilman DiGilio led all in prayer. ROLL CALL: COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Roberto Alves, Emile Buzaid, Mike Esposito, Colleen Stanley, Warren Levy, Frank Salvatore, Robert Taborsak, Irving Fox, Vinny DiGilio, Joseph Cavo, Paul Rotello, Elmer Palma, Chris Arconti, John Esposito, Farley Santos, Duane Perkins, Fred Visconti, Ben Chianese, Nancy Cammisa, Richard Molinaro. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Council Member Priola is away on business. PRESENT: 20, ABSENT: 1 ALSO PRESENT: Robert J. Yamin, Corporation Counsel; Les Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel; David St. Hilaire, Director of Finance; and Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant. PUBLIC SPEAKING:  Ernesto Rodriguez, 23 George Street, Danbury, discussed Item 7.  Mr. Nolan, (unintelligible), Danbury, discussed Item 7 ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Boughton made the announcements for the month of January. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meetings held December 3, 2019 A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman Perkins, 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. CONSENT CALENDAR 2. COMMUNICATION - Appointment - Board of Assessment Appeals Receive the communication and confirm the appointment of Ronald Struski to serve as a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals. 5. RESOLUTION - 25 Miry Brook Rd. - Land Acquisition 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 owners and holders of mortgages encumbering the property, if any, by July 1, 2020 and be it further resolved that the City Council hereby authorize Mayor Mark D. Boughton, 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 to effectuate the purposes hereof. 6. RESOLUTION - 89 Wooster Heights Rd. - Land Acquisition 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 owners and holders of mortgages encumbering the property, if any, by July 1, 2020 and be it further resolved that the City Council hereby authorize Mayor Mark D. Boughton 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 to effectuate the purposes hereof. 9. RESOLUTION - Women’s Club of Danbury/New Fairfield Library Grant 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 $500 from the Women’s Club of Danbury/New Fairfield, Inc. through its "Philanthropic Funding" program. No City match is required. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman Perkins, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 1. COMMUNICATION - SNAPP 2020 - Proposed Bond Request A motion was made by Councilman Arconti, to receive the communication and refer to a Public Hearing to be followed by a meeting of the Committee of the Whole including Corporation Counsel, the Director of Finance, a representative of the Mayor's Office, the Planning Director, Superintendent of Schools, and the Director of Public Works. Also refer to the Planning Commission for CGSB-24 report for pertinent items. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered, under 2-95, the Committee consisting of the Committee of the Whole. It was noted there will be a Bond Public Workshop January 14, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. 2. COMMUNICATION - Appointment - Board of Assessment Appeals *CONSENTED - as received. 3. COMMUNICATION - Richter Park - Seasonal Cash Flow A motion was made by Councilman Fox, to move to an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of a representative of the Mayor's Office, the Director of Finance, and a representative of the Richter Park Authority. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Committee with the following Councilmembers: Fox as Chair, Cavo, and Perkins. 4. COMMUNICATION - Donation - Police Department Chief of Police Ridenhour responded to questions regarding the gym. Councilman Levy highlighted the Lion's Club causes. A motion was made by Councilman Levy, seconded by Councilman John Esposito, to accept the donation of $17,000 from the Danbury Lion's Club for the purpose of refurbishing the gym at the Danbury Police Headquarters and a letter of appreciation be sent to the Lions from the Council. The motion carried unanimously. 5. RESOLUTION - 25 Miry Brook Rd. - Land Acquisition *CONSENTED - as received. 6. RESOLUTION - 89 Wooster Heights Rd. - Land Acquisition *CONSENTED - as received. 7. RESOLUTION - HACD Corp. - Request for Proposals - P19008 A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, to refer to an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of a the Director of Health, Corporation Counsel, and a representative from the Mayor's Office. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Committee with the following Council Members: Cavo as Chair, Levy, and Taborsak. 8. RESOLUTION - Kennedy Ave. Bridge over the Still River #04176 Public Works Director Iadarola responded to questions regarding grant details. A motion was made by Councilman Palma, and was seconded by Councilman Cavo, to receive the Communication and adopt the Resolution, and authorize Mark D. Boughton, Mayor of the City of Danbury to sign the Local Bridge Grant Program Supplemental Application and any associated Agreement or document necessary to effectuate the purpose of said agreement between the State of Connecticut and the City of Danbury for Kennedy Avenue Bridge over the Still River/Bridge Number 04176, and to execute on behalf of the City of Danbury all contracts, agreements or amendments and to take all action necessary to accomplish the purpose of this funding. Motion carried unanimously. 9. RESOLUTION - Women’s Club of Danbury/New Fairfield Library Grant *CONSENTED - as received. 10. RESOLUTION - FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Fire Chief Wiedl responded to questions regarding the equipment that would be purchased with the grant, whether the volunteers would be included, and grant requirements. Finance Director St. Hilaire responded to questions regarding the source of the City's share. A motion was made by Councilwoman Stanley, and was seconded by Councilman Mike Esposito, to receive the Communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or Thomas J. Wiedl, Fire Chief as his designee, to apply for and accept funding from FEMA in the amount not-to-exceed $800,000 from FEMA covering 90% or a maximum of $720,000; the City's responsibility is 10% or a maximum of $80,000 to purchase personal protective equipment for Department Emergency personnel, and to do all things necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. Motion carried unanimously. 11. DEPARTMENT REPORTS - Police, Fire, Health-Housing & Welfare, Dream Homes, Public Works, Permit Center, UNIT, Elderly, Library. Public Works Director Iadarola responded to questions from Councilman Perkins regarding the status of Rogers Field and net fencing. He responded to Councilman Chianese regarding the net donation. He also responded to Councilman Visconti regarding drainage in that area. Councilman John Esposito commended the Police Chief, Deputy Police Chief, and the Police Department noting the crime numbers are down. Director of Health Morrissey and Deputy Corporation Counsel Pinter responded to Councilman Taborsak regarding overflow at the homeless shelter and litigation related to the Dorothy Day Center. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded, 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 extended all Committees, noting several members will need to be replaced at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilman Perkins, and was seconded by Councilwoman Cammisa, to adjourn the City Council Meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted,Lori Goor Recording Secretary Attest: Mark D. Boughton,Mayor