Board of Mayor and Burgesses

MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF MAYOR AND BURGESSES DECEMBER 7, 2021 Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Borough of Naugatuck held the Board of Mayor and Burgesses meeting on a hybrid basis. Everyone was welcomed to attend in person, by Zoom Webinar or by phone. 1. Mayor “Pete” Hess called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following in attendance: BURGESSES: PRESS: R. Neth G. Mudry A. Yilma M. Bronko D. Neth-Kunin F. Dambowsky M. Smith DEPARTMENT HEADS: C. Marenghi R. Vitale J. Kallipolites, IT Director J. Mizeski, virtual OTHERS: D. Sheridan, Board of Finance Chairman, virtual K. Hanks, Deputy Fire Chief C. McAllister, Deputy Police Chief, virtual J. Higgins, Board of Finance, virtual M. Leonard, Conservation Comm. Chair, virtual E. Fitzpatrick, Attorney, virtual C. Yannielli, Conservation Comm., virtual K. Kelley, Naugatuck Ambulance 2. Burgess Vitale led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 3. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 3, 2021. Each member received a copy for review. 4. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the monthly reports of November. Each member received copies for review. 5. Mayor’s Opening Comments Mayor Hess said the regular meeting will be relatively short with a longer executive session. 6. Public Comment Chief Kyle Kelley is very proud of the stellar job the employees are performing at Naugatuck Ambulance Corps. They responded to 458 requests for service in November with approximately 400 transports and a response time of 6.8 minutes. Naugatuck provided twenty-six mutual aid calls to Waterbury, Middlebury and Woodbury. The newer used garnet and grey ambulance will soon arrive. The ION Bank grant was received but modified to purchase one CPR machine and a new stretcher. Chief Kelley appreciates the support from the town.  -2- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 7, 2021 Finance Board Chairman Daniel Sheridan reminded burgesses a regular Joint Boards’ meeting will be held on December 14th by Zoom only. The budget preparation meetings will begin on February 15th and will also be held by Zoom only. 7. Mayor Hess discussed the Naugatuck/Waterbury Industrial Park. The City of Waterbury owns land in both Waterbury and Naugatuck by the town line. Waterbury has been trying to develop the land for a long time. The land has difficult topography, a lot of wetlands and is not adequate for truck traffic. The mayor approached Waterbury and suggested they jointly purchase the 10.4 acres parcel in Naugatuck, which allows access to the Waterbury site through the Naugatuck Industrial Park. In return, Naugatuck will receive fifty percent of the tax revenue on all of the land in Naugatuck and Waterbury. An RFP was sent and the mayor said a great proposal was received. An announcement will be forthcoming in the next few weeks naming the new tenant. There will be an eight hundred square foot building with a lot of personal property, which will be a major tax generator. 8. Mayor Hess discussed the October 2021 Real Property Sales in Naugatuck. He said values have been trending up for a few years. The recent sales are higher than the hundred percent value of the 2018 assessment. The town is looking to hire a company to perform a property revaluation in 2022. 9. Mayor Hess made the following Burgess Liaison appointments: Deputy Mayor R. Neth Finance Board, Park Commission Burgess M. Bronko Building Code Board of Appeals Burgess F. Dambowsky Zoning Commission Burgess C. Marenghi Arts Commission, Housing Authority, Day Care Board, WPCA Burgess J. Mizeski Elderly Commission, Housing Authority, Finance Board, Park Commission, Police Commission, Fire Commission, HRD, Inland Wetlands Commission Burgess G. Mudry Police Commission, Park Commission Burgess D. Neth-Kunin Planning Commission, Board of Education Burgess M. Smith Elderly Commission, Police Commission Burgess R. Vitale Fire Commission, Park Commission, Police Commission 10. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Robert W. Butler, Jr. (R), 627 Millville Avenue, #9-12, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a regular member of the Board of Finance, filling the expired term of A. Olbrys, term to expire June 1, 2024. 11. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Wayne M. Malicki (D), 191 Horton Hill Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a regular member of the Board of Finance, effective January 1, 2022, filling the unexpired term of S. Lapham, term to expire June 1, 2022.  -3- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses – Regular Meeting – December 7, 2021 12. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Nicole Hiscock (D), 171 Wisteria Drive, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as an alternate member of the Board of Finance, filling the unexpired term of S. Samela, term to expire June 1, 2022. 13. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Francis Santana (D), 1 New Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as an alternate member to the Zoning Commission, filling the expired term of G. Gonzalez, term to expire May 1, 2025. 14. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Dorothy G. Neth-Kunin, 40 Donovan Court, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as the burgess representative of the Board of Education and AFSCME Pension Board, filling the vacancy of C. Herb, indefinite term. 15. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Dorothy G. Neth-Kunin, 40 Donovan Court, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as the burgess representative of the UPSEU and Chapter 90 Pension Board, filling the vacancy of C. Herb, indefinite term. 16. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Dorothy G. Neth-Kunin, 40 Donovan Court, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as the burgess representative of the Non Union Pension Board, filling the vacancy of C. Herb, indefinite term. 17. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Jeffrey Litke, 73 Bird Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a Board of Education representative, of the Non Union Pension Board, filling the vacancy of D. Neth-Kunin, indefinite term. 18. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Jeffrey Litke, 73 Bird Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a Board of Education representative, of the Board of Education and AFSCME Pension Board, filling the vacancy of D. Neth-Kunin, indefinite term. 19. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the reappointment of Ryan Plourde, 23 Rough Wing Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a regular member of the Conservation Commission, term to expire November 1, 2024.  -4- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 7, 2021 20. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the reappointment of Shagufta S. Zahid, 84 Mulberry Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a regular member of the Conservation Commission, term to expire November 1, 2024. 21. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the reappointment of Jennifer Dupont (D), 111 Partridgetown Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a Zoning Citation Hearing Officer, term to expire November 1, 2023. 22. Mayor Hess approved the appointment of Meghan Short, 134 Evelyn Drive, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a regular member to the Day Care Board of Directors, filling the unexpired term of C. Teal, term to expire April 1, 2022. 23. Mayor Hess appointed Francis Santana, 1 New Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as an alternate member to the Arts Commission, filling the expired term of M. Paul-Gaston, term to expire April 1, 2022. 24. Mayor Hess reappointed Mary R. Johnson (D), 63 Radnor Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as an alternate member of the Fire Commission, term to expire December 1, 2025. 25. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses confirm the appointment of the Assistant Town Clerk and Assistant Registrar of Vital Statistics, Elisa Levesque, 96 Village Circle, Naugatuck, CT 06770, term to run from January 3, 2022 to January 2, 2024. 26. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses confirm the appointment of the Assistant Registrar of Vital Statistics, Kayla Rios, 145 Round Hill Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770, term to run from January 3, 2022 to January 2, 2024. 27. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses confirm the appointments of the following Subregistrars of Vital Statistics, terms to run concurrently with the Town Clerk and Registrar of Vital Statistics, January 3, 2022 to January 2, 2024, as directed by law; as if read: Steven P. Zembruski John W. Ford Naugatuck Valley Memorial Funeral Home Alderson Funeral Home 240 North Main Street 201 Meadow Street Naugatuck, CT 06770 Naugatuck, CT 06770  -5- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 7, 2021 James A. Mengacci Daniel J. Ford Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home Alderson Funeral Home 82 Fairview Avenue 201 Meadow Street Naugatuck, CT 06770 Naugatuck, CT 06770 28. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses waive the bid and authorize Mayor Hess to sign all contracts and related documents for a “Master Data Services Subscription Agreement” with Rekor Recognition Services, Inc., 6721 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 400, Columbia, MD 21046 in the amount of $6,000 as recommended by Deputy Chief of Police C. Colin McAllister. 29. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess to sign the “Modified Participation Agreements” regarding the National Opioid Litigation Settlement as recommended by Borough Attorney Edward G. Fitzpatrick. 30. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses adopt the following resolution regarding the Cherry Street Area and Fairchild Park Flood and Drainage Control Project (“Project”), as if read: WHEREAS, the Borough of Naugatuck has obtained a Small Cities Block Grant (“Grant”) to assist in the drainage/flood improvements for the Project; and WHEREAS, said Grant requires that the Borough designate the Fairchild Park property (“Property”) for permanent use for flood control, wetland protection, park land or open space and place a permanent covenant on the land records of the Borough preserving the Property from future development; and WHEREAS, the Property is a vacant land, cleared of all structures and improvements. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: (1) that the Fairchild Park Property as described in Volume 133, page 647 of the Borough of Naugatuck Land Records, a copy of which is attached hereto as Schedule A, is hereby permanently restricted for flood control, wetland protection, park land, recreation fields or open space uses only; and (2) that the Borough adopt a permanent covenant to be placed on the land records ensuring the Property’s continued use to preserve the floodplain or wetlands from future development.  -6- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 7, 2021 31. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Controller Allyson W. Bruce to refund the following tax refunds approved by Tax Collector James Goggin; as if read: Bill Name Address City/State/Zip Over Paid 2017-03-0067376 ODUMS, THERESA M. 232 WATERVILLE ST., UNIT 3 WATERBURY, CT 06710 -219.60 2017-03-0072545 STACEY, FERRARI LLC 160 RUBBER AVENUE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -1,056.16 2018-03-0065072 MCGRATH, PAUL A. 10 TAFT PT., APT. 10 WATERBURY, CT 06708 -578.36 2018-03-0066677 NICOTINA, DANIELLE R. 136 NORTH STREET MIDDLEBURY, CT 06762 -544.06 2018-03-0067246 ODUMS, THERESA M. 232 WATERVILLE ST., UNIT 3 WATERBURY, CT 06710 -193.95 2018-03-0072459 STACEY FERRARI LLC 160 RUBBER AVENUE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -956.26 2018-03-0072897 SZARZYNSKI, MARION J. 90 COURTLAND AVE. WATERBURY, CT 06705 -127.80 2019-03-0053780 CARDENAS-PERALTA, CARLOS E. 116 MIDFIELD DR., #29 WATERBURY, CT 06705 -134.56 2019-03-0053781 CARDENAS-PERALTA, CARLOS E. 116 MIDFIELD DR., #29 WATERBURY, CT 06705 -138.60 2019-03-0067120 ODUMS, THERESA M. 232 WATERVILLE ST., UNIT 3 WATERBURY, CT 06710 -92.25 2019-03-0072365 STACEY FERRARI LLC 160 RUBBER AVENUE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -896.40 2019-03-0072796 SZARZYNSKI, MARION J. 90 COURTLAND AVE. WATERBURY, CT 06705 -121.96 2020-03-0050076 ACAR LEASING LTD 4001 EMBARCADERO DR. ARLINGTON, TX 76014 -521.64 2020-03-0050099 ACAR LEASING LTD 4001 EMBARCADERO DR. ARLINGTON, TX 76014 -485.96 2020-03-0050114 ACAR LEASING LTD 4001 EMBARCADERO DR. ARLINGTON, TX 76014 -621.30 2020-03-0053200 CAB EAST LLC 2975 BRECKINRIDGE BLVD. DULUTH, GA 30096 -276.08 2020-03-0055480 DANGELO, ERIKA R. 409 N SPRING STREET NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -44.19 2020-03-0056824 EAN HOLDINGS LLC 8 ELLA GRASSO TURNPIKE WINDSOR LOCKS, CT 06096 -1,077.30 2020-03-0056904 EAN HOLDINGS LLC 8 ELLA GRASSO TURNPIKE WINDSOR LOCKS, CT 06096 -441.90 2020-03-0057064 EMERY, AARON S. 85 RIDGE RD., UNIT 9 NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -6.18 2020-03-0060144 HONDA LEASE TRUST 1919 TORRANCE BLVD. TORRANCE, CA 90501 -204.16 2020-03-0060145 HONDA LEASE TRUST 1919 TORRANCE BLVD. TORRANCE, CA 90501 -306.44 2020-03-0060230 HONDA LEASE TRUST 1919 TORRANCE BLVD. TORRANCE, CA 90501 -75.72 2020-03-0060475 HYUNDAI LEASE TITLING TRUST 4100 WILDWOOD PKWY. ATLANTA, GA 30339 -389.80 2020-03-0060515 HYUNDAI LEASE TITLING TRUST 4100 WILDWOOD PKWY. ATLANTA, GA 30339 -283.94 2020-03-0060519 HYUNDAI LEASE TITLING TRUST 4100 WILDWOOD PKWY. ATLANTA, GA 30339 -139.04 2020-03-0060550 HYUNDAI LEASE TITLING TRUST 4100 WILDWOOD PKWY. ATLANTA, GA 30339 -320.84 20 COMMERCE WAY, SUITE 800 2020-03-0072639 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST WOBURN, MA 01801 -494.32 20 COMMERCE WAY, SUITE 800 2020-03-0072699 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST WOBURN, MA 01801 -432.10 TOTAL -11,180.87 32. Public Comment – None 33. Burgess Comments/Sub-Committee Reports Burgess Mizeski reported the Housing Authority is trying to finance new heating units at Oak Terrace and seventy-one new parking spaces.  -7- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses – Regular Meeting – December 7, 2021 Burgess Marenghi reminded everyone that winter is approaching and sidewalks need to be shoveled because children are walking to school. Mayor Hess asked the reporter to place an article in the newspaper to make people aware of the borough’s snow removal and sidewalk policy as well as the winter parking ban. Burgess Vitale attended the Narcan training with Naugatuck Youth Services and Naugatuck Police Department. On December 11th from 11 to 3 p.m., there will be tables set up at the Naugatuck Dog Park to collect dog items to be distributed to various sites around town. Also on December 11th will be an open house at the Naugatuck Historical Society from 3 to 6 p.m. On December 13th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rec Center will be photos with your pets and Santa for $5.00. Last Saturday, the old gazebo had to be removed from the dog park. The Boys Scouts built a 16x16 platform in its place. He wished everyone a blessed happy holiday season. Burgess Neth-Kunin said the Planning Commission elected officers at their recent meeting. They are looking to update documents and survey the community. ION Bank Festival of Trees is open for public viewing for two weeks. There will be a toy drive at the Loaded Goat on Saturday. Burgess Dambowsky said Stanley Borusiewicz, Jr. was inducted into the CT Veterans Hall of Fame. The Emergency Operation Plan is being updated to included pandemics. The town will receive a $5,000 grant after the plan is updated. CERT is starting their training program again. Injured Police Lieutenant Mark Pettinicchi has a GoFundMe page set up to help him with expenses on his long road to recovery. Burgess Smith attended the Naugatuck Valley Health District meeting. They reviewed the budget audit results, vaccine clinics, boosters and flu shot clinics. She said it seems like a well-oiled machine. The agency has received an uptick in calls regarding rental properties. Burgess Mudry commended the police department for the information they provide on their Facebook page. He congratulated the high school football team for defeating Ansonia and breaking Ansonia’s 104 game streak. Happy Holidays! Burgess Bronko invited everyone to the Republican Town Committee Christmas party tomorrow at 6 p.m. They are collecting toys to assist the Naugatuck Police Department with their toy drive. Deputy Mayor Neth thought the winter festival was fantastic. The clock dedication was a wonderful tribute to the Rosenblatt family. He thinks we should consider renaming Old Firehouse Road in honor of the Rosenblatts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 34. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko to recess to Executive Session at 8:33 p.m. for discussion on the following: Real Estate (CT Water Company Open Space Parcels, 1221- 1247 New Haven Road, Parcel B – RFP, LANXESS Property, 275 Church Street) and Pending Litigation. No one was invited into executive session. Mayor Hess reconvened the meeting at 9:23 p.m. 35. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses refer the acquisition of the LANXESS Property consisting of eighty + acres to the Planning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the General Statutes.  -8- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 7, 2021 36. The following motions emanated from Executive Session. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Hess to enter into a third amendment to the purchase and sale agreement between the LANXESS Corporation and the Borough of Naugatuck extending the closing date to February 28, 2022. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Hess to enter into a fixed assessment agreement with MHR Property Group for real estate at 1221-1247 New Haven Road, namely the former W.J. Megin Building, the iconic circular building on New Haven Road. 37. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:25 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