MINUTES OF MEETING The Stratford Town Council conducted a regularly scheduled meeting on September 13, 2021 pursuant to notice duly posted.
CALL TO ORDER 8:00 p.m. PRESIDING: Council Chairman Mr. Pia COUNCIL MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ms. Shake, Mr. Tavaras, Mr. Harden, Mr. Cann, Mr. Poisson, Mr. Perillo, Mr. Connor; Mr. O’Brien, Ms. Dancho COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Mayor Hoydick, CAO Tymniak, Finance Director Savo, Town Attorney Hodgson, Assistant Town Attorneys LeClerc, Florek, and Jackson, Public Works Director Serra, Human Resources Director Ing, Police Captain Eannotti, Deputy Fire Chief Atkinson, Solar Energy Consultant Rob Klee INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Mr. Poisson, District 6.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —Regular Meeting August 9, 2021
RESOLVED: that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 9, 2021 be dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously provided to each Council Member and the same be and are hereby approved.
MR. O’BRIEN MOVED ITEM 1; SECONDED BY MS. DANCHO. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS
3. COMMUNICATIONS, BILLS, PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES
3.1 Letters of Resignation (for information only) Letter dated 8/15/21 Cynthia Buckley – Beautification Committee
3.2 Monthly Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) report – provided by Finance Director Savo followed by brief discussion.
4. MAYOR’S REPORT, COMMITTEE REPORTS, TOWN ATTORNEY’S REPORT
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4.1 MAYOR’S REPORT COVID updates Storms Henri and Ida Stratford designated Purple Heart Community 9/11 Memorial Ceremony 16th Annual Latin Music Festival International Overdose Awareness Day Haiti fundraising drive Household Hazardous Waste Collection Stratford Arts & Culture Festival postponed to Spring 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month Boothe Memorial Park Commission’s Pumpkin Festival Corsair Car Show Updates: SAEP, Center School Property, Contract Plating RFP Celebrate Stratford Discover Strange Stratford Tours Grand Openings: Chubby’s Bar and Grill-1212 Stratford Avenue, Emerest Home Care-2067 Barnum Avenue, Force3 Pro Gear-240 Hathaway Drive
4.2 QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYOR Mr. Tavaras re: South End flooding Mr. Cann re: ARPA toolkit & Public Hearings Ms. Shake re: ARPA Public Hearings & Mask mandates
4.3 COMMITTEE REPORTS
4.3.1 The Public Works Committee held a regular meeting September 7, 2021 and referred the following to Town Council with favorable recommendations:
A. $10,914.41 cost increase for previously approved electrical service at West Broad/Linden, for a revised total of $22,662.91
RESOLVED: that $10,914.41 cost increase for previously approved electrical service at West Broad/Linden, for a revised total of $22,662.91 be and is hereby approved.
B. Abandon in place an unknown 500-gallon tank at Johnson School in an amount not to exceed $5,500
RESOLVED: that abandoning in place an unknown 500-gallon tank at Stratford Academy Johnson House in an amount not to exceed $5,500 be and is hereby approved.
C. Unmarked water main repair and restoration at Honeyspot School in an amount not to exceed $9,055
RESOLVED: that unmarked water main repair and restoration at Honeyspot School in an amount not to exceed $9,055 be and is hereby approved.
D. Water main burst repair and restoration at Wilcoxson School in an amount not to exceed $19,000
RESOLVED: that water main burst repair and restoration at Wilcoxson School in an amount not to exceed $19,000 be and is hereby approved.
MR. POISSON MOVED ITEMS 4.3.1 A,B,C,D; SECONDED BY MS. DANCHO. Brief discussion followed with CAO Tymniak providing details and clarifications. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. STRATFORD TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 3
4.4 TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT – provided by Town Attorney Hodgson
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS and/or OLD BUSINESS
6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
6.1 ORDINANCES
6.2 RESOLUTIONS
6.2.1 RESOLUTION REGARDING 2021 COMMUNITY POLICING DEVELOPMENT DE-ESCALATION TRAINING GRANT
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,
WHEREAS, this funding has been made possible through the Community Policing Development De-Escalation Training Solicitation; and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford will expend funds to train all sworn officers of the Stratford Police Department in the latest de-escalation techniques for potentially volatile situations with members of the public, and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, in the amount of $43,243, requiring $0 Town matching dollars.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, for funds to train all sworn officers of the Stratford Police Department in the latest de- escalation techniques for potentially volatile situations with members of the public; and,
2. That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Laura R. Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, and to implement the program once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
MR. PERILLO MOVED ITEM 6.2.1; SECONDED BY MR. HARDEN. Police Captain Eonnatti provided details, clarifications, and answered questions. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
6.2.2 RESOLUTION REGARDING 2020 FEMA FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY GRANT
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
WHEREAS, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,
WHEREAS, this funding has been made possible through the 2020 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program; and,
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WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford will expend funds to acquire and install up to 240 smoke / CO alarms with a bed- shaker device into the home of residents who are hearing impaired or hearing disabled; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $60,891.43; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency for funding to acquire and install up to 240 smoke / CO alarms with a bed-shaker device into the home of residents who are hearing impaired or hearing disabled; and,
2. That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Laura R. Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and to implement the program once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
MR. PERILLO MOVED ITEM 6.2.2; SECONDED BY MS. SHAKE. Deputy Fire Chief Atkinson provided details, clarifications, and answered questions. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
6.2.3 RESOLUTION REGARDING CONNECTICUT STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE SURVEY AND PLANNING GRANT 2021
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Economic Development’s State Historic Preservation Office is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,
WHEREAS, this funding has been made possible through the State Historic Preservation Office’s Survey and Planning Grant program; and,
WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford will expend funds to hire qualified professional(s) to conduct a survey and capital needs assessment on the Sterling Homestead at 2225 Main Street; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with the Connecticut Department of Economic Development’s State Historic Preservation Office in the amount of $20,000.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to the Connecticut Department of Economic Development’s State Historic Preservation Office for funds to hire qualified professional(s) to conduct a survey and capital needs assessment on the Sterling Homestead at 2225 Main Street; and,
2. That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Laura R. Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic Development’s State Historic Preservation Office and to implement the program once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.
MS. DANCHO MOVED ITEM 6.2.3; SECONDED BY MR. O’BRIEN. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
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6.2.4 RESOLUTION REGARDING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council
WHEREAS, the Town has established a special fund for monies received pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act (the “Fund”); and
WHEREAS, the Town receives an annual allocation from the State of Connecticut Local Capital Improvement Program (“LoCIP”);
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
That (1) the following projects, as set forth in the FY22-26 Capital Improvement & Equipment Plan, which projects were previously approved after two public hearings and a workshop, shall be paid from the Fund, as follows:
Town Buildings - Controls/BMS/Laptops $ 120,000 Fire - Safety Gear and Equipment $ 150,000 Fire Apparatus $ 750,000 Police Equipment, Installation and Safety Gear $ 350,000 Vehicle and Equipment Replacement - Town wide $ 800,000 Information Technology and Communication Equipment - Town wide $ 75,000 Field House and Field Renovation at Deluca Field $ 50,000 Electronic Information Management $ 25,000 Public Works Equipment Replacement and Installation $ 400,000 BOE - General Repairs $ 150,000 Roof Management - Town $ 50,000 Town Buildings - Masonry $ 50,000 Misc. Tree Removal, Disposal and Stump Grinding Program Town- wide $ 150,000 Storm Water Permit Compliance disconnection of Directly Connected Impervious Areas to Impaired Waters $ 150,000 Underground Tank Testing $ 20,000 MS4 Implement Infrastructure Repair/Rehab Program $ 100,000 Sidewalk Replacement $ 250,000 BOE - Replacement of Sidewalks, Curbs, Stairs and Loading Docks $ 50,000 Beach Restoration $ 25,000 Replacement Fencing $ 50,000 Ball field Repair Program $ 50,000 Public Art/Mural Program $ 10,000 Update Plan of Conservation & Development $ 75,000 Update Zoning Regulations $ 150,000 Public Access AED $ 14,000 Emergency Equipment Replacement Program $ 150,000 Total $ 4,214,000
And, (2) the following projects, as set forth in the FY22-26 Capital Improvement & Equipment Plan, which projects were previously approved after two public hearings and a workshop, shall be paid from the LoCIP funding, as follows:
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Miscellaneous Drainage Projects $ 100,000 Road Resurfacing $ 191,000 Total $ 291,000
MR. O’BRIEN MOVED ITEM 6.2.4; SECONDED BY MR. PERILLO. Discussion followed with Finance Director Savo and CAO Tymniak providing details, clarifications, and answering questions. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.1 Solar Photovoltaric Projects at five schools
Bids for the five school solar photovoltaic projects to be installed at Bunnell High School, Stratford Academy/Johnson House, Wooster Middle School, Chapel Street Elementary School, and Second Hill Lane Elementary School (Bid No. 2022-08) were received on August 4, 2021, as tabulated below:
ConEd Horton CTEC JE Shea Solutions Bunnell High $ 548,954.72 $ 684,288.00 $ 794,139.00 $ 855,000.00 Strat. Academy $ 424,419.92 $ 586,845.00 $ 743,501.00 $ 749,000.00 Wooster $ 556,729.57 $ 628,506.00 $ 639,522.00 $ 899,000.00 Chapel Street $ 497,324.82 $ 554,972.00 $ 588,391.00 $ 790,000.00 Second Hill $ 476,116.45 $ 553,554.00 $ 590,328.00 $ 748,000.00 Lane TOTAL $ 2,503,545.48 $ 3,008,165.00 $ 3,355,881.00 $ 4,041,000.00
RESOLVED: that the contracts for the five school solar photovoltaic projects are hereby awarded to Consolidated Edison Solutions, Inc. in the total amount of $2,503,545.48, funded by the previously approved Town Council appropriation of $4,296,000 on February 17, 2021, for the foregoing solar projects on the five schools, be and are hereby approved and the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract or contracts for such in a form satisfactory to the Town Attorney.
MS. DANCHO MOVED ITEM 7.1; SECONDED BY MR. O’BRIEN. Solar Energy Consultant Rob Klee provided details, clarifications, and answered questions. THE MOTION PASSED 9-0-1, MR. TAVARAS ABSTAINED.
7.2 Gift to Town of vacant land - Access Road
RESOLVED: that the Town accept from Catherine Novak the lot on Access Road known as mblu 40/5 12/7 and Town Account number 004500.
MR. PERILLO MOVED ITEM 7.2 SUBJECT TO THE TITLE BEING APPROVED BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY’S OFFICE; SECONDED BY MS. DANCHO. Assistant Town Attorney Jackson provided details, clarifications, and answered questions. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7.3 Sale of 313 Honeyspot Road – Executive session requested
MS. DANCHO MOVED; SECONDED BY MR. O’BRIEN TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM 7.3 AS DISCUSSION OF THIS PROPERTY IN A PUBLIC SESSION MIGHT AFFECT THE PURCHASE PRICE. ENTERING INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ALL COUNCIL, MAYOR HOYDICK, CAO TYMNIAK, FINANCE DIRECTOR SAVO, TOWN ATTORNEY HODGSON, ASSISTANT TOWN ATTORNEYS FLOREK, LECLERC, AND JACKSON, CHIEF OF STAFF DOWNES.
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Executive session commenced at 9:18 p.m.
MS. DANCHO MOVED TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION; SECONDED BY MR. HARDEN. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMNOUSLY.
Executive session concluded and the public meeting reconvened at 9:31 p.m.
MS. DANCHO MOVED; SECONDED BY MR. O’BRIEN TO AUTHORIZE THE CAO TO PROCEED AS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AND TO REFER THE MATTER OF THE SALE OF 313 HONEYSPOT ROAD TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR CGS §8-24 REVIEW. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7.4 Floral Park Neighborhood Designation
RESOLVED: that the planning Commission’s favorable recommendation is accepted and that an official designation be and is hereby approved.
MR. O’BRIEN MOVED ITEM 7.4; SECONDED BY MS. DANCHO. Brief discussion followed. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7.5 Referred by Parks and Recreation Committee with favorable recommendation:
Award of Town Bid #2022-13 to Titan Enterprises Inc. for Juliet Low Park improvements in the amount of $63,800.
RESOLVED: that the award of contract for Town Bid #2022-13 to Titan Enterprises Inc. for Juliet Low Park improvements in the amount of $63,800 be and is hereby approved and the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract for such in form acceptable to the Town Attorney.
MR. TAVARAS MOVED ITEM 7.5; SECONDED BY MR. CONNOR. Public Works Director Serra provided details, clarifications, and answered questions. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7.6 Town of Stratford and Stratford Police Local #407 Council #4, AFSCME, AFL-CIO Tentative Agreement (a copy of which has been previously provided to each Council Member)
RESOLVED: that the Council approves the funding for a successor collective bargaining agreement with the Stratford Police Union Local 407, AFSCME, to commence July 1, 2021.
MR. CONNOR MOVED ITEM 7.6; SECONDED BY MR. PERILLO. Brief discussion followed with Human Resources Director Ing providing details, clarifications, and answering questions. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7.7 APPOINTMENTS
7.7.1 Public Safety Committee – term concurrent with Council term
A. RESOLVED: that JOHN DOBOS of STRATFORD RD be and is hereby appointed a member of the Public Safety Committee of the Stratford Town Council to the resigned seat of Paul Aurelia with a term concurrent with the 2019-2021 Council term.
MR. O’BRIEN MOVED ITEM 7.7.1; SECONDED BY MR. PERILLO. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. STRATFORD TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 8
8. ADJOURNMENT
MR. POISSON MOVED TO ADJOURN; SECONDED BY MR. TAVARAS. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m.
ATTEST: Margo Paquette Margo Paquette, Council Clerk