City Council

~AD HOC REPORT~ Government Entities Review Committee (G.E.R.C.) Wednesday, February 22, 2023 Chairman Levy called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Members present were Vinny DiGilio, Councilman; Paul Rotello, Councilman; Mark Chory; and Alan Boyce. Present from the City were Les Pinter, Corporation Counsel; Gregory Wencek, The City of Danbury Cultural Commission; Debbie Pacific, The Parking Authority of the City of Danbury; Sharon Calitro, The Danbury Housing Partnership & Planning Director; Ed Siergiej, The Lake Kenosia Commission; Rob Melillo, The Youth Commission; and Kay Schreiber, The Commission on Aging was absent. Mr. Pinter provided a brief overview of the ordinance and requirements for the performance audit (review) of government entities. Mr. Wencek discussed the Cultural Commission’s tasks and duties. The Commission is actively recruiting for two vacancies. He addressed the attendance of Commission members with Mr. Boyce. Furthermore, the Commission receives funding from City Council and State grants. The plan is to expand programs for the new year. A motion made by Chairman Levy, and seconded by Councilman Rotello, that the Cultural Commission be extended to June 30, 2027. The motion carries unanimously. Mr. Levy stated that Ms. Kay Schreiber of the Commission on Aging was not able to attend due to the weather; however, she provided a statement and completed a comprehensive questionnaire. A motion made by Chairman Levy, and seconded by Councilman Boyce, that the Danbury Commission on Aging be extended to June 30, 2027. The motion carries unanimously. Ms. Pacific provided an overview of the Parking Authority’s tasks and duties. The Authority solely operates on user fee revenue and does not receive funding from the City. Mr. DiGilio noted that the Authority is self- sustaining; however, the City does provide capital improvements (parking garages, self-service machines, and gate upgrades). Ms. Pacific noted that the installation of electric vehicle power stations have not significantly increased electrical costs. She addressed cars occupying charging stations with Mr. Rotello. A motion made by Councilman DiGilio, and seconded by Councilman Boyce, to extend the Parking Authority of the City of Danbury, for 4-years, to June 30, 2027. 4 YES, 1 ABSTENTION (Mr. Chory - due to his service on the Authority). Motion carries. Ms. Calitro spoke on the purpose and membership of the Danbury Housing Partnership. The Partnership’s last meeting was held in 2016; the Partnership is defunct. She suggested repurposing the Partnership to help with current housing demands. Mr. Levy stated that the Mayor’s Office can decide if the partnership should be revitalized and repurposed. Mr. Pinter clarified the following regulations for Partnerships: termination, and reestablishment. Mr. DiGilio suggested involving the Health & Human Services Department and Mayor’s Office with a possible revitalization. A motion made by Councilman DiGilio, and seconded by Councilman Boyce, to extend the Danbury Housing Partnership for a period of one year, expiring June 30, 2024. The motion carries unanimously. Mr. Rotello further suggested that the Partnership be re-established for the usual 4-year term. Mr. Levy noted the availability of affordable housing is a major issue in the City. A new motion was not made. Mr. Siergiej spoke on the Lake Kenosia Commission’s past projects. He noted that the biggest issue facing Lake Kenosia is the drainage of calcium deposits coming from the winter road mix used on I-84, which increases zebra mussels. The Commission recommends closing the ramps to prevent further contamination and testing various water masses in the City. Mr. DiGilio noted many City reservoirs prohibit the use of outside vessels to prevent water supply contamination. Mr. Siergiej addressed reservoir oversite and funding with Mr. Chory. Mr. DiGilio commented that the Public Utilities and Parks & Recreation Department oversee the lake/reservoir and park. Mr. Rotello commented that Lake Kenosia is considered an emergency reservoir. He discussed the boat safety process for reservoirs. Mr. Boyce questioned if high traffic in the park affects water runoff. Mr. Siergiej provided a brief overview of the Commission’s funding challenges for maintenance costs with Mr. Chory. A motion made by Councilman Rotello, and seconded by Councilman Boyce, to re-establish the Kenosia Commission for 4-years, expiring June 30, 2027. The motion carries unanimously. Mr. DiGilio reported that the City Council serves as The Flood and Erosion Control Board of the City of Danbury. Furthermore, all Board items are addressed at City Council meetings. A motion made by Councilman Chory, and seconded by Councilman Rotello, to renew the Flood and Erosion Control Board to June 30, 2027. The motion carries unanimously. Mr. Melillo noted the Commission has not met since 2005. Furthermore, he resigned from the Commission in November 2005 but noted that there are requirements for keeping the Commission due to grant funding. .Mr. Levy stated he favors extending the Commission for four years. A motion made by Councilman DiGilio, and seconded by Councilman Boyce, to extend the Youth Commission for a period of four years, until June 30, 2027. The motion carries unanimously. A motion made by Councilman DiGilio, and seconded by Councilman Rotello, to refer all the recommendations for items 1 through 7, as we just reviewed, to the full City Council for adoption, and refer it to a public hearing. The motion carries unanimously. A motion made by Councilman Rotello, and seconded by Councilman Chory, to adjourn. The motion carries unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Warren Levy, Chair Vinny DiGilio Paul Rotello Mark Chory Alan Boyce