CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 15, 2002
The Meriden City Council’s regular meeting of April 15, 2002 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 Ferrigno Feest, Joseph Galotti, Keith Gordon, Brian Kogut, Patricia Lynes, Michael Rohde, Walter Shamock, Anthony Tomassetti and Stephen Zerio.
EXCUSED: George McGoldrick was on vacation.
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Roger L. Kemp, City Manager and Lawrence J. Kendzior, Corporation Counsel.
Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to invoke Rule 20 to bring forth a Consent Calendar and to approve the minutes of April 1, 2002 and to adopt the Consent Calendar and minutes as previously prepared. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 2. Presented by Brian Kogut, by request.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER WITH SELECTED ASSIGNEE INTO AN AGREEMENT OF ASSIGNMENT FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF FILED MUNICIPAL TAX LIENS
The City of Meriden, a municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Connecticut, County of New Haven, (the “City”) acting pursuant to Sections 18 and 19 of Public Act No. 93-434, codified at paragraph (L), subdivision (2), subsection (c) of Section 7-148 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended (the “Statutes”), and at Section 12-195h of the Statutes, respectively, (the “Act”), proposes to assign, for consideration, any or all of certain municipal real property tax liens as provided by the provisions of the Act.
Whereas, the Tax Collector for the City has, in accordance with provisions set forth in Sections 12-173 and 12-175 of the Statutes, caused a certificate continuing liens to be filed and recorded to secure the payment of delinquent taxes which were due and owing on various Grand Lists against property located at 50 High Street; and
Whereas, taxes on subsequent lists on said property are also delinquent; and
Whereas, the Act authorizes the City by resolution of the City Council to assign for consideration any and all tax liens; and
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APRIL 15, 2002
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Whereas, the City now desires to assign such liens.
THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL HEREBY RESOLVES:
To authorize the City Manager and Tax Collector, subject to the approval of the Corporation Counsel, to enter into any agreements, instruments of assignment or other agreements and closing documents deemed necessary and appropriate to consummate the assignment transactions contemplated by this Resolution (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”), at a purchase price of $40,000.00 to Rosario Gulino, or his designee.
To set forth the following procedure with respect to the collection of delinquent taxes owed on and secured by assigned tax liens:
The assignee shall be responsible for the recording of its assignment instrument, notification of affected taxpayer, and the enforcement and collection of payments to be credited against any unpaid lien balance;
The Tax Collector shall be responsible for the receipt and allocation of such payments and forwarding to the assignee any monies due the assignee;
Upon receipt of payment in full from or on behalf of the taxpayer of an unpaid lien balance, or authorized lesser lien payment accepted in writing by the assignee as payment in full, the Tax Collector or the Director of Finance shall be authorized to execute and deliver to the City Clerk a release of the assigned filed tax lien for recording;
In the event that the assignee authorizes release of an assigned filed tax lien for an amount equal to the unpaid lien balance, the delinquent tax shall be deemed fully paid and the Tax Collector shall be relieved of any further duty with respect thereto;
In the event that the assignee authorized release of an assigned filed tax lien for an amount less than the unpaid lien balance, the assignee shall have no further rights or interest with respect to the remaining unpaid lien balance.
Referred to Finance.
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Item 3. Presented by Patricia Lynes, by request.
Whereas, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (hereinafter referred to as “HUD”) has informed the City of Meriden that it is eligible to receive $1,118,000.00 of Community Development Block Grant (hereinafter referred to as “CDBG”) funds for its twenty-eighth year Community Development Program (hereinafter referred to as CDBG-28 Program); and
Whereas, the City of Meriden has held two public hearings, and a 30 day public comment period to solicit the input of the citizenry in regards to funding and program decisions; and
Whereas, the City of Meriden has adopted a Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the attached list of programs, budgets, and reallocations are hereby approved and authorized for inclusion in the Annual Plan of the City of Meriden’s Community Development Objectives and Projected Use of Funds for CDBG-28; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the Annual Plan of the City of Meriden’s Community Development Objectives and projected Use of Funds for CDBG-28 reflecting said funding decisions is hereby approved and the City Manager is authorized to file such with HUD and provide HUD with any supplementary materials as required; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the CDBG-28 Annual Plan shall be carried out in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances, and resolutions of the City of Meriden, the State of Connecticut, and the United States of America.
CDBG – 28 PROJECTED USE OF FUNDS
I. Neighborhood Preservation, Rehabilitation, and Housing. $807,023.00
A. NPP Loans and Grants $502,023
B. Housing Code Enforcement 202,244
C. Housing Legal Services 30,566
D. Community Services Initiatives 61,700
E. Yale Acres Basketball Court 10,500
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II. Public Services. $220,500.00
A. Sexual Assault Crisis Service 4,500
B. WFC Day Care 27,500
C. Mobile Work Crew 39,000
D. Batter Women’s Shelter Operations 7,500
E. Transitional Living – Battered
Women’s Shelter 7,500
F. Casa Boricua Operations 20,000
G. Beat the Street 16,000
H. Youth Karate 5,500
I. Crisis Intervention 7,000
J. Medication Management 2,000
K. Children’s First Parent Training 19,000
L. Summer Basketball 9,000
M. Shelter NOW 6,000
N. Big Brothers/Big Sisters 3,500
O. Literacy Volunteers 3,500
P. Summer Boys Club 12,500
Q. South Meriden Teen Center 12,000
R. Chore Service 10,000
S. Silver City Cadet Program 2,000
T. Channeling Youth 3,500
U. American Red Cross 3,000
III. Public Utilities. $ 5,140.00
A. Family Services Facility $5,140
IV. Administration. $ 136,000.00
TOTAL $1,168,663.00
FUNDING
CD-28 Allocation $1,118,000.00
Reprogram:
CD-25 YWCA Teen Center 15,536.00
CD-24 Elderly Transportation 666.00
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CD-25 Elderly Transportation 3,800.00
CD-25 Open DOHR 500.00
CD-26 Open DOHR 188.00
CD-24 Soup Kitchen 1,000.00
CD-25 Soup Kitchen 1,500.00
CD-26 Family to Family 3,350.00
CD-22 Easter Seals Facility 648.00
CD-25 Acquisition and Demo 23,475.00
TOTAL CD-28 FUNDING $1,168,663.00
Referred to Human Services for Public Hearing.
Item 4. Presented by Matthew C. Dominello, Sr. and Anthony Tomassetti, by request.
Whereas, the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management has informed the City it is eligible for $140,170.00 under the Drug Enforcement Program grant; and
Whereas, it is in the City’s interest to utilize these funds to combat drug trafficking, promote drug education, and assist neighborhood groups to reclaim their neighborhoods; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, by the City Council that the City Manager, Roger L. Kemp, is hereby authorized to submit a Drug Enforcement grant application in the amount of $140,170.00 for the attached activities; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the City Manager, Roger L. Kemp, is authorized to execute a grant contract for same, if such is offered.
STATE DRUG ENFORCEMENT GRANT
Drug Enforcement $70,085.00
Narcotics Unit Overtime $44,366
Equipment 5,288
Other: 20,431
Rental Surveillance Vehicle (6,000)
Satellite Office Monthly Rental and Utility Costs (14,431)
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II. DARE Program $27,990.00
DARE Instructors Overtime $15,000
Supplies 12,000
Training 990
III. Drug Education (Board of Ed) $28,078.00
Substance Abuse Prevention
Consultant $10,078
Student Mentors 18,000
IV. Crime Prevention $14,017.00
Reserved for neighborhood organizations.
Meetings will be held by respective neighborhood
groups, and Neighborhood Associations will
submit requests for use of funds. _____________
TOTAL $140,170.00
Adopted.
Item 5. Presented by Mark Benigni, by request.
Whereas, the State of Connecticut, through the Office of Policy and Management, will provide the City of Meriden $30,000 for the operation of summer program activities for youth; and
Whereas, participation in this program by the City will be beneficial to the community as well as the youth who participate; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, by the City Council of Meriden that Roger L. Kemp, City Manager, is hereby authorized to make, execute, and approve on behalf of the City of Meriden any and all contracts, modifications, and amendments pertaining to funds authorized by the Office of Policy and Management for the purpose of the Summer Youth Recreation Program.
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SUMMER YOUTH RECREATION PROGRAM GRANT
1. SATELLITE CAMPS – WOMEN AND FAMILIES CENTER $18,000.00
2. NATURE CAMPS – PARKS & RECREATION 6,000.00
3. CAMPERSHIPS – YOUTH SERVICES 5,000.00
4. REC.-EXPRESS-YMCA __1,000.00
TOTAL 30,000.00
Adopted.
Item 6. Presented by Stephen T. Zerio, by request.
Whereas, the owner of properties located at 229 Elmwood Drive and 85 Royal Oak Circle has offered to transfer title to those properties to the City in lieu of foreclosure for taxes owed on those properties; and
Whereas, the City Planner has recommended that title to those properties be accepted for open space purposes; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that Title to 229 Elmwood Drive and 85 Royal Oak Circle be accepted in lieu of taxes owed, and that the City Manager and Corporation Counsel be authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to that purpose.
Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning and Planning.
Item 7. Presented by Mark Benigni.
Pursuant to the provisions of the City Charter the following is appointed to the Board of Tax Relief as an alternate (in accordance to Section 9-199(b) of C.G.S.):
William Kroll U
70 Spice Apple Lane
Exp. 4/1/05
Adopted.
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Item 8. Presented by Mark Benigni.
Pursuant to the provisions of the City Charter the following is appointed to the Meriden Municipal Pension Board:
Laura M. Gallo D
32 Village View Terrace, S.M.
Exp. 1/31/04
(replaces McGiveney)
Adopted.
Item 9. Presented by Brian F. Kogut, by request.
Whereas, the City and the Coalition representing all City Unions entered into negotiations regarding employee health insurance; and
Whereas, the City has reached a Tentative Agreement with the Unions that includes a 6% cost share effective upon passage of the Agreement; and
Whereas, the changes to the plan create additional savings of 8.39% of the monies budgeted for health insurance; and
Whereas, the parties agreed to additional health insurance benefits for future City retirees which is funded by employee contributions specifically for this purpose; and
Whereas, the City Unions with the exception of Local #1148, Meriden Firefighters, have taken the agreement to their locals and have ratified said Agreement; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the Director of Personnel is authorized to finalize the agreement with all unions who have ratified to date and take any and all steps, including the use of the State Labor Board and/or an Arbitration Panel to come to a similar agreement with Local #1148. Also, it is understood that the above changes will be applicable to management non-union employees.
Referred to Finance.
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Item 10. Presented by Patricia D. Lynes, Matthew C. Dominello, Sr. and Anthony D. Tomassetti.
Resolved, that the firm that is hired by the City to audit our financial records be selected through a competitive selection process.
Referred to Finance.
Item 11. Presented by Brian Kogut, by request.
Whereas, on November 8, 1996 the City loaned the sum of $475,000 to the Young Men’s Christian Association of Meriden (YMCA), which was secured by a mortgage on property located at 110 West Main Street; and
Whereas, that loan was subordinated to other loans to the YMCA from First Union Bank; and
Whereas, the YMCA is refinancing with a new loan from Webster Bank, and Webster Bank has requested as a condition of its loan that the City subordinate its loan to the Webster Bank loan; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the Subordination of Mortgage and Second Amendment to Lease, copies of which are attached hereto, are hereby approved and the City Manager is authorized to execute the same on behalf of the City of Meriden.
SUBORDINATION OF MORTGAGE
Agreement made this day of April, 2002, by and between YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF MERIDEN, a Connecticut corporation having its principal place of business at 110 West Main Street, Meriden, Connecticut, the owner of a certain leasehold interest in those premises more particularly described in Schedule A attached hereto and made a part hereof, (hereinafter referred to as the “Borrower”); the CITY OF MERIDEN, a Connecticut municipal corporation with offices at 142 East Main Street, Meriden, Connecticut (hereinafter referred to as the “City of Meriden”), the owner and holder of a certain mortgage dated November 8, 1996 and record in Volume 2221
at Page 190 of the Meriden Land Records, as amended, to which reference may be had (hereinafter referred to as the “City of Meriden Mortgage”); and WEBSTER BANK, (a Connecticut banking corporation with an office at 145 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut (hereinafter referred to as the “Lender”).
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Whereas, the Lender has agreed to make a first mortgage loan to Borrower in the original principal sum of Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($700,000.00) (hereinafter referred to as the “Lender’s Loan”), said loan to be secured by the lien of a first mortgage on Borrower’s interest in the premises more particularly described on Schedule A attached hereto and made a part hereof (hereinafter referred to as the “Premises”); and
Whereas, Lender has agreed to make said first mortgage loan to Borrower only on the condition that the City of Meriden Mortgage from the Borrower to the City of Meriden on the Premises is subordinated in the manner hereinafter set forth to the Lender’s first mortgage securing repayment of its loan to Borrower.
Now, Therefore, in consideration of the foregoing premises and to induce the Lender to make the Lender’s Loan and to accept said mortgage from Borrower and to, the Borrower and the City of Meriden do hereby, severally and respectively, covenant, consent and held by the City of Meriden shall be and the same is hereby made subject and subordinate to the lien of the Lender’s first mortgage securing repayment of Lender’s Loan to the Borrower (hereinafter referred to as “Lender’s Mortgage”), and that in any action which may be brought for the foreclosure of Lender’s mortgage Lender’s Mortgage shall be considered and held to be an encumbrance on said mortgaged Premises senior to the lien of the City of Meriden Mortgage and said
City of Meriden Mortgage is subordinated to the Lender’s Mortgage as an encumbrance junior thereto in any such foreclosure action, and that said City of Meriden Mortgage shall be and the same is hereby made for all purposes whatsoever subject and subordinate in lien to the lien of Lender’s Mortgage. Said subordination shall have the same legal effect as though Lender’s Mortgage was executed, delivered and recorded prior to execution delivery and recording of the City of Meriden Mortgage, said City of Meriden Mortgage to otherwise remain in full force and effect.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties, being duly authorized to do so, have hereunto caused their names to be set and seals affixed as of this 8th day of April, 2002, and this day of April, 2002.
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Signed, Sealed and Delivered YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN
In the Presence of: ASSOCIATION OF MERIDEN
__________________________ By___________________________
JOSEPH F. WEIGAND, JR. WILLIAM J. PAPPAS
President of the Board of Directors and President of the Board of Trustees
Duly Authorized
__________________________
LINDA L. MAY
CITY OF MERIDEN
__________________________ By_________________________
Its City Manager
Duly Authorized
__________________________
STATE OF CONNECTICUT:
: ss. April , 2002
COUNTY OF NEW HAVEN:
On this the day of April, 2002, before me, the undersigned officer, personally appeared , who acknowledged himself to be the City Manager of the City of Meriden, a municipality, and that he as such officer, being authorized to do so, executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained, by signing the name of the municipality by himself as such officer, as the free act and deed of said municipality.
_____________________________
Commissioner of the Superior Court
Notary Public
My Commission Expires:
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PAGE 12.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT:
: ss. April 8, 2002
COUNTY OF NEW HAVEN:
On this the 8th day of April, 2002, before me, the undersigned officer, personally appeared WILLIAM J. PAPPAS, who acknowledged himself to be the President of the Board of Directors and the President of the Board of Trustees of the YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF MERIDEN, a Connecticut corporation, and that he as such officer, being authorized to do so, executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained, by signing the name of the corporation by himself as such officer, as the free act and deed of said corporation.
______________________________
JOSEPH F. WEIGAND, JR.
Commissioner of the Superior Court
SCHEDULE A
All that certain piece or parcel of land together with all buildings and improvements thereon situated in the City of Meriden, County of New Haven and State of Connecticut and shown on a map entitled “AS-BUILT SURVEY Y.M.C.A. 110 WEST MAIN STREET MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT DATE NOV. 18, 1996 SCALE 1” = 20’ DESIGN DEVELOPMENT GROUP INC. CONSULTING ENGINEERS – LAND SURVEYORS”, which map is to be filed in the office of the Meriden City Clerk. Said parcel is more particularly bounded and described as follows:
NORTHERLY: by West Main Street, as shown on said map, a distance of 262.74 feet;
EASTERLY: by Butler Street, as shown on said map, a distance of 153.38 feet;
SOUTHERLY: by land now or formerly of S.N.E.T. Co., as shown on said map, a distance of 202.93 feet;
EASTERLY
AGAIN: by land now or formerly of said S.N.E.T. Co., as shown on said map, a distance of 24.38 feet;
SOUTHERLY
AGAIN: by land now or formerly of Mary L. Burns, as shown on said map, a distance of 54.29 feet;
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WESTERLY: by land now or formerly of Mary Pinto and by land now or formerly of Albert Batista, as shown on said map, each in part, in all a distance of 175.01 feet.
SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE
Agreement made this day of April, 2002, by and between YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF MERIDEN, a Connecticut corporation having its principal place of business at 110 West Main Street, Meriden, Connecticut (hereinafter referred to as the “Tenant”) and the CITY OF MERIDEN, a Connecticut municipal corporation with offices at 142 East Main Street, Meriden, Connecticut (hereinafter referred to as the “Landlord”).
Whereas, the landlord and the Tenant entered into a Lease dated November 8, 1996, which Lease is recorded in the Land Records of the City of Meriden in Volume 2221 at Page 176, which Lease was amended by an amendment recorded in said Land Records on December 23, 1996 in Volume 2229 at Page of 281, (said Lease and amendment are individually and collectively referred to herein as the “Lease”); and
Whereas, Webster Bank has agreed to make said first mortgage loan to Tenant only on the condition that the Landlord and the Tenant amend the Lease as provided in this agreement; and
Whereas, the Landlord and Tenant, to induce Webster Bank to make such loan to Tenant, desire to amend the Lease as provided herein;
Now, Therefore, in consideration of the foregoing premises and to induce Webster Bank to make a mortgage loan to Tenant, Landlord and Tenant herein agree to amend the Lease as follows:
Paragraph “1 Purpose” is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:
Purpose: The tenant is leasing the demised premises for the purpose of construction of a building to conduct the business, activities and programs of the YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF MERIDEN. Said building shall not be used for any other purpose without the prior written consent of the Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, with the following exception:
In that Webster Bank (hereinafter the “Lender”) is making a loan to Tenant in the principal amount of $700,000.00 which loan is to be secured
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by a mortgage on Tenant’s leasehold interest, Landlord agrees that if Lender, and/or its successors or assigns, acquire the interests of Tenant, its successors or assigns, to this lease then the Lender, and/or its successors or assigns (including, without limitation, any purchaser at a foreclosure sale), may use the demised premises for any purpose permitted under the then existing Zoning Ordinance of the City of Meriden. If this loan is refinanced within any lender within ten years from the date of this Lease then the right to use the demised premises for any purpose permitted under the then existing zoning ordinance of the City of Meriden shall apply to any such lender that so refinances, and/or its successors or assigns.
The Landlord acknowledges and agrees that Webster Bank, and/or its successors or assigns, is and shall be a “permitted mortgagee” under the Lease and shall be entitled to all of the terms and provisions of the Lease relating to such permitted mortgages, including, without limitation, the provisions of paragraph 15 of the Lease.
In all other respects the Lease between Landlord and Tenant shall be and remain in full force and effect.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto set their respective hands and seals as of April 8, 2002, and April , 2002.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties, being duly authorized to do so, have hereunto cause their names to be set and seals affixed as of this 8th day of April, 2002, and this day of April, 2002.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN
In the Presence of: ASSOCIATION OF MERIDEN
____________________________ By____________________________
JOSEPH F. WEIGAND, JR. WILLIAM J. PAPPAS
President of the Board of Directors
President of the Board of Trustees
Duly Authorized
___________________________
LINDA L. MAY
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CITY OF MERIDEN
___________________________ By___________________________
Its City Manager
Duly Authorized
___________________________
STATE OF CONNECTICUT:
: ss. April , 2002
COUNTY OF NEW HAVEN:
On this the day of April, 2002, before me, the undersigned officer, personally appeared , who acknowledged himself to be the City Manager of the City of Meriden, a municipality, and that he as such officer, being authorized to do so, executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained, by signing the name of the municipality by himself as such officer, as the free act and deed of said municipality.
_____________________________
Commission of the Superior Court
Notary Public
My Commission Expires:
STATE OF CONNECTICUT:
: ss. April 8, 2002
COUNTY OF NEW HAVEN:
On this the 8th day of April, 2002, before me, the undersigned officer, personally appeared WILLIAM J. PAPPAS, who acknowledged himself to be the President of the Board of Directors and the President of the Board of Trustees of the YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTINA ASSOCIATION OF MERIDEN, a Connecticut corporation, and that he as such officer, being authorized to do so, executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained, by signing the name of the corporation by himself as such officer, as the free act and deed of said corporation.
_____________________________
JOSEPH F. WEIGAND, JR.
Commissioner of the Superior Court
Referred to Finance.
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Item 12. Withdrawn.
Item 13. Presented by Brian F. Kogut and Joseph Galotti, by request.
Be It Resolved, that a street light be installed in front of 73 Scott Street and near 577 Parker Avenue South.
Referred to Public Safety.
Item 14. Letter to City Manager Kemp from Anthony Perrucci, 4 Hilltop Road, Meriden re: Moving a street light pole was referred to Public Works and Parks & Recreation.
Item 21. Minutes of the Meriden Municipal Pension Board Minutes of April 9, 2002 were filed.
Item 22. Minutes of the School Building Committee Meeting of March 7, 2002 were filed.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Without objection from the Council, Mayor Benigni invited Pastor Will Marotti of the New Life Church to come forward. Also coming forward were Majority Leader Zerio and Deputy Mayor Shamock. Ken Gadwah of Calvary Baptist Church and Pastor Larry Wooldridge of World Wide Church of God also joined the Mayor in the ellipse. The Clerk read the following proclamation.
National Day of Prayer
May 2, 2002
Whereas, civic prayers and nation days of prayer have a long and venerable history in our constitutional republic, dating back to the First Continental Congress in 1775; and
Whereas, the Declaration of Independence, our first statement as Americans of national purpose and identity, made “the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” the foundation of our United States of America and asserted that people have inalienable rights that are God-given; and
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Whereas, the Supreme Court has affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer and the Supreme Court and the United States Congress themselves begin each day with prayer; and
Whereas, in 1988, legislation setting aside the first Thursday in May in each year as a National Day of Prayer was passed unanimously by both Houses of Congress and signed by President Ronald Reagan; and
Whereas, the National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for Americans of all faiths to join in united prayer to acknowledge our dependence on God, to give thanks for blessings received, to request healing for wounds endured, and to thank God to guide our leaders and bring wholeness to the United States and her citizens; and
Whereas, it is fitting and proper to give thanks to God by observing a day of prayer in Meriden when all may acknowledge our blessings and express gratitude for them, while recognizing the need for strengthening religious and moral values in our state and nation; and
Whereas, the 2002 theme, “America United Under God” was chosen to represent the importance of seeking God’s purpose in every aspect of our progress as a nation:
Now, Therefore, I, Mark Benigni, Mayor of the City of Meriden, do hereby proclaim, Thursday, May 2, 2002 as “National Day of Prayer” in the City of Meriden.
The Mayor presented Pastor Marotti with a framed copy of the proclamation.
Item 1. Presented by Matthew C. Dominello, Sr.
Whereas, Richard Fontanella is being honored this evening for his dedication to the Hi-Liters for over 50 years as their Director; and
Whereas, Dick, founded the Hi-Liters to give children and teens the opportunity to express their talents while performing for hospitals and convalescent homes in our community and throughout the state; and
Whereas, Dick serves as an inspiration to our community, being recognized for his dedication, continuing to work with the young performers of the Hi-Liters for the past 50 years; and
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Whereas, with Dick’s involvement and encouragement, the Hi-Liters have given the youth the confidence to perform and some have even pursued a career in the entertainment field; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the Mayor and Meriden City Council does hereby extend our congratulations to Richard Fontanella on his 50th anniversary as Director of the Hi-Liters; and that Tuesday, April 16th, 2002 be proclaimed as “Richard Fontanella Day” to publicly thank Dick for the commitment and encouragement he has provided to the youth of Meriden.
Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously. The Mayor invited Mr. Fontanella and friends to join him with Deputy Mayor Shamock, Majority Leader Zerio, Deputy Majority Leader Dominello and Councilors Rohde and Lynes in the ellipse. Also present were Dave Wyskiel, President of the Kiwanis Club of Meriden and David Elkins, member of the Kiwanis Club of Meriden.
Without objection the Mayor called Rick Terrill, Timothy Fogal and Bob Pagini of the Conservation Commission to come forward and join Majority Leader Zerio and Deputy Mayor Shamock in the ellipse. The Conservation Commission presented the Mayor with two checks from the State of Connecticut for the purchase of two parcels of land in Meriden. Mr. Terrill also presented the Mayor with an award that the Commission won from the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association. The Council gave the Commission a round of applause.
Item 15A. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning incoming personnel be allowed to buy back pension time on 4/1/02, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend ADOPTION and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman, Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman, Stephen T. Zerio, Walter A. Shamock and Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Further Ordered, that the following language be deleted from the resolution “Service must have been within one (1) year of employment with the City of Meriden.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 15B. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning an amendment to City Code for position established – “Constituent Caseworker” on
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4/1/02, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend ADOPTION and the passage of the accompanying order.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman, Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman, Stephen T. Zerio, Walter A. Shamock and Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Further Ordered, that publication be dispensed with.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Walter Shamock, to adopt. Motion carried. Councilors Kogut and Lynes voted Nay.
Item 15C. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning a new floor for the Senior Center on 4/1/02, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend ADOPTION and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman, Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman, Stephen T. Zerio, Walter A. Shamock and Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Further Ordered, that the appropriation of $10,000 be approved and source of funding to come from the Contingency Fund.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Walter Shamock, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 15D. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the Human Services Committee Report concerning continuance of Health Coverage for employees of Head Start Program on 4/1/02, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend ADOPTION and the passage of the accompanying order.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman, Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman, Stephen T. Zerio, Walter A. Shamock and Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Further Ordered, that this coverage is for the current agency and not to exceed beyond one year, and that the City Manager reports back in November with status of permanent agency.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 15, 2002
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Item 15E. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning amendments to the Meriden Transit District Budget on 4/1/02 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend ADOPTION.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman, Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman, Stephen T. Zerio, Walter A. Shamock and Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 16A. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning installation of crosswalk near Vine Street and West Main Street (by Hunter’s Ambulance) on 3/18/02, 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 because the proposed crosswalk would be 100 feet away from the Ben Franklin crosswalk, which has a crossing guard. By installing a crosswalk at Vine Street, children would be likely to cross at the unguarded crosswalk.
Matthew Dominello, made a motion, seconded by Anthony Tomassetti, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 16B. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning installation of crosswalk from Ridgefield Street across from Hall Avenue on 3/18/02, 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 because there is a guarded crosswalk for Casimir Pulaski further down Clearview Avenue.
Matthew Dominello, made a motion, seconded by Anthony Tomassetti, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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APRIL 15, 2002
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Item 16C. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning a feasibility study be done in the area of 540 New Hanover Avenue for possible recommendations to alleviate accidents in this area on 3/1/02, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend REFERRING THIS ITEM TO PUBLIC WORKS FOR ENGINEERING STUDY AND COST ESTIMATE.
Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairman, Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman, Michael S. Rohde, Keith Gordon and Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Matthew Dominello, made a motion, seconded by Anthony Tomassetti, to adopt and refer to Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 16D. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred a letter to the City Council from Anthony Perrucci, 4 Hilltop Road re: Road be widened and straightened at corner of Hicks Avenue and Hilltop Road on 4/1/02, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend REFERRING THIS ITEM TO PUBLIC WORKS FOR CONSIDERATION AND COST ESTIMATE.
Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairman, Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman, Michael S. Rohde, Keith Gordon and Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Matthew Dominello, made a motion, seconded by Anthony Tomassetti, to adopt and refer to Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 17. No report from Public Works and Parks & Recreation.
Item 18. No report from Human Services.
Item 19. No report from Economic Development, Housing & Zoning.
Item 20. No report from Committee of the Whole.
Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Motion carried unanimously. The Council went into Executive Session at 7:55 p.m.
Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to come out of Executive Session. The time was 8:45 p.m.
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REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 15, 2002
PAGE 22.
There being no further business to be brought before the Council, Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Lori N. Canney
Clerk of the City Council
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