ATTENDANCE: Michael Coffey, Chairman; Peter Wien; Kevin Poruban; Matthew Miklave (

STAFF: Katherine Lasberg, Corporation Counsel’s Office.

OTHERS: Mayor Alex Knopp; Gerald Foley; Hal Alvord; Ed Schmidt.

ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 7:50 p.m. by the Chairman. It was noted that there was not a quorum present.

PUBLIC HEARING

PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES

The Chairman said that both he and Mr. Miklave (if present) would recuse themselves from this item and he left the meeting.

Mr. Poruban chaired this portion of the meeting and called the Public Hearing to order.

Mayor Knopp spoke in support of the guidelines, which have had many long reviews through departments. This complete overhaul is part of “Smart Government” to reduce City expenditures. Norwalk purchases millions of dollars in goods and services. This approach must be codified into City law to insure that each purchaser or buyer has a level playing field. This policy assumes that the City can purchase the best quality goods at the lowest possible price. When decisions are based on fair and objective criteria, more people will participate in bidding. During his administration, they have had many bids from architects on the City’s schools. Therefore, instead of having a reputation as a one-architect town, they now have three architects on six different schools and three different construction managers. This is very important. Bridgeport did not follow objective procurement guidelines and that is how the City got into trouble and the mayor went to jail. At the State level, the absence of above-board bidding practices meant that taxpayers did not receive value. In Norwalk, they have made a lot of progress on school projects. It is important to codify these guidelines onto new ordinances. Norwalk never adopted procurement guidelines. Mayor Knopp set up a task force consisting of Mr. Foley and representatives from Finance, the Law Department, the Board of Education, the Mayor’s Office, Public Works, etc. The task force recommended the American Bar Association 2000 model code. The guidelines were formatted to meet Norwalk’s needs. This is well thought out and well researched.

Mayor Knopp thanked Mr. Foley for his leadership and professional expertise. He said that the adoption of these guidelines will result in the acquisition of high quality goods and services at reasonable prices within a framework that promotes ethical behavior.

Mayor Knopp said that he met with Mr. Moccaie, Ms. Lasberg and Mr. Coffey. They would like an amendment to the Recreation & Parks ordinance so that they can issue beach stickers to residents who do not have a motor vehicle or a car registered in Norwalk. This change would allow stickers or passes to be issued.

Mr. Poruban closed the Public Hearing.

OLD BUSINESS

PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES

The Acting Chairman asked Mr. Foley how they would enforce breaking up items to fall within the $10,000 threshold. Mr. Foley said it would be up to his department to review all requisitions.

The Acting Chairman said he would move this item forward to the Common Council. Attorney Lasberg will correct typographical errors.

As this discussion was concluded, the Chairman returned to the meeting at 8:05 and called a brief recess. The meeting was reconvened at 8:15. Mr. Miklave arrived at the meeting; there was now a quorum present.

NEW BUSINESS

The Chairman said they are discussing an ordinance for outdoor dining. He asked Mr. Alvord to discuss his concerns about any licensing that will be required. Mr. Alvord said his concern is when outdoor dining takes place on City property. Papaya Thai wants outdoor dining on the sidewalk. This particular sidewalk was designed the way it is because of safety issues for people entering and exiting the Lock Building. This space will accommodate dining and still provide for pedestrian safety. If outdoor dining is to take place on City property, there is a need for a licensing agreement. The City does have liability. They should permit this but there should be protections for the City. The City should be compensated when this property is used for profit-making entities. In addition, there is the issue of liquor being served on City property. There are also health factors. He also said they should make the process as simple as possible.

The Chairman asked if the licensing would include a hold harmless agreement and Mr. Alvord responded affirmatively.

OLD BUSINESS (CONT’D)

PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES

The Chairman and Mr. Miklave recused themselves from this item and left the room.

ETHICS

This item was held over to the next meeting.

MINUTES

** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2004 AS DISTRIBUTED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (MR. WIEN).

NEW BUSINESS (CONT’D)

The Chairman said that outdoor dining would be added to the agenda of the next meeting for discussion of the draft document he had worked on with Attorney Lasberg. There will be a public hearing in March.

The Chairman asked Attorney Lasberg to do research on what some cities have done to try to stem problems with gang activity.

Re the modification to the beach sticker ordinance, Attorney Lasberg said that the change requested is modest. The Chairman said there would be a public hearing at the next meeting.

ACTION ON BUSINESS ITEMS

PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES

The Chairman and Mr. Miklave recused themselves from discussion and vote on this item and left the room.

** MR. PORUBAN MOVED THE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES TO THE COMMON COUNCIL.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Chairman and Mr. Miklave returned to the meeting.

ETHICS

This item was not discussed.

ADJOURNMENT

** MR. MIKLAVE MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Cheryl Telesco
Telesco Secretarial Services

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