City Council

MINUTES Vol 27, Page 626 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 17, 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, November 17, 2025. Present at City Hall were Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Michael Magistrali, City Councilors Drake Waldron, Stephen Ivain, Molly Spino, Anne Ruwet, Paul Cavagnero, and David Oliver. Also present at City Hall were City Engineer Paul Kundzins, Assessor Stacie Maldonado, City Planner Jeremy Leifert, Facilities Manager Jamie Sykora, WPCA Administrator Ed Tousey, and Treasurer Dan Farley. Economic Development Director William Wallach and Assistant Corporation Counsel Tomasz Kalinowski participated via Zoom. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Public Comment: On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. Ray Bottass congratulated the newly elected members and praised the installation of sidewalks on East Main Street. He also expressed frustration with ongoing road closures and detours, including the Albert Street bridge, noting that frequent gas leaks seem to stem from rushed and inexperienced utility work. He strongly objected to the mandatory $25 park fee added to license renewals, calling it unfair to elderly residents who may not use the park. Additionally, he mentioned seeing the new storage facility on East Main Street and initially believing it would be housing. Laurene Pesce thanked the departing Council members, Stephen and Drake, and outgoing Mayor Carbone, for all the time and work they have put in. Approve Minutes On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes from November 10, 2025. Board of Ethics Appointments On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Mayor’s appointment of Samuel Slaiby (D) as a regular member of the Board of Ethics to fill the remainder of a term set to expire August 31, 2026. Executive Session On an amended motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to enter into executive session pursuant to C.G.S. §200-1 (6) (B) strategy with respect to pending litigation, inviting in Atty. Magistrali and Assessor Stacie Maldonado, at 6:52 p.m. Open Session On a motion by Councilor Ruwet, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to go into open session at 7:02 p.m. Potential Vote – Litigation On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to proceed with a settlement offer on the assessment for 28 East Elm Street (Walgreens), pending Board of Finance approval. Resolution #143-280 – Public Safety Complex On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Cavagnero, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-280, authorizing the Mayor to apply to the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for a CIF 2030 Planning Grant for $250,000 to support the Public Safety Complex Planning Project. Councilor Ruwet said that this application should be a high priority. *See addendum #1* Resolution #143-281 – Seferi Apartments Project On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-281, authorizing the Mayor to apply to the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for a CIF 2030 Capital Improvement Grant in an amount up to $2,500,000 to support the Seferi Apartments Capital Improvement Project. Councilor Cavagnero asked about the “tax credit incentives.” Mr. Wallach clarified that the incentives referenced are not City tax abatements, but rather tax incentives offered by Eversource and potentially State or Federal Historic Tax Credits. *See addendum #2* Resolution #143-282 – Market Street Creatives Project: Second Phase On a motion by Councilor Cavagnero, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #143-282, authorizing the Mayor to apply to the Department of Economic and MINUTES Vol 27, Page 627 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 17, 2025 Community Development (DECD) for a CIF 2030 Capital Improvement Grant up to $1,000,000 to support the Market Street Creatives Commercial Expansion Project. Councilor Ruwet stated that the Public Safety Complex should be a top priority and emphasized the need for more active communication with legislators. Councilor Ivain agreed, adding that the City does not receive its fair share of grant funding. *See addendum #3* WPCA Secondary 2 HVAC RTU Heat Pump Replacement On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Spino, the City Council, acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, voted unanimously to utilize the CT State DAS Bid List for the installation of a replacement RTU Heat Pump for the Secondary 2 Building at the Water Resource Recovery Facility, and to award the work to AirTemp Mechanical of Berlin, CT in the amount of $279,913.00, to be funded through WPCA Capital Account. Councilor Ivain asked what the heat pump does. Mr. Tousey explained that the existing unit, installed in 1992, has failed and needs replacement. He noted that the new system will be approximately 3.5 times more efficient and may qualify for a 15–20% reimbursement from Eversource. He added that the heat pump is critical for protecting expensive equipment in the secondary building from moisture damage. Change order approval for The Rehabilitation of Church Street Bridge CTDOT Bridge NO. 03976 On a motion by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to approve Design-Initiated Change Orders (DICOs) for the Rehabilitation of Church Street Bridge (CTDOT Bridge No. 03976, Bid #RCB-027-102424) as recommended by the City Engineer, totaling $226,178.60, for: - Parapet cap replacement ($70,539.60) - Bridge deck patching ($115,339.00) - Asphalt shimming ($40,300.00) Further, to authorize additional project expenditures of $180,000.00 for change orders, payment applications, and closeout adjustments, funded by the Pavement Bond Fund #0324. Small Cities – 109 College Ave – Project # 143-PI-64 On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council, on the recommendation of the Small Cities Committee, voted unanimously to approve replacing the non-functional boiler to restore heat and hot water, and to perform required lead paint abatement due to a child under six residing at the property, for a total of $34,110.97 at 109 College Ave. Councilor Waldron recommended approval, citing it as an emergency (no heat) and noting the family has over $100,000 in home equity to cover the cost. Building Department Report On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Building Department Report for the month of October 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 November 17, 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 November 17, 2025. Business by Dept. Heads On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Ivain, the Council voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads. City Planner Jeremy Leifert reported that the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) is overdue, noting the last comprehensive update was completed in 2009 and that a full update is estimated to cost approximately $120,000. He explained that a newly identified funding source is the Town Aid Road (TAR) Program, which now allows TAR funds to be used for POCD updates. He is developing a scope of services and preparing to issue an RFP and noted that the update process is expected to be a substantial 12–18 month effort. Facilities Manager Jamie Sykora thanked the Council for approving the vendor for the Armory door and said that the entire ADA-compliant ramp and railing were installed in 1.5 weeks. WPCA Administrator Ed Tousey thanked the Mayor for her years of service. Assessor Stacie Maldonado announced that the office is on track to sign the grand list on time this year, a historic first for Torrington. Treasurer Dan Farley confirmed the transition of signatures is ongoing. Northwest Community Bank requires meeting minutes to remove the outgoing Mayor Elinor Carbone and add Mayor-Elect Molly MINUTES Vol 27, Page 628 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 17, 2025 Spino to the account. Also, to remove Robin Stanziale and Kim Aviles from any accounts. He thanked Councilor Waldron and Ivain for their service. Assistant City Clerk Heather Abraham thanked everyone for their service and announced that this would be her last meeting. Corporation Counsel Michael Magistrali thanked everyone here and foreshadowed the changes in the Corporation Counsel Office. 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 Oliver said it's been a pleasure serving with everyone, and good luck. Councilor Cavagnero thanked the departing Council members, noting that they represent the very best in public service. He congratulated Molly and said he looks forward to working with her. He also told Elinor that she would be missed, especially her experience and sound judgment. Councilor Ruwet noted that Elinor will continue to serve the City in some capacity and said it has been an honor to work alongside her for the past 12 years on the Council and the Ordinance Committee. She reflected on the long history of the Waldron family’s service to Torrington and the pride in serving together throughout her entire tenure. She then turned to Steve, remarking that it had certainly been an interesting two years and thanking him for always asking thoughtful questions. Councilor Spino thanked Drake for his many years of dedicated service, noting that he will be greatly missed. She expressed appreciation to Steve for the past two years of working together and exchanging ideas. To all Council members, she reflected that their collective knowledge and experience over the last two years have been invaluable. She also thanked Mayor Carbone, acknowledging that her guidance and support—both on the Council and formerly on the Board of Public Safety—have been instrumental to her own growth. She concluded by announcing that Assistant City Clerk Heather will be transitioning to the third floor to serve as her new Executive Assistant. Councilor Ivain said that even when working across party lines, the Mayor’s guidance and attention to detail have set a strong example for the future. He noted that Mayor Carbone has successfully navigated many challenges and laid strong groundwork for continued economic development. He thanked Drake for his years of dedicated service and expressed appreciation to all members of the Council. Councilor Waldron noted that he has served in this position for 20 years and has worked under several different Mayors. He commended everyone he has served with on the Council, stating they have been excellent colleagues throughout the years. He wished good luck to Elinor and Mike. Mayor Carbone acknowledged each Councilor individually, expressing personal appreciation for their service and support. She thanked Drake, noting their long friendship since high school and how his willingness to step up—always the first to say “I’ll move it”—has made a lasting impact. She told David she had known him since childhood, recognized his natural leadership early on, and valued his commitment to getting to the root of every issue. She commended Paul for his strong work ethic and shared perspectives, saying she looks forward to continuing positive collaboration. She described Anne as a role model whose calm, steady focus and reassuring presence have helped the Council work toward leaving the community better than they found it. She told Steve that over the past two years, his thoughtful questions have ensured the public remains well informed. To Molly, she expressed pride in everything she has accomplished over the past decade and said the City is in excellent hands moving forward. She thanked Attorney Magistrali for stepping in when needed most and for his strong representation of the City and its residents. She also expressed deep gratitude to the City’s department heads, emphasizing their dedication to ensuring government runs effectively, even when the public may not always see the effort involved. Public Comment (in-person only) On a motion by Councilor Spino, seconded by Councilor Oliver, the Council voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public to comment on agenda items only. Ray Bottass raised concerns about the Yankee Pedlar property being a disgrace to downtown Torrington. Adjournment On a motion by Councilor Ivain, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:00 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 629 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 17, 2025 Addendum #1: MINUTES Vol 27, Page 630 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 17, 2025 Addendum #2: MINUTES Vol 27, Page 631 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA REGULAR MEETING City Hall Auditorium / Zoom November 17, 2025 Addendum #3: