CITY COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 21, 2009
The Meriden City Council’s regular meeting of September 21, 2009 was convened at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Michael S. Rohde. Keith Gordon led the Council in the salute to the flag and Matthew C. Dominello, Sr. offered the invocation. The Clerk called the roll. Present: Dante’ Bartolomeo, Brian Daniels, Matthew Dominello, Keith Gordon, Brian Kogut, George McGoldrick, David Salafia, Hilda Santiago, Walter Shamock, John Thorp and Trevor Thorpe.
EXCUSED: Anthony Tomassetti was excused.
ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC COMMENT: Dante’ Bartolomeo,Brian Daniels, Matthew Dominello, Keith Gordon, George McGoldrick, David Salafia, Hilda Santiago, Walter Shamock, John Thorp, and Trevor Thorpe.
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: City Manager Lawrence J. Kendzior and Corporation Counsel Michael P. Quinn.
John Thorp, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to invoke Rule 20 to bring forth a Consent Calendar and to approve the minutes of September 8, 2009 and to adopt a Consent Calendar as previously prepared. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 1. Petition with 37 signatures of residents in the area of Falcon Field requesting changes be made to improve their quality of life was referred to Public Works and Parks & Recreation.
Item 2. Presented by David J. Salafia, by request.
WHEREAS: The City of Meriden Water Pollution Control had experienced a sanitary sewer failure on Britannia Street on September 7, 2009; and,
WHEREAS: Public Utilities Staff had to retain the services of LaRosa Construction, LLC, to respond to this emergency to effect the repair of the sanitary sewer located nineteen feet below the road surface; and,
WHEREAS: Public Utilities Staff had to maintain flow around this repair by means of by-pass pumping on a 24-hour basis until the repair was completed on September 11, 2009; and,
WHEREAS: This repair to the sanitary sewer was the second repair within sixteen months. The prior repair is located within approximately 50 feet of the current repair; and,
WHEREAS: The Public Utilities Commission, at it’s regular meeting of September 15, 2009, approved to transfer funds from Retained Earnings to the Water Pollution
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Control Facility’s Capital Account (0502-3930-45-0-0000-501) in the amount of $175,000.00 to cover expenses associated with the repair of the 10 inch sanitary sewer and to also have a cured-in-place pipe liner installed from manhole to manhole to prevent future occurrences; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the transfer of funds from the Water Pollution Control Facility’s Retained Earnings to the Capital Account (0502-3930-45-0-0000-501) be approved.
Referred to Finance.
Item 3. Presented by Anthony D. Tomassetti.
Whereas, the traffic signals at the intersection of Pratt Street at Twiss Street and Pratt Street at Mill Street are old; and
Whereas, the existing emergency vehicle traffic signal located in front of the Pratt Street Firehouse is equally as old; and
Whereas, the equipment is susceptible to failure due to its age; and
Whereas, the design and installation of traffic signal equipment which meets current standard would resolve this issue; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the City of Meriden appropriate funds from the 2009/2010 Capital Improvement Program in the sum of $400,000 to secure the services of CT Licensed Professional Engineer to design the new traffic signal installation and to secure the services of contractor to install the approved traffic signal plan.
Referred to Public Safety and Finance.
Item 4. Presented by Anthony D. Tomassetti and George McGoldrick, by request.
Whereas, the budget did not include funding for a part-time plumbing inspector; and
Whereas, the Building Department is experiencing a backlog in building permits due to the lack of a part-time plumbing inspector; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the City of Meriden hire a part time inspector in the Building Department.
Referred to Finance.
Item 5. Presented by Michael S. Rohde, by request.
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WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has informed the City that it received a grant in the amount of $72,200 under the 2009 Connecticut Clean Fuel Program, and
WHEREAS, the grant can be used to fund the incremental cost of Three (3) Honda Civic Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles, Four (4) Ford Escape Hybrid Vehicles, and Two (2) Ford Fusion Hybrid Vehicles.
WHEREAS, the purchase and use of such vehicles and equipment will help improve the environment by reducing vehicle emissions and improving fuel economy, and
WHEREAS, all equipment is available on state contract and must be purchased by December 31, 2010.
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Transportation 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. These requirements must be fulfilled as a part of the Connecticut Clean Fuel Program
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 execute on behalf of the City of Meriden an agreement with the State of Connecticut for the 2009 Connecticut Clean Fuel Program (State Project No. 170-2840)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager is authorized to execute and submit any other supplemental materials as required.
BE IT FURTHER 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, as those statutes may be amended from time to time.
BE IT FURTHER KNOWN that Lawrence J. Kendzior was appointed City Manager and that his term of office began on June 6, 2005 and will serve indefinitely. As City Manager, Lawrence J. Kendzior serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the City of Meriden and is hereby authorized to enter into such agreements, contracts, and any documents or supplementals as required by the State of Connecticut.
Adopted.
Item 6. Claims submitted against the City by Robyn Lefebvre, 101 Newton Street, Meriden, CT were referred to Legal and Safety & Risk.
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Item 13. Public Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes of August 18, 2009 were filed with the City Clerk.
Item 14. Department of Fire and Emergency Services Monthly Report for June 2009 were filed with the City Clerk.
Item MNO15. Presented by Hilda E. Santiago.
WHEREAS, the Meriden City Council adopted a resolution to accept funds from the State Department of Social Services in an amount not to exceed $190,000 for the Youth Services Division to facilitate a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010; and,
WHEREAS, this teen pregnancy prevention program serves middle school youth and is known as the ACHIEVE Program (Adolescents Concerned about Health, Image, Education, Volunteerism and Esteem); and,
WHEREAS, the lack of a state approved budget suspended the ACHIEVE Program from July 1, 2009 to September 14, 2009; and,
WHEREAS, the staff were terminated due to lack of grant funds resulting in 2 vacancies; and,
WHEREAS, the State Department of Social Services has requested as of September 14, 2009 that the Meriden AHCIEVCE Program begin again as soon as possible; and,
WHEREAS, an Achieve Facilitator and Achieve Outreach Worker must be hired immediately to fulfill contract obligations and meet outcome measures to assure consideration for future funding; and,
WHEREAS, these are non-union grant funded positions and there is no cost to the City of Meriden; and,
WHEREAS, these are at-will grant funded positions which will terminate when the grant terminates; and,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to fill these
positions effective October 12, 2009.
Adopted.
Item MNO 16. Presented by David J. Salafia and George E. McGoldrick, by request.
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Whereas: The Cook Avenue bridge over Harbor Brook is undersized for the 100 year flood flows; and
Whereas: Replacement of this bridge is essential to reducing flooding along Harbor Brook; and
Whereas: Cook Avenue is a state road (Route 71) and the State is designing the replacement structure; and
Whereas: The State will be administering the construction of this project; and
Whereas: A detour utilizing city streets (Hanover Road and Hanover Street) is required for this detour; and
Whereas: An agreement between the City and the State is required for implementation of the detour.
Now therefore be it resolved that:
The City Council authorizes the City Manager to execute the Detour Agreement between the State of Connecticut and the City of Meriden, Stet Project No. 79-215 for the use of local roads for the proposed detour during the construction of the new Cook Avenue Bridge.
Adopted.
Item MNO17. Presented by Michael S. Rohde, by request.
Whereas, the City of Meriden has problems with litter; and
Whereas, The Mayor’s Clean Up Day is an annual community event; and
Whereas, There is need for funding of this community event; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that an appropriation not to exceed $1,000 be made with source of funding to be determined by the Finance Committee.
Referred to Finance.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 7A. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a resolution on 7/6/09 concerning proposed city accepted streets report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
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Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Be It Ordered, that these streets be adopted as recommended by the Public Works Director: Elizabeth Avenue, Betts Place, Lilli Lane, Bethann Circle, Windy Way, Carriage Drive East, Oak Ridge Drive, Louann Terrace, Lucia Drive, Blueberry Lane, Bret Drive and Atkins Street Extension.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Salafia stated the Director of Public Works has identified twelve city streets that we currently maintain and recommends that we accept them.
Rohde asked when would these actually be accepted city streets and the city would take responsibility. Salafia stated it would happen immediately upon this vote. Rohde congratulated Salafia and his committee. He stated these streets have been rattling around for literally 20-25 years and it took us a long time to get to this point. He is glad we finally addressed the issue.
Salafia stated we are currently looking at other streets but these are the ones we could identify at this time. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 7B. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a letter on 6/1/09 concerning the Korean War Monument report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Be It Ordered, that Director Zebora send a letter to the Veterans’ Council.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 7C. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a petition on 7/20/09 concerning residents of Hickory Street requesting the correction of ponding water at the corner of Hickory and Garden Streets report that they have attended to the matter and recommend filing.
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Salafia stated the Public Works Department has gone out and did some corrective maintenance on those problem and will monitor the situation over the next few months. Motion carried unanimously.
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Item 7D. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning the City of Meriden cease legal actions regarding a fence on property located at 58 Parker Avenue report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Be It Ordered, that the City cease our legal demands and remove the hold harmless clause.
David Salafia, stated by request of the Corporation Counsel made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to table. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 7E. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a letter on 9/8/09 concerning damage at 662 Bee Street reported that they have attended to the matter and recommend denial.
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 7F. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a resolution on 9/8/09 concerning City of Meriden spend $15,000 to fix a long standing drainage problem on Orchard Street report that they have attended to the problem and recommend the following:
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Be It Ordered, that this be approved with source of funding to be the Drainage Bond Account.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Salafia stated the Director of Public Works has identified drainage issues here on this street and has put a plan in place to correct the problem. These funds will allow the staff to begin the project. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 8A. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a petition concerning a request for a zone change of 41 Capitol Avenue and a portion of 71 Chamberlain Highway from M-3 and UID (respectively) to C-3 on 8/3/09 have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: George E. McGoldrick, Chairman; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Vice-Chairman; Anthony D. Tomassetti; Hilda E. Santiago; David J. Salafia; Brian P. Daniels.
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George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. McGoldrick stated some months ago we took an action to abandon Capitol Avenue at this location. In order to facilitate some additional commercial development on adjacent sites, this zone change is the next step in the process to allow that development to occur. The plans for that area are consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development. It has the approval of the Planning Commission.
Rohde asked if there had been a public hearing on this and McGoldrick stated there had been. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 8B. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning disposition of City owned property at 266 Elm Street have attended to the matter and recommend filing.
Committee: George E. McGoldrick, Chairman; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Vice-Chairman; Anthony D. Tomassetti; Hilda E. Santiago; David J. Salafia; Brian P. Daniels.
George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 8C. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning an RFP for billboards at Nessing Field and Barr Road on 8/3/09 have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: George E. McGoldrick, Chairman; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Vice-Chairman; Anthony D. Tomassetti; Hilda E. Santiago; David J. Salafia; Brian P. Daniels.
George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. McGoldrick stated the intention here is to authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals for billboards which would face I-91, not Route 15, at the two locations identified here. This does not mean we’re going to go forward with this because the proposals obviously would be subject to site plan approval where there will be opportunity for additional public comment and the proposals will come back to the Economic Development Committee for additional review as well. Particular concern raised at our meeting was one regarding making sure that we had acceptable visual impacts of these signs. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 8D. Your Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning adding to Zoning Section 7 a new definition for Aquifer Protection Area, Level A on 7/6/09 report they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: George E. McGoldrick, Chairman; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Vice-Chairman; Anthony D. Tomassetti; Hilda E. Santiago; David J. Salafia; Brian P. Daniels.
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George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Hilda Santiago, to adopt. McGoldrick explained this was a text change to add a reference in the zoning regulations to help explain notations that were made on the zoning maps identifying areas for aquifer protection. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 9A. Your Human Services Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning CDBG-34 Plan/CDBG-R Substantial Amendment on 8/17/09, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: Hilda E. Santiago, Chair; Trevor Thorpe, Vice-Chair; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr.; Brian P. Daniels; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Be It Ordered, that the CDBG-34 Annual Plan/CDBG-R Substantial Amendment be approved with the following amendments:
$5000 allocated to Meriden Children’s First – Meriden Zone Project
$10000 to Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc. Domestic Violence Services – Special Assistance Fund
$6500 to New Opportunities Inc. – Shelter NOW
$3500 to NOW – Circles Campaign
$5000 to Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care
Hilda Santiago, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. Santiago stated with this second half of the stimulus money, the second CDBG allotment, nine agencies that applied. Juliet Burdelski, Grants Administrator met with them and explained the process to them. Out of those nine agencies that applied, the six we are approving tonight were the only ones that qualified. They had certain criteria. They had to employ people; have training services for men and women such as CNA training, medical receptionist, job placement. That was an application that was submitted by the Women and Family Center. They have computer instruction and employment readiness workshops. Some of these programs include case management and mental health visits for low income elderly. These were
the six agencies that qualified for the criteria.
Shamock stated Santiago kept mentioning six agencies. He only saw five. City Manager Kendzior stated his recollection is that the sixth one is the Women and Families Center and that amount was included in the original resolution. The committee report reflects some of the changes that were made by the committee. The sixth one is the Women and Families Center for $10000 which is for the Open DOHR Program. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 9B. Your Human Services Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning reallocation of CDBG#35 for $5400 on 9/8/09, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: Hilda E. Santiago, Chair; Trevor Thorpe, Vice-Chair; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr.; Brian P. Daniels; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
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Be It Ordered, that CDBG-35 funds in the amount of $5400 be reallocated from American Red Cross Transportation to Meriden Family Resource Center at John Barry and Benjamin Franklin Elementary Schools Project.
Hilda Santiago, made a motion, seconded by Matthew Dominello, to adopt. Santiago stated the Meriden-Wallingford Red Cross is no longer in operation. The New Haven Red Cross took over the Wallingford part of the Red Cross. We had to re-program money because the Family Resource Center at that time needed money for start up funds. Again, the Family Resource Centers are at John Barry and Ben Franklin. They have the toddler programs and GED programs. It is a resource for moms and dads. They help over 350 families a year. The American Red Cross had to re-apply for the New Haven CDBG money and we had this extra money and we re-programmed it to the Family Resource Center.
Bartolomeo stated in addition to what Santiago had said our city staff did check into whether or not the services that the Red Cross had provided were provided by any other agency before reallocating it for something different. There is no one else in our area that provides those same services. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 10. No report from Finance.
Item 11. No report from Public Safety.
Item 12. No report from Committee of the Whole.
There being nothing further to be brought before the Council, Mayor Rohde entertained a motion to adjourn. A motion was made by John Thorp, seconded by Keith Gordon, and carried unanimously, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
Lori N. Canney
Clerk of the
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