City Council

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL March 3, 2022 - 7:30 P.M. Honorable Mayor, Dean Esposito, called the meeting to order at 7:41 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & PRAYER The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sean Hatch. Councilman DiGilio led all in prayer. ROLL CALL: COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Buzaid, Cavo, Knapp, Levy, DiGilio, Rotello, Visconti, Esposito, Halas, Esposito III, Masi, Palma, Perkins, Henry, Chianese, Cammisa and Molinaro. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Britton, Eriquez, Fox and Santos. PRESENT: 17, ABSENT: 4 ALSO PRESENT: Robert J. Yamin, Corporation Counsel; Les Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel; David St. Hilaire, Finance Director; Antonio Iadarola, Public Works Director/City Engineer; and Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant. PUBLIC INPUT Charlie Setaro, Resident, 27 Deer Hill Ave., spoke on Council making an important decision regarding the items presented tonight. Al Robinson, Resident, 7 Melrose Ave., spoke on building a high school on the westside of Danbury. A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio, seconded by Councilman Perkins, to call to service for the special meeting as it was properly noticed and announced before we started, thank you. Motion carried unanimously. 1. COMMUNICATION – Danbury Career Academy – Purchase and Sale Agreement A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to receive the communication to authorize the Mayor to move forward with a letter of intent and offer to purchase specified real property, located at Kenosia Avenue/Apple Ridge Road, as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Iadarola explained to Councilman Chianese the zoning of the property will not impact development. Councilman DiGilio requested Councilman Rotello agree to amend the motion to include a report from the Planning Commission; which Councilman Rotello agreed to. Furthermore, he shared his support for the school development project. Mr. St. Hilaire and Mr. Iadarola clarified the construction/bond costs addressed by Councilman Perkins. Mr. St. Hilaire responded to Councilman Palma regarding the anticipated mill rate projections and State funding. The City anticipates the State will fund about 80% of the proposed project. Councilman Esposito III stated he favors the career academy concept for noncollege educational opportunities. He expressed gratitude for City staff's hard work on the amazing development project. Mr. Iadoarola explained the need to get the project completed as soon as possible to Councilman Molinaro. Superintendent of Schools Kevin Walston explained to Councilman Chianese, how they are working hard to offer college/career educational opportunities throughout the City. The program goal is to prepare students for success and higher paying job opportunities. He provided an overview of the makerspace planned for the project to Councilman Molinaro. Mr. St. Hilaire responded to Councilman Levy regarding the passing of the new referendum. Mr. Iadarola shared insight regarding the state of the economy and how inflation is affecting development projects. Furthermore, Councilman Levy stated he supports the proposed development project. 2. COMMUNICATION/ RESOLUTION – Appropriations & Funding Authorization – Danbury Career Academy A motion was made by Councilman Levy, seconded by Councilman Visconti, to approve the certification of $790,000, for the pre-acquisition cost as outlined in the Finance Director's certification. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Pinter explained to Councilman Chianese, the City will not proceed to condemn the Wooster Heights property without the FAA funding. Mr. St. Hilaire discussed how funds will be replenished after the bond referendum passes, and reimbursement rates. He also explained the repurposing of the SNAPP Bond. Councilman Rotello asked the Airport Administrator Michael Safranek about the state of the property at Wooster Heights. Mr. Safranek responded to Councilman Visconti asked about the proposed Proton site. Mr. Iadarola explained the use of a portion of the SNAPP Bond for design work for the previously proposed school site to Councilman Perkins. 3. ORDINANCE – Amended Bond Issuance/ Ordinance Adoption - Danbury Career Academy A motion was made by Councilman Knapp, to refer this to a public hearing, followed by a Committee of The Whole. Motion carried unanimously. The Mayor Extended all Committees. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilman Levy, and was seconded by Councilman Cammisa to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Copies of Agenda Items are available in the Legislative Assistant's Office. Respectfully submitted, Christina Martinez Recording Secretary Attest, Dean Esposito, Mayor