Good evening, everybody.

I'm calling the July 7, 2026 meeting to order at 7 p.m.

I'll ask everybody to please rise to join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I'll ask our friend Sean, Mr.

Hatch to lead us in the pledge, please.

And to the Republic for which it stands.

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

If we can remain standing, I'll ask Councilman Salvatore to lead us in prayer, please.

Lord, we meet to serve our community to use our resources wisely and well to represent all members of our community fairly to make decisions that promote the common good.

We recognize our responsibility to the past and the future and the rights and needs of both individuals and communities.

As trusted service, we seek blessings on our deliberations and on our efforts here today.

May we act wisely and well.

Amen.

Amen.

Thank you, Councilman.

Madam Legislative Assistant, the role, please.

Coal.

Here Flanagan.

Present.

Holly.

Lepine.

Salvatore.

Present.

Museid.

Gartner.

Present.

Faye.

Henry.

Wallace Smith.

Here.

Spain Reichel.

Giordano.

Jabor.

Rotello.

Chianese.

Dwayne Perkins.

Britton.

McAllister.

Robinson.

Laughing House.

Dennis Perkins.

21 present.

Thank you.

We have a calendar of events that is posted.

I want to call everybody's attention to some uh life announcements here first.

Uh for birthdays this month.

We have Councilwoman Holly Robinson on July 22nd.

Happy birthday, Councilwoman.

Just a couple of days after that, in July 24th, we have Councilman Frank Salvatore Jr.

Councilman, happy birthday.

All right, and then calendar of events.

Try to go through these quickly.

On July 9th, uh the Yale America 250, Frederick Douglass, the Slave Power in the 4th of July, hosted by the Danbury Museum Historical Society, part of their America 250 programming.

Over 40 events the city is doing together with the Danbury Museum.

This is one of them.

July 10th, the summer concert series down on the green continues.

These are every Friday through August 14th, 7 p.m.

City Center Green.

July 10th, summer movie nights every Friday through August 14th as well.

Danbury Recreation and Danbury Library over at Candle Lake Top Park.

July 10th, July 18th, 1776, a new musical by the dam uh musicals at Richter, sorry.

Um also I know the museum nudged them to do that one this year, so thank you.

It's a I think the appropriate show for this time of year.

So please go and check it out.

It's a great venue to watch a show in the summer, 8 p.m.

over at the Richler Musical House, the Richter House.

July 11th, Danbury Farmers Market, every Saturday through October 17th, City Center Danbury, 9 a.m.

to 1 p.m.

July 12th, the monthly Danbury VFW post-149 Scholarship Fund breakfast over the VFW 5 Street.

July 25th, the New Hope Hope Fest Summer Cookout.

This is over at New Hope Baptist Church, 11 a.m.

3 p.m.

10, Dr.

Aaron Samuels Boulevard.

July 25th, the Danbury International Festival, City Center Green, 1 to 9 p.m., 19th Street.

July 25th, the Latino Scholarship Fund Annual Gala, hosted by Latino Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are available through their website, Latinoscholarship Fund.com, 6 30 p.m.

at the Amroom.

July 27th, the Korean War Memorial, hosted by the Danbury Veterans Affairs Group and the Veterans Council.

This is at 10 a.m.

Rogers Park Memorial.

August 1st, Jamaican Independence Flag Raising will be raising the Jamaican flag with the West Indies Community Club of Danbury, 10 a.m.

Heritage Plaza City Hall.

That is our calendar of events.

The first 30 minutes of every meeting is open and reserved for the expression and views of the public on matters before the council.

We ask that you use either microphone on each end here, and please clearly state your name and address.

This is for residents or taxpayers of the city.

Are there any members of the public wishing to speak?

Any members of the public wishing to speak?

Any members of the public wish to speak?

Mr.

Susinski.

Good evening.

Pete Sizinski 49, Saddle Rock Road here in Danbury.

For your new database, the spelling of my last name is S is in Sam.

I.

C is in Charles, I.e.

N as in Nancy SKI.

I'm here tonight to speak on just a couple of items, a quick comment on item one, four, seven, and some comments on item 20.

Item one is the appointment of Stephen Cacase to the fire marshal's office.

I I just want to say that Stephen had worked for me for 14 years in the past, and he's an exceptional individual, exceptional fire officer, a skilled fire marshal.

He has great communication skills and a high level of compassion as well.

And I think he will do very well in his service to the fire marshal's office in the city of Danbury.

It was a great pick.

Item four and item seven, just briefly, two friends of mine who are being reappointed to the Aviation Commission and the Danbury Museum, my friend John Ashkar and Jeffrey Harold, uh wonderful people, great work, and I'm glad they're still contributing to the city of Danbury.

Uh excellent.

Item 20 is the mayoral appointment of Bob Brea to the Richter Park Authority.

And I just like to speak as chairman of the authority briefly.

I had the opportunity to attend the ad hoc committee meeting for Mr.

Brea and recognize some of the questions and points that were brought up with regards of concern for for Bob's appointment.

And while I respect those those opinions, I'm not in agreement on them.

One individual comment was that he is not a resident of the city of Danbury.

And could there be out of a city of 90,000 people someone who could fill that that spot?

And I think to agree with that, I would shortchange my friend Bob Brea because he literally is one in a million.

There are times, and I'm sure you see it in your appointments, that an individual has exceptional talent, ability, and can fit a niche that Bob will fill as representative of the Arts Association.

He's a quality individual.

He has done wonders for musicals at Richter.

He will do wonders and has the respect of Richter Arts Association as well.

And he will do fine.

And it will be a great addition to the board of the Richter Park Authority.

And I urge that you appoint him at this point.

We're going through three months, not having a representative of the Arts Association, and this is their key season right now.

Please come.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chief Szinski.

Any other members of the public wish to speak?

Chief Harold.

Good evening, Jeff Harrell, Walter Street here in Danbury.

Thank you, Chief Zzinski.

Um, I'd like to at this time speak in favor of Doug Polistina, communication number eight, uh being reappointed to the uh museum authority.

Um the Denver Historical Society and Museum Authority uh works very hard in the city, and Doug has been a very very, very busy and very um wonderful addition to the uh museum authority since he's been there.

As you know, if you've ever been to the Amber Room, and I'm sure all of you have been there countless times, you've known Doug, and Doug has his hands and fingers out and throughout the community, and that is helping with uh the history and the gathering of uh historical perspective.

Um he has served uh the community and both in that capacity as sponsoring that wonderful venue, but he's also worked very hard with the museum authority, so I'm here to urge his reappointment.

And that is all.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chief.

Any members of the public wishing to speak?

Any other members of the public wishing to speak?

Ms.

Rizzo.

Good evening.

I'm Debbie Rizzo at 46 O Musket Lane in Danbury.

I've been visiting with quite a few Danbury residents, especially in House District 2 lately, and they share my serious concerns about the proposed charter revisions and frankly the process being used to move them forward.

First, extending the mayor and the city council to two-year terms to four-year terms means fewer elections and fewer opportunities for the people of Danbury to hold their government accountable.

Elections are not an inconvenience, they are the foundation of representative government.

If elected, officials are doing a good job, the voters can return them to office.

And if not, the people should not have to wait four years to make a change.

At a time when Danbury families are struggling with high-scale.

That's not on the agenda, please, on matters before the council today.

What's that?

That is not on the agenda today.

The I thought the charter was that's not part of the charter.

Okay.

Okay.

I'll I'll skip over that.

Finally, the changing of the town clerk.

May I speak on that?

From an elected office to an appointed position, takes a choice directly away from the people and the hands that power to City Hall.

An elected town clerk answers directly to the voters.

An appointed town clerk answers to the people responsible for the appointment.

That is a fundamental difference, and the people of Danbury should think very carefully before giving up their right to choose.

When you put these proposals together, the pattern is difficult to ignore.

Longer terms for politicians and less power for voters.

These are not minor housekeeping changes.

They are significant changes to how the people of Danbury hold their government accountable.

Releasing the charter revision report just one day before the meeting does not give the public adequate time to read it.

Understand it and fully consider the changes of this multitude.

Transparency is not holding a public meeting.

Give the public the time, the transparency, and the respect they deserve.

And if these changes do go through, then I say, I pray the first mayor elected to a four-year term as a Republican.

Thank you, members, and God bless us all.

Are there any other members of the public wishing to speak?

Any other members of the public?

Ms.

Fenn.

Hi, my name's oh, I'm kind of short.

Hi, my name is Ashley Fawn.

Um, I am a participant in the address confidentiality program.

Um this is for residents and taxpayers of the city.

I'd have to ask my the city uh corporation council what that means for public speaking.

Residents and taxpayers, uh I'll leave it up to the council on how they want to do.

How do we know?

Yes.

Yes.

I have verification.

Yeah, I live in Danbury.

Thank you, Mrs.

Fawn.

Thank you.

Good evening.

My name is Ashley Fawn.

I'm a new Danbury resident, a graduate of Fairfield University with a bachelor's of arts in the humanities, and someone who has dedicated my life to public service, the arts, and strengthening communities.

I am here tonight because I watched the Richter Park Authority ad hoc committee meeting, chaired by councilwoman Andrea Gartner several times.

I researched the authority, reviewed the appointment process, and found myself sharing many of the concerns raised by attorney Candace Fay regarding transparency.

My concern is about whether every qualified Danbury resident was given the same opportunity to be considered.

My concern is about a process that is happening behind closed doors without inviting qualified residents to apply or even letting them know that an opportunity exists.

Public service should never feel exclusive.

It should be accessible.

The strongest boards are built not simply by appointing qualified people, but by allowing every qualified person an opportunity to raise their hand and serve.

Based on attorney Lou Giordano's remarks during the AdHart Committee meeting, it is my understanding that there was no public announcement, no public recruitment, and no open application process before the Richter Park appointment became before this council.

Had there been, perhaps I would have applied.

Perhaps many others would have as well.

Like thousands of other Danbury residents, I never even knew there was an opportunity to serve.

That is what concerns me.

So tonight I'm raising my hand to be considered for the role.

Had I had the opportunity to be considered for the board position, I would have told the decision makers that I am the founder and CEO of We Are One, a grassroots 501c3 nonprofit organization that has supported more than 300 survivors of human trafficking and violent crime throughout Connecticut and New York.

I previously served on the board of directors of the Connecticut chapter of the United Nations Association.

I received Shore Publishing's Shore Publishing's Beacon Award in 2023, was selected as a guest educator for the 2026 Global Fraud Summit, hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Interpol, and I am a current United States Department of Justice Survivor Voices Award nominee.

I regularly volunteer with Veterans for Peace, VET Unite, and the Hartford-based Synergy Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force.

Beyond my nonprofit work, I have always believed the arts are among the greatest forces for building community.

I am a four I am a published writer, a former assistant editor for both Fairfield University's Arts and Entertainment section and Shore Publishing's Arts Section.

A Fairfield Unit University Theater enthusiast, a classically trained dancer, a poetry reader, and a public speaker.

I regularly volunteer at arts and cultural events across Connecticut because I believe our parks, museums, theaters, and cultural institutions create the shared spaces that make cities stronger.

In what feels like a past life, I also carried an associated press pass.

That experience taught me that transparency is not simply good government.

It is the foundation of public trust.

Underneath every title, however, I am simply simply the new girl in town.

I came to Danbury through a federally recognized Violence Against Women Act relocation program.

Believing this was a community where people could rebuild their lives, become involved, and give back.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Fond.

I apologize I mispronounced your name earlier.

No, that's fine.

Everyone does.

Any other I also have um what I would have submitted as uh an application.

You can leave them with my office there, mayor mayoral appointments.

Thank you.

Any other members of the public wishing to speak?

Any other members of the public?

Mr.

Robinson.

Al Robinson, 7 Mel Rose Avenue.

Um, I am going to be speaking on item number 15.

Um 11 hours.

It took about 11 hours to do something in which when I participated in the last charter revision process, that took a year and a half, almost a year and a half.

And it took a lot more than 11 hours.

There were topics during that last charter revision process, one of which I can think about is regarding to the city clerk, that took about 11 hours in totality.

11 hours to put together one of the most radical set of recommendations I have ever seen.

And again, I've been doing this.

I moved to Danbury in 1987 during the Dyer administration.

I remember the charter revision process in the 90s.

Obviously, I was very involved with the charter revision process in 2007 to 2009.

I was at every single meeting.

I was at um the ad hoc that established the charter revision process after the public hearing that was at all this took a lot longer than 11 hours for these radical, radical, radical changes.

Um I'm not going to get into the particulars of my my concerns with the with the recommendations that were done.

I'll wait for the public hearing.

But I'm just talking about the process here.

The process that we're that we were told it was going to be transparent.

But the selections of these individuals is anything but transparent.

And we we I heard from the mayor during the ad hoc committee meeting that he said he would defend the changes that he put forth for the makeup of this commission, but we haven't heard that defense yet.

And I want to remind the individuals, including the people who are watching tonight, that the previous process involved the mayor sending a letter to the Republican and the Democratic Town Committee soliciting membership.

They both gave an equal number of members.

Three and three, and the mayor had his final three, in which he solicited from the public for input.

That's how Peter Bizet got on the commission at that time.

None of that transpired.

And you should be very concerned about this because it has to be about transparency.

There could be no hint of wrongdoing or partisanship or politics because this is our constitution of the city.

And again, I implore you, there are radical, radical, radical changes that are being recommended that serves only one purpose and only one office.

That's the office of the mayor.

When you talk about changing the town clerk, and remember, I came up here, I said you should change the town clerk to a civil service position, such as we have in other municipalities, including Wilton, where our former town clerk now works.

An appointment means that that person serves at the pleasure of the mayor.

The town clerk will be serving at the pleasure of the office of the mayor.

Think about that for a second.

Given the mayor the ability to accept donations up to a higher amount without even notifying you, the the given the mayor the ability to well, again, I'm not, I'm not going to get into all the particulars of that, but I'm just going to say again, the process was a problem.

And as we go forth with this process, and more and more of the public becomes aware of this, I promise you, just like the last time, once people started hearing about the four-year terms, this place was packed, packed.

And that's still on video.

You can get it.

If you want to copy, hit me up in my DMs, I'll give it to you.

The public is going to stand up and have questions.

You better have some answers for them.

Because from this person right here who followed the process, more than anybody up here or anybody out here, for the exception of very few people.

Lynn Waller, the late Joel Ulrich, and the Mitchell family.

And me and that man right there.

Nobody else can claim to have been a part of the process every step of the way.

And I'm telling you, what we're seeing right now is wrong, and it makes no sense.

Because if you do it the right way, the people will support you.

But if you involve things that are going to be result in questions, you're going to have a problem, and it makes no sense because you're going to take a loss on this, I promise you.

Thank you, sir.

Any other members of the public wishing to speak?

Any other members of the public wishing to speak?

Any members of the public wish to speak?

Sir.

No good place.

The adoption of the privacy policy for the automatic traffic enforcement things.

Anyway, under definitions 46-36, the following, in my opinion, is clearly ridiculous.

Personally identifiable information.

Information created or maintained by the city or a vendor, who's the vendor, that identifies or describes an owner and includes without limitation the owner's address, telephone number, number plate, photograph, bank account information, credit card number, debit card number, or the date, time location, or direction of travel on a highway.

In addition, there is a clause that states all of the personal information is subject to FOI, freedom of information.

That's protecting personal information.

I don't think so.

In addition, and this is signed by the mayor.

Should the city council wish to move forward with the installation of these devices, the council will be asked to adopt this ordinance and approve a plan detailed by the city with proposed camera locations.

Both the ordinance and the plan will go to a public hearing before adoption.

The plan must then be submitted and approved by the state DOT before the can install these devices.

I am particularly upset about my personal information being subject to hacking.

And vendors, I don't know.

Now there was supposed to be an ad hoc council meeting in early June about this.

Frank postponed tomorrow ad hoc meeting due to state legislation.

Frank suggests rescheduling for late June or July.

Corporation Council will provide information.

It was not rescheduled.

There was no ad hoc meeting for anybody to say anything, and here we are voting on it.

Not right.

No transparency and no accountability.

Since I'm getting nervous, I will sit down because I have more to say.

Excuse me.

Any other members of the public looking to speak?

Any other members of the public wishing to speak?

Any other members of the public wishing to speak?

Sir, I offer the courtesy.

Would you like to come up again and finish your thought?

I understand.

That's why I'm not used to speaking in front of a lot of people.

I agree 100% with what Mr.

Robinson said.

I followed all of the meetings, the weekly meetings from April till a couple of weeks ago.

And the Charter Revision Commission has been.

How shall I say manipulated?

Rigged from the start.

Not one Republican on that commission.

Mr.

Britton made it.

Oh, let's send it back after the second meeting where people had a lot to say, totally ignored.

And I happen to know that you are a close friend of the mayor's.

I saw the video.

Just one moment, please.

As Mr.

Robinson said, there's absolutely no reason to do it so quickly.

People don't know what's going on.

When is this going to be presented?

Assuming you pass it without sending it back to the commission.

When are the people going to see this on the day they vote?

How extensive will it be?

And I personally am terrified about hacking and AI.

And now we've changed manager of IT, who is one person as far as I know, to a department with no definition and no qualifications.

I tried to speak to Mr.

Gentillo once.

And he said to me, I have to go talk to somebody.

And that was the end of it.

This is transparency.

What are his qualifications?

Is he a cybersecurity expert?

I don't think so.

Next, there is no definition in the charter for someone called security and manager of assets.

What is that?

Didn't it someone tell me?

That needs to be in the charter if it's security.

With a definition and requirements, qualifications.

And in case you want to know why I wear a mask, because I don't like being recorded without knowing where it's going.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, sir.

Do one more time.

Any members of the public looking to speak?

Any members of the public wishing to speak?

Any members of the public wishing to speak?

Seeing none, we'll close public speaking.

Thank you.

Councilman Peter Busade.

Uh the minutes, please.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

I move that the council receive the minutes from the meeting on June 2nd.

We have a reading of those minutes as all members of copies and copies are on file in the legislative assistance office and approve those minutes as they're presented.

Motion has been made in second.

Uh council, are there any remarks on the minutes?

Any remarks and the minutes?

Any remarks and the minutes?

Seeing none, I will try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

The vote is so ordered.

Uh Councilman Salvatore, the consent calendar, please.

Consent calendar for July 7, 2026.

Item number 12.

I move to receive the communication and accept the donation of a thousand dollars on behalf of the Danbury Fire Department and ask the legislative assistant to send a note of thanks on behalf of the city council.

Item number 13.

I move to receive the communication and authorized city departments to prepare all required maps and legal documents to acquire the necessary easements on land of the seven properties listed.

Item number 14.

I move to receive the communication and authorized pursuant to the code of ordinances section 2-21, the purchasing agent to dispose of the listed surplus items via an online public auction.

Item number 17.

I move to receive the communication and approve the resolution as presented.

Item number 21.

I move to waive the reading of the ad hoc minutes as all members have copies and copies are on file with the legislative assistance office as well as accept the reports as presented, and I move to approve the resolution as presented to amend the Danbury Bethel Interlocal Sewer and Water Agreement.

Item number 22.

I move to waive the reading of the reports provided by engineering, the planning commission, and ad hoc committee as all members have copies and copies are on file with the legislative assistance office, as well as accept the reports as presented.

And I move to approve the application for a water main extension at 15 Great Pasture Road, subject to the city standard eight steps and conditions.

That's the consent calendar.

Council, what's your pleasure?

Councilwoman Gardner.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Um, I move to present to accept the consent calendar as present.

Motion has been made and seconded by Councilman Dwayne Perkins.

Council, any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

See none, I'll try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

The vote is so ordered.

Item number one, please.

Communication appointment of deputy fire marshal.

Dear council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the appointment of deputy fire marshal Stephen Cacasey to the position of Deputy Fire Marshal with the Danbury Fire Department.

He began his career as a volunteer firefighter with a new Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, serving for 15 years while transitioning into a long and distinguished career with the Greenwich Fire Department.

Over 31 years with Greenwich, he rose through the ranks, serving as a firefighter, a lieutenant, and as a deputy fire marshal.

In addition to his primary career, he worked part-time as a paramedic for the city of Danbury for 20 years, bringing critical emergency medical care to residents throughout the region.

He also served part-time as fire marshal for the town of New Milford during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been working part-time for the past two years as deputy fire marshal for the city of Norwalk.

He holds an associate's degree in fire science and occupational safety from the University of New Haven, and has achieved the rank of number two on the current deputy fire marshal eligibility list.

With a career spanning over three decades across firefighting, emergency medical services, fire investigation, and fire prevention.

He brings a strong commitment to public safety, extensive experience, leadership, and technical expertise to the fire department.

It is my honor to submit his appointment for confirmation.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Roberto Alves, Mayor.

Thank you.

Council, what's your pleasure?

Councilman Lifenhouse.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

I move to receive the communication and confirm the appointment of Stephen Cake to the position of Deputy Fire Marshal with the Danbury Fire Department.

I'm going to apologize if I pronounce your name incorrectly.

Second.

Motions are made, seconded by Councilman Robinson.

Council, any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

See none, I'll try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Sounds like the ayes have it.

Uh I don't believe he is here this evening.

So congratulations if he is watching.

Thank you and welcome.

Item number two, please.

Communication appointment to police sergeant.

Dear council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the promotion and appointment of police detective Jonathan Grant to the position of police sergeant within the Danbury Police Department.

Since being sworn in as a police officer on March 26, 2015, and his subsequent promotion to detective on May 16, 2022, he has built a distinguished record of service marked by investigative excellence and an unwavering commitment to the safety of this community.

As such, his achievements speak for itself and include, but are not limited to a letter of commendation, medals of meritorious service in 2019 and 2024, multiple exceptional police service awards, multiple unit citations, and the Chiefs Achievement Medal in 2024.

Additionally, he holds an associate's degree from Sacred Heart University, and he achieved the rank of number one on the current police sergeant eligibility list.

These accomplishments, among many others throughout his tenure, are a direct reflection of the exceptional dedication, skill, and integrity that he has consistently demonstrated throughout his career with the Danbury Police Department.

The rank of sergeant carries with it new responsibilities of leadership, mentorship, and oversight.

And I have every confidence that he will excel in this role as he has in every assignment before it.

I am proud and honored to submit his confirmation for this well-deserved promotion to the position of police sergeant.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Roberto Alves, Mayor.

Thank you.

Council, what's your pleasure?

Councilman Flanagan.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayer.

I move to receive the communication and confirm the promotion and appointment of police detective Jonathan Grandy.

I hope I pronounced that right.

To the position of police sergeant for the City of Danbury Police Department.

Motion has been made secondly by Councilman Salvatore.

Council, any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

See none, I'll try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

The ayes have it.

Congratulations, sir.

That is well deserved.

You don't mind coming up to the mic and if you want to say a few words, you don't have to if you don't want to.

Just want to say thank you to the mayor, to the council, to the chiefs, the HR.

I saw Jenny back there somewhere and to the civil service.

I look forward to this new opportunity.

Thank you.

City of Danbury's lucky to have you, sir.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Item number three is pulled.

We are looking at item number four now.

Communication reappointment to the Aviation Commission.

Dear City Council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the reappointment of John Ashgar to serve on the City of Danbury Aviation Commission.

He served on the Aviation Commission for decades, providing consistent leadership and invaluable institutional knowledge, particularly in his role as chair.

A lieutenant and Navy pilot during the Cold War, he brings firsthand aviation experience, discipline, and a strong understanding of aviation operations to the commission.

Beyond his military service, he is a respected local realtor and deep taught with deep ties to the Danbury community and a strong understanding of the city's growth and development.

He's also a proud and active member of the Lebanon American Club of Danbury, reflecting his long-standing commitment to civic engagement.

His experienced leadership and dedication to the community make him exceptionally qualified to continue serving on the Aviation Commission.

Respectfully submitted Roberto Alves, Mayor.

Thank you, Council.

What's your pleasure?

Councilman Hawley.

Thank you, Ronor.

I move to receive the communication and confirm the reappointment of John and Ashkar to serve on the City of Danbury Aviation Commission with the term to expire on 7-1, 2029.

Motion has been made and seconded.

I didn't catch that one.

Um Councilman Kuala.

Council, are there any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

See none, I'll try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Believe that was everybody.

Congratulations, Mr.

Ashkar.

I know he is not here this evening.

Thank you for serving and continue to serve.

Item number five, please.

Communication, reappointment to the commission on aging.

Dear City Council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the reappointment of the following individuals to serve on the City of Danbury Commission on Aging.

Kay Schreiber and John Paul Trudell.

Having served on the Commission on Aging for over a decade, Ms.

Schreiber brings valuable experience and a deep commitment to Danbury's senior community.

Through her current work with Synergy, Home Care, and ownership of K's Tours, she remains actively engaged with the needs and interests of older adults.

Her previous leadership roles, including manager of City Center Danbury, and work with the Housatonic Valley Tourism District, reflects strong community knowledge and organizational experience.

She has also served on the Western Connecticut State University Alumni Board for over 40 years and is now a lifetime member.

Ms.

Schreiber's continued involvement with AARP, AAUW, and the Danbury Exchange Club demonstrates an ongoing commitment to civic engagement and advocacy and make her a perfect candidate for reappointment.

Mr.

Trudell has served on the Commission on Aging with compassion, dedication, and firsthand understanding of the needs of older adults in our community.

A Vienna Moore veteran, he returned home and continued a lifetime of service to others through both his career and volunteerism.

Following many years at Danbury, Litho and Printing, he has dedicated his retirement to giving back through organizations such as the Daily Bread Food Pantry, Jericho Partnership, United Way, and the Elmwood Senior Center.

His continued civic involvement and commitment to helping others make him a respected and valued member of the community.

Mr.

Trudell's experience, service, and dedication make him highly deserving of reappointment to the Commission on Aging.

Respectfully submitted, Roberto Alves, Mayor.

Council, with your pleasure.

Councilwoman Lepine.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I move to receive the communication and confirm the reappointment of Kay Schreiber and John Paul Trudeau to serve on the City of Danbury Commission on Aging for a term to expire on 7 1, 2029.

Motion has been made, seconded by Councilman Frank Salvatore.

Council, any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

See none, we'll try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

I don't believe there's any opposed.

Congratulations to Ms.

Schraber and Mr.

Trudell.

Thank you for continuing to serve.

Okay, confidential.

We got to have a clap right now.

You can always clap at these.

Item number six, please.

Communication reappointment to the Lake Kenosha Commission.

Dear City Council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the reappointment of KT Chartuni to serve on the City of Danbury Lake Kenosha Commission.

He has served on the Lake Kenosha Commission since 2007, bringing nearly two decades of experience and institutional knowledge to the role.

With both bachelor's and master's degree in civil engineering from Bradley University and over 30 years of experience in civil engineering and construction management, he provides valuable technical expertise relevant to this stewardship of Lake Kenosha.

As Chief Operating Officer and Project Engineer at Carlucci Fabrication, he continues to apply his professional knowledge to complex infrastructure and environmental matters.

His longstanding membership at St.

Anthony Church for more than 33 years also reflects a deep commitment to the Danbury community.

His professional qualifications, experience, and years of dedicated service make him exceptionally well qualified for reappointment to the Lake Kenosha Commission.

Respectfully submitted Roberto Alves, Mayor.

Council, it's your pleasure.

Councilman Salvatore.

I move to receive the communication and confirm the reappointment of KT Chartuni to serve in the City of Danbury Lake Kenosha Commission for with a term expiration of 7-1 2029.

Motion is made, seconded by Councilman Gardner.

Council, any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

See none, I'll try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

The eyes had it from the beginning.

Congratulations as well, I don't believe there hears.

Thank you.

Item number seven.

Communication.

Communication, reappointment to the Danbury Museum Historical Society.

Dear City Council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the reappointment of Joffrey Harold to serve as a full member on the Danbury Museum and Historical Society Authority.

Former Danbury Fire Chief Harold has served the Danbury community for decades with exceptional dedication, professionalism, and integrity.

Throughout his distinguished career career, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public service and community leadership.

He currently serves as the Environmental Impact Commission, where he brings a thoughtful, balanced and practical perspective to important community issues.

He also has also served ably as chair of the Danbury Museum Historical Society Authority Board, helping guide the organization and preserve Danbury's rich history.

His leadership experience and deep knowledge of our community have earned him the respect of residents and colleagues alike.

Gioff's continued service on the Danbury Museum Historical Society Authority Board will continue to enhance the authority.

He remains an outstanding example of dedicated civil civic leadership and public service.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Roberto Alves, Mayor.

Thank you.

Council, with your pleasure.

Councilman Gardner.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I move to receive the communication and confirm the reappointment of Jeffrey Harold to serve on the Danbury Museum and Historical Authority.

Society Authority with a term expiration of 6-1 2029.

Motion has been made and seconded by half the council.

I'll give the one to Councilman Rotello.

Uh Council, any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

See none, I'll try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

The ayes have it.

Congratulations, Chief, and thank you for continuing to serve.

Item number eight, please.

Communication reappointment to the Danbury Museum Historical Society.

Dear City Council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the reappointment of Doug Polestena to serve as a full member on the Danbury Museum Historical Society Authority.

He has strong and enduring ties to the Danbury community and has contributed greatly to its growth and success over many years.

A graduate of Danbury High School and Maris College, he has remained deeply connected to the city through his business, philanthropic, and civic endeavors.

As part owner of the Amber Room Colonnade and several other Danbury properties, he has played an important role in supporting our local economy and community institutions.

He serves on the board of directors of Ives Bank, Danbury's longest continuously operating business.

His service on the Danbury Museum and Historical Society Authority Board has been highly valued by fellow members and has helped advance the authority's mission.

His extensive knowledge of Danbury, combined with his business and commitment to preserving our city's heritage, make him an invaluable member of the board.

His reappointment will ensure the continued benefit of his experience, leadership, and dedication to safeguarding Danbury's rich history for future generations.

Doug remains exceptionally well qualified to continue serving in this important role.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Roberto Alves, Mayor.

Thank you.

Council, with your pleasure.

Councilman Spain.

Michael, sorry.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I move to receive the communication and confirm the reappointment of Douglas Palestena to serve on the Danbury Museum and Historical Society Authority with a term expiration of June 1st, 2029.

Motion has been made and seconded by also half the council there.

I'll take uh councilwoman Le Pine.

I think I did hear you just a little bit quicker.

Uh Council, any remarks?

Councilman Henry.

Thank you, Honor.

I'd like to refer to us to an ad hoc committee, please.

That ad hoc shall consist of in the chair, Councilwoman Councilwoman Gartner.

Uh let's say Councilwoman Lepine and Councilman Mike Henry.

Thank you.

Item number nine, please.

Communication, annual statement of conditions.

Honorable mayor and city council, in accordance with sections 14-46C of the city charter.

The following report is offered as to the listing of property and a general statement of condition and affairs of the fire department.

William Lounsbury, Chief Fire Department.

Council, what's your pleasure?

Councilman Giordano.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I move to receive the communication and accept the annual statement of conditions from the fire chief William Glownsbury as presented.

Motion is made and seconded.

Council, are there any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

Seeing none.

Actually, we're sending it to an ad hoc, so we don't need.

No, I'm sorry.

Um, no remarks.

Council, what's your pleasure?

I mean, excuse me.

I apologize, everybody.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

I apologize, folks.

Sorry.

Thrown off by the ad hocs again.

Item number 10, please.

Communication amendments to ordinance section 14-21 through 14-80.

On behalf of the Danbury Fire Department, I respectfully submit the attached proposed revisions to this city ordinance governing the fire department for your review and consideration.

The recommended changes are primarily administrative in nature and are intended to modernize outdated language and staffing references contained within the current ordinance.

Over time, the operational structure, position titles, and departmental responsibilities have evolved to better meet the needs of the community and align with current industry standards.

Portions of the existing ordinance no longer accurately reflect the present-day organization and operation of the department.

Importantly, the proposed changes do not alter the Danbury's mission, the department's mission or commitment to providing effective emergency services to the residents and visitors of the city of Danbury.

Rather, they help ensure that the governing ordinance accurately reflects the department as it exists and operates today.

Respectfully submitted William Loungebury, Chief of the Fire Department.

Thank you.

Council, at your pleasure.

Councilman Jabor.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

I move to receive the communication and send this to an ad hoc committee.

I think now it's an ad hoc.

Uh I will put in the chair, Councilman Salvatore.

Uh we'll put Councilman Hawley and Councilman Mike Henry.

Item number 11, please.

Communication disposition of city property.

I am requesting that an ad hoc committee be formed to consider the disposition disposition of parcel of a parcel at 37 Locust Avenue.

The property has been decommissioned as a firehouse, as water which hose company seven has merged into Battalion 31.

Sincerely, William Loungebury, Fire Chief.

Council, what's your pleasure?

Councilman Britton.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I move to receive the communication and send this to an ad hoc committee.

Thank you, Councilman Britton.

This will consist of a uh committee.

Uh Councilman Joe Britton, the chair.

We'll do councilman laughing house and councilman Mike Henry.

Item number 12, please.

I mean, sorry, 12, 13, 14 on consent.

Item number 15, please.

Communication charter revision commission.

Dear Mayor, Alves and Council members, it is with great pride and a profound sense of accomplishment that I submit the draft report of the 2026 Charter Revision Commission.

The commission was charged with the important and ambitious task of conducting a comprehensive review of the city charter and developing thoughtful recommendations for its modernization and improvement, all within a time frame that would allow any proposed changes to be presented to the greatest number of Danbury voters possible during the 2026 federal and state election cycle.

I am proud to report that the commission met this challenge.

Over the course of our review, the commission met weekly, conducting public hearings, received testimony from residents and public officials, and carefully reviewed every chapter, section, and provision of the charter.

The commission approached this work in thoughtful, nonpartisan, and deliberate manner, balancing respect for the city's traditions with the need to ensure that our governing document reflects the realities of modern municipal government.

Public hearings were held on the 30th of April and 25th of June and received valuable input from residents, elected officials, municipal leaders, and members of the public throughout the review process.

Their participation contributed greatly to the recommendations contained within this report.

In closed, you will find a summary of the proposed charter revisions together with the full text of the recommended changes.

We respectfully submit these recommendations for your consideration and look forward to discussing them with you.

Truly, Joseph Britton, Chair of the Charter Revision Commission.

Thank you.

Calling Councilman Peter Buzade for the minutes.

Mr.

Mayor, I move to waive a reading of the Charter Revision Report as all members of copies.

Copies are on file with the legislative assistance office, as well as to accept the report as it's presented.

Motions are made and seconded by Councilman Paul Rotello.

Council, this is on the minutes.

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

See none, I'll try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

I'm sorry, the remarks of the minutes.

Yes, I apologize, Council.

So June 25th, public hearing minutes were not recorded on this draft report.

The last report.

I'm sorry, it's not the minutes, it's the reports.

I apologize.

Okay.

So any remarks on the reports.

Any remarks on the reports?

Any remarks on the reports.

See none, I'll charge.

Yep, ma'am.

I'm sorry.

What are you considering the reports?

I have the charter amendments and then the charter revision commission draft report.

It's the draft report of the you want us to comment on that now.

No, it's just to accept it.

It's just to accept it in because we have to accept it in from the meeting.

So you accept that.

Okay, that's different.

Yeah from what you asked.

Okay.

Just the minutes like that.

Are there any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

See none.

I will try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

The vote is so ordered.

Now, council, what is your pleasure?

Councilman McAllister.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I move to receive this communication and report of the Charter Revision Commission and send this to a committee of the whole and a public hearing on the same day.

Motion has been made to send this to a committee of the whole and a public hearing in the same day, so it is so ordered.

Item number 16, please.

I'm sorry, you you took a motion and so ordered it.

You didn't vote.

Do you need a vote when it's like sending it to an ad hoc?

Okay.

So now you have a whole other meeting to discuss justice item and a public hearing for the public.

So it'll be the third public hearing.

Right.

Well, I I'd like to make a counter motion.

I'd like to make a motion that the public hearing and the committee of the whole not occur on the same.

Motion has been made and ordered.

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

Microphone, please.

Press the green button once.

There you go.

Um I I think because this is a motion to refer it to a committee of the whole and a public hearing, it needs a majority vote because of not the ad hoc.

Okay.

So then we'll have remarks and councilwoman Kenopine and the remarks.

Please there's no discussion.

Just a vote.

It's a motion.

I'll go to the corporation council.

Uh what's corporation council opinion after we go and we get the vote?

Is there remark or is there a discussion on sending to a public hearing?

I don't believe there is.

I don't have Robert Schools in front of me, but that's I think the normal procedure is meant just to just to vote on the case.

That this is like sending it to an ad hoc what I said before and voted, but we will have a vote then.

It's consistent.

Okay.

We can stay consistent on the public hearing proportion of it, but the motion on the floor is to send it to a committee of the whole of the public hearing on the same day.

That that is our motion.

Is there a second?

Yes.

Motion is made a second by councilman Matello.

There are no remarks on the motion as the council as legal counsel just said.

There is no remarks on the motion as legal counsel just said.

So I will try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

Nay, I'm sorry.

Two nays.

Three.

Three nays.

I will go back and go again, make sure because I'm going through corporate to corporation council's suggestion here.

Yeah, so what I understood corporation counsel to say was that a motion to refer to the committee on the hold is similar to the motion referring it to an ad hoc.

Motion for a public hearing requires a majority vote.

Those are two separate motions.

One can have discussion, one doesn't.

Correct.

It's not a I believe neither can have discussion.

But they're two separate votes.

Two separate motions.

You can divide the question if you if you wish.

Yes.

But the question wasn't divided on the floor.

How do you divide if there's no how do you divide if there's no remarks?

No.

You can't divide if there's no remarks or ability to divide.

How do you divide the question?

You cannot.

So the vote is so ordered based on the correct procedure that was just done.

They were the motion was not two separate motions.

The motion was made to send to committee a whole and a public hearing at the same time.

I can read can Mr.

McAllister for clarity.

Can you please just reread your motion?

That was approved and ordered.

Just for clarity, please, for the record again.

I move to receive the communication and report of the Charter Revision Commission and send this to a committee of the whole and a public hearing on the same day.

That was the motion on the floor.

Corporation council thinks that that's properly one motion.

Yes.

Thank you.

There's no discussion here.

This this has been ordered.

I I've let it go on a little bit more.

The corporation council has a pined.

Um, as everything else we have done, we've done it correctly.

Thank you, sir.

Items number 17 is on consent.

Item number I'm excuse, I mean number 16, please.

Resolution adoption of privacy policy for automated traffic enforcement safety devices.

Dear mayor and council members, at the March 3rd, 2026 City Council meeting, a proposed proposed ordinance authorizing the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices was introduced to the council for consideration.

In connection with the adoption of such an ordinance, Connecticut General Statutes 14-307 CE3 and 14-307D require that a municipality also adopt a privacy policy governing the handling, retention, access, and use of data generated by these devices.

A copy of the proposed model privacy policy for Danbury, which has been prepared based largely on the State Department of Transportation policy is enclosed.

Very truly yours, Robin Edwards, Deputy Corporation Council.

Council, what's your pleasure?

Councilman Robinson.

Uh thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

I move to receive the communication and send this to an ad hoc committee.

Thank you.

A motion has been made to send an ad hoc.

The ad hoc shall consist of councilman salvator and the chair.

Uh we'll do council.

I'm sorry.

You have to use this thing.

Oh, sorry.

So councilman, uh, councilman salvator and the chair, councilwoman Wallace Smith and Councilwoman Fay.

Item number 17 is on consent.

Item number 18, please.

Resolution, Connecticut Department of Health Per Capita 2027 grant.

Honorable mayor and city council, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has notified the City of Danbury that per capita grant applications are now open.

The city has been allocated 188,913 and 96 cents for the fiscal period of July 1, 2026 through June 30th, 2027, with no matching funds required.

We are requesting permission to apply for this funding and if awarded, use the funding to support multiple programs that provide essential public health services to residents of Danbury.

Fernanda Carvalho, Director of Health and Human Services.

Thank you, Council.

Uh council, what's your pleasure?

Councilman Flanagan.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I move to receive the communication and approve the resolution as presented.

Motion is made and seconded by Councilman Rotello.

Council, any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

See none, I'll try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying hi.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

The vote is so ordered.

Item number 20, please.

Sorry, 19.

Resolution.

Dear Mayor and Council members, in order to apply for State Department of Public Health drinking water, state revolving funds to help subsidize the cost of the Kenosha well field, PCE and PFAS treatment upgrades.

A resolution must be adopted by the applicant authorizing a specific person to file the application and execute the funding agreement.

If the application is approved, the program will provide a $2 million grant toward the project costs with the balance of costs being funded at a 20-year loan at an expected loan rate of 2%.

Sincerely, David Day, Superintendent of Public Utilities.

Thank you, Council.

What's your pleasure?

Councilman Hawley.

Thank you, Honor.

I move to receive the communication and approve the resolution as presented.

Motions are made, seconded by Councilman Rotello.

Council, are there any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any Mr.

Rotello?

Thank you.

Uh through the chair to David Day, please.

Yeah, we've been talking about PFOS for quite a while, and uh remember a presentation from Antonio, Director Ayatarola, uh several years ago, where the costs involved were so nebulous that we really had no idea what we were entering into.

This has got to be two, maybe three years ago, Antonio.

You can jump in and and and correct me, but it was around that time.

So first time it came up in this room.

And I'm just wondering after a couple of years, are are we getting a little bit closer to to some idea of how much this is gonna cost?

And will the two million dollars cover all of it, substantially most of it, or are we still in the dark on this?

Thank you.

No, this is just dedicated to the Kenosha Wellfield PCE and PFOS treatment project.

So that's just two million.

Uh you know, we're applying for a two million dollar grant for that.

This this is you know, we're we're we're still studying what we have to do for the water treatment plant upgrades themselves.

I got that, but I'm saying for this particular issue, is the two million gonna cover it?

Do you think?

Well, for this pro I mean the the estimated project cost is seven point six million dollars for this project.

7.6 million dollars for this project.

So we're eligible for a two million dollar grant, and then the balance of 5.6 would be a two percent loan.

Was that 7.2 million in the in this packet?

Because I'm not saying no, it was not.

No, the estimated project cost uh of this is 7.6 million dollars.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you, David.

Appreciate that.

Thank you, sir.

Council, any other remarks?

Any remarks?

Council Councilwoman Jabor.

I'm sorry, Mr.

Day.

I I have another question.

Thank you.

Just as a follow-up, is there a requirement that we take a loan out for two percent, or will your office be looking for additional grant funding for the 5.6 million that's left over?

Well, the the balance the the largest grant we can get for any project, a standalone project is two million dollars.

And so the balance uh the the best we can get is this two percent loan rate, which is better than than we can get uh through normal lending is my understanding, correct Dan?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Council, any other remarks, questions, remarks?

Remarks, see none.

I will try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

The vote is so ordered.

Item number 20, please.

Report ad hoc appointment of Richter Park authority.

Councilman Peter Bizade, the minutes, please.

Mr.

Mayor, I move to waiver reading of the ad hoc amendments.

Have has all members of copies and copies are on file with the legislative assistance office as well as to accept the report as file.

Motion is made seconded by Councilman Ortell.

Council, this is on the minutes.

Any remarks on the minutes?

Any remarks in the minutes?

Any remarks in the minutes?

See none, I'll try your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

D ayes have it.

Uh council, what is your pleasure?

Anyone?

Council, what's your pleasure?

Councilwoman Gardner.

Yes, hi.

I move to receive the communication and ad hoc report to approve the appointment of Robert Bria to serve as a full member of the Richter Park Authority, serving as the required liaison for the Richter Association of the Arts.

Thank you.

Is there a second?

Motion has been made and seconded by Councilman Salvatore.

Council, are there any remarks?

Councilwoman Faye.

Yeah.

Thank you, Honor.

Um unfortunately, due to the lack of transparency by the ad hoc chairwoman, I was unable to get some of my questions answered.

Um my primary objection to Mr.

Bria is not personal, but it was simply that is simply that he's not a resident of Danbury.

And I would reflect back just a short hour ago during public speaking when this council questioned whether a member of the public was a resident or taxpayer to appear in front of this council and address us.

We are prepared today, it seems, to appoint someone who could not properly address this council as he is not a resident nor a taxpayer.

Yet we are willing to appoint him to a commission, the Richter Park Authority, which is a coveted position within our community.

My question at the ad hoc that was not answered is was there a search performed?

And if so, what did that search entail?

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Council, do you any remarks?

Any other remarks?

Councilman Henry.

And then you I'm sorry, that was a question that I'm sorry, I believe I deserve an answer to.

It's your letter, um, your honor that is recommending Mr.

Bria.

So uh through the chair or to the chair, I am asking that question.

Was there a search performed?

And if so, what did that search entail?

So we I'm sorry.

You'll press my chief of staff, but I can also I'd gladly apply.

Zon, hello?

Okay.

Um no, so what happens for any commission is we do take letters in routinely.

We have interest, and if somebody's interested in a specific commission, we'll hold it for um that commission, and when it comes a time when something's open, we'll review it.

For this position, there is a requirement in the ordinance that the arts is represented.

So when our arts representative left, we worked with the chair to find somebody that the arts can choose as their representative.

Mr.

Bria was selected as the arts representative.

The arts is another board of the Richter Park Arts.

So we just say there's a it's a whole other board.

Yeah.

So um a letter was given to us with the chair from the chair, and um the arts had agreed as well that this was the person that would represent them on the board.

Okay, so is it fair to say that the search entailed going to Mr.

Szyzinski and asking for somebody from the the arts?

Sure, yeah, I'd say for this, because this is one person has to legally per our ordinance be from the arts.

So yes, when it comes to something specific like that, we'll go to the chair, we'll work with the group and say, you know, who's actually representative.

I wouldn't just say, hi, I'm Taylor, I'll represent the arts, even if you don't know me, right?

So I'd say like who is representative of the arts that can come and speak before you city member, a city member of the arts board.

Well, yeah, of course, that too.

Sitting member of the arts board, and obviously the musical tie-in too.

So is this position offered to other people on the arts board?

Uh we could talk.

I mean, it in the past, yes, there's always somebody that comes up and says they're gonna be the one to take it.

Council then approves it after the mayor recommends it.

So we get names from the arts board periodically.

The last person left a few months ago, a few months back.

Um, from that.

I can we can gladly call up the chairman of the Richter Park authority to opine on the process as well.

Well, Chief Zazinski, would you mind opining on the process and how uh you came to Mr.

Brea and his qualifications?

I understand it's not why I'll apologize in advance, but sometimes my hearing age don't pick up all the communications.

Uh my understanding is you want an overview of how Mr.

Bria's no.

If there was a search, um, and then we're gonna get a we can appine later on how we come up with members for any authority.

Uh but this authority in particular, this seat has to be somebody who's also a sitting member of the arts authority because legally the Richter Park uh the Richter Park Authority must have one member of their authority who is a sitting member of the arts authority.

The Richter Park Authority by charter uh or by ordinance does not require residency like the city charter requires for public speaking or taxpayers, so that's why he's allowed and different than what happened earlier.

Um so your process to suggest him, we believe you talk to the arts board and they suggested so I must be responsible for this uh this uh three month process.

Uh it started when there was a vacancy, and as mayoral appointments go, we notify the mayor's office when we do have a vacancy.

Uh in this particular case, Mr.

Brea, who's constantly attending the Richter Park Authority board meetings on a monthly basis.

Actually, his attendance exceeds many of our board members currently.

Uh Mr.

Bria had approached me after the meeting and said, it's too bad I can't be a member of the authority because I really think I can help with the information that the arts association wants to get across.

I can be a value for some of the issues that we had moving forward.

Uh Mr.

Bria is a very respected member of the uh the musicals of Richter and has done yeoman's work on behalf of the city, the authority, and the uh Richter musicals.

So the question I I had immediately was I think for the Richter Authority, you did not have to be a resident of the city of Danver.

I think it's one of the many boards in the city that that was not a requirement.

Uh that being said, I had broached the question or the potential to the mayor's office that we had Mr.

Bria, a respected member, uh potential member who was willing to step forward and could fill a gap that was necessary for the arts association.

Uh the members of the arts association who occasionally come in attendance to the the monthly Richter Authority meetings, were enthusiastic about Mr.

Brea's appointment as uh Bobby not only does he work with the musicals, but he shares the space in the Richter Arts House with the Arts Association.

So he has that relationship with them.

Uh he understands arts and music.

He understands the authority, he understands some of the current issues that are going on.

Uh we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

He and his board, if it was not for that board, uh taking the stage portion out of the Richter House going back when the Richter House project would not have been done.

That'd be a parking lot or a picnic area right now.

So he he understands the commitment that's necessary for the the city.

He he contributes greatly to musicals, he contributes to the authority, he teaches our kids in middle school as well.

He's a wonderful individual.

Uh we don't go out as an authority and solicit names.

Typically, if we have individuals who are interested in the authority, they attend meetings.

They come to the meetings, they see what's going on with the authority, they have a handle as to what's going on, and and if that piques their interest, they they make their their presence known and they fill out forms to the mayor's office for the mayoral appointments as they go through.

That that's the process.

Thank you, sir.

Council McFay?

Yes, thank you.

So um, Mr.

Zinski, you you've been a tremendous advocate for Mr.

Brea.

And and again, I've said this time and time again, it is not personal to Mr.

Bria in any way.

Um, however, I I have heard um several times that the authority requires someone from the arts, but looking at the bylaws of the Richter Park Authority, it states it states that the authority shall consist of nine members appointed by the mayor with the approval of the common council, except that one of the appointees selected by the mayor shall be made from a list of three persons selected, Irene Myers Richter, so long as she shall live or upon her death, nominated by Ann Myers Williams of Westport, Connecticut.

Vacancy shall be filled accordingly.

So is Mr.

Brea one of the three people nominated by the case.

Yeah.

This is the bylaws I was provided when I requested them.

We can get her a copy of that one.

Mr.

Mayor, if I under I understand what Ms.

Faye is referring to, but if you go back to the deed uh from the Richter family, the original fee.

There is language in that that deed that specifically states that the Richter family, Mrs.

Richter or her daughter, until they pass, could have input in naming an individual of the Richter Arts Association as that member of the authority.

I'll let my chief of staff jump in on that.

She found the updated ordinance there.

And Mr.

Sinski, I'm sorry to do this again.

Um we were both at the ad hoc, but uh as you know, I was unable to get any questions out.

Okay.

Section 30-77 Commission of Authority appointment.

Uh section A, the mayor with the approval of a majority of the city council shall select and appoint the members of the Commission of said authority, which shall consist of nine members among the members so appointed shall be one member of the Stanley L.

Richter associate for the arts.

One of the appointees selected by the mayor shall be a person nominated by Irene Myers Richter.

So we read that as out of nine, one has to be from the arts, one has to be somebody appointed by Richter.

Um all are for a term of three years.

There's nothing in here, obviously, about uh living in Danbury.

Now is the updated.

So you read common council and what you have, so you must have an outdated one, but the Municode website has maybe someone could send me the new ones instead of the old ones.

We could pull and just for the council's understanding, you can pull all these codes online as well.

If you just go to the Muni code and our website, you can pull them.

You have a comment?

Councilwoman Faye, is that I I guess is there currently someone sitting who was a selection of the Richter family?

I'm sorry, Councilwoman.

I I am not picking you up here.

As the chief of staff just separate, you know, uh, read to me the current bylaws that separates me.

I understand again I can only go back the seven or so years I've been on the authority, but at that time, my appointment by Mayor Mark also included uh a representative Judith Gramsman as the representative of the arts association.

Uh and speaking with her, there was never any input from the Richter or from the uh Richter family for her appointment.

The language in the deed is clear that if the Richter heirs pass on an appointment, they no longer have the right to make a recommendation to the mayor's office for that future appointments to the authority.

So I I would say I would say that the Richter family from what I can see has passed on their ability to make those recommendations.

Well, thank you, Mr.

Szyzinski.

Councilman, any remarks?

Any other remarks?

Any other remarks?

Mr.

Rotello.

Councilman Rattello, apologize, sir.

About 15 years ago, maybe 20, a previous mayor asked me, my family was involved with the Richters, they knew the Richters personally, asked me if I would help resurrect the Charles Ives uh Center for the Performing Arts.

It had been defunct for many years.

It had been started in the late 70s as a one-off at the Danbury Fair race arena, if you can believe that, and then became basically through the sweat of one of the richest guys in Danbury, was out there with stones and trowels and stuff, building stuff up there on a on a shared lot with with the state of Connecticut.

But it went south and became defunct, and there was tension between the board members and it finally just withered away and died.

And the previous mayor asked me if I could help get it going again, and maybe could I con that guy back into action?

And I said, Yeah, I can do that, sure.

So we had lunch, the mayor and I, and and this guy who shall remain nameless, he's still alive.

He's still around.

Actually, he's not.

He died a few months ago, unfortunately.

Great guy, just a wonderful guy.

We got it going again, and the mayor had to, we're starting from scratch all over again.

And instead of slotting people in, you know, we've got a missing appointment here, we'll just fill one in.

We had to start the whole thing all over again.

The mayor did.

And the mayor appointed people to the Charles Ives Center for the Performing Arts.

And several of them were not from Danbury.

And the guy who be who's also deceased, this is a long time ago, the guy that became the chair was from Southbury.

Um and that thing got off to an amazing start.

Uh it was for several years it was going just really wonderfully, but it's complicated.

The state of Connecticut has its hand in it.

Uh, unlike Richter, that's why essentially wholly owned by the city of Danbury, we were not able to control it to the extent that that we needed to do, and it and and it finally petered out.

But the point here of the sort of wandering siloquy is that it is not unusual for boards and commissions in Danbury to have to bring talent in from outside the city from the greater Danbury area, sure.

The person, by the way, who was not from Danbury, worked in Danbury.

This is a uh and grew up in Danbury, but at the time was no longer living in Danbury.

Like Jack Knapp, who now lives in Southbury, who was the chair of the zoning commission for many years and on this council, if we needed Jack Knack's expertise, so I would have not he was a Republican on my party, but I know Jack, and he's a good guy, and if we needed him, we could call him up, and I'm sure he'd volunteer to do something.

He works for the Elks in Danbury.

It is not unusual to acquire talent from outside the environments of Danbury, certainly outside the city limits.

This is not an unusual thing.

I I'm I'm not familiar with the personalities in question.

I'm just making a point that when it comes to the arts, we have in the past with uh consistently going back through several mayors, uh nominated, uh appointed and nominated the council common council back then, city council now, uh, under the auspices of the mayor and the city council, the common council, the leadership of Danbury have appointed successfully um people from outside of town.

This is this is it this is not an unusual thing.

I I get it.

We we wanna we want to do as much as we can with the talent inside the city, and there's a lot of it, but occasionally it happens that we find somebody who's really good from outside of town and we bring them in.

And it and it works out really well.

So but you know, I'm I'm in I'm in favor of that's thank you, councilman.

Council, any other remarks?

Any other remarks?

Any other remarks?

See none, I'll chy your minds.

All those in favor signify saying aye.

Any opposed to is that uh is that a nay, Council McCuello?

That's a nay.

The ayes have it.

Uh thank you.

Congratulations, Mr.

Brea.

We are thankful.

I apologize for everything I went through this.

Uh you, sir, are a dedicated servant to Danbury, not just through the arts, but as a Danbury Public School teacher as a proud parent of Danbury Public School Kids.

Thank you for everything you do uh in our community.

It does not go unnoticed.

Item number 21, please.

Consent is on consent, 22.

Item 22's on consent.

Item 23, please.

Department reports.

Mr.

Mayor, I move to waiver reading of the report says all members have copies and copies are on file with the legislative assistance office, as well as to accept the reports as they're presented.

Motions are made and seconded.

Council, are there any remarks, questions?

Councilman Rotello.

Through the chair to David Day.

David, I'm not gonna ask you how we're doing on water.

You know, thank you.

Councilman Laffinhouse.

Uh Director Ratchford.

Um is July 9th.

You have a grateful dead cover band coming out on here to uh town park, right?

That will probably be postponed to the following Thursday.

We're working on that.

I'll let the dead know.

Um I just wanted to thank you.

Uh I know with the fireworks and um the extreme heat that we had, you were jam-packed at town park.

Uh I drove by on the 4th of July, and there were folks lining up to come into the park.

Um, and then when I also drove out on the boat, my daughters looked at me and said, I don't think I've seen so many people swimming.

And I know that's a strain on your lifeguards, your staff, and the people that you keep that are there to keep everybody safe.

Um, I checked in with you and little incidents, but you know, nothing major, which is an accomplishment.

So I just want to thank you for that, keeping everybody safe.

Thank you very much.

I have a great team.

Uh, our lakefront director, Matt Spruell, our assistant director, uh Chase Dan, the lifeguards, uh Rick Roos runs the booth.

Um Tim's guy come in the morning to clean it and to uh empty the garbage.

Yes, we had over 200 people in the water and over 600 people in the park.

I love it.

I can't wait till that happens every day.

So thank you very much.

Councilwoman Lepine.

I have a question for Chief Ridden Hour.

Chief.

Chief.

I'll start while you get there.

So we've had several complaints from the neighbors who are asking and pleading for relief from uh issues that they're having uh uh division, four division and POPO with really loud music at three o'clock in the morning.

And uh we found that there were 140 calls in six months, and we're wondering they would like us to bring that up and wondering what could be done about it, whether it's you know, police department can help or uh even possibly zoning.

Okay, um first of all, good evening, everyone.

And uh yes, uh following up on your uh we talked uh about this the other day.

Um I have directed our patrol captain to uh make sure that our patrol units pay more attention to that area.

Um certainly, you know, late at night, even during the day, if music is uh unreasonably loud, we are allowed to take some action.

So uh hopefully there'll be some um relief with regard to that and with regard to the uh restaurant.

We are uh looking into that with our investigative divisions.

Are they uh able to give tickets or uh sure?

There's I mean, there's creating uh public disturbance.

Uh that's that's a ticket that they can give, and if there's any other uh violations, then certainly they can give tickets and you know, in some cases maybe even make uh custodial arrests.

Uh but that's gonna be dependent upon what the officer finds when they get there.

Okay, thank you.

Let me go to councilwoman Faye, and then I'll go to the chief.

Yes.

Um, I'm just wondering um regarding our copsical truck.

Are there any rules and regulations about where that's allowed to go?

It was prominently on displayed in New Fairfield this weekend, and I just want to make sure that we're not violating any grants or anything like that by going outside of city limits.

No, we're not violating any any grants by by doing so.

And as a matter of fact, there's another event coming up.

It's uh we have a towing company that has uh graciously agreed to tow it to that location because it is an older truck.

We don't you know need it going long distances, but it's uh for a uh charity cause and uh the sponsor is actually uh gun to do the ice cream, but they just like the idea of the the officers there uh giving it out.

So councilman McAllister.

Thank you, Your Honor Chief Rittenhauer.

Uh when I was coming out of church uh the other morning, uh some of the altar servers had gathered out in front and their former students of mine, and I asked how their summer was going.

And they said that they were gonna go to summer camp as part of the cadet program from the Danbury Police Department.

And these are children that don't normally have access to go anywhere.

The their economic situation does not allow that.

And I asked them how they were going to do that, and they said that there were scholarship money that was arranged through the police department to make this happen.

My question to you is can you somehow publicize that a little bit more that would allow our members of our community to support that program as these children as I spoke to them, we're so excited and so happy that they're gonna be able to take advantage of that program that the Danbury Police Department is so successfully put together.

And I think hopefully soon uh Chief Loungebury, the fire department will be able to do the same thing.

So if you could somehow publicize that a little bit more in terms of making open donations to that program.

Sure.

Uh well, I know that they solicit donations all the time, but certainly we could put something on our social media uh as well uh to encourage people to support the uh cadet program.

Uh Sergeant David Ananaminico does a great job with the uh with the program as well as uh a lot of the other officers as well as some non-sworn uh advisors uh to the program.

And so yeah, the that camp is great.

Uh we like to visit it when they have the they do have a day set aside usually for members of the leadership of the department, and uh they they actually go through different phases, the kids, and it's great to see them when they're doing that.

And some of them when you walk up to them and you say, Oh, gee, chief, I'm a little tired.

I worked the midnight shift last night because they actually set up a mock police department uh to do that.

So it's a lot a lot of fun.

But I also put a plug in for our school resource officers.

We're we're actually doing a uh mini camp at the police department right now with uh middle aged middle school aged uh students uh to get expose them to uh the police department and uh to help build those community uh police relations.

Very great chief.

Thank you for all your hard work.

Councilman Britton, Councilman Jabor.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Uh, to my my colleagues uh point here, I also just wanted to uh give a shout out um because it's such an important program and so many stakeholders and public officials, um, repetitives specifically representative Santos and getting I believe it was 50,000 um for uh that organization.

So I just wanted to put that out there too.

And it's a great organization, and you know the community really comes together to support that group, and they do they do a great job.

So thank you, Chief.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Jabor.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um, I have a few questions.

I apologize.

Uh Chief Redenauer.

Sorry, I was trying to catch you before you left the podium.

Uh I know we've had numerous conversations over the last several months about uh the top field detour.

I wanted to uh make a public note that I had the opportunity to go to a few community events where I ran into a few of the top field residents, and they mentioned to me how grateful they were for the increased police presence, um, including the increased in enforcement in both situations of either just presence being there or of sort of hiding and uh enforcing some of the stop sign violations and speeding violations.

Um I I do know that um there have been some more recent communications about this.

I I just wanted to see if we could get an update on the uh the top field detour and how the enforcement is going.

Okay.

Um enforcement continues.

We tell our you know our traffic unit and our patrol units to uh to keep monitoring that situation.

Uh there was a meeting regarding uh top field.

Um full disclosure, I had a family commitment.

I was away uh during that week.

Deputy Chief Stirn uh represented the police department uh during that meeting, and uh decision was made to uh not make any changes to the detour.

Um I think we're um only a few more weeks out before the the project is completed, so uh there and I support that decision.

So um that there's uh no no changes that are going to be made at this particular time.

Thank you, Chief Randonauer.

Uh, through you, Mr.

Mayor, if I may, ask Antonio a question quickly.

Ms.

Schiderola.

Good evening, Antonio.

I just want to uh thank you.

I did read through the paragraph that was put in uh towards the end for uh the Franklin Street update, and I wanted to highlight that you're continuous uh coordination with Ever Source Gas for the installation of the gas main, as well as uh working with diligently with the contractor to extend uh their hours to six days a week so that we can get this project done sooner is greatly appreciated.

Um if you could, I do note that you said you're ahead of schedule.

Do you know about how ahead of schedule you are?

Well, we were doing really well until yesterday.

Um we uh we were approximately two almost two and a half weeks ahead of schedule.

Uh we were scheduled tomorrow to actually install the gas main that's all been postponed.

Uh the bridge got hit pretty hard yesterday, so the contractors letting it dry out today and tomorrow.

Gas company did show up today, start a welding pipe, which is a good sign, but they got called out on an emergency.

So uh we're hoping that uh we're not gonna lose that great momentum that we had.

Um, you know, we might slip back to only being a week ahead of schedule, but I'm doing everything I can.

My staff is out there every day pushing everybody.

So um uh trust me, there's nobody that wants to get this bridge done quicker than I do.

Thank you, Mr.

Iadarola.

I greatly appreciate it.

I I would note that I did drive through that.

I drive through it on a daily basis and have observed the great progress that's been made, but I also did observe some significant flooding from the storms this weekend.

So I appreciate the work that you guys have been doing to try and keep this as ahead of schedule as possible.

Thank you.

Councilman Rotello.

The chair to Antonio, um, director I had a roll-up blind brook.

Everybody hear me?

Yeah, okay.

Because I don't know.

At West Worcester, essentially around Spruce, you've got the Blind Brook channel that goes under under the street that was repaired on a 30 years ago.

I don't know if you did that or Buckley did that many years ago.

That brook has been a vexation for Dan Barry forever.

It's privately owned.

It's been channelized illegally or improperly or out of compliance multiple times, including this year.

And the channel's falling apart.

Half the channel has collapsed into the brook.

Now we had a massive uh amount of rain yesterday.

I I on my rain gauge, we were over six almost seven inches.

And there was some minor flooding on West Worcester, which I I thought was kind of interesting because sometimes with half as much rain, you know, you gotta call on the Army Corps of Engineers and have them, you know, bring in a pump from New Orleans to try it out.

It wasn't that bad.

It was bad, but it wasn't that bad.

But that channel is, and this maybe is is not really directed to you, but also the corporation council.

That that channel, which is privately owned, has now been clogged up.

And it seems to me that if you own a body of water and you are not maintaining it and it is causing a threat to the community, then you bear some responsibility to that.

I'm not saying the city does, but maybe there's something the city can do to I don't want to use the word incentivize because I don't I don't want to, I don't want to, you know, there's something that the city can do to encourage the property owners to attend to their own creek.

Is there something that we can do that you know about or through the chair also to corporation council?

Because at some point there's so much private junk that's gonna fall into that into that stream from the banks on both sides, from the channelization, the concrete blocks, shopping carts, and all that stuff.

It's just gonna get blocked up.

And and West Worcester will have to put a detour.

We'll have to build a bridge over West Worcester.

Is there something we can do and and can we do it soon?

Thank you.

Well, we uh refer it to EIC, Councilman.

I I'm just uh I just want to say that um you you really hit some key points.

Um, and if you all can work with some of your constituents that are anywhere near or own property adjacent to a water body, unfortunately, these water bodies become a dumping ground.

Or if they're not actually being dumped into, there's debris being stored immediately adjacent to the water body.

So when the water levels come up, it takes everything, floats it downstream, creates a blockage, and uh you have flooding.

Um I was very surprised to be honest with you.

I was out all um Sunday quite a bit.

Um it didn't provide the same nuisance that it typically does, uh, which is amazing.

But uh, but do you guys all remember West Street, the West Street Bridge that collapsed?

When we unplugged that brook, uh we found dead animals.

I I hate to say it, uh, probably people's pets that either got caught up in that rain.

Uh we found everything you could think of, um ironing boards, uh things that you would never expect.

Um all of that material does get caught up in these very small uh drainage ways and it blocks them up.

The other thing we notice is people want to extend their yards, so they're choking it down smaller and smaller.

As it gets choked down, the velocities get increased, and but the capacity goes down.

So if there's anything we could do to get the word out that, you know, these water bodies um are part of your property, and maintaining them, keeping them clean is just as important to you than it is to your neighbors.

Um so getting that word out.

As far as going on to private property and directing people, um, I could probably work with the unit if we know of real problematic areas.

Uh, but other than that, I don't know what other options we have as a public works department.

Okay, I I appreciate that.

Uh this is a real I'll just tell you right now.

Uh West Street, the the the bridge.

So this would be the north side of that bridge on West Street is very problem.

Just take a look.

And I'm sure you'll agree this.

Oh, I I was there Sunday.

Okay, yeah, yeah.

So the corporation council, does the city have any teeth in this?

These creeks are water courses.

Are they not?

I'm sorry, I didn't I didn't hear that.

These these creeks are are they're water courses.

That's correct.

Therefore, I would say that uh EIC might have probable jurisdiction to regulate uh pollution or depositing materials into wetlands or water courses.

You're right.

They probably have enforcement capabilities based on the fact that it's a water body that's being either dumped in or or um or altered.

The problem is finding the perpetrator.

That's correct.

Right.

Who's doing the dumping?

And you have to walk through people's private property to investigate the drainage way, and now you got to get access.

And so it does become a little problematic.

Yeah.

But we do have a drone that doesn't require um, you know, any trespassing.

So yeah, yeah, just briefly, if you if you simply stand on West Worcester, you can see the immediate, you know, the no trespassing.

You're on a public uh right of way.

It's owned by the city of Danbury.

I see Jeff Harold is going nuts over here.

Um I get it.

Maybe maybe you can pass the word and just have somebody take a look because uh this is not a question of uh uh you know uh stuff fell into the river.

These are structures that the private property owners built that have collapsed and are now blocked.

They're their own walls have collapsed and are now blocking the river.

This is not a question of like somebody threw a bunch of party balloons and we don't know who it is.

We know who they are.

The guy built a wall, it fell in, and they're not they didn't pick it back up.

That's what they need to do.

Councilman, if you want to um connect with Taylor, we'll refer to EIC and get that working and make sure you're the liaison on that.

I think it's the best bet to do, because they have the the ability and the the jurisdiction to do that.

Councilman, uh I'm sorry, Mr.

Tellers, are you all set?

Yep, thank you, sir.

Councilman Faye.

Uh first I'd like to say thank you to Mr.

Adderola and your team for your efforts during this storm.

Um it's been tremendous.

I know our um our area was hit pretty badly, but I know Danbury fared much better than some of our surrounding towns, and I know a lot of that is due to your efforts, and I heard that Memorial Way for the first time in a very long time did not flood.

So thank you for that.

Yeah, Memorial Way um uh was probably the best we've ever had.

Uh with this amount of rain, uh, which the numbers are still not all in, but it's well over five inches.

Um that place would have been a disaster.

We'd be pulling people out of their homes uh in the middle of the night, which we've done multiple times.

Fire department, police has all been there.

We did some drainage work uh probably about six, seven months ago.

It paid off.

Um we did make some investments down there.

We went back to the 1950s, took a look at what that uh entire area looked like, and we have a very young engineer that took the project down under my leadership and did a great job.

Uh that's only phase one of a three-phase project, so we're gonna continue to make some improvements down there.

But we we saw the benefits of that investment this past uh couple of days.

Thank you.

Councilman Quello and Councilman Shenice.

Sorry, Antonio the quick bridge question.

I know last time we spoke, you thought uh you were hoping to have it open one way before school went back into session.

Um I know we you just mentioned you were ahead, made a loss in time, but can you just opine a little bit about where you're gonna be around the start of school season another two months?

Yeah, um well uh uh we we hope to be completed or I would say 90 percent completed with that project before the kids go back to school.

Uh that's our goal.

Um and um our hopes is if we can uh manage to uh deal with some of these delays that I just described, we might even be able to open up the bridge in one direction, which would be northbound.

Um unfortunately that's not in the contract, so I would have to negotiate that with the contractor.

Umce the kids are in school, you might see us out there doing some guide rail work, maybe painting some um uh signage on the road.

Uh but we should be substantially complete by then.

So that's our goal.

And uh I just pray to God that the weather event that we had uh in the last two days doesn't kind of become a repeat event because that will significantly delay us.

And we've been making great progress on Kennedy also.

Um we're fortunate Kennedy is not as susceptible to weather as it is like uh with Franklin Street extension.

Uh but we're making progress on both.

Thank you.

Understood.

Thank you.

Uh Councilman's apologized.

I don't know if it's Haterola, so wait a second.

Thank you, Honor.

Just to Antonio really quick.

Uh I noticed today that the lights on on Seeger and Park Avenue are out, and also by Bardend is also out.

Is that something due to Ever Source or is there something wrong with the traffic lights?

There was a uh there's a tree that took out the power lines.

I don't know if you drove through there.

It's literally still hanging, it's caught up in the trees.

So until they get you know that that tree down and they can restore the power.

I'm thinking that's most likely the reason why that uh traffic light is out.

Okay, so we're waiting on every source.

Yeah, in fact, you saw the stop signs, cover stop signs.

Yeah, yeah.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Yeah, there's not many left, but there's still a couple.

Yeah.

Any other questions for Antonio?

Oh, no.

Not from the not for Antonio.

I tell you, thank you.

And to the council real quick, the Kennedy Avenue Bridge, if you drive by, it's pretty neat.

The Kennedy Avenue Bridge, if you drive by, it's pretty neat.

Oh, you can't see the water.

Uh it's the only time you'll see you know the covering the casting of an ex that bridge that is always underground.

So if you drive by, just take a look at it.

It's only concrete, but councilman Faye.

Thank you.

Um, I have a question for Mr.

Garrick.

Councilman, can you just move your mic up a little bit?

I think that will help.

Maybe is that better?

Yes.

Okay.

Um, Mr.

Garrick, I'm curious, in the light of everything that's taken place in New Britain.

Does the city of Danbury have P cards?

We have one P card.

It's uh it's held uh in custody in the purchasing department.

It's only used for uh vendors that will not take a purchase order.

So typically an online uh a vendor that that will only take a uh credit card.

So is that kept in your custody and control?

In purchasing department.

In purchasing, yes.

Okay, and somebody would have to um request to utilize that method of payment.

Yeah, so the department head will will go to uh purchasing agent.

They're required to uh you know what once they transact the transaction, then they have to enter a purchase order immediately to offset that that expense.

Thank you.

Council, any other remarks?

Any other remarks?

Any other remarks?

See none, I'll chy your minds.

All those in favor accepting the report, signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

The vote is so ordered.

Items number 24, please.

Executive session.

Dear mayor and council members, I am writing to respectfully request that the city council convene an executive session for the purpose of discussing and then approving in open space the attached license agreement.

Very truly yours, Daniel Castlegrande Corporation Council motion uh councilman Salvatore.

I move to enter executive session for the purposes of discussing the license agreement for 19 Bear Mountain Road Ranger Cottage.

The following individuals are directed to remain for the session.

Dan Garrick, Director of Finance, Tyler O'Brien, uh Chief Rittenhauer, and members of the corporation council office.

Motion has been made and seconded by Councilwoman Gartner.

Mr.

Mayor, um I I speak uh because I believe that this particular matter isn't appropriate for uh executive session.

It does not involve uh litigation, it does not involve a consultation with uh um corporation council, any any legal policy or anything.

Uh it is typical of leases that have been before this council in the past, and I believe it's properly on with maybe the exception of adding a name or keeping a name off the topic of the actual document itself is actually available to the public as part of this agenda, and I think it should be remain on the regular agenda of the city council.

Thank you.

Understood.

Thank you, sir.

Councilman Rotello.

I concur with the president's opinion.

Uh I've done these leases for 20 years, and we've always sent them to an ad hoc, done them in the ad hoc, return them with recommendations for approval to the council and done them at the council level.

And I would support sending this to an ad hoc completing it at the ad hoc and then bringing it back next month.

That that would be my opinion, and that's how we've done it forever for 30 years since I've been around.

Thank you.

Agree.

Thank you, Councilman Rotello.

Council, any other councilwoman Faye.

Thank you.

I also concur with President Buzade's opinion that this license agreement, which is a lease for a city owned property, is not proper for an executive session.

There's a motion on the floor though, so we will go through with that motion first.

Uh so just we'll we'll do the straight up up and down vote.

It would need a two-thirds to pass, but let's just go through that.

I I understand and agree with everybody saying.

Uh so council councilwoman Jabor and the remarks, please.

May I request a roll call vote?

Yeah, absolutely.

That's yeah, yeah.

Cool.

I got a second still on this.

Yeah, exactly.

Can I okay before we get to the second?

Can we reread that if you don't mind again?

What the motion is for.

Well, the motion is just to go to executive session, Council McCuello.

So uh I think maybe people need some valid pillows.

Go to executive session.

Yeah, so right now, there's a second floor.

My vote is no.

Uh so if you're voting right, you're voting right now just to go into the executive session.

So if you don't if you agree with the points made, just vote no.

Correct.

Um, so make sure it'd be clear.

Yes, is to go to executive session.

No, it's not going to executive session, so everybody is clear with what we're doing.

Was there a second to two thirds?

Uh there was a second.

I apologize.

Yeah, there is a okay.

So my vote is no.

No, no, no.

Yeah, I'm sorry.

She needs to call your name, call everybody just going one at time already.

So just wait till the legislative assistant calls your name.

I got quello.

No if we had to get no, but I understand.

Okay.

Wait, so he's no.

Quello's no, Flanagan's no.

Holley's no.

Holly, no.

Yes.

Oh, yes, I apologize.

No.

Salvatore.

Yes.

No.

No.

Gartner.

Yes.

Faye.

No.

Henry.

No.

Wallace Smith.

To be clear, no is not to vote.

No is to not go into executive session.

Correct, Councilwoman.

Yeah.

You're welcome.

Spain Reichel.

No.

Giordano.

No.

Jabor.

No.

Rotello.

No.

Chinese.

No.

Dwayne Perkins.

No.

Britton.

McAllister.

No.

Robinson.

No.

Laughinghouse.

No.

Dennis Perkins.

No.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Then the nays have it.

And I appreciate the points made.

We talked about it before, and that was me.

Just want to go through the procedure there.

So thank you, Council.

So now I will I guess trawl your minds here on what you did in your motion.

Could you set that for the back?

Yeah.

Throw the motion out there and you know where to go.

Um I move to approve the license agreement as presented by corporation council.

Second.

Motion is made in seconded by Councilman Paul Rotello.

Council, are there any remarks?

Any remarks?

Any remarks?

Seeing none, I will chill your minds.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

The vote is so ordered.

Thank you, Council.

I think we need to make update and extend all up there by extend all committees.

And I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

So much.

All in the favor signify by saying aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.