City Council

Approved by City Council & WPCA March 6, 2023 MINUTES Vol 27, Page 190 Vote: Unanimous CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 21, 2023 A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council and Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) of the City of Torrington was held at the City Hall Auditorium on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Present at the City Hall auditorium were Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Victor Muschell, City Councilors Drake Waldron, Keri Hoehne, Anne Ruwet, Armand Maniccia, and Paul Cavagnero. Also present at City Hall were Public Works Director Ray Drew, Fire Chief Eric Borden, Deputy Fire Chief David Tripp, Police Chief William Baldwin, Deputy Police Chief Bart Barown, Sergeant Dustin Baldis, Economic Development Director Rista Malanca, Assistant City Planner Nate Nardi-Cyrus, Fleet Manager Email Castro and Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco. Joining via Zoom was Councilor David Oliver, and Director of Services for the Elderly Joel Sekorski. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. Tabled: Tree Ordinance On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Maniccia, the Council voted unanimously to open discussion for the adoption of the proposed new Ordinance Chapter 181 of the Code of Ordinances “TREES, SHRUBS, AND WOODY VEGETATION”. Councilor Hoehne asked why the City could restrict and enforce affixing signs to poles, Mr. Drew explained that it is a way to maintain the aesthetic of the community. Councilor Cavagnero shared that he thought an individual looking for permission to post signs should be able to text or email the department to get that approval. Councilor Ruwet suggested to the Council that even though there had been a bunch of wonderful feedback with this Ordinance, there are some suggestions made, which will require the Ordinance Subcommittee to reevaluate. On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to table the adoption of the proposed new Ordinance Chapter 181 of the Code of Ordinances “TREES, SHRUBS, AND WOODY VEGETATION”. Roll Call Vote: Vehicles and Traffic On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously by roll call vote to adopt the proposed changes to Chapter 194 of the Code of Ordinances “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”, sections 194-3.1 Restricted Parking on Residential Streets, 194-16 Penalties for Offenses, and 194-24 Authority to Remove, Penalties, and Exemptions. Councilor Hoehne shared her concerns regarding local and small business combo plates for trucks being treated as commercial plates, and not being able to have those individuals park near their houses. Councilor Cavagnero said that he is in favor of these changes going through. Sergeant Baldis explained to Council that these revisions came up because the commercial trucks were parking and staying for three or more days and not living anywhere near the streets where the truck was being parked on. He went on to say that if a vehicle is being used strictly for commercial purposes it should be more regulated and not be parked in a residentially zoned area. *See addendum #1* Public Comment: (in-person only) On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Hoehne, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public, in accordance with Section 4(e) of the City Council & WPCA Meeting Rules of Procedure. Kathy Ross voiced her support for the Red Mountain Trail. She went on to say how the City had gone through so much work to get the property and mentioned that over the years there have been numerous presentations regarding this project. Mark Linehan supported the Red Mountain Trail and explained that the Torrington Trails network had an informational meeting at Bad Dog Brewery last Thursday and 98 people filled out a support form for this Trail to continue. He went on to say that Planet Fitness and Warrenton Mills have signed letters in support of this Trail. Roger Coutant supports the Red Mountain Trail, he explained that people think that this will cause property values to go down and major safety issues, when the property values tend to go up, the crime in the area goes down. Ray Royals doesn’t support the new Red Mountain Trail, he said that from start to end on the Sue Grossman Trail three houses were minimally impacted by the Trail. He went on to say that he wasn’t informed when they would be coming out to survey the property for the portion of the Trail that would be near his property. He reminded Council to think of the outcome. Trevon Whittaker was there to reiterate that there has been a lack of communication between the City and the property owners that the Trails will be impacting. John Kissko voiced his concerns regarding the asbestos that was on the property and that had been covered up. Tom Kandefer said that what they are trying to do is to get additional funding to get the Trail to go a bit further, he said it could be years before the Trails are all connected. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 191 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 21, 2023 Attorney Michael Magistrali fully supports the Red Mountain Trail. He reminded everyone that this Grant is to get money for a property that the City already owns to build a Trail. Approve Minutes On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes from February 6, 2023. Councilor Hoehne abstained. Inland Wetlands Commission Appointment On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Maniccia, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Karl Hunter (R) as a regular member of the Inland Wetlands Commission for the remainder of a term set to expire on September 6, 2023. Torrington Youth Service Bureau On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Maniccia, the Council voted unanimously to approve an increase of $894.00 in funding to the Torrington Youth Service Bureau to be paid from Contingency, having been previously approved by the Board of Finance. Torrington Youth Service Bureau (TYSB) Executive Director Cathy Ohm gave the board an overview of what services they provide for local youths and families. She went on to say in 2022 TYSB was able to help 1,734 youth and their families right in Torrington. Bid for Diesel On a motion by Councilor Maniccia, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Purchasing Agent to enter into a contract for Diesel Fuel with East River Energy of Guilford, CT at a cost of $2.9496 per gallon. Resolution #143-238 DEEP’s CT Recreation Trails Grant Application On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-238 authorizing the Mayor to apply for the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Recreational Trails Grant in the amount of $439,700, matched by $281,500 in City Funds, as further explained in the Assistant City Planner’s memo dated February 6, 2023. Councilor Hoehne said that she thinks it is a good idea to apply for the grant, and that it would be a good idea moving forward to keep reaching out to property owners that could be affected by the next extension of the Trail. Councilor Ruwet asked about the part of the proposal that states on public and private land, Mr. Nardi-Cyrus stated that the preferred Trail would go through some private land, which is the Ocean State Plaza. He went on to say that they have already been in contact with the Plaza owners to secure an agreement for an easement on the property. He also said that there were other options to explore if this easement doesn’t work out. Councilor Cavagnero wanted to know if the City was aware of the asbestos issue that Mr. Kissko had brought up, Mr. Nardi-Cyrus explained that there have been environmental studies done on the property, and as part of this grant, they need to identify these areas. Ms. Malanca further explained that they are aware of where the asbestos dumps are and that there is a concept plan of where the Trail would go to avoid those areas, however, it is not finalized yet. She did say that most of the asbestos dumps are on the adjacent property and not on the City-owned property. Councilor Maniccia asked exactly where the asbestos area is and how far from the Trail would it be, Ms. Malanca said that they know where it is, it is documented, and they know what they can and cannot do with the property. She said that the site had been remediated and that if they don’t disturb it then it will be fine. Mayor Carbone stated that she would like to continue this path with the grant and deal with anything that comes up, like remediating the site if necessary. *See addendum #2* Assistance to Firefighters Grant On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to execute all grant documents pertaining to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) awarded by FEMA, in the amount of $546,392.71, having been previously approved by the Board of Public Safety. FY 22-23 Budget Amendment and Transfer Requests On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the budget transfer and amendment requests for FY 22/23 as further described in City Comptroller’s letter dated February 16, 2023, having been previously approved by the Board of Finance. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 192 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 21, 2023 Lead Abatement Grant Program On a motion by Councilor Maniccia, seconded by Councilor Hoehne, the Council voted unanimously to appoint the Blight Task Force as a Lead Abatement Grant Program Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee to review all applications and make funding recommendations to City Council, as further explained in the Economic Development Directors Memo dated February 14, 2023. On a motion by Councilor Maniccia, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Lead Abatement Grant Program, with Torrington Area Health District, as proposed in the draft MOU dated January 31, 2023 Elderly Services Commission Contract & Grant Requests On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to execute the Chore Service Contract with the WCAAA, with extensions from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025. On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Maniccia, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to execute the Transportation Contract with the WCAAA, with extensions from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025. On a motion by Councilor Hoehne, seconded by Councilor Maniccia, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to apply for the Transportation Grant 5310 with the CT Dept. of Transportation, as described in Director Sekorski’s letter dated February 16, 2023. On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to execute contracts with the WCAAA naming the Nutrition Department as the Elderly Nutrition Program Provider for the Litchfield Hills Area, as described in Director Sekorski’s letter dated February 16, 2023. Lien Releases On a motion by Councilor Maniccia, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to release the liens listed in the Corporation Counsel’s memo of February 21, 2023. Tax Collector Refunds On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Hoehne, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the tax refunds indicated on the list dated February 21, 2023. Sewer Usage Refunds On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Hoehne, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the sewer usage refunds indicated on the list dated February 21, 2023. Business by Dept. Heads On a motion by Councilor Hoehne, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. Chief Borden thanked the Council for their support of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. Business by Mayor & Members On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Hoehne, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and City Council members. Councilor Hoehne asked about the approval for the removal of the trees at the new school project which delayed the project by about a week, Mr. Drew told her that there were initial plans of what trees were to be removed and then some additional trees were added to be removed. He did also note that there was an issue with pulling the permit for approval. Councilor Hoehne wanted to know what kind of training the Tree Warden must go through, Mr. Drew told her all Tree Wardens must go through the University of Connecticut to become certified Tree Wardens. Councilor Hoehne also spoke about the handout that the Council received at the beginning of the meeting regarding the removal of the sidewalks on Tracey Avenue, and how this is something that should be revisited due to safety concerns. Councilor Ruwet wanted to thank the Council for the Ordinance that was passed this evening, she also mentioned upcoming Ordinances that the Committee will be working on. She did take a moment to thank the partnership of the Public Works Director and The Torrington Police Department who are working with the Ordinance Committee. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 193 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 21, 2023 Public Comment (in-person only) On a motion by Councilor Maniccia, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public to comment on agenda items only. Paul Robert Blackman said he was available if needed regarding trees. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Maniccia, seconded by Councilor Hoehne, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted by ATTEST: Heather Abraham, Asst. City Clerk CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK Addendum #1 MINUTES Vol 27, Page 194 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 21, 2023 MINUTES Vol 27, Page 195 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 21, 2023 Addendum #2