City Council

VIRTUAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 5, 2020 Honorable Mayor, Mark D. Boughton, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. via video conference. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & PRAYER The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Visconti. Councilman Palma led all in prayer. ROLL CALL: COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Roberto Alves, Emile Buzaid, Mike Esposito, Warren Levy, Frank Salvatore, Colleen Stanley, Robert Taborsak, Irving Fox, John Priola, Vinny DiGilio, Joseph Cavo, Paul Rotello, Fred Visconti, Elmer Palma, Jack Knapp, John Esposito, Farley Santos, Duane Perkins, Ben Chianese, Nancy Cammisa, and Richard Molinaro. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None PRESENT: 21, ABSENT: 0 ALSO PRESENT: Robert J. Yamin, Corporation Counsel; Les Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel; David St. Hilaire, Finance Director; and Jean Natale, Legislative Assistant. ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTRONIC SERVICE A motion was made by Councilman Perkins, and was seconded by Councilman Buzaid, to accept the electronic service. The motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT via EMAIL ● Andrea Gartner, 112 Deerhill Avenue, Danbury, discussed Item 15. ● Tom Brown, 10 Valerie Lane, Danbury, discussed Item 13. ● Kirstin Kovacs-Hardy, 12 Barnum Road, Danbury, discussed Item 15. ● Juan Rivas, 59 Dana Road, Danbury, discussed Items 14 and 15. ● Carolyn Giordano, 23 Maplecrest Drive, Danbury, discussed Item 15. ● Robert Melillo, 1 Lois Street, Danbury, discussed Item 15. ● Edwin Duran, 11 High View Circle, Danbury, discussed Item 15. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Boughton made the announcements for the month of May. CONSENT CALENDAR 3. COMMUNICATION - Annual Suspense List Receive the communication and approve the transfer in the amount of $240,191.27 to the Annual Suspense List as presented by the Tax Collector. 4. RESOLUTION - School Construction, Ellsworth Avenue Annex Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing the City of Danbury Board of Education, through the Superintendent of Schools, to file a grant application with related documents with and to the State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services and to accept a grant for State reimbursement funding for the Ellsworth Avenue Annex Project and to establish a School Building Committee for the above named project consisting of City Members Thomas H. Hughes III, Daniel Garrick, Sean Hanley, Charles J. Volpe Jr. and Antonio Iadarola, PE, Chairman; School Department Staff Richard Jalbert and Courtney LeBorious; Board of Education Members Rachel Chaleski and Kathleen Molinaro; and City Council Member Fred Visconti. 5. RESOLUTION - Airport Layout Plan Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or Michael Safranek, Airport Administrator, as his designee, to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration to obtain grant funding for reimbursement in the amount of $182,000 for the "Airport Layout Plan Update with Narrative" project, of which 90% is to be funded by the Federal Aviation Administration, 7.5% is to be funded by the State of Connecticut, and 2.5% to be funded by the City and if the grant is approved, to execute any necessary documents and to take any additional actions necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. 6. RESOLUTION - CARES Act, Airport Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or Michael Safranek, Airport Administrator, as his designee, to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration to obtain grant funding in the amount of $69,000 as part of the CARES Act, and if the grant is approved, to execute any necessary documents and to take any additional actions necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. There is no local match required. 7. RESOLUTION - DOJ Coronavirus Funding, Police Department Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton or Patrick Ridenhour, Chief of Police, as his designee, to apply for and accept funding from the United States Department of Justice through its "Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program", this funding not to exceed $70,886 will be used for new purchases or purchases since January 1, 2020 that are not funded through the operational budget and are related to the Coronavirus Pandemic, and if the grant is approved the Mayor is authorized to sign any contracts or documents in connection therewith to effectuate the purposes of said grant, no local match is required. A motion was made by Councilman Fox, and was seconded by Councilman Perkins, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented. The motion carried unanimously. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meeting held April 7, 2020 A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman Perkins, to accept the Minutes of the April 7, 2020 Virtual Meeting, as all members have copies and copies are available online on the City's website and in the office of the Legislative Assistant. The motion carried unanimously. 1. DONATION - Parks & Recreation Parks & Recreation Director Kaplanis responded to questions regarding the scoreboard type. A motion was made by Councilwoman Stanley, and was seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the communication and accept the donation of the new scoreboard valued at $3,800.00 from the Danbury Adult Softball League and send a letter of thanks. The motion carried unanimously. 2. DONATION - Public Works, Old Sherman Turnpike Culvert It was noted the donation of engineering services valued at approximately $100,000.00 and construction services valued at approximately $350,000.00 is being offered from FSI-DB LLC, in association with Rizzo Companies for the project. Public Works Director Iadarola responded to questions about the details of the project. A motion was made by Councilman Mike Esposito, and was seconded by Councilwoman Stanley, to receive the correspondence and accept the generous gift and donation from the engineering design services and construction services in coordination with the Rizzo Companies. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COMMUNICATION - Annual Suspense List *CONSENTED - as received. 4. RESOLUTION - School Construction, Ellsworth Avenue Annex *CONSENTED - as received. 5. RESOLUTION - Airport Layout Plan *CONSENTED - as received. 6. RESOLUTION - CARES Act, Airport *CONSENTED - as received. 7. RESOLUTION - DOJ Coronavirus Funding, Police Department *CONSENTED - as received. 8. RESOLUTION - Downtown Special Services District, Tax Levy A motion was made by Councilman Priola, and was seconded by Councilman Santos, to receive the communication adopt the Resolution approving the tax rate for the Downtown Tax District. The motion carried unanimously. 9. COMMUNICATION & RESOLUTION - 2020 Neighborhood Assistance Act A motion was made by Councilman Fox, and was seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the communication and adopt the Resolution to authorize participation in the Neighborhood Assistance Program for such organizations as have duly applied and have been approved for said program. The motion carried unanimously. 10. COMMUNICATION & ORDINANCE - Water Rates A motion was made by Councilman Knapp, to receive the communication and refer to an Ad Hoc and public comment. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Ad Hoc Committee with the following Councilmembers: Cavo as Chair, DiGilio and Rotello. 11. COMMUNICATION & ORDINANCE - Sewer Use Charges A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio, to receive the communication and refer to an Ad Hoc and for public comment. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Ad Hoc Committee with the following Councilmembers: Cavo as Chair, DiGilio and Rotello. 12. REPORT & ORDINANCE - Government Entities, Sect 2-259 A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman DiGilio, 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. A motion was made by Councilman Levy, to be sent to public comment. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton so ordered. 13. COMMUNICATION & ORDINANCE - An Ordinance Appropriating $3,000,000 for Public Improvements in the 2020-2021 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 Mayor Boughton, Public Works Director Iadarola, and Deputy Corporation Counsel Pinter provided details and responded to questions about the infrastructure program, budget deadlines, and other budget information with regard to the State including Executive Orders 7-C and 7-I. A motion was made by Councilwoman Stanley, and was seconded by Councilman Rotello, to receive the communication and adopt the Ordinance appropriating $3,000,000.00 for Public Improvement Projects: City sidewalk repair and replacement $250,000.00; Bridge Replacement Program $1,250,000.00; and paving, drainage, and road improvements $1,500,000.00 for a total of $3,000,000.00 in the 2020-2021 Capital Budget and authorize the issuance of $3,000,000 of bonds of the City to meet said appropriations and making of temporary borrowings for such purpose. The motion carried unanimously. 14. ORDINANCE - Senior Tax Freeze  A motion was made by Councilman Buzaid to receive the communication and refer to an Ad Hoc and public comment. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Ad Hoc Committee with the following Councilmembers: Cavo as Chair, Fox and Chianese. 15. ORDINANCE - SNAPP Bonds - Infrastructure & Schools Mayor Boughton and Public Works Director Iadarola discussed and responded to questions regarding the need to act quickly, the public comment period, and the pandemic. Finance Director St. Hilaire commented on the current bond market and timing, cash flow, refunding, and deferrals. Deputy Corporation Counsel Pinter responded to questions regarding the waiving of the 30 day period with related to the Ordinances. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman Priola, to receive the communication and Ordinances and Resolution following and in accordance with procedures and authorities set forth in Executive Order of the Governor numbered EO7-S-7 to adopt the two Ordinances entitled an Ordinance appropriating $38,700,000.00 for various capital improvements to neighborhoods, paving and parks within the City, and authorizing the issuance of $38,700,000.00 bonds of the City to meet said appropriation and pending the issuance thereof the making of temporary borrowings for such purpose; and an Ordinance appropriating $23,300,000.00 for various capital improvements to schools within the City and authorizing the issuance of $23,300,000.00 bonds of the City to meet said appropriations and pending the issuance thereof the making of temporary borrowings for such purpose; together with a finding that Section 9 of said Ordinances is specifically applicable and is reasonable and necessary for the protection of persons and property within the City as therein set forth together with compliance of publication posting, public hearing, and notice requirements as having occurred in February, 2020 together with the canceling and waiving of the original established authorizations to establish a bond referendum and date of April 28, 2020 as set by the City Council on February 4, 2020 and to open this bond up for public comment for ten days. The motion carried unanimously. Mayor Boughton ordered the Committee to review the comments with the following Councilmembers: Cavo as Chair, DiGilio, Visconti, with Public Relations Coordinator O'Brien to encapsulate comments for review. 16. DEPARTMENT REPORTS – Police, Fire, Health-Housing & Welfare, Public Works, UNIT, Permit Center, Elderly Services, Library Councilman John Esposito thanked U.N.I.T. Coordinator Stillman for looking into a flooding issue at a property on Townhill Avenue. Public Works Director Iadarola responded to Councilman Santos regarding three projects going on on Plumtrees Road. Councilman Salvatore thanked first line responders, public health staff, public works staff, and hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Boughton responded to Councilman Molinaro regarding the property at the bottom of Rose Hill. Finance Director St. Hilaire responded to Councilman Rotello's questions regarding the sewer project with regard to borrowings. Mayor Boughton responded to Councilman Alves with regard to observing social distancing rules at Rogers Park and to Councilman John Esposito with regard to parks and which facilities are closed. Councilman Visconti noted the Police are doing the best they can with regard to the people congregating at Rogers Park. Councilman Chianese inquired regarding the Little League and softball leagues and was informed they will look forward to Fall Ball. Acting Director of Health Prunty responded to Councilman Taborsak's concerns regarding what plans are in case a member of the homeless community comes down with the COVID-19 virus. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman Rotello, 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 as well as the City website. The motion carried unanimously. Mayor Boughton extended all Committees. Mayor Boughton offered condolences to Legislative Assistant Jean Natale for the loss of her mother, Lydia Yaglenski who was very active in the community. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, and was seconded by Councilman Chianese, to adjourn the City Council Meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lori Goor Recording Secretary Attest, Mark D. Boughton, Mayor