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Common Council
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COMMON COUNCIL ACTION
JUNE 8, 2004
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, June 8, 2004, in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall,
125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut. The Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, called the
meeting to order at 8.15 pm and led the assembly into the Pledge of Allegiance.
There was a moment of silence to remember President Reagan.
I. ROLL CALL
Betsy Bain Bruce Kimmel
Kenneth Baker Richard McQuaid
Fred Bondi Matthew Miklave
Michael Coffey Jeanette Olmstead-Sawyer (absent)
Carvin Hilliard Kevin Poruban
Douglas Hempstead Douglas Sutton
William Krummel Peter Wien
Leona Williams
There were fourteen (14) members present at Roll Call.
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Mayor Knopp requested that they take the agenda out of order to acknowledge their guests Nagarote. There were no objections.
VIII. RESOLUTIONS FROM COUNCILMAN BRUCE KIMMEL
1. Resolution extending greetings to the Mayor and the people of Nagarote.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED:
WHEREAS the Norwalk/Nagarote Sister City Project has completed eighteen successful years of partnership between Nagarote, Nicaragua, and the Greater Norwalk area of Connecticut, and
WHEREAS over these eighteen years the project’s focus has expanded to include not only friendship, peace and understanding, but also sustainable economic development, and
WHEREAS the Greater Norwalk area has demonstrated its caring support through generous donations by individuals, Rotary Clubs and the Tauck Foundation; service to Nagarote community; and material aid shipments, and
WHEREAS as a result of this generous support, Nagarote boasts one of the finest municipal libraries in Nicaragua, five homeless families now have new homes, scores of teens are engaged in constructive after school programs, 177 Nagarote business people have received loans totaling $100,000 dozens of families are raising pigs for food and income, and several schools have received supplies and assistance, and
WHEREAS this relationship is by no means one sided since the project has enriched the lives of children in both communities through cultural exchange, and the many visitors to Nagarote have experienced not only warm, generous hospitality but also an opportunity to grow and expand their own horizons beyond all expectations, and
WHEREAS Norwalk has had the privilege of hosting visitors from Nagarote, including the current Mayor and the former Mayor, and has enjoyed stories, poetry and artwork by people from Nagarote.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Norwalk extends a warm greeting to the Mayor and the people of Nagarote and congratulate the members and supporters of the Norwalk/Nagarote Sister City Project for their fine work building lasting international relationships and sustainable development.
Major Juan Gabriel said that from the 40,000 inhabitants of Nagarote he thanked the government of Norwalk. He said this is a new relationship and hopes it will continue as so many people have helped them. Mayor Gabriel wished to present a plaque to Mayor Knopp and would do so tomorrow. He said a special thank you to all of the people in Norwalk, especially to all of the young people who have been involved with the sister/sister project. Every grain of rice and every piece of aid does a tremendous amount and saves lives – he gave thanks to all.
Mayor Knopp responded by saying that the work of cities not matter what country or continent, are very similar, improving education, building schools, paving the streets etc – the goals of all cities and Mayors everywhere. He wished Mayor Juan Gabriel a lot of luck.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
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IV. B. REMARKS
Mayor Knopp said that Norwalk High School has an excellent program that encourages students to join an entrepreneurship and to develop business and marketing plans for starting businesses. He said he raised this tonight because on the front of the Norwalk Hour (that morning) two of the students who participated in Norwalk High business program won first prize in the statewide competition. He said that he had invited the two students, Eric Johnson and Craig North and their teacher Al Morganthuller; he also acknowledged the principal of the high school, Dewey Amos.
Mr. Morganthuller said these two students had won because they
are excellent salesmen and are excellent in business. Both students thanked
everyone for their support.
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II. ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES
A. Special Meeting – May 25, 2004
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF MAY 25, 2004 AS PRESENTED.
** MOTION PASSED TWELVE (12) VOTES IN FAVOR, TWO ABSTENTIONS (MR. BAKER, MR.
WIEN).
B. Regular Meeting – May 25, 2004
** MR. BONDI MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 25, 2004 AS AMENDED.
The following corrections were made:
Page six, second paragraph from the bottom, second line, delete
the comma.
Page eight, second paragraph from the bottom, first line, after the comma insert
the word but.
** MOTION PASSED TWELVE (12) VOTES IN FAVOR, TWO ABSTENTIONS (MR.
BAKER, MR. WIEN).
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III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Attorney Scott Orenstein stated that he was here to discuss the Broad Street Bridge project and went through all of the details on the bid documents.
Mayor Knopp interjected by informing Attorney Orenstein that because
the DPW had a problem with this he anticipated that they would not act upon
it this evening and the item would be tabled. He said if for any reason the
item is not tabled, then he would certainly give Attorney Orenstein another
chance to speak.
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IV. MAYOR
Re-appointments
** MR. BAKER MOVED TO REAPPOINT BEVERLY KREIGER TO THE HOUSING
AUTHORITY.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Mayor Knopp said the next reappointment is Joseph Tamburri who has done an excellent job noting that there have been nothing but compliments of the authority.
** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO REAPPOINT JOSEPH TAMBURRI TO THE OAK HILLS AUTHORITY.
Mr. Krummel echoed the comments of the Mayor saying that Mr. Tamburri is like a breath of fresh air.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Mayor Knopp indicated that Mr. Bermudez had served diligently on the Planning Commission, he has been involved with the master plan is one of the leaders in the Hispanic/American organization.
** MR. SUTTON MOVED TO REAPPOINT JOSE BERMUDEZ TO THE PLANNING
COMMISSION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
The Mayor said he would like to put forward the name of Frances DiMeglio, also on the Planning Commission; she is a community affairs outreach person for Norden Systems.
** MR. BONDI MOVED TO REAPPOINT FRANCES DIMEGLIO TO THE PLANNING
COMMISSION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Mayor Knopp said he was pleased to re-appoint two members of the Shellfish Commission, the first being John Frank, a very diligent and active commissioner as well as a very pro-active chairman. Secondly Bob Searles a well-known face at the waterfront and a very active boater. He recently participated in the donating of a new patrol boat to division of the Marine Police. He said he was pleased to re-appoint them both.
Lastly Mayor Knopp said he wished to re-appoint Derick DeMarche to the Zoning Commission.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO REAPPOINT DERICK DEMARCHE TO THE ZONING
COMMISSION.
** MOTION PASSED THIRTEEN (13) VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE VOTE OPPOSED (MR. HEMPSTEAD)
BY VOICE VOTE.
Appointments
Mayor Knopp said the first name he wished to put forward is Lee Blair from alternate to full member on the Fair Rent Commission.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO APPOINT LEE BLAIR TO THE FAIR RENT COMMISSION.
** MOTION PASSED TWELVE VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE OPPOSED (MR. MCQUAID), ONE ABSTENTION
(MR. HEMPSTEAD) BY VOICE VOTE.
The Mayor said he was pleased to put forward the name of Bea Brown, heroic figure in the history of Norwalk’s social development of politics. A leader in the African American community and a former member of the Common Council. He said that Ms. Brown had recently had her leg amputated and she is now interested in serving again; her term ends in September so this will give her a couple of months to see if she can make the meetings.
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO APPOINT BEA BROWN TO THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION.
Mr. Hempstead complimented the Mayor on his choice and said it was nice to see Ms. Brown re-enter in serving the city.
Mr. Bondi said it was a pleasure to vote for Ms. Brown as they had served together in the past and it was great to see her back.
Mr. McQuaid echoed the previous remarks saying that Ms. Brown is a Norwalk legend.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Mayor Knopp said that Don Nelson is well known and one of the foremost advocates of the environment; an all around good citizen.
** MS. BAIN MOVED TO APPOINT DON NELSON TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
** MOTION PASSED TWELVE (12) VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE OPPOSED (MR. HEMPSTEAD), ONE
ABSTENTION (MR. MCQUAID) BY VOICE VOTE.
The Mayor said that Leigh Grant is president of the Silvermine neighborhood groups, and one of the leaders in the community.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO APPOINT LEIGH GRANT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Mr. Krummel commented that he has worked with Ms. Grant in the past and found her a person who learns quickly and is an extremely good organizer.
** MOTION PASSED THIRTEEN (13) VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE ABSTENTION (MR. MCQUAID) BY VOICE VOTE.
Mayor Knopp said he had pleasure in appointing Peter Johnson to serve on the Shellfish Commission, he is an active used of the water and was recommended by Mr. Frank.
The Mayor put forth the name of Jackie Lightfield to fill the term of Derick DeMarche as an alternate on the Zoning Commission. He said that she is involved in a lot of community work and is in touch with different municipalities around the state.
** MR. COFFEY MOVED TO APPOINT JACKIE LIGHTFIELD AS AN ALTERNATE
TO THE ZONING COMMISSION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Mayor Knopp indicated that Karen Spencer is involved with many of the neighborhood actives and she will be the successor to Ms. Owens.
** MR. BONDI MOVED TO APPOINT KAREN SPENCER AS AN ALTERNATE TO
THE ZONING COMMISSION.
Mr. Kimmel commended the Mayor on his tri-partisan approach.
Mr. Hempstead said he was sorry that Ms. Owens would not be coming back and wished to thank her for all she has done for the city.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Mayor Knopp appointed Daniel Iacovella to serve on the South West Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA). He has been involved as a land use consultant on housing and developing matters and worked for a company who helped make the financial arrangements for the construction the Marvin Housing and Day Care on Gregory Blvd.
B. REMARKS (Continued)
Mayor Knopp informed everyone that after consulting with many
other people, including the superintendent of schools that city hall would remain
open on Friday. He added that there would be a memorial service in the atrium
at 11:00 am to remember President Regan. He said the schools would also remain
open due to the preparations for graduation.
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V. COUNCIL PRESIDENT
A. CONSENT CALENDAR
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEM TO BE INCLUDED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
VI. REPORTS: DEPARTMENTS, BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
A. NORWALK FACILITIES COMMISSION
1. Approve to designate East Norwalk Railroad Station concession building reconstruction project to be under the jurisdiction of NFCC.
VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES
A. PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
1a. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all documents necessary to contract with Laura Epstein as the Municipal Agent for the Elderly for the Period July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2007.
1b. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all
agreements and instruments necessary to contract with Laura Epstein as the Municipal
Agent for
the Elderly and any amendments thereto.
2. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute a memorandum of understanding with the Connecticut Children's Medical Center for the LAMPP Project.
3a. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all documents necessary for the provision of public health services to the town of New Canaan for the period June 15, 2004 through December 31, 2004.
3b. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all
agreements and instruments necessary to provide public health services to the
town of New Canaan and any amendments thereto.
B. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
2a. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an Agreement with the Costello Industries, Inc., for Project No. 4R 2004-4, Proposed 4R Crack Sealing at Various Locations, for a sum not to exceed $86,400.00.
2b. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue Orders on
Contract to the Costello Industries, Inc., for Project No. 4R 2004-4, Proposed
4R Crack Sealing at Various Locations, for a sum not to exceed $8,640.00.
Acct. # 0905 4021 5777 C0283
3. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue Orders on Contract
to Deering Construction for Project No. RD 2003-1, Proposed Bituminous Concrete
Sidewalks and Curbs at Various Locations, for a sum not to exceed $18,000.00.
Acct. # 0905 4021 5777 C0285
C. RECREATION, PARKS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
2. Order(s) on existing DPW's contract with Deering Construction, Inc. for the installation of sanitary sewer grinder pump and sewer line for the Public restrooms in Mathews Park for a total not to exceed $22,500.00. Acct. #09006030-5777- C0132
3. Approve the naming of the Norwalk High School Softball Field
in honor of Ray
Barry.
D. PLANNING COMMITTEE
1. Approve the award of the Washington Street Railroad Bridge
lighting design and engineering contract to Berg-Howland Associates for a negotiated
sum not to
exceed $30,000.00. Acct. # 09020910- 5777-C0210
4. Authorize the City of Norwalk to post a Surety Bond in the face amount of $1,062,000.00 in satisfaction of State Traffic Commission requirement for the issuance of STC Permit #102-0111-03 for infrastructure improvements required for the Reed Putnam Urban Renewal Project.
5. Approve the amount not to exceed $21,240.00 (quote to be provided at meeting) to be funded from Special Act Grant (01-02) from the State of Connecticut to the City of Norwalk for said Surety Bond.
6. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all documents necessary to post a Surety Bond in the face amount of $1,062,000.00 in satisfaction of State Traffic Commission requirements for the issuance of STC Permit #102-0111-03 for infrastructure improvements required for the Reed Putnam Urban Renewal Project.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
B. OTHER GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS
Mr. Kimmel announced that tomorrow night at 7:00 pm in the Community
Room the Conservation Commission would be holding a forum on open space; he
noted the importance of the event.
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B. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
1a. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an Agreement with the O & G Industries, Inc., for Project No. BR 94-2, State Project No. 102-272, FAP No. S TPO-7102 (6), Superstructure Replacement of Broad Street, Bridge over Norwalk River, for a sum not to exceed $1,114,947.30.
1b. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue Orders on
Contract to the O & G Industries, Inc., for Project No. BR 94-2, State Project
No. 102-272, FAP No. S TPO-7102 (6), Superstructure Replacement of Broad Street
Bridge over Norwalk River,for a sum not to exceed $111,494.00.
Acct. # 0901 4021 5777 C0028
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED APPROVAL OF BOTH ITEMS.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO TABLE BOTH ITEMS TO THE NEXT MEETING OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
C. RECREATION, PARKS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
1a. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with Rampage, LLC for the supply and installation of Skateboard Park Equipment at Calf Pasture Beach for a total not to exceed $65,000.00. Acct. # 09036030-5777-C 0263, #09016030-5777-C0069 and #09046030-5777-C0263
1b. Authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to execute
a change order of contract
not to exceed $5,000.00.
** MR. BONDI MOVED APPROVAL OF BOTH ITEMS.
Mr. Bondi indicated that they had a special meeting to discuss this and information could be found in the back-up material. He said he was glad to see this project get off the ground.
Mr. Hempstead said he had no objections to a skateboard park, he did object to the location saying that there are much better spaces for this.
Mr. McQuaid asked for the cost of the project. Mr. Bondi replied that it was $110,000.
** MOTION PASSED TWELVE (12) VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE VOTE OPPOSED (MR. HEMPSTEAD), ONE ABSTENTION (MR. MCQUAID).
D. PLANNING COMMITTEE
2. Approve the attached list of programs for inclusion in the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.
Mr. Miklave recused himself and left the chambers.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Mr. Miklave re-joined the meeting.
3. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute a contract amendment
to the contract with Chan Krieger for the Mid-Harbor Planning Study to include
additional work related to SoNo South in an amount not to exceed $40,000.00.
Acct.# 017025-5258
** MR. MIKLAVE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.
Mr. Miklave said he was pleased to present an initiative using Chan Krieger to look at the possibilities of extending the plan to include SoNo South.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
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X. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ADD AN ITEM TO THE AGENDA.
Mr. Ciccarello explained that their para-legal would be leaving in July and they would need to fill the vacancy quickly so there is no gap. He further explained that the current contracts being worked on in the law department would come to a standstill if this position is not filled.
** MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Resolved, that a sum not to exceed $22,942 be and the same is hereby transferred from contingency to the legal department to pay for an expected shortfall due to a severance payment (account no. 01-0300-5110).
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.
Ms. Bain asked if the Board of Estimate and Taxation had approved this Item.
Mayor Knopp replied that it had.
Mr. Kimmel indicated that this would have come before the Finance Department on Thursday; they would support the item tonight so that are no gaps in the Legal Department.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Mr. Bondi added that the next meeting for Parks and Recreations
would be held at Calf Pasture Beach.
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IX. MOTIONS POSTPONED TO A SPECIFIC DATE
There were none this evening.
_____________________________________________________________________________
XI. ADJOURNMENT
** MR. BONDI MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
The meeting of the Common Council was adjourned at 9:20 pm.
ATTEST: ________________________________________________
Pam Stark, City Clerk
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