City Council

Approved by the City Council & WPCA December 2, 2024 MINUTES Vol 27, Page 452 Vote: Unanimous CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 18, 2024 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 Monday, November 18, 2024. Present at City Hall were Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Michael Magistrali, City Councilors Drake Waldron, Stephen Ivain, Molly Spino, Anne Ruwet, Paul Cavagnero, and David Oliver. Also present in person were Public Works Director Ray Drew, City Engineer Paul Kundzins, Facilities Manager Jamie Sykora, Fleet Manager Emil Castro, Recreation Director Bobby Pentino, and Director of Information Technology Gerry Crowley. WPCA Administrator Ed Tousey, Treasurer Dan Farley, Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco, and Manager of Budgets Erika Johnson joined via Zoom. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Vote: Ethics, Code of Ordinance On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously by roll call vote to adopt the proposed revisions to Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances, “ETHICS, CODE OF”. Atty. Magistrali told the Council the Ordinance Subcommittee considered the comments from the Council and updated the Ordinance accordingly. *See addendum* Public Comment: On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. Alan Rosa told the Council that his property was foreclosed on, and since he has a medical condition said the process was unfair, and that he was discriminated against. Approve Minutes On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Regular meeting minutes from October 21, 2024. Conveyance of Plain Street property to O & G Industries, Inc. On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to refer to the Planning and Zoning Commission for an §8-24 review, the conveyance of property on Plain Street to O & G Industries, Inc. Map/Block/Lot (MBL) 118/020/014, as further explained in the Corporation Counsel’s memo dated November 6, 2024. Land Exchange between Torrington and B&R Corporation, Harwinton On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to refer a land exchange between the City of Torrington and B&R Corporation in Harwinton, CT, to the Planning and Zoning Commission for an § 8-24 review, as further explained in the City Engineer’s memo dated November 5, 2024. WPCA Payment Authorization On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council, acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, voted unanimously to approve the following payments from Fund #490 Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement. Invoice Contractor Amount Description TB-1008419 Tighe & Bond $2,142.52 Cinnamon Ridge PS Abandonment Evaluation Councilor Spino asked what Cinnamon Ridge was, and Mr. Tousey explained that it was a pumping station in the Sage Way area which was being looked at for possible removal. Yield Industries Payment #4 Brightwood Sewer project On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the WPCA Administrator to approve Payment Application #4 for the Brightwood Ave Sewer Replacement Project to Yield Industries in the amount of $260,800.46 out of Fund 490. Skatepark Landscaping On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Public Works Director and authorize the payment of $17,417 to Still River Gardens for landscape improvements at the new skatepark at Elise Besse Park. Funding is from Parks- Capital Reserve: 0311.8888.5900.0107. Councilor Oliver told the Council that he likes that the skate park is active, and families go there to utilize the facility. Councilor Ivain asked where the landscaping is, and Mr. Drew said it is on all sides of the skate park. Mayor Carbone added that Still River Gardens does gardening work for the City. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 453 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 18, 2024 Police Computer Systems On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council, on the recommendation of the Fleet Manager and Purchasing Agent, voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to act on behalf of the City to award, execute, and administer a contract for the purchase of three Toughbook computer systems from Telrepco, of Wallingford, CT in the amount of $20,512.50, as further explained in the Purchasing Agent’s letter dated October 30, 2024. The Board of Public Safety approved this on November 6, 2024. Police Traffic Silverado Short Crew Cab 4X4 On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council, on the recommendation of the Vehicle Replacement Advisory Board and the Fleet Manager, voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to act on behalf of the City to award, execute, and administer a contract for the purchase of one Silverado Short Crew Cab 4X4 from Sullivan Northwest Hills, Torrington, CT in the amount of $72,722.23, as further explained in the Purchasing Agent’s letter dated October 30, 2024. The Board of Public Safety approved this on November 6, 2024. Police Honor Guard Uniforms On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to waive the City bid process and accept the sole source pricing from Neptune Uniforms and Equipment from Haverhill, MA for the replacement of ten honor guard uniforms in the amount of $12,875, pending Board of Public Safety approval. Funding for this purchase will be from the uniforms account. Councilor Ruwet asked if this was the only company that sold these uniforms, Mayor Carbone said they were the only ones that sold Honor Guard uniforms. City Hall Network Attached Storage System On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee and the IT Director and approve the replacement of the City Hall network attached storage system (NAS). The contract is to be awarded to CDW-G, LLC from Vernon Hills, IL for the total amount of $12,516.24, with funding to be sourced from ARPA G/L: 0284.8888.5900.0000. City Website On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee and the IT Director and approve the redesign and platform upgrade of the City of Torrington website. The contract is to be awarded to CivicPlus from Manhattan, KS for $48,597 with funding to be sourced from ARPA G/L:0284.8888.5900.0000. Councilor Ruwet said she is happy the website is being redesigned, however, then asked if this had gone out to bid, Mayor Carbone said that CivicPlus is the current vendor for the website. Mr. Crowley explained they were using the same vendor, but the interface would be different along with a new platform and would be more cost- effective for the City. Councilor Cavagnero asked if the website had been updated since it was designed, but Mr. Crowley said it was not. Mayor Carbone explained to the Council this is the existing vendor, which will upgrade the website from a 10-year-old platform. Councilor Ruwet suggests that each department should have one designated person responsible for managing and updating their section of the website. Councilor Cavagnero asked if the amount for the upgrade would get the City to where it wants to be, and Mr. Crowley said it would. On-Call Park Design and Engineering Services On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Recreation Director, and Public Works Director and authorize the Mayor to negotiate and execute a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with SLR of Cheshire, CT for “Park Design and Engineering Services”. Councilor Ivain asked for an explanation of what parks are being redesigned, Mr. Drew explained this is to develop a master plan of what the City should be doing with each park. Councilor Ruwet loves the idea because parks attract visitors. Mr. Drew suggested engaging the community by using surveys to gather their input and opinions. Mr. Pentino said most of the requests he receives are for more soccer fields and sand volleyball courts. Councilor Ivain asked how often a master plan should be redesigned, Mr. Drew said every five years. Railroad Platform and Canopy Construction On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer and authorize the Mayor to utilize the CRCOG CRPC Cooperative Purchasing Contract, previously approved by Torrington City Council on 7/15/24; accept the proposal from Millennium Builders Inc. of Torrington, CT for the amount of $632,967.58 and allow for expenditures of up to $30,000.00 for contingencies. The project work includes the replacement of the entire existing concrete railroad platform, the construction of a new 200’ MINUTES Vol 27, Page 454 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 18, 2024 timber frame canopy, and new lighting and associated miscellaneous work. The project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), as further explained in the City Engineer’s memo dated November 5, 2024. Councilor Oliver asked for an overview of this project for the Council, Mayor Carbone provided a detailed history of the Railroad Square project for the Council. She also explained that since the trains come into Torrington, it would be nice to have a welcoming area for visitors. New Multi-Function Printer for Engineering/Public Works Department On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent and Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer to lease a new Multi-Function Printer provided by Automated Business Solutions for $160/month for 60 months plus per copy costs for an estimated five-year cost of approximately $15,180. Funding will be from the Engineering Department office supplies account, as further explained in the City Engineer’s memo dated November 5, 2024. Senior Center Furnace Replacement On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities Manager to utilize the CT State DAS Bid list and approve the installation of a replacement Furnace for the Senior Center activity rooms and offices by AirTemp Mechanical, in the amount of $23,828.00, to be paid from ARPA funds, as further described in the Facilities Manager’s memo dated November 5, 2024. Councilor Ivain asked if they just replaced this unit, Mr. Sykora said they hadn’t replaced the furnace which is 33 years old. Armory Boiler Condensate Receiver Replacement On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities Manager to utilize the CT State DAS Bid list to approve the installation of a replacement boiler condensate receiver for the Armory Boilers by AirTemp Mechanical, in the amount of $12,357, to be paid from ARPA funds, as further described in the Facilities Manager’s memo dated November 5, 2024. Councilor Ruwet asked why they were replacing a part instead of the whole boiler, Mr. Sykora explained that changing everything out would be a much bigger project, and this replacement would get them by for the next two to three years. Torrington Police Impound Lot Fence Upgrade On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities Manager and Police Chief and approve the installation of a new chain link fence and gates for the Impound Lot by Total Fence LLC of New Haven, CT, for an estimated cost of $22,400, to be paid from ARPA funds, as further explained in the Facilities Manager’s memo dated November 5, 2024. Torrington Armory LED Lighting Upgrade – Phase 2 On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to approve the second phase of the Torrington Armory LED Lighting Upgrade, which consists of lighting material from Electrical Wholesalers and the installation of new lights by the City-contracted electrician, First Line Services. The estimated cost of lighting materials is $9,745 and the installation cost is $6,200. Funding up to $16,000 will be from ARPA, as further explained in the Facilities Manager’s memo dated November 5, 2024. Councilor Spino asked if there would be phase 3, and Mr. Sykora said no this would complete the project. City Hall Auditorium Speaker Upgrade On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities Manager and approve the installation of nine new speakers in the City Hall Auditorium by Sound Works Security of Torrington, for the estimated cost of $9869.80, to be paid from ARPA funds, as further explained in the Facilities Manager’s memo dated November 5, 2024. Councilor Ruwet asked if the speakers were just for the auditorium, and asked about adding additional speakers for outside, Mr. Sykora said the outside speakers were already ordered. Torrington City Hall AV 2nd Camera and Software Upgrade On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities Manager and approve the installation of a second AV System Camera and upgrade the AV Software in the auditorium by Sound Works Security of Torrington, for the estimated cost of $5,463, to be paid from ARPA funds, as further explained in the Facilities Manager’s memo dated November 5, 2024. Councilor Ivain asked what they would be getting, Mr. Sykora explained the system would be upgraded to allow for multiple cameras, so when someone is talking at the podium the online users aren’t looking at the back of their heads. Mayor Carbone added for Planning & Zoning meetings this will be very important as they have a lot of presentations. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 455 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 18, 2024 SLR Invoice – Application Support: Route 202 Columbus Square Redesign On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to approve the reimbursement of $16,835 to SLR International Corporation using the Contingency Account funds from the FY 24/25 Budget, pending Board of Finance approval, as further explained in the Economic Development Director’s memo dated November 18, 2024. Toys for Christmas Village On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission and approve the purchase of toy gifts for the 2024 Season of Carl Bozenski’s Christmas Village from Daryl Green for $21,962.40, as further explained in the Recreation Director’s memo dated November 8, 2024. FY 24-25 Budget Amendments and Transfer Requests On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to approve the budget transfer requests for FY 24/25 as further described in the Manager of Budgets’ letter dated November 6, 2024, pending Board of Finance approval. Lien Releases On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to release the liens listed in the Corporation Counsel’s memo of November 18, 2024. Tax Collector Refunds On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the tax refunds indicated on the list dated November 12, 2024. Sewer Usage Refunds On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the sewer usage refunds indicated on the list dated November 12, 2024. Business by Dept. Heads On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. Manager of Budgets Erika Johnson told the Council that a new AP clerk started today, and the FY 24 audit is almost done. Business by Mayor & Members On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and City Council members. Councilor Waldron wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Mayor Carbone told the Council there is a State-mandated recount for Senate District 8 being held in the auditorium tomorrow November 19, 2024. Public Comment (in-person only) On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public to comment on agenda items only. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted by ATTEST: Heather Abraham, Asst. City Clerk CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK MINUTES Vol 27, Page 456 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 18, 2024 Addendum: MINUTES Vol 27, Page 457 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 18, 2024 MINUTES Vol 27, Page 458 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 18, 2024 MINUTES Vol 27, Page 459 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 18, 2024 MINUTES Vol 27, Page 460 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 18, 2024