City Council

~AD HOC REPORT~ Budget Ad Hoc: Public Works Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Chair Peter Buzaid called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Present were Committee Members: Ryan Hawley, Jeffrey Tomchik, Ben Chianese. Absent was Member Elmer Palma. From the City were Dan Garrick, Finance Director; Kara Prunty, Assistant Finance Director (Budgets & Grants). Also from the City were: Roberto Alves, Mayor; Taylor O’Brien, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office; Advisor, Mayor’s Office; Farley Santos, Community & Economic Development Advisor, Mayor’s Office; Joanne Stark, Assistant Finance Director (Operations); Shaun Ratchford, Director of Recreation; Antonio Iadarola, Public Works Director; City Engineer; Dan Petrovich, Engineering; David Day, Public Utilities Superintendent. Also Present were: Michael Marcus, Chair, Tarrywile Park Authority; Gregory Wencek, Cultural Commission; Geoffrey Herald, President, Danbury Museum Authority; Ed Siergiej, Lake Kenosia Commission. Ex Officio Members present were: Frank Salvatore, Barry Rickert, Emile Buzaid, Paul Rotello, and Duane Perkins, Joseph Britton, Michael Coelho, Dennis Perkins. From the public was Tom Brown. Chair P. Buzaid opened discussion regarding the Tarrywile Park Authority. Member Chianese asked if the proposed budget is adequate; Mr. Marcus explained that the Authority will need to cut-out Unanticipated Maintenance. He discussed heating and mold concerns in two buildings, and estimated these costs at $200,000. He discussed the new pavilion which needs the trail smoothed out and hopes to get those funds from FEMA. Chair P. Buzaid asked about buildings without heat; Mr. Marcus identified the shop at the old farm that will cost about $6,000, and the Environmental Center. Mr. Marcus discussed volunteer working events organized throughout the year. Mr. Rotello asked about storm damage to the camp building and a trail; Mr. Marcus confirmed the Friends of Tarrywile funded a new roof for that building a few years ago but it is not being used. Mr. Duane Perkins spoke on meetings that he has had with FEMA officials to review the trails that need repair due to flooding. Chair P. Buzaid asked about forestry needs; Mr. Duane Perkins confirmed a need for a professional forester to study and access the park and present a plan, he estimated the cost to be $12,000 to $13,000. Mayor Alves discussed the city’s support of the park and Mr. Marcus thanked Mr. Duane Perkins for his dedication to removing invasive species. Member Chianese asked Mr. Wencek about grant funding for the Cultural Commission; he noted the need to fund programs at a lower amount then requested, however, he discussed a number of events that the Commission helps fund in collaboration with other groups. He discussed promotion and outreach initiatives by the Commission to help local groups. He discussed new group funding for the first three years so that they can become self-sufficient. Mayor Alves spoke on the important work that the Commission is doing and thanked them. Member Chianese asked Mr. Herald about the Museum’s building maintenance needs; Mr. Herald explained that the city’s proposed funding is about half of the money that is needed, he noted that these funds will be enough for about 8 months not including a new HVAC system and new roofing, he discussed continued fundraising challenges. He spoke about a new Marian Anderson exhibit, potential performances, and collaborations with other museums nationally. He expressed concerns about federal grants and the uncertainty of future funds. Mr. Chianese asked about the Museum’s plans to become a city department; Mr. Herald confirmed it is something they are still discussing and he spoke on the need to have long-term confirmed funding for grant applications. Member Hawley asked about the school house’s revitalization efforts; Mr. Herald explained that the structure is not original and is not being used and would like to use the space for something else. Mr. Coelho asked what will be affected by the underfunding; Mr. Herald identified the roof replacement. Member Tomchik asked for clarity on the HVAC need; Mr. Herald identified Huntington Hall as needing to be replaced. Mayor Alves spoke on funds for operating budgets versus Capital Improvement projects; he noted that the museum’s budget last fiscal year went up by 120%, and the operating budget has remained the same. He also spoke on state funding that has been secured in the past for the museum and discussed the need to focus on more fundraising opportunities. Member Hawley asked about overtime costs for the Recreation Department; Mr. Ratchford spoke on limited staffing in the past that has been corrected. Member Chianese asked about new initiatives and the additional funds to Outside Services; Mr. Ratchford spoke on the new Summer Camp initiative and making parks a destination. Mr. Ratchford spoke on discounted passes for seniors and children. Mr. Rickert and Mr. Emile Buzaid thanked the staff for the improvements the office has implemented so far. Mr. Rotello asked about allowing children to swim for free; Mr. Ratchford spoke on the need to generate enough revenue to be self- sustaining however he listed several events and programs that are free. Mr. Duane Perkins asked about field access and enforcement; Mr. Ratchford explained new policies for field use with fines and suspension as penalties; he noted a one-year timeline for users to produce a non-profit status and he confirmed additional policing to reduce noise and improper activity. Mr. Coelho asked about camp expenses; Mr. Ratchford confirmed that the department is starting from scratch with summer camp equipment. Ms. O’Brien noted changes to line items. Mr. Ratchford spoke on improved staffing that has added to costs; Mayor Alves spoke on past Summer Camps that were held by a private business that was charging the same fees while also getting money from the City. Mr. Ratchford spoke on promoting the camp to all parents and spoke about collaborations with the Library, all while charging less than surrounding municipalities. Member Chianese asked about the affect of Zebra Mussels at Lake Kenosia; Mr. Siergiej spoke on multiple efforts to keep vessels out of the water. He spoke on water quality testing and the Commission’s work with the City to protect the water due to it being a reserved reservoir. Mr. Siergiej confirmed that 50% of the budget is for maintenance of the buffer garden along the lake shore, he confirmed the increase to the budget now allows for year-round maintenance by a professional landscaper who knows the lake’s needs. Mr. Salvatore asked about unused funds; Mr. Siergiej confirmed a delay to landscaping is the reason, however work is scheduled and funds will all be used. Mr. Rotello spoke about the reservoir status of the lake and his concerns about the impact of run-off from the state’s sanding of the nearby highway in the winter; he asked about overflow and flooding along Kenosia Avenue. Mr. Duane Perkins asked about state funding for flooding; Mayor Alves confirmed it will be something the state delegation look into. Member Chianese asked about increases to building costs; Mr. Iadarola spoke on electrical costs as a major factor and he noted that 98 Elm Street has been added to the list of public buildings. Ms. O’Brien spoke grants that support costs of the New Street and Elm Street shelters. Member Tomchick asked about upgrades to the Police Department; Mr. Iadarola confirmed equipment replacement needs and noted that energy efficiency is a top priority. Mr. Rickert asked about the Railway Museum and the Metro North Building; Mr. Iadarola confirmed costs are included in the 1340 Line Item. Mr. Emile Buzaid asked about the Old Library budget; Mr. Iadarola confirmed the amount is the estimated electrical cost. Mr. Coelho asked about electrical costs for the library annex (Hackerspace); Mr. Iadarola estimated the electrical cost for the library is $124,000; Mayor Alves confirmed his office would get Mr. Coelho the cost for just the annex. Mr. Iadarola confirmed the Public Works Coordinator was recategorized as an Office Manager. Member Chianese asked about snow storm costs; Mr. Iadarola confirmed there were more ice events this year. Member Tomchik asked if the Street Lighting includes higher efficiency lights; Mr. Iadarola confirmed costs are only for electrical costs and schools building costs are separate. Chair Peter Buzaid asked about a Sidewalk Inspector; Mr. Iadarola noted that the position is now under Construction Services and reviews sidewalk maintenance, snow removal and sidewalk drainage issues. Mr. Rotello asked about downtown sweeping; Mr. Duane Perkins asked about downtown lights that are out due to wiring issues that are being addressed with Eversource. Mr. Iadarola confirmed $1.275 for sidewalk work was allocated to another line item and discussed additional grant funds that have not been spent yet. Member Chianese asked about over-time costs; Mr. Iadarola spoke on event and high school field work by park maintainers and garbage pick-up on weekends; he identified outside services for specialty work. Mr. Dennis Perkins asked about field maintenance; Mr. Coelho asked if any maintenance cost analysis has been for each park; Mr. Iadarola confirmed there is not. Mr. Duane Perkins thanked the Forestry Department for their dedication and work every Arbor Day. Mr. Rotello asked about trees on Jefferson Street and their impact on sidewalks; Chair P. Buzaid confirmed property owners are responsible for sidewalk repairs with no exceptions. Member Hawley asked about an increase to the schools’ maintenance budget; Member Chianese asked about plans for any major repairs; Mr. Iadarola noted an increase to next year’s budget to cover the new high school maintenance costs; he confirmed a slight increase this year to cover any issues that are not under warranty and confirmed snow removal at the new school is included in this budget. Mr. Rotello asked about the building status of Park Avenue School’s addition and asked about a new roof at the new high school. Member Chianese asked about the private property that shares the main road to the new high school; Mr. Iadarola confirmed they do share in plowing costs. Member Tomchik asked for clarification of the salary split between departments; Member Chianese asked about tire replacement. Mayor Alves explained that the expenditures are as of February. Mr. Coelho asked about the cost of Household Hazardous Waste Day; Mr. Day and Mr. Iadarola confirmed all towns contribute to the event costs. Member Tomchik asked about the renewable energy projects; Mr. Iadarola explained the goal is to have enough to run one plant. Chair P. Buzaid asked about surveying changes and staffing needs; Mr. Iadarola confirmed there are vacancies in Engineering and there are challenges in finding qualified staff; Mayor Alves confirmed that competition with the private sector is a statewide problem; Mr. Iadarola confirmed salary and remote working offered by the private sector as a challenge for finding qualified Engineers. Mr. Coelho and Mr. Rotello spoke with Mr. Iadarola regarding the specifics of roadway and traffic expenditures, specifically traffic control and monitoring. Mr. Iadarola spoke on the duties of Construction Services staff and noted that they fill in wherever they are needed. Ms. O’Brien thanked Tom Hughes (Construction Services) for all the work he does on projects and for his volunteer efforts in the community. Member Tomchikc asked about Teamster negotiation status; Mr. Garrick confirmed the contract expires at the end of the year. Member Chianese asked about fees under the Water Treatment budget; Mr. Day confirmed there are taxes to New Fairfield because the Margerie Reservoir is in both municipalities. Mr. Rotello asked about PFAS costs; Mr. Day explained that the cost is another $52M, Mr. Iadarola spoke on detection equipment. Mr. Coelho asked about litigation regarding these regulations. Mr. Tomchik asked about the affect of new development on the westside; Mr. Day confirmed that the investor pays for the piping and then the city takes it over and consumer fees pay for expenses. Member Chianese asked about the water Utility Fee collection and the use of GAAP funds; Mr. Garrick confirmed an outside vendor provides fee collection services and monies go to fund balances. Mr. Iadarola and Mr. Day discussed the new treatment plant and additional expenses due to upgraded treatment systems that are expensive to operate and maintain. A motion was made by Member Tomchik and seconded by Member Chianese, to recommend that the City Council adopt the Public Works Budget as presented by the Mayor for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The motion carried unanimously. The Members thanked the Public Works Department for all they do. A motion was made by Member Tomchik, and seconded by Member Chianese, to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peter Buzaid, Chair; Ryan Hawley, Jeff Tomchik, Ben Chianese