City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 1, 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 McAllister led all in prayer. ROLL CALL COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Hawley, Gartner, Salvatore, Peter Buzaid, Emile Buzaid, Coelho, Wallace-Smith, Dennis Perkins, Fox, Robinson, Britton, McAllister, Rickert, Duane Perkins, Chianese, Rotello, Giordano, Simone, LaPine, and Palma. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Tomchik PRESENT: 20, ABSENT: 1 ALSO PRESENT: Dan Casagrande, Corporation Counsel; Robin Edwards, Deputy Corporation Counsel; Taylor O’Brien, Chief of Staff to the Mayor; and Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant. PUBLIC INPUT BUDGET PRESENTATION Mayor Alves presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meeting held March 4, 2025 A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, and was seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to receive the minutes from the March 4th meeting and waive the reading, as all Members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office, and we approve them as they are presented. The motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 15. RESOLUTION - State Acquisition of City easement for Flashing Beacon - 82 Park Avenue I move to receive the communication and positive planning commission 8- 24 report and adopt the resolution authorizing Mayor Roberto L Alves to transfer the easement identified as the “Installation/Revision of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons” on Park Avenue for the just compensation of $2,300. And further resolve that Mayor Roberto L. Alves is authorized to execute and deliver to the State of Connecticut the proposed “acceptance agreement” in connection therewith, together with any additional documentation that may be required, and to take any additional action that may be necessary in order to accomplish the purposes hereof. 16. RESOLUTION - State Acquisition of City easement for Flashing Beacon - 100 Aunt Hack Rd. I move to receive the communication and positive planning commission 8-24 report and adopt the resolution authorizing Mayor Roberto L Alves to transfer the easement identified as the “Installation/Revision of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons” on Aunt Hack Road for the just compensation of $500. And further resolve that Mayor Roberto L. Alves is authorized to execute and deliver to the State of Connecticut the proposed “acceptance agreement” in connection therewith, together with any additional documentation that may be required, and to take any additional action that may be necessary in order to accomplish the purposes hereof. 18. RESOLUTION - AIG FAA Grant for Runway 17-35: Design, Permit and Bid Services - Danbury Airport (DXR) I move to receive the communication and authorize Roberto L. Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury and/or Michael Safranek, Airport Administrator to apply for and accept funding through the Federal Aviation Administration, Airport Infrastructure Grant, and to execute all contracts and agreements necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof, and to ratify all previous, and future, actions taken in the furtherance thereof. 19. RESOLUTION - AIP FAA Grant for Runway 17-35: Design, Permit and Bid Services - Danbury Airport (DXR) I move to receive the communication and authorize Roberto L. Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury and/or Michael Safranek, Airport Administrator to apply for and accept funding through the Federal Aviation Administration, Airport Improvement Program, and to execute all contracts and agreements necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof, and to ratify all previous, and future, actions taken in the furtherance thereof. 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. AGENDA 1. ORDINANCE - Ordinance & Resolution - Appropriations for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 A motion was made by Councilman Rickert, to refer to a public hearing. So ordered. 2. ORDINANCE - Ordinance Appropriating $3M for Public Improvement in the 2025-2026 Capital Budget A motion was made by Councilman Hawley, to refer to a public hearing followed by a Committee Of The Whole. So ordered. 3. ORDINANCE - Sewer Rates as of July 1, 2025 A motion was made by Councilman Simone, to refer to a public hearing followed by a Committee Of The Whole. So ordered. 4. ORDINANCE - Water Rates as of July 1, 2025. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, to refer to a public hearing followed by the Committee Of The Whole. So ordered. 5. RESOLUTION - Downtown Special Services District Tax Levy A motion was made by Councilwoman LaPine, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to table this until the May 6, 2025 City Council meeting. So ordered. 6. COMMUNICATION - Appointment of Zoning Violation Hearing Officer - Skelly A motion was made by Councilwoman Wallace-Smith, seconded by Councilman Coelho, to receive the communication and confirm the appointment of Wayne A. Skelly as the Zoning Violation Hearing Officer. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Simone spoke in favor of the appointment. 7. COMMUNICATION - Re-Appointment to the Commission on Aging - Schreiber A motion was made by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the communication and confirm the reappointment of Kay Schreiber as a Member of the Commission on Aging. The motion carried unanimously. 8. ORDINANCE - Amendment to Ord. Sec. 8-2: Voting wards of city (reapportionment) A motion was made by Councilman Chianese, to receive the communication and send this to an Ad Hoc with representatives from the Registrar of Voters Corporation Council and the Mayor's Office. So ordered. Councilman Rotello asked about adding someone to the ad hoc; Mayor Alves confirmed original outside counsel, Attorney Mortelliti, will be included. The Mayor appointed Councilman Chianese in the chair, along with Councilmen Britton and Palma. 9. COMMUNICATION - New Ordinance - Chapter 46: Municipal School Bus Violation Detection Monitoring System A motion was made by Councilman McAllister, to receive the communication and send this to an Ad Hoc with representatives from Corporation Counsel, the Chief of Police, Danbury Public School's representatives that deal with school transportation, the School Bus Transportation Company, and the Mayor's Office. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilman P. Buzaid in the chair, along with Councilwoman Wallace- Smith and Councilman Fox. 10. COMMUNICATION - Appointment of Auditors A motion was made by Councilman Britton, to receive the communication and send this item to an Ad Hoc, with representatives from the Finance Department, Corporation Counsel, and the Mayor's Office. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilman Salvatore in the chair, Councilwoman Gartner and Councilmen Chianese, Fox, and Palma. 11. COMMUNICATION - Time Extension for approved Water Ext. - 21 Old Sherman Turnpike A motion was made by Councilman Giordano, to receive the communication and refer this to the City Engineer/ Public Works Director, and Planning Commission for a report back. So ordered. 12. COMMUNICATION - Time Extension for approved Water & Sewer Ext. - Fairfield Ave. & Morton St. A motion was made by Councilman Giordano, to receive the communication and refer this to the City Engineer/ Public Works Director, and Planning Commission for a report back. So ordered. 13. RESOLUTION - Modified Motor Vehicle Depreciation Schedule - Tax Assessor A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to receive the communication and authorize Donna Murphy, Assessor, to apply the modified deprecation schedule for grand list years commencing on or after October 1, 2024, in accordance with Bill Number 7067 directives, and Mayor Alberto L. Alves and/or Donna Murphy, Assessor, is authorized to execute any and all documentation necessary to effectuate the said purposes. Furthermore, Donna Murphy, Assessor, is authorized to adjust and republish the 2024 grant list, no later than April 15, 2025, and to apply with all other procedural requirements set forth in Bill Number 7067. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Coelho asked how many municipalities are participating in the schedule change; Ms. Murphy explained that 55 out of 77 municipalities adopted this; she confirmed that the state passed this bill in 2022 to take affect with the 2024 grand list, and that this modification helps mitigate losses; she further noted that if the modification is not adopted then the mill rate will have to go up. Councilman E. Buzaid asked about the bills original removal of trailers, ATVs snowmobiles are no longer taxed; Ms. Murphy confirmed. Councilman Rotello asked Ms. Murphy to clarify the grand list; he noted that this is not a tax increase for the majority of car owners. Councilman Fox asked if the proposed budget was created on the assumption that this will pass; Mayor Alves confirmed. Councilman Palma asked about the increase to motor vehicle taxes; Ms. Murphy clarified that accessed values of cars will go down for most moto vehicle owners; she reiterated that the schedule change is a requirement and this modification only mitigates the loss; she confirmed her office could be contacted with questions. Councilman P. Buzaid asked for the number of cars and how it affects the grand list; Ms. Murphy confirmed 79,000vehicles and that this does help conserve the list. Mayor Alves thanked Ms. Murphy for identifying the bills effect on municipalities and for helping present the issue to the state to help get this modification passed. 14. RESOLUTION - 2025 Neighborhood Assistance Act Program A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, to receive the communication and refer this to public hearing followed by a Committee Of The Whole. So ordered. 15. RESOLUTION - State Acquisition of City easement for Flashing Beacon - 82 Park Avenue *CONSENTED - as received. 16. RESOLUTION - State Acquisition of City easement for Flashing Beacon - 100 Aunt Hack Rd. *CONSENTED - as received. 17. RESOLUTION - City Acquisition of Property - 233 White Street A motion was made by Councilman Rickert, to receive the communication and refer this item to the Planning Commission for a report, and Ad Hoc with representatives from Corporation Counsel, Director of Planning, Director of Finance, Director of Public Works, Tax Assessor, and the Mayor's Office. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilman Britton in the chair, along with Councilmen McAllister and E. Buzaid. 18. RESOLUTION - AIG FAA Grant for Runway 17-35: Design, Permit and Bid Services - Danbury Airport (DXR) *CONSENTED - as received. 19. RESOLUTION - AIP FAA Grant for Runway 17-35: Design, Permit and Bid Services - Danbury Airport (DXR) *CONSENTED - as received. 20. REPORT - Ad Hoc: CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority Membership A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to waive the reading of the Ad Hoc Committee minutes, as all Members have copies, and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office, as well accept the reports as presented. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilman Hawley, to receive the report and refer to a public hearing. So ordered. 21. REPORT - Ad Hoc: Renewal of Danbury Music Centre A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to waive the reading of the Ad Hoc Committee minutes, as all Members have copies, and copies are on file with the Legislative Assistant's, as well as accept those reports as their presented. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Councilwoman Wallace-Smith, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to receive the report and accept the lease as presented with the changes to address the language regarding the basement. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman E. Buzaid spoke in support of renewing the lease for the Danbury Music Centre and the center’s important connection to Marian Anderson; he asked if the building named in her honor is official, and suggested that the lease be renewed for 10-years. Mr. Casagrande explained he would need to research the naming of the building. Councilman Rotello asked for clarification on the amendment; Ms. O’Brien explained that the use of the basement was amended; she spoke on a new standard leasing process to include utility costs; she emphasized the 5 year phase-in of additional costs which is why the lease is shorter. Councilman E. Buzaid asked about the $35,000 to $40,000 expense for city owned buildings that are used by entities; Ms. O’Brien spoke on rising utility costs. Councilmen Rotello and Palma spoke on the importance of using the buildings to keep it maintained and are in favor of the lease renewal. 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, copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office, and accept the reports as their presented. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Iadarola provided an update on the Ellsworth Avenue School roof project for Councilman Coelho; he addressed pedestrian safety efforts with Councilman Palma. Councilman Giordano thanked Mr. Nolan for expedited services by his department. Councilmen Rotello and Coelho thanked Chief Ridenhour for the Police Department’s work in the community. Mr. Day provided a brief update on reservoir levels for Councilman Rotello. Councilman Fox asked for a timeline for the DHS lighting project; Mr. Iadarola confirmed the project will begin this summer. 23. EXECUTIVE SESSION - Tax Appeal Litigation: Danbury 6 Associates Limited & MSM 44 Old Ridgebury Road LLC A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the pending legal matters involving property tax appeals litigation, involving the Danbury 6 Associated Limited, 115 Mill Plain Road property, and the MSM 44 Old Ridgebury Road LLC office building; the following individuals are directed to remain for the session, Dan Garrick, Director of Finance, Donna Murphy, Tax Assessor, Taylor O'Brien, Mayor Staff, and Members of the Corporation Counsel's Office, as well as outside Litigation Counsel. The motion carried unanimously. Entered Executive Session: 9pm Exited Executive Session: 9:10pm Reconvened Meeting: 9:13pm A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to authorize the resolution of the pending legal matters in accordance with the discussion together with the certification of funding as provided. The motion carried unanimously. COMMITTEES Mayor appointed the 2024 Audit Committee: Chair – Salvatore, Gartner, Chianese, Fox, Palma Mayor extended all other committees. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, seconded by Councilman Palma, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:14 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 Secretaries Attest, Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant