City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2024 - 7:30 PM Honorable Mayor, Roberto Alves, called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & PRAYER The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sean Hatch. William McAllister led all in prayer. ROLL CALL COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Rickert, Gartner, Salvatore, Peter Buzaid, Emile Buzaid, Coelho, Lapine, Ratchford, Fox, Robinson, Britton, McAllister, Duane Perkins, Chianese, Rotello, Giordano, Dennis Perkins, Palma, Hawley, and Simone. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeffrey Tomchik. PRESENT: 20, ABSENT: 1 ALSO PRESENT: Dan Casagrande, Corporation Counsel; Les Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel; Robin Edwards, Assistant Corporation Counsel; and Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant PUBLIC INPUT Mike Flannigan, Resident, 35 Jefferson Avenue, spoke on items #2 and #19. Caroline Giordano, Resident, 23 Maple Crest Drive, spoke on item #19. Gregory Wencek, Resident, 9 Sil Cam Drive, spoke on item #19. Jim Maloney, Resident, 15 Wooster Heights, spoke on item #19. Warren Levy, Resident, 5 Pilgrim Drive, spoke on items #2, #6, and #19. Gladys Cooper, Resident, 1 Southern Boulevard, spoke on item #19. Chase Tomanio, Resident, 12 (inaudible) Drive, spoke on item #19. Eric Anderson, Resident, 42 Jefferson Avenue, spoke on sidewalk and crosswalk safety. Greg Davis, Resident, 30 Cannondale Drive, spoke on the following: sidewalk safety, school bus safety, item #6, and item #19. JC Cabreira, Resident, Oakland Avenue, spoke on item #19. Ken Gucker, Resident, 89 Padanaram Road, spoke on item #19. Lea (inaudible), Resident, 3 (inaudible) Drive, spoke on item #19. Casey (inaudible), Resident, 17 Wintergreen Hill Road, spoke on item #19. Al Robinson, Resident, 7 Melrose Avenue, spoke on item #19 and police accountability. Kate Johnson, Resident, 132 Great Plain Road, spoke on item #19. Lisa Scails, Resident, 5 Lombardi Street, spoke on item #19. Heather Lorenz, Resident, 46 Rolf Drive, spoke on item #19. Alia Novas, Resident, 4 Stetson Place, spoke on item #19. Gilberto Almonte, Resident, 15 Myrtle Avenue, spoke on item #19. July Miliano, Resident, 1 (inaudible) Place, spoke on item #19. Eduardo (inaudible), Resident, 4 Fourth Street, spoke on item #19. Elvis Nova, Resident, 4 Stetson Place, spoke on item #19. Abu Kurin, Resident, 16 Lindencrest Drive, spoke on item #19. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meeting held April 2, 2024 A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, and was seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the minutes of the last meeting and waive the reading of those minutes, as all Members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office and I ask that we approve them as presented. The motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 5. COMMUNICATION - Donation from Danbury Housing Authority to the Police Department I move to receive the communication and accept the donation from the Housing Authority of the City of Danbury of $5,000 to Danbury Police Department to be used in support of the Police Officer Health and Wellness Programs. 7. COMMUNICATION - Appropriation of Funds - Registrar of Voters I move to receive the communication and approve the transfer of $17,974 from the Contingency Account (002.9300-5855 to the following accounts - Other Salaries Election Workers (002.1060-5050-1120) in the amount of $15,070 and into the Purchased Services Outside Services (002.1060-5300.2040) in the amount of $2,904. 10. RESOLUTION - School Building Committees - Danbury Career Academy and DHS Science Labs - updates to membership I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolutions appointing: Gladys Cooper and Luisa Zagotis-Britton to the School Building Committee – Danbury Career Academy and to the School Building Committee – Danbury High School Science Lab Improvements. 11. RESOLUTION - CT Dept of Emergency Services - Emergency Management Performance Grant - Office of Emergency Management I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution authorizing Roberto L. Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury, or Matthew Cassavechia, Emergency Management Director for the City of Danbury, as his designee, is authorized to apply for and accept funding not to exceed $25,000 with no city match and to do all things necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. 12. RESOLUTION - State Homeland Security Grant Program (Region 5) - MOA - Office of Emergency Management I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution authorizing Mayor Roberto L. Alves, or his designee, Matthew Cassavechia, Emergency Management Director for the City of Danbury, to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the City of Danbury and to do and perform all acts and things necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents. 13. RESOLUTION - CT DPH Tuberculosis Related Services Billing & Reimbursement Grant Program - Health & Human Services I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution that Mayor Roberto L. Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury or Fernanda Carvalho, MPH, Acting Director of Health and Human Services as his designee, is hereby authorized to submit reimbursement requests in an unspecified amount, based on the CT DPH Tuberculosis Control Program Cost for Service fee schedule, accept said funds, and to execute all contracts and agreements necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. 14. RESOLUTION - WestCOG / CT DOT - Elderly and Disabled Demand Responsive Transit Grant - HARTransit I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution to authorize Mayor Roberto L. Alves to execute all necessary agreements or other documents for purposes of participation in the regional application for the ‘Elderly and Disabled Demand Responsive Transportation’ program where a local match of 50% will be met through the adopted budget allocation to HARTransit. 16. RESOLUTION - US Dept. of Energy / Local Government Energy Program - Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy Funding - Finance I move to receive the communication and adopt the resolution authorizing that Mayor Roberto L. Alves, or Kara Prunty, Acting Assistant Director of Finance (Budget and Grants), as his designee, to apply for and accept funding at an estimated project cost of $900,000 for building efficiency, building community capacity, and improving access to renewable energy with a 5% city match, and to execute all contracts to effectuate purposes thereof. 18. REPORTS & RESOLUTION - Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) I move to receive the report of the Committee of the Whole and to adopt the resolution authorizing approved and listed agencies to apply for and receive funding in the form of tax credits from the State of Connecticut through the Neighborhood Assistance Program. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, and was seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to accept the Consent Calendar as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Chianese requested to withdrew Item #14. AGENDA Mayor Alves noted that Item #20 is withdrawn 1. COMMUNICATION - Appointments to the Environmental Impact Commission A motion was made by Councilman Ratchford, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the communication and confirm the appointments of John Schwartz, Christina Britton, and Gary A. Dufel, to serve on the City of Danbury Environmental Impact Commission. The motion carried unanimously. 2. COMMUNICATION - Purchase of Taylor Farm Properties A motion was made by Councilwoman LaPine, to receive the communication and refer this to an Ad Hoc, with a request for a report from Planning before the Ad Hoc meeting. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilman Salvatore in the Chair, along with Councilwoman LaPine and Councilman Palma. 3. COMMUNICATION - School District Committee Request A motion was made by Councilwoman Robinson, to receive the communication and refer this to an Ad Hoc Committee. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilwoman Robinson in the Chair, along with Councilmen Britton and Fox. 4. COMMUNICATION - Amendment to Ordinance 14-104 - Beckerle & Hose Volunteer Company Merger A motion was made by Councilman Rickert, to receive the communication and refer this to an Ad Hoc. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilman P. Buzaid in the Chair, along with Councilmen Rickert and E. Buzaid. 5. COMMUNICATION - Donation from Danbury Housing Authority to the Police Department *CONSENTED - as received. 6. COMMUNICATION - Appointment of Independent Auditors - Finance A motion was made by Councilman Simone, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to receive the communication from Dan Garrick, Director of Finance, and approve the appointment of RSM, US, LLC, as the City’s Independent Auditors and accounting firm from the fiscal year ending in June 30, 2024. The motion was superseded by Councilman Fox’s request. Councilman Fox expressed his concern over the time constraint of the request. A motion was made by Councilman Fox, to send this to an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of the Director of Finance, a representative of the Mayor's Office, Corporation Counsel, and a representative of the Audit Committee. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilman Salvatore in the Chair, along with Councilmen Britton and Palma. 7. COMMUNICATION - Appropriation of Funds - Registrar of Voters *CONSENTED - as received. 8. COMMUNICATION - Application for Sewer Main Extension - 5 Forest Avenue A motion was made by Councilman McAllister, to refer this item for reports from Planning & Engineering. So ordered. 9. RESOLUTION - ARPA Reallocation of Funds A motion was made by Councilman McAllister, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to receive the communication and adopt the resolution to reallocate funds for the American Rescue Plan Act in the amount of $2,942,345.00, to the items listed in exhibit 1-A-1, as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Garrick and Mayor Alves clarified the allocation change and expenditures with Councilmen Chianese and Duane Perkins. 10. RESOLUTION - School Building Committees - Danbury Career Academy and DHS Science Labs - updates to membership *CONSENTED - as received. 11. RESOLUTION - CT Dept of Emergency Services - Emergency Management Performance Grant - Office of Emergency Management *CONSENTED - as received. 12. RESOLUTION - State Homeland Security Grant Program (Region 5) - MOA - Office of Emergency Management *CONSENTED - as received. 13. RESOLUTION - CT DPH Tuberculosis Related Services Billing & Reimbursement Grant Program - Health & Human Services *CONSENTED - as received. 14. RESOLUTION - WestCOG / CT DOT - Elderly and Disabled Demand Responsive Transit Grant - HARTransit A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to receive the communication and adopt the resolution to authorize Mayor Roberto L. Alves to execute all necessary agreements and other documents for purpose of participation in the regional application for the Elderly and Disabled Demand Responsive Transport Program, where a local match of 50% will be met through the adopted budget allocation to HARTransit. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Capodilupo (Mayor’s Office, Government Affairs Advisor) explained to Councilman Chianese that the funding will be used for HART transportation of the elderly. 15. RESOLUTION - Congressionally Directed Spending Application - FY 2025 East Ditch Project - Finance A motion was made by Councilman Giordano, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to receive the communication and adopt the resolution that Mayor Roberto L. Alves and/or Kara Prunty, Acting Assistant Director of Finance, to execute the documentation and necessary funding related to the congressionally directed spending grant application process, for the investigation and design of the east ditch to mitigate the flooding on Main Street and the surrounding areas at an estimated project cost of $1,250,000, with a 20% match, and to ratify all previous and future actions taken in the furthering thereof. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Iadarola (Public Works Director) clarified the project with Councilman Duane Perkins, and noted that this will fund the study and preliminary engineering of the project. 16. RESOLUTION - US Dept. of Energy / Local Government Energy Program - Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy Funding - Finance *CONSENTED - as received. 17. RESOLUTION - Downtown Special Services District Tax Levy A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to take that item off the table. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the communication and adopt the Resolution levying the property tax for the Danbury Downtown Special Services District for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Chianese requested the audited financial statements for the special services district; Mr. Garrick confirmed that it would be provided. 18. REPORTS & RESOLUTION - Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) *CONSENTED - as received. 19. REPORTS, RESOLUTION & ORDINANCE - An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, and a Resolution levying Property Tax for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, including budgets for: General Government I, General Government II, Education, Public Works, and Health & Human Services & Public Safety A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the report of the Committee of The Whole; and waive the reading of all the Ad Hoc Budget Committee reports and minutes, as all Members have copies and there are copies on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office. The motion carried unanimously. A. General Government I A motion was made by Councilman Britton, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to receive the report from the Ad Hoc Committee for General Government I, and to adopt the Mayor's budget, as presented, for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The motion carried. 19 Yes, 1 No (E. Buzaid). Motion to Amend: A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to amend the motion to increase the salaries of the Registrar of Voters by 2.75% for fiscal year 2024-2025, effective January 1, 2025, and 2.75% for fiscal year 2025-2026, effective July 1, 2025. The motion carried unanimously. (Back to the Main Motion) Councilman Britton thanked the committee and department heads for all their hard work. Councilman Chianese noted the reason for amendment and explained that salaries of elected officials must be approved before their next election. B. General Government II A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the report from the Ad Hoc Committee for General Government II, and to adopt the Mayor's budget, as presented, for the fiscal year 2024 to 2025. The motion carried. 19 Yes, 1 No (E. Buzaid). Councilwoman Gartner thanked the committee for their work. C. Education A motion was made by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the report from the Ad Hoc Committee for Education, and to adopt the Mayor's budget, as presented, for the fiscal year 2024/2025. The motion carried. 18 Yes, 2 No (E. Buzaid, and Coelho). Councilwoman Robinson spoke on the dedicated work of the committee and the BOE leaders. Councilman Chianese noted the Council’s visit to Danbury High School to see the challenges in person. Councilman Fox thanked Dr. Casimiro for her valuable presentation at the Ad Hoc, he discussed the need to work together, and asked that we remember that many residents cannot afford higher taxes. Mr. Garrick provided an update on the 2022 audit with Councilman Duane Perkins. Councilman Palma requested that the School Administration submit financial statements every three months to Council to see how the money is being used. Councilman Coelho discussed the need to have a completed audit to make a accurate decision on the proposed budget which makes up 50% of the City’s overall budget. Mayor Alves spoke on additional state funding for education and noted the need to keep all taxpayers in mind.  D. Public Works A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the report from the Ad Hoc Committee for Public Works, and adopt the Mayor's budget, as presented, for the fiscal year 2024/2025. The motion carried. 17 Yes, 3 No (E. Buzaid, Coelho, and Fox). Councilman Fox spoke in opposition of increasing funding to various entities so that those funds can be used for education needs. Councilman Perkins spoke on the funding needs of the Tarrywile Park Authority, and discussed its achievements including grants and programs. Mr. Iadarola clarified the allocation of funds for maintenance and repairs, and identified grants and bonds as sources of funding for Danbury High School improvements with Councilman Palma. Councilman P. Buzaid thanked the committee members and department heads for their work on the budget, and he identified the importance of the Danbury Museum and its work with schools and students. E. Health & Human Services & Public Safety A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to receive the report from the Ad Hoc Committee for Health & Human Services and Public Safety, and to adopt the Mayor's budget, as presented, with a transfer of $210,000 from account 002.5011-6000.6080, Donations & Grants United Way, into account 002.9300-5855, contingency for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Salvatore thanked the committee and department heads for their time. Main Motion: Budget Ordinance and Resolution: A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to approve the ordinance making appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, ending June 30, 2025, along with a resolution levying the property tax for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, as amended and presented. The motion carried. 18 - Yes, 2 - No (E. Buzaid, and Coelho). Councilman E. Buzaid discussed the need to fund public safety. Councilman Britton spoke on underfunding in the past that has led to current education funding deficits, he discussed the importance of funds that are coming from the tax increase. Councilman Coelho spoke in opposition of the proposed budget due to the increased burden it places on tax payers, and he identified underfunding from the state for decades for the City’s current education budget issues. Councilman Salvatore spoke on increased funding from the state, and the need to address many issues while being fiscally responsible. Councilman Simone discussed the amount of work that the Council and Mayor put into this budget because they want what is best for the City. Councilman Hawley requested a Roll Call Vote. 20. REPORTS & ORDINANCE - An Ordinance Appropriating $3,000,000 for Public Improvements in the 2024-2025 Capital Budget, and Authorizing the issuance of $3,000,000 Bonds of the City to meet said appropriations and pending issuance thereof the making of Temporary Borrowings for such purpose. *WITHDRAWN 21. REPORTS & ORDINANCES - Sewer Rates as of July 1, 2024 A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to waive the reading of the Committee of The Whole report and minutes of that meeting, 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 Hawley, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the report from the Committee of The Whole, and to adopt the Sewer Rates proposed in Code of Ordinances in Section 48-234 and 48-168, as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 22. REPORTS & ORDINANCES - Water Rates as of July 1, 2024 A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to waive the reading of the Committee of The Whole report and minutes of that meeting, 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 Rickert, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the report of the Committee of The Whole, and to adopt the Water Rates as proposed in Code of Ordinances in Section 48- 70 through 48-77, as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Day (Public Utilities Superintendent) clarified the water rate increases with Councilman Rotello; Water Rate increase in a quarterly bill is $5.10, and Sewer increase per quarter is $7.00. 23. REPORTS & ORDINANCE - Government Entities Review Committee (GERC) A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to waive the reading of the Committee of The Whole report and minutes, as all the Members have copies, and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to receive the report of the Ad Hoc Committee to approve the recommendation of the reestablishment through June 30, 2028, of the Tarrywile Park Authority, the Danbury Parks & Recreation Commission and the Aviation Commission, and the reestablishment through June 30, 2025, of the Design Review Board and the Danbury Housing Partnership, as set forth in Code of Ordinances Section 2-259, as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 24. 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 as well as we accept the reports as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Iadarola discussed the road paving list with Councilmen Chianese and Dennis Perkins. Councilmen Duane Perkins and Salvatore recognized City staff for their hard work at Tarrywile Park and on Clean City Danbury Day; and Chief Ridenhour for the Police Department’s work on drug enforcement. Reappointments To Committees: Tax Assessment Deferral – 11 Boughton Street Remove E. Buzaid, add Elmer Palma Petition to Accept Private Road: Flintlock Drive – Fill vacancy with Irving Fox Mayor Extended All Other Committees ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m. 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, Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant