City Council

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING October 8, 2020 Honorable Mayor, Mark D. Boughton, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. via video conference. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & PRAYER The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Visconti. Councilman DiGilio led all in prayer. 3. ROLL CALL: 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, Duane Perkins, Elmer Palma, Jack Knapp, John Esposito, Farley Santos, Nancy Cammisa, and Richard Molinaro. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: It was noted Councilman Chianese was at the Ad Hoc meeting and it would be noted when he joins. PRESENT: 20, ABSENT: 1 ALSO PRESENT: Robert J. Yamin, Corporation Counsel; Les Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel; and David St. Hilaire, Finance Director. NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING - There will be a Special Meeting of the City Council on Thursday, October 8. 2020 at 6:30 P.M. via zoom Councilman Chianese joined the meeting, time not noted. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, seconded by Councilman Perkins, to accept the return to service as all members have been served properly by the Constable of the City of Danbury for the meeting notice. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC SPEAKING Mayor Boughton read approximately 25 comments from Danbury residents in favor of naming the waste water treatment plant after John Oliver, Item 1. 1. Naming of Waste Water Treatment Plant Councilman Cavo read Minutes of the October 8, 2020 Ad Hoc Meeting on the related issue the read Item 1. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, seconded by Councilman Santos, to accept the Minutes of the Ad Hoc Committee report. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Santos invited Mr. Oliver to the naming dedication and looks forward to giving tours of the plant which is in his Ward. Councilman Taborsak thanked all those who worked on the $110 million plant but suggested it should be named the City of Danbury Wastewater Treatment Plant. He stated that although he is supportive of the donations, he will abstain. Councilman John Esposito concurred with Councilman Taborsak. He stated that although he appreciates the donations and the humor, he will be voting no. Councilman Rotello suggested inviting Mr. Oliver on a tour of Danbury, which is a diverse community. He stated that he is proud of the wastewater treatment plant. Although he was initially opposed to the renaming, he understands that this is purely a ceremonial title, appreciates the donations, and hopes this could lead to greater understanding about Danbury. Mayor Boughton noted this could be changed in the future. Councilman Perkins noted the importance of Ad Hoc meetings noting a better understanding of the issue emanated from tonight's Ad Hoc. Councilman Visconti concurred with those in support and with inviting Mr. Oliver on a tour of Danbury. Councilman Alves commented that he welcomed the fun, donations, and the attention brought to the City. Due to a technical difficulty, Councilman Priola temporarily left the meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Cavo, seconded by Councilwoman Cammisa, to receive the communication adopt the Resolution renaming the Wastewater Treatment Plant to the John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant, and accept his generous donations of $25,000 to Donor's Choice, $25,000 to the Connecticut Food Bank, and $5,000 to the Connecticut ALS Foundation, along with the generous donations being raised by our financial partners here in the City of Danbury and businesses. Motion carried unanimously 18-1-1, Councilman John Esposito voting no, Councilman Taborsak abstaining. Councilman Priola was unable to vote due to a technical difficulty. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Boughton extended all Committees. A motion was made by Councilman Santos, and was seconded by Councilwoman Cammisa, to adjourn the City Council Meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lori Goor Recording Secretary Attest, Mark D. Boughton, Mayor