City Council

Approved by the City Council & WPCA MINUTES May 19, 2025 Vol 27, Page 511 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA Vote: Unanimous REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom May 5, 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 Monday, May 5, 2025. Present at City Hall were Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Michael Magistrali, City Councilors Drake Waldron, Stephen Ivain, Molly Spino, Anne Ruwet, and Paul Cavagnero. Also present in person were Public Works Director Ray Drew, Facilities Manager Jamie Sykora, Economic Development Director William Wallach, Deputy Comptroller and Manager of Budgets Erika Johnson, Assessor Stacie Maldonado, WPCA Administrator Ed Tousey, and Treasurer Dan Farley. Councilor David Oliver and Fire Chief Eric Borden joined via Zoom. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:33 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. Veronica Gelormino supports the 5-year phase-in approach, noting that Torrington is not the only city facing this decision. She emphasized that she does not support using money from the rainy-day fund to provide temporary relief, as doing so would lower the City’s reserves to a dangerously low level. She recommends the 5-year phase-in because it has the smallest financial impact in the first year. Christine Altman supports the 3 or 5-year phase-in plan, explaining that without it, taxes would rise all at once. She believes this would force residents to prioritize paying higher taxes over maintaining their homes and having to sell or leave the City. Approve Minutes On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Special Meeting Minutes from April 10, 2025. On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes from April 21, 2025. On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Joint Meeting Minutes from April 29, 2025. Schedule a Public Hearing – Regional Waste Authority On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on May 19, 2025, to solicit citizen input regarding the adoption of a Regional Waste Authority ordinance. Schedule a Public Hearing – 403 Torringford West Street On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on May 19, 2025, to solicit citizen input on the sale of real property located at 403 Torringford West Street pursuant to General Statutes sec. 7-163e(a). Schedule a Public Hearing - Sewer Use Fee On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the City Council herein acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing for May 19, 2025, to set the Sewer User Fee for the period beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. For Residential Users: An amount not less than $420.00 and not more than $464.00 per dwelling unit For All Other Users: An amount not less than $420.00 and not more than $464.00 per 65,000 gallons of volume of flow. Councilor Ivain asked what the current rate is, and Mr. Tousey replied $420. Discuss Phasing in the 2024 Grand List On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to review the potential impacts of implementing a phased approach to the 2024 Grand List. Mayor Carbone walked the City Council through a chart outlining four phase-in options. *See Addendum #1* Each scenario includes the use of fund balance in the first year, one-time revenue from bond anticipation notes premiums, and support from the motor vehicle transition grant, amounts that depend on the mill rate the City adopts. Mrs. Maldonado detailed how a two through five-year phase-in would affect both median-priced and higher-value homes. In both cases, residential properties would see modest increases, while commercial and business properties would face higher ones. She cautioned that phasing in would disrupt the equitable distribution of the revaluation, pushing a larger tax share onto businesses. She noted Torrington has roughly 1,700 businesses with personal property and 1,000 commercial properties. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 512 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom May 5, 2025 She emphasized that the City still needs to generate sufficient revenue and warned that a phase-in could slow economic growth and ultimately place a heavier long-term burden on taxpayers. Councilor Ruwet asked how many veterans would be affected. Mrs. Maldonado said the change would affect about 1,400 veterans. Councilor Ivain asked about help for the elderly; she explained that there are income-based assistance programs at both the local and state levels, with requalification required every two years. Councilor Cavagnero asked whether the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding for the Board of Education would be impacted. Mayor Carbone said no, it would not, since Torrington is an Alliance District. Councilor Cavagnero asked whether 32 mills was the target rate. Mayor Carbone explained that this number is based on the current Grand List and assumes level funding across all departments. She added that the Fund Balance has not yet been tapped, which will help lower the mill rate to 32. The Board of Finance could choose to use additional reserves, and even with that, the City would remain above the recommended 16% reserve threshold for emergencies. Councilor Ruwet asked how much could be drawn from the Fund Balance. Mayor Carbone said the Board of Finance might be able to use up to $5.9 million without jeopardizing fiscal stability. Councilor Ruwet asked whether that could affect the City’s bond rating. Mr. Farley said it was uncertain, as multiple metrics factor into that rating. Mayor Carbone reminded the Council that Fund Balance use should be a last resort and warned that it could negatively impact future budgets. Councilor Ruwet asked about the timeline for attracting new businesses. Mr. Wallach responded that Torrington lags in securing Brownfields and CIF grants, largely because the State prioritizes shovel-ready projects. Still, several projects are in progress that could generate new housing and jobs. Mayor Carbone asked what mill rate would be competitive for business attractions. Mr. Wallach said that incentives like tax abatements are more relevant than the mill rate alone. Mayor Carbone asked him to explain how Torrington qualifies as a distressed municipality. Mr. Wallach said the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) ranks towns and cities statewide based on per capita income, poverty levels, the age of housing stock (pre-1939), education levels, and economic growth. Torrington ranks poorly across all categories. He warned that skipping a phase-in might reduce available economic contributions due to higher short-term burdens. Councilor Ivain asked whether the City could adopt a longer phase-in and discontinue it later. Mayor Carbone confirmed this is allowed under state law. Mrs. Maldonado added that multiple years of tax increases would likely frustrate taxpayers. Councilor Cavagnero pointed out that the budget naturally increases each year, so taxes will rise regardless. Mayor Carbone reminded the Council that the final decision is theirs alone. Councilor Cavagnero suggested a joint meeting with the Board of Finance before making any decision. Councilor Ruwet supported that idea, saying their input would be valuable. Councilor Oliver said phasing in would make the most sense. On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted 2 in favor, 4 opposed (Councilors Spino, Waldron, Ruwet, and Cavagnero), to adopt a 5-year phase-in approach for the 2024 Grand List revaluation. The motion failed. TABLE: Resolution #143-266 – Retirement Account On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to table Resolution #143-266 – Retirement Account. Armory Gymnasium Floor Replacement On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council, on the recommendation of the Facilities Manager, voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to award, execute, and administer a contract agreement with Dalene Flooring of South Windsor, CT, utilizing the Sourcewell Bid List, for the installation of a new maple hardwood gymnasium floor at the Armory for $204,097. Councilor Spino asked if there were any other bids. Mr. Sykora said Sourcewell is the contract that was used. Councilor Ivain asked about the condition of the floor, Mr. Sykora explained that the floor is 105 years old, and there is no saving the floor. He said contractors will not sand it down; it is a full rip and replace. This is one of the most used gyms in the district. Resolution #143-267 - Public Safety Complex On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-267 authorizing the Mayor to apply for a CIF 2030 Planning Grant for a Public Safety Complex Planning Project for $250,000. As further explained in the Economic Development Directors' memo dated May 5, 2025. Councilor Ivain asked whether the goal is to consolidate the Police and Fire Departments into a single facility. Mr. Sykora responded that, given the high cost of bringing the existing Police and both Fire Department buildings up to code, a combined facility is the most practical solution. Councilor Cavagnero questioned whether the current stations are truly inadequate and if this project should be treated as a high priority. Mr. Sykora explained that all stations require major upgrades, but those improvements aren’t feasible within the current buildings. Mayor Carbone added that the departments are “bursting at the seams,” noting the need for additional dormitories and locker rooms. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 513 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom May 5, 2025 Mr. Sykora emphasized that the departments have outgrown their facilities and can no longer operate efficiently within the existing space constraints. Councilor Ruwet stated that she is not opposed to pursuing this plan. *See Addendum #2* Resolution #143-268 – Seferi Apartments On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-268 authorizing the Mayor to apply for a CIF 2030 Capital Improvement Grant for the Seferi Apartments – 245 East Elm Street for up to $10,000,000. As further explained in the Economic Development Directors’ memo dated May 5, 2025. Councilor Ruwet said there are a lot of applications. Why are there so many projects at once? Mr. Wallach said these are all shovel-ready projects. He explained the different applications and what they would be used for. Mr. Wallach said this project would make a banquet facility and add some apartments. *See Addendum #3* Resolution #143-269 – CT Food 4 Thought Commercial Expansion On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-269 authorizing the Mayor to apply for a CIF 2030 Capital Improvement Grant for the Connecticut Food 4 Thought Commercial Expansion Project, for up to $8,000,000. As further explained in the Economic Development Directors’ memo dated May 5, 2025. Mr. Wallach explained that CT Food 4 Thought provides all the lettuce to Hartford Public Schools. He said this will increase capacity and presence throughout New England. This expansion will triple operations. *See Addendum #4* Resolution #143-270 – Skyridge Canopy Walk On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-270 authorizing the Mayor to apply for a CIF 2030 Capital Improvement Grant for the Skyridge Canopy Walk Project, for up to $3,000,000. As further explained in the Economic Development Director’s memo dated May 5, 2025. Mr. Wallach said the closest canopy walk is in Tennessee. It is up in the trees, an elevated raised trail, this would be the only one in all of New England. *See Addendum #5* 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 May 5, 2025. Sewer Usage 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 sewer usage refunds indicated on the list dated May 5, 2025. Business by Dept. Heads On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. TVFD Commissioner Jim Potter told the Council that they have made an offer to the City, and there will be meetings soon. He also said they have donated some equipment to the City. Business by Mayor & Members On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and City Council members. Councilor Ruwet thanked Commissioner Potter for his years of service to the TVFD and all the other volunteers. Councilor Spino said she attended the open house for Drakeville VFD, and it was nice to see the facility and hear about their operations. Councilor Ivain said it was a great tour of Drakeville, and it was great to see. 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. No one from the public wished to speak. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:42 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 514 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom May 5, 2025 Addendum #1: MINUTES Vol 27, Page 515 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom May 5, 2025 Addendum #2: MINUTES Vol 27, Page 516 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom May 5, 2025 Addendum #3: MINUTES Vol 27, Page 517 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom May 5, 2025 Addendum #4: MINUTES Vol 27, Page 518 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom May 5, 2025 Addendum #5: