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Norwalk Common Council Survivor Island Meeting


by turfgrrl


May 27th, 2008 · 20 Comments

Common Council MTG 05/27/08

The meeting didn’t get called to order till about 8:20, much scurrying back and forth between the caucus rooms. Many political flunkies were in the audience tonight, likely due to the charter revision agenda item.

Attending: Krummel, Serasis, Brown, Sutton, Lindstrom, Bolden, Geake, Moccia, Bondi, Straniti, Conroy, Moccia, Bonnefant, Kydes, Hempstead, McQuaid

III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Norwalk High football coach Pete Tucci speaks about field turf issue. It is a good thing to replace it.
Sharon Cadden: Speaks as parent about astro turf issue. Delighted that it is on the agenda and that she hopes it gets approved. They have looked at the issues concerning the safety field.
Lauren Costa: PTO co-president. Daughter broke her foot on Testa field, playing soccer and torn her ACL playing lacrosse. Supports replacing the field for the athletes.
Wayne Rose: Athletic director at Norwalk High. Adults were playing on a resodded field in the rain. Grass fields are difficult to maintain. Supports field turf field replacement.
Tod Bryant: President Norwalk Preservation Trust. Supports request for grant to expand Fodor Farm. Delighted to support it since it was a long time proposal submitted in efforts to preserve the land as a farm.
Diane Lauracella: Speaks as League President to promote open and transparent government. Concerned that open process has not been met. Doesn’t like the names in the resolution for the charter revision committee. Doesn’t like the power authority committee assignments.

Resignations and appointments

None.

IV. MAYOR
A. REMARKS
Echoes what Tod says, and that the fodor farm project ahs been a success and that at 3 PM Wednesday the opening of the Perry avenue bridge.

V. COUNCIL PRESIDENT
5 A 1 2 3 4 were pulled. That would be the charter revision items.  [This was likely because they couldn’t get 10 votes to pass it.]

They move on to the public power subcomittee items.

Geake: Wants to add a modification to make the recommendation to the Land Use Committee.
There’s some discussion on it and then go for a recess.
Bondi reads the motion to form the committee and says it should end when the consultant is hired. There some adjustments. Basically they will recommend stuff to the council and then do the hokey pokey and someone will put the right foot in, and the left foot out.
Why do they tweak resolutions on the floor? Anyone who does it tonight should be voted off the council, like survivor. Krummel, he’s voted off first. Then Conroy, which I feel bad about since he just wanted to change one word, but rules are rules.

They make Fred read it again. I’d write it all down, but let’s get real. The resolution is about issuing an RFP. They have made this so convoluted that they might as well just have the Land Use committee issue the RFP and not even make a special committee. It would have saved us hours of time. Okay, more like it would save them hours of time. Does no one understand what an RFP is?

They vote on this final jeopardy moment unanimously.
5 a –Now they move the item about who should be on the committee.

Krummel is outraged that the hardest working member to the committee, he’s referring to Laurel Lindstrom, isn’t on the committee. He doesn’t understand why she isn’t being reappointed. He wants to move to amend the motion to add Laurel Lindstrom to the committee as chairperson.
Geake says he has the most background in municipal power, so he would know if she was qualified and that it would be a serious loss.
They do a roll call on the motion to add Laurel. It goes down 7-7, and Moccia abstains stating that it is a legislative action and he doesn’t want to be the deciding vote. The bit of drama occurred when Hempstead and then Conroy passed. Ooo, parliamentary maneuver. They get bonus points on council survivor.
Here are the votes:
Bondi N
Brown Y
Geake Y
McQuaid N
Sutton Y
Bonnefant N
Serasis Y
Bolden Y
Kydes N
Lindstrom Y
Hempstead N
Straniti N
Conroy N
Moccia Abstains

Then the vote on the main motion, to appoint the committee. It passed 8-4-2.
Bondi Y
Brown A
Geake Y
McQuaid Y
Sutton N
Bonnefant Y
Serasis N
Bolden A
Kydes Y
Lindstrom N
Hempstead Y
Straniti Y
Conroy Y

Bondi reads the consent items they pass unanimously.

First Item off consent:
VII A 5 A
It’s the field turf issue, Bondi reads it.
Mike Moccaie speaks about the safety issue and the research available.

Krummel thinks that there’s a safety issue. Kydes, McQuaid, Hempstead and Bondi add some more reasons why they need to replace the current field.
Lindstrom, Serasis, Bonnefant agrees that it needs to be replaced.

Update:
They move on to the authorization to apply for a grant to expand Fodor Farm which requires a 35% matching fund from the council.
Krummel questions the land use acreage. Asks Moccaie where this is and what the grant is for.
Moccaie explains that it is where the orchard is now, and that it is for taller plantings and infrastructure improvements. Mentions that Tod Bryant and David Westmoreland have exhibits ready for the educational programs.
Geake thanks Moccaie for the ADA complaint pathways and plots.
Conroy congrats everyone for working on this.
Mayor Moccia says that the grants coordinator is working on about $14 million worth of grants.
Kydes says he’s seen lots of activity at the garden.

Bolden adds that its been a joy to work on this project.

Lindstrom thinks its an excellent park.

They vote unanimously.

The End.

The Agenda 
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 8:00 P.M. EST COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ALL COMMON COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN AT THIS MEETING TO APPROVE EXPENDITURES AND CONTRACTS OR TO ACCEPT BIDS AND OTHER PROPOSALS REQUIRING THE EXPENDITURE OF CITY FUNDS ARE SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.
I. ROLL CALL

II. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Regular meeting – May 13, 2008

III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

IV. MAYOR

A. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Resignations:
Appointments:
Reappointment:
B. REMARKS

V. COUNCIL PRESIDENT

A. GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS
1. RESOLVED, that in accordance with section 7-188 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Common Council initiate the process of amending the Charter of the City of Norwalk, and appoint a Charter Revision Commission.
2. RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby appoints the following persons as members of the Charter Revision Commission: Edna Brooks, Robert Virgulak, Peter Nolin, Michael Coffey, Herbert Grant & Fran DiMeglio.
3. RESOLVED, that the Common Council recommends that the Charter Revision consider amending the Charter of the City of Norwalk to provide for four-year terms for all elected officials of the City of Norwalk.
4. RESOLVED, that the Charter Revision Commission shall submit its draft report to the Common Council on or before July 21, 2008.
5a. Create a Special Committee of the Common Council for the purpose of issuing a request for proposals for a study of the feasibility of a public power system for the City of Norwalk. Proposals for the study shall be submitted to the Land Use and Building Management Committee of the Common Council for review and possible selection. The special committee shall disband upon the issuance of a request for proposals, or July 24, 2008, whichever is earlier.

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

B. CONSENT CALENDAR:

VI. REPORTS: DEPARTMENTS, BOARD AND COMMISSIONS

VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES

A. RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

1. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the Norwalk Exchange Club for an event “Pork in the Park” Barbecue Contest and Blues Festival to be held at Cranbury Park, Friday, August 7th, 2009 thru Sunday, August 9th, 2009. Friday, August 7, 2009, from 6:00pm – 10:00pm, Saturday, August 8th, 2009, from 10:00am-9:00pm, and Sunday, August 9th, 2009, from 10:00am – 8:00pm. Set-up to take place on Wednesday, August 6th, 2009 at 9:00am with break down no later than 5:00pm on Monday, August 10th, 2009. Estimated attendance 8,000-10,000 over the course of the event.

2. Approve the use of the Show Mobile for the Main/Wall Street Festival by POKO Partners scheduled for June 7, 2008 from 12:00pm – 9:00pm.

3. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the South Norwalk Community Center, Inc. to use the grounds of Columbus School for their Annual Summer Camp to be held Monday, July 7, 2008 through Friday, August 15, 2008 from 8:00am – 2:30pm. Estimated attendance 125.

4. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to execute any and all documents with the United Sates Tennis Association to apply, accept and implement a Capital Grant for the Roodner Court Tennis Facility. The purpose of the grant is to provide and develop the growth of tennis. The Capital Grant being submitted is for $16,000.00. The program is a 50% match with funding available in Account #0907-6030-5777-C0321.

5a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with Field Turf Tarkett for installation and removal of the artificial surface at the Shea-McGrath Complex at Norwalk High School for a sum not to exceed $457,560.00. Capital Project 2008-09 account to be determined.

5b. Authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to issue change orders on contract to Field Turf Tarkett not to exceed $22,878.00. Capital Project 2008-09 account to be determined.

6a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to execute the contract documents related to the Grant Aid from the State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection for the project known as “Federal Dredging of Norwalk Harbor” together with any and all other documents that may be necessary or appropriate in order to carry out the terms and obligations set forth in such grant documents.

6b. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute any and all documents related to the “Memorandum Of Agreement Between the Department of the Army and the City of Norwalk, Connecticut for Acceptance and Return of Contributed Funds for the Maintenance Dredging of the Norwalk Harbor Federal Navigation together with any and all other documents, including a letter of intent, that may be necessary or appropriate in order to carry out the terms and obligations set forth in such documents.”

7. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the YMCA of Norwalk Inc. for the use of the grounds at Silvermine School for a Summer Day Camp to be held from June 23, 2008 – August 15, 2008, from 7:00am-6:00pm. Estimated attendance 150.

8a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A, Moccia to apply for funding to the Department of Environmental Protection to expand the Fodor Farm Community Garden. The match required for the grant is 35% on a total grant of $230,000.00.

8b. Authorize the expenditure of in kind funds for the Department of Recreation and Parks for the amount of $80,500.00 out of 2008-2009 fiscal year.

B. LAND USE & BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

1a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute contract with East Side Movers, Inc. d/b/a ESM Van & Storage for providing moving services for the Norwalk High School Project for a total not-to exceed $41,212.00 Acct #0904-5010-5777-B0310.

1b. Authorize the NFCC to issue change orders on contract for a total not to exceed $4,100.

2a. Authorize to increase contingency allowance for an additional amount of $15,238.93 to Total Communications’ contract for the installation of Norwalk High School telephone/public address system. Acct #09075010- 5799-B0310

2b. Authorize the NFCC to issue change orders on Contract for an additional total not to exceed $15,238.93.

3a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute a contract with Signing Star, LLC of Wayne NJ to provide asbestos floor tile abatement services at the Roton Middle School Project for a total not to exceed $ 75,700.00 Acct #0904-5010-5777-B0312.

3b. Authorize the NFCC to issue change orders on contract for a total not to exceed $7,500.

4a. Authorize to increase Contingency Allowance with Main Enterprises Inc. for an additional amount of $110,000.00 in order to replace the boilers at Ben Franklin Center. Acct #09074071- 5777-C0388

4b. Authorize the NFCC to issue change orders on contract for additional contingency allowance for a total not to exceed $110,000.00.

5a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute a Contract with Pecora Brothers, Inc. for the construction of the Norwalk Band Building and restroom facilities at Andrews Field for a total not to exceed $121,986.59. Acct. #169019 5448

5b. Authorize the Office of Building Management to issue change order on Contract for a total not to exceed $18,000.

6. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to enter into an Agreement with Innovative Engineering Services, LLC, of North Haven for professional design services for the City and Board of Education data centers for a total not to exceed $76,750.00 (including a $2,000 allowance for reimbursable expenses). Acct. #09070600-5777-C0375, #09047100-5777-C0296 and 09057100-5777-C0323

C. HEALTH, WELFARE & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

1. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a sole source purchase order to Firematic Supply Inc., Rocky Hill Ct., to purchase a Hurst Rescue tool system and accessories for a sum not to exceed $ 30,198.04. This equipment is sole sourced to maintain critical equipment and training continuity. 80 % of cost ($ 24,158.44) to be paid as part of a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant, account no. 353173-5729. Remaining 20 %
($ 6039.60) to be paid from account no. 0131535790.

2. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a sole source purchase order to Shipman’s Fire Equipment Co. Inc., Waterford CT, to purchase a Paratech Rescue Air Bag system, Paratech Vehicle Stabilization Kit and accessories, for a sum not to exceed $ 29,419.15. This equipment is sole sourced because Shipman’s is only vendor in area to provide State of Connecticut DAS bid list pricing. 80 % of cost ($ 23,535.32) to be paid as part of a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant, account no. 353173-5729. The remaining 20% ($ 5883.83), to be paid from account no. 0131535790

3. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute the Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security and the City of Norwalk regarding Statewide Tactical On-Scene Communications System (STOCS) Box together with any and all other documents that may be necessary or appropriate in order to carry out the terms and obligations set forth in such Memorandum.

VIII. RESOLUTIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL

IX. MOTIONS POSTPONED TO A SPECIFIC DATE

X. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES

XI. ADJOURNMENT

APPOINTMENTS

Tags: Norwalk

20 Responses so far ↓ “Norwalk Common Council Survivor Island Meeting”



  • 1 Diane Cece - No Academy Awards tonite // May 27, 2008 at 10:06 pm

    I came to Council Meeting, sans popcorn & raisinettes, for the must see show of the year, with high drama, comedy, and tragedy. Alas, was not to be.
    But here are my 2 cents (note to Turfgrl: not 2 sense):
    Even IF Kydes had nice gams, I still think it is disrepectful for an elected Councilman to show up to a regular meeting in shorts, regardless of the weather. Shame on you, Nick. We’ll take a collection to get you a full pair of pants. I swear to God if you show up in a tank shirt with gold chains next month, you will be voted off the island for being the first Greek guido in Norwalk. (I’m Italiano, so I can say this!)
    Speaking of collections, Turfgrl got a kick out of the disenfranchised of us taking up a collection of another sort: Every time one of the councilors complains about their meager $50 monthly stipend, we offer some of them $100 monthly to stay the hell home. So far, we can get rid of 3 of them for the balance of the term.
    Finally, under the heading: questions I wished a councilman would have asked tonite:
    1) After all the praising of the artificial turf installation and the safety thereof, not one elected official bothered to ask or discuss the recent push by State Attorney General Blumenthal to fund an independent study of the long-term safety of these “rubber” materials. 2)Perhaps Mr. Maslan should have been asked his legal opinion as to whether there is a clause in the Turf Field contract to “hold harmless” (?)” the city of Norwalk from future litigation if and when it is discovered that the product is not safe, and has made our kids sick. Spahr loves to remind us that the city cannot be held liable for that which it is was not aware, so take notice city: this s__t might end up killing someone, and you were made aware on this, the 27th day of May, 2008.
    NIce chatting with you tonite, turfgrl, as always!I don’t always agree with you, but I always respect your opinion.

  • 2 Anonymous // May 27, 2008 at 10:09 pm

    Wow. Leave it to the democrats to oppose charter revision and the formation of a power committee that could save people in the city real money. We need to throw all of the bums out of office.

  • 3 anon // May 27, 2008 at 10:20 pm

    The post above states:

    …. Mike Mocciae speaks about the safety issue and the research available. Krummel thinks that there’s a safety issue….

    I find Krummel’s reaction rather odd.

  • 4 Anonymous // May 27, 2008 at 10:28 pm

    Diane Cece:

    To be sure, “shorts” is inappropriate dress for a public official at a council meeting; however, your reference to Mr. Kydes’ ethnicity is unrelated, grossly insulting, and highly unjustified by your ethnocentric viewpoint.

  • 5 Anonymous // May 27, 2008 at 10:59 pm

    calm down #4 if you has seen My Kydes in action performing to the the Gaurdian Angels you would understand anything said so far on Mr Kydes has been to say the least is kind.Diane doesn’t need defending she has been very subtle in anything she has said.Insulting would be justified too bad she couldn’t use some Brooklyn street terms for this man.

    I come from a melting pot family so anything that is said about anyone can be taken as ethnic humor.I had posted before on this man my 14 year old has more self control and has more respect for others than this council person.

    I respect what you say #4 and agree if your upset over what was said your comments have been heard and I understand your thoughts.Please listen to others on this mans behavior and understand the way he conducts himself gives visitors to this city the wrong impression of what most of us expect from elected leaders of Norwalk.Its a two way street I’ll listen to you and respect your post please do the same for mine.

  • 6 turfgrrl // May 27, 2008 at 11:03 pm

    Diane Cece: Blumenthal would investigate a ham sandwich if he thought he’d get press coverage for doing so.

  • 7 Diane Cece - No Academy Awards tonite // May 27, 2008 at 11:09 pm

    #4 - the reference was meant to be funny, in the same manner Mr. Kydes laughed himself this evening in the elevator with me wondering if I objected to his short or his legs. Lighten up. You doth protest too much.
    #5 Thanks for the support. And I agree. Council attire & ethnic epithets are the least of Mr. Kydes problems.

  • 8 Diane Cece - No Academy Awards tonite // May 27, 2008 at 11:13 pm

    Turfgirl: THIS JUST IN….stop….. ham sandwich suspected in boring council meeting…stop…..possible brainwashing of members linked to ham ingredients…….stop….attorney general to launch immediate ham investigation….stop.
    (Actually, most mayors will cut a ribbon at a new ham shop if it gets them some press coverage.

  • 9 turfgrrl // May 27, 2008 at 11:25 pm

    Diane Cece: OKay, i’ll play. If a ham sandwich was offered up as a resolution on the council floor, who would amend it, who would abstain on voting for it, and how many times would they take a recess to discuss the condiments?

  • 10 Anonymous // May 28, 2008 at 6:45 am

    Number four is not advocating the correctness of any council member’s behavior. How does one’s ethnicity correlate with poor taste and bad manners? The defense of so-called “ethnic humor” is unfair to anyone of the same ethnicity who conducts themselves fairly well in public. Period!

  • 11 Anonymous // May 28, 2008 at 7:02 am

    Mrs. cece should be ashamed of herself. She owes Mr. Kydes a public apology. Her behavior is terrible demeaning and not very funny.

  • 12 Diane Cece - Italian Subs, Greek Gyros & Ham Sandwiches // May 28, 2008 at 7:54 am

    TG: Once again I cry uncle as even at 11:25pm I am outwitted by you(doesn’t actually take much to outwit me, so don’t go patting yourself on your back). But I’ll get the last word in as first, they have to get a legal opinion clearly defining what can and cannot be considered a condiment under these conditions.The ham sandwich resolution may now become a classic metaphor for the twice monthly shenanigans.

    Anon 10 & 11: I will ask Mr. Kydes today if he took any offense to my case for voting him off the island garb, and if he did, I will most certainly apologize to him personally, and on this site this evening.

  • 13 Mr Greenpeace // May 28, 2008 at 9:11 am

    My friend who spoke at the council meeting when the Angels were invited is waiting for Mr Kydes to apologize.Like I said before, he served his country in the navy and the last place he ever thought he would be attacked was a Norwalk city council meeting.

    I have known Curtis Sliwa since 1981 so when Mr Kydes put his performance on it wasn’t any surprise that the mayor had one of his henchmen out that night.Curtis probably knows more about Washington village,Roodner court and Meadow gardens than Nick.You have to be thick skinned to play politics in this city intimidation seems to be the way to go or simply attack postings out here as if the intellect is gauged by some of the posts.

    I acecept grammatically deficient, but This might explain a bookish individual who lacks interpersonal and/or intrapersonal skills.

    Just being a pain in the ass and confronting others who care less about some of the residents of Norwalk has been my goal.Now maybe someday I’ll get out and meet a couple of people and give some time to Norwalk it seems like a nice city and I should do something other than post on some of the issues.

  • 14 anon // May 28, 2008 at 11:19 am

    You forgot Turkish cofee. Offer some of that to Mr. Kydes…

  • 15 Ray - Turf Replacement // May 28, 2008 at 12:04 pm

    When it comes to spending almost half a million dollars, I say get it right for once. Don’t just rely on a few opinions and / or incidences. Injuries will happen, that’s a fact in sports. The facts of turf were well known when the facility was built. How about some accountability? If it was good enough 5 (whatever) years ago, what has changed since then? Get it right the first time for a change! And while I’m at it, How / why did the school get Andrews field and what did that debacle cost us taxpayers? Can anyone answer that?

  • 16 anon // May 28, 2008 at 1:43 pm

    Whew…Ray is talking about ARTIFICIAL turf replacement at the school; for a second there I thought he was talking about TURFGRRL replacement.

  • 17 East Norwalk Native // May 28, 2008 at 2:05 pm

    So gold chains and w. b. t-shirts are a bad thing? Who knew?

  • 18 nwlknative // May 28, 2008 at 9:29 pm

    #15 - Re: Andrews Field. The field was located off site because at the time the new NHS was built, there wasn’t enough room to put in a stadium. Houses surrounded that part of the land. I don’t know what happened to the houses (were they torn down?) or where the land suddenly came from to build the new stadium. However, Andrews Field was built on a swamp and all sorts of new technology at the time was used to “float” the field because it couldn’t be filled in. The baseball field began sinking immediately. A pond was dug to drain off the water, but nothing seemed to keep the backstop from sinking further into the swamp. I think some practices are still held there and people walk the track. The marching band uses the parking lot for practice, so it is still used to some extent. The swamp was purchased from a neighborhood association who had originally purchased the land when the City of Norwalk had the idea to turn it into a municipal dump. I do not know how much money was spent to purchase or build the field, but I am sure it was many millions of wasted taxpayer money.

  • 19 Concerned // May 29, 2008 at 7:32 am

    NHS TURF FIELD…..Had the Parks & Rec Dept performed the required maintenance on the NHS turf that was necessary and recommended and not neglected it as it did for the past 8 yrs, then it would not have required replacement so quickly. Bondi knows this but does nothing about it! Mc Quaid knows it too! The mayor andf the council are aware of the neglect but refuse to do anything about it too. What ever happened to the tractor that came with the field and was suppose to be used to sweep it several times a week? When was the last time anyone saw the tractor sweeping the field? In 1999??????

  • 20 Ray // May 29, 2008 at 9:06 am

    Confirms my worst fears, ripped off once, turn around and ripped off again. I’d like to hear that the turf quality is actaully measured with some honest guidelines and a search for a real maintnence program is arrived at, before throwing any more money at it. Don’t give a drunken sailor any more money.

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