City Council

VIRTUAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 7, 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 Fire Chief Omasta. 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 Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman Santos, to accept the electronic service. The motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT via EMAIL Mayor Boughton read comments into the record as follows:  Steven Szurlej, 14 Long Ridge Road, Danbury, discussed Item 12.  Christine O'Conner and Donald Fiore, 26 Long Ridge Road, Danbury, discussed Item 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Boughton commented on COVID-19 issues noting no cases on the Fourth of July weekend and no deaths for one week. There was a smooth return to work last week and City Hall can make appointments to come in July 27, 2020. School plans were mentioned. Two testing sites were noted and he urged citizens to wear masks and to follow Department of Health and State guidelines. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meeting held June 2, 2020 A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman Perkins, to accept the Minutes and waive the reading as all members have copies and copies are available online on the City website and the Legislative Assistant's Office for review. The motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. COMMUNICATION - Appointment to Tarrywile Park Authority Receive the communication and confirm the appointment of Nancy E. Wakeham to serve as a member of the Tarrywile Park Authority with a three-year term. 9. RESOLUTION - DOT Speed Enforcement Grant, Police Department Receive the communication and adopt the Resolution authorizing Mayor Mark D. Boughton, or Chief Patrick Ridenhour, as his designee, to accept funding from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation through its "2020 Speed and Aggressive Driving Enforcement" program, this funding not to exceed $50,000 will be used in the Danbury Police Department’s continued efforts of speed and aggressive driving enforcement activities during the period of July 2020 through September 2020, no local match is required. 10. RESOLUTION - Kline Family Foundation, Danbury 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 funding from the Library Journal and the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation through its "Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize", this funding not to exceed $250,000 will be used towards supporting the Danbury Library and its initiatives, 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. 1. COMMUNICATION - Appointment to Tarrywile Park Authority *CONSENTED - as received. 2. COMMUNICATION - Donation from Eagle Scouts to Airport A motion was made by Councilman Fox, and was seconded by Councilman Palma, to receive the communication and approve the generous donation from Jake Windas (Eagle Scout Candidate) of time and materials to paint a Compass Rose on the Danbury Airport grounds with an approximate value of $1,400 and send the appropriate letter of thanks. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COMMUNICATION - Donation of Open Space Land A motion was made by Councilwoman Cammisa to refer to an Ad Hoc consisting of Corporation Counsel, Director of Planning, and a report from the Planning Commission. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Ad Hoc Committee with the following Councilmembers: Cammisa as Chair, Cavo and John Esposito. 4. COMMUNICATION - Donation from Leir Foundation to Police Department Police Chief Ridenhour responded to Council questions on how the funds might be used including renovating the gymnasium and mental health programs for Officers' health and wellness.  A motion was made by Councilman Mike Esposito, and was seconded by Councilman John Esposito, to receive the correspondence and accept the generous donation of $15,000 from the Ridgefield and Leir Charitable Foundation in memory of Henry & Erna Leir. The motion carried unanimously. 5. COMMUNICATION - Appointment of Independent Auditors Finance Director St. Hilaire responded to questions regarding the McGladrey five-year contract in 2016 and when the bid went out. He noted the City must submit a form to the State each year with the information and the rigorous RFP process was completed and he recommends continuing with McGladrey this year. Councilman Visconti noted as Chair of the Audit Committee, that the Committee is satisfied with McGladrey. Mayor Boughton appointed Councilman DiGilio to replace Former Councilman Curran's place on the Audit Committee. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilwoman Cammisa, to appoint RSM US LLP (McGladrey) as the City's Auditors for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2020. The motion carried unanimously. 6. COMMUNICATION - Tax Fixing Agreement, SC Ridge, LLC A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio to refer to an Ad Hoc consisting of a representative from the Mayor's Office, Corporation Counsel, Director of Finance, the Director of Planning, and the Petitioner. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Ad Hoc Committee with the following Councilmembers: DiGilio as Chair, Fox and Visconti. 7. RESOLUTION - Land Acquisition, 25 Miry Brook Road Deputy Corporation Counsel Pinter responded to Council questions regarding the timing, and low-level site remediation, and ties to another property, as well as FAA involvement. He commented on the City's relationship with the property owners. Airport Administrator Safranek responded to Council questions regarding potential FAA reimbursement. A motion was made by Councilman Levy, seconded by John Esposito, to renew and adopt the attached Resolution for the acquisition of 25 Miry Brook Road by January 1, 2021. Motion carried unanimously. 8. RESOLUTION - BOE to Defined Contribution Pension Plan Mayor Boughton responded to Council questions regarding whom the plan applies to, and the negotiations that have taken place. Assistant Corporation Counsel Rosemark responded to Council questions noting that interested parties can find answers the collective bargaining agreement and through their union representative. She noted when the Council ratified the pension contributions, staff began working on it with delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  A motion was made by Councilman Knapp, seconded by Santos, to receive the communication and adopt the Resolution as presented authorizing Mayor Boughton or in his place any duly authorized official of the City to execute the City of Danbury Defined Contribution Pension Plan between the Danbury Board of Education and the Danbury Paraeducators Local 2001 and Teamsters 677, thereby providing the eligible paraeducators, school custodians, maintenance, and drivers hired by the Board of Education on or after July 1, 2020 to be eligible to participate. Motion carried unanimously. 9. RESOLUTION - DOT Speed Enforcement Grant, Police Department *CONSENTED - as received. 10. RESOLUTION - Kline Family Foundation, Danbury Library *CONSENTED - as received. 11. DEPARTMENT REPORTS - Police, Fire, Health-Housing & Welfare, Public Works, UNIT, Permit Center, Elderly Services, Library, Fire Dept. – Statement of Condition Councilman John Esposito thanked Fire Marshall Timan for his responses to questions regarding blasting at the Shelter Rock construction site. Public Works Director Iadarola responded to Councilman Taborsak regarding Osborn Street project timing. Public Works Director Iadarola responded to Councilman Chianese regarding the water break at condominiums near Kenosia. Mayor Boughton responded to to Councilman Perkins regarding the Richter Park Golf Course. Director of Permit Coordination Hearty responded to Councilman Perkins regarding outside dining as more businesses open. Public Works Director Iadarola responded to Councilman John Esposito regarding abatement and work at Hearthstone Castle. He responded to Councilman Santos regarding whether trail access would be affected. Acting Health Director Prunty responded to Councilman Taborsak regarding the homeless campaign at the Super 8 Motel. Tax Collector Ferguson responded to Councilman Rotello regarding taxes and fees for water and sewer and Public Works Director Iadarola responded regarding water levels. Acting Health Director Prunty responded to Councilman Santos regarding salon and food establishment compliance with COVID-19 regulations. Mayor Boughton noted several arrests occurred in bars after several warnings were given. Councilman Santos commended Chief Ridenhour for his handling of recent peaceful protests. He responded regarding further discussions with related groups that have been held. Mayor Boughton responded to Councilman Alves regarding whether the town park could be limited to those who can utilize the social distancing guidelines, noting the issue is getting lifeguards to train and working. By the time that would happen, it would already be the end of August. He responded to Councilman Chianese that the ball fields are open. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman DiGilio, 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. 12. ADD-ON: COMMUNICATION - Long Ridge Road Improvement A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, and was seconded by Councilman Rotello, to add on Item 12. Communication - Improvements/Alterations to Scenic Portions of Long Ridge Road. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilwoman Stanley to refer to an Ad Hoc including the Director of Public Works and Corporation Counsel. Hearing no objections, Mayor Boughton ordered the Ad Hoc Committee with the following Councilmembers: Fox as Chair, Mike Esposito and Visconti. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Boughton extended all Committees and reminded the Council there will be a Budget Workshop Thursday at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom videoconference. A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, and was seconded by Councilwoman Cammisa, to adjourn the City Council Meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lori Goor Recording Secretary Attest, Mark D. Boughton, Mayor