COMMON COUNCIL ACTIONS, city of norwalk ct, norwalk city hall, norwalk ct, Norwalk

Common Council Actions

Click to view YEAR 2001-2002 ACTIONS
Click to view YEAR 2003 ACTIONS
Click to view YEAR 2004 ACTIONS
Click to view YEAR 2005 ACTIONS
Click to view YEAR 2006 ACTIONS
Click to view YEAR 2007 ACTIONS
Click to view January 8, 2008 ACTIONS
Click to view January 22, 2008 ACTIONS

Click to view February 12, 2008 ACTIONS
Click to view February 26, 2008 ACTIONS
Click to view March 11, 2008 ACTIONS
Click to view March 25, 2008 ACTIONS
Click to view April 8, 2008 ACTIONS
Click to view April 22, 2008 ACTIONS
Click to view May 13, 2008 ACTIONS

MAY 27, 2008
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 8:00 P.M. EST 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.

Mayor Moccia opened the meeting at 8:20 p.m. and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I. ROLL CALL

Ms. Roman called the roll.

PRESENT:

Fred Bondi Amanda Brown
Michael Geake Richard McQuaid
Douglas Sutton Richard Bonenfant
Steven Serasis Nicholas Kydes
William Krummel Rev. Phyllis Bolden
Kelly Straniti Andrew T. Conroy
Laurel Lindstrom Douglas Hempstead

ABSENT: Carvin Hilliard

Ms. Roman announced that there were fourteen (14) members present and one (1) absent.
II. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Regular meeting – May 13, 2008

** REV. BOLDEN MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2008 AS SUBMITTED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Let it be noted that the following comments and remarks by all speakers have been summarized and are not necessarily verbatim.

Mr. Peter Tucci came forward and said that he lived on Perry Lane. He added that he was the NHS football coach and was present to represent the NHS athletes and all those who use the field. He then reviewed the history of the football field at NHS and reminded everyone about the installation of then brand new invention of artificial turf. Injuries are part of the game, but the coaches try to limit them. When the artificial turf was installed, the number of injuries dropped. The safety of the athlete is the primary concern of the coaches, but it is also important to remember that the field is heavily used.

Ms. Sharon Cadden, who resides at 26 Saxon Place, came forward and said that she was a parent of a NHS student who plays lacrosse on Testa Field. She said that people were aware that the field turf would need to be replaced around now. She added that she did not know of anyone who would want to put in synthetic turf if it was harmful to the athletes. She encouraged the members of the Council to support the allocation of funds for the new turf field.

Ms. Marge Costa came forward and said that she was a PTO Co-President and also the parent of a student who was a soccer player. Ms. Costa said that when her daughter was playing soccer in the rain on the artificial field she lost her footing and ended up breaking her foot. Recently, her daughter was playing lacrosse on the same field and ended up tearing her ACL, which required surgery. The two times that she injured herself was on the NHS field, which is worn down. Ms. Costa asked the Council to allocate the funding to replace the turf so that no other athlete hurts themselves on the field.

Mr. Wayne Mones, the Athletic Director at NHS, came forward. He said that earlier in the day he had looked at the lower Nathan Hale field, which was recently resodded. There were already people using the field and that use would damage the newly replaced sod. Mr. Mones said that when there is a quality turf field, the number of injuries drops. He added that the various athletic teams have gotten full use of the field. At this point in time, the turf is like a carpet and needs to be replaced because it is worn down. If a new turf field is not allocated, the teams would need three or four sod fields to handle all the activity. The newspapers articles about environmental problems with turf fields concerns about lead had to do with Astroturf. The turf that is being proposed is a different material altogether and there have been no environmental concerns.

Mr. Tod Bryant, of 23 Morgan Street, came forward and said that he was the President of the Norwalk Preservation Trust. Mr. Bryant wished to express his support of the Federal Grant resolution that was being proposed by Recreation and Parks. Mr. Bryant said that the Community Gardens have been very popular and that the Trust would like to continue to support this project in anyway possible.

Ms. Diane Lauricella, of 16 Marlborough Road, came forward and said she lives at 16 Marlborough Road. She said that she was present to represent the League of Women Voters. The League promotes transparency and accountability. She said that the agenda items V- A, #2, 3 and #4 did not have due process regarding the transparency.

The second point was V - A- 5A &B, which she felt had devolved from a transparency to a closed situation. Ms. Lauricella said that the League was recommending that the item be taken back to consider the item and do due diligence. She then thanked the Council for their time.

The public portion of the meeting closed at 8:38 p.m.

IV. MAYOR

A. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Resignations: There were no resignations to announce at this time.
Appointments: There were no appointments to approve at this time.
Reappointments: There were no appointments to approve at this time.

B. REMARKS

The Mayor said that he wished to echo Mr. Bryant’s comment about the success of the Community Gardens

He added that the Perry Avenue Bridge would be opened tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.

V. COUNCIL PRESIDENT

A. GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS

1. RESOLVED, that in accordance with section 7-188 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Common Council initiate the process of amending the Charter of the City of Norwalk, and appoint a Charter Revision Commission.

2. RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby appoints the following persons as members of the Charter Revision Commission: Edna Brooks, Robert Virgulak, Peter Nolin, Michael Coffey, Herbert Grant & Fran DiMeglio.

3. RESOLVED, that the Common Council recommends that the Charter Revision consider amending the Charter of the City of Norwalk to provide for four-year terms for all elected officials of the City of Norwalk.

4. RESOLVED, that the Charter Revision Commission shall submit its draft report to the Common Council on or before July 21, 2008.

5a. Create a Special Committee of the Common Council for the purpose of issuing a request for proposals for a study of the feasibility of a public power system for the City of Norwalk. Proposals for the study shall be submitted to the Land Use and Building Management Committee of the Common Council for review and possible selection. The special committee shall disband upon the issuance of a request for proposals, or July 24, 2008, whichever is earlier.

5b. The following Council Members shall be appointed to the Special Committee:
Bill Krummel Doug Hempstead
Kelly Straniti Doug Sutton
Andy Conroy Mike Geake

Council President Bondi announced that the following items would be pulled from the agenda:

4. RESOLVED, that the Charter Revision Commission shall submit its draft report to the Common Council on or before July 21, 2008.

Council President Bondi then read the following resolution and announced that there were some amendments to the proposed resolution.

After Council President Bondi read his amended version of the proposal on the floor, Mr. Geake had some questions about the process. A brief discussion followed about the clarification of the terms.

RECESS

Mr. McQuaid requested a recess at 8:44 p.m. The meeting resumed at 8:52 p.m.

Council President Bondi read the amended proposal again for the Council. Mr. Krummel then reviewed what he believed the process would be. A brief discussion about the wording then followed. Mr. Krummel then asked Council President Bondi to re-read the proposal and another discussion followed regarding the wording of the proposal.

** MR. BONDI MOVED TO AMEND AGENDA ITEM V A 5 a FROM:

CREATE A SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL FOR THE PURPOSE OF ISSUING A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR A STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF A PUBLIC POWER SYSTEM FOR THE CITY OF NORWALK. PROPOSALS FOR THE STUDY SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE LAND USE AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE SELECTION. THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE SHALL DISBAND UPON THE ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, OR JULY 24, 2008, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER.

TO:

CREATE A SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL FOR THE PURPOSE OF ISSUING A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR A STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF A PUBLIC POWER SYSTEM FOR THE CITY OF NORWALK. PROPOSALS FOR THE STUDY SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION. RESULTS OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE WHO WILL REVIEW IT AND MAKE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE LAND USE AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE SHALL DISBAND UPON THE ISSUANCE OF A REPORT, OR OCTOBER 31, 2008, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

5b. The following Council Members shall be appointed to the Special Committee:
Bill Krummel Doug Hempstead
Kelly Straniti Doug Sutton
Andy Conroy Mike Geake

** COUNCIL PRESIDENT BONDI MOVED THE FOLLOWING AGENDA ITEM:

THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE:

BILL KRUMMEL, DOUG HEMPSTEAD, KELLY STRANITI, DOUG SUTTON,
ANDY CONROY, AND MIKE GEAKE.

Mr. Bondi read the list of proposed Special Committee members. Mr. Krummel said that he felt it was an outrage that the hardest working and most interested person was not included in the list.

** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO AMEND THE LIST TO ADD LAUREL LINDSTROM TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE.

Mr. Geake then said that not having Ms. Lindstrom on the list was a serious oversight.

** THE MOTION FAILED WITH A TIE VOTE WITH SEVEN IN FAVOR (BROWN, GEAKE, SUTTON, SERASIS, BOLDEN, LINDSTROM, AND KRUMMEL); SEVEN AGAINST (BONDI, MCQUAID, BONENFANT, KYDES, HEMPSTEAD, STRANITI, AND CONROY) AND ONE ABSTENTION (MOCCIA).

** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING AGENDA ITEM AS ORIGINALLY STATED:

THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE:

BILL KRUMMEL, DOUG HEMPSTEAD, KELLY STRANITI, DOUG SUTTON,
ANDY CONROY, AND MIKE GEAKE

PASSED WITH EIGHT IN FAVOR (BONDI, GEAKE, MCQUAID, BONENFANT, KYDES, HEMPSTEAD, STRANITI, AND CONROY); FOUR AGAINST (SUTTON, SERASIS, LINDSTROM, AND KRUMMEL) AND TWO ABSTENTIONS (BOLDEN AND BROWN).

B. CONSENT CALENDAR:

** COUNCIL PRESIDENT BONDI MOVED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES

A. RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

1. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE NORWALK EXCHANGE CLUB FOR AN EVENT “PORK IN THE PARK” BARBECUE CONTEST AND BLUES FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT CRANBURY PARK, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7TH, 2009 THRU SUNDAY, AUGUST 9TH, 2009. FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2009, FROM 6:00PM – 10:00PM, SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH, 2009, FROM 10:00AM-9:00PM, AND SUNDAY, AUGUST 9TH, 2009, FROM 10:00AM – 8:00PM. SET-UP TO TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6TH, 2009 AT 9:00AM WITH BREAK DOWN NO LATER THAN 5:00PM ON MONDAY, AUGUST 10TH, 2009. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 8,000-10,000 OVER THE COURSE OF THE EVENT.

2. APPROVE THE USE OF THE SHOW MOBILE FOR THE MAIN/WALL STREET FESTIVAL BY POKO PARTNERS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 7, 2008 FROM 12:00PM – 9:00PM.

3. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTH NORWALK COMMUNITY CENTER, INC. TO USE THE GROUNDS OF COLUMBUS SCHOOL FOR THEIR ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP TO BE HELD MONDAY, JULY 7, 2008 THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2008 FROM 8:00AM – 2:30PM. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 125.

4. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS WITH THE UNITED SATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION TO APPLY, ACCEPT AND IMPLEMENT A CAPITAL GRANT FOR THE ROODNER COURT TENNIS FACILITY. THE PURPOSE OF THE GRANT IS TO PROVIDE AND DEVELOP THE GROWTH OF TENNIS. THE CAPITAL GRANT BEING SUBMITTED IS FOR $16,000.00. THE PROGRAM IS A 50% MATCH WITH FUNDING AVAILABLE IN ACCOUNT #0907-6030-5777-C0321.

THE GRANT AID FROM THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR THE PROJECT KNOWN AS “FEDERAL DREDGING OF NORWALK HARBOR” TOGETHER WITH ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THE TERMS AND OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH IN SUCH GRANT DOCUMENTS.

6B. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE “MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY AND THE CITY OF NORWALK, CONNECTICUT FOR ACCEPTANCE AND RETURN OF CONTRIBUTED FUNDS FOR THE MAINTENANCE DREDGING OF THE NORWALK HARBOR FEDERAL NAVIGATION TOGETHER WITH ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING A LETTER OF INTENT, THAT MAY BE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THE TERMS AND OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH IN SUCH DOCUMENTS.”

7. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE YMCA OF NORWALK INC. FOR THE USE OF THE GROUNDS AT SILVERMINE SCHOOL FOR A SUMMER DAY CAMP TO BE HELD FROM JUNE 23, 2008 – AUGUST 15, 2008, FROM 7:00AM-6:00PM. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 150.

B. LAND USE & BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

1A. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE CONTRACT WITH EAST SIDE MOVERS, INC. D/B/A ESM VAN & STORAGE FOR PROVIDING MOVING SERVICES FOR THE NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT FOR A TOTAL NOT-TO EXCEED $41,212.00 ACCT #0904-5010-5777-B0310.

1B. AUTHORIZE THE NFCC TO ISSUE CHANGE ORDERS ON CONTRACT FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $4,100.

2A. AUTHORIZE TO INCREASE CONTINGENCY ALLOWANCE FOR AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $15,238.93 TO TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS’ CONTRACT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL TELEPHONE/PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM. ACCT #09075010- 5799-B0310

2B. AUTHORIZE THE NFCC TO ISSUE CHANGE ORDERS ON CONTRACT FOR AN ADDITIONAL TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $15,238.93.

3A. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH SIGNING STAR, LLC OF WAYNE NJ TO PROVIDE ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE ABATEMENT SERVICES AT THE ROTON MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $ 75,700.00 ACCT #0904-5010-5777-B0312.

3B. AUTHORIZE THE NFCC TO ISSUE CHANGE ORDERS ON CONTRACT FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $7,500.

4A. AUTHORIZE TO INCREASE CONTINGENCY ALLOWANCE WITH MAIN ENTERPRISES INC. FOR AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $110,000.00 IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE BOILERS AT BEN FRANKLIN CENTER. ACCT #09074071- 5777-C0388

4B. AUTHORIZE THE NFCC TO ISSUE CHANGE ORDERS ON CONTRACT FOR ADDITIONAL CONTINGENCY ALLOWANCE FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $110,000.00.

5A. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH PECORA BROTHERS, INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORWALK BAND BUILDING AND RESTROOM FACILITIES AT ANDREWS FIELD FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $121,986.59. ACCT. #169019 5448

5B. AUTHORIZE THE OFFICE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT TO ISSUE CHANGE ORDER ON CONTRACT FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $18,000.

6. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC, OF NORTH HAVEN FOR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE CITY AND BOARD OF EDUCATION DATA CENTERS FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $76,750.00 (INCLUDING A $2,000 ALLOWANCE FOR REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES). ACCT. #09070600-5777-C0375, #09047100-5777-C0296 AND 09057100-5777-C0323

C. HEALTH, WELFARE & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

1. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE ORDER TO FIREMATIC SUPPLY INC., ROCKY HILL CT., TO PURCHASE A HURST RESCUE TOOL SYSTEM AND ACCESSORIES FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $ 30,198.04. THIS EQUIPMENT IS SOLE SOURCED TO MAINTAIN CRITICAL EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING CONTINUITY. 80 % OF COST ($ 24,158.44) TO BE PAID AS PART OF A FEMA ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT, ACCOUNT NO. 353173-5729. REMAINING 20 %
($ 6039.60) TO BE PAID FROM ACCOUNT NO. 0131535790.

2. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ISSUE A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE ORDER TO SHIPMAN’S FIRE EQUIPMENT CO. INC., WATERFORD CT, TO PURCHASE A PARATECH RESCUE AIR BAG SYSTEM, PARATECH VEHICLE STABILIZATION KIT AND ACCESSORIES, FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $ 29,419.15. THIS EQUIPMENT IS SOLE SOURCED BECAUSE SHIPMAN’S IS ONLY VENDOR IN AREA TO PROVIDE STATE OF CONNECTICUT DAS BID LIST PRICING. 80 % OF COST ($ 23,535.32) TO BE PAID AS PART OF A FEMA ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT, ACCOUNT NO. 353173-5729. THE REMAINING 20% ($ 5883.83), TO BE PAID FROM ACCOUNT NO. 0131535790

3. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA, TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY AND THE CITY OF NORWALK REGARDING STATEWIDE TACTICAL ON-SCENE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (STOCS) BOX TOGETHER WITH ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THE TERMS AND OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH IN SUCH MEMORANDUM.

** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PROPOSED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

A. RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

** COUNCIL PRESIDENT BONDI MOVED THE FOLLOWING AGENDA ITEMS:

5A. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO ENTER INTO A SOLE SOURCE AGREEMENT WITH FIELD TURF TARKETT FOR INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF THE ARTIFICIAL SURFACE AT THE SHEA-MCGRATH COMPLEX AT NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $457,560.00. CAPITAL PROJECT 2008-09 ACCOUNT TO BE DETERMINED.

5B. AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF RECREATION AND PARKS TO ISSUE CHANGE ORDERS ON CONTRACT TO FIELD TURF TARKETT NOT TO EXCEED $22,878.00. CAPITAL PROJECT 2008-09 ACCOUNT TO BE DETERMINED.

Mr. Krummel said that he was impressed with the concern of the parents and the coaches regarding the replacement of the turf field. Mr. Krummel said that the issue was still under study, so he had requested Mr. Mocciae to come forward to update the Council on the studies. Mr. Mocciae said that the eight year warranty on the original turf field had served its term and needed to be replaced. Mr. Mocciae said that new studies have been done about the safety of the turf and Mr. Mones had included copies of the studies in the packets. This new material is polypropylene and not Astroturf. The new product has individual blades and will not be as worn down in eight years. The colleges are currently using this product. The previous field was given a life of eight years and it lasted for that long. The new field will also have the lining as part of the turf, which will reduce maintenance.

Mr. Kydes said that a number of years ago, he had been on the Planning Committee when the first turf field at NHS was installed. He said that he felt that the turf field was better than natural sod. Mr. Kydes then listed a number of the sports that use that particular field such as soccer, football, and lacrosse and reminded everyone that a number of other schools including Westconn and New Canaan used the field. The previous field stood up to the heavy use.

Mr. McQuaid said that he would be voting for the field and reminded everyone that he had been on the Council when the original field was voted on. He said that one of the parents had mentioned their child who was injured on the field because the turf was worn out, not because it was a turf field.

Mr. Hempstead said that he would be supporting the motion because he saw trade offs because it would not be fertilized, mowed or have high maintenance. He said that he had not heard of any major issues from turf fields.

Mr. Conroy said that he was an early supporter of the field and that he did not remember any major problems with the field. Mr. Mocciae commented that Tarkett Customer Service had been very, very good. He added that with the new surface, there were fewer times that it would need to be swept. Mr. Geake asked if it would ready for September. Mr. Mocciae said that the company had agreed to have it ready by August.

Ms. Lindstrom said that she appreciated that the Council had an opportunity to view the current field and examine a sample of the new material. Her one concern was as far as toxicity was about the type of material used and that has been answered satisfactorily.

Mr. Serasis said that he had played soccer all his life and played on the sod field and later on turf. When playing on a dirt or grass field, there was always at least 1 season ending injury, but with the turf fields the injury rate dropped.

Mr. Bonenfant said that he would like to point out that this was a third generation product, but even with the first generation product they never had to remove a section of the turf in front of the goals.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** COUNCIL PRESIDENT BONDI MOVED THE FOLLOWING AGENDA ITEMS:

8A. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A, MOCCIA TO APPLY FOR FUNDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO EXPAND THE FODOR FARM COMMUNITY GARDEN. THE MATCH REQUIRED FOR THE GRANT IS 35% ON A TOTAL GRANT OF $230,000.00.

8B. AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF IN KIND FUNDS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS FOR THE AMOUNT OF $80,500.00 OUT OF 2008-2009 FISCAL YEAR.

Mr. Krummel said that the Land Use and Building Management Committee had been very involved in the Community Gardens project. The original plot was for 1 1/4 acres of land, but now the proposal was to expand the plots to 3 acres. He then asked Mr. Mocciae to explain where the new plots would be. Mr. Mocciae said that it would be where the old orchards had been and the plots would be larger. He added that the New York Times would have an artic