ATTENDANCE: Michael Coffey, Chair; Douglas Sutton

STAFF: Peter Nolin, Corporation Counsel

Mr. Coffey called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. and noted that they did not have a quorum. Mr. Sutton said that Mr. Miklave regretted his absence, but he had a sick child at home. He added that Mr. Hilliard would be unable to attend this evening’s meeting.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

There was no discussion on this item.

OLD BUSINESS

A. PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS

Mr. Coffey said that information was contained in the back up materials.

B. PROPOSED REVISION OF CHAPTER 96 – EXCAVATION AND ENCROACHMENTS IN PUBLIC STREETS AND GROUNDS

Mr. Coffey said that this item was widely discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Nolin said that the problem with the department’s draft is that he did not see a requirement for the district to give something other than a bond. He proposed adding different language.

Mr. Alvord said that the Second Taxing District refused to provide anything. Mr. Nolin suggested giving the Director or his designee the option to waive the 3 years in the event of an emergency or hardship. Mr. Alvord said that contractors destroy the roads in Norwalk more than any other single factor.

Mr. Alvord said that the price of asphalt has increased and as a result they will do 30% less paving next year. Mr. Coffey said that they need to find more money for roadway repairs.

Mr. Nolin suggested increasing the current charge from $100.00 to $250.00. Mr. Alvord explained that is a minimum charge. When a contractor goes in the DPW charges what the patch contractor charges. Mr. Coffey said that he thought it was a good idea to increase the charge. Mr. Sutton agreed. Mr. Nolin will submit the proposed changes for Tuesday’s Common Council meeting.

Mr. Alvord said that Norwalk does not use C-DOT backfill standards. He said that Norwalk’s are superior to theirs. He explained that when a water main breaks, causing a break in the pavement, they go back to the contractor. He said that they always have a good response, except for one. The excuse they get is that Norwalk is using the backfill. Mr. Alvord said that the waterlines are placed above sanitary lines for environmental reasons. When a water main breaks, it seeks the path of least resistance, which is the backfill below it.

C. SUMMER JOBS: REVIEW OF ORDINANCES AND INVESTIGATION OF SUMMER 2005 INCIDENT

Mr. Coffey requested information on what other districts do.

D. PROPOSED ETHICS CODE

Mr. Coffey said that the proposed ethics code will go to a public hearing on May 24th. He said that there is a link on Norwalkct.org for the proposed ordinance. He said that there has been enough notice to allow residents an opportunity to attend the public hearing.

NEW BUSINESS

A. TAX RELIEF FOR DARIEN VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY WORKERS; AMEND CODE 103 TO PERMIT DARIEN TO IMPLEMENT SUCH A PROGRAM FOR NORWALK RESIDENTS TO BE PAID FOR BY TOWN OF DARIEN

Mr. Coffey explained that they received a request from the Town of Darien to amend the existing ordinance to allow the City to enter into an intergovernmental agreement. Darien will pay for this which will permit the Emergency Volunteers living in Norwalk to receive tax relief.

This will apply to approximately 10 – 15 residents and will result in no cost to the City of Norwalk. Mr. Coffey and Mr. Sutton supported this item.

This item will be heard at the May 24th public hearing.

B. DEMOLITION DELAY ORDINANCES

Mr. Coffey said that people have reached out to him asking when this rule would become effective. Mr. Nolin said that the State ordinance will become effective either July 1st or October 1st. Mr. Coffey asked for a copy of the proposed legislation that has been passed.

A public hearing will be scheduled for July or August.

C. ORDINANCE RESTRICTING MASSAGE PARLORS

Mr. Coffey asked Mr. Nolin if he could request a CCM packet on this. He said that it seems analogous to the adult stores. Mr. Coffey and Mr. Nolin will work on creating a statute.

Mr. Coffey asked Mr. Nolin if he could get a copy of the Hartford legislation regarding the use of guns during the commission of a crime.

ACTION ON BUSINESS ITEMS

There was none.

ADJOURNMENT

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

There was no further business and the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosemarie Lombardi
Telesco Secretarial Services

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