Board of Mayor and Burgesses

MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF MAYOR AND BURGESSES MARCH 18, 2015 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 A. Olbrys P. Singley R. Burns P. Scully, Sr. C. Ernsky, absent R. Vitale RESIDENTS: L. Jackson One hundred + DEPARTMENT HEADS: OTHERS: R. Butler, Jr., Controller A. Perillo, Attorney J. Stewart, Public Works Director R. Pugliese, NEDC G. Dean, Lieutenant 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 minutes of the regular meeting of February 3, 2015. Each member received a copy for review. 4. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the monthly reports of February. Each member received copies for review. 5. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth to recess to Executive Session at 6:01 p.m. for discussion on the following: Real Estate Negotiations (General DataComm, Parcels A, B and C, Naugatuck Train Station, Prospect Street School, Property bordering Water Street and Cedar Street) and Pending Litigation (CPV Towantic LLC, Naugatuck Ambulance) inviting in Attorney A. Perillo and Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation CEO R. Pugliese. Mayor Mezzo reconvened the meeting at 7:07 p.m. 6. There were no motions emanating from Executive Session. 7. Public Comment Several trade union representatives spoke in favor of the proposed Oxford Power Plant. It would be good for the local economy, beneficial to everyone in the state and will bring jobs to their union members. CPV Senior Vice President B. Kelly said the project is fully permitted and can be built today. They decided to improve the project. Reorient to move away from the airport. They cannot control the size of the stacks.  -2- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – March 18, 2015 Naugatuck residents spoke both in favor and against the proposed power plant. It’s Oxford’s battle not Naugatuck’s. Wouldn’t want anyone from Oxford dictating what we do in Naugatuck. Documentation has not shown it is dirty. The wind does not blow in one direction as stated by CPV and the contaminants from the plant will hang over Naugatuck and affect people with respiratory problems. Once the jobs are gone, the pollution remains. Real Estate values will drop if this plant is built. Petitions were submitted asking the board to oppose the “Dirty Fuel Power Plant.” 8. Burgess Comments – Open Topic Burgess Vitale did not see a “pooper scooper” ordinance and would like to propose adding language to our current ordinances. Burgess Scully thanked Deputy Mayor Rossi for her years of dedicated service to the community. He also thanked Mayor Mezzo for his dedication to the borough. He wished them good luck in their future plans. Burgess Scully thanked the people of Naugatuck and Watertown for supporting his late son-in-law James Jordan in his last days and for the generous donations to his daughter Colleen and her children James and Rylee. Burgess Burns said the Mayor has done a great job and he wishes he was staying on. The Deputy Mayor is a very important instrument to this board and the community. He will miss her. Deputy Mayor Rossi thanked everyone for the outpouring of emails and phone calls. This has been the most difficult decision of her adult life to take this professional opportunity with the Chamber of Commerce. For the record: “When I took this position, it was a condition of my employment that I could not continue, I couldn’t run for reelection, I’m allowed to finish out my term which is extremely understandable when you’re working in the business world. What I do want to say is that I haven’t deserted Naugatuck. Quite frankly I look at it as an opportunity to advocate for the businesses and the residents within our community. Continue to collaborate and build on economic development . . . I chose this community to marry my husband, raise my children, run my business and become as invested and as involved as I possibly could. I’m not going anywhere; I have bad news for all of you. I’m not going anywhere. I can’t hold an elected position. My passion is never, it’s not any duller than it was yesterday . . . I’m proud to represent this community on a new level throughout the region and that’s really what I’m doing. I cannot thank this community enough. I cannot thank my colleagues enough. It’s been an honor to serve with all of you, not that the term is over yet.” She wished the high school basketball team good luck. Congratulations to the Elk of the Year Mr. Perugini. The Naugatuck Education Foundation Road Race fundraiser will be next Saturday. Burgess Neth is in the process of trying to find language for an ordinance regarding dogs making a mess on the high school turf. There is a 4.1 million dollar surplus for the high school renovation project. Over the next six months, the committee will analyze the surplus and decide which items on the wish list will be done. He thinks the committee has done a fabulous job with the architect and O&G. Burgess Neth said the project is on time and under budget and would like to give money back. He is very proud of the committee and the work they are doing.  -3- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – March 18, 2015 Burgess Olbrys thanked everyone on both sides of the proposed power plant issue for coming this evening. 9. Mayor Mezzo approved the appointment of Michael Knapp, 14 Harvest Lane, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a member of the Day Care Board of Directors, term to expire April 1, 2016. 10. Mayor Mezzo approved the appointment of John Ford (U), P.O. Box 21, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a regular member of the Fire Commission, filling the unexpired term of W. Malicki, term to expire June 1, 2016. 11. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the reappointment of Cary Lennon, 348 Hillside Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a regular member of the Building Code Board of Appeals, term to expire March 1, 2020. 12. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Burns that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the reappointment of Carlos Antunes, 154 Cliff Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as an alternate member of the Building Code Board of Appeals, term to expire March 1, 2020. 13. 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 Joseph Savarese (D), 145 Union City Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a regular member of the Board of Finance, filling the expired term of J. Tavares, term to expire July 1, 2017. 14. 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 P. Burke (D), 74 Cliff Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as an alternate member of the Board of Finance, filling the unexpired term of J. Savarese, term to expire June 1, 2015. Mayor Mezzo swore Robert P. Burke into office as a member of the Board of Finance. 15. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Burns that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the bid and authorize Mayor Mezzo to execute all contracts and related documents for “Key Card Access System – Police Department” to Setronics, 5 Executive Park Drive, Billerica, MA 01862 as per bid as recommended by Lieutenant Gregory Dean.  -4- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – March 18, 2015 16. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses waive the bid and authorize Mayor Mezzo to execute all contracts and related documents for “Heating and Cooling Control Work – Police Department” to SNE Building Systems, Inc., 29 Kripes Road, East Granby, CT 06026 in the amount of $6,390.00 as recommended by Lieutenant Gregory Dean. 17. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses waive the bid and authorize Mayor Mezzo to execute all contracts and related documents for “Emergency Repairs to Plow Truck – Public Works Department” to Hine Brothers, Inc., 67 Main Street South, Southbury, CT 06488 in the amount of $2,093.00 as recommended by Public Works Director James Stewart. 18. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Robert Mezzo and Controller Robert W. Butler, Jr. to execute all contracts and related documents for the 2015 JAG VCP Grant Program to receive $30,000 for Violent Crime Prevention through the Office of Policy and Management as recommended by Police Chief Christopher Edson. 19. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Public Works Director James Stewart to sign a change order with Connecticut Dismantling LLC for additional disposal costs related to the demolition of 146 Walnut Street. 20. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Robert A. Mezzo to sign an agreement and any related documents with BETA Group, Inc. for the preparation of a DOT LOTCIP application for the paving of Spring Street from the Waterbury Town Line to Pepper Mill Court as recommend by Public Works Director James Stewart and subject to borough attorney approval. 21. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses refer the proposed sale of the property bordering Water Street and Cedar Street, known as Cedar Park, to the Planning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the General Statutes as recommended by the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation and subject to borough attorney approval.  -5- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – March 18, 2015 22. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses refer the proposed sale of the Naugatuck Train Station to the Planning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the General Statutes as recommended by the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation and subject to borough attorney approval. 23. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Burns that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses refer the proposed sale of Prospect Street School to the Planning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the General Statutes as recommended by the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation and subject to borough attorney approval. 24. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Borough of Naugatuck accept ownership, maintenance and energy costs for decorative lighting on the CT DOT Route 68 Bridge over the Naugatuck River and authorize Mayor Mezzo or his designee to execute any and all documents to effectuate the same. 25. Discussion/possible action regarding the 2016 Municipal Grant Program for Senior and Disabled Demand Responsive Transportation (GGS 13b-38bb) from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Discussion tabled. 26. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses designate March 2015 as Myeloma Awareness Month in the Borough of Naugatuck. 27. Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses adopt the following Fair Housing Resolution, as if read: WHEREAS, all persons are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice; and WHEREAS, federal fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, be given equal access to all housing-related opportunities, including rental and homeownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and WHEREAS, Connecticut fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression be given equal access to all housing-related  -6- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – March 18, 2015 opportunities, including rental and home ownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Naugatuck is committed to upholding these laws, and realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of Naugatuck hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase, obtain financing and enjoy all other housing-related services of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis as provided by state and federal law; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the chief executive officer of the Borough of Naugatuck or his designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of an illegal discriminatory housing practice in the Borough of Naugatuck and for advising such person of the right to file a complaint with the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or to seek assistance from the CT Fair Housing Center, legal services, or other fair housing organizations to protect his or her right to equal housing opportunities. ROLL CALL VOTE: FOR OPPOSE ABSTAIN Mayor Mezzo R. Neth None None T. K. Rossi A. Olbrys M. Bronko P. Scully R. Burns R. Vitale L. Jackson Motion carried 9-0-0 28. Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses adopt the following resolution to apply for Connecticut State Grant Funding to Connect the Borough of Naugatuck to the Connecticut State Nutmeg Network, as if read: WHEREAS, State of Connecticut grant funding from the Department of Administrative Services for the Nutmeg Network Connection program has been made available to the Borough of Naugatuck; and WHEREAS, said program provides grant funds in the approximate amount of $6,000 for purposes of network connection to the Nutmeg Network in order to expand internet connection bandwidth; obtain internet connection cost savings; and allow for the leveraging of internet security and web filtering tools provided by the State; and  -7- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – March 18, 2015 WHEREAS, there are no matching funds required and no hardware purchases required; and WHEREAS, the application for grant funding does not bind the Borough of Naugatuck to accept the Grant Award. The Borough of Naugatuck may decline the Notice of Grant Award without penalty. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses of the Borough of Naugatuck, Connecticut endorses the Borough of Naugatuck's application for inclusion in the State of Connecticut Nutmeg Network Initiative. ROLL CALL VOTE: FOR OPPOSE ABSTAIN Mayor Mezzo R. Neth None None T. K. Rossi A. Olbrys M. Bronko P. Scully R. Burns R. Vitale L. Jackson Motion carried 9-0-0 29. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Burns that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve a resolution authorizing Naugatuck Superintendent Sharon Locke to execute any and all documents on behalf of the Borough of Naugatuck with regard to the joint application of the Borough of Naugatuck and the Naugatuck Board of Education for the State of Connecticut Uniform Chart of Accounts Planning Grant. 30. 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 execute a memorandum of agreement and any and all related documents between the Borough of Naugatuck and the Naugatuck Board of Education with regard to the joint application for the State of Connecticut Uniform Chart of Accounts Planning Grant. 31. The board discussed the Proposed Oxford Power Plant and made the following comments. No action was taken. Burgess Olbrys is looking for more information on the upgrade of the plant and information on the current one they can build. Burgess Vitale read a statement about the resiliency of animals. What was adverse that animals had to bounce back? He asked if our treatment plant can handle the wastewater. Burgess Bronko requested a special board meeting before the citing council closes. Mayor Mezzo does not see us going to renewable energy but supports renewable energy. He asked where do we get our power from. He has not seen information that the pollution will be toxic. Mayor Mezzo is not prepared to oppose or support the power plant.  -8- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – March 18, 2015 Burgess Scully said the new power plant will have fewer pollutants than the current plant. Deputy Mayor Rossi thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. She doesn’t know what to think about the power plant. She does not have enough information at this time. 32. Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses ratify and approve the Conservation Commission Ordinance as presented before us this evening. ROLL CALL VOTE: FOR OPPOSE ABSTAIN Mayor Mezzo R. Neth M. Bronko None T. K. Rossi A. Olbrys R. Burns L. Jackson R. Vitale P. Scully Motion carried 6-3-0 33. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses create an ad hoc Renewable Energy Committee comprised of Burgess Neth, Burgess Olbrys and Mayor Mezzo to investigate renewable energy sources and corresponding projects in the Borough of Naugatuck. 34. Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Burns that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses adopt the following resolution as recommended by Public Works Director James Stewart: RESOLVED, that Robert A. Mezzo, Mayor be and hereby is, authorized to sign the agreement entitled “Agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Borough of Naugatuck for the Development of Contract Plans, Specifications and Estimates for the Reconstruction of Cross Street utilizing federal funds under the High Priority Projects Program.” ROLL CALL VOTE: FOR OPPOSE ABSTAIN Mayor Mezzo R. Neth None None T. K. Rossi A. Olbrys M. Bronko P. Scully R. Burns R. Vitale L. Jackson Motion carried 9-0-0 35. 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 between the Borough of Naugatuck and Milone & MacBroom, 99 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410 for the “Engineering Design – Reconstruction of  -9- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – March 18, 2015 Cross Street” as recommended by Public Works Director James Stewart and subject to borough attorney approval. 36. Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Robert A. Mezzo to apply for a Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Grant for an Electric Vehicle Charging Station for the Borough of Naugatuck. Mayor Mezzo and Burgess Neth in favor. For the record: A. Olbrys: “I just don’t understand why the state issues a grant like this and then doesn’t allow the municipality for the first three years to collect, at least to break even on this. Municipalities are hurting all across the state. Tax revenues are down and I’m sorry but I just don’t understand why the state does something like this.” 37. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses formally approve the agreement on behalf of the Borough of Naugatuck between GeoDesign, Inc., 984 Southford Road, Middlebury, CT 06762 and the Borough of Naugatuck relative to the environmental assessment of the Peter J. Foley Little League Parking Lot Property, 27 Andrew Avenue, and authorize Mayor Robert A. Mezzo to execute any and all documents to close-out the corresponding grant received to fund said assessment. 38. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Robert A. Mezzo to execute all contracts and related documents for a Making Places Grant to receive $27,750 for a “Market Feasibility Study for Artist Live/Work Space, Preparation of Federal and State Historic Tax Credit Applications and Consolidated Application Form Financials for the former Uniroyal Warehouse” through the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. 39. Motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Controller Robert W. Butler, Jr. to refund the following tax refunds approved by Tax Collector James Goggin; as if read: Corelogic $322.23 P.O. Box 961250 Fort Worth, TX 76161-9858 2013-03-44972 Overpaid Real Matthew Johnson 250 Maple Hill Rd. 2013-03-45270 Overpaid Real Nina Klein 524 Prospect St. 2013-03-49936 Overpaid Real R. Thornton and S. Ruggeri Thornton 35 Woodruff  -10- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses – Regular Meeting – March 18, 2015 Corelogic $819.87 P.O. Box 961250 Fort Worth, TX 76161-9858 701-B15 Beacon Valley Rd 2013-03-48282 Overpaid Real Todd and Laura Reynolds, 21 Olde Farm Lane 2013-03-45409 Overpaid Real Anita Krzykoski, 321 City Hill St. 2013-03-48309 Overpaid Real Matthew and Lisa Richard, 150 Woodbine St. Corelogic $3,620.80 P.O. Box 961250 Fort Worth, TX 76161-9858 2013-03-47377 Overpaid Read Isidro Oliver 9 Scott St 2013-03-49951 Overpaid Real D. Tichon and S. Peters, 37 Fawn Meadow Dr. 2013-03-47395 Overpaid Real Steven Oliver, 219 N Main St. Corelogic $5,358.93 P.O. Box 961250 Fort Worth, TX 76161-9858 2013-03-42108 Overpaid Real Collins Hadizah, 8 Simsberry Rd. 2013-03-42768 Overpaid Real Lynn Dell, 65 Pleasant Ave. Iacono, Renata and Aniello $163.15 64 Briarwood Road Naugatuck, CT 06770 2013-03-70157 Overpaid Real Kinley, Lonnie $621.55 438 Quinn Street Naugatuck, CT 06770 2013-01-12354 c/c 1234 Incorrect Bill Mariotti, Eugene and Eva $182.42 26 Jones Road Naugatuck, CT 06770 2013-03-70227 Overpaid Real Zavodjancik, Sharon and WF $48.70 19 Bluebird Drive Naugatuck, CT 06770 2013-01-26197 c/c 1745 Incorrect Assessment Deputy Mayor Rossi abstained. 40. Public Comment Residents congratulated the board on forming a Conservation Commission and a Renewable Energy Committee. The proposed power plant would not have helped us when we lost power a few years ago. Thanked the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for their service. Wind turbines put electricity on the grid and towns benefit from the electricity. CPV Senior Vice President B. Kelly said there would be no industrial discharge from the  -11- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – March 18, 2015 proposed power plant going to the Naugatuck Treatment Plant, only wastewater from toilets and sinks, like in a home. 41. Burgess Comments/Sub-Committee Reports Burgess Olbrys thanked Mayor Mezzo and Deputy Mayor Rossi for their service. He is excited about the new committee. Thanked everyone on both sides for coming to speak. Burgess Neth is concerned with the parking on Rubber Avenue. Questioned what has been done about enforcing the policy on clearing sidewalks. As an example, the corner of Cherry Street and Rubber Avenue was an issue. The sidewalk was not cleared until they were told to remove the ice and snow because people were walking in the street. Deputy Mayor Rossi reported the Fire Commission responded to 118 incidents in February. Portable radios have been ordered. Engine 5 has been returned from Bulldog Apparatus. Engine 2 has been removed from service and is listed with a broker for sale. The Deputy Mayor wished everyone a Happy Easter. Mayor Mezzo thanked everyone for coming this evening and appreciated the level of respect shown. Burgess Burns thanked everyone for coming this evening to the meeting. Burgess Scully said he needs more facts on the power plant. It’s a hard decision. He wished everyone a Happy Easter. Burgess Jackson thanked everyone for coming tonight. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held on the high school football field. The Senior Center corned beef dinner had a packed house. Happy Easter to everyone. Burgess Vitale said the annual Fire Department Recognition Ceremony will be held on April 8th. There is a skate board group that wants to help fundraise and create a skate park for Naugatuck. The Public Works Department has done a phenomenal job with snow removal all winter. There was a very dignified remembrance ceremony held in honor of Patrol Officer Nancy Nichols who died in the line of duty. 42. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Rossi and seconded by Burgess Olbrys to adjourn the meeting at 10:38 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