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Common Council
Actions
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COMMON COUNCIL ACTION
OCTOBER 14, 2003
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. |
he regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Norwalk was held on Tuesday, October 14, 2003, in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut. The Mayor, Alex A, Knopp, called the meeting to order at 8:10 pm. Cub Scouts from Silvermine and Fox Run Schools lead the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance and posted the colors.
I. ROLL CALL
Betsy Bain Jeanette Olmstead Sawyer
Kenneth Baker Christopher Perone
Fred Bondi Kevin Poruban
Carvin Hilliard Judith Rivas
Barbara Hudgins Douglas Sutton
William Krummel Peter Wien (absent)
Bruce Kimmel William Wrenn
Matthew Miklave
There were fourteen (14) members present at Roll Call.
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II. ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES
A. Regular meeting of September 23, 2003
** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES AS AMENDED.
The following amendments were made:
Page one, to correct the spelling of Ruth Gregg.
Page three, under Item C, 1b, correct the figure to $188,360.00.
Page five, at the end of the first paragraph, delete accreditation and replace with re-accreditation visit in 2005.
** MOTION PASSED, TWELVE VOTES IN FAVOR, TWO ABSTENTIONS (MR. HILLIARD AND MR. BONDI) BY VOICE VOTE.
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III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No members of the public wished to speak this evening.
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IV. MAYOR
Mayor Knopp indicated that their first meeting in November fell on Veteran’s Day, a public holiday so that during the next regular meeting of the Common Council they would have to set an alternate date for the first November meeting.
A. REMARKS
Mayor Knopp announced that on Friday of last week they undertook the ground breaking for the Brien McMahon High School. He indicated that this is the largest project in the city’s history and has involved much preparation and planning by the Board of Education, the Adhoc Committee, the Land Use Committee, the Common Council and the two professional firms involved, Gilbane and Fletcher Thompson.
Mayor Knopp remarked that Brien McMahon High School will be a school with information technology, science labs, classrooms, library and the center for global studies fit for the 21st Century. He said by the time it is complete many of the boys present would be going to a school that would be a proving ground for all young people.
The Mayor said they are in an excellent position to deliver the project on time and with a minimum of problems; he added that they are off to a good start.
B. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
1. Resignations: Athena Jacobsen, Human Relations Commission
Mayor Knopp announced that Ms. Jacobsen had resigned from the Human Relations Commission.
2. Appointments: Saloma Grose, Human Relations Commission
Roseanne Conoscenti, Judy Metzger, Roy Thompson, Board of Assessment Appeals
Frank Whitman, Southwestern Regional Tourism District
3. Reappointment: Dr. Edward Tracey, Board of Health Commission
Arlene Cioffi, Jane Ready, Kathleen Clement, Board of Assessment Appeals
With regard to the Board of Assessment, Mayor Knopp stated that under the statute they are entitled to enlarge the membership following the revaluation. Alternates are appointed for a one year term.
** MR. BONDI MOVED TO APPOINT ROSEANNE CONOSCENTI, JUDY METZGER, ROY THOMPSON AND TO RE-APPOINT ARLENE CIOFFI, JANE READY, KATHLEEN CLEMENT TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS.
Mayor Knopp commented that the candidates are from different political parties and different realtor firms.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Mayor Knopp stated that he wished to nominate Dr. Edward Tracey for re-appointment on the Board of Health Commission; he commented that Dr. Tracey has served on that commission for about twenty years and he is a dedicated physician.
** MS. RIVAS MOVED TO REAPPOINT DR. EDWARD TRACEY TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH COMMISSION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Regarding the nomination for the Southwestern Regional Tourism District, Mayor Knopp stated that the State Legislature had abolished the system of thirteen regional tourism districts and this had unfortunately affected Norwalk. He explained that one of Norwalk’s biggest financial investments is to promote tourism and he gave examples. The thirteen tourism districts were abolished and were replaced by six larger, consolidated districts. Each municipality is allowed to send one representative to the Governing Board. Mayor Knopp stated that Mr. Frank Whitman, who he considered to be an excellent representative, had been nominated. Mr. Whitman has been on the Coastal CT Tourism Board, as well as the Board of the Norwalk Symphony and owns and operates the Silvermine Tavern. Mayor Knopp said he was very concerned about the diminished role of local tourism, but Mr. Whitman would give Norwalkers the best opportunity to have their voices heard.
** MS. BAIN MOVED TO REAPPOINT MR. FRANK WHITMAN TO THE SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL TOURISM DISTRICT.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Mayor Knopp indicated that they did not have the resume for Saloma Grose in the packet so they would continue with her nomination when the relevant paperwork was supplied.
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V. COUNCIL PRESIDENT
A. CONSENT CALENDAR
** MR. MIKLAVE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED.
Police Station acct. #09034031-5777-CO137.
Acct. # 09035010-5777-CO237.
Acct. #09035010-5777-C0237.
Acct. #09035010-5777-C0237.
7. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with Special Testing Laboratories, Inc. to provide Materials Testing Services for the Brien McMahon High School/Center for Global Studies Improvement Project for a total not to exceed $80,000.00
Acct. # 09035010-5777-CO237.
8. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with Berkshire Engineering & Surveying, LLC to provide site survey services for the Brien McMahon High School/Center for Global Studies Improvement Project for a total amount not to exceed $2,500.00.
Acct. #09035010-5777-C0237.
VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES
A. PUBLIC HEALTH & WELFARE COMMITTEE
1a. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all documents necessary to apply for and accept grant funds from the State of Connecticut for the Cardiovascular Health Project for the period July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004.
1b. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all agreements and instruments necessary to implement the Cardiovascular Health Project and any amendments thereto.
B. FINANCE COMMITTEE
3. For informational purposes only: Monthly Tax Collector’s Report dated August 31, 2003.
4. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to sign a contract for Pension Actuarial Consulting Services to Millman, USA for the Period July 1, 2003 to June 20, 2006 for a sum not to exceed $123,000.00; $50,000.00 for fiscal year 2003-04, $20,000.00 for fiscal year 2004-05 and $53,000.00 for fiscal year 2005-06 with option to renew for fiscal year 2006-07 for $21,200.00 and fiscal year 2007-08 for $56,200.00.
C. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
2. Authorize the Water Pollution Control Authority acting through its Chairman, John Atkin to expend funds in the Capital Budget by means of an Agreement authorized by the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) on June 26, 2003 with Wright-Pierce, Inc. to provide professional services in connection with the I/I study mandated by the Department of Environment Protection, for a sum not to exceed $95,000.
Acct. #09 02 40 60 5777 C0213
4. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with Sanborn Colorado, LLC., to provide planimetric and topographic GIS data for a sum not to exceed $2,940.
Acct. #09 03 40 31 5777 C0037
5. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue an Emergency Purchase Order to the NY-Conn Corporation for the Reconstruction of traffic signals (as a result of a knockdown at Connecticut Avenue and Van Buren Avenue, for a sum not to exceed $30,000.
Acct. #01 40 24 5343 (insurance reimbursement)
7. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to Morton Salt to provide salt for snow plowing operations for a sum not to exceed $35.95/ton.
Acct. #0140 255322
Mr. Miklave moved consent to table the following Item to the next regular meeting of the Common Council.
D. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Approve City of Norwalk Procurement Guidelines
Mr. Miklave continued with items included on the consent calendar.
E. PUBLIC SAFETY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
B. OTHER GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS
There was no other general council business this evening.
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Mayor Knopp requested that they take the items out of order. There were no objections.
C. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Acct. #01 40 30 5258
** MR. PERONE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.
Mr. Perone noted that this is good news for all people using the railroad station as the structure is in need of repair; he added that this is a great start.
Mr. Kimmel said as a user of the railroad station he was glad to see the work is getting done.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
6. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to Terzian Trucking to provide sand for snow plowing operations for a sum not to exceed $18.44/ton.
Acct. #01 40 25 5322.
Mr. Perone asked Mr. Linnartz (DPW) to step forward to answer any questions.
Mr. Linnartz stated that they had received nine bids for this ranging from $18-26 per ton; he added that as well as the price they took into account the qualifications and equipment. After this was complete, Mr. Linnartz stated that they recommended using Terzian Trucking, as it is a local firm. He said in the event of a large storm (like last year) and I-95 is closed it would not allow them to access the sand if the company was far away. He further explained that they cannot house such a large quantity of sand all at one time so they have to be able to access it when the time is needed. Mr. Linnartz did point out that Terzian was not the cheapest bidder they were $0.95 a ton more. However, he noted that the cheapest bidder had in fact been some 42 miles away.
It was noted that there was an error on the agenda; the price should have been quoted as $18.95/ton.
Mr. Miklave asked how many tons of sand would be used. Mr. Linnartz stated that it was hard to say, but estimated four thousand tons.
Mr. Krummel asked if the DPW would incur extra costs with regard to cleaning the streets. Mr. Linnartz replied that they would, however this was in their budget as a separate line item.
** MR. PERONE MOVED TO AMEND THE ITEM BY CORRECTING THE PRICE TO $18.95/TON
** AMENDMENT PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
** MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
3. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with I.O. Solutions, Inc. to administer entry level examinations to Police Officers for the Norwalk Police Department.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Chief Rilling (Police Department) explained that in the past they had used a certification firm to prepare the examination, however this company has now gone out of business. Police Departments are now in the process of giving their own examinations. He stated that because time is not on their side they would be giving the examination through a private vendor (he gave details of the exam). Chief Rilling continued to explain that because the unemployment rate is so high at the present time, they are looking at sending out applications to approximately 800 candidates. He noted that the applicant process itself is expensive and estimated a cost of $40-50,000. In order to offset some of the costs, they would be charging $50 per application packet, so they would be able to offer the tests at no cost to the city.
Ms. Olmstead Sawyer asked Chief Rilling about hiring from minority groups. Chief Rilling stated that it was hard to tell at this point as they had only received initial enquiries that did not require applicants to state what group they belonged to. He noted that the Norwalk Police Department has one of the best histories for hiring from minority groups.
Chief Rilling stated that if an applicant was unable to pay the $50 then they would send it out for free.
Ms. Olmstead-Sawyer asked what qualifications were required to join the Norwalk Police Department.
Chief Rilling said an applicant would need a high school diploma or GED, a valid drivers license and no convictions.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
4. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with Lee Cogswell Assoc. to administer examinations for Detectives on the Norwalk Police Department.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Chief Rilling stated that they give promotional examinations for all ranks within the departments up to and including inspector; he added there are currently no inspectors. He explained their current process and that to become a detective an officer must have served for three years. Once the examination is given, promotion is completely governed by contract. He noted that the examination results remains in effect for two years.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
B. CORPORATION COUNSEL
** MR. MIKLAVE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.
Mayor Knopp indicated to the Council and the public that the phase II proposal was submitted last week and involves the construction of 345 KV line from Norwalk to Middletown. For the last several months the twenty-four elected officials had many meetings to prepare for the application and their response. Mayor Knopp stated that the good news in phase II is that from Norwalk to Westport the line is proposed to go underground. He said this is a result of the meetings/discussions with the other towns. Mayor Knopp explained said all of these municipalities have come together to strengthen in dealing with the utilities and the Siting Council so there is not a repeat of phase I and one of the differences is hiring a contract facilitator.
With regard to the cost, Mayor Knopp referred to the last page of the agreement, pointing out that if all the municipalities are to take part then the cost for Norwalk is approximately $1,400 (6.6%). If all of the municipalities do not take part then the costs will be allocated. Mayor Knopp stated if there is a big difference he would be certain that it would come back to the Common Council for approval.
Mr. Wrenn stated that he applauded the action of the Corporation Counsel and the Mayor’s office; he noted that it is great to see the four towns working together.
Mayor Knopp said under the legislation, passed by the General Assembly in their last session, utilities are required to put up funds that can be used by municipalities to respond to applications.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE
** MR. MIKLAVE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Mayor Knopp referred to the contract passed out this evening. He said that Synapse is an energy consulting firm and the purpose of this contract is to enable all the towns to use them for items such as questions in the discovery phase and answers for cross examination. The Mayor stated that all of the towns have different issues and because of this there are three different contracts. Norwalk will only be participating in the first of the contracts and their share will be approximately $4,200 (6.5%).
Mr. Krummel commented that after phase I they saw how effective neighbors organizations are in bringing up important questions regarding phase I. He hoped that they keep these organizations informed and take them into account in preliminary discussion for phase II.
Mayor Knopp agreed with Mr. Krummel’s excellent comments saying that he learned from phase I that the neighbors have the right to expect the information to get to them and the city should supply as much information as possible.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
C. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE (continued)
3. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A, Knopp, to execute an Agreement with LAZ/ACS for the Management and Operation of Public Parking Facilities, Enforcement and Collection Services; Public On-Street and Off-Street Parking within the City of Norwalk for a five (5) year term beginning October 15, 2003 for a sum not to exceed $200,00 management fee (this includes $125,000 to LAZ and $75,000 to ACS) and 10% of the net operating income from the parking system over $200,00 (authorized by the Parking Authority on Wednesday, September 24, 2003).
Acct. #’s 214095-5258-$156,666 (parking division)
404051-5258-$26,667 (SNRR Station)
404055-5258-$16,667 (ENRR Station)
** MR. PERONE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.
Mayor Knopp indicated that when he first became Mayor he began looking at management of the parking system and discovered that it was done in a fragmented, inefficient and costly manner. The city had three different contracts in place. By bidding these three services out to a single entity it enabled the city to accomplish the same task for a tremendous savings. He added that this will also give better service at a lower cost.
Mayor Knopp pointed out that this recommendation involves that change of an organization; there will be no transfers in terms of city employees.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE
A. NORWALK FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION COMMISSION (continued)
1a. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute a 3-year contract with Gilbane Building Company to provide Program Management Services to the NFCC. Such contract shall include an initial project assessment phase (3 months) for a total not to exceed $247,567.00.
Acct. #09045010-5777-B0291
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.
Ms. Bain said after working with Gilbane for the last year and a half on the Brien McMahon project she had been very impressed with their professionalism. She said when she first learned that they were going submit a proposal to be project manager; she had mixed feelings. One of the reasons was that they would loose Mr. Hawley from the Brien McMahon but also the issue of conflict of interests. Ms. Bain noted that others had those same concerns and they were addressed openly during the interview process.
Ms. Bain said it is in the best interest of the city to hire this firm as it was among the top rated firms. In spite of the fact that Gilbane are working on the Brien McMahon she suggested it was appropriate to hire them as project manager based on the accommodations they made on the overseeing of the Brien McMahon project.
Mayor Knopp noted that Gilbane provided a similar role in New Haven by working on a large school program. He said that he had spoken with the development staff and they had no complaints about Gilbane’s role. Mayor Knopp pointed out that Gilbane would not be bidding on any future construction projects in the city as long as they are the project manager.
Mr. Krummel stated that he wished to explain why he was voting "no" on this item. He said it did not reflect his opinion of the excellent work done by Gilbane and Fletcher Thompson. Mr. Krummel said the perception of the conflict of interests is very hard. He said they all agree that the Brien McMahon project is the largest project and getting part of it done on schedule is critical. His reason for voting "no" is to emphasis that it is very incumbent upon Gilbane to perform in a professional manner. In effect, to look over your own shoulder to make sure that estimates are accurate, that change order determinations are fair and to do all the other things that we cannot predict now. Mr. Krummel stated that he was aware that there is an item two that proposes a consultant, PinnacleOne, to look at certain part of project. He did not think this was adequate; he said they need a much more advanced notice for the consultant to determine when they need to come in to do an impartial program manager activity.
Mr. Kimmel said he was satisfied with Gilbane’s professional expertise and added that he was sure they would handle this delicate situation carefully. He acknowledged that this is a major item that they are about to vote on. Mr. Kimmel went through various proposed school projects in the past that they city did not move forward with at the time. He said they now have a realistic plan and they are taking the initial step to move forward with a multi-building plan that is accessible and will transform the school system. He said he supported this enthusiastically.
Mayor Knopp noted his appreciation of Mr. Kimmel’s remarks. He said the city is undertaking a major school construction program and a reform of the construction process. Mayor Knopp said there are three things they wish to accomplish: 1) the proposal of a facilities plan; 2) the adoption of a financial plan; 3) the reform of the construction oversight process. The Mayor said that tonight is the combination of almost two years of reform efforts, not to just revise what was being done, but how it was being done.
** MOTION PASSED TWELVE VOTES IN FAVOR, TWO VOTES OPPOSED (MR. KRUMMEL AND MR. WRENN) BY VOICE VOTE.
1b. Approve an allowance for reimbursable expenses for a total not to exceed $15,000.00.
Acct. #09045010-5777-B0291
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.
** MOTION PASSED THIRTEEN VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE VOTE OPPOSED (MR. KRUMMEL).
2. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with PinnacleOne Inc. to provide on-call professional management consultation services relating to Brien McMahon High School/Center for Global Studies project for a total not to exceed $30,000.00
Acct. #09035010-5777-C0237
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Mayor Knopp wished to thank Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Foley, Mr. Lo, Mr. Opdahl and all other staff involved with this.
Ms. Bain said although this item is not to exceed $30,000 she believed that Alan Lo and the Adhoc Committee feel that if there is a need for other consulting services, she would not feel hesitant to ask.
Mr. Krummel said he was concerned that this project puts the Brien McMahon Adhoc Committee in a bind. On one hand they are going to be concerned with keeping expenses down and keeping within the budget, and on the other hand they are going to be faced with the possible choice of calling on a consultant for additional services when they see it necessary. He said he would like to see a understanding that calling for these services is going to be something especially needed that might save much more money in the long run.
** MOTION PASSED THIRTEEN VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE VOTE OPPOSED (MR. KRUMMEL) BY VOICE VOTE.
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At this point in the meeting the relevant paperwork/resumes had been delivered and the Mayor suggested they now go back to the appointment of Saloma Grose.
** MR. PORUBAN MOVED TO APPOINT SALOMA GROSE TO THE HUMAN RELATION COMMISSION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
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A. NORWALK FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION COMMISSION (continued)
** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.
Mr. Krummel noted that the change orders have gone before both the Adhoc Committee and NFCC and they both unanimously supported them.
** MOTION PASSED THIRTEEN VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE VOTE OPPOSED (MR. BONDI) BY VOICE VOTE.
B. FINANCE COMMITTEE
2. For Informational Purposes Only: Narrative on Tax Collections dated August 6, 2003.
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
______________________________________________________________________________
X. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES
** MR. MIKLAVE MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ADD OBSERVATORY PLACE AS A CITY STREET.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
** MR. PERONE MOVED TO ACCEPT ADDITION OF OBSERVATORY PLACE AS A CITY STREET.
Mr. Linnartz stated that this had received approval from Planning and Zoning as well as the DPW. He said as a city street it would be an accepted roadway and would receive all city services.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
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VIII. RESOLUTIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
There were none this evening.
______________________________________________________________________________
IX. MOTIONS POSTPONED TO A SPECIFIC DATE
There were none this evening.
______________________________________________________________________________
XI. ADJOURNMENT
** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm.
ATTEST : ____________________________
Pam Stark, City Clerk
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