City Council

Approved by the City Council & WPCA MINUTES January 6, 2025 Vol 27, Page 468 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA Vote: Unanimous REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom December 16, 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, December 16, 2024. Present at City Hall were Mayor Elinor Carbone, City Councilors Drake Waldron, Stephen Ivain, Paul Cavagnero, and David Oliver. Also present in person were Public Works Director Ray Drew, Facilities Manager Jamie Sykora, and Director of Technology Gerry Crowley. Councilors Molly Spino, Anne Ruwet, Deputy Police Chief Bart Barown, Economic Development Director William Wallach, and Director of Services for the Elderly Joel Sekorski joined via Zoom. Corporation Counsel Michael Magistrali was absent. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. Swearing-In-Ceremony for the Registrar of Voters Mayor Elinor Carbone, Justice of the Peace administered the Oath of Office to Frederick Jury, the Republican Registrar of Voters. Public Comment: On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Tomasz Kalinowski asked the Council for approval for the ARPA stipend for the Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department. He said it would help the department with training and purchasing gear for each firefighter. Drakeville Lieutenant Chris Beyus asked the Council to support the ARPA expenditure and thanked them for supporting the Volunteer Fire Departments. Approve Minutes On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted to accept the Special Joint Meeting Minutes with the Board of Finance from November 19, 2024. Councilor Ruwet abstained. On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes from December 2, 2024. On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Special Meeting Minutes from December 9, 2024. WPCA Payment Authorization On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the City Council herein acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, voted unanimously to approve the following payments from Fund #490 Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement. DATE INVOICE CONTRACTOR AMOUNT DESCRIPTION 09/2024 & 240109 Wright-Pierce $52,643.72 Brightwood sewer replacement Engineering project 10/2024 11/2024 240377 Wright-Pierce $35,091.92 Brightwood sewer replacement Engineering project ARPA Technology – Engineering Department On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee and the IT Director and approve the replacement of the Engineering Department ArcGIS/CAD computer workstations. The contract is to be awarded to Dell Marketing LP of Round Rock, TX for the total amount of $4,974.06, with funding to be sourced from ARPA G/L: 0284.8888.5900.0000. Councilor Ivain asked for an overview of the system, Mr. Crowley explained the GIS Managers use this for maps, and the current computer has been in service for over 10 years. ARPA Grant Funds – Community Impact Grant: Bad Dog Brewery On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council, on the recommendation of the ARPA Committee, voted unanimously to award a $10,000 Community Impact Grant to Bad Dog Brewing Company, contingent on the construction of an approved fence, mandated by the City Fire Department and Bad Dog Brewery, by May 1, 2025. Councilor Ivain asked what a fence would accomplish, Mayor Carbone said it would help establish boundaries to help people not park at the Fire Department and walk over, and it will help the training firefighters to not cross onto private property. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 469 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom December 16, 2024 ARPA Expenditure Approvals: Amendment to Prior Approvals On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee and authorize the following amendments to prior approvals for additional funding: Additional Item Description Previously Approved ARPA Fund Amount Amount Requested a. $95,000 Security Equipment for City- $500,000 0284.8888.5930.0000 Wide Security & Access Control Project b. $32,262 North End Fire Station New $20,000 0284.8888.5930.0000 Heat Pump Councilor Ivain asked where the new cameras would be, Mr. Sykora said they would cover every building in the City, starting with the Police Department. Councilor Cavagnero asked about the additional funds coming from ARPA, Mayor Carbone explained there were two separate line items budgeted for ARPA and one line item didn’t make it on the previous agenda. ARPA New Approvals On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee to approve and authorize stipends for $5,000 each to the Torringford Volunteer Fire Department and the Drakeville Fire Department. 0284.8888.5900.0000. On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Public Works Director and the ARPA Committee to award Phase I of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to SLR the consultant of record for $ 150,000 to be funded by ARPA 0284.8888.5930.0000. The balance of $59,000 is to be funded by Capital Reserve-Parks 0311.8888.5900.0107. Councilor Cavagnero asked what is accomplished with a master plan, Mr. Drew said there would be an evaluation of all 29 park spaces, the needs, buildings, park amenities, recreation improvements, etc. Mr. Drew said this would include community engagement to see what they would want. Mayor Carbone added the old master plan was from 2004, more than 20 years old, and needs have changed. On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee to award a grant for $10,000 to the Senior Center Transportation Program for Medical and other transportation needs to Torrington veterans and residents over 60 and to award a grant for $4,000 to the Senior Center Meals on Wheels Winter Wellness Packs Program and to further authorize the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) detailing the use of funds. 0284.8888.5900.3004. Councilor Ivain asked about the medical transportation, Mr. Sekorski said this is for out-of-town rides, which allows seniors to be taken to any doctor's appointment in the State of Connecticut. ARPA Pre-Approvals On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee and the Facilities Manager to Replace the second furnace at the Senior Center in the amount not to exceed $24,000 and to utilize CT DAS Contract to AirTemp Mechanical. Furnace #1 was approved on November 18, 2024, for $23,828. 0284.8888.5930.0000. On an amended motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee to approve an amount not to exceed $5,000 for the purchase and or upgrade of the Computer Lab at the Senior Center, to BNH Photo, Video, and Pro Audio. 0284.8888.5900.3004. Councilor Ruwet thought the ARPA funds had to be expended by the end of the year, Mayor Carbone said it is how you wish to spend the money. Mr. Drew said not to exceed the bids, which are for the whole allocation of ARPA funds. He added that BNH Photo, Video, and Pro Audio are the chosen vendors, for a total of $7,156, $5000 which will be paid from ARPA and the rest from the Senior Center. Councilor Ruwet is happy to see the ARPA funds expended. On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee to approve an amount not to exceed $3,000 for the purchase of iPads and or portable tablets as well as training for isolated Torrington seniors, to BNH Photo, Video, and Pro Audio in the amount of $3,174.10, the remainder will be from the Senior Center. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 470 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom December 16, 2024 Program to be administered by the Director of Elderly Services. 0284.8888.5900.3004. Mr. Sekorski said this will purchase 10 tablets, and they have additional funds if needed for other seniors. On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the APRA Committee to approve an amount not to exceed $10,000 for the upgrade and or replacement of the BINGO Machine at the Senior Center. Vendor(s) to be determined. 0284.8888.5900.3004. Mr. Sekorski said they have three quotes so far, with two more coming. This is to replace the current BINGO Machine which is over 30 years old. On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee to approve an amount not to exceed $10,000 for the purchase of an Emergency Backup Generator for the Animal Control Facility. Vendor(s) to be determined. 0284.8888.5900.0000. Councilor Cavagnero asked why this was not included in the original plan, Mr. Sykora said it wasn’t in the budget due to Covid and building prices going up. Mayor Carbone told the Council they had investigated tapping the WPCA generator. Mr. Drew said running the wires underground would cost too much. Councilor Ivain asked if it would be easy to add the generator to the building, and Mr. Drew said it would be easily added. On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the ARPA Committee and the Director of Economic Development to approve an amount not to exceed $10,000 for the purchase of Artwork from Local Torrington Artist. The artwork selected shall depict the City of Torrington and its heritage. Artwork to be displayed throughout various city buildings and offices and to further authorize the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) detailing the use of funds. 0284.8888.5919.0001. Mayor Carbone explained the Artwork would be displayed in City Hall, the Armory, and Coe Park, this would allow the City to dispense funds to the art community that suffered during Covid. Councilor Cavagnero said he would like someone local, from Torrington, what are the parameters for a local artist, Mr. Wallach said they want the artist to be from Torrington. He said they are working with the Arts Council and Arts Community in Torrington to see who would be eligible to apply. US Army Owned M114A2 Series Howitzer On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Public Works Director to submit an application to the U.S. Army for the Loan of the Army-owned M114A2 Series Howitzer S/N: 5982 Static Display currently on display at Coe Memorial Park and further authorize the static display to be placed on public land. Councilor Ivain asked for examples of new locations where it could be displayed, Mr. Drew said in a Veterans Park if one was created. He said this would be a transfer of loan ownership from the VFW to the City. He said it will remain on display in Coe Park, there are specifications on how and where it can be moved. Mayor Carbone added this is only for the City to take possession, not move it. Councilor Ruwet hopes it will stay in Coe Park. Councilor Ivain asked what the cost was to maintain, and Mr. Drew said minimal. Purchase of two (2) Chevy Tahoe 4X4 Police Pursuit Vehicles On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, 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 the two (2) Chevy Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles 4X4 from Sullivan Northwest Hills, Torrington, CT in the amount of $146,582, pending the Board of Public Safety approval. This will be funded from the Vehicle Replacement Account, as further explained in the Purchasing Agent’s letter dated December 11, 2024. Councilor Waldron asked if these were replacing similar vehicles, and how long would they last. Deputy Police Chief Barown said these vehicles will be designated for supervisors, and the cars usually have an 8 to 10-year rotation depending on the maintenance. Councilor Ivain said with the different makes and models will they have to change the outfitting, Deputy Police Chief Barown said the Police Department will be transitioning to Chevy Tahoe for supervisors, keeping Fords for the Officers. Small Cities – 26 Hodges Hill Road – Project # 143-PI-51 On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council, on the recommendation of the Small Cities Committee, voted unanimously to approve the installation of an auxiliary generator for $14,825.29, at 26 Hodges Hill Road. Councilor Waldron told the Council this was on hold until they received approval from the State. He said there is plenty of equity in the house for approval. Small Cities – 126 Lawrence Lane - Project # 143-SC-39 On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council, on the recommendation of the Small Cities Committee, voted unanimously to approve the updates, including windows, carpentry, MINUTES Vol 27, Page 471 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom December 16, 2024 plumbing, electrical, masonry, flooring, and painting for $22,896, at 126 Lawrence Lane. Councilor Waldron said this is a new project with a lot of work to be done, he also added there is plenty of equity to support this project. Building Department Report On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Report for October and November 2024. Lien Releases On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to release the liens listed in the Corporation Counsel’s memo of December 16, 2024. Tax Collector Refunds On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the tax refunds indicated on the list dated December 16, 2024. Sewer Usage Refunds On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the sewer usage refunds indicated on the list dated December 16, 2024. Business by Dept. Heads On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. Public Works Director Ray Drew wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. Director of Services for the Elderly Joel Sekorski said Happy Holidays and thanked the Council for supporting the Seniors. Deputy Police Chief Bart Barown wished everyone Happy Holidays. Business by Mayor & Members On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and City Council members. Councilor Spino wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Councilor Ruwet wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. She mentioned the passing of Mike Clark who was one of the chairs for the City Hall Renovation. Councilor Waldron wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He also said this is the last month that the old High School would be open. Councilor Ivain asked with the revaluations out, many taxpayers have voiced concerns over their taxes. Mayor Carbone said the property values post-pandemic have increased, which will increase the grand list, which should drop the mill rate. She said that the mill rate will go down. Mayor Carbone added the revaluations are State-mandated, they are not a decision the municipality makes. She said there is a midterm paper revaluation, which is what the City just had, and a full evaluation which was last done in 2018. Councilor Ivain said that after reflecting on the past year, with everything the Council had accomplished he wanted to wish everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Councilor Cavagnero wished everyone Happy Holidays. Councilor Oliver hoped people would listen to what the Mayor has said about the revaluation and Happy Holidays. Mayor Carbone took a moment to reflect on all the good things that have happened this past year and wished everyone a Happy Holiday. Public Comment (in-person only) On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public to comment on agenda items only. No one from the public wished to speak. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted by ATTEST: Heather Abraham, Asst. City Clerk CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK