Ad Hoc Audit Committee

Audit Committee 1-12-10 Minutes (Final) COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES ALL COMMON COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN AT THIS MEETING TO APPROVE EXPENDITURES AND CONTRACTS OR TO ACCEPT BIDS AND OTHER PROPOSALS REQUIRING THE EXPENDITURE OF CITY FUNDS ARE SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Moccia called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m. and led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I. ROLL CALL Ms. Wink called the roll. The following Council Members were present: Council at Large: Mr. Fred Bondi Mr. Douglas Hempstead Mr. Richard McQuaid Ms. Joanne Romano Mr. John Tobin District A: Mr. Richard Bonenfant Mr. David Jaegar District B: Mr. Carvin Hilliard Mr. Travis Simms District C: Mr. Nicholas Kydes Ms. Laurel Lindstrom District D: Mr. Clyde Mount District E: Mr. Andrew Conroy Ms. Nora King Mayor Moccia announced that fourteen members were present and the only member absent was Ms. Kelly Staniti. II. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Mayor Moccia reviewed the procedure and rules for those who had signed up to speak, and asked those individuals to state their name, address or affiliation and to comment only as relevant to the agenda items, limited to a maximum of three minutes. The following comments are not verbatim and represent a summary of statements made. Mr. Keal Evans, stated his address as 539 West Avenue, Norwalk, and expressed his concern with the language for $5 million state bond for the Waypointe development project. He stated that the Council should use caution as this project has gone on way to long without completion as compared to the Avalon project. He added that the language should be looked at very closely to be careful how the funding guidelines are set and how much is going to a developer that may not be as reputable as others. Mayor Moccia stated that this was not the forum to make any comments of personal attack, and Mr. Evans stated that he wanted to be sure research was done into the reputation of the developer to avoid having a road to nowhere. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 1 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Mr. Eric Chandler stated his address as 101 Ledgebrook Drive and stated he wanted to express his support of the appointments to the Historical Commission. He stated that Mr. Peter Bondi takes his role very seriously and is always in attendance at meetings, and makes a personal involvement with the Mill Hill, Norwalk Museum and Lockwood Matthews Park. Mr. Chandler added that Mr. Westmoreland also has proved his worth in many ways with the Historical Commission and has served as a valuable bridge with the efforts of the Commission. He stated he is proud to voice his support for both gentlemen and the City is fortunate to have the involvement of such dedicated individuals on the Commission. Mr. Roberto Innanone, 24 Merwin Street, stated he also is very much against the $5 million bond for the Waypointe development project. He stated that the project includes a rode that extends onto his property which was dedicated to him from his family, and he is now at risk of losing an area that he had planned as retirement property. He added that Council should spend the money better on schools and to be careful not to create another 5-7 commotion where people lost money and jobs. Mayor Moccia stated that as a point of clarification this was not money that could be used for the operating budget or for education but was a grant- in-aid to the City and limited to assist with development of public improvements. There were no other participants, and Mayor Moccia thanked those individuals who spoke and stated he appreciated their coming out to share their comments. III. MAYOR A. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS Resignations: There were no resignations to report. Appointments: Artie Kassimis – Library Board of Trustees Laurie A. Fan – Zoning Board of Appeals Mr. Kydes stated that he has known Mr. Kassimis for many years as a minister and is a very hard worker with consistent record of positive involvement with the City. He added that he is very proud to make this statement in support of this appointment. ** MR. KYDES MOTIONED FOR THE APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT OF ARTIE KASSIMIS TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. McQaid stated that he has known Ms. Fan as one of the most non-political and hard- working individuals that he knows and that she keeps St. Matthews Church together and running smoothly. He added that she is very deserving of this appointment. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 2 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Ms. Lindstrom stated that she wanted to acknowledge the outgoing Zoning Board member, Mr. Gordon Tully and thanked him for his consistent record of hard work and leadership with the Board. ** MR. MCQUAID MOTIONED FOR THE APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT OF LAURIE FAN TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Reappointments: Elizabeth Ackerman – Conservation Commission Anthony Mobilia – Harbor Management Commission John T. Pinto – Harbor Management Commission Peter Bondi – Historical Commission David G. Westmoreland – Historical Commission Mary C. Pugh – Library Board of Trustees Stanley M. Siegel – Library Board of Trustees Michael A. Mocciae – Director of Recreation & Parks Ms. Lindstrom stated that she strongly supported the nomination of Ms. Ackerman to the Conservation Commission, that she is highly regarded a valuable asset to the Commission and the right person for the position. ** MS. LINDSTROM MOTIONED FOR THE APPROVAL OF RE- APPOINTMENT OF ELIZABETH ACKERMAN TO THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Bondi stated that Mr. Mobilia has done a terrific job on the Harbor Management Commission and highly recommends his reappointment. ** MR. BONDI MOTIONED FOR THE APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF ANTHONY MOBILIA TO THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. McQuaid added that he has known Mr. Pinto for twenty years and is very passionate about the Harbor and the City owes much of the work done with the Norwalk harbors to his credit. Mr. Hempstead stated that he echoed the comments made in behalf of both Mr. Mobilia and Dr. Pinto and added the level of dedication and knowledge is unsurpassed by any other member of the Commission. Ms. Lindstrom stated support for Mr. Pinto. ** MR. MCQUAID MOTIONED FOR APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF DR. JOHN PINTO TO THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 3 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Mount stated that he wanted to support the re-appointment of Peter Bondi to the Historical Commission, and that he is a very hard worker and has tremendous knowledge about the City, and that he lives and breathes the historical attributes of the Commission. Mr. Hilliard added that he is honest and a true example of a dedicated asset to the Commission. ** MR. MCQUAID MOTIONED FOR THE APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF PETER BONDI TO THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION. ** THE MOTION PASSED WITH 13 VOTES IN FAVOR, NONE OPPOSED AND ONE ABSTENTION (MR. BONDI). Mr. Bondi stated that Mr. Westmoreland has done a terrific job on the Historical Commission and highly recommends his reappointment. Mr. Hilliard added that he is passionate and explains issues with a high degree of involvement honest and a true example of a dedicated asset to the Commission. Mr. Hempstead stated that he echoed the comments made in behalf of both Mr. Bondi and Mr. Westmoreland and that they are both very active volunteers for the Historical Commission which the City is very luck to have. Mayor Moccia added that both gentlemen have been very active with Mill Hill, Lockwood Matthews Museum and their involvement has been phenomenal. Ms. Lindstrom stated support for Mr. Westmoreland. ** MR. BONDI MOTIONED FOR THE APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF DAVID WESTMORELAND TO THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Jaeger stated that Ms. Pugh is very experienced and her background makes her an ideal candidate for reappointment to the Library Board of Trustees. Ms. Romano stated that she echoed the positive comments in behalf of Ms. Pugh. Ms. Lindstrom stated support for Ms. Pugh. ** MR. JAEGER MOTIONED FOR THE APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF MARY PUGH TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Conroy stated that Mr. Siegel is an excellent trustee who not only is very involved with the library programs, but also does a great job with the fundraising element of library programs. Mr. Hempstead added that Mr. Siegel is tenacious with his efforts to preserve and promote the libraries of our City and has made the Norwalk Library one of the best libraries in Fairfield County. Mr. McQuaid added that Mr. Siegel is known as “Mr. Norwalk Library” is passionate beyond belief with his involvement with the Norwalk Libraries. Ms. Lindstrom added that Mr. Siegel has been very involved with the East Norwalk Library which is an important element to those residents of the City. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 4 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Mayor Moccia added that he commends Mr. Siegel for his dedication and he is the “heart and soul” of the Norwalk Library Board of Trustees. ** MR. CONROY MOTIONED FOR THE APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF STANLEY M. SIEGEL TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. McQuaid stated he is honored to recommend the re-appointment of Mr. Michael Mocciae as Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs. He added that he is the hardest working Department Head that the City has, and he does not even live in Norwalk. He stated that he has tremendous dedication and is a visionary and has done Fodor Farm, along with creating a standard of maintaining the City parks at a commendably high level. Mr. Bonenfant added that he seconds Mr. McQuaid’s comments and that Mr. Mocciae is very a most valuable resource in Norwalk, he is innovative, and he holds him high regard. Mr. Kydes stated that Mr. Mocciae is a true visionary whose guidance and direction has led to the outstanding parks and cultural affairs that the City has to offer. Mr. Conroy added that Mr. Mocciae has done a superb job with all the many events that are coordinated through his department, and the City is lucky to have him at the helm of the Parks and Recreation. Mr. Hempstead added that he is a very dedicated, hard-working individual who cares very much about the City and the people under his realm, and is credited with not being afraid to try something new to benefit the City parks. Mayor Moccia stated that there is no better beach than Calf Pasture in Fairfield County, and it is attributed to the diligence and tireless efforts of Mr. Mocciae. ** MR. MCQUAID MOTIONED FOR THE APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL MOCCIAE AS DIRECTOR OF RECREATION AND PARKS. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. B. REMARKS Mayor Moccia stated a message of Happy New Year to the members and guests in attendance and welcomed the Council to the first meeting of the calendar year of 2010. He stated that the 2010 Mayor’s Ball is scheduled for Friday, January 22, and is well along the planning stages of being a successful event with over 400 reservations and more expected. He added that this year’s proceeds are dedicated to the Achieve organization in memory of Elonzo Virgil, founder of Achieve, who passed away suddenly in 2009. Mayor Moccia stated that for those who had not yet heard of the recent devastation in Haiti, that there had been an earthquake at the level of a 7.2, and the hospital had collapsed leaving thousands of people in danger. He added that there is a large Haitian community in Norwalk, and he would be meeting with the members of Department of Public Safety and Community Action to help develop a plan to help those residents who may have family in Haiti. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 5 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Mayor Moccia extended a tribute to the Fire Chief, and Emergency Management Director and the entire Norwalk Fire Department for their quick response in for their rescue efforts for the Wulffleff family whose house suffered a gas explosion on Ohio Avenue. He said it was miraculous that the family made it out without life-threatening injury, and Mr. Wulffleff had been hospitalized with severe burns on his hands and arms. He thanked the emergency crews and added they provided tremendous support to family following this tragedy with financial assistance, and should be recognized for their outstanding efforts. Mayor Moccia announced that he had attended a charity event in honor of Bobby Valentine where Council member Travis Simms was honored for his accomplishments as a boxing champion, and added that he was the only former athlete who is now an elected City official. IV. COUNCIL PRESIDENT A. GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS 1. Announcement of Maritime Authority Members: Fred Bondi, Andy Conroy, Douglas Hempstead, Richard McQuaid Ms. Lindstrom stated she was very disappointed with this selection of solely republican members, and that it was yet another example of an imbalance of partisanship, which she has stated before is not what should happen with committees and appointments. She stated that there was a Democratic council member that has requested to serve on this Authority, and she would like to add the name of Travis Simms to the list. Mayor Moccia stated that he would accept this request, but to keep within the rules, a roll call vote would be taken for all of the above members. A roll call vote was taken for each of the members listed, and the results are as follows: F. Bondi: Confirmed with a vote of eleven in favor, two opposed (Lindstrom, King), and one absention (Bondi) A. Conroy: Confirmed with a vote of twelve in favor and one opposed (Lindstrom), and one absention (Conroy) D.Hempstead: Confirmed with a vote of eleven in favor, two opposed (Lindstrom, King), and one absention (Hempstead) R. McQuaid: Confirmed with a vote of nine in favor and four opposed (Hilliard, Simms, Lindstrom, King), one absention (McQuaid) Mayor Moccia announced that with the confirmation of the above members, there was no need for a vote for Mr. Simms. He stated it would be on the record that Ms. Lindstrom added Mr. Simms to the list, but that the four appointments to the Maritime Authority by the Council President had been approved by roll call vote. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 6 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 2. Announcement of Common Council Members for Education Ad Hoc Committee: Carvin Hilliard, Andy Conroy, Douglas Hempstead, Nora King, Nicholas Kydes Mr. Hempstead stated that the creation of this committee was an important step in providing open forum discussions to help maintain viable education objectives and direction for the City of Norwalk amidst the financial pressures that the Board of Education is faced with. B. CONSENT CALENDAR: ** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS THE CONSENT CALENDAR: Note: Items as approved on Consent Calendar listed in bold type VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES A. FINANCE COMMITTEE Reports as submitted for informational purposes: 1. Receive comprehensive annual financial report for the year ended June 30, 2009. 2. Receive federal and state financial and compliance report for the year ended June 30, 2009. B. HEALTH, WELFARE & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 1. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute a purchase order with KME Fire Apparatus, One Industrial Complex, Nesquehoning, PA 18240, to build a tractor- drawn aerial ladder fire truck for the Norwalk Fire Department for a price not to exceed $854,737.00. Account No. 91031105777. C. LAND USE & BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2. Authorize the Office of Building Management to issue Change Orders to Environmental Consulting and Contracting, LLC’s contract for the Old Police Station - Interior Hazardous Material Remediation Project by increasing the Contingency Allowance for an additional $25,000. Acct. No. 09107100 5777 C0368. D. PLANNING COMMITTEE Per Consent the following item is being sent back to Committee for further discussion: 1. Authorize the Mayor to request that DECD submit the following language to the State Bond Commission to amend the funding request for the $5,000,000 Urban Act grant approved December 12, 2008 for the City of Norwalk Waypointe mixed-use development project in the West Avenue Corridor redevelopment area: City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 7 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES These funds are requested to provide a grant-in-aid to the City of Norwalk to assist with the development of public improvements associated with the Waypointe mixed- use development project in the West Avenue Corridor redevelopment area. Per Consent the following item is being sent back to Committee for further discussion. 2. Authorize Emil Albanese, Chairman of the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency to execute all documents necessary to implement the Urban Act Grant Assistance Agreement and the Project Financing Plan and Budget for the DECD Urban Act $5,000,000 grant for public improvements associated with the Waypointe mixed-use development project. Mr. Hempstead stated that there will be a public information session for the above items that have been sent back to Committee scheduled for next week, Thursday, January 2 at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Planning Committee Meeting. Mayor Moccia stated for the purpose of advising the public participants who commented about these items, that they have been sent back to Committee and will not be discussed at tonight’s Common Council meeting. E. RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 1a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with Team Mossman Events Clayton Tebbetts for their Annual Kids Triathlon to be held at Calf Pasture Beach Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 7:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. Set-up to take place on Friday, July 16, 2010 at 12:00 Noon. Estimated attendance 200. 1b. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with Team Mossman Events Clayton Tebbetts for their Annual Adult Triathlon to be held at Calf Pasture Beach Sunday, July 18, 2010 from 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Estimated attendance 550+ spectators. 2. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the Sound Cyclists Bicycle Club for their Annual Bloomin Metric to be held at Shady Beach and Taylor Farm Sunday, May 23, 2010 from 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Set-up to take place on Saturday, May 22, 2010 and Break down by Monday, May 24, 2010 at Noon. Estimated attendance 2,500. 2. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with Achieve LLC for the use of the ground at Brookside, Jefferson and Wolfpit for their before and after school program to run September 21, 2009 – June 30, 2010 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Number of participants 30+. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 8 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 3. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to execute an agreement to the License agreement with the Norwalk Seaport Association, Inc. for their use of Hope Dock, extending the agreement from February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2020. All terms to remain unchanged. Mr. Hempstead noted a date change on the above item and requested it be corrected on the other department documents from January 31 to March 31, 2010: 5. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the Card Shop for the Purchase of Project #2886 Round Concrete Tables and Concrete Benches for Calf Pasture Beach Pedestrian Lighting Project for a sum not to exceed $29,228.49. Account #09106030-5777-C0365. 6. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the SBW Events Group for the use of Taylor Farm for “Live Green Connecticut!”, to be held Saturday, September 18, 2010 and Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 8a.m .– 6 p.m. both days. Set-up to take place Friday, September 17, 2010 at noon with breakdown Monday, September 20, 2010 by noon. All donations made by the Live Green CT proposed must go to Norwalk organizations. Per Consent the item is being sent back to Committee for further discussion. ** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES B. HEALTH, WELFARE & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 2. Approve the License Agreement for Use of Property by Norwalk Police Department, City of Norwalk. Mr. Bonenvant presented the item and stated that due to a clerical error, it had never gone to Committee. Mr. Maslan commented that various divisions of the Norwalk Police Department use private property for training exercises, and often property owners are asked to be held harmless should injury on the property occur. He added that the standard license agreement form then was brought to the committee for approval, Officer Cunningham presented detail and support documentation for the item, and there were no comments or questions. ** MR. BONENVANT MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR USE OF PROPERTY BY NORWALK POLICE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF NORWALK. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 9 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES C. LAND USE & BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 1. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with Peterson Engineering Group, LLC to provide mechanical engineering design services for the Roosevelt Center Heating System Improvement Project for a total not to exceed $25,575.00 plus $3,000 for reimbursable expenses and additional services. Funds are available from DOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) and City Capital Budget #09107100 5777 C0147. Mr. Hempstead recused himself from the discussion and vote due to a potential conflict of interest, and left the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Mayor Moccia clarified that this is a Federal Energy Stimulus Fund improvement of the heating system that is over 24 years old, and based on Mr. Lo’s recommendation is extremely energy inefficient and has reached the end of its life cycle. ** MR. BONDI MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE ITEM. TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH PETERSON ENGINEERING GROUP, LLC TO PROVIDE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE ROOSEVELT CENTER HEATING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $25,575.00 PLUS $3,000 FOR REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES. FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DOE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT (EECBG) AND CITY CAPITAL BUDGET #09107100 5777 C0147. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY Mr. Hempstead rejoined the meeting following the conclusion of the vote. E. RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 7. Approve the new Fees & Charges Harbor Management for 2010. A. Establish an annual permit fee of $3.00 per linear foot of the permitted vessel; B. Raise the one-time application fee for new applications from $40.00 to $75.00 C. Raise the reinstatement fee for failure to renew permits from $110.00 to $165.00. Note: Under the existing fee schedule, the annual fees are $30.00 for boats 20ft or less; $45.00 for boats greater than 20 ft. and less than 30 ft.; and $60.00 for boats 30 ft. or longer. Mr. McQuaid stated that last month the item was discussed sent back to the Commission at the Council’s request to re-present the item to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Mr. D’Andrea of the Harbor Management Commission stated that he had presented the item and there were no public comments or objections and two members of the surrounding Harbor Associations spoke in approval of the new fee charges. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 10 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Ms. King stated that she had received comments from residents that they had no knowledge of the public hearing, and asked if a committee had been formed as requested of Mr. Griffin. Mr. D’Andrea stated he had no knowledge of a newly requested sub-committee, and Ms. King restated that Mr. Griffin was supposed to form a committee with members of Sprite Island, Norwalk Yacht Club, and Rowayton Yacht Club to review the new fees. She added that she wanted to prevent a small number of mooring permit holders from having the burden to pay a larger than proportionate share of increased charges. Mr. D’Andrea replied that there were members of those associations present at the meeting and they voiced comments of approval of the fees, and asked Mr. McQuaid to confirm that and he said he was in agreement. Mr. D’Andrea stated that if the Council wants an increase spread to all vessels in the harbor, it would be an enormous task that would require more manpower than the Commission’s $13,000 budget has available. Ms. King commented that she did not necessarily want to charge all vessels in the harbor, but wanted to be sure this small population of mooring permit holders were not being overcharged more than their share of the burden, then be possibly faced with another increase in charges next year. Mr. D’Andrea responded that he did not have a crystal ball of budget restraints for next year, but that he had been empowered by the Commission and the City to reduce operating expenditures. He reiterated that the item had been vetted through committee, public hearings, with all procedures followed as listed in City guidelines and ordinances, and he added that the Harbor Management Commission had approved to increase the rates for the first time since 2005. He commented that the Rowayton Yacht club charges $200, and if Ms. King would like him to raise the Norwalk Harbor fees to be in line with Rowayton, he was happy to do so; but a 10% increase was much more desirable in behalf of the mooring owners. Mr. Conroy asked how the Commission plans to spend the revenue from increased charges in fees. Mr. D’Andrea responded that the budget in totality is used for Harbor Master expenses, consultant legal fees associated with application permits, dredging regulations, and testing of 26 Health Department water quality sites. Mayor Moccia stated that the revenue generated from this item is relatively low in total dollars, and it has been vetted through committee, public hearings, with all procedures followed as listed in City guidelines. He added that the area harbor associations are in agreement with the fee increases, which are much lower than other harbor fees in surrounding towns. Mayor Moccia thanked Mr. D’Andrea for the thorough job he has done with the added meetings and discussions that he had been requested in order to recover the rising costs of managing the Norwalk Harbor, especially with the limited budget that is available. Mayor Moccia requested that with no further discussion, a motion be made to approve the new Harbor Management fees and charges for 2010. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 11 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 12, 2010 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES ** MR. MCQUAID MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE NEW FEES & CHARGES HARBOR MANAGEMENT FOR 2010: 1. ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL PERMIT FEE OF $3.00 PER LINEAR FOOT OF THE PERMITTED VESSEL; 2. RAISE THE ONE-TIME APPLICATION FEE FOR NEW APPLICATIONS FROM $40.00 TO $75.00. 3. RAISE THE REINSTATEMENT FEE FOR FAILURE TO RENEW PERMITS FROM $110.00 TO $165.00. ** THE MOTION PASSED WITH 12 VOTES IN FAVOR, TWO OPPOSED (MR. CONROY, MS. KING) AND NO ABSTENTIONS. VI. REPORTS: DEPARTMENTS, BOARD AND COMMISSIONS There were no reports for discussion. VIII. RESOLUTIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL There were no resolutions from Common Council. IX. MOTIONS POSTPONED TO A SPECIFIC DATE There were no motions postponed. X. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES There were no suspensions of the rules. XI. ADJOURNMENT ** MR. KYDES MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Knox Telesco Secretarial Services City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting January 12, 2010 Page 12