City Council

~AD HOC REPORT~ Government Entities Review Committee Tuesday, February 11, 2025 Chairman Rotello called the meeting to order at 6:35p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Members present were Diane LaPine, Elmer Palma, Council Mark Chory, and Alan Boyce. From the City was Taylor O’Brien, Mayor’s Office; and Robin Edwards, Deputy Corporation Counsel. Commission on Persons with Disabilities Members: John Gentile, John Neumuller and (inaudible). Chair Rotello provided an overview of the purpose of the committee and noted that the order of the agenda was being modified to address The Commission on Persons with Disabilities last. The Danbury Aquifer Protection Agency Chair Rotello noted that this entity is required per state statute and it can not be sunsetted. Ms. Edwards spoke on the state statute requirements. Member LaPine asked about website and membership information for this entity; Ms. Edwards explained that the Planning Commission serves as the entity. Member LaPine had additional questions regarding water testing that she will address with Public Utilities. Member Palma asked if rules of the entity can be modified; Ms. Edwards confirmed that that request is outside the scope of this committee; Chair Rotello spoke on past Council actions regarding contamination including strict run-off regulations; in addition, Ms. Edwards suggested that any suggested changes be presented to the Planning Department and possibly the Commission. A motion was made by Member Chory , seconded by Member LaPine, to renew the agency for another five years, per the ordinance requirements. The motion carries unanimously. The Fair Rent Commission Chair Rotello provided an overview of the purpose of the Commission and discussed current concerns including month-to-month rent rates and high rental costs. Ms. Edwards noted the importance of the Commission. Chair Rotello spoke on an uptake in Commission hearings and reiterated its importance. Member Palma asked about the regulations that the Commission has the right to enforce, and noted the importance of a safe living environment for all residents. Member Chory noted the frequency of meetings as a positive. Member Palma and Chair Rotello spoke on the burden of additional fees in rental costs and the need for a clear posting of the total rent for a property. Member Boyce noted the need for more members; Ms. O’Brien explained that there has not been public interest in serving. She thanked Health & Human Services staff member Denise Chance for her work in preemptive work for the city and commission; and identified state certification needs and delays for more staffing and work. A motion was made by Member LaPine, seconded by Member Palma, to renew for a five-year period the Fair Rent Commission. Motion carried unanimously. The Board of Ethics Chair Rotello spoke on the purpose of the entity and noted very few complaints. Ms. Edwards confirmed there were no complaints in 2024; Ms. O’Brien noted the need for additional members. A motion was made by Member Chory, seconded by Member Palma, to renew the Board of Ethics for another five years. Motion carried unanimously.  Design Review Board Chair Rotello discussed the origin of this board; and explained that the were no appointments of members and no meetings took place. He explained his opinion on the need of this board to assure that quality structures are designed and built. Ms. O’Brien spoke on the process of business development and discussed the overview of the Planning Department to approve or deny designs; she noted the extra step that could delay projects and would like to provide the new Planning Director with an opportunity to review the need. Members LaPine and Palma asked about design rules for new downtown developments; Ms. O’Brien explained that design review is currently done through the Planning Department. Chair Rotello spoke on the lasting impact of new buildings and the importance of having design oversite. A motion was made by Member LaPine, seconded by Member Palma, to extend the Design Review Board for two years. Motion carried unanimously. Danbury Housing Partnership A motion was made by Member LaPine, seconded by Member Palma, to take no action. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Rotello explained that by taking no action, the motion made in 2024 will stand. Ms. O’Brien explained the City’s work to address homelessness through an existing task force which facilitates actions on homelessness in Danbury. Commission on Persons with Disabilities Chair Rotello discussed the purpose of the Commission. Member Palma discussed handicap parking concerns and suggested a sticker to prevent hanging placards from being utilized by multiple users. 7:20pm – Three members of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities arrived. Mr. Gentile spoke on the inability of the Commission to enforce laws like handicap parking; he explained that the commission has been working with the Police Department to address this issue which included ticket enforcement. He explained the purpose of placards going with the handicap person and not the vehicle. Chair Rotello recognized the Commission for using its voice to bring attention to the issue. Mr. Gentile spoke on the need for the Commission to have input on downtown development plans to assure that special needs are being considered. Ms. O’Brien suggested that the Planning Director meet with the Commission to review existing plans to confirm compliance. Member LaPine and Chair Rotello thanked the Commission for all their work and for offering hybrid meetings. Mr. Neumuller asked about the Parking Authority’s ability to ticket offenders; Mr. Chory suggested the Parking Authority could review their policies and Ms. O’Brien identified more police presence downtown as the weather gets warmer. A motion was made by Member LaPine, seconded by Member Chory, to extend the Commission on Persons with Disabilities for five years. Motion carried unanimously. A motion made by Member LaPine, and seconded by Member Palma, to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Paul Rotello, Chair; Diane LaPine, Elmer Palma, Mark Chory, Alan Boyce