City of Meriden, CT - December 1, 2003 City Council Minutes

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

DECEMBER 1, 2003

The Meriden City Council’s regular meeting of December 1, 2003 was convened at 6:20 p.m. by Mayor Mark Benigni in the library of Washington Middle School. Mayor Benigni led the Council in the salute to the flag. 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, George McGoldrick, Walter Shamock, Anthony Tomassetti and Stephen Zerio.

ABSENT: Michael Rohde was excused.

ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment period at this meeting.

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Lawrence J. Kendzior, Corporation Counsel.

Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to invoke Rule 20 to bring forth a Consent Calendar and to approve the minutes of November 17, 2003 and to adopt the Consent Calendar and minutes as previously prepared. Motion carried unanimously.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Item 1. Presented by Brian F. Kogut, by request.

RESOLUTION AMENDING A RESOLUTION MAKING APPROPRIATIONS AGGREGATING $10,611,726 FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND EQUIPMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $10,611,726 BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATIONS AND PENDING THE ISSUE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE.

Section 1. Section 1(a) of the resolution entitled “Resolution Making Appropriations Aggregating $10,611,726 For Various Public Improvements And Equipment And Authorizing The Issuance of $10,611,726 Bonds Of The City To Meet Said Appropriations And Pending The Issue Thereof The Making Of Temporary Borrowings For Such Purpose” adopted by the Common Council on December 16, 2002 (the “GPIB #56 Resolution”) is hereby amended by reducing the appropriation for “Traffic Fire Alarm/Cable (Acct. #0401-7356-859)”, by $13,500 from $40,000 to $26,500, thus reducing the total appropriation therein from $7,233,726 to $7,220,226.

Section 2. Section 2(a) of the GPIB #56 Resolution is amended by reducing the amount of bonds of the City therein authorized to be issued from $7,233,726 to $7,220,226.

Referred to Finance for Public Hearing.

Item 2. Presented by Brian F. Kogut, by request.

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A RESOLUTION AMENDING A RESOLUTION MAKING APPROPRIATIONS AGGREGATING $8,402,000 FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND EQUIPMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $8,402,000 BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATIONS AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE.

Section 1. Section 1(b) of the resolution entitled “A Resolution Making Appropriations Aggregating $8,402,000 For Various Public Improvements And Equipment And Authorizing The Issuance Of $8,402,000 Bonds Of The City To Meet Said Appropriations And Pending The Issuance Thereof The Making Of Temporary Borrowings For Such Purpose”, adopted by the Common Council on August 21, 2000, as amended, (the “GPIB #50 Resolution”) is hereby amended by increasing the appropriation for “GIS (Acct. #0401-7350-882) by $200,000, from $125,000 to $325,000”, thus increasing the total appropriation therein from $5,530,000 to $5,730,000.

Section 2. Section 2(b) of the GPIB #50 Resolution is amended by increasing the amount of bonds of the City therein authorized to be issued $5,530,000 to $5,730,000.

Section 3. Section 7 of the GPIB #50 Resolution shall be applicable to the appropriation added by this amendment, as of the date of adoption of such amendment.

Referred to Finance for Public Hearing.

Item 3. Presented by Brian F. Kogut, by request.

Section 1. Section 1(a) of the resolution entitled “A Resolution Making Appropriations Aggregating $8,402,000 For Various Public Improvements And Equipment And Authorizing The Issuance Of $8,402,000 Bonds Of The City To Meet Said Appropriations And Pending The Issuance Thereof The Making Of Temporary Borrowings For Such Purpose”, adopted by the Common Council on August 21, 2000, as amended, (the “GPIB #49 Resolution”) is hereby amended by increasing the appropriation for “Chamberlain/Lockwood Street Traffic Signal (Acct. #0401-7349-702)” by $13,500, from $38,000 to $51,500, thus increasing the total appropriation therein from $8,500,000 to $8,513,000.

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Section 2. Section 2(a) of the GPIB #49 Resolution is amended by increasing the amount of bonds of the City therein authorized to be issued from $8,500,000 to $8,513,000.

Section 3. Section 7 of the GPIB #49 Resolution shall be applicable to the appropriation added by this amendment, as of the date of adoption of such amendment.

Referred to Finance for Public Hearing.

Item 4. Presented by Brian F. Kogut, by request.

Section 1. Section 1(b) of the resolution entitled “Resolution Making Appropriations Aggregating $10,611,726 For Various Public Improvements And Equipment And Authorizing The Issuance of $10,611,726 Bonds Of The City To Meet Said Appropriations And Pending The Issue Thereof The Making Of Temporary Borrowings For Such Purpose” adopted by the Common Council on December 16, 2002 (the “GPIB #57 Resolution”) is hereby amended by

adding the following new appropriations:

“Roofs/Replacement (7 Eng, C) Acct. #0401-7357-897 $200,000

I & I Study Acct. #0401-7357-898 1,000,000

Sewer Repairs/General Acct. #0401-7357-899 100,000

Hanover Pond Dam (24” sewer line) Acct.#0401-7357-900 275,000

Excavator/Loader (replace) Acct. #0401-7357-901 95,000”, and

by increasing the following appropriations therein:

“Re-enforce HBPS Bank Acct. #0401-7357-877 by $150,000 from $15,000 to $165,000;

GIS Acct. #0401-7257-876 by $200,000 from $125,000 to $325,000”,

Thus increasing the total appropriation therein from $4,778,000 to $6,798,000.

Section 2. Section 2(b) of the GPIB #57 Resolution is amended by increasing the amount of bonds of the City therein authorized to be issued from $4,778,000 to $6,798,000.

Section 3. Section 7 of the GPIB #57 Resolution shall be applicable to the appropriations added by this amendment, as of the date of adoption of such amendment.

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Referred to Finance for Public Hearing.

Item 5. Presented by Brian F. Kogut, by request.

A RESOLUTION MAKING APPROPRIATIONS AGGREGATING $10,257,000 FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND EQUIPMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $10,257,000 BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATIONS AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE.

Section 1. The sums set opposite the public improvements hereinafter listed are hereby appropriated to meet the costs thereof, respectively, including costs of surveys, borings, easement acquisitions, engineering, construction, equipment, legal, administrative and other related costs, each of said appropriations to be inclusive of any and all Federal and State grants-in-aid thereof:

Development and Enforcement:

Acquisition & Demolition – Acct #0401-7358-888 $ 400,000

Technology Update-Citywide – Acct#0401-7358-889 300,000

Department of Public Works:

Landfill Closure – Acct#0401-7358-890 $5,200,000

Bleachers (ph 3 of 6)-Acct#0401-7358-891 100,000

Hazardous Tree Removal – Acct#0401-7358-892 50,000

Payloader (replacement)-Acct#0401-7358-893 182,000

Building Maintenance:

Parapet Wall/Paint City Hall – Acct#0401-7358-894 325,000

Hanover Pond Dam – Acct#0401-7358-895 3,500,000

Rights of Way (bridges)(2)-Acct#0401-7358-896 250,000 9,557,000

TOTAL $10,257,000

Section 2. To meet said appropriations, $10,257,000 bonds of the City, or so much thereof as shall be necessary for such purpose, are authorized to be issued maturing not later than the twentieth year after their date. Said bonds shall be issued in one or more series as determined by the City Council, provided that the aggregate amount of bonds issued to meet such appropriations shall in no event exceed the aggregate costs or estimated costs thereof to the City as determined by the City Council after considering the aggregate amount or estimated amount as determined by

DECEMBER 1, 2003

the City Council of any Federal and State grants-in-aid thereof. The bonds of each series shall be designated “City of Meriden General Public Improvement Bonds No. 58 Series”.

Section 3. The bonds of each series may be combined for purposes of issuance and sale and designated “City of Meriden General Obligation Bonds” be in the denomination of $1,000 or a whole multiple thereof, be issued in fully registered form, be executed in the name and on behalf of the City by the facsimile or manual signatures of the City Manager and the City Treasurer, bear the city seal or a facsimile thereof, be certified by a bank or trust company, which bank or trust company may be designated the registrar and transfer agent, be payable at a bank or trust company, and be approved as to their legality by Robinson & Cole LLP, Attorneys-at-Law, of Hartford. The bonds shall be general obligations of the City and each of the bonds shall recite that every requirement of law relating to its issue has been duly complied with, that such bond is within every debt and other limit prescribed by law, and that the full faith and credit of the City are pledged to the payment of the principal thereof and interest thereon. The aggregate principal amount of the bonds of each series to be issued, the annual installments of principal, redemption provisions, if any, the certifying bank, registrar, transfer agent and paying agent, the date, time of issue and sale and other terms, details and particulars of such bonds, including the rate or rates of interest, shall be determined by the City Manager and City Treasurer in accordance with the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, as amended.

Section 4. Said bonds shall be sold by the City Treasurer in a competitive offering or by negotiation, in his discretion. If sold in a competitive offering, the bonds shall be sold at not less than par and accrued interest on the basis of the lowest net or true interest cost to the City. A notice of sale or a summary thereof describing the bonds and setting forth the terms and conditions of the sale shall be published at least five days in advance of the sale in a recognized publication carrying municipal bond notices and devoted primarily to financial news and the subject of state and municipal bonds. If the bonds are sold by negotiation, provisions of the purchase agreement shall be approved by the City Council.

Section 5. The City Treasurer is authorized, subject to the approval of the City Manager, to make temporary borrowings in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of said bonds. Notes evidencing such borrowings shall be signed by the manual or facsimile signatures of the City Manager and the City Treasurer, have the seal or a facsimile of the seal of the City affixed, be certified by and payable at a bank or trust company designated by the City Treasurer, and be approved as to their legality by Robinson & Cole, LLP, Attorneys-at-Law, of Hartford. They shall be issued with maturity dates which comply with the provisions of the General Statutes governing the issuance of such notes, as the same may be amended from time to time. The notes shall be general obligations of the City and each of the notes shall recite that every requirement of law relating to its issue has been duly complied with, that such note is within every debt and other limit prescribed by law, and that the full faith and credit of the City are pledged to the payment of the principal thereof and the interest thereon. The net interest cost on such notes, including renewals thereof, and the expense of preparing, issuing and marketing them, to the extent paid from the proceeds of such renewals or said bonds, shall be included as a cost of the improvements set forth in Section 1. Upon the sale of the bonds, the proceeds thereof, to the extent required, shall be applied forthwith to the payment of the principal of and the interest on any such notes then outstanding or shall be deposited with a bank or trust company in trust for such purpose.

Section 6. The balance of any appropriation not needed to meet the costs of any improvement described in Section 1 hereof, after reduction for any State grant-in-aid paid or estimated to be paid with respect thereto, or the proceeds of any bonds issued to meet any such appropriation not needed to meet the costs of such improvement, may be transferred by the City Council to meet the additional cost of any other appropriation set forth in Section 1 hereof.

Section 7. The City hereby expresses its official intent pursuant to §1.150-2 of the Federal Income Tax Regulations, Title 26 (the “Regulations”), to reimburse expenditures paid sixty days prior to and anytime after the date of passage of this resolution in the maximum amount and for the capital improvements set forth in Section 1 with the proceeds of bonds, notes, or other obligations authorized to be issued by the City. Said bonds, notes or other obligations shall be issued to reimburse such expenditures not later than 18 months after the later of the date of the expenditure or the substantial completion of the project, or such later date the Regulations may authorize. The City hereby certifies that the intention to reimburse as expressed herein is based upon its reasonable expectations as of this date. The City Treasurer or his designee is authorized to pay project expenses in accordance herewith pending the issuance of reimbursement bonds, and to amend this declaration.

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Section 8. The City Manager and the Director of Finance are hereby authorized, on behalf of the City, to enter into agreements or otherwise covenant for the benefit of bondholders to provide information on an annual or other periodic basis to nationally recognized municipal securities information repositories or state based information repositories (the “Repositories”) and to provide notices to the Repositories of material events as enumerated in Securities and Exchange Commission Exchange Act Rule 15c2-12, as mended, as may be necessary, appropriate or desirable to effect the sale of the bonds and notes authorized by this resolution. Any agreements or representations to provide information to Repositories made prior hereto are hereby confirmed, ratified and approved.

Referred to Finance for Public Hearing.

Item 6. Presented by Stephen T. Zerio.

Whereas, it is important that the political leadership of the City set an example of fiscal austerity, particularly in the setting of the amounts paid for service as Mayor or as a member of the City Council; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved, that the salary of the office of Mayor shall be reduced from the salary set in 1999 by $5000 per year for each year of the next two term of the Mayor, for a total reduction of $10,000 for said term, effective December 1, 2003; and

The salaries of the members of the City Council shall remain as previously set in 1987; and

The amounts paid for service as Deputy Mayor, Majority Leader and Minority Leader shall remain as set in 1987; and

The amounts paid for service as Deputy Majority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, and Chair of the Finance Committee shall be as previously set at various times for the Deputy Leader positions; and

The amounts paid for service as Chair and Vice-Chair of the other Standing Committees shall be as previously set at various times.

Item 8. Bid Waiver from Robert Curry, Director of Finance to hire RS McGladrey to perform a health insurance re-enrollment audit was filed.

Item 9. Bid Waiver from Jeffry Cossette, Deputy Chief of Police for $20,088.00 for Verizon Wireless CDPD Airtime was filed.

Item 10. Email to Councilor Dominello from Marie Watson, 500 Murdock Avenue requesting adding more streetlights to her street was referred to Public Safety.

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Item 11. Email to Mayor Benigni from Cathy Mingrino, 212 Goodspeed Avenue re: Possible installation of a mirror at the intersection of Goodspeed Avenue and Allen Avenue was referred to Public Safety.

Item 12. Claims submitted against the City by Elisa Massaro, 32 Camp Street, South Meriden was referred to Legal and Safety & Risk.

Item 19. Meriden Police Department Monthly Report of October 2003 was filed with the City Clerk.

Item 20. Municipal Pension Board Minutes of November 12, 2003 were filed with the City Clerk.

Item 21. Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2003 were filed with the City Clerk.

Item 22. Flood Control Implementation Agency Meeting Minutes of August 5, 2003 were filed with the City Clerk.

Item MNO23. Bid Waiver from Peggy Brennan, Director of Economic Development for $25,000 to hire Solutions, a public relations firm was filed.

Item MNO24. Bid Waiver from Bob Mercaldi, Assistant Manager of the WPCF for Fuda & Tiezzi for $27,328 was filed.

Item MNO25. Presented by Patricia D. Lynes, by request.

Whereas, the Department of Health and Human Services administers the $315,000 grant funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children; and

Whereas, the WIC Program provides nutrition education and health foods to 2,100 eligible Meriden residents in the form of checks; and

Whereas, the WIC checks add over $1,000,000 to the Meriden economy through the grocery stores each year; and

Whereas, Donna Figluizzi has been a WIC employee for the past 4 years as Clerk III, and has resigned to take a job in the Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall; and

Whereas, filling this position is vital to maintain the WIC Program and to adequately serve the 2100 residents; and

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Whereas, the salary and benefits of the Clerk III are paid by the federal grant funds; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to fill this position.

Referred to Finance.

Item MNO26. Presented by Stephen T. Zerio, by request.

Whereas, the City has acquired certain properties through foreclosure; and

Whereas, certain of these properties are located at 25 Grant Street; and

Whereas, these properties should be sold at fair market value as determined by two opinions of value; and

Whereas, the City’s Economic Development Task Force is responsible for disposing of such properties; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved, that the aforementioned properties are hereby declared surplus and may be disposed of by said Task Force.

Referred to Economic Development Housing & Zoning and Planning.

Item MNO28. Memo to City Council appointing Jacqueline Fordiani, Constituent Caseworker. Adopted.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

Item 13A. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning Child Care/Nature Center on Bailey Avenue on 11/17/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:

Committee: Stephen T. Zerio, Chairperson; George McGoldrick, Vice-Chair; Patricia D. Lynes, Joseph Ferrigno Feest; Robert Clermont.

Be It Ordered, that this be approved subject to environmental and legal review and be referred to Finance Committee.

Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to adopt. Zerio stated that this item is in Finance Committee. This item is for the Finance Committee to pick up based upon the results of the environmental and legal review. Motion carried. Shamock voted Nay.

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Item 13B. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a letter concerning acceptance of Daniel Way as an official city street on 11/17/03 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:

Committee: Stephen T. Zerio, Chairperson; George McGoldrick, Vice-Chair; Patricia D. Lynes; Joseph Ferrigno Feest; Robert Clermont.

Be It Ordered, that this be approved as set forth as recommended by Planning Commission.

Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by George McGoldrick, to adopt. Zerio stated this is half of a Planning Committee recommendation which is the receipt of the maintenance of the bond that has already been done. The city is waiting on the as-built plans. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 13C. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning new eating establishments having the option of providing seating/dining options & have the ability to secure liquor license permits to serve alcohol on 11/17/03 have attended to the matter and recommend the following:

Committee: Stephen T. Zerio, Chairperson; George McGoldrick, Vice-Chair; Patricia D. Lynes; Joseph Ferrigno Feest; Robert Clermont.

Be It Ordered, that this be approved and that staff be directed to prepare an ordinance.

Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by George McGoldrick, to adopt. Zerio stated Benigni and Tomassetti submitted this resolution. The committee felt this was worthwhile to pursue. The committee directed the City Manager and City Planner to create the ordinance and come back to the Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee for a public hearing. Benigni stated he appreciated that the committee approved this report and feels it is important to set things in motion for what we want to see downtown become. Benigni feels if the city is going to have restaurants downtown that all should have the option of having liquor permits and feels it is important to offer on sidewalk dining. Benigni feels if this is done right it will add a lot of character to our downtown. Benigni also stated no one has asked for this change presently but feels it is important that the city thinks ahead and has it ready for when restaurants do come. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 13D. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning sale of 1756, 1758 and 1772 North Broad Street to S.R. Realty LLC for $163,000 on 11/17/03 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.

Committee: Stephen T. Zerio, Chairperson; George McGoldrick, Vice-Chair; Patricia D. Lynes; Joseph Ferrigno Feest; Robert Clermont.

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Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by George McGoldrick, to adopt. Zerio stated the sale of these properties was a function of a very well managed request for proposal. There were several bidders on this and the approved sale is going to S.R. Realty that owns Statewide Recovery, an auto auction recovery on the Berlin Turnpike. These properties abut that particular property. This group will be demolishing the three unoccupied houses that are currently there at their cost and building a brand new facility for their purposes. This will not only improve the property in terms of environmental and sites but also safety when coming off of the Berlin Turnpike. The sale price of $163,000 is higher than the appraised market price according to our assessor. Zerio feels this is a good deal. Gordon asked what the projected tax revenue would be. Zerio stated he didn't have the information with him but would get it. Shamock asked what the group would be building. Zerio stated they are putting up a brand new facility. Benigni stated this is a homerun for the city. The city will get $163,000 and three abandoned houses demolished. There will be a new building on the site that the city will be able to tax. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 13E. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning accepting Hallem Street as a city street on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend denial without prejudice.

Committee: Stephen T. Zerio, Chairperson; George McGoldrick, Vice-Chair; Patricia D. Lynes; Joseph Ferrigno Feest; Robert Clermont.

Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by George McGoldrick, to adopt. Zerio stated the committee concurred with the Planning Commission’s recommendation. Planning had also voted to not accept the street as an accepted street because it didn’t meet any of the city street standards and services only two homes. Zerio stated that Councilor Clermont had worked particularly hard for one particular resident and Zerio stated the committee wants the city to work with the gentleman there in order to alleviate some of the problems that are caused by not having an accepted city street. Lynes asked how old Hallem Street was and Zerio stated it is quite old. Zerio stated that the street is almost like a driveway. Clermont stated that Councilor Gordon was a co-sponsor of the resolution. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 13F. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning addition of a new section 6-177 of the City Code entitled “Classified Employees Eligible to Serve” have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.

Committee: Stephen T. Zerio, Chairperson; George McGoldrick, Vice-Chair; Patricia D. Lynes; Joseph Ferrigno Feest; Robert Clermont.

Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by George McGoldrick, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.

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Item 7. Presented by Mark Benigni.

Be It Resolved, that the following people are reappointed to the Inlands-Wetlands & Watercourse Commission:

Frank B. Lewandowski U

Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to adopt. Zerio stated he was happy that the Council approved the ordinance change and the Council is able to correctly appoint these two gentlemen who have been serving so well on this commission up to this date and look forward to their continued service. Benigni encouraged the council to vote in favor of reappointing these two men back on the commission. He also felt it was important that the city did change the ordinance. Benigni stated he felt bad that John Thorpe had volunteered to serve before and was excluded because he was a municipal employee. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 14. No report from Finance.

Item 15. No report from Public Works and Parks & Recreation.

Item 16. No report from Public Safety.

Item 17. No report from Human Services.

Item 18. No report from Committee of the Whole.

Item MNO27. Presented by Mark Benigni, Stephen T. Zerio, Walter Shamock, Joseph Ferrigno Feest, Keith Gordon, Anthony D. Tomassetti, Patricia D. Lynes, Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., George McGoldrick, Robert Clermont, Michael S. Rohde, Joseph Galotti, Brian F. Kogut.

Whereas, the Meriden Raiders Junior Pee Wees won the New England Regional Championship against the Wilmington Wildcats of Delaware by a score of 6-0; and

Whereas, this earned the team a slot in the National Pop Warner Superbowl in Orlando, Florida; and

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Whereas, the Mayor and City Council are very proud of the accomplishment of the Meriden Raiders as they will be representing the city, state and New England in the Pop Warner Superbowl in Orlando, Florida; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved, that an appropriation of $2,500 be made to help defray the cost of the Meriden Raiders trip to represent our city, our state and New England in Orlando, Florida; and

Be It Further Resolved, that the Mayor and City Council wish all of the team players and coaches continued success in this endeavor.

Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to adopt. Zerio wanted to congratulate the Meriden Raiders for a excellent season and stated the Council is very proud that the team is going to represent our city in a national superbowl. The team has to raise approximately $40,000+ to send 38 players, 8 coaches and chaperones. The team has been soliciting funds. Zerio contacted a number of councilors over the weekend who were happy to put their name on this resolution. The entire council put their name on the resolution. Benigni stated the team had a pasta fundraiser and the kids have been out at Stop & Shop collecting donations. The team is doing everything they can to raise money and the Mayor feels it is important the Council sends the team a message that they appreciate their efforts. Lisa Belote is the president of the Raiders and has done an excellent job. It is a great honor for the City of Meriden and this is the first time the city has ever had one of their teams qualify to go to Disney World. The Mayor stated no donation is too small. Galotti introduced the grandmother of Corey Gardner who scored the winning touchdown was in the audience. Motion carried unanimously.

There being nothing further to be brought before the Council, Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

Clerk of the City Council

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The Meriden City Council’s swearing in ceremony was called to order by Mayor Mark Benigni at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Thomas Edison Magnet School. The Antique Veterans’ led the Council in the salute to the flag. Mayor Benigni asked the Maloney Allegrettos to come forward and sing “America the Beautiful”. Mayor Benigni asked Rev. William Marotti of the New Life Church to offer the invocation.

PRESENT: Robert Clermont, Matthew Dominello, Joseph Ferrigno Feest, Joseph Galotti, Keith Gordon, Brian Kogut, Patricia Lynes, George McGoldrick, Michael Rohde, Walter Shamock, Anthony Tomassetti and Stephen Zerio.

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Lawrence J. Kendzior, Corporation Counsel; Congresswoman Nancy L. Johnson; Attorney General Richard Blumenthal; Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz.

Mayor Benigni asked Councilor Stephen Zerio to come forward to the podium. Councilor Zerio asked Congresswoman Johnson to come forward. The Congresswoman delivered the following speech:

Thank you. At my end of the line you never know where you’re going to be each week. We were expected to be in Washington this week but we’re going to be there next week. It really is a great privilege and pleasure to be here when you swear in those that you have elected to lead this city for the next two years. It has been a tremendous pleasure, Mayor, to work with you over these last two years; to work with you and your economic development people and have had the privilege of going to cutting edge companies like Canberra who are at the forefront of the whole gamut of homeland security; to work with you in getting more money for the Community Health Center; working with Chrysalis so that key services are available; to visit the Board of Education and work through challenges that we are going to face together at the local level to improve the quality of public education across our country and to learn from you as we work on brownfield grants so I am really pleased to work with the Council that keeps their fingers on the beat of their own town and are so dedicated to building the economic future of this town, the educational future for your children, the quality of social services that are available because in the end what makes America different then every other nation is not the power at the top, it’s the power at the bottom. It is the strength of our local government, it is the dedication of each one of you to listening to the people that you meet in the street, the people you meet in church, the people who just stop you to share their thoughts and it is that long stream of people’s opinions and concerns about the well being of their community that we have here in your new Council, to guide you through the next two years of challenge. I thank you for this opportunity to be with you as you swear in Mayor Benigni and the new Council and Board of Education and all others that have been elected to lead this city. It has been a privilege to work with them. Congratulations to all of you who have taken the responsibility and burden of public office. It is a great honor and a great privilege. It is a great responsibility. Together we build day by day the future of this city for your generation and those to follow. Congratulations.

Councilor Zerio asked Councilor Joseph Galotti to join him at center stage for a brief presentation. Councilor Zerio presented Galotti with a plaque which stated the following:

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DECEMBER 1, 2003

Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.

For your devoted public service to the citizens of Meriden.

City Councilor 1995-2003

Chairman Quinnipiac River Linear Trail Committee 2000-2003

Member Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee 1995-2003

Member Finance Committee 1999-2003

Member Public Safety Committee 1995-1999

Member Golf Course Commission 1995-2003

Member Conservation Commission 1992-1995

Mark Benigni, Mayor Patricia D. Lynes

Robert Clermont George McGoldrick

Matthew C. Dominello, Sr. Michael S. Rohde

Joseph Ferrigno Feest Walter A. Shamock

Keith Gordon Anthony D. Tomassetti

Brian Kogut Stephen T. Zerio

Presented this 1st day of December 2003.

Councilor Galotti delivered the following speech:

First, I’d like to start by thanking my wife who was in the second row but is now all the way in the back with our 3-year-old. Suzanne and Gillian, thank you very much. I have curtailed my law practice and I am now teaching, but Steve really got it wrong. It was the arrival of Gillian that robbed me of my passion for doing this in favor of my passion of being with her. Suzanne knows that I love her very much but I don’t think she minds when I say that I didn’t know anything about love until we had Gillian which made me love Suzanne even more. Suzanne, you gave up a lot for me to be here, so thank you very much. Eight years ago when I took the oath of office it was my father who administered the oath, to not only me but Steve, Tony, Patty, Keith and Walt. Let me tell you something. That was one of the greatest honors of my life, not only stand there with the five of you but to have my father administer the oath. He has long since gone, in fact he died within eleven months of that swearing in but I’m sure that he is smiling now. It takes a lot to be a City Councilor, it really does and I’m very happy to be leaving Area 3 in such very capable hands. Sandy, I know you’ll do a great job. I’m thrilled that I live in the area that you will be representing. I wish you nothing but the best. I want to say just a couple of things really quickly. I wanted to thank Roger Kemp for being such an outstanding city manager and for seeing the city through as he has done. I learned tonight that he is in Hawaii and he really deserves to be there. He works very, very hard on behalf of the city. He is full time professional and we are part time managers. Roger Kemp makes certain that the City of Meriden is sound and

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he does so every day and should be thanked and congratulated even if it is in absentia. I’d also like to thank the twelve councilors who are to my left, all of whom I am proud to call my friends. I don’t know if I’ll say something about everyone, if I do I probably would not make it through without breaking down but I really admire the Mayor and the Mayor has pep to spare. Just by reading about him, you must have figured that out. If the Mayor sees something he doesn’t agree with he says I don’t agree with that. Not everyone has the courage or the integrity to do that but Mark Benigni has that in spades. Steve Zerio is someone that I sat next to over my second term. I really enjoyed sitting next to Steve. We had a joke, he said that I’m here to keep an eye on you and I’d tell him that I’m here to tell you what’s going on. I just looked at Tony Tomassetti. I wished I hadn’t. When my father died the first guy I heard from was Tony Tomassetti, actually the first thing I ever received from Tony was cases and cases of soda at my door step which he knew we would need. When I came back the first person that I talked to was Tony and we talked about his dad who had been gone for a long time. He knew what I was going through and he hit it right on the head without sugar coating it. I don’t really hang around with you Tony, I really couldn’t afford to, but I appreciate your help when my father died, more than you’d ever know. I want to thank you for that. Walt Shamock. Let me tell you about Walt Shamock. Walt Shamock and I are not from the same party. I am so happy at the local level, at least from the Galotti family that that doesn’t mean a damn thing. When I ran my first time out I hung around with Walt’s son, Gary, a little bit. Gary Shamock is a great man, probably because he has great parents. Gary wanted to put a Joe Galotti sign on his lawn. Walt Shamock, who they call Mr. Republican, said to go right ahead. He is your friend and you should do that. I’m sure Walt Shamock took a lot of heat for that. I was really pleased during the last campaign that right next to the Mark Benigni sign there was a Walt Shamock sign on my property and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Patty, I’ve enjoyed serving with you. For some reason you and I frequently did not agree and the best thing about that was that I was able to explore the other position and understand what it was and then try to decide whether or not I had made the wrong decision so I want to thank you for the courage and your conviction and for always articulating what the other point of view was and doing so civilly and politely. Pat told me tonight she was going to miss me. I’m going to miss you too! Mr. Dominello, I can hardly call you anything but Mr. Dominello. My family used to come to your store everyday when I was just a small child and you were running Dominello’s store. I have nothing but the greatest respect for you sir. There are not many people that I say that to or who I call sir. Keith – you know Keith is a large man in terms of physique but he is also a large man in terms of stature and in terms of his heart. I think by far the largest part of Keith Gordon is his heart, not only for the Kingdom of South Meriden but the City of Meriden in general is lucky to have him. Brian Kogut and George McGoldrick, I always mentally in my mind think of them together. I look at them as intellectuals which I think is a fair analysis and also persons with incredible integrity. So if I was ever and occasionally but I’m proud to say not too frequently was ever on the opposite side of the vote with either Brian or George, I would have warning signals going off and the hair on the back of my neck would crawl and I would be wondering what was up with that and I am happy to report that it was not on too many occasions that these guys were wrong. Rob, you came along at the end of my term and we’re kind of like ships passing in the night but despite the fact that you are on the other side of the aisle you show every sign of being an excellent city councilor. Joe Feest – I don’t know what it is but you and I just traveled in different circles. We weren’t on the same committees and I didn’t see you much and I consider that to my great loss. I don’t know if I’ve left anyone out, I

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certainly did not mean to. I see Counselor Kendzior back there smiling and he should smile. He sees the city through some difficult times with his superb advice. The city is really fortunate to have Mr. Kendzior as its advocate. We’re also lucky to have Lori and Grace working for the Council and also Jackie Fordiani working for the Mayor. For a city our size we truly are so blessed by the people who have chosen to give of themselves to serve the city and it really is a sacrifice. You give of yourself to serve the city. I’m no longer willing to do that. There were too many evenings when I would have to get up in the middle of Clifford the Big Red Dog or Dragontail which comes on immediately before Clifford the Big Red Dog and Gillian would cry and on the way to the town hall I would cry a little bit too. I don’t really think that I’m leaving. She is three now and from what I have been told within 12 years she’ll want me to walk on the other side of the street and pretend that I don’t exist, so by my count, that is three terms from now, so I’m not going to say good bye but instead just farewell and thank you!

Stephen Zerio stated that State Comptroller Nancy Wyman was going to join us at this event but had a conflict in her schedule and couldn’t be here tonight. However she sent a certificate of congratulations and best wishes to all the newly elected officials who will be taking the oath of office this evening. Zerio gave a brief introduction regarding Attorney General Richard Blumenthal who would be administering the oath of office to the Board of Education. Zerio stated Blumenthal was elected Connecticut’s twenty-third attorney general in 1990 and was re-elected to an unprecedented fourth term in 2002. Since his first term he has been a tireless advocate of consumers, the environment, our children and the civil rights of Connecticut’s citizens. Prior to being elected attorney general he was a member of the Connecticut State Senate from 1987-1990 and the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1984-1987. From 1977-1981 while serving as the United States Attorney for the State of Connecticut his leadership as the chief federal prosecutor in our state resulted in a successful prosecution of many major cases against drug traffickers, organized crime, civil rights violators, consumer frauds and environmental cases. He has served as administrative assistant to the United States Senator Abraham A. Ribicoff, as an aide to United States Senator Daniel P. Moynihan, as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackman and as a volunteer counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense. The man knows service, the man knows about being elected. He graduated with honors from Harvard College and Yale Law School where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Yale Law Journal. He also served proudly as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corp. Ladies and gentlemen, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

Attorney General Blumenthal gave the following remarks.

I am honored to be with you tonight and I appreciate that very generously. You’d almost think I was going to be sworn into something. I want to say right at the outset that that was a very, very tough act to follow and ask you to join me in a round of applause for all of the spouses and families of members of your local government who will over the next couple of years be away from their dads and moms, brothers and sisters and loved ones, all of the families of the public servants who will be sworn in tonight. They are the ones really, I know and you know, who will be making the sacrifices. Those of us that are elected to office very often have the better of the bargain. They are the ones that have to read Clifford the Red Dog, by the way, it is a great story, read those stories alone, watch the TV alone and often be alone for meals and so I know first hand because I have four children, two of whom will still walk with me on the same side of

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

DECEMBER 1, 2003