CITY OF GROTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL DRAFT MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2010

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1 CITY OF GROTON DRAFT MONDAY, MUNICIPAL BUILDING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:30 PM Mayor Popp called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. I. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Dennis Popp, Deputy Mayor Marian Galbraith, Councilors Lisa M. Luck, Keith Hedrick, William Jervis, Treasurer Janice Waller-Brett, Finance Director Michael Hillsberg and City Clerk Debra Patrick. Excused: Councilors David Hale and Celeste Duffy. II. III. IV. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Led by Mayor Popp. RECOGNITION, AWARDS AND MEMORIALS None. RECEIPT OF CITIZEN S PETITIONS/COMMENTS None. V. RESPOND TO CITIZEN S PETITIONS/COMMENTS None. VI. APPROVAL OF Councilor Hedrick moved Councilor Luck seconded a motion to approve the September 20, 2010 Mayor and Council minutes. Deputy Mayor Galbraith moved Councilor Luck seconded a motion to approve the September 27, 2010 Committee of the Whole minutes. Councilor luck asked to have the minutes reflect that her question was about the E85 only. VII. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS Councilor Luck said she spoke with a resident regarding lights that are out at the top of Clarence B. Sharp Highway. She attended the In The Pink Art Show at the Hygienic in New London. She said it was the opening for art work by cancer survivors. She was at the Bill Memorial Library where the Fire Department brought a few trucks for demonstrations for the Children s First event. She went up 7 stories in the ladder truck and thought it was amazing. She thanked firefighters J.D. Edwards and Scott Swift. Councilor Jervis had no report. Councilor Hedrick had no report.

2 Deputy Mayor Galbraith attended the Thames Street Review Committee meeting and said a report on their findings would be forthcoming and she attended the In The Pink Art Show. She said she was pleased to see art work by a former West Side Middle School student at the exhibit. Mayor Popp attended an open house at the Avery Copp Museum and recommended that people take the time to stop by. He said Children First in Groton is doing well holding regular meetings and getting more community involvement. VIII. COMMITTEE REFERRALS None. IX. NEW BUSINESS R RESOLUTION THAT THE APPROVE THE PROMOTION OF OFFICER JAD C. BICKFORD TO THE RANK OF SERGEANT IN THE CITY OF GROTON POLICE DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE WHEREAS, the City of Groton has a vacancy for the position of Sergeant in the City of Groton Police Department; and WHEREAS, Officer Jad C. Bickford is currently serving as a Police Officer in the Police Department; and WHEREAS, Officer Bickford has passed the oral and written portion of the Sergeant testing and meets the qualifications for promotion to Sergeant; and WHEREAS, Officer Bickford has been recommended by the Chief of Police and the Mayor to be promoted to Sergeant; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council approve the promotion of Officer Jad C. Bickford to the rank of Sergeant in the City of Groton Police Department effective October 4, Councilor Jervis moved Deputy Mayor Galbraith seconded a motion to approve R Chief Giulini spoke to the Mayor and Council, family, friends and law enforcement colleagues. He asked Officer Bickford to join him so he could present a 10 year award bar to him. He went over Officer Bickford s educational background and his accomplishments as a Police Officer and the work he has done while a member of the City/Town Drug Task Force, Federal Crime Task Force and the Statewide Narcotics Task Force. He said he was recognized as an exemplary investigator. Officer Bickford competed with 5 other officers and based on his test scores, oral board and job performance he was recommended to Mayor Popp for promotion. He said it was his pleasure to present Officer Bickford to the Council for promotion tonight. 2

3 City Clerk Patrick administered the oath to Officer Bickford. His wife, Ashley, came forward and pinned his Sergeants badge to his shirt. Sergeant Bickford thanked everyone for their support and said he would work hard to perform his duties. Mayor Popp called a brief recess so everyone could join Sergeant Bickford and his family for refreshments and to offer their congratulations. The recess began at 7:45 p.m. The meeting was back in session at 7:59 p.m. R RESOLUTION THAT THE FINALLY APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE #133, AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING FEES FOR BUILDING PERMITS AND THAT THIS ORDINANCE BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut has adopted a Connecticut Basic Building Code; and WHEREAS, said code proposes that the fee schedule for permits be calculated to defray municipal costs of administering the code; and WHEREAS, costs of administering said code have increased substantially since Ordinance #133 was approved on May 21, 2001 and the Zoning and Building Official recommends a new fee schedule be established as follows: BUILDING PERMIT FEES All building permit fees shall be based on the estimated value of construction. Building permit fees include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, sprinkler and demolition* permits. The fees are based on estimated cost of project: First $1, $20.00 Each additional $1, $10.00 Note: An additional fee must be added to cover the mandated State Education Fee. The fee will be calculated based on the amount set forth by State Statute , as amended from time to time, at the time of application. 3

4 REFUND POLICY FOR PERMITS Status of Application No Action taken on application Plan Review complete letter of denial issued Plan Review complete-permit issued Plan Review complete-permit issued work started Fees to be Refunded Total fee less $25.00 administrative fee 25% of Total permit fee 50% of Total permit fee No Refund If after 180 days of no work performed since last inspection or no work has been performed on permitted project after 180 days of permit issuance, no refund will be issued. NOTE: A Plan Review Fee is considered 25% of the above permit fees. Plan Review portion of the permit fee is not refundable. VIOLATION - PENALTY Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee that will be equal to and in addition to the required permit fee. *Demolition permit fees shall be based on the cost of demolition. CERTIFICATE OF USE AND OCCUPANCY Certificates of Use and Occupancy and re-inspections must be applied for in writing and paid for at the time of request. Fee Per reinspection Residential, new constructions, 1 and 2 family: $50.00 $25.00 Commercial, multi-family, other uses: $ $50.00 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: $50.00 per TCO. Final as per above. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy will only be issued for commercial work at the discretion of the Zoning and Building Official, based on the scope of work being done. 4

5 LAPSED PERMITS A permit will lapse if construction is not commenced or work is suspended for six (6) months. Reinstatement 50% of Building Permit Fee Permits will not be reinstated if the Building Codes have changed since the permit was issued. ROOMING HOUSE INSPECTION The rooming house inspection fee in the amount of $50.00 must be paid for prior to the scheduling of the inspection. WHEREAS, this Ordinance was published in The Day, a newspaper having general circulation in the City of Groton on September 13, 2010 and September 14, 2010; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council finally approve an amendment to Ordinance #133 An Ordinance Establishing Fees for Building Permits and that this Ordinance become effective upon passage. Councilor Hedrick moved Councilor Luck seconded a motion to approve R Mayor Popp and Clerk Patrick said they had no communications in favor of or opposing this ordinance. Mayor Popp said Ordinance # 180 giving the Building Department the power to withhold permits for properties that have unpaid taxes has generated about $13, in taxes R RESOLUTION THAT THE AUTHORIZE AND APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) 2011 FORD EXPEDITION 4WD FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ONE (1) 2011 FORD EXPEDITION 4WD FOR THE BUILDING & ZONING DEPARTMENT FROM CROWLEY FORD LLC, 225 NEW BRITAIN AVENUE, PLAINVILLE, CONNECTICUT FOR A TOTAL PRICE OF $53, (FIFTY-THREE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS) WHEREAS, the Police Department and Building & Zoning Department have identified the need for the replacement of vehicles; and WHEREAS, the Purchase of the vehicle for the Police Department was provided for in reserved funds from FY ; and 5

6 WHEREAS, the Purchase of the vehicle for the Building & Zoning Department was provided for in the budget for fiscal year and funds reserved from prior years; and WHEREAS, the City Purchasing Agent obtained pricing through the State of Connecticut contract # 08PSX0174 Supplement # 3 to the specifications developed by the Police and Building & Zoning Departments, $27, and $26, respectively; and WHEREAS, Crowley Ford, LLC, 225 New Britain Avenue, Plainville, Connecticut is the vendor who was awarded the state contract; and WHEREAS, the Purchasing Agent, Police Department and Building & Zoning Department recommend this method of purchase; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council authorize and approve the purchase of one (1) 2011 Ford Expedition 4WD for the Police Department and one (1) 2011 Ford Expedition 4WD for the Building & Zoning Department from Crowley Ford LLC, 225 New Britain Avenue, Plainville, Connecticut for a total price of $53, (Fifty-Three Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-Seven Dollars and Seventy-Five Cents). Deputy Mayor Galbraith moved Councilor Jervis seconded a motion to approve R R RESOLUTION THAT THE APPROVE THE CITY OF GROTON POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE TWO (2) MODEL YEAR 2011 FULL SIZE FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE CRUISERS PER CITY OF GROTON SPECIFICATIONS FROM WARNOCK FLEET, 175 ROUTE 10, P.O. BOX 524, EAST HANOVER, NEW JERSEY IN THE AMOUNT OF $47, (FORTY-SEVEN THOUSAND, SEVENTY-THREE DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-SIX CENTS) TO BE PAID FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FY2011 OPERATING BUDGET WHEREAS, bids have been received by the State of Connecticut for police vehicles; and WHEREAS, Warnock Fleet, 175 Route 10, P.O. Box 524, East Hanover, New Jersey was awarded the contract (#06PSX0315) by the State of Connecticut; and WHEREAS, the Police Department FY 2011 Operating Budget provided for the purchase of two (2) marked cruisers; and WHEREAS, the City Purchasing Agent obtained pricing utilizing the State contract for vehicles from specifications developed by the City of Groton Police Department that are equivalent to the current fleet vehicles; and WHEREAS, acceptance of this purchase is recommended by the Chief of Police and Purchasing Agent; 6

7 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council authorize the purchase of two (2) model year 2011 full size Ford Crown Victoria Police Cruisers per City of Groton specifications from Warnock Fleet, 175 Route 10, P.O. Box 524, East Hanover, New Jersey in the amount of $47, (Forty-Seven Thousand, Seventy-Three Dollars and Seventy-Six Cents) to be paid from the Police Department FY 2011 Operating Budget. Councilor Luck moved Deputy Mayor Galbraith seconded a motion to approve R R RESOLUTION THAT THE AUTHORIZE AND APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH D. B. ELECTRIC, INCORPORATED. 810 NOANK LEDYARD ROAD. MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT FOR ELECTRICAL SERVICE AND FIXTURE INSTALLATION IN THE NEW HIGHWAY STORAGE SHED FOR A TOTAL PRICE OF $10, (TEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS AND NO CENTS) TO BE PAID FROM CAPITAL FUNDS WHEREAS, it has been determined that the new highway shed will require electric power to be granted a permit for use; and WHEREAS, E & M Engineering of 49 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, Connecticut produced an engineered drawing; and. WHEREAS, the City has acquired the materials needed for the installation; and WHEREAS, the City Purchasing Agent solicited bids for the project; and WHEREAS, the bid from D. B. Electric, Inc. was the lowest; and WHEREAS, It was determined that D. B. Electric has performed excellent work for the City in the past; and WHEREAS, the City Purchasing Agent recommends this project; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council authorize and approve a contract with D. B. Electric, Incorporated, 810 Noank Ledyard Road. Mystic, Connecticut for the for electrical service and fixture installation in the new highway storage shed for a total price of $10, (Ten Thousand Two Hundred Dollars and No Cents) to be paid from capital funds. Councilor Jervis moved Councilor Hedrick seconded a motion to approve R

8 R RESOLUTION THAT THE APPROVE THE REFUND OF PROPERTY TAXES TO METLIFE HOME LOANS AGENT FOR HARRIET ANN LESKO, C/O TOTAL MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, LP, 1555 WALNUT HILL LANE, SUITE 200-A, IRVING, TEXAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $ (SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND THIRTY-THREE CENTS) WHEREAS, excessive payment of property taxes must be refunded to the individuals; and WHEREAS, on December 7, 1992, the Mayor and Council approved R authorizing the Finance Director to approve refunds of property taxes up to $ (Five hundred dollars) as recommended by the Groton Tax Collector; and WHEREAS, amounts that exceed $ must be approved by the Mayor and Council; and WHEREAS, the Groton Tax Collector has recommended that refunds be made as follows: MetLife Home Loans agent for Harriet Ann Lesko c/o Total Mtg. Solutions, LP 1555 Walnut Hill Lane, Ste. 200-A Irving, TX Amount to be refunded: $ THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council approve the refund of Property taxes to Metlife Home Loans agent Harriet Ann Lesko, c/o Total Mortgage Solutions, LP, 1555 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite, 200-A, Irving, Texas in the amount of $ (Seven Hundred Eighty- Seven Dollars and Thirty-Three Cents). Councilor Hedrick moved Deputy Mayor Galbraith seconded a motion to approve R R RESOLUTION THAT THE AUTHORIZE GROTON UTILITIES MANAGEMENT TO BEGIN PHASE I OF THE SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION (SCADA) SYSTEM UPGRADE PROJECT AND EXPEND FUNDS UP TO THE FULL AMOUNT OF TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY-FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($284,000.00) TO BE PAID FROM THE APPROVED 2000 ELECTRIC BOND FUND WHEREAS, Phase I of the SCADA System Upgrade Project will provide Groton Utilities Electric Operations with real-time monitoring and control of critical system equipment, real-time trending of feeder loads, time-stamped events as they occur during outages, and the ability to see everything on- screen as it occurs during storms or system outages; and WHEREAS, the upgrade will also enable Groton Utilities Electric Operations to provide more reliable service to our customers; and 8

9 WHEREAS, at its regular meeting held on September 22, 2010, the City of Groton Utilities Commission voted to authorize Management to begin Phase I of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System Upgrade Project and expend funds up to the full amount of Two Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($284,000.00) to be paid from the approved 2000 Electric Bond Fund; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council authorize Groton Utilities Management to begin Phase I of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System Upgrade Project and expend funds up to the full amount of Two Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($284,000.00) to be paid from the approved 2000 Electric Bond Fund Deputy Mayor Galbraith moved Councilor Hedrick seconded a motion to approve R Mayor Popp said this was discussed at length at both the Utilities Commission meeting and the Committee of the Whole meeting. He thanked Director Yatcko for helping to keep it clear and concise. R RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE CONTRACT TO REPAIR PORTIONS OF THE LOWER SECTION OF THE SPILLWAY AND TAILRACE AT POQUONNOCK DAM ON ROUTE 1 TO PETER S. TURELLO, LLC, 41 WALLBACK STREET, NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT BASED ON ITS LOW LUMP SUM BID OF TWENTY-TWO THOUSAND, EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($22,800.00) TO BE FUNDED THROUGH SHORT TERM INTERNAL BORROWING PENDING REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) WHEREAS, due to the severe rain event of March 31, 2010 and subsequent flooding, repairs are needed to sections of the spillway and tailrace at Poquonnock Dam on Route 1; and WHEREAS, the work will include installing gravel, stone, and rip rap on three (3) areas of the tailrace and one (1) area on the spillway; and WHEREAS, repairs to the upper reaches of the Mill Race, downstream of the Poquonnock Reservoir dam, as well as on the dam wing wall were completed during the month of August by Groton Utilities Water Division personnel; and WHEREAS, at its regular meeting held on September 22, 2010, the City of Groton Utilities Commission voted to award the contract to repair portions of the lower section of the spillway and tailrace at Poquonnock Dam on Route 1 to Peter S. Turello, LLC, 41 Wallback Street, New London, Connecticut based on its low lump sum bid of Twenty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($22,800.00) to be funded through short term internal borrowing pending reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); 9

10 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council award the contract to repair portions of the lower section of the spillway and tailrace at Poquonnock Dam on Route 1 to Peter S. Turello, LLC, 41 Wallback Street, New London, Connecticut based on its low lump sum bid of Twenty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($22,800.00) to be funded through short term internal borrowing pending reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Councilor Luck moved Deputy Mayor Galbraith seconded a motion to approve R X. POSSIBLE EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilor Jervis moved Councilor Hedrick seconded a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss real estate to include Finance Director Hillsberg, Treasurer Waller-Brett and Clerk Patrick. Motion Carried. Executive Session commenced at 8:04 p.m. Councilor Hedrick moved Councilor Luck seconded a motion to exit Executive Session. Executive Session ended at 8:28 p.m. XI. COMMENTS FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilor Luck moved Councilor Hedrick seconded a motion to add resolutions R and R to the agenda. R RESOLUTION THAT THE INITIALLY APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 108 THAMES STREET, 0 BROAD STREET AND 2 LATHAM STREET IN GROTON IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $349, (THREE HUNDRED FORTY-NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND NO CENTS) TO BE PAID FROM UNDESIGNATED SURPLUS FUNDS WHEREAS, the property located at 108 Thames Street, Groton, Connecticut ( Mother Bailey House ) is a historical home with significant historical value to the City of Groton, Groton Bank area and the region; and WHEREAS, the purchase of the property located at 0 Broad Street, Groton, Connecticut, a vacant parcel of land directly adjacent to the Mother Bailey House, allows the City of Groton to protect the historic resource that is the Mother Bailey House and to control the development of that parcel; and 10

11 WHEREAS, the purchase of the property located at 2 Latham Street, Groton, Connecticut is appropriate for infill development to benefit the neighborhood and Thames Street area; and WHEREAS, the purchase of this real estate is pending approval and will be referred to the City of Groton Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes 8-24 for consideration at its regular meeting held on October 19, 2010; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance shall take effect upon passage; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council initially approve An Ordinance Authorizing the purchase of real property located at 108 Thames Street, 0 Broad Street and 2 Latham Street in Groton, Connecticut in an amount not to exceed $349, (Three Hundred Forty-Nine Thousand Dollars and No Cents) to be paid from Undesignated Surplus Funds. Councilor Luck moved Deputy Mayor Galbraith seconded a motion to approve R Councilor Luck explained that 108 Thames Street is the Mother Warner-Bailey House and that it is a significant historic property in the City of Groton. She said 0 Broad Street is a vacant parcel behind the house. She said 2 Latham Street is the location of the former Avery House. R RESOLUTION THAT THE APPROVE THE SCHEDULING OF A SPECIAL CITY OF GROTON FREEMAN S MEETING ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 AT 7:00 P.M. TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF THE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 108 THAMES STREET, 0 BROAD STREET AND 2 LATHAM STREET IN GROTON, CONNECTICUT WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council desire to schedule a Special Freeman s meeting on Monday, November 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the City of Groton Municipal Building Council Chambers; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this meeting is to give consideration and act upon the authorization of purchase of real property located at 108 Thames Street, 0 Broad Street and 2 Latham Street in Groton, Connecticut; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council approve the scheduling of a Special City of Groton Freeman s meeting on Monday, November 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. to Authorize the purchase of the real property located at 108 Thames Street, 0 Broad Street and 2 Latham Street in Groton, Connecticut. Deputy Mayor Galbraith moved Councilor Luck seconded a motion to approve R

12 XII. ADJOURNMENT Councilor Luck moved Councilor Jervis seconded a motion to adjourn. Mayor Popp adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: Debra Patrick City Clerk 12