General Counsel Commission

DRAFT MINUTES GENERAL COUNSEL COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MARCH 12, 2020 Present: Chairwoman and Councilwoman Carta, Councilman Nocera, Councilman Ford and Councilwoman Salafia. Staff: Deputy General Counsel Kori Wisneski and HR Director Justin Richardson. Also Present: Billy Russo, Director of Public Works Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Public Comment: None Approval of Minutes: A. Review of minutes of February 13, 2020 Regular Meeting and March 2, 2020 Special Meeting Councilwoman Salafia made a MOTION to approve the February 13, 2020 regular meeting minutes. The Motion was seconded by Councilman Nocera. The Motion passed unanimously. Councilwoman Salafia made a MOTION to approve the March 2, 2020 special meeting minutes. The Motion was seconded by Councilman Ford. The Motion passed unanimously. New Business: A. Ordinance – Designation of picnic areas (214-21) Attorney Wisneski introduced the ordinance, which originated from the Public Works Department. The ordinance talks about user fees regarding picnics at specific park sites. Attorney Wisneski worked with Public Works to look at surrounding towns to see what was standard across our area for park rental fees. In light of that review, the City is proposing the change from $25 fee to $75 for residents and $150 for non-residents. Another change to this ordinance would be to open the parks during mild winters such as this one at the discretion of the Director of Public Works. Councilman Ford questioned if the $75 fee was similar to surrounding towns. Director Bill Russo explained that Cromwell’s fee is set at $50 (though this was an hourly fee) and Portland’s rate is $100 per day, so he is proposing a fee that is between those two numbers for in City residents. More discussion ensued regarding if a single person eating at a picnic area is considered picnicking under this ordinance. In light of this discussion, Attorney Wisneski proposed adding the following to paragraph 1 of the ordinance: “in accordance with guidelines set by the Parks Division.” Councilman Ford made a MOTION to amend the ordinance with Kori’s proposed changes. The Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Salafia. The Motion passed unanimously. Councilman Ford made a MOTION to approve the ordinance with changes. The Motion was seconded by Councilman Nocera. The Motion passed unanimously. Adjournment: MOTION to Adjourn by Councilman Ford. The Motion was seconded by Councilman Nocera. The Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 6:11 p.m. 2