City Council

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING June 29, 2023 – 8 P.M. Honorable Mayor, Dean Esposito, called the meeting to order at 8:03 p.m. NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING Mayor Esposito read the notice of Special Meeting 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, VACANT, Eriquez, Knapp, Levy, DiGilio, Rotello, Visconti, Esposito, Esposito III, Fox, Palma, Masi, Henry, Britton, Merchan, Perkins, Chianese, Cammisa, VACANT. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Visconti, Halas, Palma PRESENT: 16, ABSENT: 3 VACANCIES: 2 ALSO PRESENT: Bob Yamin, Corporation Counsel; Les Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel; and Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant. CALL TO SERVICE A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to move forward with this meeting as it has properly been noticed and a call for return to service. The motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC SPEAKING 1. Peter Buzaid, Resident, 2 Ervie Drive, spoke on item 3. 2. Michael Safranek, Resident, 24 Jackson Drive, spoke on item 2. 3. Ken Gucker, Resident, 89 Padanaram Rd., spoke on items 1, 2, 3, 4. 4. Roberto Alves, Resident, 7 West Redding Rd., spoke on items1, 3. 5. Glenda Armstrong, Resident, 224 Franklin St., spoke on item 1. 6. Mike Coelho, Resident, 46 East Lake Rd., spoke on item 2. 1. COMMUNICATION – Appointment to the City Council A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio, seconded by Councilman Esposito, to receive this communication and confirm the appointment of Jeffrey A. Tomchik to a position on the City Council here in the City of Danbury. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Tomchick was sworn into office by Deputy Corporation Counsel Pinter. Mr. Tomchick took his seat on the dias. 2. COMMUNICATION – Appointment to the City Council A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio, seconded by Councilman Levy, to receive this communication and confirm the appointment of Mr. Joseph Putnam to a position here on the Danbury City Council. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Putnam was sworn into office by Corporation Counsel Yamin. Mr. Putnam took his seat on the dias. ROLL CALL UPDATE: COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Buzaid, Putnam, Eriquez, Knapp, Levy, DiGilio, Rotello, Visconti, Esposito, Esposito III, Fox, Palma, Masi, Henry, Britton, Merchan, Perkins, Chianese, Cammisa, Tomchik. PRESENT: 18, ABSENT: 3 3. COMMUNICATION – Reapportionment A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio, I wish this item be sent to an ad hoc consisting of the Committee of the Whole, also present would be Corporation Counsel, Registrar of Voters, and a representative from the Mayor’s office. So Ordered. 4. COMMUNICATION – Request for Extension of Tax Deferral - 333 Main Street A motion was made by Councilman DiGilio, seconded by Councilman Perkins, to receive this communication and approve the request to modify the agreement to defer the increase in the tax assessment, providing the additional time of 6 months based upon the request on hand. 11 Yes, 7 No (Eriquez, Rotello, Esposito III, Henry, Britton, Merchan, Tomchik) Motion Carries. Councilman Perkins asked for clarification of the reason for the new extension request. Councilman Fox asked if new requirements have been presented since the last extension approval. Ms. Calitro (Planning Director) discussed the analysis of the flood plain located on the property, and a slight rise that was found and thus required FEMA approval of revisions to plans. Mr. Bertram (property owner) identified a miscalculation of the FEMA approval process. Councilman Rotello asked about additional flooding concerns and noted the progress and improvements to the property and area. Councilman DiGilio spoke in favor of the request. A roll call vote was requested by Councilman Perkins. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Extended All Committees. Councilman Tomchik and Putnam shared a few words regarding their appointments. A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, seconded by Councilman DiGilio, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m. Copies of Agenda Items are available in the Legislative Assistant’s Office and on the City’s website. Respectfully submitted & Attested by, Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant