City of Meriden, CT - December 17, 2001 minutes

The Meriden City Council’s regular meeting of December 17, 2001 was convened at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Mark Benigni. Mayor Benigni led the Council in the salute to the flag and Matthew Dominello offered the invocation. The Clerk called the roll. Present: Robert Clermont, Matthew Dominello, Joseph Galotti, Keith Gordon, Brian Kogut, Patricia Lynes, George McGoldrick, Michael Rohde, Walter Shamock and Anthony Tomassetti.

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Lawrence J. Kendzior, Corporation Counsel and Roger L. Kemp, City Manager.

Matthew Dominello, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to bring forth a Consent Calendar and to approve the minutes of December 3, 2001 and to adopt the Consent Calendar as previously prepared. Motion carried unanimously.

Whereas, the Connection Fund, Inc. recently completed the renovation of 82 Lewis Avenue and provided a home ownership opportunity through the City’s first time homebuyer program; and

Whereas, the Connection wishes to undertake a similar project with property at 56-58 Foster Street; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved, that Title to 56-58 Foster Street be transferred to the Connection Fund, Inc. on terms in accordance with the First Time Homebuyer Program; and

Be It Further Resolved, that the Corporation Counsel and the City Manager are authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate said transfer.

Be It Resolved, that an appropriation not to exceed $1,906.00 be made from the Contingency Fund to pay for the replacement of carpeting in the Probate Court office.

Be It Resolved, that street lights be placed on pole/poles in the vicinity of 88 Twiss Street because of public safety concerns.

Be It Resolved, that the Health Department investigate the removal of vegetation from the banks of Spruce Brook; and

Be It Further Resolved, that a procedure be instituted to monitor this area during the mosquito’s breeding season.

Whereas, public transportation is vital to the quality of life and economic well-being of the citizens of Meriden; and

Whereas, workers, school children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and those unable to afford an automobile use public transportation to gain access to jobs, schools, medical facilities and other fundamental services; and

Whereas, increased public investment in transit services provides the potential to create jobs and enhance business prosperity; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved, that the Meriden Transit District and the City of Meriden, on behalf of the citizens of Meriden are requesting the Connecticut Department of Transportation review its planned “service reductions” to Meriden’s bus system. In addition, we are requesting that ConnDOT hold a “public hearing” to solicit from the citizens of Meriden the impact of these reductions.

Item 8. Letter to City Council from Linda C. Calabrese, Tax Collector re: Transfers to Suspense was referred to Finance.

Item 10. Bid Waiver for the Golf Commission to purchase a 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 from Roberts Dodge, a Meriden based business that beat the state bid by approximately $1,000 was filed.

Item 11. Claims submitted against the City by Great American Insurance Company, 4849 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX.; Linda Langner, 276 Knob Hill Road, South

Meriden; Carmen Agudo, 31 Retreat Avenue, Meriden; Peter Graham, 11Baldwin Street were referred to Legal and Safety & Risk.

Resolved, that the annual salary stipend for Deputy Minority Leader be set at $2,000 effective December 3, 2001.

Whereas, the State Dept. of Public Health (DPH) has toured the former site of the Veterans’ Memorial Medical Clinic (VMMC) as a possible site to relocate their laboratory; and

Whereas, DPH has determined that this site was the most desirable and cost-effective space to relocate their State laboratory; and

Whereas, Congressman James Maloney and the City’s staff have previously met with State DPH officials in order to show this facility and to make arrangements for the potential relocation of DPH’s laboratory; and

Whereas, the State DPH is currently reviewing possible space alternatives for the relocation of their State laboratory; and

Whereas, other space alternatives, including those proposed by UCONN Health Center, are more expensive and time-consuming to DPH as well as the State’s taxpayers; and

Whereas, it is essential that the State DPH’s laboratory remain state-of-the-art, and that it not be downgraded by the Federal government as an inferior public health facility; and

Whereas, the Meriden facility is an immediate low-cost solution for relocating the State DPH laboratory, and is available for timely occupancy; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved, that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Meriden do hereby support the relocation of the State DPH laboratory to the former VMMC facility; and

Further Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Rowland, the City’s Legislative Delegation, and to Commissioner Dr. Joxel Garcia, the State’s Director of the DPH, to show support for the relocation of the State DPH laboratory to the Meriden facility.

Whereas, to maintain effective Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention services implemented in collaboration with other HIV service agencies and organizations working at the local, state, and regional levels; and,

Whereas, to effect, reinforce, and evaluate the initiation and maintenance of behavior change in persons whose behavior places them at risk for HIV infection; and

Whereas, the State Department of Health Services has funded AIDS Counseling/Testing, and AIDS Health Education/Risk Reduction activities through the Meriden Health Department since 1989; and

Whereas, the need for these services are crucial to the health and well being of many citizens; and

Whereas, the receipt of this grant has no financial impact to the health and well being of many citizens; and

Whereas, the receipt of this grant has no financial impact on the City’s General Fund; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved, that Beth Vumbaco, RN, MS, Director of Health and Human Services shall be and is hereby authorized to submit a grant application on behalf of the City of Meriden Department of Human Services, Division of health, with State Department of Health Services in the amount not to exceed $75,000 per year for AIDS Counseling and Testing activities and Health Education/Risk Reduction activities for the period July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2005; and

Be It Further Resolved, that Beth Vumbaco, RN, MS, Director of Health and Human Services shall execute all the documents required that are relative to the contract.

Whereas, the City regularly requires expert legal advice, counsel and representation concerning labor relations matters; and

Whereas, such expertise provided in part through a position within the Department of Law would help reduce the expense of providing that necessary expertise; and

Whereas, the Corporation Counsel and City Manager have approved the attached job description which would provide expertise in that and other relevant areas of the law; now, therefore,

This is professional legal work as assistant counsel and legal representative of the City of Meriden.

Work involves acting as the legal representative for all municipal legislative and administrative officials, and being responsible for the performance of a wide variety of legal duties in connection with the operation of the Municipal Government. Emphasis in the work involves responsibility for all litigation in which the City is involved.

Work is performed with technical independence subject to general supervision by the City Attorney.

Supervises the investigation of and recommends action to be followed on claims and complaints by or against the City. Represents the City in State and Federal courts and administrative tribunals.

Assists in the preparation of ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents and officially passes upon such documents prepared by others.

Confers with municipal officials and administrative officers on problems of a legal nature; prepares written legal opinions and give legal advice as required.

Negotiates settlements, and other contracts and legal relationships affecting the City’s interests subject to the approval of the City Attorney.

Works closely with the Director of Personnel and City Attorney on labor related litigations, employee complaints to outside agencies, and research on same; provides labor related advice and counsel to elected and administrative officials.

Thorough knowledge of the laws and ordinances governing municipal corporations, organizations, and services.

Thorough knowledge of effective techniques in the presentation of cases to courts and administrative agencies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials and officers, court officials and the public.

Ability to formulate, compose and present complex legal opinions on various aspects of the municipal operations.

Extensive experience in state and federal litigation, including especially state and federal jury cases and hearings before administrative agencies.

Admission to the Bar of the State of Connecticut, membership in good standing in the Connecticut Bar, admission to Federal Court in Connecticut, experience in the active practice of law in Connecticut for at least seven (7) years)

Be It Resolved, that the amount of $5,000 be given to the United Veterans’ Council to make arrangements for the City’s Memorial Day Parade; and

The Mayor asked that without objection that Item MNO26 be taken off the Consent Calendar. Hearing no objection it was so ordered.

Be It Resolved, that the following be appointed Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Standing Committees of the City Council:

Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.

Chief Dunn is requesting a bid waiver for the purpose of purchasing five thermal imaging devices for the Fire Department. The cost of each unit is $7,800 for a total of $39,000 from Marconi Industries. The City is able to piggyback on the State of Connecticut RFP 012-A-08-0252-C to obtain this pricing.

A Department committee of fire officers and firefighters has conducted a thorough evaluation of the different manufacturers of these devices and strongly recommends the Argus II Thermal Imaging Device to meet the Department’s expectations.

I agree with you reason for waiving of the provisions of Chapter VIII, Section 1, Article C of the Charter of the City of Meriden, and I hereby consent to the waiving of Chapter VIII, Section I, Article C of the Charter of the City of Meriden for the purpose of executing the project in the manner stated above.

Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Walter Shamock, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 12A. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred the recommendation of appointments of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Committee, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:

Committee: Stephen T. Zerio, Chairman; George McGoldrick, Vice Chairman; Patricia D. Lynes, Joseph Ferrigno Feest and Robert Clermont.

George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to file. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 12B. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a letter to Mayor Marinan and City Council from Atty. Martorelli requesting conditional acceptance of Cynrose Place as a City Street on 11/19/01, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:

Committee: Stephen T. Zerio, Chairman, George McGoldrick, Vice-Chairman, Patricia D. Lynes, Joseph Ferrigno Feest and Robert Clermont.

Be It Further Ordered, that Cynrose Place be accepted as a City Street pending the conditional approval of the Planning Commission.

George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Joseph Galotti, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 12C. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a letter to Mayor Marinan from Dan Mullins re: Possible purchase of 26 Farnes Avenue on 11/19/01, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend filing.

Committee: Stephen T. Zerio, Chairman, George McGoldrick, Vice-Chairman, Patricia D. Lynes, Joseph Ferrigno Feest and Robert Clermont.

George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 12D. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning a lease agreement with AT&T Wireless regarding 950 Church Street in Wallingford on 12/3/01, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.

Committee: Stephen T. Zerio, Chairman, George McGoldrick, Vice-Chairman, Patricia D. Lynes, Joseph Ferrigno Feest and Robert Clermont.

George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 13A. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the recommendation of appointments of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the committee, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:

Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairman, Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman, Michael S. Rohde, Keith Gordon and Joseph Ferrigno Feest.

Joseph Galotti, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to file. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 13B. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred a petition with 39 signatures requesting that the stop sign on Westfield Road at the corner of Milton Drive not be removed on 11/19/01, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:

Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairman, Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman, Michael S. Rohde, Keith Gordon and Joseph Ferrigno Feest.

Be It Further Ordered, that an additional “stop” sign be installed, eastbound, as recommended by the Legal Traffic Authority and that research be done prior to the installation of this eastbound “stop” sign.

Matthew Dominello, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 13C. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning a “stop” sign be placed on Springdale Avenue at the intersection of Goodwill Avenue on 11/19/01, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend denial and the passage of the accompanying order:

Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairman, Anthony D.Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman, Michael S. Rohde, Keith Gordon and Joseph Ferrigno Feest.

Be It Further Ordered, that this item be denied as recommended by staff due to the lack of volume on the dead-end portion of Goodwill Avenue and the close proximity to the signal at Lewis and Springdale Avenue.

Matthew Dominello, made a motion, seconded by Anthony Tomassetti, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 13D. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning a 4-way stop sign be installed at the intersection of Lyman Avenue and Willis Avenue due to the high volume of traffic on 11/19/01, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend denial and the passage of the accompanying order:

Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairman, Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman, Michael S. Rohde, Keith Gordon and Joseph Ferrigno Feest.

Be It Further Ordered, this item be denied as recommended by staff as the current stop control arrangement provides the required establishment of “Right of Way” as the MUTCD requires. It also does not meet the warrants for more restrictive controls.

Matthew Dominello, made a motion, seconded by Anthony Tomassetti, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 13E. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the letter to Mayor Marinan from Victoria Brady, 233 New Hanover Avenue requesting “No Through Trucks” sign at both ends of New Hanover Avenue on 10/15/01, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend denial and the passage of the accompanying order.

Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairman, Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman, Michael S. Rohde, Keith Gordon and Joseph Ferrigno Feest.

Be It Ordered, that this item be denied as recommended by staff due to the failure to meet the criteria by the State Traffic Commission.

Matthew Dominello, made a motion, seconded by Anthony Tomassetti, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 14A. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the recommendation of appointments of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the committee, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order: