City Council

Approved by the City Council & WPCA MINUTES November 10, 2025 Vol 27, Page 615 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA Vote: Unanimous REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom October 20, 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, October 20, 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 at City Hall were Economic Development Director William Wallach, Human Resources Director Denise Kurpiewski, Facilities Manager Jamie Sykora, and Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco. Deputy Comptroller and Budget Manager Erika Johnson, along with WPCA Administrator Ed Tousey, participated in the meeting via Zoom. Councilor David Oliver was absent. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Public Comment: On a motion by Councilor Spino, 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 Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted to accept the Public Hearing Minutes from October 6, 2025. Councilor Cavagnero abstained. On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes from October 6, 2025. Councilor Cavagnero abstained. The Many Faces of Torrington – Auditorium Use On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to approve the request from The Many Faces of Torrington organization to install and display its art exhibit in the City Hall Auditorium. This authorization applies solely to this specific exhibit and is subject to review and oversight by City staff to ensure compliance with all City policies governing the use of public buildings. The display shall be installed and removed within a defined period as coordinated with the Facilities Department. Joanne Creedon and Patty Cassella presented the proposed exhibit, co- sponsored by the Torrington Historical Society. The exhibit is designed to celebrate the community’s diversity and honor individual contributions through twenty framed portraits and a large collage banner. Councilor Spino expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating it was a great idea and that she looked forward to seeing it displayed. Councilor Ruwet asked about the nomination process, and Mrs. Cassella explained that submissions are accepted by email or phone, with volunteer photographers taking the portraits upon receipt of a signed photo release form. Councilor Ivain commented that he liked what he saw. 5 Points Center for Visual Arts - Request to Amend Lease Terms Judith McElhone, Founder and Executive Director of the 5 Points Center for Visual Arts, and Eric Forstmann, President of the 5 Points Board of Directors, reported accelerated progress toward long-term sustainability, noting that the organization has achieved benchmarks equivalent to year fifteen within just five years. Councilor Spino commended the accomplishments over the past five years. Councilor Ivain asked about plans, and Ms. McElhone shared that an art park is in development. Councilor Cavagnero inquired about engaging high school students during the academic year, to which Ms. McElhone responded that transportation challenges have made such participation difficult. On an amended motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to amend the existing lease agreement with the 5 Points Center for Visual Arts to accelerate the exercise of the Option to Purchase period as requested, and to authorize the mayor to negotiate and execute documents necessary to complete the transaction, specifically including the negotiation for the payoff of the remaining $25,000 owed to the University of Connecticut for the land acquisition. Mayor Carbone explained that the request seeks to accelerate the $1 purchase option, originally scheduled for 2040, to occur in 2025. Councilor Ruwet expressed discomfort with making this decision before the new administration takes office. Councilor Cavagnero agreed, noting that the matter should be deferred given the transition to a new Mayor and Council. Councilor Spino suggested including a clause in the deed allowing the City to reclaim the property if necessary. Attorney Magistrali confirmed that such protection already exists through a reversionary clause in the conveyance deed. Table: Room Use Policy for City Hall On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to table the vote to adopt the revised City Hall Room Use Policy and Fee Schedule (2025), establishing updated deposits, rental rates, custodial fees, and facility-use requirements for public use of City Hall meeting rooms. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 616 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom October 20, 2025 Connecticut Municipal Development Authority Economic Development Director William Wallach provided an update on the City’s partnership with the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA). He explained that the collaboration aims to enhance local housing initiatives by leveraging CMDA’s expertise, funding resources, and developer outreach. Councilor Ivain asked what the district criteria were. Mr. Wallach noted that CMDA defined the target area as a half-mile radius surrounding the downtown core, encompassing both the downtown district and R6 zoning areas. 100 Franklin Drive Redevelopment – RFP Update On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to receive the presentation and discussion regarding the RFP proposal submitted by Pennrose, the preferred developer. Economic Development Director William Wallach explained that Pennrose and The Cloud Company were selected as the preferred developers through the RFP process, which was essential to securing major Brownfield Remediation Grant funding. The proposed project includes two buildings with 120 apartment units, commercial space, and an extension of the Naugatuck Greenway Trail. Karmen Cheung of Pennrose stated that the company specializes in affordable housing. Councilor Spino asked about a potential 55+ building. Ms. Cheung said that to remain competitive, the project must be non-age-restricted but could incorporate design features that appeal to seniors. Councilor Ruwet noted that the Riverfront Project includes 10 units for individuals with disabilities. Ms. Cheung confirmed that this project would also include accessible units. When asked about tax abatements, she said that one would be necessary due to the financing structure of low-income housing tax credits and the need for long-term project stability. Mr. Wallach and Sanford Cloud of The Cloud Company noted that the site has been contaminated since 2006 and cannot be redeveloped without cleanup. They said the project aims to provide housing for moderate-income essential workers and ease the City’s housing shortage. Councilor Cavagnero opposed the proposal, arguing that subsidized housing does not generate enough tax revenue to support city services or promote downtown economic growth, and suggested deferring the vote to the next administration. Councilor Waldron expressed strong support, describing it as a tremendous project and stressing that redevelopment of the property is long overdue. Mr. Wallach reiterated that securing a developer now is critical to meet the March 2026 Brownfield grant deadline. On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted, with Councilor Cavagnero opposed, to authorize the Mayor to negotiate and execute all necessary agreements for the development of the property located at 100 Franklin Drive, in support of the Public-Private Partnership with Pennrose. Tax Abatement Request: 11 Main Street On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted, with Councilor Ruwet opposed, to approve the request of “Torrington Main Street Development Corporation” and grant a tax abatement for certain real property located at 11 Main Street, in accordance with the City of Torrington’s Tax Incentive Policy as described in the Economic Development Director’s letter dated October 20, 2025. Mr. Wallach reported that the property’s assessed value increased from $226,000 to $1.475 million following redevelopment. He explained that under the graduated tax abatement schedule, the City is projected to receive approximately $350,000 more in tax revenue over ten years than if the redevelopment had not occurred. Councilor Ruwet stated that she does not support granting tax abatement. Councilor Spino commended the developer’s work but noted that the City relies on revenue from commercial properties to offset the residential tax burden. Councilor Ivain expressed support for the abatement, noting that the project has enhanced the overall value of Main Street. Mr. Wallach emphasized that the abatement serves as a critical business incentive to encourage the developer’s continued investment in future downtown projects. Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund – Hendy Site On an amended motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to execute all necessary agreements with the City of Torrington Revolving Loan Fund for a loan of up to $73,000 in Brownfield Cleanup Revolving Loan Funds, at no interest, to support remediation work at the former Stone-Hendy property, 105 Summer Street and 200 Litchfield Street. Councilor Cavagnero asked what the $73,000 would cover. Mayor Carbone explained that the funds are needed to conduct environmental assessment work following the recent fire, including identifying contamination levels and estimating remediation costs, which are projected to range from $5 to $10 million. She noted that the $73,000 investment is intended to leverage larger funding opportunities from the EPA and the Regional Brownfield Partnership. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 617 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom October 20, 2025 Carl Bozenski’s Christmas Village – 2025 Toy Purchases On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to accept the pricing quote approved by the Parks & Recreation Commission from Darryl Green for $29,074.80 for toy purchases for the 2025 season of Carl Bozenski’s Christmas Village. Council members expressed surprise at the cost, noting that last year’s expense was $19,000. Purchasing Agent Pennie Zucco suggested establishing a future budget, possibly around $20,000, and exploring more cost-effective vendor options. WPCA Payments Authorization On a motion by Councilor Spino, 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 10/20/2025 # Wright-Pierce $15,749.51 Winsted Rd-FM Replacement 0000246865 Engineers Project 10/20/2025 # Wright-Pierce $4,830.17 Harris Drive Pump Station 0000246778 Engineers upgrade 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 October 20, 2025. Sewer Usage Refunds On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, 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 October 20, 2025. Business by Dept. Heads On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. City Clerk Carol Anderson said that Early Voting is underway, and we had 67 voters today. 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 requested an update on the Yankee Pedlar property. Atty. Magistrali reported that Judge Lynch granted the City’s motion to terminate the automatic stay, allowing the City to proceed with its motion for sale of the property in the lawsuit against Jason Hospitality. He noted that the defense has ten days to appeal the decision, and the Judge has directed counsel to provide proposed dates for the sale hearing. Atty. Magistrali added that City officials anticipate Jason Hospitality will appeal the final motion for sale, further prolonging the case, which has now been ongoing for four and a half years. Councilor Ruwet stated that the Torrington Development Corporation (TDC) is amending its bylaws to allow Mayor Carbone to remain engaged in the matter following her departure from office. 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. Executive Session On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to enter into executive session pursuant to C.G.S. §1-200 (2) strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining, inviting in Human Resources Director Denise Kurpiewski, at 9:16 p.m. Open Session On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to go into open session at 9:47 p.m. MINUTES Vol 27, Page 618 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom October 20, 2025 Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ruwet, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted by ATTEST: Heather Abraham, Asst. City Clerk CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK