Regular Meeting of the Common Council
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 7:00 PM Council Chambers, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 27 West Main Street, New Britain, Connecticut
NOTICE - The next regular meeting of the Common Council will be held on Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, at 7:05 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 27 West Main Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Public Participation will begin prior to the regular meeting at 7:00 pm.
7:00 PM - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MATTABASSETT DISTRICT FY 2018-2019 BUDGET PRESENTATION
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the regular meetings of March 14, 2018, March 28, 2018 and special meetings of March, 22, 2018, March 28, 2018 and April 10, 2018. 2018-3-14 Regular Meeting 2018-03-22 Special Meeting 2018-03-28 Special Meeting 2018-03-28 Regualr Meeting 2018-04-10 Special Meeting
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA 1 PETITIONS 1. Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. for a detailed breakdown of anticipated 10% State aid cuts. Please include information regarding departments being impacted and list all specific cuts including grant/aid title. Please also provide the source of information regarding the knowledge of these anticipated cuts. Petition 2. Ald. Santiago for the installation of fencing or other form of safety obstruction at the Slater Road Park. Residents have concerns that there are no safety barriers for children playing in the park, from running into the road. Petition 3. Ald. Iris Sanchez, Ald. Francisco Santiago and Ald. Richard Reyes for the City to investigate what can be done to re-open the Spanish Speaking Center and the Mt. Pleasant Community Room. Petition 4. Ald. Don Naples for the investigation of the addition of traffic control signage on Hazelmere Road at the intersection of Kilbourne Avenue. A safety hazard has been reported following new residential construction in the area. Petition 5. Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. for the Town Clerk to provide a report with the names of all members to all boards, commissions and committees in the City. Such report should also include the School Building Committee, Stanley Trust Fund and Mattabassett District Commission. Petition 6. Ald. Daniel Salerno and Ald. Kristian Rosado, by request of the Eastside NRZ, for the review of signal, signage and crosswalk conditions relative to safety within the CVS and Post Office areas of Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street. Petition 7. Ald. Daniel Salerno and Ald. Kristian Rosado for the general safety review regarding traffic, signage, crosswalks and traffic signals/lighting on Columbus Boulevard. Petition 8. Ald. Iris Sanchez for the appropriate department to provide a cost estimate for repairs to Willow Street Park. The report should include information pertaining to ensuring operational security cameras, overall cleanup of grounds, and maintenance and repairs to the Park. Local residents have expressed a desire for their children to use the park; however, the current conditions are not adequate. Please submit the report to the Common Council Office by May 16, 2018, to be included on the May 23, 2018 Common Council agenda. Petition 9. Ald. Iris Sanchez for the Police Department to report on the planned placement locations of the driver feedback signs which will be installed in low and moderate income neighborhoods. Petition 10. Ald. Iris Sanchez for the investigation of the removal of the handicap parking sign located between 206 and 208 Clark Street. Residents have requested the removal of the sign. 2 Petition
CONSENT AGENDA - All reports are on consent unless removed during the Common Council meeting.
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, DEPARTMENTS AND LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES: A. RE: CLAIMS FOR INJURIES AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE Report
NEW RESOLUTIONS 1. RE: APRIL 27, 2018 AS ARBOR DAY. E. MAGNUSZEWSKI, A. AYALON Resolution 2. RE: CITY OF NEW BRITAIN AS A LOVE WINS CITY IN HONOR OF ANA GRACE MARQUEZ-GREENE. E. MAGNUSZEWSKI, C. CARLOZZI, JR., R. REYES, E. SANCHEZ, R. SMEDLEY, K. ROSADO, B. ALBERT, A. AYALON, K. BRESLIN, J. GIANTONIO, D. NAPLES, W. PABON, D. SALERNO, I. SANCHEZ, F. SANTIAGO Resolution 3. RE: APPOINTMENT OF MR. MICHAEL PETERSON AS NEW BRITAIN POET LAUREATE. D. NAPLES, B. ALBERT, K. BRESLIN, I. SANCHEZ Resolution 4. BUDGET APPROPRIATION – POLICE DEPARTMENT. RE: $20,000 FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR NIGHTTIME SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM. C. CARLOZZI, JR., W. PABON, R. REYES, E. SANCHEZ, F. SANTIAGO, R. SMEDLEY Resolution 5. RE: PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SEC. 2-41 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROHIBIT MAJORITY LEADER, MINORITY LEADER OR PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE FROM SERVING AS THE CHAIR OR THE TEMPORARY CHAIR TO SUBJECT MATTER COMMITTEES OR SUBCOMMITTEES. C. CARLOZZI, JR. Resolution 6. RE: IMMEDIATE HIRING AND PROMOTION FREEZE WIHIN THE CITY OF NEW BRITAIN. C. CARLOZZI, JR., E. MAGNUSZEWSKI, E. SANCHEZ, R. REYES, B. ALBERT, A. AYALON, K. BRESLIN, I. SANCHEZ, F. SANTIAGO Resolution
UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. 34191-1 REPORT OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT. RE: VACANT AND FUNDED POSITIONS WITHIN THE CITY TABLED 02/28/2018 3 Report Spreadsheet Original Petition 2. 34207-1 REPORT OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT RE: AUTHORIZED BUT UN-ISSUED DEBT. TABLED 02/28/2018 Report Spreadsheet Original Petition
ADJOURNMENT
4 March 14, 2018
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 14, 2018
Mayor Erin E. Stewart called the Regular Meeting of the Common Council to order at 9:01 p.m. on Wednesday, the 14th day of March 2018 in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall.
Thirteen members were present at roll call: Ald. Magnuszewski, E. Sanchez, Reyes, Smedley, Rosado, Albert, Giantonio, Naples, Pabon, Salerno, I. Sanchez, Santiago, and Carlozzi.
Two members were absent: Ald. Ayalon and Ald. Breslin.
The invocation was given by City Clerk, Mark H. Bernacki: O God, our Heavenly Father, look down on New Britain’s leaders. Give them the determination and commitment to recognize our challenges and work cooperatively to make New Britain a better place to live, work, receive an education or raise a family. We ask this in Thy name. Amen.
The pledge to the flag was led by Mayor Stewart.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of former New Britain High School basketball coach Marco Villa who passed away on March 1, 2018.
Mayor Stewart presented her annual State of the City address.
MAYOR’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
34221 RE: 2018 MAYOR STEWART’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
State of the City Address March 14, 2018
To all of those gathered here in our Council Chambers tonight: Welcome to City Hall and thank you for being with us. Hello to all of our citizens watching on Nutmeg TV and online at newbritainct.gov as well.
Distinguished members of the Common Council, elected officials, department leaders, city employees, and most importantly, my fellow citizens – I come before you tonight to deliver my 5th state of the city address.
And the 5th state of the city address is circling right back to the first one that I gave. Where I stood right here and told you that the state of our city is that New Britain is at a crossroads…and when you find yourself at a crossroads you have to make a decision to go one way or the other.
Typically these speeches are an opportunity for the Mayor to stand up here and recite a litany of accomplishments and conclude with a broad appeal for bipartisanship and civility in government.
Rather than waiting until the end, I’m going to begin by saying how proud I am to share the responsibility of governing our City with this council. We have each been given an enormous responsibility by our fellow citizens and I have faith that, together, we will rise to face the challenges that are before us.
We are off to a rocky start, there is no doubt about that, but I challenge each of us to try and change that. I will do my part.
We can do it, we can improve communication, we can respect each other, we can choose to trust one another, but each of us has to be willing. 5
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I am sure many of you who are new to this are discovering the difficulties of government, learning many new things along the way, formulating opinions and hopefully, realizing that we have much more in common than we have differences.
But as long as we remember that the person we are disagreeing with is , in fact, a person – and not merely the partisan letter that follows their name – and we remember that all of us deserve respect, I believe we will navigate through these rough waters.
Our city has come a long way in the last 5 years. A very, very long way. This is a new era for the Hardware City.
We cannot sit here and forget where we came from. We cannot sit here and pretend that what happened in the past, didn’t happen, because those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. We have to be sure that we have learned from previous mistakes that were made. We have to collectively understand, whether we like it or not, why certain things are done certain ways.
We have come a long way.
When we were at the crossroads in 2014, our government collectively chose the road leading to success.
This didn’t just magically happen, it happened by a group of individuals, of all parties, coming together, and working together to make it reality.
That attitude of finding smart, bipartisan solutions, that chapter of successful decision making has led to incredible results that you cannot dispute:
Our unemployment rate is 5.6 percent, among the lowest it has been since the Recession started in December 2007.
Since this time last year, more than 20 new businesses have opened, creating hundreds of new jobs. Several other existing businesses, like MicroCare, Alvarium, Makino and American Welding have expanded their operations by investing millions of dollars—further cementing long-term commitments to the future of our community. We also have new businesses on the way, including Five Churches Brewery, KC’s on Main just opened & The Kitchen at 136 Main Street will be opening as well, a sister restaurant to Mofongo’s right here in downtown.
That good decision making and togetherness have led to our 2017 Grand List growing by 6.27 percent—adding $165.91 million in new assessments to our list of taxable property. That has the potential to bring more than $9.7 million in additional revenue. In a City that’s 98 percent developed and nearly half of which cannot be taxed – having four years of stable growth in our grand list shows evidence of good decision making, and even better planning.
Home values have increased by more than 5 percent, creating a competitive real estate market where there are more buyers than sellers.
More people want to “experience the new”.... in New Britain.
The recent revaluation also showed increases in commercial and industrial properties. It’s clear that New Britain is a place where individuals see potential in under developed, underused, or vacant, properties.
Through good decision making, and smart bipartisan decisions we’ve created new opportunities for residents of all backgrounds to live in our community, including 16 new units in the historic Raphael building at 87 West Main Street and 14 new apartment units at 475 Columbus Boulevard. We also broke 6
123 March 14, 2018 ground on Columbus Commons at the old Police Department, paving the way for an additional 170 units of housing. A major step in our transit oriented development master plan.
Our crossroads of 2014 has led us to the path we are following today – one where we continue to make government more efficient and effective. At City Hall, we’ve made several significant structural changes to improve government:
We are using technology to our advantage: this winter the Department of Public Works rolled out our Verizon Network Fleet snow plow tracking software to improve snow operations; the Finance Department in consultation with the Tax and Water Departments added online bill pay for water/sewer bills; and our Information Technology Department worked with my office to add to the capabilities of our refreshed website with live streaming of meetings—ensuring that City government is transparent and accessible to all.
Since bringing on TaxServ - the City has received as estimated $1 million in delinquent tax and parking tickets through our new partnership. They were hired to go after those old outstanding and unpaid tickets and it adds up.
Additionally, our Assessor’s Office contracted with a company called Tax Management Associates and is in line to conduct 420 personal property audits over the next three years. To date, 86 audits have been completed, resulting in more than $300,000 in potential new tax revenue for the City.
All of these initiatives help to stabilize our financial foundation.
Under our recent “Experience the New” marketing initiative, we’ve distributed 1,000 visitor’s guides to area businesses, medical offices, and top travel destinations. In addition, we’ve brought our message to the region inviting people to come visit our community, creating a new market for tourism in town.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: we need to continue investing in our own community. Investors, developers, and potential homeowners, are interested in communities that are moving forward and can show signs of stability and growth.
Developers will not invest in cities that do not invest in themselves. Which is why we need to continue to direct necessary dollars to maintain and improve our infrastructure - it is the backbone of our community.
In our downtown, we put the final touches on Phase III of our Complete Streets Master Plan. New prominent crosswalks and safety upgrades also create a more uniform and improved appearance to the heart of our downtown. Phase 4 is now underway.
2017 saw one of the largest paving programs in years: Crews paved 8.7 miles across 45 streets at a cost of $1.9 million—the first year that the paving program was funded through General Fund dollars & state grants, rather than through bonding.
After more than 15 years of near constant construction and more than $20 million, improvements to our Little Poland district are complete. We’ve also broke ground on a major renovation to A.W. Stanley Park, setting the stage for a new pool, sporting fields and other outdoor amenities that taxpayers have long requested.
At Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, we invested a quarter of a million dollars to bring us fully in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring that visitors and athletes of all abilities can completely enjoy our athletic complex.
We’ve also made improvements city wide for all residents at places like the Senior Center, where a new handicap accessible greenhouse was built; at Stanley Quarter Park where the skate park underwent
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124 March 14, 2018 a long needed overhaul; at Fairview Cemetery where new water lines and faucets were installed; and at Central Park and Walnut Hill Park where there is now free wireless internet.
It’s okay to bond for projects that improve the quality of life in our community and will be enjoyed for years to come. That’s what it is there for and it’s important that we do not let our roads and park system crumble.
It all comes down to good decision making, smart solutions and project balance. Remembering that at every step and every turn are the people who elected us to serve, and expect us to do our jobs.
In 2017, we were once again named an All-America City, a testament to the strong successes we are seeing with our students and the partnerships we’ve built within our community.
While the battle for our fair share of education funding was lost in court – the Superintendent and I continue to work with our friends in the legislature. Most recently – fighting for funding for we can continue to help over 200 students from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean who have entrusted us with their educational needs after Hurricane Maria.
At our Police Department, we are breaking down barriers and reducing crime. Through the hard work of our men and women in uniform, we’ve seen a decrease in major crimes, hired a Deputy Police Chief for the first time in more than a decade, introduced a new community policing tool – called Solve It NB, and recently promoted the first female captain in the departments 147 year history! Congrats again to Captain Jeanette Portalatin.
At our Fire Department, we’ve hired a record number of minority and female privates, and made organizational shifts to ensure that we are the best that we can be. We are in the process of completing a nationwide search for a new Chief. I will be making a decision on that in the next few weeks.
As a City, we also continued to show compassion: Not only did we welcome families from Puerto Rico – we continue our work in eliminating homelessness. We reached a milestone by ending chronic family homelessness and broke ground on a new supportive housing center at the corner of North Street and Erwin Place.
And in October, we honored more than 200 of our community’s greatest heroes—our veterans—with the first veterans award ceremony in decades.
In the months to come there will be even more successes to add: a fuel cell and data processing center on Myrtle Street, new activity on East Main Street, the hopeful start of the Beehive Bridge project, the completion of Phase 4 complete streets, work wrapping up on Hart Street, and work beginning on Eddy Glover Boulevard.
We’ll also be rolling out new initiatives like See.Click.Fix an application to help residents report potholes and other blight, the Bees Across New Britain public art project, and new partnerships aimed at getting people back to work.
I stand here before you and say the state of our city is stable. But it could be solid for generations to come if we can all put our differences aside and do the jobs we were elected to do. Protect the people living in the city of New Britain.
Smart, bipartisan decisions have helped us to avoid the reality of state takeover due to a fiscal crisis. Standard & Poor’s and Fitch rating agencies have agreed, raising our credit rating four notches to A+ stable.
And when Moody’s issued their downgrade last fall – they did so without giving us the opportunity for a full review and stated that their primary criteria was that there was no concrete plan to restructure at that time. They, too, know that restructuring our debt is the only prudent course. 8
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Unless the goal is to ensure that the City is placed under state oversight, or if the goal is to see New Britain downgraded again, we must act on a plan that will secure the financial future of this community for years, and councils, and mayors to come.
The smart, bipartisan decisions of the past five years have set the table for success both now and in the future. I urge you all to take this opportunity and run with it – make it yours - make it a success.
The state of the city is as strong as the will of the people sitting around this chamber.
I know where I stand; I hope all of you will join me.
God Bless you all, and may he continue to bless the great City of New Britain.
Ald. Magnuszewski moved to accept and adopt the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 24, 2018 and the Special Meeting of January 25, 2018, seconded by Ald. Santiago. So voted.
Ald. Magnuszewski moved to amend the Agenda by adding 34231(9) and 34232(10) and by moving 34231(9) to the beginning. Motion seconded by Ald. Smedley. Roll call vote – all members present voted in favor.
PETITIONS
34233 RE: ALD. ROSADO FOR THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTING IN THE AREA OF CHAPMAN STREET, LINDEN STREET, BELDEN STREET AND JUBILEE STREET. REFERRED TO DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
34234 RE: ALD. ROSADO FOR REPAIR OF POTHOLES ON THE CORNER OF HALSEY ROAD AND KULPER ROAD. REFERRED TO DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
34235 RE: ALD. ROSADO FOR REPAIR OF POTHOLES ON MILLARD STREET. REFERRED TO DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Ald. Magnuszewski moved to accept and adopt the Consent Agenda, seconded by Ald. Santiago. Roll call vote – all members present voted in favor. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
CONSENT AGENDA
CITY ASSESSOR
34204-1 RE: TAX BREAKS PERTAINING TO PROPERTY OWNED BY SAUL BERGER OR ARCH GARDENS LLC
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain:the undersigned beg leave to report the following: At the request of the Common Council, please find that the Assessor’s Office has no record of any tax breaks given to any property owned by Saul Berger and/or Arch Garden LLC. Michael T. Konik, CCMAII City Assessor
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CITY CLERK
34222 RE: CLAIMS FOR INJURIES AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following: CLAIMANTS NAME Belliveau, Lynn M Homesite Insurance by Atty. Kenneth Langille Quiles, Elfren Roldan, Alisha
Mark H. Bernacki City Clerk
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
34203-1 RE: MAILING COST OF NRZ MEETING NOTICES, AGENDAS AND PERTINENT INFORMATION TO RESIDENTS
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
Alderman Ayalon requested that “the appropriate department [to] determine the cost of mailing Neighborhood Revitalization Zone meeting notices, agendas and pertinent information to residents of each zone by the City.” The petition requested a breakdown by “once a year”, “twice a year” and “every three months.” In addition, the department was requested to “provide information on the cost of posting flyers of Neighborhood Revitalization Zone meetings in central locations across each zone.”
Based on the Department of Community Development’s (DCD) analysis, there is no reasonable approach that would allow the city to reach all residents within each zone via mail. However, the department believes the Alderman’s intent is to reach each housing unit within the respective zone. As such, the DCD has established estimates based on this intent.
The city maintains a list of all buildings containing housing units. There are, unfortunately, a number of obstacles to reaching every housing unit within the city and/or achieving the intent of Alderman Ayalon’s request.
The Neighborhood Revitalization Zones (NRZs) are delineated in the city’s GIS database, which stems from the Assessor’s parcel database. A building may contain multiple units and not all units are identifiable for mailing purposes through the Assessor’s database. In order to further determine the costs associated with this form of outreach, the DCD would require assistance from the Assessor’s office to cross-reference each property address.
Neither the GIS nor the Assessor’s databases have the ability to determine which units are occupied and which are vacant. Furthermore, any correspondence sent from the NRZ to a housing unit would be a non-descript, non-personalized letter. Experience has shown that these types of notices fall short of reaching the intended audience as they are perceived as “junk mail”. Mailing to non-occupied units or sending non-descript letters is typically seen as an unnecessary cost with a limited return on investment.
In the interest of addressing the request, the estimated cost to print a one-sided, black and white notice; insert the notice into an envelope; and mail the notice to each unit would cost approximately $.83 per household. The estimated costs based only on identified units is as follows:
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Arch Street NRZ There are approximately 691 residential properties. The DCD has calculated approximately 1,211 units with an additional 61 buildings containing an unidentified number of units. Therefore, base costs would be an estimated:
Annually: 1211 X .83 X 1 = $1,005.13 Semi-Annually: 1211 X .83 X 2 = $2,010.26 Quarterly: 1211 X .83 X 4 = $4,020.52
East Side NRZ There are approximately 3104 residential properties. The DCD has calculated approximately 1506 units with an additional 114 buildings containing an unidentified number of units. Therefore, base costs would be an estimated:
Annually: 1506 X .83 X 1 = $1,249.98 Semi-Annually: 1506 X .83 X 2 = $2,499.96 Quarterly: 1506 X .83 X 4 = $4,999.92
North-Oak NRZ There are approximately 712 residential properties. The DCD has calculated approximately 1462 units with an additional 89 buildings containing an unidentified number of units. Therefore, base costs would be an estimated:
Annually: 1462 X .83 X 1 = $1,213.46 Semi-Annually: 1462 X .83 X 2 = $2,426.92 Quarterly: 1462 X .83 X 4 = $4,853.84
It is important to reiterate that the estimates are based on single-sided mailings. Should, as suggested, “pertinent information” have to be mailed, the cost would also increase substantially.
The unidentified units will also make costs escalate considerably. As an example, if we assumed an average of 6 units per building, an additional 366, 684, and 534 would need to be added, respectively. This would result in an additional $1,314.72 annually, $2,629.44 semi-annually, and $5,258.88 quarterly.
Therefore, the total estimated cost per year to mail to all households quarterly is approximately $19,133.16.
The cost of posting flyers of NRZ meetings in central locations has been estimated based off of flyers being delivered to 7 key business locations in each NRZ. Each location would receive 25 flyers, some for posting with extras for handing out. Breakdown is as follows:
25 flyers X 7 business X 3 NRZs = 175 flyers 175 flyers X $.50/copy & paper = $87.50 Staff time at 3.5 hours X 3 NRZs X 4= 10.5 hours X Salary + Fringe
Respectfully submitted, Kenneth A. Malinowski Acting Director Department of Community Development
34204-2 RE: TAX BREAKS PERTAINING TO PROPERTY OWNED BY SAUL BERGER OR ARCH GARDEN LLC
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
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Alderman Ayalon requested that “the appropriate department(s) to provide detailed information regarding any and all tax breaks, incentives, grant money, or any other funding that the City has been involved in pertaining to Saul Berger, Arch Garden LLC., 406-408 Arch Street, or any other property owned or partially owned by Saul Berger or properties own by entitites associated with Saul Berger.”
Based on the Department of Community Development’s (DCD) analysis, The DCD has not provided any funding to Mr. Saul Berger, Arch Garden LLC., for the property at 406-408 Arch Street. The department is neither aware of nor can it document any relationship to any other property owned or partially owned by Saul Berger or properties owned by entities associated with Saul Berger.
Respectfully Submitted, Kenneth A. Malinowski Acting Director Department of Community Development
OFFICE OF CORPORTION COUNSEL
34204-3 RE: NEGLECT OF PROPERTY OWNED BY SAUL BERGER OR ARCH GARDEN LLC – 406-408 ARCH STREET
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
The Office of Corporation Counsel’s response to Petition No. 2 from the February 14, 2018 regular meeting of the Common Council is as follows:
Our office works closely with the Department of Licenses, Permits and Inspections on all matters pertaining to blight. On March 23, 2016, after a November 29, 2017 hearing pursuant to Sec. 1-17 of the Code of Ordinances, our office filed a certified copy of a notice of assessment for 406 Arch Street with the New Britain Superior Court in the amount of $360.00. After receiving judgment in the amount of $368.00 ($360.00 plus $8.00 filing fee), on May 9, 2016 our office recorded a judgment lien on the property located at 406 Arch Street, which is recorded in Volume 1938 at page 1238 of the New Britain Land Records.
On December 15, 2017, our office filed a second certified copy of a notice of assessment for 406 Arch Street in the New Britain Superior Court in the amount of $90.00 after a hearing pursuant to Sec. 1- 17 of the Code of Ordinances. After receiving judgment in the amount of $98.00 on January 11, 2018, our office recorded a judgment lien on the property located at 406 Arch Street, which is recorded in Volume 1985 at page 327 of the New Britain Land Records.
Office of Corporation Counsel Joseph E. Skelly, Jr. Assistant Corporation Counsel
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
34223 RE: MONTHLY PURCHASING REPORT FOR BID THRESHOLD ITEMS
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
In accordance with the New Britain Code of Ordinances, Section 2-566, a monthly report of purchases between $500 and $7,500 shall be provided to the Common Council. The report shall include a detailed description of items or services purchased, name of vendor, owner of business and dollar amount spent on each individual purchase as well as the aggregate total of spend to date for the fiscal year. 12
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The Finance Department, Purchasing Division has provided an electronic list of monthly purchases. This document is available in the Council office for review by Council members.
Acceptance is respectfully requested.
Jack Pieper Purchasing Agent
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, ZONING AND HOUSING
34200-1 RE: AMENDMENT TO CODE OF ORDINANCES ARTICLE XVIII REGARDING PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A LICENSE FOR DEALING IN OR REPAIRING MOTOR VEHICLES FOR DEALERS AND REPAIRERS
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain:the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing held a public hearing and regular meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2018, in Council Chambers, to which was referred the matter of Item No. 34200, proposed amendment to the Code of Ordinances Article XVIII regarding the license for dealing in or repairing motor vehicles for dealers and repairers. The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing voted to accept as amended and refer back to the Common Council with a neutral recommendation.
Alderwoman Katie Breslin, Chair
REPORTS OF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND DEPARTMENTS
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
34220-1 RE: EMPLOYMENT POSTING INFORMATION FOR POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
Please find the attached documentation in response to Petition No. 34220, to provide employment posting information for the position of Director of Human Rights and Opportunities. Attachment on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Linda Guard
Ald. Carlozzi, Jr. moved to accept, seconded by Ald. E. Sanchez. So voted. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM COMMITTEE
34200-2 RE: AMENDMENT TO CODE OF ORDINANCES ARTICLE XVIII REGARDING PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A LICENSE FOR DEALING IN OR REPAIRING MOTOR VEHICLES FOR DEALERS AND REPAIRERS
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following: 13
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ARTICLE XVIII. - LICENSE FOR DEALING IN OR REPAIRING MOTOR VEHICLES FOR DEALERS AND REPAIRERS
Sec. 14-393. - Certificate of location approval—Required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle repair facility or dealership without first obtaining a certificate of location from the zoning authority of the City of New Britain. The common council is the zoning authority pursuant to section 4-3 of the City Charter.
(Res. No. 29325-2, 11-8-06; Res. No. 29831-2, 10-24-07)
Sec. 14-394. - Application; fee; contents.
(a) Any person seeking a certificate of location approval to operate a motor vehicle repair or dealership shall make an application for a certificate of location to the director of licenses, permits and inspections, and pay a filing fee of three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00), which shall not be refundable. (b) The application for certificate of location shall set forth the proposed place of business and facilities, the name and address of the applicant and the name and address of the owner of the property as stated on the land records. The information provided by applicant on the application should additionally include: zoning district; existing use(s) of the property; previous license approvals (if any) for the property, including date and petition number if hearing was held; and specific description of use. If exception or zoning variance is needed, it should be obtained from the zoning board of appeals prior to consideration by common council for certificate of approval. If this is a continuation of a nonconforming use, application should include a letter of verification from the director of licenses, permits and inspections that the use is nonconforming and has not been legally abandoned. (c) In addition to the foregoing, any applicant seeking a site approval shall furnish the following information: (1) Twenty (20) plot plans and a digital signed and sealed map(s) which accurately and adequately illustrate the new or existing building or the addition or alteration involved and shall be in accordance with the standards as set forth herein where applicable: (A) All plot plans must conform with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Dealers and Repairers Division form entitled "License Application Drawings K-93 Rev. 10-2000 and as may be subsequently amended from time to time and must conform with the City of New Britain standards as determined by the city ordinances and zoning regulations. In all situations, a class A-2/T-2 zoning location survey will be required. The zoning location survey must contain all of the information listed on the general location survey. Areas of pavement must be shown on all surveys. Property corners must be set as part of A-2/T-2 surveys. (d) A copy of the application packet will be forwarded by the director of licenses, permits and inspections to city plan staff and department of public works for review, comment and determination of whether city standards are met. (e) Within one (1) week of receipt of the application packet, city plan staff and the department of public works will provide to the director of licenses, permits and inspections their recommendations and opinion on whether the application meets city standards. (f) If the director of licenses, permits and inspections determines that the city standards are met, the completed application will be forwarded to the common council. Otherwise the application will be returned to the applicant so that the necessary corrections can be made. (g) If the director of licenses, permits and inspections determines that (1) any portion of the property affected by the common council's decision is within five hundred (500) feet of the boundary of the 14
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adjoining municipality; (2) a significant portion of the traffic to the completed project on the site will use streets within the adjoining municipality to enter or exit the site; (3) a significant portion of the sewer or water drainage from the project on the site will flow through and significantly impact the drainage or sewerage system within the adjoining municipality; or (4) water runoff from the improved site will impact streets or other municipal or private property within the adjoining municipality, the director of licenses, permits and inspections will notify the clerk of the adjoining municipality of the pendency of the application. Such notice shall be made by certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall be mailed within two (2) days of when the application is completed. Such adjoining municipality may, through a representative, appear and be heard at any hearing on any such application. (h) It will be the responsibility of the department of licenses, permits and inspections to insure that the applicant's sign is up during the applicable time period and that notice of the public hearing is properly published. (i) Within thirty (30) days after completion of all required improvements and prior to the applicant's submission to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, the applicant shall file with the town clerk three (3) as-built plans conforming to Class A2/T2 survey accuracy standards with the office of town clerk. notify the director of licenses, permits and inspections of the completion of work & provide three (3) five (5) as-built plans conforming to the approved site plans to Class A2/T2 survey accuracy standardsand a digital signed and sealed map(s). (1) The town clerk will keep a survey for its records and will forward one (1) survey to the director of licenses and permits. (12) The director of licenses,and permits and inspections will inspect the property and consult with the department of public works, the city plan staff, fire marshal and the council clerk, and all other departments and individuals as required by section 14-54 of the Connecticut General Statutes, to determine whether all stipulations, required improvements and changes have been incorporated and abided by. (23) If all stipulations and required improvements and changes are completed, the director of licenses,and permits and inspections will inform in writing and file two (2) applicant provided as- built plans along with the original certificate of location to the town clerk that he/she shall stamp and sign the applicant's survey with the certificate of location approval.
(Res. No. 29325-2, 11-8-06; Res. No. 29831-2, 10-24-07; Res. No.33767-2 , 3-14-17)
Sec. 14-395. - Public hearing.
(a) The common council shall refer the application to the appropriate committee of the common council for a public hearing. The subcommittee will consider the application. (b) The city plan commission or city plan staff are to provide the subcommittee with its written recommendation at least two (2) days prior to the subcommittee meeting. (c) Notice of the date, time and place when a public hearing concerning a certificate of location is scheduled shall be published by the clerk/secretary in a newspaper which is widely circulated within the City of New Britain at least twice at intervals of not less than two (2) days, the first not more than fifteen (15) days nor less than ten (10) days, and the last not less than two (2) days before such hearing. The notice shall state the name of the applicant/appellant, the location of the property, and the date, time and place of the hearing. (d) All applicants for certificates of location shall be required to erect a white-with-black lettering sign or signs measuring not less than three (3) feet long and two (2) feet high, which shall be prominently displayed on the premises facing each public street on which the property abuts, giving notice that an application, and the date, time and place where the public hearing will be held. The sign shall not be set back more than ten (10) feet from the property line and shall be not less than two (2) feet or more than six (6) feet above the grade at property line. The sign shall be 15
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made of one-eighth ( 1/8 ) inch pressed board or other durable material. It shall be displayed for a period of not less than fifteen (15) days immediately preceding the public hearing date or any adjourned date. In addition, the applicant must notify in writing all property owners within one hundred (100) feet of the subject property and submit an affidavit to that effect. (e) The applicant shall file not later than the time the chairperson announces the commencement of the hearing concerning the application/appeal an affidavit stating that he/she has complied with the requirements set forth in subsection (d) of this section. (f) The applicant must be present at the hearing. (g) If the subcommittee approves the matter, notation of the date, approval, and stipulations must be noted on the map approved by the subcommittee. (h) Upon the close of the hearing, the subcommittee will refer the matter back to the full council with its recommendation. Upon approval, the certificate of location shall be signed by the clerk of the common council also noting the date, approval, and stipulations on map. (i) The original certificate of location will be filed in the town clerk's office with copies forwarded by the town clerk to city plan and department of licenses, permits and inspections. (j) If the public hearing is tabled, postponed or rescheduled due to the applicant, the council shall either deny the application without prejudice or mandate that the applicant pay the cost of publication for the next public hearing.
(Res. No. 29325-2, 11-8-06; Res. No. 29831-2, 10-24-07) Secs. 14-396—14-399. - Reserved.
Alderman Robert Smedley
Ald. Smedley moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Pabon. So voted. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS
34224 RE: $25,000 TO PYROTECNICO FIREWORKS INC FOR THE JULY 4, 2018 FIREWORKS DISPLAY
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain:the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, Public Bid No. 3926 was solicited and received in accordance with the Purchasing Ordinances of the City of New Britain for the July 4, 2018 Fireworks for the Recreation and Community Services Department; and
WHEREAS, Funding will be available for the July 4, 2018 Fireworks within the July 4th Fireworks Fund, 256417008-5807; and
WHEREAS, Invitations to bid were solicited and the bid was duly advertised in the New Britain Herald, the City and State of Connecticut’s Department of Administration Services websites and e-mailed to five (5) and mailed to eight (8) Fireworks Display Companies. The Purchasing Agent did not receive any letters from the Fireworks Display Companies on the mailing lists who indicated that they could not respond to the bid request; and
WHEREAS, The Bid responses were received and on file in the Town Clerk’s Office; and
WHEREAS, The bids were reviewed for conformance to specifications by the Recreation and Community Services Department’s Administration and the Purchasing Agent. The bids were reviewed to 16
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determine the shell size, shell type, number of shells, a complete description of the finale and the time length of the show included in the bids submitted; and
WHEREAS, Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc.’s display was twenty-seven (27) minutes long, had more large fireworks shells and total show firework shells than the other bidder. Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. has been awarded the bid for the past five (5) years for the City’s July 4th Fireworks Display. Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. has been reliable and has conducted the past fireworks displays per the bid specifications and contract agreement. Their fireworks displays, in the past years, have been very good and enjoyed by the public who watched them; and
WHEREAS, The Director of the Recreation and Community Services Department is recommending that the bid be awarded again for the July 4, 2018 Fireworks Display to Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. of New Castle, PA; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to enter into a contract and issue a purchase order to Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc of New Castle, PA in the amount of $25,000.00 for the July 4, 2018 Fireworks Display per the pricing, terms and specifications of Public Bid No. 3926.
Alderman Jamie Giantonio
Ald. Giantonio moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Smedley.
Ald. Carlozzi, Jr moved to amend motion to accept and refer to the Committee on Administration, Finance and Law, seconded by Ald. E. Sanchez. So Voted.
Ald. Naples, Giantonio, Smedley, Rosado, Salerno, Pabon opposed.
Approved March 16, 2108 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
34225 RE: PUBLIC BID NO. 3935 – THREE YEAR CONTRACT WITH OPTION TO EXTEND WITH HARVEST NEW ENGLAND, LLC FOR LEAF COMPOSTING SERVICES
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain:the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, Public Bid No. 3935 was solicited and received in accordance with the Purchasing Ordinances of the City of New Britain for Leaf Composting Services for the Public Works Department for a three (3) year contract period with the option to extend the contract for two (2), one (1) year periods beyond the initial contract period if the market rates are lower than the third year pricing and based upon successful negotiations and agreement between the City and company awarded the bid; and
WHEREAS, Funding is available for this purchase from the Public Works Department’s account, 001315004-5428, Sanitation, Disposal Tip Fees; and
WHEREAS, Invitations to bid were solicited and the bid was duly advertised in the New Britain Herald Newspaper, the City and State of Connecticut’s Department of Administration Services websites and e- mailed to three (3) and mailed to eleven (11) Leaf Composting Companies. The Purchasing Agent did not receive any letters from the Leaf Composting Companies on the mailing lists who indicated that they could not respond to the bid request. The responses were received and are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office; and
WHEREAS, The bids were reviewed for conformance to specifications by the Public Works Department Administration and the Purchasing Agent. Harvest New England, LLC. was the lowest bidder and met all bid specifications. Harvest New England, LLC. has provided this service to the Public Works Department for the last five (5) years when they were awarded the bid the last time it was put out to bid. They have provided excellent leaf composting services to the Public Works Department; and 17
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WHEREAS, Therefore, the Director of the Public Works Department is recommending that the bid be awarded again to Harvest New England, LLC. of Farmington, CT; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into a three (3) year contract with the option to extend the contract for two (2), one (1) year periods beyond the initial contract period if the market rates are lower than the third year pricing and based upon successful negotiations and agreement between the City and Harvest New England, LLC. of Farmington, CT for Leaf Composting Services, per the specifications of Public Bid No. 3935.
Ald. Eva Magnuszewski Ald. Don Naples Ald. Iris Sanchez
Ald. Naples moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Magnuszewski. So voted. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
34226 RE: COOPERATIVE PURCHASING - $12,970 TO SIMPLEXGRINNEL FOR ANNUAL FIRE ALARM TESTING, INSPECTION AND FULL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE FILTRATION PLANT
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain:the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, in accordance with City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article VIII, Division 1, Section 2-538 (a), a purchase order was requested for the following under the State of Connecticut’s Cooperative Purchasing Plan for the Public Works Department, Utilities Division:
Supplier Description Price SimplexGrinnell Annual Fire Alarm System Testing $12,970.00 Windsor, CT. Inspection and Full Services Contract
WHEREAS, The Public Works Department, Utilities Division, requested a purchase order for the Annual Fire Alarm System Testing, Inspection and Full Service Contract for their Filtration Plant at 50 Caretaker Road. The Full Services Contract includes component, parts, battery replacement and service calls. SimplexGrinnell has been providing maintenance on this system at this location for the Public Works Department, Utilities Division, in the past; and
WHEREAS, SimplexGrinnell is the manufacturer of the Fire Alarm System and has one hundred and eighty-five (185) offices that make up one of the largest service networks in the Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Industry. SimplexGrinnell has no dealers and to go out to bid for these services would not be beneficial to the City. SimplexGrinnell also has a State of Connecticut Contract, 11PSX0055, for these Services; and
WHEREAS, SimplexGrinnell has once again agreed to charge the Public Works Department, Utilities Division, the State of Connecticut Contract pricing for these services. The price that SimplexGrinnell is charging the Public Works Department, Utilities Division is the same rate as last year for these services; and
WHEREAS, This expense was also presented to the Water Commission at their February 21, 2018 meeting, in which they approved this expenditure; and
WHEREAS, Funding for this purchase of the Annual Fire Alarm System Testing, Inspection and Full Services Contract is available within the Public Works Department, Utilities Division’s account number 9303500103-5659, Water Operating Expenses -Treatment, Operating Material and Supplies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to issue a purchase order for $12,970.00 to SimplexGrinnell of Windsor, CT for the Annual Fire Alarm System 18
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Testing, Inspection and Full Services Contract for the Public Works Department, Utilities Division’s Filter Plant at 50 Caretaker Road utilizing the State of Connecticut’s Cooperative Purchasing Plan, Contract Award # 11PSX0055.
Ald. Carlo Carlozzi Jr. Ald. Jamie Giantonio Ald. Richard Reyes Ald. D. Salerno Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez
Ald. Salerino moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
34227 RE: PUBLIC BID NO. 3937 – DATTCO, INC FOR THE 2018 SUMMER BUS TRANSPORTATION
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, Public Bid No. 3937 was solicited and received in accordance with the Purchasing Ordinances of the City of New Britain for the 2018 Summer Bus Transportation for the Recreation and Community Services Department; and
WHEREAS, Funding will be available for this purchase in the Recreation and Community Services Department’s Account Numbers 001420001-5440, Recreational Programs, Rental Supplies and Equipment; and
WHEREAS, Invitations to bid were solicited and the bid was duly advertised in the New Britain Herald Newspaper, the City and State of Connecticut’s Department of Administration Services websites and e- mailed to four (4) and mailed to four (4) Bus Transportation Companies. The Purchasing Agent did not receive any letters from the Bus Transportation Companies on the mailing lists who indicated that they could not provide a response to the bid request; and
WHEREAS, The Bid responses were received and on file in the Town Clerk’s Office; and
WHEREAS, The bids were reviewed for conformance to specifications by the Recreation and Community Services Department’s Administration and the Purchasing Agent; and
WHEREAS, Dattco, Inc. a City based company submitted a bid that was within ten (10) percent of the lowest bidder. Per Bid Documents and City Ordinance, Section 2-578, Item 10, they have agreed to accept the award of the bid at the amount of the lowest bid submitted: and
WHEREAS, Dattco, Inc. was awarded the bid last year and provided the Summer Bus Transportation to the Recreation and Community Services Department. They are a reputable Bus Company and also have provided bus services during this school year to the New Britain Board of Education. Therefore, the Director of the Recreation and Community Services Department is recommending that the bid be awarded again to Dattco, Inc. of New Britain, CT to provide Summer Bus Transportation to the Recreation and Community Services Department; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to enter into a contract and issue a Purchase Order to Dattco, Inc. of New Britain, CT for the 2018 Summer Bus Transportation for the Recreation and Community Services Department at a daily rate of $183.00 per bus and at a rate of $50.00 per hour for any additional buses needed, per the terms and specifications of Public Bid No. 3937.
Ald. Jamie Giantonio Ald. Francisco Santiago 19
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Ald. Giantonio moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Santiago. So voted. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
34228 RE: PUBLIC BID NO. 14-98 - $1,999,500 APPLICATION TO STATE FOR PHASE VII, COLUMBUS BLVD PEDESTRAIN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND EXECUTE AN ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, pursuant to Public Act 14-98 Sec. 2(d) the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development through the power granted by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is authorized to extend financial assistance for projects under the TOD and Predevelopment program; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City of New Britain make an application to the State for $1,999,500.00 in order to undertake the Phase VII – Columbus Boulevard Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements and to execute an Assistance Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Common Council
1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites (including the match obligations) for the state financial assistance imposed by Public Act 14-98 Sec. 2(d) of the Connecticut General Assembly, and the Guidelines of the TOD and Predevelopment program;
2. That the filing of an application for State financial assistance by the City of New Britain in an amount not to exceed $1,999,500.00 is hereby approved and that Erin E. Stewart, Mayor is directed to execute and file such application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the City of New Britain.
Alderwoman Eva Magnuszewski Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. Alderman Kristian Rosado Alderwoman Iris Sanchez
Ald. Rosado moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Smedley. So voted. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
34229 RE: MARCH 2018 AS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, women of every race, class and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our nation in countless ways; and
WHEREAS, women have played and continue to play a critical economic, cultural and social role in every facet of life by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home; and
WHEREAS, women have played a unique role throughout history by providing the majority of the volunteer labor force; and
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WHEREAS, women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic and cultural institutions; and
WHEREAS, women of every race, class and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement; and
WHEREAS, women have been leaders in not only securing rights of suffrage, equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and other movements, especially the peace movement, which creates a fairer and more just society for all; and
WHEREAS, despite these contributions, the role of women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued, in the literature, teaching and study of history; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Common Council and Mayor of the City of New Britain recognize that March 2018 is designated as “Women’s History Month”.
Alderwoman Eva Magnuszewski Alderwoman Katie Breslin Alderwoman Iris Sanchez
Ald. Magnuszewski moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Giantonio. So voted. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
34230 RE: APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE: ALD. AYALON, ALD. REYES AND ALD. SALERNO
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, according to §4-11 of the Charter of the City of New Britain, the Common Council shall review, establish and act upon in even-numbered years the rates of compensation for the members of the succeeding Common Council, the Mayor, the Collector of Taxes, the City and Town Clerk, the Registrars of Voters, the Corporation Counsel, the Clerk of Committees, the Treasurer and other officers, department heads and employees subject to the provisions of the budget contract, collective bargaining agreement or other agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council shall appoint a Compensation Committee consisting of three (3) members, two (2) of which shall be nominated by the majority leader of the Common Council, and one of which shall be nominated by the minority leader of the Common Council. The nominations shall be approved by a majority of the Common Council present and voting. In the absence of a minority party on the Common Council, the Common Council shall, by majority vote, nominate and approve the appointment of the committee members which was designated as that of the minority leader; and
WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee shall undertake a study in order to make a recommendation with respect to a salary adjustment for elected and appointed officials whose salaries are to be established by ordinance, including, but not limited to the mayor, the town clerk, the tax collector, the treasurer, the registrars of voters, the corporation counsel and the clerk of committees. The Compensation Committee shall take into consideration the salaries of comparable officials in other cities and towns and the adjustments in compensation granted to employees of the City. The committee may utilize, as necessary, appropriate City personnel to assist in its study committee and shall report its recommendation to the full Common Council in a timely manner; and
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; that the following members of the Common Council of the City of New Britain be hereby appointed to the Compensation Committee:
Alderman Aram Ayalon Alderman Richard Reyes Alderman Daniel Salerno
Ald. Eva Magnuszewski Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. Ald. Robert Smedley
Ald. Smedley moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Salerno. So voted. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
34231 RE: SUPPORTING STAY FOR MALIK NAVEED BIN REHMAN’S AND ZAHIDA ALTAF’S FAMILY
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, Malik Naveed Bin Rehman and Zahida Altaf are a married couple from Pakistan who currently reside in New Britain, Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, they are being sentenced to deportation because, upon moving to the United States, their lawyer did not work to get them an extended visa and a path to citizenship, despite paying more than $6,500 to the lawyer; and
WHEREAS, the lawyer was sent to jail for fraud; and
WHEREAS, the family pays taxes, have no criminal record, and own Pizza Corner on Broad Street in New Britain; and
WHEREAS, they have a five year old daughter who is a citizen of the United States of America, Roniya Malik; and
WHEREAS, they are scheduled for deportation on March 19, 2018; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of New Britain support Malik Naveed Bin Rehman and Zahida Altaf to stay because they are good-standing citizens of New Britain and help our City.
Alderman Brian Keith Albert Alderwoman Katie Breslin Alderwoman Eva Magnuszewski Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. Alderman Emmanuel Sanchez Alderman Richard Reyes Alderman Aram Ayalon Alderman Francisco Santiago Alderwoman Iris Sanchez Alderman Don Naples
Ald. Albert moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Smedley. So voted. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
34232 RE: MARCH 2018 AS NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
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WHEREAS, in Connecticut colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in men and third most common cancer diagnosed in women; and
WHEREAS, from 2007 to 2011, an average of 889 new cases of malignant colorectal cancer have been diagnosed in men and 888 in woman; and WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is treatable, curable, and in many cases, completely preventable; and
WHEREAS, when colorectal cancers are detected at an early stage, survival is 92%; and
WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is known as a silent killer because symptoms only show up in the later stages of the disease; and
WHEREAS, with proper screening, colorectal cancer can be prevented or, if found early, treated and cured; and
WHEREAS, colorectal cancer screening is one of the most cost-effective prevention measures in health care, more cost-effective than breast or prostate cancer screening; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of New Britain designate March 2018 as “Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month” and encourage awareness to this deadly but treatable disease by promoting preventative screening.
Alderman Robert Smedley
Ald. Smedley moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Approved March 16, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart.
Ald. Smedley reminded everyone of the Adams Family Musical Comedy to be held at New Britain High School on March 23rd and 24th.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Ald. Giantonio moved to adjourn, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.
ATTEST: Mark H. Bernacki, City Clerk
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 22, 2018
President Pro Tempore, Eva Magnuszewski called the Special Meeting of the Common Council to order at 7:23 p.m. on Thursday, the 22nd day of March 2018 in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall.
Eight members were present at roll call: Ald. Magnuszewski, Reyes, Rosado, Albert, Breslin, Pabon, Iris Sanchez, and Santiago.
Seven members were absent: Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez, Smedley, Ayalon, Giantonio, Naples, Salerno, and Carlozzi.
City Clerk, Mark H. Bernacki read the Mayor’s Warrant.
Warrant TO THE CLERK OF THE CITY OF NEW BRITAIN: BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO NOTIFY Brian Keith Albert, Aram Ayalon, Katie Breslin, Carlo Carlozzi, Jr., Jamie Giantonio, Don Naples, Wilfredo Pabon, Richard Reyes, Kristian Rosado, Daniel Salerno, Emmanuel Sanchez, Iris Sanchez, Francisco Santiago and Robert Smedley, Aldermen and Alderwomen of said City, and Mayor Erin E. Stewart, that there will be a special meeting of the Common Council on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall, 27 West Main Street, New Britain, Connecticut for the following purposes: 1. Informational Session – Board of Education Budget Presentation and Discussion by Superintendent Nancy Sarra.
HEREOF FAIL NOT, but due service and return make according to law. Dated at New Britain, Connecticut this 9th day of March, 2018.
Eva Magnuszewski, President Pro Tempore
An informational meeting was presented by Nancy Sarra, Superintendent of Schools and Kevin Kane, Board of Education Finance Director.
Ald. Rosado moved to adjourn, seconded by Ald. Albert. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
ATTEST: Mark H. Bernacki, City Clerk
24 142 March 28, 2018
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 28, 2018
Mayor Erin E. Stewart called the Special Meeting of the Common Council to order at 6:59 p.m. on Wednesday, the 28th day of March 2018 in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall.
Fifteen members were present at roll call: Ald. Magnuszewski, E. Sanchez, Reyes, Smedley, Rosado, Albert, Ayalon, Breslin, Giantonio, Naples, Pabon, Salerno, I. Sanchez, Santiago, and Carlozzi.
Ald. Carlozzi moved to waive the reading of the Mayor’s Warrant, seconded by Ald. Giantonio. So voted.
MAYOR’S WARRANT TO THE CLERK OF THE CITY OF NEW BRITAIN: BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO NOTIFY Eva Magnuszewski, Carlo Carlozzi, Jr., Robert Smedley, Richard Reyes, Emmanuel Sanchez, Kristian Rosado, Brian Keith Albert, Aram Ayalon, Katie Breslin, Jamie Giantonio, Don Naples, Wilfredo Pabon, Daniel Salerno, Iris Sanchez, Francisco Santiago, Aldermen and Alderwomen of said City, that there will be a special meeting of the Common Council on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 27 West Main Street, New Britain, CT for the following purposes: 1. To accept a report of the Standing Bonding Subcommittee of the Common Council Committee on Administration, Finance and Law regarding a $99,000,000 Appropriation and Bond Authorization to Refund Any of the City’s Outstanding General Obligation Bonds. 2. To act upon a Resolution regarding a $99,000,000 Appropriation and Bond Authorization to Refund Any of the City’s Outstanding General Obligation Bonds.
HEREOF FAIL NOT, but due service and return make according to law. Dated at New Britain, Connecticut this 22nd day of March, 2018.
Erin E. Stewart, Mayor
REPORT OF THE BONDING COMMITTEE
34251 RE: $99,000,000 APPROPRIATION AND BOND AUTHORIZATION TO REFUND ANY OF THE CITY’S OUTSTANDING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS At a meeting of the Standing Bonding Subcommittee of the Committee on Administration, Finance and Law (the “Bonding Subcommittee”) held on March 28, 2018 on a motion by Bonding Subcommittee member Smedley and seconded by Bonding Subcommittee member Carlozzi, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Bonding Subcommittee recommends to the Common Council that the sum of $99,000,000 be appropriated for the purpose of paying, funding or refunding prior to maturity any of the City’s outstanding General Obligation Bonds, applicable redemption premiums, if any, with respect thereto, the interest thereon, the interest costs on such bonds through June 30, 2021, and the costs with respect to the issuance of such bonds, and to fund one or more escrow accounts, if any, for such 25 144 March 28, 2018 purposes, and to meet said appropriation and in lieu of a tax therefor, bonds of the City be issued pursuant to Article XII of the City Charter and Chapter 109 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, or any other provision of law thereto enabling, in an amount not to exceed $99,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary after deducting other sources of funds available therefor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bonding Subcommittee recommends to the Common Council that the bonds may be sold in a single issue or may be consolidated with other authorized but unissued bonds of the City. The bonds shall 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 Mayor and the Treasurer, bear the City seal or a facsimile thereof, be certified and payable at a bank or trust company designated by the Mayor and the Treasurer which bank or trust company may also be designated as the registrar and transfer agent, and be approved as to their legality by Bond Counsel to the City. The bonds may be issued in one or more series and shall bear such rate or rates of interest as determined by the Mayor and the Treasurer. 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 bonds are 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 bonds to be issued, the annual installments of principal, the redemption provisions, if any, the interest rate or rates, form, manner and date of issuance and sale, and other terms, details and particulars of such bonds shall be determined by the Mayor and the Treasurer.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bonding Subcommittee recommends to the Common Council that the bonds may be sold by the Mayor and the Treasurer in a public sale, sealed proposal or a negotiated underwriting and the Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to select the underwriter or underwriters and to enter into, execute and deliver on behalf of the City a contract of purchase for such bonds on such terms and conditions as they shall determine.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bonding Subcommittee recommends to the Common Council that the Mayor and the Treasurer 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 the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board or any other 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 amended, as may be necessary, appropriate or desirable to effect the sale of the bonds authorized by this resolution. Any agreements or representations to provide information to Repositories made prior hereto are hereby confirmed, ratified and approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bonding Subcommittee recommends to the Common Council that the Mayor and the Treasurer are further authorized to enter into, execute and deliver, on behalf of the City, any agreements they deem reasonable or necessary to provide credit enhancement and liquidity to the bonds. The Mayor and the Treasurer are further authorized to appoint a certifying agent, paying agent, transfer agent, registrar, interest rate advisor, escrow agent and such other advisors and consultants as they may deem necessary or desirable, and to execute and deliver on behalf of the City any and all bond insurance or credit enhancement, continuing disclosure or other agreements they deem necessary to provide for the issuance of such bonds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bonding Subcommittee recommends to the Common Council that the Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to issue all or any portion of the bonds as bonds the interest on which is includable in the gross income of the owners thereof for federal income tax purposes and it is hereby found and determined that the issuance of any such bonds is in the public interest.
Richard Reyes, Chairman Bonding Subcommittee of the Committee on Administration, Finance and Law
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Ald. Smedley moved to accept, seconded by Ald. Carlozzi. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 29, 2018.
John Healy from Mesirow Financial made a short presentation.
RESOLUTION
34251-1 RE: $99,000,000 APPROPRIATION AND BOND AUTHORIZATION TO REFUND ANY OF THE CITY’S OUTSTANDING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
At a meeting of the Common Council held on March 28, 2018 on a motion by Council member Smedley and seconded by Council member Carlozzi the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of New Britain on the recommendation of the Standing Bonding Subcommittee of the Committee on Administration, Finance and Law adopted at its meeting held on March 28, 2018, that the sum of $99,000,000 be appropriated for the purpose of paying, funding or refunding prior to maturity any of the City’s outstanding General Obligation Bonds, applicable redemption premiums, if any, with respect thereto, the interest thereon, the interest costs on such bonds through June 30, 2021, and the costs with respect to the issuance of such bonds, and to fund one or more escrow accounts, if any, for such purposes, and to meet said appropriation and in lieu of a tax therefor, bonds of the City be issued pursuant to Article XII of the City Charter and Chapter 109 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, or any other provision of law thereto enabling, in an amount not to exceed $99,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary after deducting other sources of funds available therefor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the bonds may be sold in a single issue or may be consolidated with other authorized but unissued bonds of the City. The bonds shall 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 Mayor and the Treasurer, bear the City seal or a facsimile thereof, be certified and payable at a bank or trust company designated by the Mayor and the Treasurer which bank or trust company may also be designated as the registrar and transfer agent, and be approved as to their legality by Bond Counsel to the City. The bonds may be issued in one or more series and shall bear such rate or rates of interest as determined by the Mayor and the Treasurer. 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 bonds are 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 bonds to be issued, the annual installments of principal, the redemption provisions, if any, the interest rate or rates, form, manner and date of issuance and sale, and other terms, details and particulars of such bonds shall be determined by the Mayor and the Treasurer.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the bonds may be sold by the Mayor and the Treasurer in a public sale, sealed proposal or a negotiated underwriting and the Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to select the underwriter or underwriters and to enter into, execute and deliver on behalf of the City a contract of purchase for such bonds on such terms and conditions as they shall determine.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Treasurer 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 the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board or any other 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 amended, as may be necessary, appropriate or desirable to effect the sale of the bonds authorized by this resolution. Any agreements or
27 146 March 28, 2018 representations to provide information to Repositories made prior hereto are hereby confirmed, ratified and approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Treasurer are further authorized to enter into, execute and deliver, on behalf of the City, any agreements they deem reasonable or necessary to provide credit enhancement and liquidity to the bonds. The Mayor and the Treasurer are further authorized to appoint a certifying agent, paying agent, transfer agent, registrar, interest rate advisor, escrow agent and such other advisors and consultants as they may deem necessary or desirable, and to execute and deliver on behalf of the City any and all bond insurance or credit enhancement, continuing disclosure or other agreements they deem necessary to provide for the issuance of such bonds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Treasurer are authorized to issue all or any portion of the bonds as bonds the interest on which is includable in the gross income of the owners thereof for federal income tax purposes and it is hereby found and determined that the issuance of any such bonds is in the public interest.
Alderman Richard Reyes
Ald. Smedley moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Carlozzi. ROLL CALL VOTE – 15 in favor, 0 opposed. IN FAVOR: Ald. Magnuszewski, E. Sanchez, Reyes, Smedley, Rosado, Albert, Ayalon, Breslin, Giantonio, Naples, Pabon, Salerno, I. Sanchez, Santiago and Carlozzi. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 29, 2018.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Ald. Carlozzi moved to adjourn, seconded by Ald. Salerno. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
ATTEST: Mark H. Bernacki, City Clerk
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 28, 2018
Mayor Erin E. Stewart called the Regular Meeting of the Common Council to order at 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday, the 28th day of March 2018 in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall.
Fifteen members were present at roll call: Ald. Magnuszewski, Emmanuel Sanchez, Reyes, Smedley, Rosado, Albert, Ayalon, Breslin, Giantonio, Naples, Pabon, Salerno, Iris Sanchez, Santiago, and Carlozzi.
The invocation was given by City Clerk, Mark H. Bernacki: O God, our Heavenly Father, we rejoice in this season of spring. Look down on our employees as they ready our City parks for this summer’s activities for the public to use and enjoy. We ask this in Thy name. Amen.
Ald. Ayalon was granted a point of personal privilege and said he has submitted a petition requesting a temporary halt of the building of a monument commemorating Lithuanian militant, Adolfas Ramanauskas, until further research has been conducted confirming his history.
Ald. Magnuszewski moved to amend the Agenda by deleting item 13, and by adding reports 34175- 1(E), 34178-1(F), 34198-1(G), 34199-1(H), and 34224-1(I), and by adding resolutions 34175-2(14), 34178-2(15), 34198-2(16), 34199-2(17), and 34224-2(18) and by moving the added resolutions to the beginning.
PETITIONS 34250 ELLIS STREET HOLDINGS LLC BY ATTORNEYS WEBER AND CARRIER FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE MASTER PLAN FOR PROPERTY KNOWN AS 321 ELLIS STREET TO ALLOW BUS STORAGE, MAINTENANCE AND A DISPATCH OFFICE. REFERRED TO THE CITY PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING COMMITTEE. 34252 ALD. I. SANCHEZ FOR INSTALLING A PARK SIGN AT WILLOW STREET PARK. REFERRED TO PARKS AND RECREATION. 34253 ALD. AYALON FOR TEMPORARILY STOPPING THE BUILDING OF A MONUMENT TO COMMEMORATE LITHUANIAN MILITANT, ADOLFAS RAMANAUSKAS UNTIL FURTHER RESEARCH. REFERRED TO PARKS AND RECREATION. 34254 ALD. MAGNUSZEWSKI AND REYES FOR A COST ANALYSIS DETAILING EXPENSES NOT REIMBURSED TO THE CITY AND OVERALL EXPENSES INCURRED BY THE CITY FOR VARIOUS EVENTS. REFERRED TO PARKS AND RECREATION AND THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT. 34255 ALD. CARLOZZI AND ALD. SANCHEZ FOR REQUESTING AN EXPENSE BREAKDOWN FOR ADVERTISING AND LEGAL NOTICES FROM DECEMBER 2013 TO THE PRESENT. REFERRED TO THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT. 34256 ALD. GIANTONIO FOR A REPORT FROM THE FINANCE DEPT. DETAILING THE COST IN EITHER OVER-TIME OR COMP TIME FOR THE CITY STAFF THAT ATTENDED THE ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE AND LAW COMMITTEE MEETING ON MARCH 27, 2018. REFERRED TO THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT. 34257 ALD. AYALON FOR REMOVAL OF SIX CEMENT BLOCK BARRIERS NEAR 43-44 LEDGECREST AVENUE. REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS. Ald. Magnuszewski moved to accept and adopt the Consent Agenda, seconded by Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez. Roll call vote – all members present voted in favor. Approved March 31, 2018 by Mayor Erin E. Stewart. 30 150 March 28, 2018
CONSENT AGENDA
CITY CLERK
34236 RE: CLAIMS FOR INJURIES AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
CLAIMANTS NAME Mejias, Harold M.
Mark H. Bernacki City Clerk
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
34237 RE: LINE ITEM TRANSFER WITHIN A DEPARTMENTS BUDGET FOR PERIOD OF OCTOBER 21, 2017 THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2018 To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
In accordance with the city of New Britain ordinance of Article VII – Finance, Section 2-494(3), the following departments have transferred monies from one line item to another within their departmental budget (total department budget has not changed). Each transfer will be continuously numbered from month to month throughout the fiscal year. This report represents the transfers executed by the mayor in accordance with the aforementioned ordinance for the period ending March 20, 2018
7. Department: Parks, Recreation and Community Services Senior Center From: 001523002-5621 (Heat & Gas) To: 001523002-5435 (Bldg, Gr. Maintenance & Repairs) Amount: $5,000.00 Brief Description: Funds needed to fix lights and blinds in cafeteria
Lori Granato Finance Director
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
34233-1 RE: ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTING FOR CHAPMAN, LINDEN, BELDEN AND JUBILEE STREETS To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
As a cost saving measure the City is currently in the process of purchasing the approximate 5,800 street lights in the City which are owned by Eversource. Once the lights have been acquired the City intends to convert the lighting to energy efficient LED lighting.
As part of the LED conversion a lighting study is being performed and lighting levels on all streets are being looked at. This is important because LED lights function differently than the current high pressure sodium lighting. The plan is to make adjustments as needed when the new LED lights are installed.
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Chapman Street, Linden Street, Belden Street and Jubilee Street will be included in the study.
Mark E. Moriarty, P.E. Director Public Works
COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE AND LAW
34175-1 RE: AMENDMENT TO THE RULES OF CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law held a special meeting and public hearing on Tuesday evening, March 27, 2018, in Council Chambers, to which was referred the matter of Resolution No. 34175, proposed amendment to the Rules of the Civil Service Commission, Rule V(B)(3), regarding changing the passing score of the Wonderlic Examination and changing the time period of ineligibility to reapply if candidate fails examination.
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law voted to accept and refer back to the Common Council with a neutral recommendation.
Alderman Richard Reyes Chair
34178-1 RE: AMENDMENT TO SEC. 2-44.1 TIME BETWEEN MEETING OF BONDING MEETING AND SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law held a special meeting and public hearing on Tuesday evening, March 27, 2018, in Council Chambers, to which was referred the matter of Resolution No. 34178, proposed amendment to the Code of Ordinances Sec. 2-44.1 to provide time between the holding of a Standing Bonding Subcommittee Meeting and a special meeting of the Common Council.
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law voted to accept as amended and refer back to the Common Council with a neutral recommendation.
Alderman Richard Reyes Chair
34198-1 RE: CONTRACT WITH LISTED FIRMS FOR ON-CALL ENGINEERING SERVICES To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law held a special meeting and public hearing on Tuesday evening, March 27, 2018, in Council Chambers, to which was referred the matter of Resolution No. 34198, authorization to enter into contract with listed firms for on-call engineering services for a two year period, from February 16, 2018 to February 15, 2020.
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law voted to accept and refer back to the Common Council with a neutral recommendation.
Alderman Richard Reyes Chair
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34199-1 RE: MARTIN LAVIERO CONTRACTOR, INC. FOR STATE PROJECT 88-193 MAIN STREET ROUTE 72 OVERPASS (PHASE V) ROADWAY ET AL To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law held a special meeting and public hearing on Tuesday evening, March 27, 2018, in Council Chambers, to which was referred the matter of Resolution No. 34199, $7,495,628 to Martin Laviero Contractor, Inc. for State Project 88-193, Main Street Route 72 Overpass (Phase V) Roadway and Bridge Work (Beehive Bridge) Project for the Public Works Department.
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law voted to accept and refer back to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation.
Alderman Richard Reyes Chair
34224-1 RE: PYROTECNICO FIREWORKS INC. – JULY 4, 2018 FIREWORKS DISPLAY To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law held a special meeting and public hearing on Tuesday evening, March 27, 2018, in Council Chambers, to which was referred the matter of Resolution No. 34224, $25,000 to Pyrotecnico Fireworks Inc. for the July 4, 2018 fireworks display.
The Committee on Administration, Finance and Law voted to accept and refer back to the Common Council with a neutral recommendation.
Alderman Richard Reyes Chair
REPORTS OF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND DEPARTMENTS
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
34217-1 RE: REINSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS ON SLATER ROAD To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
** APPROVED: REINSTALL STOP SIGNS ON SLATER ROAD AT JAMES AVENUE - HI VISIBILITY SIGNS WITH REFLECTIVE POST MARKINGS **
On February 28, 2018, the Traffic Safety Bureau received petition number 34217 authored by Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Alderman Katie Breslin, Alderman Richard Reyes and Alderman Francisco Santiago which stated “For the reinstallation of stop signs on Slater Road and James Avenue. The stop signs have been there for decades and residents have complained about near miss accidents, as motorists continue to stop despite the removal of signs. There have also been calls of concern regarding the ability for traffic to turn out of James Avenue safely without the appropriate signage for oncoming traffic.” The stops signs governing vehicular traffic on Slater Road at James Avenue were removed on February 13, 2018 as approved under petition 33977 which is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office. The Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Section 2B.05 along with 33 153 March 28, 2018 the Connecticut Traffic Commission Regulation 14-298-523 dictate that Stop Signs are NOT warranted for Slater Road at James Avenue based on the following criteria:
Slater Road is the major roadway while James Avenue is the minor roadway Clear and sufficient sightlines exist in all directions for James Avenue at Slater Road Stop signs SHALL NOT be used for speed control Since February 13, 2018 there have been zero (0) motor vehicle crashes
Members of the Traffic Safety Bureau have monitored this intersection on numerous occasions since February 13, 2018 and have noted the following:
The average speed on Slater Road is 32 MPH to 34 MPH Vehicular traffic on Slater Road flows more smoothly as motorists are no longer required to stop at James Avenue where the traffic volume is significantly lower Slater Road’s hourly traffic volume is in excess of 10 times greater than James Avenue Residents in the James Avenue, Bay Avenue and Nancy Road areas may take an alternate route by traveling to Osgood Avenue where they may enter Slater Road via an electronic traffic control signal. This alternate route’s greatest distance when traveling through that neighborhood is less than one half of a mile away from Slater Road and James Avenue
The Office of the Chief, the Traffic Safety Bureau and the City’s Department of Municipal Development are in the process of purchasing driver feedback speed limit signs that will be permanently installed on Slater Road.
It is my recommendation that the Board should deny this petition.
Lieutenant John Rodriguez
Ald. Carlozzi Jr., moved to receive, seconded by Ald. E. Sanchez. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM COMMITTEE
34175-2 RE: AMENDMENT TO RULES OF CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, The Civil Service Commission of the City of New Britain has adopted Merit Rules, known as the Rules of the Civil Service Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Civil Service Commission has made amendments to Rule V (B) (3) regarding changing the passing score of the Wonderlic Examination and changing the time period of ineligibility to reapply if the candidate fails said examination; and,
WHEREAS, Rule 1(B) of the Rules of the Civil Service Commission requires approval by the Common Council of any amendments to the Rules of the Civil Service Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Civil Service Commission held a Public Hearing on these changes on December 14, 2017 and approved these amendments on December 14, 2017; and
BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of New Britain approve the attached amendments to the Rules of the Civil Service Commission. Attachment on file in Town Clerk’s Office. Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. Alderman Robert Smedley 34 154 March 28, 2018
Alderman Emmanuel Sanchez Alderwoman Iris Sanchez
Ald. Smedley moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34178-2 RE: AMENDMENT TO SEC. 2-44.1 TIME BETWEEN A STANDING BONDING SUBCOMMITTEE AND SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL Resolution Summary: INTENT AND PURPOSE: To amend Section 2-44.1 of the Code of Ordinances to require 21 days between the holding of a Standing Bonding Subcommittee meeting and Common Council special meeting and to allow the Chair of the Committee on Administration, Finance & Law Committee to solely call to order meetings of the Standing Bonding Subcommittee.
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRITAIN that the Chapter 2, Section 2-44.1of the Code of Ordinances City of New Britain, be amended as follows: (inserted text appears in underline; deleted text appears in strikethrough; new sections begin with the word [new]): Sec. 2-44.1 Standing bonding subcommittee. (a) Establishment; composition; chairperson. There is hereby created a standing bonding subcommittee of the committee on administration, finance and law (also referred to as the "bonding committee"). Such standing bonding subcommittee shall consist of all members of the committee on administration, finance and law and the common council shall appoint these members. The bonding committee shall also contain two (2) members of the board of finance and taxation who shall be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the common council. The chairperson of the standing bonding subcommittee shall be the same as the chairperson of the committee on administration, finance and law. The mayor or the chair of the committee on administration, finance and law shall have the sole authority to call meetings of the standing bonding subcommittee. (b) Duties. The bonding committee shall examine all public works projects, capital improvement projects, school building projects, accrued liabilities, refunding bond proposals and all other projects in the city for which bonding has been proposed and referred by the mayor. The bonding committee shall report its recommendations concerning such projects to the common council and the mayor within sixty (60) days of the referral of those projects to the bonding committee. (c) Bond authorization and adoption. The bonding committee shall present a report regarding its bond appropriation recommendation to the common council at a special meeting, to be held no sooner than (7) seven (21) twenty one days after the meeting of the bonding committee, except in case of emergency, called specifically to act upon such recommendation and bond resolution. (d) Public notice of common council special meeting. Publication of a notice in a newspaper circulated in the city as well as being posted on the City of New Britain website, shall be made at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the special meeting of the common council, which notice shall contain the date, time, location and bond resolution. (e) Sale of notes and bonds. The mayor and treasurer shall have the authority to borrow in the name of the city, by obligations signed by the mayor and countersigned by the treasurer, such sums of as in their opinion may be needed to defray bond appropriations which have been authorized. Such borrowings in the form of bond anticipation notes, revenue or general obligation bonds may at the discretion of the mayor be sold on a negotiated sale basis or through competitive bid, whichever is deemed by the mayor to be in the best interest of the city.
Ald. Aram Ayalon
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Ald. Ayalon moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34198-2 RE: ON-CALL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, Public Bid No. 3931 was solicited and received in accordance with the Purchasing Ordinances of the City of New Britain for the engagement of Professional On-Call Engineering Services for the Public Works Department for a two (2) year period, with the option for an extension for one (1) additional year; and
WHEREAS, The solicited services are intended to supplement City resources and not to provide a substitute for specific project requests for proposals where the size and complexity dictates a unique solicitation. The Public Works Department at its option may select an outside firm other than those to whom an award was made when a specific expertise is warranted through a request of Common Council authorization; and
WHEREAS, On-call engineering engagements may be no greater than ten percent of a budgeted project construction costs or $50,000.00, whichever is less. Funding will be available for this purchase in various project accounts; and WHEREAS, Invitations to bid were solicited and the bid was duly advertised in the New Britain Herald and Hartford Courant Newspapers, the City and State of Connecticut’s Department of Administration Services websites and e-mailed to seventy-eight (78) and mailed to thirty-eight (38) Engineering and Architectural firms on file in Town Clerk’s Office. The Purchasing Agent did not receive any letters from the engineering firms who were on the mailing lists indicating they could not provide a response to the bid request; and
WHEREAS, Responses received are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office; and
WHEREAS, The bids were reviewed for conformance to specifications by the Public Works Department’s City Engineer and the Purchasing Agent. Input was also received from the Utilities Division who may require these services. Each proposal submitted was evaluated and scored on the basis of the following criteria.
Consultant’s technical understanding of the scope of services as evidenced by the quality of the proposal submitted. Background and experience of the firm in providing the range of services requested. Demonstrated effectiveness of the consultant’s proposed delivery system to ensure quality service and timely completion of services. Client references. Background, education, qualifications and relevant experience of key personnel to be assigned to this contract. Competitiveness of proposed fees and costs. WHEREAS, The following Engineering and Architectural firms were selected for recommendation of a contract award; AECOM Alfred Benesch & Company AI Engineers, Inc. Antinozzi Associates BETA Group, Inc. BL Companies Cardinal Engineering Associates, Inc. CDM Smith 36 156 March 28, 2018
CME Associates, Inc. CMG Environmental, Inc. Comprehensive Environmental, Inc. Desman Associates Fuss & O’Neil Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc. Geolnsight, Inc. Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. Kratzert, Jones & Associates, Inc. Lenard Engineering, Inc. Martinez Couch & Associates, LLC Milone & MacBroom Pirie Associates Architects, LLC Quisenberry Arcari Malik, LLC SMRT Architects & Engineers Tata & Howard, Inc. Tighe & Bond TLB Architects, LLC To Design, LLC Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc./VHB Woodard & Curran Weston & Sampson Wright-Pierce NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with the above-listed firms for the provision of On-Call Engineering Services for a two (2) year period, February 16, 2018 to February 15, 2020 with the option for an extension for one (1) additional year per the terms and conditions of Public Bid No. 3931.
Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. Ald. Eva Magnuszewski Ald. Don Naples Ald. Iris Sanchez
Ald. Naples moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Salerno. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34199-2 RE: BUDGET AMENDMENT - STATE PROJECT 88-193, MAIN ST. ROUTE 72 OVERPASS (PHASE V) To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, Public Bid No. 3928 was solicited and received in accordance with State of Connecticut requirements and the Purchasing Ordinances of the City of New Britain for State Project 88-193, Main Street Route 72 Overpass (Phase V) Roadway and Bridge Work (Beehive Bridge) Project for the Public Works Department; and
WHEREAS, the Beehive Bridge project is the 5th phase of the downtown area Complete Streets projects that are helping improve the livability and attractiveness of downtown New Britain as well as making the downtown area more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, a more desirable place to live, and a destination for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD); and
WHEREAS, utilizing art and architecture inspired by the City’s seal as well as Complete Streets style improvements such as brick walkways, decorative lighting, and landscaping, the Beehive Bridge project strives to help re-connect both sides of downtown New Britain, and undo some of the damage imposed on the downtown area from the construction of Route 72 over 45 years ago; and 37 157 March 28, 2018
WHEREAS, the Beehive Bridge project is the signature and most complex project of the multi-phased Complete Streets projects being implemented in the downtown area, and has received over $4.3 Million in competitive state and federal grants; and
WHEREAS, construction of Phases I, II and III of the Downtown Streetscape Enhancement projects has been completed; Phase IV (Columbus Boulevard and Bank Street) is currently under construction; and
WHEREAS, Public Bid No. 3928 was duly advertised in all Hartford Courant Newspaper locations and on the City and State of Connecticut’s Department of Administrative Services websites. Responses received are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office; and
WHEREAS, the bids were reviewed for conformance to specifications by the Public Works Department, Engineering Division, the Connecticut DOT and the Purchasing Agent; and
WHEREAS, Funding for this project is from a $1.6M FTA Grant, a $2.1M State of Connecticut OPM TOD Bridge Grant, a $650K State of Connecticut DOT Fix-it-First Transportation Initiative Grant, approximately $780K in miscellaneous grants and $2.37M in City Bonding, which was the anticipated City contribution, and is available in the Public Works Streetscape Improvement Bond Account Number 0083238404-5454; and
WHEREAS, the Public Works Director is therefore recommending that the bid be awarded to Martin Laviero Contractor, Inc. of Bristol, Connecticut who submitted the lowest responsible bid and met all of the bid specifications for State Project 88-193, Main Street Route 72 Overpass (Phase V) Roadway and Bridge Work (Beehive Bridge) Project; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to issue a purchase order for $7,495,628.00 and enter into a contract with Martin Laviero Contractor, Inc. of Bristol, Connecticut for State Project 88-193, Main Street Route 72 Overpass (Phase V) Roadway and Bridge Work (Beehive Bridge) Project for the Public Works Department per the terms and specifications of Public Bid No. 3928.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a budget amendment in the Streetscape Improvement Bond to formally appropriate the Grant funds received for this project be made as follows:
Streetscape Improvement Bond Increase Revenue: 0083238400-4238 State of CT OPM TOD Bridge Grant $2,100,000 0083238400-4239 State of CT DOT Fix-it-First Grant $ 650,000 0083238400-4240 FTA Bus Livability Grant $1,600,000 0083238400-4561 Miscellaneous Grants $ 780,000 TOTAL $5,130,000
Increase Expenditures: 0083238404-5454 Construction Contracts $5,130,000
Alderman Don Naples Alderwoman Iris Sanchez
Ald. Naples moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34224-2 RE: JULY 4, 2018 FIREWORKS DISPLAY
38 158 March 28, 2018
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, Public Bid No. 3926 was solicited and received in accordance with the Purchasing Ordinances of the City of New Britain for the July 4, 2018 Fireworks for the Recreation and Community Services Department; and
WHEREAS, Funding will be available for the July 4, 2018 Fireworks within the July 4th Fireworks Fund, 256417008-5807; and
WHEREAS, Invitations to bid were solicited and the bid was duly advertised in the New Britain Herald, the City and State of Connecticut’s Department of Administration Services websites and e-mailed to five (5) and mailed to eight (8) Fireworks Display Companies. The Purchasing Agent did not receive any letters from the Fireworks Display Companies on the mailing lists who indicated that they could not respond to the bid request; and
WHEREAS, The bid responses received are on file in Town Clerk’s Office; and
WHEREAS, The bids were reviewed for conformance to specifications by the Recreation and Community Services Department’s Administration and the Purchasing Agent. The bids were reviewed to determine the shell size, shell type, number of shells, a complete description of the finale and the time length of the show included in the bids submitted; and
WHEREAS, Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc.’s display was twenty-seven (27) minutes long, had more large fireworks shells and total show firework shells than the other bidder. Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. has been awarded the bid for the past five (5) years for the City’s July 4th Fireworks Display. Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. has been reliable and has conducted the past fireworks displays per the bid specifications and contract agreement. Their fireworks displays, in the past years, have been very good and enjoyed by the public who watched them; and
WHEREAS, The Director of the Recreation and Community Services Department is recommending that the bid be awarded again for the July 4, 2018 Fireworks Display to Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. of New Castle, PA; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to enter into a contract and issue a purchase order to Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc of New Castle, PA in the amount of $25,000.00 for the July 4, 2018 Fireworks Display per the pricing, terms and specifications of Public Bid No. 3926.
Alderman Jamie Giantonio
Ald. Giantonio moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
34238 RE: PERMIT TO BE ISSUED FOR PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING ANNUAL PUERTO RICAN FESTIVAL To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
39 159 March 28, 2018
RESOLVED; by the Common Council of the City of New Britain that the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to issue to the Puerto Rican Society of New Britain, said licenses as may be issued under Chapter 5, Section 5-16 through 5-22, of the Code of Ordinances, for Saturday, July 21, 2018, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a rain date of Saturday, August 25, 2018, for the purpose of conducting an annual Puerto Rican Festival on High Street. The organization is also requesting that the Police Department allow the closure of High Street, between Broad Street and Lafayette Street.
Alderman Emmanuel Sanchez Alderman Richard Reyes
Ald. Reyes moved to accept and refer to the Committee on Licenses, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34239 RE: APRIL 2018 AS NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS; April 11, 2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of the passage of the passage of Civil Rights Act of 1968, which was meant as a follow up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The 1968 act expanded on previous acts and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex (and as amended) disability and familial status. Title VIII of the Act is also known as the Fair Housing Act of 1968; and
WHEREAS; each year the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and communities and organizations across the country recognize Fair Housing Month by hosting an array of activities that enhance the community’s awareness of their fair housing rights and highlight the national commitment to end housing discrimination; and
WHEREAS; an open and inclusive community committed to equal housing opportunity creates a diversity of people and cultures which greatly enhances every work and educational environment; and
WHEREAS; the influences through education and outreach will increase community cohesion, civic engagement, fosters residential stability, and raises the overall quality of the community’s social and physical environment; and
WHEREAS; The City of New Britain is committed to upholding these laws, and realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.
WHEREAS; The Mayor as well as the Common Council of the City of New Britain, the City of New Britain Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and Fair Rent Commission are committed to upholding the Fair Housing Law, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 by continuing to address discrimination in our community, to support programs that will educate the public about the right to equal housing opportunities, and to plan partnership efforts with other organizations to help assure every New Britain resident of their right to fair housing.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; the City of New Britain endorses a Fair Housing Policy, Sec. 2- 198 of the City’s Ordinance, to ensure that no person shall discriminate with respect to housing in the City in violation of any federal, state, or local law.
Alderman Emmanuel Sanchez
Ald. Albert moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. E. Sanchez. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018. 40 160 March 28, 2018
34240 RE: CRYSTAL BALLROOM - TAX ASSESSMENT MODIFICATION AGREEMENT To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, Section 12-65b of the Connecticut General Statutes permits a municipality and property owner to by agreement fix the assessment at a certain figure for a period not more than ten (10) years for the real property and improvements; and
WHEREAS, Alina and Stanislaw Wegrzyniak own and operate the Crystal Ballroom located at 211 Farmington Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The current fair market value as of the October 1, 2017 grand list is $2,044,800.00 with an assessed value of $1,431,360.00; and
WHEREAS, Alina and Stanislaw Wegrzyniak have recently completed construction of a state of the art ballroom consisting of 9,596 square feet; and
WHEREAS, The cost of the improvements related to said construction based on building permits issued was in excess of Two Million Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,800,000.00) and meet the eligibility criteria for fixing of assessments under the provisions of Section 12-65b of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, This construction has expanded the economic base of the City; and
WHEREAS, The Wegrzyniaks and the City of New Britain have proposed entering into a Tax Assessment Modification Agreement fixing the net assessment of 211 Farmington Avenue as follows for a period not to exceed six (6) years:
a. October 1, 2016 Grand List – Fixed Net Assessment = $1,368,320.00 b. October 1, 2017 Grand List – Fixed Net Assessment = $400,000.00 c. October 1, 2018 Grand List – Fixed Net Assessment = $606,272.00 d. October 1, 2019 Grand List – Fixed Net Assessment = $812,544.00 e. October 1, 2020 Grand List – Fixed Net Assessment = $1,018,816.00 f. October 1, 2021 Grand List – Fixed Net Assessment = $1,225,088.00
WHEREAS, The Common Council of the City of New Britain deems such a Tax Assessment Modification Agreement to be in the best interests of the City of New Britain; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Erin E. Stewart, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute a Tax Assessment Modification Agreement on behalf of the City of New Britain with Alina and Stanislaw Wegrzyniak for 211 Farmington Avenue contingent on the payment of all delinquent taxes.
Alderwoman Eva Magnuszewski Alderman Richard Reyes Alderman Don Naples
Ald. Magnuszewski moved to accept and refer to the Committee on Administration, Finance and Law, seconded by Ald. Smedley. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34241 RE: PUBLIC BID NO. 3936 - CHEMICALS, FERTILIZERS, GRASSES AND PESTICIDES FOR THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPT. AND STANLEY GOLF COURSE To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following: 41 161 March 28, 2018
WHEREAS, Public Bid No. 3936 was solicited and received in accordance with the Purchasing Ordinances of the City of New Britain for the Purchase of Chemicals, Fertilizers, Grasses and Pesticides for the Recreation and Community Services Department and the Stanley Golf Course; and
WHEREAS, Funding is available for these purchases within the Recreation and Community Services Department’s Account Number 001419003-5659, Horticulture, Operating Materials and Supplies and the Stanley Golf Course’s account number 201420101-5616, Golf Course, Chemicals and Fertilizers; and
WHEREAS, Invitations to bid were solicited and the bid was duly advertised in the New Britain Herald Newspaper, the City and State of Connecticut’s Department of Administration Services websites, e- mailed to sixteen (16) and mailed to twenty-four (24) Chemical, Fertilizer, Grass and Pesticide Companies. The Purchasing Agent did not receive any letters from the Chemical, Fertilizer, Grass and Pesticide Companies on the mailing list indicating they could not provide a response to the bid request. The responses are on file in Town Clerk’s Office; and.
WHEREAS, The bids were reviewed for conformance with specifications by the Recreation and Community Services Department and the Stanley Golf Course Administration as well as the Purchasing Agent. Considerations in determining the awards were:
In some instances two awards were made. Patents on the formulations of many previously purchased products have run out, and generic forms have emerged. In those cases a brand name and a generic product have been chosen. Generics, which do not have a proven track record, will be tested during the season. Ties were awarded in accordance with City of New Britain Code of Ordinance section 2-573. In some cases it appears that the low bidder was not selected; however, not all bidders submitted responses on the correct unit size. Conversions were made by Golf Course Administration for comparison. In some cases Bidders supplied the same prices because they are agency priced by the manufacturer so all distributors must sell at the same price for specific Pesticides. This will enable the Parks and Recreation Department and the Stanley Golf Course to obtain the needed items if one of the distributors cannot supply them in a timely manner.
WHEREAS, the Director of the Recreation and Community Services Department is recommending that the bid be awarded to following companies: Charles Hart Seed Company of Wethersfield, CT, Tom Irwin, Inc. of Burlington, MA, Harrell LLC of Lakeland, FL, US Patchcare of Northford, CT, SiteOne Landscaping Supplies of Cleveland, OH, EH Turf Supply of Exeter, RI, Seeton Turf Warehouse, LLC of Cranbury, NJ, MetroTurf Specialist of Brookfield, CT, The Cardinals, Inc. of Unionville, CT, Winding Brook Turf of Wethersfield, CT and Plant Food Company, Inc. of Cranbury, NJ; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to issue purchase orders to Hart Seed Company of Wethersfield, CT, Tom Irwin, Inc. of Burlington, MA, Harrell LLC of Lakeland, FL, US Patchcare of Northford, CT, SiteOne Landscaping Supplies of Cleveland, OH, EH Turf Supply of Exeter, RI, Seeton Turf Warehouse, LLC of Cranbury, NJ, MetroTurf Specialist of Brookfield CT, The Cardinals, Inc. of Unionville, CT, Winding Brook Turf of Wethersfield, CT and Plant Food Company, Inc., of Cranbury, NJ on an as-needed basis, from May 01, 2018 to April 30, 2019 as per the selected prices highlighted on the attachment as well as the specifications, terms and conditions of Public Bid No. 3936.
Ald. Brian Keith Albert Ald. Eva Magnuszewski Ald. Richard Reyes Ald. Daniel Salerno Ald. Iris Sanchez Ald. Francisco Santiago Ald. Robert Smedley 42 162 March 28, 2018
Ald. Albert moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Salerno. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34242 RE: USE AGREEMENT WITH BERLIN PD FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR NBPD TO USE THEIR FIRING RANGE To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, the New Britain Police Department is charged to protect and preserve life, safeguard property, enforce laws, and provide public safety services in a lawful, professional and humane manner, with respect for the dignity of all citizens, and
WHEREAS, the Berlin Police Department has granted the New Britain Police Department authorization to use its firing range, and
WHEREAS, the City of New Britain has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Berlin Police Department any loss or claim in connection with its use of the Berlin Firing Range, and
WHEREAS, the Berlin Police Department has requested that the New Britain Police Department execute a Use Agreement in connection with the utilization of the Berlin Firing Range, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that Mayor Erin E. Stewart, be and is hereby authorized to execute the Use Agreement with the Berlin Police Department.
Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. - Police Liaison Ald. Wilfredo Pabon - Police Liaison Ald. Richard Reyes – Police Liaison Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez - Police Liaison Ald. Francisco Santiago - Police Liaison Ald. Robert Smedley - Police Liaison
Ald. Carlozzi, Jr. moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34243 RE: USE AGREEMENT WITH BLOOMFIELD PD FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR NBPD TO USE THEIR FIRING RANGE To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, the New Britain Police Department is charged to protect and preserve life, safeguard property, enforce laws, and provide public safety services in a lawful, professional and humane manner, with respect for the dignity of all citizens, and
WHEREAS, the Bloomfield Police Department has granted the New Britain Police Department authorization to use its firing range, and
WHEREAS, the City of New Britain has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Bloomfield Police Department any loss or claim in connection with its use of the Bloomfield Firing Range, and
WHEREAS, the Bloomfield Police Department has requested that the New Britain Police Department execute a Use Agreement in connection with the utilization of the Bloomfield Firing Range, THEREFORE BE IT
43 163 March 28, 2018
RESOLVED, that Mayor Erin E. Stewart, be and is hereby authorized to execute the Use Agreement with the Bloomfield Police Department.
Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. - Police Liaison Ald. Wilfredo Pabon - Police Liaison Ald. Richard Reyes – Police Liaison Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez - Police Liaison Ald. Francisco Santiago - Police Liaison Ald. Robert Smedley - Police Liaison
Ald. Carlozzi, Jr. moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Pabon. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34244 RE: $280,984 TO VANASEE HANGEN BRUSTLIN, INC. FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE CMAQ FUNDED CITYWIDE TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODERNIZATION To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, the City of New Britain has received federal funding from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program in the amount of $3,000,000 for the Citywide Traffic Signal Modernization, Phase II Project, and
WHEREAS, the Citywide Traffic Signal Modernization, Phase II project includes full replacement of six traffic signals, equipment upgrades to eleven traffic signals, timing and coordination improvements at twenty-three intersections and expansion of the traffic management system, and
WHEREAS, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program grant covers 100% of the design and construction costs with no City match, and
WHEREAS, through a qualifications based selection process under Public Bid 3906, the City of New Britain Public Works Department determined Vanasee Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) to be the most qualified consultant to perform design services for the Citywide Traffic Signal Modernization, Phase II Project, and
Whereas, The Public Works Department seeks to engage Vanasee Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) to perform design services for the Citywide Traffic Signal Modernization, Phase II Project as outlined in their January 10, 2018 scope of services for a fee of $280,983.32, and
WHEREAS, funding for this work is fully reimbursable through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program, and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the Department of Public Works to enter into agreement with Vanasee Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) and the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order in the amount of $280,983.32 to Vanasee Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) for the work as outlined in their scope of services dated January 10, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a budget amendment be set up to formally appropriate just the design portion of the CMAQ grant funds as follows:
Increase Revenue: 255315020-4232 CMAQ Grant $280,984.00
Increase Expenditures: 255315020-5331 Design Services $280,984.00 44 164 March 28, 2018
Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. Alderwoman Eva Magnuszewski Alderman Don Naples Alderwoman Iris Sanchez Ald. Naples moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Smedley. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34245 RE: CONNECTICUT POLICE WORKING DOG ASSOCIATION (CPWDA) GRANT FOR ONE DEMONTE TRAINING CANINE BITE SUIT To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, the New Britain Police Department has five (5) K-9s, three (3) Patrol dogs and two (2) bloodhound trackers, and
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Police Working Dog Association (CPWDA) has made available an equipment grant to the New Britain Police Department of one (1) Demonte Training Canine Bite Suit, valued at $1,580, and
WHEREAS, this canine training suit is provided at no cost to the City of New Britain, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that Mayor Erin Stewart is authorized to accept this canine training bite suit on behalf of the New Britain Police Department.
Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. - Police Liaison Ald. Wilfredo Pabon - Police Liaison Ald. Richard Reyes – Police Liaison Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez - Police Liaison Ald. Francisco Santiago - Police Liaison Ald. Robert Smedley - Police Liaison
Ald. Pabon moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. E. Sanchez. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34246 RE: PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE X AND XI OF CH 19 OF CODE OF ORDINANCES TO TRANSFER FINAL APPROVAL OF ALL APPLICATIONS FROM THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TO THE COMMON COUNCIL Proposed Amendment on File in Town Clerk’s Office.
Ald. Ayalon moved to accept and refer to the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing, seconded by Ald. Smedley. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34247 RE: TAX ABATEMENTS, CORRECTIONS AND REFUNDS To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, the Collector of Taxes has referred a list of tax abatements, corrections and refunds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of New Britain accept and adopt the tax abatements, corrections and refunds to allow the Tax Collector to distribute accordingly.
Ald. Daniel Salerno 45 165 March 28, 2018
Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez Ald. Robert Smedley
Ald. Salerno moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Smedley. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34248 RE: BUDGET AMENDMENT - $500,000 FROM STANLEY PARK TRUST INTO AW STANLEY PARK POOL RENOVATION AND MASTER PLAN CAPITAL PROJECT Resolution Summary: PURPOSE: To appropriate a gift from the Stanley Park Trust Fund in the amount of $500,000 into the AW Stanley Park Pool Renovation & Master Plan Capital Project.
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
Whereas, on August 13, 2014 the Stanley Park Trust Fund was established to manage the proceeds from the anticipated sale of a portion of Stanley Park to Costco, and
Whereas, in accordance with the Stanley Park Deed of Gift, only the interest or earnings on the principal of the Stanley Park Trust Fund shall be expendable solely for use in the development and maintenance of Stanley Park, and
Whereas, Mayor Erin E Stewart in accordance with Sec. 17-57, appointed individuals as Trustees to manage the Stanley Park Trust Fund on June 29, 2015, and
Whereas, the Trustees shall have exclusive control over any and all principal, income, and disbursements of the Stanley Park Trust Fund, and
Whereas, the Stanley Park Trustees on September 26, 2017 appropriated a gift in the amount of $500,000 to be designated for the Park Pool Renovation and Master Plan project at AW Stanley Park, now therefore be it
Resolved, that a budget amendment be set up to formally appropriate the amount of $500,000 within the City’s AW Stanley Park Pool Renovation and Master Plan Capital Projects account numbers as follows:
Increase Revenue: 0083060100-4232 Stanley Trust Contribution $500,000.00
Increase Expenditures: 0083060101-5811 Grants & Contributions $500,000.00
Ald. Brian Keith Albert Ald. Eva Magnuszewski Ald. Richard Reyes Ald. Daniel Salerno Ald. Iris Sanchez Ald. Francisco Santiago Ald. Robert Smedley
Ald. Santiago moved to accept and adopt, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
34249 RE: PROPOSED LEASE AGREEMENT WITH TOWN OF W. HARTFORD FOR CELLULAR RADIO SYSTEM AT STANLEY GOLF COURSE COMMUNICATIONS TOWER 46 166 March 28, 2018
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, the City of New Britain has developed a radio tower site adjacent to the Stanley Golf Course maintenance facility as part of the City’s communications improvement project; and
WHEREAS, the Stanley Golf Course communications compound was developed with the capacity to host cellular carriers; and
WHEREAS, on February 8, 2017, the Common Council approved Resolution No. 33734-2 to enter into a Lease Agreement with Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless for cellular radio and sheltering facilities at the Stanley Golf Course Communications Compound; and
WHEREAS, the Town of West Hartford has submitted a lease proposal to the City seeking to install on the City owned monopole and equipment shelter within the fenced communications compound an antenna array and ancillary equipment in connection with West Hartford’s public safety radio communications system; and
WHEREAS, the lease proposal will provide $12,000.00 in rent to the City on annual basis; and
WHEREAS, the Public Safety Telecommunications Department and the Office of Corporation Counsel have negotiated a fifteen year lease term starting on May 1, 2018 with annual escalation increases of 2% on the amount of the rental for the previous year and with a fifteen year option subject to mutual agreement of the terms including the annual rental fees; and
WHEREAS, the revenues from this lease will contribute to the cost and expenses, including bonding, associated with the development of the municipal radio site facilities at Elam Street, Stanley Golf Course, and Police Headquarters.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of New Britain Common Council does hereby authorize Mayor Erin E. Stewart to sign all necessary agreements and related documents on behalf of the City of New Britain for a fifteen year lease term with the Town of West Hartford starting on May 1, 2018; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no funds from the Special Revenue Account, previously created for the purposes of accounting for cellular site lease revenues on municipal property, may be allocated to any expenses other than the routine maintenance and operation of the facilities and then only via an approved budget authorization presented by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.
Alderman Jamie Giantonio
Ald. Giantonio moved to accept and refer to the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing, seconded by Ald. Rosado. So voted. Approved by Mayor Erin E. Stewart March 31, 2018.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Ald. Carlozzi moved to adjourn, seconded by Ald. Giantonio. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
ATTEST: Mark H. Bernacki, City Clerk
47 167 March 28, 2018
48 168 April 10, 2018
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 10, 2018
Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Majority Leader of the Common Council, called the Special Meeting of the Common Council to order at 6:43 p.m. on Tuesday the 10th day of April 2018 in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall.
Twelve members were present at roll call: Ald. Magnuszewski, Smedley, Rosado, Albert, Ayalon, Breslin, Giantonio, Pabon, Salerno, Iris Sanchez, Santiago, and Carlozzi.
Three members were absent: Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez, Reyes, and Naples.
City Clerk, Mark H. Bernacki read the Warrant.
WARRANT TO THE CLERK OF THE CITY OF NEW BRITAIN: BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO NOTIFY Brian Keith Albert, Aram Ayalon, Katie Breslin, Carlo Carlozzi, Jr., Jamie Giantonio, Don Naples, Wilfredo Pabon, Richard Reyes, Kristian Rosado, Daniel Salerno, Emmanuel Sanchez, Iris Sanchez, Francisco Santiago and Robert Smedley, Aldermen and Alderwomen of said City, and Mayor Erin E. Stewart, that there will be a special meeting of the Common Council on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall, 27 West Main Street, New Britain, Connecticut for the following purposes: 1. Informational Session – Ken Malinowski, Director of the Department of Community Development, to give overview presentation regarding the Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs.
HEREOF FAIL NOT, but due service and return make according to law. Dated at New Britain, Connecticut this 2nd day of April, 2018.
Eva Magnuszewski, President Pro Tempore
An informal session was held. Kenneth Malinowski, Director of the Department of Community Development, gave an overview presentation regarding the Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Ald. Rosado moved to adjourn, seconded by Ald. Santiago. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
ATTEST: Mark H. Bernacki, City Clerk
49 170 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, and referred to the
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. for a detailed breakdown of anticipated 10% State aid cuts. Please include information regarding departments being impacted and list all specific cuts including grant/aid title. Please also provide the source of information regarding the knowledge of these anticipated cuts.
Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr.
50 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, and referred to the
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Santiago for the installation of fencing or other form of safety obstruction at the Slater Road Park. Residents have concerns that there are no safety barriers for children playing in the park, from running into the road.
Alderman Francisco Santiago
51 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, and referred to the
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Iris Sanchez, Ald. Francisco Santiago and Ald. Richard Reyes for the City to investigate what can be done to re-open the Spanish Speaking Center and the Mt. Pleasant Community Room.
Alderwoman Iris Sanchez
Alderman Francisco Santiago
Alderman Richard Reyes
52 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, and referred to the
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Don Naples for the investigation of the addition of traffic control signage on Hazelmere Road at the intersection of Kilbourne Avenue. A safety hazard has been reported following new residential construction in the area.
Alderman Don Naples
53 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, and referred to the
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. for the Town Clerk to provide a report with the names of all members to all boards, commissions and committees in the City. Such report should also include the School Building Committee, Stanley Trust Fund and Mattabassett District Commission.
Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr.
54 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, and referred to the
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Daniel Salerno and Ald. Kristian Rosado, by request of the Eastside NRZ, for the review of signal, signage and crosswalk conditions relative to safety within the CVS and Post Office areas of Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street.
Alderman Daniel Salerno
Alderman Kristian Rosado
55 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, and referred to the
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Daniel Salerno and Ald. Kristian Rosado for the general safety review regarding traffic, signage, crosswalks and traffic signals/lighting on Columbus Boulevard.
Alderman Daniel Salerno
Alderman Kristian Rosado
56 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, and referred to the
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Iris Sanchez for the appropriate department to provide a cost estimate for repairs to Willow Street Park. The report should include information pertaining to ensuring operational security cameras, overall cleanup of grounds, and maintenance and repairs to the Park.
Local residents have expressed a desire for their children to use the park; however, the current conditions are not adequate.
Please submit the report to the Common Council Office by May 16, 2018, to be included on the May 23, 2018 Common Council agenda.
Alderwoman Iris Sanchez
57 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, and referred to the
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Iris Sanchez for the Police Department to report on the planned placement locations of the driver feedback signs which will be installed in low and moderate income neighborhoods.
Alderwoman Iris Sanchez
58 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, April 25, 2018, and referred to the
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Iris Sanchez for the investigation of the removal of the handicap parking sign located between 206 and 208 Clark Street. Residents have requested the removal of the sign.
Alderwoman Iris Sanchez
59 CITY OF NEW BRITAIN NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT
REPORT OF: City Clerk To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
ITEM #:
RE: CLAIMS FOR INJURIES AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE
CLAIMANTS NAME
. Haynes, Paul E. . Huertas, Eugenia by Atty. Mark R. Carbutti
Mark H. Bernacki City Clerk
60 RESOLUTION
Item # RE: April 27, 2018 as Arbor Day To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, since 1872, Arbor Day has been an occasion for recognizing the value of trees and woodlands to human welfare; and
WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource and beautify our residential and business areas; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of New Britain proclaim April 27, 2018 as Arbor Day and encourage all individuals to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all citizens be encouraged to plant a tree to promote the well being of this and future generations.
Ald. Eva Magnuszewski
Ald. Aram Ayalon
61 RESOLUTION
Item # RE: Love Wins City
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
RESOLUTION SUMMARY: To Declare the City of New Britain as a Love Wins City
WHEREAS, On December 14, 2012, tragedy struck Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, when the lives of 20 young students and six educators were taken much too soon; and
WHEREAS, among those who tragically lost their lives was Ana Grace Marquez-Greene whose memory and spirit lives on today through the Ana Grace Project; and
WHEREAS, Ana Grace’s parents, who have roots here in our city, created the Ana Grace Project to help counter the challenges faced by children who suffer trauma; and
WHEREAS, Through the Project’s initiative to promote the idea of Love Wins - the city of New Britain embraces the model of a community that rallies around hope, support, and healing; and
WHEREAS, the Love Wins model has spawned amazing partnerships with the Consolidated School District of New Britain, CCSU, and the Ana Grace Project; and
WHEREAS, The lasting memory of Ana Grace Marquez-Greene and the generosity that has come from the Ana Grace Project, through music, the arts and community endeavors serves as a constant reminder that love always wins; and
WHEREAS, Ana Grace would have celebrated her 12th birthday this month; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and the Common Council join together in declaring the City of New Britain as a “Love Wins” City in honor of Ana Grace Marquez-Greene.
Ald. Eva Magnuszewski Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. Ald. Richard Reyes
Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez Ald. Robert Smedley Ald. Kristian Rosado
Ald. Brian Keith Albert Ald. Aram Ayalon Ald. Katie Breslin
Ald. Jamie Giantonio Ald. Don Naples Ald. Wilfredo Pabon
Ald. Daniel Salerno Ald. Iris Sanchez Ald. Francisco Santiago
62 RESOLUTION
Item # RE: Appointment of a New Britain Poet Laureate To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
Purpose: In the Fall of 2015, the New Britain Commission on the Arts voted to appoint Mr. Michael Peterson as the City’s first Poet Laureate to be an ambassador of poetry, and
WHEREAS, Over the last two years, Michael has performed his work to audiences around the City, State, and nation, and
WHEREAS, New Britain is a city filled with remarkable and diverse historical, cultural and artistic richness, and
WHEREAS, poetry and the spoken word help to reflect the unique wonder of the inquiring mind, and
WHEREAS, in January of 2018, the New Britain Commission on the Arts put out a call to individuals interested in being the City’s next honorary Poet Laureate, and
WHEREAS, the Commission on the Arts, after careful consideration of all who applied for the position, unanimously voted on March 22 to recommend Mr. Michael Peterson to another term as New Britain’s Poet Laureate, and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Council appoints Mr. Michael Peterson, Poet Laureate of the City of New, Britain for a term of three years commencing this date.
Alderman Don Naples
Alderman Brian Keith Albert
Alderwoman Katie Breslin
Alderwoman Iris Sanchez 63 RESOLUTION
Item # ______RE: Budget Appropriation – Police Dept (Above For Town Clerk’s Use Only) To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Division of Highway Safety has made available Federal highway safety funds for overtime in support of the Nighttime Seat Belt Enforcement program aimed at seat belt law enforcement between the nighttime hours of 7 pm to 3 am, in the two week period from May 4, 2018 to May 18, 2018, and
WHEREAS, law enforcement agencies from coast-to-coast join forces to increase the national seat belt usage rate, supported by national and local paid advertising and media campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the campaign, and THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that Mayor Erin Stewart is authorized to execute all grant documents with the State of Connecticut DOT on behalf of the City of New Britain for the Nighttime Seat Belt Enforcement program in the sum of $20,000 to provide Federal dollars for overtime to target those that choose to drive at night without seat belt restraints, thus making City streets safer, and THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the sum of $20,000 be appropriated within the special revenue account structure as follows:
Revenue: 288211167-4223 Federal Revenue $20,000
Expenditures: 288211167-5122 Overtime - Nighttime Seat Belt Enforcement $20,000
______Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. - Police Liaison Ald. Wilfredo Pabon - Police Liaison
______Ald. Richard Reyes - Police Liaison Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez - Police Liaison
______Ald. Francisco Santiago - Police Liaison Ald. Robert Smedley - Police Liaison 64 Form TC-002 RESOLUTION
Item # RE: Proposed amendment to the code of Ordinances Sec. 2-41 To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
Resolution Summary: INTENT AND PURPOSE: To amend Section 2-41 of the Code of Ordinances to prohibit Majority Leader, Minority Leader or President Pro Tempore of being the chair, or the temporary chair, of any subject matter committee or subcommittee.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW BRITAIN that Chapter 2, Section 2-41 of the Code of Ordinances City of New Britain, be amended as follows: (inserted text appears in underline; deleted text appears in strikethrough; new sections begin with the word [new]):
Sec. 2-41. - Council subject matter committees established.
The following subject matter committees of the council shall be appointed biennially by the council at the regular meeting in November of odd numbered years. There shall be three (3) subject matter committees of the common council with legislative cognizance and jurisdiction over all matter related to certain specified boards, commissions, departments, agencies, authorities, functions of the city and such other functions as may be identified in this section. Each such committee shall have up to nine (9) members selected by the common council and each member of the common council shall be a member of at least two (2) of such committees, excluding the zoning subcommittee. The common council shall select the chairperson of each such committee. Each such committee shall set and announce the dates and times of its regular meetings. No member of the common council shall be the chair of more than one (1) subject matter committee. The majority party leader, minority party leader and president pro tempore shall not be a the chair, or act as the temporary chair, of any subject matter committee or subcommittee. Any member of the council may attend and participate in any committee meeting but shall not have the right to vote unless a member of such committee.
Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr.
65 RESOLUTION
Item # RE: Immediate Hiring and Promotion Freeze within the City of New Britain To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of New Britain desires to make long- term changes and improve efficiencies within the City of New Britain; and
WHEREAS, due to fiscal challenges facing the City, it is necessary and desirable to achieve cost savings by appropriate measures to ensure the funds of the City residents are used in an competent way; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of New Britain impose an immediate hiring freeze and promotion freeze on all positions in the City, with exception to public safety positions related to the Police Department, Fire Department and 911 Dispatch; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no personnel position that becomes vacant shall be replaced, except with the prior approval of the Common Council; and
BE IT FURTHE RESOLVED that the immediate hiring freeze and promotion freeze established by this resolution shall remain in effect until lifted by the Common Council of the City of New Britain by further resolution.
Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. Ald. Eva Magnuszewski
Ald. Emmanuel Sanchez Ald. Richard Reyes
Ald. Brian Keith Albert Ald. Aram Ayalon
Ald. Katie Breslin Ald. Iris Sanchez
Ald. Francisco Santiago 66 CITY OF NEW BRITAIN NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT
REPORT OF : FINANCE DEPARTMENT To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
ITEM #: 34191
Please find the attached spreadsheet response to Petition No. 34191 relating to Vacant and Funded Positions as of budget book adopted on June 5, 2017
Lori Granato Director of Finance
67 Vacant and Funded Positions as of budget book adopted on June 5, 2017
pg 31 Economic Development City Plan Staff $65,000.00 pg 38 Assessor Assessment Analyst $58,459.00 postiion filled in 2017 57,167 + 1.5% 7/17 and 1.5% 1/1/18 pg 50 Tax Collector Revenue Collection Aide $48,928.00 vacant - ($ 72,000.00) this position is no longer considered to pg 88 Corporation Counsel City Attorney $120,000.00 interviews held - will be filled at 72 k be part of Local 818. pg 98 Civil Service Human Rights Officer $78,661.00 Position filled - pg 125 Police Department Police Officer $50,768.00 Will be filled - entry level testing ongoing pg 125 Police Department Police Officer $50,768.00 Will be filled - entry level testing ongoing pg 125 Police Department Police Officer $50,768.00 Will be filled - entry level testing ongoing Police Officer salaries listed reflect entry level academy pg 125 Police Department Police Officer $ 50,768 .00 Will be filled - entry level testing ongoing pay pg 125 Police Departmef>]_t . Police Officer $50,768.00 Will be filled - entry level testing ongoing pg 125 Police Department - Police Officer $50,768.00 Will be filled - entry level testing ongoing pg 125 Police Department Police Officer $50,768.00 Will be filled - entry level testing ongoing pg 125 Police Department Police Officer $50,768.00 Will be filled - entry level testing ongoing pg 126 Police Department Police Detective $79,574.00 Will be filled - Promotional Exam Scheduled pg 147 Fire Department Fireman Private $75,744.00 vacant - 4 additional vacancies due to attrition to be filled pg 148 Fire Department . Assistant Mechanic $75,744.00 position filled 1/18 pg 180 IT Department IT Analyst (NEW POSITION) $64,315.00 Position filled in 2017 pg 181 Telecommunications Telecommunicator $ 47,047 .00 position zeroed out pg 181 Telecommunications Telecommunicator $ 48,417 .00 filled - 7/17 $49,169 pg 181 Telecommunications Telecommunicator (NEW) $23,524.00 filled 7/17 $47,161 pg181 Telecommunications Telecommunicator (NEW) $24,209.00 position zeroed out pg 204 Building/Zoning Enforcement Building Inspector $61,604.00 Position filled in 2017 at step 2 65k pg 243 Public Works Tree Trimmer $54,852.00 unfunded vacancy zero dollars pg 243 Public Works Horticulturist $72,330.00 filled 2018 pg 243 Public Works General Foreman $74,029.00 filled 2018
68 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
34191
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, January 24, 2018, and referred to the
Finance Department
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Carlo Carlozzi, Jr. for the Finance Department to submit a report to the Common Council with a breakdown by department of all current budget funded vacancies within each department, including job title and dollar amount in budget, per vacancy.
Please have the report submitted to the Council Office by February 7, 2018 to be placed on the February 14, 2018 Council agenda.
Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr.
69 CITY OF NEW BRITAIN NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT
REPORT OF: FINANCE DEPARTMENT To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to report the following:
ITEM #: 34207-1
RE: Response to petitions 34207
Please find the attached spreadsheet regarding Authorized but Un-issued Debt.
______Lori Granato
70 Bonds Issued/Paydowns/Gr Authorized but Project Date of Authorization Authorized Amount ants Unissued
2005 Capital Equipment 5/11/2005 4,503,500 4,391,750 111,750 2007 Capital Equipment 2/28/2007 8,450,000 6,548,500 1,901,500 2011 Capital Equipment 9/8/2010 7,524,186 6,375,000 1,149,186 2013 Capital Equipment 6/27/2013 4,070,000 4,000,000 70,000 2016 Capital Equipment 10/26/2016 4,200,000 0 4,200,000
23214 Broad, Beaver, Main, North Reconstr 6/13/2001 6,600,000 2,625,000 3,975,000 23307 Fafnir Booth St Reconstr 3/26/1997 8,550,000 8,346,117 203,883 24238 Willow St Park 12/17/1998 5,350,000 4,900,000 450,000 25913 Hart St Reconstr 12/13/2006 9,500,000 7,217,272 2,282,728 26187 St Clair, Lester St Reconstr 10/27/2004 2,200,000 2,000,000 200,000 26188 Broad St Reconstr 2/13/2000 13,300,000 11,878,978 1,421,022 26189 Sewer I&I 12/13/2000 17,775,000 13,315,646 4,459,354 26276 New Britain Machine 2/14/2001 3,600,000 2,285,000 1,315,000 26325 Fafnir Smart Park 3/14/2001 3,250,000 2,815,233 434,767 27488 Storm Water Sys Imp 5/14/2003 4,750,000 4,413,400 336,600 27489 Environmental Bond 5/14/2003 7,150,000 6,860,000 290,000 27719 EMS Ambulances 8/5/2005 3,000,000 2,940,000 60,000 28574 2007 Revaluation 5/11/2005 500,000 496,750 3,250 28575 2011 Revaluation 3/9/2011 500,000 496,750 3,250 29022 Bridge Repairs 9/13/2006 2,025,000 1,125,000 900,000 29188 Pinnacle Heights 6/28/2006 7,946,000 7,880,000 66,000 29503 Street Infrastructure 2/28/2007 28,458,000 27,172,000 1,286,000 29504 Transfer Station 2/28/2007 2,377,912 2,025,000 352,912 29559 Garage Repairs 4/11/2007 6,775,000 6,014,198 760,802 29823 Information Technology 9/26/2007 3,180,000 2,342,700 837,300 30581 Beaver St Reconstr 6/10/2009 1,000,000 775,329 224,671 30591 Fairview Cemetery Fence 8/8/2012 275,000 250,000 25,000 30892 Police Headquarter New Auth 2/24/2010 38,850,000 38,847,500 2,500 31757 Citywide Radio Telecomm Repl 2/8/2012 5,750,000 5,750,000 0 71 Bonds Issued/Paydowns/Gr Authorized but Project Date of Authorization Authorized Amount ants Unissued 32053 AW Stanley Pool Renovation 10/10/2012 5,300,000 5,286,000 14,000 32371 Stanley Golf Course Irrigation 6/27/2013 2,000,000 2,000,000 0 32373 City-wide Facilities Repair 6/27/2013 1,177,000 1,110,000 67,000 32374 Willow Brook Park Imp 6/27/2013 3,329,000 3,329,000 0 32375 City-wide Park ADA Imp 6/27/2013 875,000 875,000 0 32376 City-Wide Park Imp 6/27/2013 990,000 990,000 0 32377 Beehive Stadium Imp 6/27/2013 495,000 495,000 0 32379 Chesley Park Imp 6/27/2013 2,075,000 2,075,000 0 32380 Chesley Pool Project 6/27/2013 102,000 90,000 12,000 32381 Washington Park Pool Project 6/27/2013 100,000 90,000 10,000 32382 Telecommunications Infra and Equip 6/27/2013 1,400,000 1,400,000 0 32384 Streetscape Imp Project 6/27/2013 6,000,000 3,973,137 2,026,863 32385 Arch Street Improvement 6/27/2013 1,200,000 80,000 1,120,000 32403 Broad St Reconstr Continuation 7/10/2013 4,350,000 4,350,000 0 32576 Elam St Water Tank 12/11/2013 5,395,000 3,300,063 2,094,937 33146 NB Stadium Renovations 6/10/2015 795,000 795,000 0 33391 EMS Ambulance and Bldg Imp 2/24/2016 400,000 360,000 40,000 33392 Water Treatment Facility 2/14/2016 1,283,000 0 1,283,000
28472 NBHS Addition 4/13/2005 16,595,000 16,211,941 383,059 29023 Re-roof 5 Schools 3/22/2006 8,225,000 7,755,696 469,304 30204 NBHS Code Compliance City 7/9/2008 3,000,000 2,828,699 171,301 30206 Entrance/Security 7/9/2008 1,700,000 399,500 1,300,500 30207 Smalley Academy Chiller 7/9/2008 500,000 499,500 500 30944 Diloretto Additon 4/14/2010 10,000,000 4,024,350 5,975,650 32372 Gaffney Elementary School 6/27/2013 30,000,000 6,300,000 23,700,000 32408 BOE Varioius School Projects 6/27/2013 9,935,000 9,935,000 0 32639 School Security Sys Upgrade 3/12/2014 142,600 142,600 0 33528 Smalley Academy 6/22/2016 53,000,000 0 53,000,000
Total Issued 381,773,198 262,782,609 118,990,589 72 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
Mr.
34207
Your attention is called to the following petition received by the Common Council at its meeting held Wednesday evening, February 14, 2018, and referred to the
Finance Department
To Her Honor, the Mayor, and the Common Council of the City of New Britain: the undersigned beg leave to petition your Honorable body:
Ald. Carlozzi, Jr. for the Finance department to provide an updated “Authorized but Un- Issued Debt” spreadsheet.
The spreadsheet is to start from 5/11/2005 up to the present and is to include the following columns: Name of Project, Date Bond Authorized, Bond Authorization Amount, Bonds Issued/Pay-down/Grants, and Authorized but Un-Issued debt.
Please submit the report to the Council by February 21, 2018 for information to be placed on the February 28, 2018 Council agenda.
Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr.
73