CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 21, 2008
The Meriden City Council’s regular meeting of April 21, 2008 was convened at 7:10 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: Brian Daniels, Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Keith Gordon, Brian Kogut, George McGoldrick, Michael Rohde, David Salafia, Hilda Santiago, Walter Shamock, John Thorp, Trevor Thorpe and Anthony Tomassetti.
ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC COMMENT: Brian Daniels, Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Keith Gordon, George McGoldrick, Michael Rohde, David Salafia, Hilda Santiago, Walter Shamock, John Thorp, Trevor Thorpe and Anthony Tomassetti.
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: CityLawrence J. Kendzior, City Manager and Debbie Moore, placePlaceNameAssociate PlaceTypeCity Attorney.
Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to invoke Rule 20 to bring forth a Consent Calendar and to approve the minutes of April 7, 2008 and to adopt a Consent Calendar as previously prepared. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 1. Presented by Mark D. Benigni and Matthew C. Dominello, Sr.
Whereas, more than fifty years ago, six million Jews were murdered in the Nazi Holocaust as part of a systemic program of genocide, and millions of other people suffered as victims of Nazism; and
Whereas, the people of the City of CityplaceMeriden should always remember the atrocities committed by the Nazis so that such horrors never be repeated; and
Whereas, the people of the City of CityplaceMeriden should continually rededicate themselves to the principle of equal justice for all people; and
Whereas, the people of the City of Meriden should remain eternally vigilant against all tyranny, and recognize that bigotry provides a breeding ground for tyranny to flourish; and
Whereas, May 4th has been designated as a “Day of Remembrance of Victims of the Nazi Holocaust”, known as Yom Hashoah; and
Whereas, it is appropriate for the people of the City of CityplaceMeriden to join in the international commemoration;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, and in the hope that we will strive always to overcome prejudice and inhumanity through education, vigilance and resistance, that May 4th is hereby
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REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 21, 2008
PAGE 2.
designated as “The Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust”.
Dated at CityplaceMeriden, StateConnecticut, this 17th day of April, 2008.
Adopted.
Item 2. Presented by George E. McGoldrick, by request.
WHEREAS, the Aviation Commission has seen a large demand for private aircraft hangars at the placePlaceNameMeriden-Markham PlaceTypeAirport; and
WHEREAS, these hangars are proposed to be built on City property by private individuals using private funds; and
WHEREAS, a subcommittee of interested hangar buyers created by the Meriden Aviation Commission interviewed builders and considered qualifications and cost proposals and selected Kern Enterprises, LTD of Wallingford to build the hangars for them; and
WHEREAS, each hangar would be the subject of a contract between Kern Enterprises and the hangar owner; and
WHEREAS, the hangar owners would sign a long term lease and pay rent to the City or the appointed agent of the city; and
WHEREAS, Wallingford Planning and Zoning Commission and the FAA approved the site plan detailing the development and Kern Enterprises, LTD will be responsible for building in conformity with said approved site plans and obtaining all necessary building permits;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council give the City Manager the authority to approve the leases and allow the construction to move forward.
Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning for Public Hearing and Finance.
Item 3. Presented by Michael S. Rohde and George E. McGoldrick, by request.
Whereas: The State of Connecticut Bridge Safety Unit inspects certain bridges located within the City of placeCityMeriden; and
Whereas: During the Spring 2008 underwater inspection of the Center Street Bridge, a large scour hole was found along the south abutment wall; and
Whereas: The State has recommended either repairing the scour hole through the use of grout bags and grout or closing the northbound travel lane of Center Street indefinitely; and
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APRIL 21, 2008
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Whereas: The Center Street bridge is proposed for replacement as part of the Harbor Brook Drainage Improvement project; and
Whereas: The preparation of design specifications and bidding documents by our bridge consultant are required to effectively implement the suggested repairs; and
Whereas: The implementation of these repairs will extend the life of the existing bridge until the new bridge can be constructed.
Now therefore be it resolved that:
The City of Meriden appropriate funds in the sum of $40,000 to secure the services of a design consultant and a contractor through the public bidding process for the implementation of the required repairs, and that the cost thereof be included in the 2008-09 CIP.
Referred to Public Works and Parks & Recreation and Finance.
Item 4. Presented by Mark D. Benigni, by request.
WHEREAS, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has informed the City it is eligible for a $1,200,000 grant to undertake and complete the reconstruction of the north apron at the Meriden-Markham Airport; and
WHEREAS, the application is due to the FAA by May 1st; and
WHEREAS, the FAA will pay for 95% or $1,140,000 of the project; and
WHEREAS, the State of placeStateConnecticut will pay for 3.75% or $45,000 of this project; and
WHEREAS, the City’s share will be only 1.25% or $15,000;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council that Lawrence J. Kendzior, City Manager of the City of Meriden, be and hereby is authorized to submit such application to the FAA and the State Department of Transportation, to execute on behalf of the City of Meriden any grant agreement or contract for such project, with the FAA and the State Department of Transportation, if such is offered, and to execute and submit any other additional materials or documents with the FAA or the State Department of Transportation for financial assistance to improve Meriden-Markham Airport as provided in said agreements; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council will appropriate the required local City match funds, if such grant is offered.
Adopted.
Item 5. Presented by Mark D. Benigni, by request.
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APRIL 21, 2008
PAGE 4.
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has informed the City the State Legislature has recently passed two public acts, PA 07-245 and PA 07-142, which indicate anyone doing business with the State of Connecticut is required to certify to the State that civil union nondiscrimination policies have been adopted.
WHEREAS, these requirements must be fulfilled as a part of the Personal Services Agreement-Amendment CPAP 2004-59 to undertake erosion control improvements at Hunter Golf Course; and
WHEREAS, the City has in place civil union nondiscrimination policies and the adoption of the State policy confirms the policies in place.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the CITY OF MERIDEN hereby adopts as its policy to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Conn. Gen. State 4a-60(a)(1) and4a-60a(a)(1) as amended in the State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and sections 9(a)(1) and 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142.
Adopted.
Item 6. Presented by Hilda E. Santiago.
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 $899,877 of Community Development Block Grant (hereinafter referred to as “CDBG”) funds for its thirty-fourth Community Development Program Year (hereinafter referred to as CDBG-34); 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 placeCityMeriden has adopted a Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the attached list of programs and budgets 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-34; 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-34 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-34 Annual Plan shall be carried out in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances, and resolutions of the City of CityMeriden, the State of StateConnecticut, and the placecountry-regionUnited States of America.
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CDBG - 34 PROJECTED USE OF FUNDS
I. Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP), Rehabilitation and Housing
A. NPP Loans |
$ 120,000.00 |
B. Housing Code Enforcement |
$ 250,000.00 |
C. Housing Legal Services |
$ 50,000.00 |
D. Community Services Initiatives |
$ 84,707.00 |
TOTAL |
$504,000.00 |
II. Public Services
A. Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc.-Mobile Work Crew |
$ 27,799.20 |
B. Beat the Street Community Center, Inc. |
$ 17,349.30 |
C. Children's First PLT |
$ 13,543.20 |
D. Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc. Domestic Violence Services-Shelter Operations |
$ 8,910.00 |
E. New Opportunities Inc-Shelter NOW |
$ 8,553.60 |
F. Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc. Domestic Violence Services-Transitional Living Program |
$ 8,910.00 |
G. New Opportunities Inc.-Summer Basketball League |
$ 9,124.20 |
H. Joseph F. Coffee Boys and Girls Club of Meriden-Summer Safe Havens Program |
$ 8,910.00 |
CityI. Meriden YMCA/South placeCityMeriden Teen Center |
$ 8,553.60 |
J. Casa Boricua de Meriden, Inc.-Operations |
$ 7,840.80 |
K. WFC-Project Reach (Reaching Every Adolescent to Create Hope) |
$ 7,500.00 |
L. New Opportunities, Inc.-Chore Project for Elders |
$ 7,128.00 |
M. American Red Cross-Medical Transportation |
$ 6,000.00 |
N. Child Guidance Clinic for Central CT, Inc.-Crisis Intervention |
$ 5,889.60 |
CityplaceO. Meriden YMCA/Raymond Rodriguez of CT Dojo Goju Karate-Youth Karate |
$ 3,920.40 |
placeCityP. Meriden YMCA/Rec Express |
$ 3,564.00 |
Q. Women and Family Center-Support, Awareness, Information, and Referral (SAIR) Corps |
$ 3,207.60 |
R. Catholic Charities-Children’s Behavioral Health Services |
$ 2,500.00 |
S. NOW-Circles Campaign-Overcoming Poverty Program |
$ 2,500.00 |
T. Q-River Watershed Association-Summer Paddling |
$ 2,500.00 |
U. Big Brothers Big Sisters- Mentoring at Boy and Girl's Club and placePlaceNameJohn PlaceNameBarry PlaceNameSchool |
$ 2,494.80 |
V. Hebron Community Dev. Corp.-Summer Youth Chore & placeCityMentor Program |
$ 2,494.80 |
W. Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven/Meriden-Literacy Tutoring |
$ 2,494.80 |
CityX. Meriden Kids Walk Safe Coalition & the Apostolic PlaceNamePentecostal PlaceNameAssembly PlaceTypeChurch of Deliverance-placeCityMeriden Kids Walk Safe |
$ 1,000.00 |
Y. Meriden YMCA Youth Theater Scholarships
|
$ 1,000.00 |
PlaceNameZ. Father PlaceNameMotivation PlaceTypeCenter at the Apostolic placePlaceNameComm. PlaceTypeChurch |
$ 500.00 |
AA. NAACP Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) |
$ 1,000.00 |
TOTAL |
$181,077.00 |
III. Public Services Contingency $5889.10
IV. Administration & Planning $214,800.00
V. Summary of All CDBG Funding
CDBG-34 Allocation $ 899,877.00
TOTAL CDBG-34 FUNDING $ 899,877.00
VI. Other Funding
Projected Program Income (NPP loan repayment) to be received
During CDBG-34 Program year $175,000.00
Referred to Human Services for Public Hearing on May 15, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
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APRIL 21, 2008
PAGE 7.
Item 7. Presented by Mark D. Benigni, by request.
WHEREAS, the Pension Plan currently has a Pension Assistant/Personnel Technician II position who works in the Personnel Department, and
WHEREAS, the current employee will be retiring effective June 28, 2008, and
WHEREAS, this is a full time, management, non-union position, and
WHEREAS, this position services approximately 650 retirees who have daily concerns and changes as well as 600 active employees who are in the City’s plans, and
WHEREAS, this position is involved in all the administrative work for the current negotiations, and
WHEREAS, this position is funded by the City’s three pension funds, and
WHEREAS, there is a need for the present employee to train a new employee so that service to the retirees is not interrupted, and
WHEREAS, the starting salary of the new employee will be lower than that of the outgoing employee, there will be no monetary impact on the plan for the training period,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Personnel Director be authorized to post and fill this position as soon as possible, and
FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the salary for this position be set at the following range dependent on the incumbent’s experience: $50,000 - $57,000.
PENSION ASSISTANT
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This is very specialized administrative and secretarial work involving a wide range of typing, scheduling, reception and financial duties related to the Meriden Pension Board and the Personnel Department.
Work involves responsibility for providing administrative support to the Chairman and Secretary of the Meriden Pension Board. Duties include typing a variety of materials including confidential and sensitive matters, keeping accounts and records, maintaining records of financial transactions, overseeing clerical staff and budget monitoring. This involves complex calculations on pension data, meeting with employees/retirees regarding pension benefit options, health insurance, etc. This position also has the responsibility for making difficult administrative and work priority decisions. The work requires that the employee have thorough knowledge, skill and ability in all aspects of administrative and general office procedures.
SUPERVISION REQUIRED:
Works under the general supervision of the Personnel Director.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Assists with the administration of departments programs, maintaining all pension records on the computer and maintains all pension files. Maintains contact with retirees/employees explaining pension benefits and requirements. Provides support to committees and participants throughout the retirement process.
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Coordinates all Pension Board activities.
Reviews financial pension data with the Finance Department. Ensures accurate accounting.
Controls and accounts for expenditures for the Personnel Department. Keeps related records and prepares reports regarding the expenditure of funds. May attend Pension Board Sub-Committee meetings regarding budget, bonding and fund managers and responds to questions and requests for additional information. Attends all Pension Board meetings, keeping accurate notes, type minutes, also types all Pension Board correspondence.
Keeps retiree/personnel records and submits payroll records for payment. Tracks employee attendance, disciplinary actions, etc.
Types or word processes correspondence, information on forms, reports and statistics from rough draft or own compiled information.
Maintains files and filing systems for employees and retirees.
Answers telephone and directs callers, takes messages, including those in confidence, or answers procedural questions. Screens, greets and directs and announces visitors.
Performs wide range of tabulation and calculations. Maintains complex records and accounts to assist with the actuarial reports.
Processes forms and documents within established procedures. Checks for adherence to requirements and accepted practice. Prepares materials for meetings and follows legal requirements.
Maintains event calendars and calendars or logs of own tasks. Schedules routine and special meetings.
Composes routine and specialize correspondence and documents from notes, verbal instructions or standard text. Types briefs, stipulated agreements and other complex and sensitive documents.
Oversees work of lower clerical classifications, as assigned.
Thorough ability to follow oral and written instructions and to maintain information in confidence. Ability to perform administrative procedures and to coordinate the activities of immediate supervisor.
Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, city officials, representatives of governmental and other agencies, and the general public.
Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Considerable knowledge of all City pension plans, deferred compensation plans, and methods of calculations.
Knowledge of personal computers using Windows 95, Quattro Pro and proficiency in the use of software applications.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing to coordinate administrative activities.
Ability to interpret policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, pension plans, etc.
Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, retirees, lawyers, representatives fo governmental and other agencies and the general public.
QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma and 5 years of pension experience or associates degree in an applicable field and 2-3 years of responsible experience in the pension and benefits field.
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PENSION ASSISTANT/PERSONNEL TECHNICIAN II
Ø Maintain and administer pension benefits for all retirees.
· Meet with employee regarding retirement benefits
· Prepare retirement packets
· Schedule meetings to review applications/documents
· Maintain Pension Payroll
· Maintain Health Insurance for retirees
· Notify retiree that is turning age 65 of supplement benefits
· Annual emolument audit for police/fire retirees
· Maintain costs changes for health insurance benefits
· Prepare Informational documents regarding retirement benefits for presentation to employees
Ø Municipal Pension Board
· Prepare Pension Board Agenda
· Attend Pension Board Meetings and take Minutes
· Transcribe Minutes/send and post to City’s Web Site
Ø Random Drug/Alcohol Testing Program
· Administer Random Drug/Alcohol Program for all employees working in safety sensitive positions.
· Schedule testing date each month
· Prepare documents for employees selected
· Notify Supervisors
· Track and administer all follow up testing
Ø Negotiations:
· Research and prepare proposals for negotiation under the direction of the Personnel Director
· Prepare spreadsheets with comparative information
· Prepare proposals
· Track all signed agreements/prepare final document.
Ø Personnel Department Budget:
§ Prepares Budget for Personnel Department
§ Maintains budget, entering requisitions/purchase orders/invoices, etc.
§ Maintains/Tracks Vision/Hearing Reimbursements for Police & Fire
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Item 8. Letter from Planning Commission re: Conversion of 25 Colony Street to a temporary parking area and their recommendation to deny. Reasons to deny include the following: 1. The maintenance of some semblance of balance and connectivity of the street wall now that parking is removed; 2. the enhancement of the viewshed from the east into the downtown; 3. The enhancement of the viewshed from the west into the downtown; 4. To maintain an aesthetic quality to the area; 5. To better “show” the property to potential developers; 6. The lack of demonstrated need for said parking considering the amount of vacant space consistently observed in the existing parking lot across the street. Accepted and Filed.
Item 9. Letter from Planning Commission re: Billboard – addressStreet311 Murdock Avenue and their recommendation to table. This reason for this action is to allow Patriot Outdoor LLC to provide a site plan as to the location of said billboard and for the structure details so that the Commission may make an informed decision. Accepted and Filed.
Item 10. Letter from Planning Commission re: Zoning Amendments: Sec. 213-7B, 213-19B, 213-20B92, 213-21B(2), 213-41K and their recommendation that the City Council acting as the zoning authority for the City of Meriden approve the following proposed amendments to the Zoning Regulations. 1. Amend definition Section 213-7B to provide for the new use “Health Care Services”. The Commission felt that this use is necessary as an intermediate use between medical offices and hospitals; 2. Amend Sections 213-190B(2), 213-19.1B(2), 213-20B(2) to allow “Health Care Services” as a Special Exception use in the C-1, C-1A, C-2 and C-3 zones. The Commission felt that these zones were
appropriate for medical health care services; 3. Amend Section 213-41K to provide for the following parking requirements: A. Health Care Services – 1 space per 200 sq. ft. of gross floor area; B. Medical Office – 1 space per 150 sq. ft. of gross floor area; This represents a decrease in the number of spaces necessary for medical office. This decrease is from 1 space per 100 square feet of gross floor area and is a more contemporary requirement; C. Hospital, Convalescent Home – 1 space per 3 beds plus 1 space for each 2 employees. Again, this is a more contemporary requirement in that it increased the number of spaces from 1 for each 3 employees. Accepted and Filed.
Item 11. Claims submitted against the City by Richard Schmidt, 264 East Main Street, Middlefield, CT; Kathryn Orzech, 247 Maple Avenue, Meriden, CT; Thomas H. Johnson, 9 Empire Avenue, Meriden, CT; Joseph P. Mucci, Jr., 48 Jackson Street, Middletown, CT; Luis Perez, 178 Bailey Avenue, Meriden, CT. were referred to Legal and Safety & Risk.
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Item 18. Department of Fire and Emergency Services Monthly Report for January 2008 was filed with City Clerk.
Item 19. Public Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes of August 21, 2007 were filed with City Clerk.
Item 20. Public Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2007 were filed with City Clerk.
Item 21. Public Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes of November 20, 2007 were filed with City Clerk.
Item 22. Public Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes of January 15, 2008 were filed with City Clerk.
Item 23. Public Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2008 were filed with City Clerk.
Item 24. Falcon Field Committee Funding Solicitation Subcommittee Report of April 7, 2008 was filed with City Clerk.
Item 25. Falcon Field/Washington Middle School Project Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2008 were filed with City Clerk.
Item MNO26. Presented by Trevor F. Thorpe.
Whereas, property to be transferred to the City under the tax agreement with NRG is currently valuable open space; and
Whereas, it is in the best interests of the City of placeCityMeriden to preserve this land as open space; and
Whereas, the City’s zoning regulations currently do not contain a provision for the preservation of undeveloped open space zone; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the City Manager and Director of Planning and Development are directed to prepare a resolution for a zoning change to create an open space zone; and
Further, Be It Resolved, that the entire parcel of land to be transferred to the City as part of the tax agreement be rezoned for preservation as undeveloped open space; and
Further; the Director of Planning and Development is directed to identify additional parcels of land, including but not limited to, watershed lands purchased with state open space funds for rezoning as undeveloped open space.
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Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning, Planning, Conservation Commission.
Item MNO27. Presented by Trevor F. Thorpe.
Whereas, property owned by the city located on Empire Avenue and known as the “Westvaco Property” is currently valuable open space; and
Whereas, it is in the best interests of the City of placeCityMeriden to preserve this land as open space; and
Whereas, the City’s zoning regulations currently do not contain a provision for the preservation of undeveloped open space zone; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the City Manager and Director of Planning and Development are directed to prepare a resolution for zoning change to create an open space zone; and
Further, Be It Resolved, that the entire parcel of land owned by the City and known as the Westvaco property be rezoned for preservation as undeveloped open space; and
Further, the Director of Planning and Development is directed to identify additional parcels of land, including but not limited to, watershed lands purchased with state open funds for rezoning as undeveloped open space.
Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning, Planning, Conservation Commission.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Item A. Presented by Mark D. Benigni.
WHEREAS, each month a placeCityMeriden resident is selected that displays community spirit worthy of recognition; and
WHEREAS, Roland Cockfield, a CityMeriden resident for more than 40 years, is the recipient of the “Spirit of placeCityMeriden” Award for April 21, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Roland has served as Worshipful Master at George W. Crawford #21 F.&A.M. P.H.A., and is a 33 degree Mason, and Roland currently serves as Treasurer and Manager of the Masonic Temple at 33 Pleasant Street; and
WHEREAS, Roland served as President of the Meriden-Wallingford NAACP Branch for over a decade, presently serves as First Vice President and serves as Third Vice President of the State Conference of the NAACP; and
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WHEREAS, Roland serves on the Meriden Human Rights Advisory Board and the Advisory Board for New Opportunities of Greater Meriden and was instrumental in helping Wallingford recognize Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday after many years of controversy; and
WHEREAS, Roland has served on the Meriden Bi-Centennial Committee, Meriden Center City Initiative, Meriden Children First Initiative Committees; and
WHEREAS, Roland’s dedication to the City of CityMeriden and to its children was instrumental in helping to launch All Day Kindergarten in placeCityMeriden; and
WHEREAS, Roland is certainly a worthy recipient of the Spirit of Meriden Award and should be publicly recognized for the outstanding services he has devoted himself to on behalf of placeCityMeriden’s citizens; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark D. Benigni, Mayor of the City of Meriden, do hereby proclaim Tuesday April 22, 2008 as “Roland Cockfield Day” in the City of Meriden, to honor Roland as recipient of the Spirit of Meriden Award for April 2008, and
FURTHERMORE, I do hereby encourage all our citizens to publicly thank Roland for all the time and energy he has volunteered for the betterment of our citizens.
DATED AND PRESENTED, this 21st day of April 2008.
A motion was made by Matthew Dominello, seconded by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Benigni asked Majority Leader Rohde, Councilor Santiago and Roland Cockfield and family to join him in the ellipse. Mr. Cockfield was given a framed copy of the proclamation.
Item B.
P R O C L A M A T I O N
National Day of Prayer
May 1, 2008
Whereas, civic prayers and national 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
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
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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 2007 theme, “placecountry-regionAmerica, Unite in Prayer” 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 CityMeriden, do hereby proclaim, Thursday, May 3, 2007 as “National Day of Prayer” in the City of placeCityMeriden.
______________________________
Mark Benigni, Mayor
Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 12A. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning acceptance of Walt Drive as a city street on 3/3/08 have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: George E. McGoldrick, Chairman; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Vice-Chairman; Anthony D. Tomassetti; Hilda E. Santiago; David J. Salafia; Brian P. Daniels.
Be It Ordered, that this be approved as recommended by the Planning Commission with the following conditions:
1. Straightening up the stop sign.
2. Replacement of damaged sidewalks in the subdivision (corner lot fronting on addressStreetWalt Drive).
George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Hilda Santiago, to adopt. McGoldrick stated this street does meet the city standards. Councilor Tomassetti had questioned if the street had lights and they are there. There were conditions from the Planning Commission that were included on the committee report. Motion carried unanimously.
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Item 12B. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning turning 13 and 25 Colony Street into a “temporary parking area” for customers on 2/4/08 have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: George E. McGoldrick, Chairman; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Vice-Chairman; Anthony D. Tomassetti; Hilda E. Santiago; David J. Salafia; Brian P. Daniels.
Be It Ordered, that this be denied as recommended by the Planning Commission.
George McGoldrick stated after further consideration and with the approval of the committee, he made a friendly amendment that stated, “As a result of concerns about cost estimates and the ultimate source of funds on this particular project this be referred to Finance for source of funding”. Hearing no objection it was so ordered. George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Anthony Tomassetti, to refer to Finance. Motion carried unanimously. Councilor Salafia abstained from this vote.
Item 12C. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a petition concerning Zoning Amendments to Sec. 213-7B, 213-19B, 213-20B9(2), 213-21B(2) and 213-41K on 4/7/08, have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: George E. McGoldrick, Chairman; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Vice-Chairman; Anthony D. Tomassetti; Hilda E. Santiago; David J. Salafia; Brian P. Daniels.
Be It Ordered, that these zoning amendments be approved as recommended by the Planning Commission.
George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. McGoldrick stated this is a text change in the code which creates a new classification for medical facilities. The Planner and Planning Commission feel these changes are necessary given how health care is delivered. It adds this classification to the appropriate commercial zones and then updates parking plans for these other types of facilities. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 13A. Your Human Services Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning Immunization Action Plan Outreach Worker on 3/17/08 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Hilda E. Santiago, Chairperson; Trevor Thorpe, Vice-Chair; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr.; Brian P. Daniels; John J. Thorp.
Hilda Santiago, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. placeCitySantiago stated this is a grant funded position, ends when the grant ends at no cost to the city. It is a non-union part time position which is 10 hours a week and the grant is for $2,005 which started January 7, 2008 and ends December 8th, 2008. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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Item 13B. Your Human Services Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning a job description for Bilingual Asthma Outreach Worker on 3/17/08, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Hilda E. Santiago, Chairperson; Trevor Thorpe, Vice-Chair; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr.; Brian P. Daniels; John J. Thorp.
Hilda Santiago, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. placeCitySantiago stated this is also a position that ends when the grant ends. It is for $15,000. It is called “Putting on the Airs”. It is to reduce the incidence of asthma in the community. It is a 4 hour position, has no impact to the city. As far as it being bilingual the grant specifies that it has to be an asthma outreach worker in the City of placeCityMeriden and it has to be bilingual because they are going to be doing outreach to the Hispanic community. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 13C. Your Human Services Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning a job description for Cardiovascular Health Planner on 3/17/08, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Hilda E. Santiago, Chairperson; Trevor Thorpe, Vice-Chair; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr.; Brian P. Daniels; John J. Thorp.
Hilda Santiago, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. placeCitySantiago stated this is part of the Women’s Healthy Heart Program. This will promote healthy life styles for women and address risk factors for stroke. The grant is from January 8th, 2008 through June 2009 for $60,000 at 15 hours a week. It also has no financial impact on the city’s general fund. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 14. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning a feasibility study and cost study in the area of Perkins Square for possibility of installing cameras for monitoring purposes only and also at Pratt and East Main Streets and other measures to improve safety in the area on 1/22/08, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: Anthony D. Tomassetti, Chairman; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Vice-Chairman; Keith Gordon; Trevor Thorpe; John J. Thorp.
Be It Ordered, that two megapixel cameras be approved in concept to be installed, one at Perkins Square looking west to the tracks and one looking north at Pratt and East Main Street from Perkins Square by the Record Journal; and
Be It Further Ordered, that this be referred to Finance for source of funding not to exceed $15,000.
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Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. Tomassetti urged adoption of this committee report tonight because we have experienced numerous serious accidents over the years in this area. This is a measure to improve safety in this area. He stated if the Council had any questions regarding megapixel cameras that Councilor Gordon would be able to answer. Shamock stated he was curious about the purpose for the $15,000 for the cameras and asked if we knew how many accidents have been there for the past year or two. Shamock stated if we’re going to install cameras there he wanted to know how many accidents had taken place there. Tomassetti stated he doesn’t have the data but believed Shamock had been on the Council when there was an extensive
study done on that intersection and it would cost between $200,000 and $250,000 to straighten that intersection out. Shamock stated we should have the information on how many accidents happened there in the past year or two. He is willing to spend the money but would like to know how many accidents had been there. Numerous doesn’t mean how many. Benigni asked staff to get that information and have it available for the Finance Committee to review. McGoldrick stated he would like information on how these cameras are going to prevent accidents. Benigni stated he would ask city staff to get this information also. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 15A. Your Finance Committee to whom was referred a resolution concerning job description for Cardiovascular Health Planner on 3/17/08 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson; George E. McGoldrick; Michael S. Rohde; Walter A. Shamock.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Kogut stated this and the next two committee reports are all positions that were previously discussed by Councilor Santiago. These were all positions for the Health Department and are grant funded and have no general fund impact, no fiscal impact to the city. When the grants end, the positions end. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 15B. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning a job description for Bilingual Asthma Outreach Worker on 3/17/08 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson; George E. McGoldrick; Michael S. Rohde; Walter A. Shamock.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 15C. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning Immunization Action Plan Outreach Worker on 3/17/08, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson; George E. McGoldrick; Michael S. Rohde; Walter A. Shamock.
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Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 16. No report from Public Works and Parks & Recreation.
Item 17. No report from Committee of the Whole.
There being no further business to be brought before the Council, Mayor Benigni declared the meeting to stand adjourned. The time was 7:45 p.m.
Lori N. Canney
Clerk of the City Council
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