City Council

Approved by the City Council & WPCA July 21, 2025 MINUTES Vol 27, Page 548 Vote: Unanimous CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom July 7, 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, July 7, 2025. Present at City Hall were Mayor Elinor Carbone, City Councilors Drake Waldron, Stephen Ivain, Paul Cavagnero, and David Oliver. Also present in person were WPCA Administrator Ed Tousey and Treasurer Dan Farley. City Engineer Paul Kundzins, Economic Development Director William Wallach, and Deputy Comptroller and Manager of Budgets Erika Johnson joined via Zoom. Councilors Molly Spino, Anne Ruwet, and Corporation Counsel Michael Magistrali were absent. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Public Comment: On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. No one from the public wished to speak. Approve Minutes On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Public Hearing Minutes from June 17, 2025. On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes from June 17, 2025. NW CT Transit District Reappointment On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to reappoint Mayor Elinor Carbone as a regular member of the Northwest Connecticut Transit District for a term set to expire on June 30, 2029. Mayor Carbone highlighted transportation as a key issue in the Northwest Corner, with a focus on Torrington, and shared her gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the board. Inland Wetlands Commission Appointments On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to reappoint Adrienne Barbe (D) as a regular member of the Inland Wetlands Commission for a term set to expire May 19, 2030. On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Steven Thompson (R) as a regular member of the Inland Wetlands Commission to fill the remainder of a term set to expire on May 20, 2027. Conservation Commission Appointment On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Jeffrey Palaka (R) as an alternate member of the Conservation Commission for a term set to expire September 4, 2027. Torrington Housing Authority Reappointment On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to reappoint John Silano as a regular member of the Torrington Housing Authority (THA) for a term set to expire on August 31, 2030. FY 24-25 Budget Amendments and Transfer Requests On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to approve the budget transfer requests for FY 24/25 as further described in the Manager of Budgets' letter dated July 2, 2025, pending Board of Finance approval. WPCA Automatic Plant Water Filters On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the City Council, herein acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to utilize the CRCOG CRPC Cooperative Purchasing Contract (previously approved by the City Council on June 17, 2025) and accept the proposal from Yield Industries Inc., Torrington, CT, for the supply and installation of three (3) Automatic Plant Water Filters in the amount of $243,023.82, with authorization for up to $30,000 in contingency expenditures. Funding for this project will be from the WPCA Capital Reserve Account, as further explained in the WPCA Administrators' memo dated June 23, 2025. Councilor Ivain asked if these were in place or new. Mr. Tousey explained that these would automate the cleaning of plant water screens, which are currently manual. He said the manual strainers are very large, have led to multiple workman's compensation injuries, and require frequent "callouts" during certain seasons. Mr. Tousey explained that the automation will free up operators to focus on other tasks, enhance overall efficiency, MINUTES Vol 27, Page 549 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom July 7, 2025 improve process reliability, and ultimately reduce costs by minimizing call-out situations. He added that the units have a 20-year lifespan and are expected to require minimal maintenance. Similar units are in place at the Farmington WPCA. Route 202 (East Main Street) Sidewalks Phase 2 On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to act on behalf of the City to award, execute, and administer a contract, all change orders and payments of invoices for Route 202 (East Main Street) Sidewalks Phase 2 Project to Pontes Construction LLC of North Windham, CT, in the amount of $523,761 and allow $52,376.10 for contingencies and quantity fluctuation. This award shall be conditional upon receipt of an Authorization to Award from the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the State Office of Policy and Management. The project is fully funded under the State of Connecticut Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Planning Grant Program, as further explained in the City Engineer’s memo dated July 2, 2025. Councilor Ivain asked where the project would begin and end. Mr. Kundzins explained that Phase 2 extends from Torringford West Street to Greenridge Road, just before Applebee's and Moscarillo's. He noted that this section runs entirely along the south side of the road and will complete the project. Councilor Ivain asked if the City had funded the project through the original bonding. Mayor Carbone clarified that the project is not funded through previous bonds but by a grant awarded to the City six years ago through OPM’s Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program. She added that coordinating work on a State Road with DOT involves significant back-and-forth between the City’s Engineering Department and the State, along with challenges involving private property owners and intersections. She acknowledged the process was frustrating. Councilor Oliver asked when the project would be completed. Mr. Kundzins responded that the City is aiming to finish construction this year. DOT plans to mill and pave the remainder of Route 202, from Fern Drive to the town line at Home Depot, this fall. Construction will begin as soon as the City receives the award letter from the State, with curbing to be installed by mid-September and sidewalks to follow. Councilor Ivain inquired about a section of sidewalk that will not be completed. Mr. Kundzins said a small stretch from the volunteer fire station to the Apple House will be excluded due to limited right-of-way and the City’s inability to secure an easement from the Sunoco property. Mayor Carbone added that pedestrians have alternate routes available using nearby side streets leading to Stop & Shop, then connecting back to Torringford Street for access across to Walmart. Councilor Cavagnero asked whether the contractor was the same as in Phase 1. Mr. Kundzins said it is a different contractor, but the work will match Phase 1 specifications, including granite curbing and concrete sidewalks. Mayor Carbone said that despite the installation of sidewalks on East Main Street, pedestrians are still walking on the road. Vinny’s Restaurant Flooring Demolition Project On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to act on behalf of the City to award, execute, and administer a contract for the Vinny’s Flooring Demolition and Remediation Project to EnviroConsultants & Recyclers, Inc. of Danbury, CT, contingent on DECD approval, for $170,100, as further explained in the Economic Development Director’s memo dated July 2, 2025. Councilor Ivain asked what had previously occupied the site that required such cleanup. Mayor Carbone explained that the building was once an industrial facility. Mr. Wallach added that the structure, built in 1904, had housed manufacturing operations conducted on wood flooring layered over a sand substrate used for fire prevention. Over time, this flooring and sand became contaminated, forming a tar-like residue. Mr. Wallach detailed the current remediation plan: crews will remove the hardwood flooring, vacuum out the sand substrate, and grind down the top half- inch of the concrete slab to eliminate the tar contamination. He noted that this process will bring the entire complex up to residential environmental standards. He also noted that an earlier remediation phase took place in October 2024 and addressed asbestos and lead-based materials. The current work completes the remediation of the first floor. Responsibility for abatement on the second and third floors rests with the property owner. Councilor Ivain asked whether the business owner planned to occupy the building. Mr. Wallach replied that the owner intends to convert 6,000 to 7,000 square feet of the first floor into a banquet facility with a 150-person capacity. An additional 5,000 square feet will be developed into a bar or restaurant to support the event space. The rest of the building will be converted into 33 residential units, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and loft-style apartments. Building Department Report On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Report for the month of June 2025. Tax Collector 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 tax refunds indicated on the list dated July 7, 2024. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 550 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom July 7, 2025 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 July 7, 2025. Business by Dept. Heads On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. Treasurer Dan Farley provided an update on the City’s short-term investment fund with the State of Connecticut, reporting that over the past nine months, the fund has earned an average of $436,000 per month in interest. The investment has maintained an average interest rate of 4.5% while remaining fully liquid. He informed the Council that the initial $30 million investment generated enough earnings that he added $10 million, bringing the total fund balance to $40 million. Business by Mayor & Members On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and City Council members. Councilor Waldron said the Fireworks are at the Torrington Middle School on Friday, July 11, 2025. Councilor Ivain asked about the plans for the FAST Academy at Forbes School. Mayor Carbone provided an update, explaining that since the budget was adopted, the Board of Education finalized plans to move the FAST Academy to Forbes. Councilor Cavagnero expressed concern about using a building designed for 500 students to serve only 50, noting that this appears to be the opposite of efficiency. Mayor Carbone responded that if the building is being used for educational purposes, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Board of Education. She added that the building will also house educational records and may support other programs in the future. Councilor Cavagnero then asked about the funding source. Mayor Carbone stated that the project will be funded through grants, specifically Alliance funding, which supports alternative education initiatives. She emphasized that if the grant funding is discontinued, the City will not be responsible for covering the shortfall. Mayor Carbone also noted that the BOE ended FY25 with a $3.2 million surplus. Public Comment (in-person only) On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, 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 Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted by ATTEST: Heather Abraham, Asst. City Clerk CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK