City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 5, 2024 - 7:30 PM Honorable Mayor, Roberto Alves, called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & PRAYER The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Danbury Police Cadets. Frank Salvatore led all in prayer. ROLL CALL COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Hawley, Rickert, Simone, Gartner, Salvatore, Peter Buzaid, Emile Buzaid, Coelho, LaPine, Ratchford, Fox, Robinson, Britton, McAllister, Duane Perkins, Chianese, Rotello, and Giordano. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Dennis Perkins, Elmer Palma, and Jeffrey Tomchik. PRESENT: 18, ABSENT: 3 ALSO PRESENT: Dan Casagrande, Corporation Counsel; Les Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel; and Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant. PUBLIC INPUT: Thomas Valeri, Resident, 324 Old Bridge Lane, spoke on items #16, and #19. Jeffrey Tomchik, Resident, 12 Quail Run Drive, spoke on item #9. Leo Fieschi, Resident, 16 Washington Avenue, spoke on item #18. Warren Levy, Resident, 5 Pilgrim Drive, spoke on item #9. Ken Gucker, Resident, 89 Padanaram Road, spoke on item #4. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meeting held February 6, 2024 A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, and was seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to receive the minutes and waive the reading of the minutes, as all Members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office, and approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 3. COMMUNICATION - Appointments to Cultural Commission I move to receive the communication and confirm appointments of Suibhan Fallon and Jan Maria Jagush to the Cultural Commission with a term expiration date of March 1, 2027. 4. COMMUNICATION - Appointments to Tarrywile Park Authority I move to receive the communication and confirm appointments of Erin Daly and Alecia Ghio to the Tarrywile Park Authority with a term expiration date of March 1, 2027. 6. COMMUNICATION - Request for Disposal of Surplus Vehicles & Equipment - Purchasing I move to receive the communication and approve of the disposal of surplus vehicles and equipment as submitted. 9. RESOLUTION - FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant - Fire Department I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution that Mayor Roberto Alves or Richard Thode, Fire Chief as his designee, is authorized to apply for the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants program and accept funding not to exceed $80,860, with FEMA covering 90% or a maximum of $72,774, and the city’s responsibility is 10% or a maximum of $8,086, and to do all things necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. 10. RESOLUTION - CT DOT DUI Enforcement Grant - Police Department I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution that Mayor Roberto Alves or Chief Patrick Ridenhour, as his designee is hereby authorized to accept the FY 24 DUI Enforcement grant funds not to exceed $49,531 with no city match and sign all contracts as necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. 11. RESOLUTION - CDC Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services Grant - Health & Human Services I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution that Mayor Roberto Alves or Kara Prunty, Director of Health and Human Services as his designee, is hereby authorized to apply for accept the CDC Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services Grant funds not to exceed $500,000 for a duration of August 1, 2024 to September 29, 2029 with no city match and to execute all contracts as necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. 12. RESOLUTION - CT Secretary of State Early Voting Grant - Registrars of Voters I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution that Mayor Roberto Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury, is hereby authorized to apply for accept the CT Secretary of State Early Voting Grant funds not to exceed $10,500 to be expended by December 31, 2024 with no city match and to sign any contracts/documents to effectuate the purposes of said grant and to ratify any actions that may have occurred. 13. RESOLUTION - FAA Grant for Runway Obstruction Removal: Phase 2 - Design & Permit - Airport 14. RESOLUTION - Dollar General Literacy Foundation Adult Literacy Grant - Public Library I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution that Mayor Roberto Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury, or Katie Pearson, Library Director, as his designee, is hereby authorized to sign any documents necessary to effectuate the purposes of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Adult Literacy grant in the amount of $10,000 with no city match and execute on behalf of the City of Danbury all contracts, agreements or amendments and take all actions necessary to accomplish the purposes of this funding. 15. RESOLUTION - CT Office of the Arts Make Music Day Grant - Cultural Commission I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution that Mayor Roberto Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury, or Gregory Wencek, Coordinator for the Danbury Cultural Commission, as his designee, is hereby authorized apply for and accept the CT State Office for the Arts Make Music Day 2024 grant not to exceed $1,000 with no city match and to execute all contracts and agreements necessary to make the purposes thereof. Need a second. 20. REPORTS - Engineering & Planning: Water Main Extension - 15-19 Backus Avenue I move to receive the reports from the City Engineer and Planning Commission and approve the extension of the water main at 15-19 Backus Avenue subject to the City’s standard eight steps and conditions. 21. REPORTS - Engineering & Planning: Conveyance of Roadway Improvements - 1&15 Miry Brook Road I move to receive the reports from the City Engineer and Planning Commission and approve the conveyance to the city for roadway purposes subject to the approval of all final plans and documents as to form and content by the Office of Corporation Council and the Department of Public Works prior to acceptance by the City and recording on the Danbury Land Records. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, and was seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to accept the Consent Calendar with items #9 and #13, removed and put back to read and vote. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Chianese asked that Item 9 be removed. Councilman Coelho asked that Item 13 be removed. AGENDA 1. COMMUNICATION - Fire Department Promotions of Nolet, Daly, Brown & Appley Jr. to Captains A motion was made by Councilman Rickert, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the communication and confirm the promotions of Lieutenant Nolet, Lieutenant Daly, Lieutenant Brown, Lieutenant Appley Jr., to Captains within the Danbury Fire Department. The motion carried unanimously. 2. COMMUNICATION - Fire Department Promotions of Capalbo, Peltier, Leclercq III, Chapin, Sedgwick Jr. & Lillis to Lieutenants A motion was made by Councilman Simone, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the communication and confirm the promotions of Capalbo, Peltier, Leclercq III, Chapin, Sedgwick Jr. and Lillis to Lieutenants with the Danbury Fire Department. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COMMUNICATION - Appointments to Cultural Commission *CONSENTED - as received. 4. COMMUNICATION - Appointments to Tarrywile Park Authority *CONSENTED - as received. 5. COMMUNICATION - Donation to Police Cadet Program - Police Department A motion was made by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the communication and accept the donation from the Danbury Law Enforcement Cadets of a 2015 GMC van, valued at $22,000, for transportation of the Danbury Police Cadets. The motion carried unanimously. 6. COMMUNICATION - Request for Disposal of Surplus Vehicles & Equipment - Purchasing *CONSENTED - as received. 7. RESOLUTION - Request to Apply to the Sustainable CT Municipal Certification Program A motion was made by Councilman Hawley, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the communication and adopt the resolution authorizing Mayor Roberto Alves, to serve as City of Danbury’s Sustainable CT contact person for the Sustainable CT Municipal Certification process, and authorize him to complete the municipal registration on behalf of the City of Danbury, the City Council is authorized to establish an advisory sustainable team, which must hold their first meeting within 90-days of this resolutions passage, the sustainability team, after the first meeting shall meet as frequently as needed, but not less than quarterly, and report annually to the City Council on the progress of its activities towards sustainable CT certification, with reports and presentations made publicly available. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Capodilupo (Mayor’s Office) provided a brief overview of the program for Councilman Rotello, and confirmed that there is no matching fund requirement. Councilman Duane Perkins asked about funding details. Councilman Coelho asked about other municipalities that participate, Ms. Capodilupo identified Middletown and New Haven. 8. RESOLUTION - ARPA Allocation of Funds A motion was made by Councilwoman LaPine, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the communication and adopt the resolution to reallocate funds for the American Rescue Plan Act, in the amount of $585,000, to the items listed in exhibit 1-H, as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. O’Brien provided Councilman Rotello with details of the project scope for the replacement of the Public Meeting Management and Streamlining System. Councilman Coelho asked if wiring is included which Ms. O’Brien confirmed. Councilman Britton expressed his support for funding the meeting and streaming system. 9. RESOLUTION - FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant - Fire Department A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman E. Buzaid, to receive the communication and adopt the resolution that Mayor Roberto Alves, or Richard Thode, Fire Chief, as his designee, is authorized to apply for the FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grants Program, and accept the funding not to exceed $80,860, with FEMA covering 90% or maximum $72,774, and the City’s responsibility is 10%, or a maximum of $8,086, and to do all things necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Loundsbury clarified the devices that will be funded by this grant for Councilman Chianese. Councilman Salvatore noted that volunteer fire companies can also apply for this grant, and have. 10. RESOLUTION - CT DOT DUI Enforcement Grant - Police Department *CONSENTED - as received. 11. RESOLUTION - CDC Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services Grant - Health & Human Services *CONSENTED - as received. 12. RESOLUTION - CT Secretary of State Early Voting Grant - Registrars of Voters *CONSENTED - as received. 13. RESOLUTION - FAA Grant for Runway Obstruction Removal: Phase 2 - Design & Permit - Airport A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson, to receive the communication and adopt the resolution that Mayor Roberto Alves and/or Michael Safranek, Airport Administrator, for the sole purpose of applying to submit an application for a grant to do the Airport Obstruction Removal Action one - Phase two, design and permit, and to reserve such further actions, as are required for the further processing of a final adaption and acceptance at a later date. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Safranek spoke on the status of the project, and the grant process and funding. He noted areas where trees need to be taken down and confirmed for Councilman Rotello that those areas are not being increased. 14. RESOLUTION - Dollar General Literacy Foundation Adult Literacy Grant - Public Library *CONSENTED - as received. 15. RESOLUTION - CT Office of the Arts Make Music Day Grant - Cultural Commission *CONSENTED - as received. 16. REPORT & ORDINANCE - Ad Hoc: Ordinance - Massage Therapy Establishments A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to waive the reading of the minutes of this report, as all Members have copies, and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilman Giordano, to receive the report and refer to a Public Hearing followed by a Committee of the Whole. So Ordered. 17. REPORT & ORDINANCE - Ad Hoc: Ordinance - Body Care Facilities A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to waive the reading of the minutes of this report, as all Members have copies, and copies are on file with the Legislative Assistant. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilman Britton, to receive the report and refer to a Public Hearing followed by a Committee of The Whole. So ordered. 18. REPORT & ORDINANCE - Ad Hoc: Ordinance - Body Piercing & Tattoo Establishments A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to waive the reading of the minutes of this report, as all Members have copies, and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilman McAllister, to receive the report and refer to a Public Hearing followed by a Committee of The Whole. So ordered. 19. REPORT & ORDINANCE - Ad Hoc: Ordinance - Government Entities Review Committee A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to waive the reading of the minutes of this report, as all Members have copies, and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilman Rachford, to receive the report and refer to a Public Hearing followed by a Committee of The Whole. So ordered. 20. REPORTS - Engineering & Planning: Water Main Extension - 15-19 Backus Avenue *CONSENTED - as received. 21. REPORTS - Engineering & Planning: Conveyance of Roadway Improvements - 1&15 Miry Brook Road *CONSENTED - as received. 22. DEPARTMENT REPORTS - Police, Fire, Health & Human Services, Public Works, Permit Center, U.N.I.T., Elderly Services, Public Library, Tax Assessor A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to waive the reading of the reports, as all Members have copies, and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office, and we accept the reports as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Ridenhour (Police Chief) discussed recruitment efforts and enforcement with Councilman Rotello. Councilman Duane Perkins spoke on volunteer efforts at Tarrywile Park. Ms. Prunty (Health & Human Services Director) provided a brief update on the homeless shelters for Councilman Chianese. Mayor Alves announced department promotions and new hires. Mr. Garrick (Finance Director) spoke on the audit progress with Councilmen Coelho and Duane Perkins. Councilman Fox asked for an update on the hiring of a new Parks & Recreation Director. Councilman Rickert asked about Fire Department staffing. Mayor Appointed Budget Ad Hoc Committees: Budget Ad Hoc: Education Chair - Holly Robinson Joe Britton Peter Buzaid Frank Salvatore Irving Fox Budget Ad Hoc: Government II Chair - Andrea Gartner Shaun Ratchford William McAllister Dennis Perkins Michael Coelho Budget Ad Hoc: Government I Chair - Joe Britton Diane LaPine Ryan Hawley Duane Perkins Elmer Palma Budget Ad Hoc: Health & Human Services / Public Safety Chair - Frank Salvatore Lou Giordano Barry Rickert Paul Rotello Emile Buzaid Budget Ad Hoc: Public Works Chair - Peter Buzaid Gary Simone Jeff Tomchik Ben Chianese Irving Fox Audit Committee Chair - Frank Salvatore Andrea Gartner Ben Chianese Irving Fox Elmer Palma Mayor Extended All Other Committees. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, seconded by Councilman E. Buzaid, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Council was invited to stay to listen to comments from the public regarding the cease fire in Gaza. Copies of Agenda Items are available in the Legislative Assistant’s Office and on the City’s website. Respectfully submitted, Christina Martinez Recording Secretary Attest, Peter Buzaid, City Council President Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant