City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 6, 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 Palma 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, Tomchik, and Palma. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: n/a PRESENT: 21, ABSENT: 0 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 Jim LaPine, 14 Lily Drive, Resident, spoke in support of item #1. Kate Kenneta, 4 Topfield Road, Resident, spoke on item #1. Jeff Bonistalli, 2 Baxter Street, Resident, spoke in support of item #16. Silva Morin, 34 Osborne Street, Resident, spoke in support of item #1. Gladys Cooper, 1 Southern Boulevard, Resident, spoke on item #1. Al Robinson, 7 Melrose Avenue, Resident, spoke on item #1. Mike Flanagan, 35 Jefferson Avenue, Resident, spoke in support of item #1. Ken Gucker, 89 Padanaram Road, Resident, spoke in support of item #1. MINUTES - Minutes of the Council Meeting held April 1, 2025 A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, and was seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to receive the minutes from the April 1st meeting and waive a reading of those minutes, as all Members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office and approve them as they are presented. The motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 5. ORDINANCE - Ordinance Sec. 2-259: Government Entities Review Committee (GERC) I move to waive the reading of the public hearing minutes and Committee of the Whole report as all Members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant’s Office and move to receive the report and to approve the recommendation of the re-establishment through June 30, 2030 of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Danbury Aquifer Protection Agency, Fair Rent Commission, and Board of Ethics and the re-establishment through June 30, 2027 of the Design Review Board, as set forth in Code of Ordinances Section 2-259, as presented. 10. COMMUNICATION - Lease with State of CT for Electronic Voting Equipment I move to receive the communication and authorize Mayor Roberto L. Alves or his designee on behalf of the City of Danbury to sign the lease agreement with the Connecticut Office of the Secretary of the State for electronic voting equipment for the one-time rental payment of $1 for a term of approximately ten (10) years. 11. COMMUNICATION - Appropriation of Funds - Ordinances I move to receive the communication and approve the transfer of $7,526.75 from the contingency account into the ordinances account to cover expenses accrued from the printing of notices and ordinances. 12. COMMUNICATION - Renewal of Lease with SANTOTO, LLC (Danbury Aviation) - Airport I move to receive the communication and authorize Mayor Roberto L. Alves or his designee on behalf of the City of Danbury to sign the airport lease agreement with Danbury Aviation (Santoto, LLC). 13. COMMUNICATION - Renewal of Lease with Exit, LLC (EXIT Aviation) - Airport I move to receive the communication and authorize Mayor Roberto L. Alves or his designee on behalf of the City of Danbury to sign the airport lease agreement with Exit Aviation (Exit, LLC). 15. COMMUNICATION - Donation of Office Furniture from Clancy Relocation & Logistics - Recreation I move to receive the communication and accept on behalf of the City of Danbury Recreation Department the donation of office chairs and a conference table estimated at a value of $3,500. A note of thanks on behalf of the City of Danbury/City Council should be sent to Clancy Relocation and Logistics. 18. RESOLUTION - Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) - Senate Grant for Police Equipment and Technology - Finance I move to Roberto L. Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury and/or Kara Prunty, Assistant Director of Finance (Budget & Grants), as his designee, is authorized to apply for and accept funding through the Congressional Directed Spending – Senate Grant and to execute all contracts, agreements and any and all other documents necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof, and to ratify all previous, and future, actions taken in the furtherance thereof. 19. RESOLUTION - CDS - Congress Grant for Police Equipment and Technology - Finance I move to Roberto L. Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury and/or Kara Prunty, Assistant Director of Finance (Budget & Grants), as his designee, is authorized to apply for and accept funding through the Congressional Directed Spending – Congress Grant and to execute all contracts, agreements and any and all other documents necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof, and to ratify all previous, and future, actions taken in the furtherance thereof. 20. RESOLUTION - Community Investment Fund (CIF) Round 7 Funds for Sewer Evaluation Study & Parks Upgrades - Finance I move to receive the communication, and the City Council renews authority for Mayor Roberto L. Alves, and/or Daniel Garrick, Director of Finance, as his designee, to apply for and accept said funding and to execute all applications contracts and any other necessary documentation to effectuate purposes thereof. 21. RESOLUTION - CT DOT Elderly and Disabled Demand Responsive Transportation Grant - HARTransit I move to receive the communication, and authorize Mayor Roberto L. Alves, to execute all applications, agreements, contracts and any other documentation necessary to effectuate the purposes thereof. 23. RESOLUTION - FAA Grant - Airfield Lighting Upgrade Project I move to receive the communication, and Roberto L. Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury and/or Michael Safranek, Airport Administrator is authorized 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. 24. REPORTS - Engineering & Planning: Water Ext. 21 Old Sherman Turnpike I move to receive the communication and having received a positive recommendation from Engineering and the Planning commission, grant the time extension for the previously approved water main extension for 21 Old Sherman Turnpike. 25. REPORTS - Engineering & Planning: Renewal of Sewer & Water Ext. - Fairfield Ave. & Morton St. I move to receive the communication and having received a positive recommendation from Engineering and the Planning commission, grant the time extension for the previously approved water and sewer main extension for Fairfield Avenue and Morton Street. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, and was seconded by Councilman (unknown), to accept the Consent Calendar as presented. The motion carried unanimously. AGENDA 1. ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION - Ordinance & Resolution - Appropriations for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 and a Resolution Levying the Property Tax for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to receive the report of The Committee Of The Whole, waive a reading of that report and all Ad Hoc Budget Committee reports and minutes, as all Members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office. The motion carried unanimously. 1A. A motion was made by Councilman Britton, seconded by Councilman Rotello, 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 2025-2026, with a raise for the Town Clerk, said three percent raises shall be effective December 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026. The motion carried unanimously (as amended). Amendment: A motion was made by Councilman Rotello, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to amend the main motion to increase the salary of the Mayor by three percent for the fiscal year 2025-2026, effective December 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026. Yes Votes 18, No Votes 3 (E. Buzaid, Palma, Coelho). The motion carried. Councilmen Rotello, Tomchik, spoke in support of increasing wages to keep up with inflation rates. Mr. Garrick confirmed the amended motion will not affect the ordinance or resolution. Councilman Palma suggested the Council consider salary increases at a future meeting to allow the public to provide feedback. 1B. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, 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 2025-2026, with a proposed raise for the City Treasurer of three percent effective December 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026 for the second raise. The motion carried. Yes Votes 18, No Votes 3 (E. Buzaid, Coelho, Palma). 1C. A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Chianese, 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 for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Palma asked about the moral of the department and if this budget supports their needs; Chief Ridenhour (Police) noted the successes of the department. 1D. A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the report from the Ad Hoc Committee for Public Works, and adopt the Mayor's budget as presented for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The motion carried unanimously. 1E. A motion was made by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to receive the report from the Ad Hoc Committee for Education, and to adopt the Mayor's budget as presented for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Fox asked that the Ad Hoc report/minutes be amended to note that he made the second to the main motion at the ad hoc meeting. Councilwoman Robinson spoke on the need to need for the City’s and Schools’ Finance teams to continue to work together and thanked them. She discussed the need to keep the conversation going outside of the budget season, and she expressed concerns with unused funds, and asked for the Schools’ to provide regular financial reports to the Council moving forward. Councilman Fox supports the budget due to need for additional funding for the new high school. He expressed concerns with the Public Schools’ past financial mismanagement, he spoke on responsibility lying with the Board of Education, City Council members, and multiple administrations. Councilman Duane Perkins spoke on the challenges facing local and statewide education. Councilman Palma spoke on the need to have a properly funded education budget to keep teachers and students motivated. Councilman Coelho expressed concern with the lack of details regarding the recently discovered education surpluses; and asked again for a breakdown. Mr. Weaver (Danbury Schools’ CFO) was asked to address the surpluses; he identified unused funds in Healthcare costs and vacant positions. Mayor Alves asked that a miscellaneous portion of $500,000 - $1M be itemized and provided to the council as soon as possible. Councilwoman Gartner spoke in support of the proposed budget for the Education Department and urged year-round discussions as well as revisions to the Charter to allow for more city oversight. Ordinance and Resolution: A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Duane Perkins, to approve the ordinance making appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, along with a resolution levying property tax for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, as presented, and amended. The motion carried. Yes Votes 18, No Votes 3 (E. Buzaid, Coelho, Palma). Roll Call vote requested by Councilman Duane Perkins. Councilman E. Buzaid stated he will be voting no on the proposed City budget; and noted multiple times that he disagrees with the use of Reserve funds. Councilman Coelho explained that he does not support the budget due to the tax increase, the use of Reserve funds as well as the mismanagement of Education funds in past years. He spoke with Mr. Garrick (Director of Finance) regarding the use of Reserve funds in the past. Councilmen Rotello spoke on the changes to federal funding that will impact the city and noted that the tax increase is less than the inflation rate. Councilman Fox spoke on the need to engage the public more throughout the budget process. Councilman Britton asked those opposed to the budget to identify what should be unfunded; and Councilman Rickert spoke in favor of the budget and the support it provides Public Safety needs and personnel. Councilmen Simone, Salvatore, Robinson, and P. Buzaid spoke in support of the budget due to its funding of parks and schools and the lower tax rate than surrounding towns. 2. ORDINANCE - Ordinance Appropriating $3M for Public Improvement in the 2025- 2026 Capital Budget A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to waive a reading of the Public Hearing minutes and the Committee of The Whole report, 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 adopt its recommendation, adopting the ordinance appropriating $3 million for public improvements and the issuance of $3 million in bonds of the City to meet such obligations and make temporary borrowings for such purposes. The motion carried. Yes Votes 20, No Votes 1 (E. Buzaid). 3. ORDINANCE - Sewer Rates as of July 1, 2025 (Ord. Sec. 48- 234) A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to waive a reading of the Public Hearing minutes and the Committee Of The Whole report, 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 Councilwoman LaPine, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the report of the Committee Of The Whole and adopt its recommendation, adopting the sewer rate adjustment as set forth in Section 48-234 of the Code of Ordinances, as of July 1, 2025. The motion carried. Yes Votes 18, No Votes 3 (E. Buzaid, Coelho, Fox). 4. ORDINANCES - Water Rates as of July 1, 2025 (Ord. Sec. 48-70, 48-74, 48-75 & 48-77) A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to waive a reading of the public hearing minutes and the Committee Of The Whole report, 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 of the Committee Of The Whole and adopt its recommendation, adopting the water rate adjustment as set forth in Section 48-70, 48-74, 48-75, and 48-77 of the Code of Ordinances, as of July 1, 2025. The motion carried. Yes Votes 18, No Votes 3 (E. Buzaid, Coelho, Fox). 5. ORDINANCE - Ordinance Sec. 2-259: Government Entities Review Committee (GERC) *CONSENTED - as received. 6. COMMUNICATION - Ordinance Sec. 48-168: (Sewer) Connection permits required; connection fee; refund; penalty for violations A motion was made by Councilman Simone, to receive the communication and send this to a Public Hearing followed by a Committee Of The Whole. So ordered. 7. COMMUNICATION - Ordinance Sec. 48-76: (Water) Connection charges A motion was made by Councilwoman Wallace-Smith, to receive the communication and send this to a Public Hearing followed by a Committee Of The Whole. So ordered. 8. COMMUNICATION - Ordinance Sec. 2-203 thru 2-207 & Sec. 2-211 - Changes to Purchasing Threshold A motion was made by Councilman McAllister, to receive the communication and send this to an Ad Hoc with representatives from the Purchasing Department, Finance Department, Corporation Counsel, and the Mayor's Office. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilwoman Gartner in the chair, along with Councilmen Chianese and Palma. 9. COMMUNICATION - 2024 Year End Re-Appropriations & Budget Transfers A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Chianese, to receive the communication and approve the re-appropriation of $377,321.21 in the General Fund, $164,958.15 in the Water Fund, $168,584.46 in the Sewer Fund, and $4,000 in the Ambulance Fund, I also move to approve the transfer of $556,607 necessary to close the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The motion carried unanimously. 10. COMMUNICATION - Lease with State of CT for Electronic Voting Equipment *CONSENTED - as received. 11. COMMUNICATION - Appropriation of Funds - Ordinances *CONSENTED - as received. 12. COMMUNICATION - Renewal of Lease with SANTOTO, LLC (Danbury Aviation) - Airport *CONSENTED - as received. 13. COMMUNICATION - Renewal of Lease with Exit, LLC (EXIT Aviation) - Airport *CONSENTED - as received. 14. COMMUNICATION - Request for Honorary Naming of Wallingford Road - Airport (DXR) A motion was made by Councilman Chianese, to receive the communication and refer this to the Plan Commission for a report and refer this to an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of the Airport Administrator, Corporation Counsel, Planning Department, and Mayor's Office. So ordered. The Mayor appointed Councilman Rotello in the chair, along with Councilmen Chianese and E. Buzaid. 15. COMMUNICATION - Donation of Office Furniture from Clancy Relocation & Logistics - Recreation *CONSENTED - as received. 16. RESOLUTION - Request for Street Name Change - Bronson Road A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilman Tomchik, to receive the communication and based on Corporation Counsel's advice that the City Council could legally approve the name change, approve the renaming of 2 Baxter Street to 9 Bronson Road. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Rotello asked if the neighbor’s support the change; Ms. O’Brien (Chief of Staff) confirmed that the community HOA (Aqua Vista) supports the change. 17. RESOLUTION - Downtown Special Services District Tax Levy A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to take this item off the table. Yes Votes 20, No Votes 1 (Chianese). The motion carried. A motion was made by Councilman Giordano, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to receive the communication and adopt the resolution levying the property tax for the Danbury Downtown Special Services District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. Yes Votes 16, No Votes 3 (E. Buzaid, Coelho, Chianese), Abstained 1 (Gartner). The motion carried. Councilman Chianese stated he will be voting no, due to lack of information received. 18. RESOLUTION - Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) - Senate Grant for Police Equipment and Technology - Finance *CONSENTED - as received. 19. RESOLUTION - CDS - Congress Grant for Police Equipment and Technology - Finance *CONSENTED - as received. 20. RESOLUTION - Community Investment Fund (CIF) Round 7 Funds for Sewer Evaluation Study & Parks Upgrades - Finance *CONSENTED - as received. 21. RESOLUTION - CT DOT Elderly and Disabled Demand Responsive Transportation Grant - HARTransit *CONSENTED - as received. 22. RESOLUTION - City Acquisition of Property: 147-149 Westville Ave. Ext. - Public Works A motion was made by Councilman Tomchik, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to receive the communication, and the City, through the Office of Corporation Counsel, be and hereby is authorized to acquire the aforesaid property, now or formally owned by Edgar Jarrin and Yuderca Jarrin, in accordance with the procedures established by State law, either by negotiation or eminent domain, through the institution of suit against the interested property owners and the owners of the mortgages encumbered by the property, within six months of the date hereof. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Day (Public Utilities Superintendent) addressed the question of Councilman Rotello, and spoke on the need to acquire the property, and the use of bond funding to acquire the property. Councilwomen LaPine, Robinson and Councilman P. Buzaid asked, and spoke, about the acquisition process. Councilman Coelho asked about specific costs and caps. Ms. O’Brien explained that the property is needed for the project to be completed, and confirmed that the bond funds can be used for this acquisition. Mr. Day confirmed the offer would be based on a fair market rate value. Mr. Garrick confirmed that the funding will be allocated from the bond and is sufficient. 23. RESOLUTION - FAA Grant - Airfield Lighting Upgrade Project *CONSENTED - as received. 24. REPORTS - Engineering & Planning: Water Ext. 21 Old Sherman Turnpike *CONSENTED - as received. 25. REPORTS - Engineering & Planning: Renewal of Sewer & Water Ext. - Fairfield Ave. & Morton St. *CONSENTED - as received. 26. REPORT - Public Hearing: Lease for use of Library space - Danbury HackerSpace A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to waive a reading of the Public Hearing minutes and the Committee Of The Whole report, 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 Dennis Perkins, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to receive the Public Hearing and the Committee Of The Whole minutes/report and accept the recommendations to approve the lease for the Danbury HackerSpace, as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Coelho asked for confirmation that this is just for a lease for the Hackerspace; Mayor Alves confirmed. 27. REPORT - Ad Hoc: Amendment to Ord. Sec 8-2 - Voting Wards of city A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Rotello, to waive a reading of the Ad Hoc minutes, 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 Duane Perkins, to receive the Ad Hoc minutes and send this to a Public Hearing. So ordered. 28. 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 a reading of the reports, as all Members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office, and accept the reports as their presented. The motion carried unanimously. Chief Ridenhour addressed questions form Councilmen Chianese, Giordano, Palma, and Councilwoman Robinson; he spoke on the Police Department’s traffic enforcement and public safety efforts. Councilman Fox also asked the Chief about street signs installed by the state, and Councilman Simone asked for additional enforcement at Rogers Park. Ms. Carvalho (Health Director) addressed questions from Councilmen Chianese and Rotello, and spoke on orders by the U.S. Department of Public Health and funding removal for specific programs and staff. Mr. Iadarola (Director of Public Works and City Engineer) provided a brief update on City projects and pedestrian safety efforts for Councilmen Fox, Rotello and Coelho. Councilman Duane Perkins spoke on Arbor Day events at Tarrywile Park. Mr. Day provided an update on reservoir levels for Councilman Coelho; confirming that they are just below normal. ADD-ON - Item 29: Resolution – Membership of CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority Add-On: A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to add to the agenda proposed item #29, a resolution regarding joining the CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority as a Member Municipality. The motion carried unanimously. Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman P. Buzaid, seconded by Councilman Tomchik, to waive a reading of the Public Hearing minutes and Committee Of The Whole report, as all Members have copies and copies are on file in the Legislative Assistant's Office. The motion carried unanimously. Main Motion: A motion was made by Councilman Salvatore, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, to accept the Committee Of The Whole report and recommend that the City of Danbury to join the CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority and authorize the Mayor to take or cause to be taken, such action including but not limited to: the negotiation and execution of any memorandum of agreement on behalf of the City of Danbury with the authority, and any other agreements, instruments, or documents, that such official deems necessary, appropriate, or desirable, to implement the terms of any such memorandum of agreement, and consummate the intention of this and the resolution. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Rotello asked Mr. Casagrande about restrictions that may come from the agreement; he confirmed that it does not. Mr. Farley (Economic and Community Advisor, Mayor’s Office) confirmed the agreement will increase funding opportunities for the City, that it does not affect the City’s bidding process. Mayor Extended All Committees ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilwoman Gartner, seconded by Councilman Salvatore, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:42 p.m. Copies of Agenda Items are available in the Legislative Assistant’s Office and on the City’s website. Respectfully submitted, Christina Dior Recording Secretary Attest, Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant