Board of Mayor and Burgesses

MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF MAYOR AND BURGESSES DECEMBER 2, 2014 1. Mayor Robert A. Mezzo called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with the following in attendance: BURGESSES: PRESS: T. K. Rossi R. Neth L. Marshall M. Bronko, arr. 6:02 p.m. A. Olbrys L. Weschler R. Burns P. Scully, Sr. C. Ernsky, arr. 6:04 p.m. R. Vitale RESIDENTS: L. Jackson Four DEPARTMENT HEADS: OTHERS: J. Stewart, Public Works Director Attorney N. Grello J. Lawlor, Human Resources Director Attorney E. Fitzpatrick K. Hanks, Fire Chief D. Sheridan, Finance Board S. Locke, Board of Education Superintendent R. Pugliese, NEDC C. Montini, Asst. Board of Education Superintendent S. Bronko, NVHD Board 2. Mayor Mezzo led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 3. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the monthly reports of November. Each member received copies for review. 4. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully to recess to Executive Session at 6:01 p.m. for discussion on the following: Real Estate Negotiations (Parcels A, B and C, Naugatuck Train Station), Contract Negotiations (EMS), Collective Bargaining (Naugatuck Teachers’ League Contract, UPSEU), Personnel (Assessor, Deputy Police Chief) and Pending Litigation inviting in Attorney E. Fitzpatrick, Human Resources Director J. Lawlor, Attorney N. Grello, Fire Chief K. Hanks, Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation CEO R. Pugliese, Board of Education Superintendent S. Locke, Assistant Board of Education Superintendent C. Montini and R. Fitzpatrick via phone if necessary. Burgess Jackson left at 6:01 p.m. during the executive session discussion on the Naugatuck Teachers’ League Contract and returned at 6:57 p.m. for the remainder of executive session. Mayor Mezzo reconvened the meeting at 7:20 p.m. 5. The following motions emanated from Executive Session.  -2- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 2, 2014 Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Burns to authorize Mayor Mezzo to enter into an employment agreement between the Borough of Naugatuck and George C. Hlavacek, Assessor. Deputy Mayor Rossi opposed. Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth to authorize Mayor Mezzo to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the United Public Service Employees Union Local 424, Unit 15. Burgess Jackson and Burgess Scully opposed. Motion by Burgess Ernsky and seconded by Burgess Olbrys to reject the agreement between the Board of Education and the Teachers’ Collective Bargaining Unit. ROLL CALL VOTE: FOR OPPOSE ABSTAIN M. Bronko Mayor Mezzo R. Neth L. Jackson C. Ernsky T. K. Rossi P. Scully, Sr. A. Olbrys R. Burns R. Vitale Motion failed 3-6-1 For the record: C. Ernsky: “They’ve done a phenomenal job. In the contract there has been some significant gains that’ll benefit the town for sure, so I do want to give them credit for that. By bringing it up and rejecting it, it’s not stating that they did not work hard and they did not, as she said, the work that Nick has put in and the Board of Ed in regards to what they’ve achieved thus far. A lot of it is tremendous and good, but I don’t, I just can’t a hundred percent feel comfortable moving forward with that. Yes, the wage increases is a huge portion of it but do I feel that we did a hundred percent of what we could have is where I’m held back. And also the constant threat of binding arbitration that this is the best that we’re going to get and that’s it. So I think they’ve done a phenomenal job, as far as, especially with the medical, with some other things you will see in here but I just don’t feel comfortable backing it a hundred percent at this time.” Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully to accept the contract between the Naugatuck Teachers’ League and the Naugatuck Board of Education dated from September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2018. Burgess Bronko, Burgess Ernsky and Burgess Olbrys opposed. Burgess Jackson abstained. 6. Public Comment A resident spoke in opposition to the purchase of the five houses in front of the high school. Another resident is disappointed Attorney Grello would not discuss the teachers’ contract in detail.  -3- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 2, 2014 7. Burgess Comments – Open Topic Burgess Vitale said there was a flag raising ceremony at the high school on November 8th and some of our great citizens were honored such as Burgess Burns and Burgess Scully. He thanked all of the veterans for their service. Burgess Burns wished everyone Happy Holidays. Deputy Mayor Rossi thanked the veterans throughout the community for their service. There were very meaningful events held and it’s a great element of pride for our community. She commended the high school football team for a great season. The Deputy Mayor said we loss two tremendous members of our community. Lois Sokoloski was very involved in many organizations. Harold Lineweber was a quiet supporter of our community. Thoughts and prayers go out to both their families. Mayor Mezzo asked everyone to observe a moment of silence for Lois Sokoloski and Harold Lineweber. Burgess Neth invited the resident who spoke in opposition of the purchase of the homes on Rubber Avenue, to attend the high school building committee meeting. He explained how the committee functions and that they also look ahead to see what additional items could be financed in case the project comes under budget. 8. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses add to the agenda two appointments to the Park Commission. 9. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Robert W. Allen (D), 118 Graham Ridge Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a member of the Park Commission, filling the unexpired term of H. Kuczenski, term to expire October 1, 2018. 10. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Michael Caetano (R), 48 Evening Star Drive, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a member of the Park Commission, filling the expired term of F. McMullen, term to expire December 1, 2019. 11. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses add to the agenda a resolution for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. 12. Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses adopt the following resolution: RESOLVED, that Robert A. Mezzo, Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the agreement entitled “Master Municipal Agreement for Rights of Way Projects.”  -4- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 2, 2014 ROLL CALL VOTE: FOR OPPOSE ABSTAIN Mayor Mezzo L. Jackson None None T. K. Rossi R. Neth M. Bronko A. Olbrys R. Burns P. Scully, Sr. C. Ernsky R. Vitale Motion carried 10-0-0 13. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses refer to the Joint Boards of Mayor and Burgesses and Board of Finance a transfer request of $6,600 from Contingency to the Fire Department – Rescue Equipment Account, Repair/Update Nine (9) Automatic External Defibrillators, as recommended by Fire Chief Kenneth Hanks. 14. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses refer to the Joint Boards of Mayor and Burgesses and Board of Finance a transfer request of $122,000 from Contingency to the Fire Department – Regular Payroll, Protective Equipment, Medical, Uniforms, Overtime and Training Accounts, Hiring of Three (3) Replacement Firefighters to Fill Vacancies, as recommended by Fire Chief Kenneth Hanks. 15. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Robert A. Mezzo to apply for the 2015 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG) and to execute all contracts and related documents. 16. Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Robert Mezzo to sign and enter into a Uniform Chart of Accounts Resolution of Endorsement and Authorization and adopt a resolution by the vote of the Mayor and Board of Burgesses which will endorse the town’s participation in the Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA) Conversion Grant Program. ROLL CALL VOTE: FOR OPPOSE ABSTAIN Mayor Mezzo L. Jackson None None T. K. Rossi R. Neth M. Bronko A. Olbrys R. Burns P. Scully, Sr. C. Ernsky R. Vitale Motion carried 10-0-0  -5- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 2, 2014 17. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Burns that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Robert A. Mezzo to execute all contracts and related documents for a Temporary Access and Authorization Easement for the purpose of the removal of trees, brush and miscellaneous debris in order to create an open landscape area adjoining the property at 469 Rubber Avenue, owned by INA Petroleum Company, Inc. 18. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Robert A. Mezzo to sign the Local Bridge Program Supplemental Application for the Maple Street Over Naugatuck River, Bridge No. 04214 and execute any and all documents between the State of Connecticut and the Borough of Naugatuck as recommended by Public Works Director James Stewart. 19. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Assistant Controller Patricia A. Porciello to refund the following tax refunds approved by Tax Collector James Goggin; as if read: Bisson, Claude $251.18 361 Spring Street 3A Naugatuck, CT 06770 2011-01-2067 c/c 879 Apply Vets 2012-01-2107 c/c 880 Apply Vets CT Housing $3,286.68 Attention Lisa K. Canalon 999 West Street Rocky Hill, CT 06067 2013-03-42149 Overpaid Real RE: 3 Valley Drive Gordiski, Ronald $67.20 170 Longview Drive Naugatuck, CT 06770 2012-03-49750 Over paid Real Kogon, Michael $63.65 18 Tower Lane Apt 161 Naugatuck, CT 06770 2011-01-12499 c/c 935 New Haven Resident Toyota Motor Credit Corp $304.19 P.O. Box 105386 Atlanta, GA 30339 2012-01-24100 c/c 1851 Sold 02/13 VIN# 2TILE4EEOAC014837  -6- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 2, 2014 20. Public Comment – None 21. Burgess Comments/Sub-Committee Reports Burgess Olbrys wished everyone Happy Holidays! Burgess Neth received complaints about cars parking along Rubber Avenue. Deputy Mayor Rossi reported the Fire Department responded to 89 incidents in November. An appraiser is looking at Engine 2 to see what the greatest value will be, selling it outright or to the highest bidder through the bidding process. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Burgess Burns Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Burgess Scully Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Burgess Jackson said the tree lighting will be held on Monday from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the Naugatuck Education Foundation’s upcoming event. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Burgess Vitale commends the Fire Department for servicing their equipment in house. 22. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully to recess to Executive Session at 8:24 p.m. inviting in Attorney E. Fitzpatrick, Human Resources Director J. Lawlor and Fire Chief K. Hanks. Mayor Mezzo reconvened the meeting at 8:49 p.m. 23. The following motions emanated from Executive Session. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully to authorize Mayor Mezzo to enter into an employment agreement between the Borough of Naugatuck and Deputy Police Chief Joshua Bernegger. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully to refer to the Joint Boards a transfer from Contingency to a New Line Item entitled EMD Fee in the amount of $39,717.50. 24. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Jackson to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 p.m. A digital recording of this meeting is available in the office of the Borough Clerk for further review. Attest: Nancy K. DiMeo Borough Clerk