City Council

Approved by the City Council & WPCA August 4, 2025 MINUTES Vote: Unanimous Vol 27, Page 553 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom July 21, 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 21, 2025. Present at City Hall were Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Michael Magistrali, City Councilors Stephen Ivain, Molly Spino, and Anne Ruwet. Also present in person were Police Chief William Baldwin, Facilities Manager Jamie Sykora, WPCA Administrator Ed Tousey, Treasurer Dan Farley, and Torringford Volunteer Fire Department Commissioner Jim Potter. Councilors David Oliver, Drake Waldron, Public Works Director Ray Drew, and Acting Fire Chief David Tripp joined via Zoom. Councilor Paul Cavagnero was absent. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m., beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment: On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. Michael Banzurik: expressed strong opposition to Item 8 (Litchfield IMA), calling it "embarrassing" and criticizing the lack of public involvement over the past two years. Argued that the agreement is disadvantageous to Torrington, emphasizing that the sewer system is wholly owned by the city and not a shared asset. Cited the disparity in user fees, with Torrington residents paying $426 compared to Litchfield’s $100. Demanded that Item 8 be tabled and brought forward for public discussion. He also questioned why public comment was not permitted at the preceding Ordinance Subcommittee meeting, referencing Resolution 143-188. Glenn Royals: asked whether the newly approved tax increases had been considered during the Subcommittee’s discussion of the Fair Rent Ordinance. He also expressed strong opposition to the proposed sewer system agreement (Item 8), arguing that it gives away a valuable, revenue-generating city asset and citing the disproportionate burden placed on Torrington residents, who pay significantly higher fees than those in Litchfield. Kevin Hayes: supported increasing the rate Litchfield pays for sewer service, saying the agreement is a business transaction in which Torrington is renting out an asset. He used his two-family household sewer bill as a comparison to that of a four-person family to highlight what he viewed as inequities in the current rate structure. He said that while the Police Chief is adjusting certain fees to generate revenue, the City should be applying the same approach to its sewer system, treating it as a revenue-generating asset. Police Chief William Baldwin: clarified that the proposed increases to police-related fees, as discussed in the subcommittee, are intended to deter violations rather than generate revenue, emphasizing that the primary goal is to support public safety. Glenn Royals: reiterated confusion about billing Lichfield residents directly and the cost of maintaining sewer lines without water usage. Michael Banzurik: re-emphasized the need to table Item 8, noting that the Litchfield IMA expired a decade ago and that the public received the document only three days prior—contrary to the five-day public notice requirement in the City Charter. He questioned the actual cost of processing sewage and what Litchfield currently pays to "rent our sewer pipes," arguing that Torrington is losing millions in potential revenue. He asserted that Litchfield should contribute toward past infrastructure investments made by Torrington. Approve Minutes On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes from July 7, 2025. Councilors Spino and Ruwet abstained. Citation Hearing Officer Appointments On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Steven M. Audia, Christopher Smedick, and Rick Dalla Valle as Citation Hearing Officers pursuant to Code of Ordinances Chapter 1-11(B), with a term set to expire on December 31, 2026. Councilor Ivain asked what these Officers would handle, Atty. Magistrali said that these officers handle citations for blight, zoning, and inland wetlands violations, essentially any city ordinance enforcement, excluding police department appeals. He noted that hearings can often last for several hours or longer. On an amended motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to approve the Mayor’s recommendation to compensate Citation Hearing Officers $250.00 for each matter they hear, to be paid from the fees or fines collected from the citation. Councilor Ruwet asked whether this compensation was new. Mayor Carbone explained that the compensation, permitted under existing ordinance, serves as an incentive to recruit and retain hearing officers, a challenge due to the daytime scheduling of hearings. She noted that training includes instruction on ordinances and enforcement procedures. Councilor Ruwet asked if these fees are included in the budget, Mayor Carbone recommended covering the costs using revenue from citation fines. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 554 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom July 21, 2025 Inland Wetlands Commission Appointment On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Jeremy DeCarli (I) as an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands Commission for a term set to expire May 19, 2028. Sealer of Weights and Measures On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Mayor’s re-appointment of Ashley Clement as the Sealer of Weights and Measures for a two-year term set to expire on December 15, 2025. Councilor Ivain inquired about the duties of the Sealer of Weights and Measures. Mayor Carbone explained that the position is required by state law and is responsible for conducting annual inspections of scales and metered devices used in commercial settings, including grocery stores and gas stations, to ensure accuracy and compliance. The results of these inspections are reported to the State. Referral to Planning and Zoning Commission for CGS § 8-24 Review On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to proceed with the acquisition of the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) property, contingent on the Section 8-24 review at the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilor Ivain asked if there were any concerns with the property. Mayor Carbone responded that the Phase One environmental assessment revealed no significant issues. She noted that the City intends to complete the acquisition within 90 days of the environmental assessment and will need to initiate legal proceedings as soon as the Planning and Zoning Commission grants its approval. Councilor Ruwet asked about the assets held by the Torringford Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) and whether larger items might be transferred to Drakeville. TVFD Commissioner James Potter explained that equipment, including gear, hoses, and fittings, has already been transferred to Drakeville, and all vehicles will be formally turned over to the City. Mayor Carbone shared that the TVFD Commissioners strongly support using the property to improve the fire service on the east side of town. She said a reversionary clause is being considered for the deed, allowing the property to revert if fire services are not established within a certain timeframe. Plans are underway to hire a new fire chief with a focus on east-end coverage, and converting the building into a 24/7 firehouse will require substantial work. Acting Fire Chief Tripp said he is currently developing a plan to present to the Board of Public Safety. Mayor Carbone added that this initiative will likely impact the FY27 budget. Resolution #143-273 – Temporary Employment Legal Counsel On an amended motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to adopt resolution #143-273 for the temporary employment of Atty. Steven E. Byrne of Byrne & Byrne LLC at the rate of $200.00 per hour for Inland-Wetlands/Zoning Enforcement action, to limit the total expenditure to $10,000, requiring further Council approval if more funds are needed. Councilor Ivain asked if this had been done previously. Attorney Magistrali confirmed that it had, noting that while no immediate action is pending, the matter involves complex issues and a personal conflict of interest with the property owner. Mayor Carbone added that the individual in question is a chronic violator who has consistently refused to comply. *See addendum* Wastewater Treatment Services, Torrington/Litchfield Intermunicipal Agreement On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the City Council, herein acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, voted unanimously to accept and authorize the Mayor to execute an Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Litchfield for the shared use and management of wastewater treatment services. Councilor Ivain asked for an explanation of the agreement. Mr. Tousey explained that Litchfield will contribute to capital improvement costs for the treatment plant and any affected collection areas. Mayor Carbone added that the agreement requires Litchfield’s proportionate share of operations and maintenance (O&M) to be no less than the WPCA’s rate for 65,000 gallons. Mr. Drew stated that Litchfield’s average annual flow is approximately 8 million gallons, a minimal amount compared to Torrington’s 1.7 billion gallons per year. The agreement reduces Litchfield’s allocated capacity from 150,000 to 40,000 gallons per day, freeing 110,000 gallons for Torrington’s future growth. He explained that this arrangement is not new; Torrington has treated Litchfield’s wastewater for over 40 years under prior 20-year agreements. The current IMA includes five-year reopener clauses for periodic review and adjustment, unlike earlier fixed terms. Mayor Carbone told the Council that the agreement’s language incorporates feedback from prior executive sessions and ensures that Litchfield will not pay less than Torrington users. Councilor Ivain asked whether the City could charge outside users a higher rate. Mayor Carbone responded that while Litchfield cannot charge less than Torrington users, the agreement does not prevent the City from charging more. She added that such a decision could be made as part of the annual budget process. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 555 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom July 21, 2025 Police Dept. Cooling Tower Fan Shaft Replacement On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities Manager and approve the emergency replacement of the main cooling tower fan shaft assembly by AirTemp Mechanical of Berlin, CT, in the amount of $25,916, utilizing the CT State DAS Bid List and funded out of Capital Reserve. WPCA Payment Authorization On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, 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 7/21/2025 # Wright-Pierce $1,637.08 Harris DR. Pump Station 244636 Eng design 7/21/2025 # Wright-Pierce $16,752.38 Winsted Rd Force Main- 245146 Eng Tunnel Project Councilor Ivain requested an update on the Harris Pump Station. Mr. Tousey reported that the Harris Drive pump station project is approaching the final stages of planning. Add to Agenda by 2/3 Vote to Schedule a Public Hearing On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to add to the agenda by 2/3 vote to schedule a public Hearing for changes to Ordinance Chapter 24 “Fair Rent Commission” Schedule a Public Hearing – Ordinance Chapter 24 “Fair Rent Commission” On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on August 4, 2025, to consider changes to Ordinance Chapter 24 “Fair Rent Commission”. Councilor Ruwet expressed appreciation for the review conducted by the Fair Rent Commission and Corporation Counsel and acknowledged the importance of upcoming public comments. Add to Agenda by 2/3 Vote to Schedule a Public Hearing On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to add to the agenda by 2/3 vote to schedule a Public Hearing for Ordinance Chapter 20 “Economic and Community Development Commission and repeal Chapter 3A “Arts and Culture Torrington Commission”. Schedule a Public Hearing – Ordinance Chapter 20 “Economic and Community Development Commission” On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on August 4, 2025, to consider changes to Ordinance Chapter 20 “Economic and Community Development Commission and to consider repealing Chapter 3A, thereby dissolving the “Arts and Culture Torrington Commission”. Councilor Ruwet said this would support the Economic Development Director by merging functions in response to recruitment challenges and by consolidating the roles of the two committees. Add to Agenda by 2/3 Vote to Schedule a Public Hearing On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to add to the agenda by 2/3 vote to schedule a Public Hearing for Ordinance Chapter 194 “Vehicles and Traffic”. Schedule a Public Hearing – Ordinance Chapter 194 “Vehicles and Traffic” On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on August 4, 2025, to consider changes to Ordinance Chapter 194 “Vehicles and Traffic”. Councilor Ruwet noted that the police department put significant effort into updating this 17-page ordinance, which included long-overdue technical revisions, fee adjustments, and the removal of outdated language. Business by Dept. Heads On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. There was no business to be discussed. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 556 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom July 21, 2025 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 announced the grand opening of Vega's Restaurant and the first resident moving into the Sophia building downtown while praising developer Vincent Cappeletti for his contributions. Councilor Ivain praised Vincent Cappeletti’s enthusiasm for Torrington. He raised a question about the utility work on Main Street, emphasizing that the repaving was completed not long ago. Mayor Carbone explained that the work involves necessary repairs rather than new infrastructure and confirmed that the DOT plans to repave the section again. 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. Glenn Royals questioned whether Litchfield is contributing to the cost of existing sewer infrastructure and whether the City was compelled to enter into the IMA agreement. Michael Banzurik voiced firm opposition to Item 8, restating concerns about the inequities of the IMA, the lapse of the previous agreement, and the limited public input. He pressed the Council for clarity on the cost of wastewater treatment and Litchfield’s financial responsibility. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted by ATTEST: Heather Abraham, Asst. City Clerk CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK Addendum: