JULY 26 2005
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 8:00PM DST, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ALL COMMON COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN AT THIS MEETING TO APPROVE EXPENDITURES AND CONTRACTS OR TO ACCEPT BIDS AND OTHER PROPOSALS REQUIRING THE EXPENDITURE OF CITY FUNDS ARE SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.

The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Norwalk was held on Tuesday, July 26, 2005, in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut. The Mayor Alex A. Knopp called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm and lead the assembly into the Pledge of Allegiance.
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I. ROLL CALL

Betsy Bain Bruce Kimmel (absent)
Kenneth Baker (absent) Richard McQuaid
Fred Bondi Matthew Miklave (absent)
Michael Coffey (absent) Jeanette Olmstead-Sawyer (8:05pm)
Carvin Hilliard Kevin Poruban
Douglas Hempstead Douglas Sutton (absent)
William Krummel Peter Wien
Leona Williams (8:05pm)

There were eight (8) members present at Roll Call.
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II. ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES

A. Regular Meeting – July 12, 2005

** MR. PORUBAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2005 AS PRESENTED.
** MOTION PASSED SIX VOTES IN FAVOR, TWO ABSTENTIONS (MR. HEMPSTEAD, MR. KRUMMEL) BY VOICE VOTE.
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III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Charles Brown said regarding the proposed changes at Nathaniel Ely School that the Council be mindful of the youths using the building as the choice of programs did not appear to be any clearer. He also asked that a member of the community be added to the advisory committee.

Ms. Olmstead-Sawyer and Ms. Williams joined the meeting at 8:05pm.

Jeanie Hill stated that she considered the proposal to be excellent however she asked that the after-school program be included. She also noted that the proposal, as presented does not address older youth in Norwalk and asked Council members to be mindful of children 10 and older.

Michael Callis (NEON) stated that he was very pleased to see this grant, as it will bring more services to Nathaniel Ely School. He said in the community there has been much discussion regarding the types of programs being offered – he stated for the record that the programs would not just be for infants and toddlers but for all children up to the age of 18. He thanked the Mayor for his foresight and initiative in applying for the grant.
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IV. MAYOR

A. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

Mayor Knopp announced that Andy Savvaides had resigned from the Zoning Commission as he is in the process of moving to Wilton. He thanked Mr. Savvaides for his service and wished him well.

Under appointments Mayor Knopp put forth the name of Maribeth Becker to be appointed to the Tree Advisory Committee. Ms. Becker has been involved in many environmental and historical efforts in Norwalk and came strongly recommended by Don Nelson and Hal Alvord.

** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO APPOINT MARIBETH BECKER TO THE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.

B. REMARKS

There were none this evening.
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V. COUNCIL PRESIDENT

A. CONSENT CALENDAR

** MR. BONDI MOVED APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING TO BE INCLUDED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.

VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES

A. FINANCE COMMITTEE

1. Accept and Approve the Report of the Claims Committee Dated July 14, 2005.

Mr. Bondi moved consent to change the figure to $73,869.16.

2a. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a Purchase Order to Tyler Technologies,
a sole source provider, for the renewal of the annual maintenance and support
agreement for the City’s MUNIS financial system (Accounting, budgeting, general
ledger, accounts payable, purchasing, bid management, accounts receivable,
payroll, personnel, tax billing) software, for a sum not to exceed $73,869.16.
Acct. # 010600-5269 (FY05-06)
2b. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue purchase orders to Tyler Technologies for
the renewal of such annual maintenance for MUNIS, including any technical
support and upgrades, subject to the availability of future funding
Acct. # 010600-5269 (FY05-06)

3. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to Innovative Interfaces,
Inc., for the turn-key Millennium server replacement and software upgrade for the
Norwalk Public Library, per III quotation dated April 29, 2005, for an amount not
to exceed $23,500.00. Acct # 09060600-5777-C0375

C. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

2. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute a Subordination Agreement with
the 25 South Smith Street, LLC, for a Drainage Easement on 25 South Smith
Street.

3. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue Orders on Contract to Nagy
Brothers Construction Co., Inc., for Project No. DPW 2004-1a, Proposed
Silvermine River Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation for a sum not to exceed
$22,150. Acct. # 09004021 5777 C0109.

D. RECREATION AND PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

1. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp to enter into an agreement with the Norwalk
Hospital Foundation for their annual Whittingham Cancer Center “Walk this
way…with us”. To be held at Calf Pasture Beach on Sunday, May 14, 2006 from
8:00 AM – 3:00PM. Estimated attendance 600. Set-up on Saturday, May 13, 2006
at 5:00PM, breakdown on Monday, May 15, 2006 by Noon.

2. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to enter into an agreement with the
Greenwich Kennel Club Inc. for their 74th Greenwich Kennel Club All Breed
AKC Dog Show, Obedience and Rally Trials to be held in Taylor Farm on
Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Set up would take place on
Thursday, June 8, 2006 at 10:00 AM and break down would be complete Sunday,
June 11, 2006 by 12:00 Noon. Estimated attendance 1,000+

3. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to enter into an agreement with Phil’s Main
Roofing, LLC the low bidder for project # 2284 Veterans park Restroom Roof
Reconstruction for a sum not to exceed $98,652.00. Acct #’s 09036030-5777-
C0282, 09066030-5777-C0367 & 09026030-5777-C0095

4. Approve the design and plans for the renovation of Freeze Park by the Norwalk
Redevelopment Agency.

5. Authorize the Purchasing Director to issue a purchase order to authorize the
agreement with Wenger Corporation as the sole bidder for a new Encore
Showmobile (Mobil Stage) project #2266 for a sum not to exceed $86,000.00.
Acct # 09066030-5777-C0373
E. PLANNING COMMITTEE

1a. Resolved that the proposed conveyance of a 1,550 square foot parcel and the
proposed 7385 square foot access easement from 142-144 East Avenue LLC to
the City of Norwalk for the purposes of providing future public access to the
Norwalk harbor waterfront be approved in accordance with Section 8-24 of the
Connecticut General Statues.

1b. Resolved that the mutually agreed upon sum to construct approximately 105 feet
of public access boardwalk, be conveyed to the City of Norwalk to reimburse the
City for its expense in providing such public access.

Mr. Bondi moved consent to table the next three Items only.

2a. Resolve that the proposed restoration of Freese Park as submitted by the
Redevelopment Agency on July 5, 2005 be approved in accordance with Section
8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

2b. Resolve that the proposal complies with the Coastal Management requirements.

3. Resolve that the subordination agreement for the drainage easement at 25 South
Smith Street be approved in accordance with Section 8-24 of the Connecticut
General Statutes subject to a commitment to the granting of a public access
easement along the waterfront.

Mr. McQuaid mentioned the tabled items.

The Mayor explained that if an Item is on the agenda it has to be addressed; in this case the Item will be permanently tabled.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.

B. OTHER GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS

There was no other business this evening.
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VI. REPORTS: DEPARTMENTS, BOARD AND COMMISSIONS

A. NORWALK FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION COMMISSION

1. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all documents necessary
with State of Connecticut – Department of Social Services and Connecticut Health
and Education Facility Authority (CHEFA) as well as other agencies may be
required for loan repayment purposes, for the application, receipt and
implementation of funds for the renovation and reconstruction of the Childcare
facilities at Nathaniel Ely Center. Project budget - $3,838,800.

** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.

The Mayor asked Ed Schmidt, Assistant to the Mayor to speak about the Item.

Mr. Schmidt stated that CHEFA appropriates $1.5 million every year and they are able to leverage that into $18 million of financing to construct new slots for children. It has been used in surrounding towns and it is now Norwalk’s time to get its major project. Regarding the financing, in the prior year the General Assembly appropriated $1 million that allowed CHEFA to do $18 million of financing; of that $18 million Norwalk was allocated $3.8 million. It is a loan that CHEFA issues and the debt is actually repaid by the State of Connecticut. There are no city funds required to pay that debt, but there is a requirement that the city come up with 10% of the capital costs that the city has already done, it was put in last year’s capital budget. This is as good as it gets and allows the city to renew day care centers and represents an incredible opportunity.

Mayor Knopp referred to the comments of Ms. Hill adding that the roof will be fixed and this will benefit every program in the school so the building will be healthier and safer; also the HVAC and all of the windows will be replaced again benefiting every program in the school.

Mr. McQuaid asked the age of the childcare center.

Mr. Schmidt said originally it was for ages 3 and 4, however the General Assembly amended that and it is now from birth to 5 years of age.

Mr. McQuaid asked if Nathaniel Ely School could be used as an elementary school in the future.

Mr. Schmidt replied that this could possibly be done but it would have to be discussed thoroughly.

The Mayor asked Mr. Callas to answer any questions.

Mr. Hempstead asked Mr. Callas as the director of NEON if he felt comfortable making sure the programs are up to federal standards.

Mr. Callas said he did not know what the status of NEON would be, but if they are successful then yes he was comfortable with the standards.

Mr. Bondi asked regardless of whom takes over, will the building be utilized by after school facilities.

Mr. Callas replied that all current uses would continue. CHEFA are aware of the situation and have agreed that the building will always be used as a Head Start Program.

Ms. Olmstead-Sawyer noted her concern regarding teenagers and asked if their programs would continue.

Mayor Knopp replied that they would and they would be expanding the programs at the facility. He added that this is a win/win situation.

Ms. Olmstead-Sawyer said after the renovation of the building will there be a committee to talk about who is running the programs and will the focus remain on the minorities.

Mayor Knopp responded by saying that the city is responsible for the fiscal infrastructure. The idea would be that however those programs are determined, that is what will continue.

Mr. Krummel applauded the efforts of Mr. Schmidt and his staff in getting this grant. He also commented on the low compensation rate paid to staff and hoped this would improve as well.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.

2. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with Becker and
Becker Associates of Fairfield, Ct. to provide architectural and engineering design
services for the Nathaniel Ely Child Care Center Project in the not-to-exceed
amount of $339,000.00. (Acct # to be determined)

** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.

Mr. Schmidt explained that they had received several applications to provide architectural services but Becker and Becker stood out as the unanimous choice having completed several other CHEFA programs in Connecticut and New York. He continued to say that Becker and Becker have the most experience in childcare centers and programs saying that they are lucky to have them on board. Mr. Schmidt then explained the William Pitt Center in Stamford also designed by Becker and Becker.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.

Mayor Knopp thanked Mr. Schmidt and his staff.

VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES

B. LAND USE AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

1. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with Community
Health Center, Inc. to lease and operate a pediatric and family dental/oral health
clinic at Ben Franklin Center. Term of the agreement shall be as provided in memo
from Alan Lo dated July 18, 2005.

** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.

Mayor Knopp recognized representatives from Community Health Center.

Mr. Hempstead thanked the director for providing such great services, however he commented on the hours of operation noting that many families would have a hard time getting to the center from 8:00- 5:30 M-F. He suggested an expansion of the times of services including staying open until 8:00 pm and Saturday mornings.

Mayor Knopp stated that this was a reasonable suggestion and could be incorporated in the lease.

Mr. Krummel asked about the fee schedule and if Medicare is accepted.

Mark Micelli (Community Health Center) stated that this is a non-profit agency and their first service is dentistry. Many people come in who are un-insured and they accept both Medicare and Medicate – the do not deny any care.

Mr. Krummel referred to a recent newspaper article regarding the abuse of Medicare by providers; he asked Mr. Micelli for his comments.

Mr. Micelli replied that they take compliance very seriously.

Mr. Hilliard thanked everyone involved with this.

Mayor Knopp remarked that he was very pleased to see this partnership moving forward as it would mean all children in Norwalk could receive the necessary dental screening.

Mr. Micelli introduced Margaret Flinter and Adele Gardener saying that they were all happy to work with the city.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.

C. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

1a. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a Purchase Order to Abs Tech Industries,
Inc. for the purchase of 275 filters and mounting collars, and the installation and
maintenance of same, for the Long Island Sound keepers Filter Demonstration
Project, for a sum not to exceed $297,000.00. Acct.# 354076 5573

1b. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with Long Island
Sound keepers, Inc. for project coordination, education and outreach related to the
Long Island Sound keepers Filter Demonstration Project, for a sum not to exceed
$62,218.00. Acct.# 354076 5573

** MR. PORUBAN MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEMS 1A AND 1B.

Mayor Knopp noted that there had been no committee meeting and this was why it was before the Council this evening.

Mr. Alvord explained that this program would be a demonstration of the use of filters in the storm drains and catch basins starting in South Norwalk. He further explained the funding.

There was discussion of the amounts involved.

The Mayor confirmed that this project would not require any financial out-lay from the city.

Mr. Alvord concurred.

Mr. Poruban thanked members of the DPW for their work on this.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
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VIII. RESOLUTIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL

There were none this evening.
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IX. MOTIONS POSTPONED TO A SPECIFIC DATE

There were none this evening.
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X. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES

There were none this evening.
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XI. ADJOURNMENT

** MR. BONDI MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

ATTEST: __________________________________
Pam Stark, City Clerk