City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 4, 2025 - 7:30 PM Honorable Mayor, Roberto Alves, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & PRAYER The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sean Hatch. Councilman Salvatore led all in prayer. ROLL CALL COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Hawley, Simone, Gartner, Salvatore, Peter Buzaid, Emile Buzaid, Coelho, LaPine, Wallace-Smith, Dennis Perkins, Fox, Palma, Robinson, Britton, McAllister, Duane Perkins, Chianese, Rotello, and Giordano. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Rickert and Tomchik. PRESENT: 19, ABSENT: 2 ALSO PRESENT: Dan Casagrande, Corporation Counsel; Robin Edwards, Deputy Corporation Counsel; and Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant. PUBLIC INPUT Gregory Wencek, 9 Sil Cam Drive, Resident, spoke on the Cultural Commission and item #8. Charlie Setaro, 27 Deer Hill Avenue, Resident, spoke against item # 5. Tom Brown, 10 Valerie Lane, Resident, spoke against item #5. Mary Ann Strattner, 1 Hawley Road, Resident, spoke against item #5. Geoffrey Herald, 18 Foster Street, Resident, spoke on items #9, 1, 2, and 3. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meeting held January 7, 2025 A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, and was seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the minutes from the January 7th regular meeting and waive the reading of the minutes, as all Members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Offic, and approve them as presented. The motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 10. COMMUNICATION - Donation of benches - Department of Parks & Recreation Move to receive the communication and accept the donation of the 2016 GMC Savana G 12- passenger van purchased by the Danbury Law Enforcement Cadets for use by the Danbury Police Cadet Program. 11. COMMUNICATION - Application for Water Main Extension: 4-6 Elwell Place Move to receive the communication and accept the donation of five handmade benches valued at an estimated $350 from the CT Urbanists and thank the group publicly for their hours of preparation, making of, and installation work done by their volunteers. 13. RESOLUTION - Authorization to Sign Supplemental Application for Franklin Street Ext. Bridge over Mercers Pond Brook Move to receive the communication and authorize Roberto L. Alves, Mayor to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $150,000 with no city match through the State of Connecticut LoCIP entitlement program, and to execute any contracts and agreements to effectuate the purposes thereof. 15. RESOLUTION - Dollar General Literacy Foundation Summer Youth Reading Grant - Library Move to receive the communication and authorize Roberto L. Alves, Mayor or Katie Pearson, Library Director, as his designee 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 matching funds, execute on behalf of the city of Danbury all contracts, agreements or amendments and to take all actions necessary to accomplish the purposes of this funding. 16. REPORT - Ad Hoc: Library Space Lease Agreements for Danbury Hackerspace and The New American Dream Center Move to receive the communication and authorize Roberto L. Alves, Mayor or Katie Pearson, Library Director, as his designee to sign any documents necessary to effectuate the purposes of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Summer Reading Grant in the amount of $3,000 with no matching funds, execute on behalf of the city of Danbury all contracts, agreements or amendments and to take all actions necessary to accomplish the purposes of this funding. Councilman Coelho asked to withdrawal Item #13. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, and was seconded by Councilman Rotello, to accept the Consent Calendar with the amendment. The motion carried unanimously. AGENDA 1. COMMUNICATION - Promotion of Shawn McGee to Deputy Fire Chief A motion was made by Councilman McAllister, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to receive the communication and approve the promotion of Shawn McGee to the position of Deputy Fire Chief with the Danbury Fire Department. The motion carried unanimously. 2. COMMUNICATION - Promotion of Mark Miguel to Fire Captain A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to receive the communication and approve the promotion of Mark Miguel to the position of Fire Captain with the Danbury Fire Department. The motion carried unanimously. 3. COMMUNICATION - Promotion of Jason Biroscak to Fire Lieutenant A motion was made by Councilman Britton, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to receive the communication and approve the promotion of Jason Biroscak to the position of Fire Lieutenant with the Danbury Fire Department. The motion carried unanimously. 4. COMMUNICATION - Appointment of Police Officer Mahmud A motion was made by Councilman Hawley, seconded by Councilman Coelho, to receive the communication and approve the appointment of Abdula Mahmud to the position Certified Police Officer with the Danbury Police Department. The motion carried unanimously. 5. ORDINANCES & REPORTS - Public Hearing & COW - Elderly Tax Relief Programs (Sec. 44-51, 44-53, 44-54, 44-71) A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to waive the reading of the Ad Hoc minutes, as all Members have copies, and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office, and accept the reports as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Main Motion: A motion was made by Councilman Chianese, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the communication and adopt section 44.71, Tax relief for the elderly and totally disabled homeowners, as amended, and adopt the amendments found in sections 44.51, tax credit for the elderly homeowners, 44.53 tax freeze for the elderly homeowners, 44.54 energy tax credit, as recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee. The motion carried unanimously. Roll Call Vote: Yes - 15, No – 4 (Emile Buzaid, Coelho, Fox, Palma). Councilman Rotello asked for clarification of the amendment. Councilman Salvatore explained the amendment is to change the residency requirement from 5 years to 1 year which complies with state requirements. Councilman Fox spoke against the new ordinance noting discrimination with the social security and real estate value cap provisions; noting that the tax credit is not income based as had been claimed. He noted that the new ordinance will not create immediate efficiency in the application process. Corporation Counsel confirmed that a recommittal is a majority vote. Duane Perkins asked for a roll call vote. A motion was made by Councilman Fox, seconded by Councilman Emile Buzaid, to refer this back to the Committee. The motion failed. Roll Call Vote: No - 15, Yes - 4 (Emile Buzaid, Coelho, Fox, Palma). Back to the Main Motion. Councilman Duane Perkins asked for clarification on residents who are already enrolled in a program; Ms. Murphy (Tax Assessor) confirmed that anyone who is in a program can stay, or apply for the new program if it is more beneficial; she confirmed that anyone on the programs are notified by mail to reapply, and there is no electronic option right now for online applications. Councilman Rotello spoke in support of the proposed ordinance and its need; also noting that if needed, amendments can be made in the future. Councilwoman Robinson asked if the new ordinance discriminates against those receiving social security or contradicts state statute making it illegal; Mr. Casagrande said it does not. Councilman Salvatore clarified the need for existing recipients to be able to stay on their current programs, and allow new applicants to apply for the new program. He noted that departments heads helped guide the new program because of their topical knowledge; Ms. Murphy confirmed that applications have and can be delivered to residents if needed. Councilman Palma spoke against the new program citing the need to address seniors who are struggling with low income but high home values. Councilwoman Gartner asked if there is an appeals process; Ms. Murphy confirmed that there is not an appeals process for the local program. Councilwoman Robinson asked for clarification on median home values and home revaluations; Ms. Murphy confirmed that revaluations take place every five years. Councilman Chianese provided an overview of the review process and spoke in support of the proposed ordinance, he recognized the Tax Assessor and the department for their hard work; noting that the goal was for more people to qualify for a tax credit. Ms. Murphy discussed distributing information regarding the changes via the city website, workshops at senior venues, and encouraging appointments with the Tax Assessor’s office to review the programs. Councilman Salvatore asked for a roll call vote. 6. ORDINANCE & REPORTS - Public Hearing & COW - Amendment to Sec. 10-24 - Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to waive the reading of the Ad Hoc minutes, as all Members have copies, and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office, and accept the reports as presented. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilwoman Wallace-Smith, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to receive the communication and adopt Section 10-24, Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact, as recommended by the Ad Hoc. The motion carried unanimously. 7. COMMUNICATION - Request to join the CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority A motion was made by Councilwoman LaPine, to receive the communication and refer this to an Ad Hoc Committee, consisting of the following departments, Corporation Counsel, Planning & Zoning, Finance and the Mayor's Office. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilman Britton in the Chair, along with Councilwoman Wallace-Smith and Councilman Palma. 8. COMMUNICATION - Lease Renewal Agreement for Danbury Music Centre A motion was made by Councilman Simone, to receive the communication and refer this to an Ad Hoc Committee, consisting of the following departments, Corporation Counsel, Finance, Planning, Public Buildings, and the Mayor's Office. Councilman Rotello asked for clarification regarding a Planning Report; Ms. Edwards confirmed a 8-24 report is needed. Councilman Salvatore amended the motion. A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the communication and send it to an Ad Hoc Committee, consisting of the following departments; Corporation Counsel, Finance, Planning, Public Buildings, and the Mayor's Office, and to the Planning Commission for a report back. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilwoman Gartner in the Chair, along with Councilmen Hawley and Emile Buzaid. 9. COMMUNICATION - Appropriation of Funds - Corporation Counsel A motion was made by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to receive the communication and authorize the transfer of funds from contingency account 002.9300-53855, to the Office of Corporation Counsel. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Perkins asked if the funds are being used for specialized attorneys; Mayor Alves clarified that the funds are being used for specialized attorney work as well as attorney shortages, which will be addressed in the future. Mr. Garrick (Finance Director) clarified the balance of the Contingency General Fund for Councilman Coelho; $116,000. Mr. Garrick confirmed Councilman Chianese that there are currently no additional requests for Contingency Funds. 10. COMMUNICATION - Donation of van to the Police Cadet Program - Police Department *CONSENTED - as received. 11. COMMUNICATION - Donation of benches - Department of Parks & Recreation *CONSENTED - as received. 12. COMMUNICATION - Application for Water Main Extension: 4-6 Elwell Place A motion was made by Councilman Giordano, to receive the communication and refer this item to both the Planning Department and Public Works/City Engineer, for reports back to the City Council. So ordered. 13. RESOLUTION - CT LOCIP Project Funding for Richter Park HVAC A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson, to receive the communication and authorize Roberto L. Alves, Mayor, to apply for and accept funding in the amount of $150,000, with no City match, through the State of Connecticut LOCIP Entitlement Program, and to execute any contracts and agreements to effectuate the purposes thereof. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Coelho asked why this project was chosen; Ms. Prunty (Assistant Finance Director) confirmed this need was identified last year and the need had become more urgent; the project fit the funding requirements. 14. RESOLUTION - Authorization to Sign Supplemental Application for Franklin Street Ext. Bridge over Mercers Pond Brook A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, seconded by Councilwoman LaPine, to receive the communication and authorize Roberto L. Alves, Mayor, or Antonio Iadarola, Director of Public Works/ City Engineer, as his designee, to sign the Local Bridge Program supplemental application and other required documents regarding the CTDOT Local Bridge Program and other state sources of funding related there to, all as necessary, to effectuate the purposes thereof. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Fox spoke in support of the project, and thanked the Finance Department for providing the financial report with capital expenditures, and asked Mr. Garrick about remaining funds; Mr. Garrick confirmed he would provide a life-to-date report. Mr. Iadarola provided a brief update on the project and rebidding process for Councilman Coelho. He identified a spring start timeline with intermittent partial road closures through the fall. 15. RESOLUTION - Dollar General Literacy Foundation Adult Literacy Grant - Library *CONSENTED - as received. 16. RESOLUTION - Dollar General Literacy Foundation Summer Youth Reading Grant - Library *CONSENTED - as received. 17. REPORT - Ad Hoc: Library Space Lease Agreements for Danbury Hackerspace and The New American Dream Center A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to waive the reading of the Ad Hoc minutes, as all Members have copies, and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office, and accept the reports as presented. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to receive the communication and refer the leases to the Planning Commission for a report, and if a positive report is received, then refer it to a public hearing. So ordered. 18. 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 accept the report as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Iadarola provided a brief update on grant funding for pedestrian crossings and public safety studies for Councilman Chianese. Councilman Rotello asked if anything can be done to address car accidents at the intersection of Park Avenue and Pleasant Street; Mr. Iadarola identified enforcement and preemptive signaling initiatives. Councilman McAllister recognized City staff for their response to pedestrian concerns on Main Street. Mr. Day (Public Utilities Superintendent) provided a brief update on reservoir levels for Councilman Coelho; he noted a slightly low water level. Ms. Carvalho (Health Director) spoke on staff training for the implementation of the Message and Body Care Ordinances, and identified a surge in covid and flu numbers in the community. Mayor Extended All Committees ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m. Copies of Agenda Items are available in the Legislative Assistant’s Office and on the City’s website. Respectfully submitted, Christina Dior Carol Martinez Recording Secretary’s Attest, Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant