City Council

MINUTES Vol 27, Page 478 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 18, 2025 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 18, 2025. 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 City Engineer Paul Kundzins, WPCA Administrator Ed Tousey, Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco, Economic Development Director William Wallach, Deputy Fire Chief David Tripp, Director of Information Technology, Board of Education Director of Finance Donna Labbe, and Board of Education Director of Human Resource Kimberly Schulte. Tax Collector Launa Goslee and Deputy Comptroller and Manager of Budgets Erika Johnson via Zoom. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment: On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. No one from the public wished to speak. Municipal Redevelopment Authority Presentation Municipal Redevelopment Authority Executive Director David Kooris presented the newly created Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority (MRDA) and the process for Torrington to become a member city. He explained that MRDA would support housing growth downtown and near transit stations. If the City opts into the resolution, MRDA will review zoning to identify development areas, sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Mayor to set boundaries, and allow developers to apply for private financing. Councilor Ruwet inquired whether MRDA operates under the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). In response, Mr. Kooris clarified that MRDA is instead governed by a 16-member board, rather than being directly under DECD's authority. Councilor Cavagnero questioned what signing up entails, and Mr. Kooris explained it only indicates interest in working together. He also confirmed that developers can apply directly to MRDA but must still involve the municipality for permitting. Councilor Oliver asked about the benefits of MRDA, and Mr. Kooris stated that infrastructure projects led by the municipality would likely receive grants rather than loans. Mayor Carbone mentioned key redevelopment sites, including the Hotchkiss site, the Nidec site, and 211 High Street. Councilor Cavagnero inquired about tax abatements, and Mr. Kooris said it would be beneficial for the City to have some financial involvement. Mayor Carbone emphasized that this presentation was to inform the Council and open the process for a Public Hearing. Mr. Wallach added that this discussion would help determine whether to bring MRDA into the downtown community. Councilor Ruwet asked if a Public Hearing was required, and Mr. Kooris confirmed it was. Councilor Ivain asked about funding sources, and Mr. Kooris stated that current funding comes solely from State funds. Schedule a Public Hearing - MRDA On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on Monday, March 3rd to solicit citizen input regarding compliance with the requirements for municipalities opting to join the MRDA as a member municipality in accordance with Section 8-169LL of the Connecticut General Statutes. Approve Minutes On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes from January 21, 2025. Councilors Waldron and Oliver abstained. Flood and Erosion Control Board Reappointments On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to reappoint the following Flood and Erosions Control Board members for a three-year term set to expire on January 31, 2028. Greg Mele (U) Regular Member Greg Perosino (R) Regular Member Donna Greco (R) Regular Member James Bobinski (U) Regular Member Donovan Riley (D) Regular Member Diane Carroll (U) Alternate Member Tom Telman (R) Alternate Member Starley Arias (U) Alternate Member Torrington Area Health District Appointment and Reappointments On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Police Chief William Baldwin as a member of the Torrington Area Health District Board of Directors for the remainder of a term set to expire on January 8, 2027. On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to reappoint Jessica Magda and Jessica Wright as members of the Torrington Area Health District Board of Directors for terms set to expire on January 8, 2028. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 479 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 18, 2025 Board of Assessment Appeals Reappointment On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to approve the Mayor’s reappointment of Diane Holland (D) to the Board of Assessment Appeals as a regular member for a term set to expire on December 5, 2027. Veterans Advisory Committee Appointments On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the following Mayoral appointments as regular members of the Veteran’s Advisory Committee: Brian Boratko (R) and Deputy Fire Chief David Tripp (U) are to fill the remainder of terms set to expire on September 30, 2026. Battalion Chief Thomas Sterling (D) is to fill the remainder of a term set to expire on September 30, 2027. Rick Dalla Valle (R) and Linas Venclauskas (R) for four-year terms to expire September 30, 2028. Economic Development Commission Appointments and Reappointments On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the following Mayoral appointments as regular members of the Economic Development Commission: Travis Lipinski (I) and Arlene Gonzalez (R) are to fill the remainder of the five-year terms set to expire on Feb. 9, 2026. Maria Sok (I) is to fill the remainder of the five-year term set to expire on February 9, 2027. Emily Jury (R) is to fill the remainder of the five-year term set to expire on February 9, 2028. John Fiorello (D) and Tamara Christensen (D) are to fill the remainder of the five-year terms set to expire on February 9, 2029. Tom Heuschkel (R) and Cindy Sherwood (D) for a five-year term set to expire on February 9, 2030. Torrington Tax Collector – Lease Agreement The Council discussed a change to the lease agreement with the Torrington Tax Collector. Attorney Magistrali explained that while reviewing a Third Amendment to the Tax Collector Services Agreement to update the bank name, he noticed the rent had remained at $350 per month since 2015. This rate was originally set when TTC took over the following issues with the previous Tax Collector. Attorney Magistrali proposed increasing the rent to $700 monthly starting in May 2025 and then to $1,400 from May 2026 through May 2027. However, TTC’s attorneys did not agree, so he revised the proposal to a flat $700 per month from May 2025 through May 2027. He noted that the Probate Office pays rent based on the square footage of its office space and leaves the final decision to the Council. Councilor Ruwet pointed out that having a private tax collector is unusual for a municipality. Councilor Oliver asked about the square footage of the Tax Office, and Attorney Magistrali confirmed it is 1,080 square feet. Councilor Oliver commented that no business could find rent that low and suggested the City move closer to market value. Mayor Carbone explained that the lease discussion should be part of the Tax Collector contract negotiations, which will begin in 2026, as the current contract expires in May 2027. She reminded the Council that TTC’s collection services are highly effective and that residents appreciate the convenience of online and drop-box payment options. Torrington Tax Collector – Services Agreement On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted 4/2 with Councilors Cavagnero and Oliver opposed approving the Fourth Amendment to Tax Collector Services Agreement to substitute Torrington Savings Bank for M & T Bank throughout the Agreement, and increasing the lease payments from $350 a month to $700 a month starting May 2025, through May 2027. Councilor Ivain asked why the bank changed, Atty. Magistrali said this was a business decision made by TTC. Mayor Carbone added Torrington Savings Bank requested a change to the contract. Board of Education – Administrator Contract (2025-2028) On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted to deny, with Councilor Waldron abstaining, the Agreement between the Torrington Board of Education and The Torrington Public School Administrators Association for July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028. Councilor Ivain questioned whether the contract had been negotiated and emphasized the need for thorough contract reviews. Councilor Cavagnero criticized the contract, stating that the benefits and leave time were excessive, particularly given the school district's continued underperformance. He also inquired about the process for reducing administrative staff, to which Ms. Schulte explained that reductions are based on seniority and that any reassignments require justification and a meeting. Regarding leave time, Ms. Schulte clarified that the terms had remained unchanged except for a newly added cap on personal time. Councilor Cavagnero also asked whether administrators receive annual evaluations, and Ms. Schulte confirmed that the superintendent conducts them as required by state law. Councilor Oliver pointed out that administrator raises are contractually determined rather than performance-based. Councilor Ivain questioned why administrator benefits differ from other school employees. Ms. Schulte responded that MINUTES Vol 27, Page 480 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 18, 2025 these terms align with administrator contracts statewide and note that administrators travel between multiple schools, with travel costs now structured as a cost-neutral provision. When asked by Councilor Ruwet, Ms. Schulte confirmed that the contract covers 28 administrators. Councilor Cavagnero announced he would vote against the contract, arguing that the salaries are excessive and lack justification based on student performance. He voiced frustration over the Board of Education’s unwillingness to engage with the City Council and Board of Finance, emphasizing that without transparency, evaluating progress is challenging. He concluded by asserting that the City Council should take a stand against what he sees as an unjustified financial commitment, even if the decision ultimately goes to arbitration. On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to end the discussion. Clifton Larson Allen, LLP (CLA) On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to extend the contract with Clifton Larson Allen (CLA), LLP, of West Hartford, CT for auditing services for FY25, for a proposed payment of $97,300 as further explained in the quote dated February 6, 2025. This is pending the Board of Finance approval. Councilor Spino asked what the City paid last year, Mayor Carbone said $87,000, and she said the price goes up every year, with the City being late and inflation, which is reflected in the price. Extension for Diesel Fuel Bid FY 25/26 On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to extend the current bid contract for Diesel Fuel for FY25/26 at the same prices and terms as the current contract with East River Energy of Guilford, CT, as further explained in the Purchasing Agent’s letter dated February 11, 2025. Extension for Gasoline Bid FY 25/26 On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to extend the current bid contract for Gasoline for FY 25/26 at the same prices and terms as the current contract with East River Energy of Guilford, CT, as further explained in the Purchasing Agent’s letter dated February 11, 2025. Extension for No. 2 Fuel Oil On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to extend the current bid contract for No. 2 Fuel Oil for FY 25/26 at the same prices and terms as the current contract with Dime Oil Company of Waterbury, CT, as further explained in the Purchasing Agent’s letter dated February 13, 2025. Police Department UTV Add On On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of additional items for the 2025 Polaris Ranger UTV that fall outside of the original RFP #PRX-023-089XX24, from Chaves Brothers Management, LLC of Boca Raton, FL in the amount of $8,837.75. The original RFP was previously approved by the City Council (October 21, 2024) and the Board of Public Safety (November 6, 2024) for $41,426.99 making the new total purchase $50,264.74. The Opioid Settlement Fund will fund this purchase, and it has been previously approved by the Board of Public Safety. Councilor Ivain asked why there was a price increase, Mayor Carbone said the UTV is used offroad, and the original quote didn’t include doors or lights for peripheral views. Police Department – Payment of Lateral Transfers On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to open discussion on the creation of a new budget line item to accommodate the City’s obligation per C.G.S. 7- 294(d)(d) for payment of lateral transfers from other Police Departments during the training period. Mayor Carbone told the Council this would make it easier to track, she added this is the first time the City had to pay out for a lateral transfer. Extension Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment FY 24/25 On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council, on the recommendation of Fire Chief Borden, voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to act on behalf of the City to award, execute, and administer a contract extension for the purchase of five (5) sets of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at the price of $3,369.67 per set from Brigham Industries, Inc., Paxton, MA. The total purchase price will be $16,848.35, previously approved by the Board of Public Safety. The purchase will be funded from the Fire Department Capital account, as further explained in the Purchasing Agent’s letter dated January 23, 2025. Councilor Ivain asked if this was to accommodate the new hires, MINUTES Vol 27, Page 481 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 18, 2025 Deputy Chief Tripp said the gear is for the recruits, and it has gone up over 18% in the past three years, making the purchase price close to $3900 per set. Councilor Ivain asked how often sets are retired, Deputy Chief Tripp said seven to ten years depending on the wear. Land Exchange between the City of Torrington and R&R Corporation, Harwinton, CT On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to negotiate and execute a land exchange between the City of Torrington and R&R Corporation in Harwinton, CT, after a favorable recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilor Ivain asked if this was previously approved, Atty. Magistrali said the prior vote was the referral to Planning and Zoning. Fire HQ UPS Power Backup System On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to approve Vertiv Corporation of Westerville, OH as the sole source provider of preventative maintenance and battery replacement for the UPS power backup system at Fire Headquarters. The cost to replace the batteries is $13,550.66 and will be paid from the IT Capital Projects Account, as further explained in the Director of Information Technology’s memo dated January 29, 2025. Councilor Ruwet asked if this company was the only one that does this work, Mr. Crowley said they are the only ones allowed to maintain the equipment. WPCA Payment Authorization On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, 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 2/3/2025 # TB- Tighe & Bond $7812.50 Cinnamon Ridge Pump Station 1013510 Eval 2/11/2025 #241673 Wright-Pierce Eng $3,654.95 Winsted Rd Force Main-Tunnel 2/11/2025 #241533 Wright-Pierce Eng $11,871.37 Harris Dr Pump Station Upgrade 2/11/2025 #241848 Wright-Pierce Eng $1,974.50 Brightwood Ave Sewer Replacement Tax Collector Refunds On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the tax refunds indicated on the lists dated February 3, 2025, and February 18, 2025. Sewer Usage Refunds On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the sewer usage refunds indicated on the list dated February 3, 2025. Business by Dept. Heads On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. Economic Development Director Willaim Wallach thanked the Council for setting the Public Hearing for the MRDA. He also said there will be a request for a Brownfield for 100 Franklin Drive. 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 Spino shared her thoughts on the Siting Council approving the solar project on Lovers Lane. Public Comment (in-person only) On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Oliver, 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. Executive Session On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to enter into an executive session pursuant to C.G.S. §1-200(6)(B) to discuss strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims or pending litigation inviting in Atty. Magistrali at 8:09 p.m. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 482 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom February 18, 2025 Open Session On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to go into open session at 9:06 p.m. Vote – Litigation On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to retain the services of Harris Beach Murtha to analyze the City’s potential administration appeal of the CT Siting Council’s January 24, 2025 decision on Petition No. 1638. On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to pursue potential engagement in an insulin price-fixing lawsuit filed on behalf of the Town of Meriden by Kenneth Bartlett and work with Bartlett Law Offices, PC on a contingency basis.* Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted by ATTEST: Heather Abraham, Asst. City Clerk CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK *Correction from the March 3, 2025, City Council Meeting* On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to pursue potential engagement in an insulin price-fixing lawsuit by Kenneth Bartlett and work with Bartlett Law Offices, PC on a contingency basis.