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Common Council
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MARCH 11, 2008
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.
Mayor Moccia called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m. Representatives of Girls Scout Troop 685 and members of the Brownie Troops 328, 180, 561, 50328 and 526 presented the colors and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.
The Mayor then had a proclamation read by one of the Scouts which stated
that the week of March 9th was “Girl Scouts Make The World A Better Place”
Week. Following this, the colors were retired.
I. ROLL CALL
Ms. Roman called the roll.
PRESENT:
Fred Bondi Michael Geake
Douglas Sutton Richard Bonenfant
Steven Serasis Carvin Hilliard
Nicholas Kydes Laurel Lindstrom
William Krummel Douglas Hempstead
Amanda Brown Andrew T. Conroy
Rev. Phyllis Bolden
ABSENT: Richard McQuaid and Kelly Straniti.
Ms. Roman announced there were 13 members present and 2 absences.
II. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Regular meeting – February 26, 2008
** MR. KYDES MOVED THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2008.
** THE MOTION PASSED WITH TWELVE (12) IN FAVOR (GEAKE, SUTTON BONENFANT,
SERASIS, HILLIARD, KYDES, LINDSTROM, KRUMMEL, HEMPSTEAD, BROWN, CONROY AND
BOLDEN) AND ONE (1) ABSTENTION (BONDI),
III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Ms. Marija Bryant, of 23 Morgan Avenue, came forward and spoke in favor of the establishment of a Silvermine Tavern Village District. She said that Neighborhood Association of Silvermine Homeowners (NASH) has worked very hard to protect this very important and historic piece of Norwalk’s history.
Ms. Leigh Grant, the President of the Neighborhood Association of Silvermine Homeowners (NASH) came forward and also expressed her support for the establishment of a Silvermine Tavern Village District. She pointed out that the Tavern was the focal point of much of Silvermine’s history.
Mr. Lee Levey came forward and stated that he was a Board member of NASH and urged that the Council approve the Village District. He pointed out that the way that the codes are currently written, if the Silvermine Tavern burned down today, it could not legally be rebuilt as it was. He then reiterated the importance for the establishment of a Silvermine Tavern Village District.
Ms. Diane Lauricella, of 8 Outer Road, came forward and stated that she lived in the Village Creek district.
First of all, she said that she also supported the establishment of a Village District for the Silvermine area.
Ms. Lauricella said as the President of the League of Women Voters (LWV), the League supported the Charter Revision and stated that she hoped that the meetings would be held in open forum.
Ms. Lauricella also said that the LWV also supported the resolution regarding the reduction of energy usage. She then distributed copies of a document from the League on this issue of 20% energy reduced by 2010, and directed the Council to a website with more information. Ms. Lauricella then presented a copy of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Energy Options to the Mayor for his consideration.
Mayor Moccia said that his office had forwarded a resolution from the Common
Council in Support of 20% Clean Energy by 2010. He pointed out that if 100
people agree to an additional $5.00 a month on the energy bill, it would allow
the City to acquire solar panels. There would be no financial commitment on
the part of the City. Mayor Moccia said that this would be addressed in more
detail later in the meeting.
IV. MAYOR
A. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Resignations: There were no resignations to present at this time.
Appointments: There were no appointments of at this time.
Reappointments: There were no reappointments of at this time.
B. REMARKS
Mayor Moccia mentioned the passing of Mary T. “Bea” Brown and some of her accomplishments for the City. He then opened the floor to the Council to express their thoughts.
Mr. Hempstead said that he served with Ms. Brown and that she was passionate, stood her ground despite their occasional disagreements.
Mr. Bondi said that he also had had the pleasure of serving on the Council with Ms. Brown. One year, Mr. Bondi and Ms. Brown were the only two members of the Democratic Party on the Council. He said that they had some very interesting caucuses. Her passing is a great loss for the City.
Rev. Bolden said that she was fortunate to have known Ms. Brown. While she was not always in total agreement, she set a great example.
Mr. Hilliard said that he had worked with Ms. Brown in the last few years. She was a strong advocate for civil rights and always let people know exactly where she stood. Mr. Hilliard said that not only did he hear from Ms. Brown when she disagreed with him, but also when she approved of his position or actions.
This was followed by a moment of silence in Ms. Brown’s memory.
Mayor Moccia also informed members that Council member Kelly Straniti’s father is very ill.
V. COUNCIL PRESIDENT
A. GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS
Council President Bondi announced the appointment of Councilman Doug Sutton
to the Public Power Authority.
VI. AGENCIES, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
There were no items to consider.
CONSENT CALENDAR
** MR. GEAKE MOVED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NOTED THAT AGENDA ITEM VII.1 WAS CONSENT TO TABLE:
VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES
A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Resolution, authorizing the reduction of the Ben Franklin Heating System
Capital Project for an amount of $79,990.00(Project Account No. 09074071-5777-C0388).
Resolution, appropriating $79,990.00 for a Special Capital Appropriation
for the City Hall Cooling Tower Project (Project Account No. 09084071-577-C0416).
B. LAND USE & BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
1a. Authorize the Mayor Richard A. Moccia, to execute a contract with West State Mechanical Inc. for the replacement of the cooling towers at Norwalk City Hall for a total not to exceed $180,990.00. Account #090844071-5777-C0416.
1b. Authorize the Office of Building Management to issue change orders on contract for a total not to exceed $17,000.
C. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
1a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with FGB
Construction Co. for Project No. PM 2008-1, Proposed Pavement Management Program,
for a sum not to exceed $ 1,401,277.80.
1b. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue Orders on Contract to
FGB Construction Co. for Project No. PM 2008-1, Proposed Pavement Management
Program, for a sum not to exceed $140,127
Account No. 09 04/08 4021 C0283
2a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with Cavaliere
Industries, Inc. for Project No. PM 2008-2, Proposed Bituminous Concrete Permanent
Pavement Repair, for a sum not to exceed $257,893
2b. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue Orders on Contract to
Cavaliere Industries Inc. for Project No. PM 2008-2, Proposed Bituminous Concrete
Permanent Repair, for a sum not to exceed $25,789.
Account No. 03 0000 2602
3a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with Costello Industries, Inc. for Project No. 4R 2008-4, Proposed 4R Crack Sealing at Various Locations, for a sum not to exceed $113,190.50.
3b. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue Orders on Contract to Costello Industries, Inc. for Project No. 4R 2008-4, Proposed 4R Crack Sealing at Various Locations, for a sum not to exceed $11,319. Account No. 09 08 4021 C0021
D. PLANNING COMMITTEE
1. Approve the establishment of the Silvermine Tavern Village District.
VII. RESOLUTIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL
1. RESOLVED, that in accordance with CGS Chapter 99, Sections 7-188 and 7-190,
the Common Council initiate the process to amend the Charter of the city of
Norwalk and that the Council appoint a Charter Review Commission within 30
days. Consent to table to 3/25/08 Council mtg.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
VII. RESOLUTIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL
2. A Resolution of the City of Norwalk’s Common Council in Support of 20% Clean Energy by 2010
WHEREAS, electricity production is the leading cause of industrial air pollution
in the United States which can result in a variety of health risks to Norwalk
residents including cases of asthma especially in children; and
WHEREAS, by meeting the goals of 20% by 2010, Norwalk can begin to address
the problems resulting from the above; and
WHEREAS, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced in a cost-effective manner
that enhances economic development by applying currently available energy
efficiency technologies, an energy audit and such renewable energy programs
as Norwalk and many towns have implemented that save money, create jobs and
strengthen local economies; and
WHEREAS, clean energy resources – such as wind and solar energy – constantly
replenish themselves, do not cause the buildup of global warming gases and
health damaging pollutants, and if properly managed, will be available to
serve our energy needs forever; and
WHEREAS, the 20% by 2010 campaign is a Connecticut not-for-profit initiative
that has undertaken efforts to encourage community action in support of putting
Connecticut’s customers on a path to having 20% of their electricity supply
come from clean, renewable energy sources by the year 2010.
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund has agreed to provide Norwalk a
solar Photo-voltaic energy system, for every 100 residential homes signing
up for CL&P’s CT Clean Energy Options SM program. The units will be received
and installed at no cost to the municipality and allow for direct reductions
in conventional electric supply at a site to be determined by the town.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the town of Norwalk commits to the goal
of making at least 20% of its municipal energy purchases come from clean energy
resources by the year 2010.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the City of Norwalk will investigate options
for meeting that goal, including purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates
(RECs) and/or on-site renewable energy installations, recommendations for
energy efficiency opportunities and will research additional funding opportunities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Norwalk encourages
all businesses, institutions and households within Norwalk to adopt the goal
of making at least 20% of their energy purchases come from renewable energy
sources by the year 2010.
Mayor Moccia then introduced the 20% Clean Air by 2010 Resolution.
Mr. Kydes said that he would be voting to move forward with this resolution because it is non binding to the City, but Norwalk will benefit. This is a clean energy policy, which Mr. Kydes said that eventually the entire world would be embracing. There are no additional costs to the City.
Mr. Geake said that when he was a Commissioner at the Second Taxing District, he voted for Green Energy and that he and his wife were the first Green Energy customers. Mr. Geake said that he did have a problem with paragraph 7, which commits the City. He pointed out that these goals were not revenue neutral and this is also reiterated in paragraph 8.
Mayor Moccia explained that the City would be committing to the goal. He then suggested that the wording be changed to “we hope to commit” rather than “we commit”. If the City does not reach the goal, then the City will keep working towards the goal. The Mayor said that seven other towns had passed this Resolution.
Atty. Maslan said that he read it as a commitment to the goal and believed that it would not cost the City additional funding.
Mr. Krummel then said that he had been an early advocate of green energy in the City and urged looking into geothermal units for Brien McMahon. This was turned down because of the relative cost of oil at the time.
Mr. Krummel then said that regarding due process, he would prefer that a Council member introduce a resolution and that it should be discussed in committee. He then pointed out that the CL&P Green Energy option, which is a cost to the residents who sign up for the program. He then asked if the City means what it says.
Atty. Maslan replied that the residential homes are the only ones who can apply for the Green Energy, and the extra charge is strictly voluntarily. This will mean that residents could voluntarily add $60.00 to their bill a year for Green Energy.
Mayor Moccia said that this resolution was the same one that other towns passed. He pointed out that the Council President had stated that the resolution was not binding and that Atty. Maslan had investigated this thoroughly. Mayor Moccia also said that he was surprised that the Council Members were resistant to the idea that the Mayor would bring a resolution to the Council floor.
Ms. Lindstrom said that she would echo many of the other speakers had said in favor of the resolution. Ms. Lindstrom said that she felt that it was a wonderful opportunity for education. It would be an excellent time to take this back to committee and also to send it to the Public Power Authority Committee for discussion. Ms. Lindstrom said that she did not think this was not a cookie cutter resolution and that it would be important to have Council wording included.
Mayor Moccia said that the Public Power Authority was a subcommittee of the Council that was charged to study to evaluate whether the City should form its own power authority.
Mr. Hempstead pointed out that in terms of Due Process, most resolutions are not brought through Committee to the council floor. He said that there was nothing in the resolution other than getting the solar panel if there are enough residents who volunteer to add an amount to their electric bill.
Rev. Bolden then asked if the Mayor knew how many municipal buildings would be able to have solar panels. Mayor Moccia said that there were 19 school buildings, City Hall, the Health Department and various other buildings. If the City received a panel, he would bring it before the Council to determine which building was the best one to receive it.
Mr. Krummel then asked why the City had not signed up for the Green Energy process. Mr. Hempstead said that the City had signed up for contracts four years ago and he then reviewed the details of this agreement with Mr. Krummel.
Mr. Bondi then said that he felt that the Council had exhausted a lot of energy. He felt that this resolution had been a long time coming and finally had reached the Council.
Ms. Brown said for the record, that she did not think that the Democrats were against the resolution and that she felt that needed to be discussed. She then said that it would be important to know how much it would cost to install the panels. It was pointed out that the installation was free and that this was stated in the resolution. She then asked how dirty the air was in Norwalk and how it would be measured and requested the exact number and the means by which an improvement would be determined.
** MS. LINDSTROM MOVED TO REFER THE RESOLUTION TO THE PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY
FOR DISCUSSION.
** MS. BROWN SECONDED.
** THE MOTION FAILED WITH SIX (6) IN FAVOR (BROWN, GEAKE, SUTTON, SERASIS,
LINDSTROM AND KRUMMEL) AND SEVEN (7) AGAINST (BONDI, BONENFANT, BOLDEN, HILLIARD,
KYDES, HEMPSTEAD AND CONROY).
** MR. BONDI MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:
WHEREAS, ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF INDUSTRIAL AIR POLLUTION
IN THE UNITED STATES WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VARIETY OF HEALTH RISKS TO NORWALK
RESIDENTS INCLUDING CASES OF ASTHMA ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN; AND
WHEREAS, BY MEETING THE GOALS OF 20% BY 2010, NORWALK CAN BEGIN TO ADDRESS
THE PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM THE ABOVE; AND
WHEREAS, GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS CAN BE REDUCED IN A COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER
THAT ENHANCES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY APPLYING CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ENERGY
EFFICIENCY TECHNOLOGIES, AN ENERGY AUDIT AND SUCH RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS
AS NORWALK AND MANY TOWNS HAVE IMPLEMENTED THAT SAVE MONEY, CREATE JOBS AND
STRENGTHEN LOCAL ECONOMIES; AND
WHEREAS, CLEAN ENERGY RESOURCES – SUCH AS WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY – CONSTANTLY
REPLENISH THEMSELVES, DO NOT CAUSE THE BUILDUP OF GLOBAL WARMING GASES AND
HEALTH DAMAGING POLLUTANTS, AND IF PROPERLY MANAGED, WILL BE AVAILABLE TO
SERVE OUR ENERGY NEEDS FOREVER; AND
WHEREAS, THE 20% BY 2010 CAMPAIGN IS A CONNECTICUT NOT-FOR-PROFIT INITIATIVE
THAT HAS UNDERTAKEN EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY ACTION IN SUPPORT OF PUTTING
CONNECTICUT’S CUSTOMERS ON A PATH TO HAVING 20% OF THEIR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
COME FROM CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES BY THE YEAR 2010.
WHEREAS, THE CONNECTICUT CLEAN ENERGY FUND HAS AGREED TO PROVIDE NORWALK A
SOLAR PHOTO-VOLTAIC ENERGY SYSTEM, FOR EVERY 100 RESIDENTIAL HOMES SIGNING
UP FOR CL&P’S CT CLEAN ENERGY OPTIONS SM PROGRAM. THE UNITS WILL BE RECEIVED
AND INSTALLED AT NO COST TO THE MUNICIPALITY AND ALLOW FOR DIRECT REDUCTIONS
IN CONVENTIONAL ELECTRIC SUPPLY AT A SITE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE TOWN.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE TOWN OF NORWALK COMMITS TO THE GOAL
OF MAKING AT LEAST 20% OF ITS MUNICIPAL ENERGY PURCHASES COME FROM CLEAN ENERGY
RESOURCES BY THE YEAR 2010.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE CITY OF NORWALK WILL INVESTIGATE OPTIONS
FOR MEETING THAT GOAL, INCLUDING PURCHASING RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES
(RECS) AND/OR ON-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY INSTALLATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPPORTUNITIES AND WILL RESEARCH ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ENCOURAGES
ALL BUSINESSES, INSTITUTIONS AND HOUSEHOLDS WITHIN NORWALK TO ADOPT THE GOAL
OF MAKING AT LEAST 20% OF THEIR ENERGY PURCHASES COME FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY
SOURCES BY THE YEAR 2010.
** MR. KYDES SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED WITH 10 IN FAVOR (BONDI, GEAKE, BONENFANT, BOLDEN, HILLIARD, KYDES, LINDSTROM, HEMPSTEAD CONROY AND KRUMMEL) AND THREE AGAINST (BROWN, SUTTON AND SERASIS).
IX. MOTIONS POSTPONED TO A SPECIFIC DATE
There were no motions postponed to a specific date at this time.
SUSPENSION OF THE RULES
There were no suspensions of the rules at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
** MR. KYDES MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MR. HEMPSTEAD SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services
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