City Council

MINUTES Vol 27, Page 596 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom September 15, 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, September 15, 2025. Present at City Hall were Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Michael Magistrali, and City Councilors Drake Waldron, Stephan Ivain, Molly Spino, Anne Ruwet, Paul Cavagnero, and David Oliver. Also present at City Hall were Fire Chief David Tripp, City Engineer Paul Kundzins, Facilities Manager Jamie Sykora, Economic Development Director William Wallach, Deputy Comptroller & Manager of Budgets Erika Johnson, Democratic Registrar of Voters Jacque Williams, Republican Registrar of Voters Frederick Jury, and Registrar’s Clerk Melissa Russell. No one participated via Zoom. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment: On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. Mike Companik, said moving the polling location would violate C.G.S. 9-169. Tom Scoville, Republican Town Committee Chairman, attended the meeting to discuss issues that arose during the last election. It was agreed that the Armory is not adequately equipped to handle the number of voters assigned there. He outlined reasons why Vogel Wetmore would serve as a better location. Tamara Christensen, Democratic Town Committee Chair, raised concerns about voter access, questioning why a change as simple as relocating a polling place has been handled with little transparency. She noted that the last-minute decision should have been addressed months in advance, not just days before the election. She emphasized the importance of notifying all voters, stating that every vote matters. Carrie Combs, questioned why the Secretary of the State’s voter registration system lists her polling location as Vogel when that change has not yet been voted on. Rachel Harrell, stated that any changes should have been made long ago, not in September, so close to the election. She noted there have never been problems at the Armory in the past and that it would not be possible to notify all voters in time. Kathy Ross, there were two issues: the long line and the trip hazard. The only year there was a line was this year, when voters had to enter and exit through the side doors, which created confusion. The Armory should remain at the voting location. Donna Fortier wants to dismiss the ADA concerns, noting that temporary measures can be implemented to make polling locations compliant for Election Day. Margaret Tucker, if the building is open to the public but not ADA-compliant, why is the public still permitted to use it? Stacy Whitman agrees that it is too late to change polling locations this year. With current accessibility challenges, this is not the right year to switch venues. However, in the long run, if another location proves better, voters can be notified well in advance of the change. Tracy Rowe has always voted at the Armory and never experienced problems or long lines before last year. Shared concerns about the rapid pace of this change and find the entire situation questionable. Liz Cilfone, the proposed change in venue comes with too little notice, and the parking at Vogel is not as convenient as at the Armory. According to the state site, District 6 is already listed as Vogel Wetmore, but I thought this meeting was to decide that. There is confusion about polling locations and where voters will cast their ballots. Rodrigo de la Mora is concerned about the costs of moving a polling location just 45 days before the election, and whether it might be more expensive than implementing a temporary solution to ensure ADA compliance. Susan Pantely, as a voter, she prefers to vote at her usual location. Moving to Vogel would create confusion due to ongoing street and parking construction, and last-minute changes would add unnecessary disruption. Brian Corrangham, poll workers have experience at multiple locations, and voters feel strongly that their polling places should remain consistent, so everyone knows where to vote. Making a change less than two months before the election will likely create additional confusion. He noted that most of the issues at the Armory during the last election were due to equipment failures. Armand Maniccia, while the Armory is not ideal due to having only one handicapped entrance, moving the polling location to Vogel would be an overall improvement. Vogel provides multiple accessible entrances, ensuring safer and more reliable access in the event of an emergency. Christine Carroll, why wasn’t this change made in December? If not for the letter from the Democratic Town Committee, many people wouldn’t have even known this meeting was taking place. Accept Minutes On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes from September 2, 2025. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 597 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom September 15, 2025 Polling Place Relocation On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to open discussion on the relocation of the City’s 6th District polling place from the Armory to Vogel-Wetmore School. Democratic Registrar of Voters Jacque Williams addressed public concerns, stressing his responsibility to ensure a fair, credible, and safe election. He explained that while a meeting was held in December, it focused on District 6 issues at the Armory, and there has not been enough time since to develop and communicate a relocation plan. Mr. Williams warned that making changes now would add stress to the department and hinder its ability to perform at its best. Republican Registrar of Voters Fred Jury thanked the public for their input and emphasized that the City’s current noncompliance with ADA standards could invite a formal complaint. He also raised concerns about voter safety, noting the risk of falls at the Armory, and urged the Council to relocate the polling place. Mayor Carbone provided a memo outlining ADA compliance, parking, and safety issues. The Armory, transferred from State to City ownership in June 2023, has faced accessibility concerns, including ramp compliance questions raised during COVID testing. Parking has also been reduced since Hartford Healthcare purchased a nearby lot. In contrast, Vogel Wetmore offers about 160 parking spaces, multiple ADA-compliant entrances, generator backup, and better lighting. Mayor Carbone noted that while voter familiarity favors the Armory, Vogel’s accessibility, safety, and compliance advantages are stronger, though the short timeline to notify voters remains a challenge. Data from the Secretary of State shows no consistent partisan advantage at the Armory. Councilor Ivain criticized the handling of the September 2, 2025, meeting, saying public comment came too late and no detailed relocation plan was provided, only a list of pros and cons. He requested cost analyses, floor plans, and operational details before any decision and questioned discrepancies in ADA reports. He further expressed frustration that the Secretary of State’s office already lists Vogel Wetmore as a polling site for some voters, raising possible Voting Rights Act concerns. He urged the Council to address broader districting issues and requested a full breakdown of relocation costs, including voter notification, staffing, police coverage, and site setup. Councilor Cavagnero highlighted the Armory’s long history, once seen as a Democratic stronghold, though recent results are closer to even. He argued that relocating is unnecessary and wrong, citing the site’s historic importance. He further stressed the need for a clear plan, diagrams of entrances and exits, cost details, and a voter notification strategy, before any change is considered. Recalling issues in the last election, including tabulator breakdowns, shortages of pens, poor ballot management, and trip hazards, he argued that fixing operations is just as critical as location. Councilor Cavagnero questioned entrusting relocation to the same group that managed the Armory last November and warned that moving to Vogel now would be overly complex and risk lowering turnout. He concluded to not move this polling location. Facilities Manager Jamie Sykora reported that a 13-foot section of the Armory ramp is slightly out of ADA compliance, with about a one-inch variance. Minor surface chips remain from COVID testing use, but repairs are scheduled for October. He emphasized the issue is a maintenance concern, not a safety hazard, and confirmed plans to regrade the ramp’s top section. The recent gym floor replacement, he noted, did not trigger additional compliance issues. Councilor Ruwet stated the matter was new to her and thanked the Mayor for providing context. She emphasized that the Council became involved only because the Registrars disagreed. While recognizing the Armory’s shortcomings, she argued it is too late to change locations this year and suggested using Election Day to inform voters of possible future relocation. She also warned against legal risks, saying the City already faces enough lawsuits. Commending the Mayor’s leadership, she concluded that it is simply too late to make this move. Mayor Carbone clarified that the Council would not be involved if the Registrars had agreed. She noted that consensus appeared earlier in the year and only recently broke down, assuring the Council and public that the process has been transparent. Councilor Oliver raised concerns about pedestrian safety near the Armory, citing traffic, near-misses, and limited parking. While acknowledging Vogel Wetmore’s advantages in ADA access, lighting, and parking, he said relocating so close to the election, especially with traffic construction nearby, would create confusion. He urged fixing hazards at the Armory instead, criticizing the past decision to lock the front doors during voting and concluding that relocation should wait. Councilor Spino thanked the public for their participation, affirming that their voices matter, and agreed with the consensus that it is too late to relocate for this election. Councilman Waldron, who has voted at both the Armory and Vogel, noted that each site has pros and cons but favored keeping the location stable this year. He added that early voting provides a new option that may ease Election Day pressure. On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously that the polling place for District 6 will remain at the Armory for the November 2, 2025, election. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 598 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom September 15, 2025 Registrar’s Clerk Melissa Russell addressed questions about notification letters and State records, clarifying that no violation of C.G.S. §9-169 occurred. She explained that DMV updates tied to REAL ID requirements triggered the letters and that Vogel Wetmore was entered into the system in July under State guidance, assuming Registrar agreement. She stressed the process was not secret and cited written confirmation of compliance from the State. Ms. Russell noted that fewer than 400 voters received notices listing Vogel Wetmore and proposed sending postcards and posting notices to confirm voting will remain at the Armory this year. She acknowledged setup issues at the Armory in 2024, including checker table placement, locked doors, and tabulator failures, and accepted responsibility for not addressing them sooner. Emphasizing the importance of ADA compliance, she said voters with disabilities must be able to vote independently. She urged residents to volunteer as poll workers. Mayor Carbone thanked Ms. Russell for her clarifications and noted Council consensus to keep District 6 voting at the Armory for 2025. She said relocation to Vogel Wetmore should be revisited for future elections with proper planning and communication and requested that the Registrars report back after the election with a proposed 2026 plan and voter communication strategy. Resolution #143-279 – Torrington Housing Authority HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration Program On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-279, supporting the Torrington Housing Authority’s participation in the HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program, affirming the continuation of Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) under existing Cooperation Agreements, and authorizing the Mayor to execute all documents necessary to effectuate the conversion or transfer of THA properties pursuant to the RAD Program. *See Addendum* 100 Franklin Street – Affordable Housing and Tax Exemption Update Economic Development Director William Wallach provided an update on the Riverfront Property project, which will include 60 units, 45 of them (75%) deed restricted at or below 60% AMI under a 16-year PILOT agreement. He reported that Pennrose’s affordable rents are set below CHFA’s 60% limits, resulting in an estimated $3.1 million in cumulative tenant savings over the term. Compared with market rents, the forgone revenue is projected at $4.3 million. The City’s PILOT contribution is approximately $605,000, compared to an estimated $4.6 million in full taxation, with the reduction helping sustain long-term affordability. Mr. Wallach said that the PILOT support is consistent with the project’s affordability goals. Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Terms – Vinny’s Restaurant On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Carbone to accept a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) application and enter into an RLF contract with Seferi Properties, LLC, for $169,000, for the remaining soft costs to complete the Vinny’s Restaurant Brownfield Project, for a 6-year term at 2.5% interest, as detailed in the Economic Development Director’s memo dated September 15, 2025. FY 25-26 Budget Amendments and Transfer Requests On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to approve the budget amendments and transfer requests for FY 25/26 as further described in the Manager of Budgets' letter dated September 9, 2025, pending Board of Finance approval. WPCA FY 25-26 Budget Amendments and Transfer Requests On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the City Council, herein acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, voted unanimously to approve the budget amendments and transfer requests for FY 25/26 as further described in the Manager of Budgets' letter dated September 9, 2025. FY 24-25 Budget Amendments and Transfer Requests On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to approve the budget amendments and transfer requests for FY 24/25 as further described in the Manager of Budgets' letter dated September 9, 2025, pending Board of Finance approval. Small Cities: 84 Pleasant Street On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council, on the recommendation of the Small Cities Committee, voted unanimously to approve the subordination request from Torrington Savings Bank, as outlined in the Treasurer’s email dated September 3, 2025. Councilor Waldron said there is unanimous committee support; sufficient equity; and this enables property repairs. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 599 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom September 15, 2025 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 three items to the agenda to schedule a public hearing. Schedule a Public Hearing – Ordinance Chapter 85 “Building Construction, Alteration, Renovation, & Demolition” On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on October 6, 2025, for changes to Ordinance Chapter 85 “Building, Construction, Alteration, Renovation, & Demolition”. Councilor Ruwet said the Ordinance Committee had an extensive review, that Chapter 84 was condensed. Schedule a Public Hearing – Ordinance Chapter 114 -2 Citation procedures and fines for zoning violations, and Chapter 114-7 Citation procedures and fines for inland wetlands and watercourses violations. On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on October 6, 2025, for revisions to Ordinance Chapter 114 -2 Citation procedures and fines for zoning violations, and Chapter 114-7 Citation procedures and fines for inland wetlands and watercourses violations. Building Department Report On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Report for the month of August 2025. 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 list dated September 15, 2025. Sewer Usage Refunds On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector and authorize the sewer usage refunds indicated on the list dated September 15, 2025. Business by Dept. Heads On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. Fire Chief David Tripp thanked the Council for their support in his appointment as Fire Chief. City Clerk Carol Anderson told the Council that voting will be at the Torrington Intermediate School, not the Middle School. Business by Mayor & Members On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and City Council members. Councilor Ivain requested a Tax Report from the Tax Collector on the status of collections for the current year. Councilor Spino congratulated newly appointed Fire Chief Tripp and praised the success of the 9/11 ceremony. Councilor Ruwet congratulated Chief Tripp and expressed condolences to the Spino family on the loss of Dona Spino, noting it was a significant loss felt throughout the community. Councilor Cavagnero congratulated Chief Tripp and commended both the Council and the Mayor for working together to reach consensus during the meeting. Councilor Oliver congratulated Fire Chief Tripp, emphasizing the importance of public comments, and expressed the hope that more residents would attend future meetings. Public Comment (in-person only) On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public to comment on agenda items only. Mrs. Pesce said she was proud to be here tonight. She said that if the Armory is not ADA compliant, she hoped it would have been addressed before this. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 600 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom September 15, 2025 Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted by ATTEST: Heather Abraham, Asst. City Clerk CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK Addendum: MINUTES Vol 27, Page 601 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom September 15, 2025