Board of Mayor and Burgesses

MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF MAYOR AND BURGESSES DECEMBER 5, 2023 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 7:14 p.m. with the following in attendance: BURGESSES: PRESS: R. Vitale R. Neth A. Yilma M. Bronko D. Neth-Kunin F. Dambowsky J. Rosenblatt RESIDENTS: K. Gallo M. Smith Unable to determine due to the format C. Marenghi DEPARTMENT HEADS: J. Stewart, Public Works Director J. Kallipolites, IT Director D. Goewey, Director of Grants OTHERS: K. Kelley, NAC Chief, virtual J. Lennon, DPW Foreman E. Fitzpatrick, Borough Attorney F. Santana, Arts Commission K. Jarbath Smith, RiseUp for the Arts, virtual A. Jones, Arts Commission J. Mizeski, Former Burgess, virtual M. Desmarais, NPD Dispatcher 2. Burgess Dorothy Neth-Kunin led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 3. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 8, 2023. Each member received a copy for review. 4. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the monthly reports of November. Each member received copies for review. 5. Mayor’s Opening Comments – None 6. Public Comment – None 7. NAC Chief Kyle Kelley gave the monthly update on the Naugatuck Ambulance Corps (NAC). He said they have been very active. NAC responded to over 400 calls last month. They provided ambulance and paramedic mutual aid forty-four times. He said Greyhawk Revenue that does the billing for Naugatuck and Beacon Falls is doing well. They are looking at options to increase coverage to the region.  -2- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses – Regular Meeting – December 5, 2023 8. Presentation by the Arts Commission/Downtown Mural Project. Mayor Hess hired Kleinfelder Northeast and Richter & Cegan, Inc. to do the final design for the downtown renovation project. He said the walls along the train tracks are unsightly. He is talking to the Arts Commission about a mural project. Anthony Jones and Francis Santana from the Arts Commission discussed their plans for a mural project. Mr. Jones said he has been working on the idea of a mural project since April. The Arts Commission has been in discussions with the organization RiseUp for Arts, which creates public art projects. He said the Maple Street and Water Street area is a perfect spot because it is an entry point into town. Two main artists have been identified. Each artist will present their rendition of the mural based on the recommendations of the Arts Commission. It will cost $25 per square foot, which covers the cost of paint and the artist. The overall project would cost $28,500 with $1,500 upfront for site work. Mr. Jones said this is state owned property so an encroachment application needs to be filed. Mayor Hess said funding for the project will come from the TIF funds. Katiana Jarbath Smith from RiseUp for Arts said a graffiti protective coating will be applied to the mural which makes it easier to remove graffiti if need be. The coating should last indefinitely. Several layers of sealant are applied. The state needs to approve the Polytab. Burgess Gallo, Burgess Neth-Kunin, Burgess Rosenblatt and Burgess Smith will work with the Arts Commission on the project. 9. Burgess Gallo and Burgess Rosenblatt discussed the Trades School Implementation Project. Burgess Rosenblatt said she attended the Building Trades Institute information session. It targeted high school and adult education students interested in trades such as welding, electrical, etc. Ten to twelve students were interested after the information session. The program will start on January 22nd from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is a multi- course consisting of one hundred twenty hours until April. Two hundred dollars will be given to the student for taking the course. There is a possibility of an apprenticeship after graduation and they would be paid $500 to start. The Trade Unions fund the course. 10. Mayor Hess said he is attempting to take Litter/Blight/Dumping issues to a higher level. Every month departments are addressing various issues. He said we are getting more and more aggressive on the issues. 11. Mayor Hess said we are continuing with the pilot program for the Town Wide Sidewalk Improvements. He said if we are successful with the CIF Grant, we will jump-start the program with the Nettleton Street Project/Scott Street. 12. Borough Attorney Edward Fitzpatrick said guidelines need to be adopted for the Facade Improvement Program. He removed from the draft that businesses could make internal improvements. The borough will use TIF money to reimburse or forgive half of the business owner’s investment on their facade. The final form will be next for the borough board to approve. 13. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt 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 2, 2024 to January 5, 2026.  -3- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 5, 2023 14. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt 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 2, 2024 to January 5, 2026. 15. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt 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 2, 2024 to January 5, 2026, 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 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 16. Motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the following resolution for the Community Investment Fund Round 4 Application, as if read: WHEREAS, C.G.S. Section 32-285a, as amended, authorizes the State of Connecticut’s Community Investment Fund to award grants to eligible applicants for eligible projects, and WHEREAS, the CIF grant program provides a unique opportunity for Naugatuck, a Public Investment Community and Alliance District, to further projects that promote economic or community development and enable consistent and fair treatment to all, especially underserved individuals, and WHEREAS, one such transformative project includes the Rubber Avenue Corridor Revitalization Project, home of several current or former large brownfield sites, with Rubber Avenue acting as the direct major arterial connector roadway between the targeted Borough neighborhoods, and WHEREAS, this project’s emphasis on land use patterns, infrastructure upgrades to promote connectivity to the newly renovated $81M Naugatuck High School, and emphasis on resilience and state of good repair will unleash quality of life outcomes, increase access to commercial jobs, and promote equity for historically disadvantaged, and environmental justice communities, and  -4- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses – Regular Meeting – December 5, 2023 WHEREAS, pursuant to the Borough of Naugatuck’s Code of Ordinances, the legislative power and authority of the Borough is vested in the Mayor and Board of Burgesses, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE MAYOR AND THE BOARD OF BURGESSES OF THE BOROUGH OF NAUGATUCK HEREBY: Approve the completion and filing of a Round #4 CIF Grant Application for an amount not to exceed eight million dollars ($8,000,000). If awarded CIF Round #4 grant funding, the Borough of Naugatuck will commit $400,000 in Tax Incremental Financing funding to this project. This project will leverage millions of dollars in this corridor, including USEPA RLF NVCOG Funding, LOTCIP funding, and more. ROLL CALL VOTE: FOR OPPOSE ABSTAIN Mayor N.W. Hess C. Marenghi None None R. Vitale R. Neth M. Bronko D. Neth-Kunin F. Dambowsky J. Rosenblatt K. Gallo M. Smith Motion carried 10-0-0 17. Motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the following DECD Resolution for the Community Investment Fund Round 4 Application, as if read: WHEREAS, pursuant to C.G.S. Section 32-285a the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is authorized to extend financial assistance for economic development projects; and WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Borough of Naugatuck make an application to the State for no greater than $8,000,000 in order to undertake the Rubber Avenue Corridor Revitalization Project and to execute an assistance agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Board of Mayor and Burgesses 1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for the state financial assistance imposed by C.G.S. Section 32-285a 2. That the filing of an application for State financial assistance by Borough of Naugatuck in an amount not to exceed $8,000,000 is hereby approved and that N. Warren “Pete” Hess, III is directed to execute and file such application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if  -5- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses – Regular Meeting – December 5, 2023 such an agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of Borough of Naugatuck. ROLL CALL VOTE: FOR OPPOSE ABSTAIN Mayor N.W. Hess C. Marenghi None None R. Vitale R. Neth M. Bronko D. Neth-Kunin F. Dambowsky J. Rosenblatt K. Gallo M. Smith Motion carried 10-0-0 18. Mayor Hess said the borough applied for and received three million dollars for the Uniroyal Project. It requires the borough to use the three million dollars for this project and to do our match, which will be with TIF funds. The money can only be used for the following, a fulfillment center, for recycling, warehousing, logistics or other light industrial or commercial use. We will not sell anything for a period of ten years unless it is for a use listed. The mayor said the board needs to adopt a CIF/Lanxess Assistance Agreement. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Hess to sign an Assistance Agreement between the State of Connecticut DECD and the Borough of Naugatuck. 19. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Hess to execute an amendment to the lease agreement with the Bank of America for the use of the drive through window and ATM at 275 Church Street as recommended by Borough Attorney Edward Fitzpatrick. 20. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Hess to execute a letter agreement and amendment to the lease agreement with the Bank of America for the use of the drive through window and ATM at 275 Church Street and that the Borough of Naugatuck will provide electricity to the Bank of America (ATM Premises) as recommended by Borough Attorney Edward Fitzpatrick. 21. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses 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 2018-01-0003471 FIFTY FOUR GREAT HILL RD LLC P.O. BOX 1910 WATERBURY, CT 06722 -2,049.22 2018-01-0003628 FIFTY FOUR GREAT HILL RD LLC P.O. BOX 1910 WATERBURY, CT 06722 -2,989.98 2018-03-0061728 JOHNSTON, MARY G. 1013 WEID DR. APT. 12F NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -135.00  -6- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 5, 2023 2019-01-0003448 FIFTY FOUR GREAT HILL RD LLC P.O. BOX 1910 WATERBURY, CT 06722 -2,070.92 2019-01-0003609 FORTY FIVE GREAT HILL RD LLC P.O. BOX 1910 WATERBURY, CT 06722 -3,021.62 2019-01-0005605 LAWLOR, KEVIN + JODI 355 WOOSTER STREET NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -143.26 2019-01-0006976 MULLIGAN, JOAN L. 30-6 ROUND TREE DR. NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -501.38 2019-03-0061588 JOHNSTON, MARY G. 1013 WEID DR. APT. 12F NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -135.00 2019-04-0081844 HANLEY, JENNIFER L 150 TAWNY THRUSH ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -135.00 2020-01-0003468 FIFTY FOUR GREAT HILL RD LLC P.O. BOX 1910 WATERBURY, CT 06722 -2,070.92 2020-01-0003627 FORTY FIVE GREAT HILL RD LLC P.O. BOX 1910 WATERBURY, CT 06722 -3,021.62 2020-01-0005701 LAWLOR, KEVIN 355 WOOSTER STREET NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -143.26 2020-03-0056209 DIAZ, JOSE L 57 FRANCES DRIVE SEYMOUR, CT 06483 -190.13 2020-03-0056210 DIAZ, JOSE L 57 FRANCIS DRIVE SEYMOUR, CT 06483 -622.58 2020-03-0059528 HANLEY, JENNIFER L. 150 TAWN THRUSH ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -117.60 2020-03-0061119 JOHNSTON, MARY G. 1013 WEID DR., APT. 12F NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -135.00 2020-03-0074719 FLEMING, ROMY A. 53 CONRAD ST., APT. 14E NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -57.22 2020-04-0081793 DOZIER, DISHAWN A., JR 48 DOUGLAS AVENUE WATERBURY, CT 06708 -342.54 2021-01-0005701 LAWLOR, KEVIN 355 WOOSTER STREET NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -143.26 2021-01-0007084 MULLIGAN, JOAN L. 30-6 ROUND TREE DRIVE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -501.38 2021-03-0051228 AUDI, MASSIMO 36 GRAHAM RIDGE ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -126.45 2021-03-0059918 HANLEY, JENNIFER L. 150 TAWNY THRUSH ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -97.39 2021-03-0061589 JOHNSTON, MARY G. 1013 WEID DR., APT. 12F NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -97.38 2021-04-0084664 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST 20 COMMERCE WAY WOBURN, MA 01801 -346.83 2022-01-0003284 ESCALEIRA, JERRY + MARIA 57 CITY BROOK ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -268.50 2022-01-0004151 GOSS, JAMES M. + LINDA D. 17 SHEFFIELD LANE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -128.00 2022-01-0005860 LIGUORI, LUIGI A., JR 1075 RUBBER AVENUE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -44.76 2022-01-0006122 LYONS, MATHEW G. 49 SHADDUCK ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -740.97 2022-01-0006754 JANET, BLYTHE 100 DREISER LOOP BRONX, NY 10475 -137.06 2022-01-0007678 PALOSKI, PAUL S., SR + GREGORY S. 85 BEACON MANOR ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -30.00 2022-03-0050106 ACAR LEASING LTD 4001 EMBARCADERO DR. ARLINGTON, TX 76014 -149.42 2022-03-0050351 AIRALA-PORREGA, JOSE F. 137 N HOADLEY STREET NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -76.64 2022-03-0054942 COLONIAL CUSTOM BUILDERS LLC 60 OLIVIA LANE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -20.00 2022-03-0055790 DAIMLER TRUST 14372 HERITAGE PARKWAY FORT WORTH, TX 76177 -134.16 2022-03-0056557 DESOUZA, MARCELO 30 ASH ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -10.10 37 LANTERN PARK DR., UNIT 3 2022-03-0057510 EDWARDS, ROSA NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -17.30 2022-03-0060233 HANLEY, JENNIFER L. 150 TAWN THRUSH ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -106.31 11675 GREAT OAKS WAY STE. 200 2022-03-0060953 HONDA LEASE TRUST ALPHARETTA, GA 30022 -282.76 11675 GREAT OAKS WAY STE. 200 2022-03-0060997 HONDA LEASE TRUST ALPHARETTA, GA 30022 -88.78 2022-03-0061491 INGRAHAM, KAREN 156 HORTON HILL ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -143.44 2022-03-0061934 JOHNSTON, MARY G. 1013 WEID DR., APT. 12F NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -97.38 2022-03-0062095 JP MORGAN CHASE BANK NA 700 KANSAS LN. LA4 4041 MONROE, LA 71203 -307.72 2022-03-0062708 KOONZ, LAWRENCE V. 209 SPENCER STREET NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -76.61 2022-03-0063742 LITKE ,THOMAS A. 53 CONRAD ST. APT. 4F NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -23.05  -7- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses – Regular Meeting – December 5, 2023 2022-03-0064401 MAIETTO, ELIZABETH A. 153 MORNING MIST ROAD NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -207.52 2022-03-0067655 ONOFREO, MICHAEL J. 101 PONDVIEW DRIVE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -578.76 2022-03-0067656 ONOFREO, MICHAEL J. 101 PONDVIEW DRIVE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 -945.24 2022-03-0067963 PALUMBO, JOSEPH V. 3RD 25239 CASCADE ROAD CASCADE, MD 21719 -94.98 2022-03-0074016 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST 3200 WEST RAY ROAD NASHVILLE, TN 37202 -713.02 2022-03-0074024 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST 20 COMMERCE WAY WOBURN, MA 01801 -582.34 2022-03-0074062 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST 1650 S. PRICE ROAD CHANDLER, AZ 85286 -748.01 2022-03-0074067 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST 1650 S. PRICE ROAD CHANDLER, AZ 85286 -304.12 2022-03-0074072 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST 3200 WEST RAY ROAD NASHVILLE, TN 37202 -759.30 2022-03-0074077 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST 20 COMMERCE WAY WOBURN, MA 01801 -158.60 2022-03-0074092 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST 1650 S. PRICE ROAD CHANDLER, AZ 85286 -237.80 2022-03-0074112 TOYOTA LEASE TRUST P.O. BOX 23590 NASHVILLE, TN 37202 -91.56 2022-03-0074671 VCFS AUTO LEASING CO. 1800 VOLVO PLACE MAHWAH, NJ 07430 -803.06 2022-03-0074972 VW CREDIT LEASING LTD 1401 FRANKLIN BLVD. LIBERTYVILLE, IL 60048 -262.66 TOTAL -28,564.87 22. Public Comment – Agenda Items – None 23. Mayor and Burgess Comments/Sub-Committee Reports Burgess Dambowsky announced the Franklin Johnson Award will be given to Kevin McSherry this year on December 21st. Burgess Neth thanked the mayor for a fantastic tree lighting ceremony. It was a great season for the Naugy Greyhounds. Deputy Mayor Vitale said the Senior Center will be holding their holiday gathering on Thursday. There will be a Pet Photos with Santa Event on Thursday at the Bank of America building. Burgess Rosenblatt said she is excited about all the projects in town. Burgess Bronko said the Christmas tree on the gazebo was always decorated red/white/blue in honor of our service members. He asked if the lights could be changed. Burgess Marenghi congratulated the high school football team. He congratulated all involved with the tree lighting ceremony. He is concerned with the overgrown weeds on two transformers toward the Route 8 Exit 27 ramp by Linden Park. It looks terrible. 24. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses add to the agenda discussion/possible action regarding Burgess Liaison appointments. 25. Mayor Hess told the burgesses to submit their Burgess Liaison requests to Borough Clerk Nancy DiMeo. He will make the appointments at our next monthly meeting. 26. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt to recess to Executive Session at 8:46 p.m. for discussion on the following: Real Estate (Parcels A, B, C, Y & Z, Naugatuck Industrial Park Section III, Bank of America Microbrewery, Acquisition of Land for Downtown Parking, 30 Church Street, Tax  -8- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Regular Meeting – December 5, 2023 Incremental Financing District, Church Street, Maple Street, Peter Paul/Hershey Property, Financing of Lot #3 in Industrial Park on Great Hill Road, Parcel #0748952, Sale of Remnant Parcel – Parcel C Former Uniroyal/Lanxess Site, 238 Water Street, Laurel Park Landfill/Solar Project, Amazon Project), Collective Bargaining (Chapter 89 Union, Police Dispatchers Union) and Pending Litigation. No one was invited into executive session. Mayor Hess reconvened the meeting at 10:02 p.m. 27. The following motions emanated from Executive Session. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Hess to conclude the sale of Lot 3 in the Old Industrial Park on Great Hill Road Parcel 0748952 as discussed in executive session including the financing of the transaction. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Hess to sell a sliver remnant parcel of land consisting of 1,985 square feet as discussed in executive session to Celestino A. Rebelo. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Hess to enter into a Collective Bargaining Agreement with UPSEU, Local 424 Unit 15B, Naugatuck Police 911 Dispatchers for a four year term from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2026 as discussed in executive session. 28. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Vitale and seconded by Burgess Rosenblatt to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:06 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