Starting about 6 PM, Director of DPW Hal Alvord, made a presentation about the solid waste disposal issue. For some reason, many in the audience seemed to think that this issue was an 11th hour project. Au contraire, the earliest I recall earnest city discussions about the solid waste issue is March of 2007. And this was because infrastructure, as in flooding, was very much on the minds of many. A snip from a news article at the time:

We have touched on only one segment of the infrastructure. Everywhere we see similar challenges that need to be addressed. For one more example, consider solid waste disposal. The city is currently in a contract with the Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority, CRRA, which will expire at the end of 2008.
…

Big jobs, big money for a city the size of Norwalk. It will not be brushed under the rug. To ignore the challenge is to put our city at risk.

And subsequent meetings, of the public works committee and the council all documented the process. Solid waste disposal, is not one of those top and center issues, until solid waste, that is garbage is not being removed. Then the public rightfully gets agitated about the failure to remove garbage. Which is what is happening in Naples, Italy, and the rest of Europe. They have a problem with landfills.

The CRRA contract expiration caused many towns in Connecticut to evaluate transfer station operations. And in Norwalk, Alvord contiuously explained the situation and the costs of tipping fees for months. And through the process, Alvord managed, in a rare form of regional cooperation, to work with 6 other municipalities to achieve an operational efficiency and reasonable cost.  For once a proactive leadership role for Norwalk. The fruits of those efforts are represented by surrounding towns improving their trash hauling practices.

Greenwich, for example, signed with City Carting:

City Carting & Recycling, under a contract reached about 10 days ago with the town, will be paid $82.50 per ton starting next year to transport all municipal solid waste from the Holly Hill transfer station to a Pennsylvania landfill.

The five-year contract is expected to pay the carting company about $4.4 million in its first year, according to town officials, who said about 54,000 tons of trash are dumped each year at the transfer station.

The town currently pays about $89 per ton to the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority to have its garbage hauled away and incinerated, according to town officials, who said the rate is scheduled to go up to $98 per ton on July 1.

The quasi-public agency, using several subcontractors, operates a trash-to-energy plant in Bridgeport and transfer stations in Greenwich, Norwalk and Darien. It also transports the garbage. CRRA’s 20-year contract with the town expires Dec. 31.

“I suspect it will save us a ton of money,” Selectman Peter Crumbine said of the new contract.

While the contract includes a provision that allows City Carting to raise its hauling rates in future years to account for inflation, it does not allow the company to charge more for rising fuel costs.

“That’s important to us because, given what’s going on in the marketplace, we did not want to be hit with an increase in costs solely because of transportation,” said Town Administrator John Crary, who helped negotiate the contract.

Employees of City Carting, which beat out two other haulers for the contract, will run the Holly Hill transfer station. The town will continue to be responsible for enforcing recycling and trash disposal rules at the station, an issue that has come under scrutiny recently from town officials.

A series of surprise inspections by the CRRA last year uncovered a range of violations at the town’s transfer station, from carting companies illegally dumping garbage from other municipalities to their failure to separate recyclables.

Naturally, some Norwalk residents, armed with little factual information, objected to any change in the current practice and showed up at city hall to voice their concerns.  My observation was that once again we see NIMBYism at its worst. In the end, there is already a commercial transfer station on Meadow street, which instead of being privately run, will be overseen by the City of Norwalk. The same amount of trash will be processed there. A better operator will be running operations. In short, an improvement to what we have. But in Norwalk, misinformation is bandied about, and real experts in waste management are viewed with suspicion. A sad state of affairs.

Which is where we pick up the typical common council coverage.

Common Council MTG 06/10/08

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

III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Bobby Burgess: Makes many spurious claims about paid lobbyists influencing the officials and elected in Norwalk, and that condos from Danbury dumping in Norwalk.

The Mayor: said that he wasn’t aware of City Carting having a lobbyist and points out that Burgess has been a paid lobbyist.

Diane Lauracella: Representing the League of Women Voters, asking the city council to take the time to review the details of this contract change.  Claims that the due diligence has not been done.  Has contacted environmental justice to investigate.
Julie Barton: Requests that council spend more time studying the issue.
Ernest Dumont: Concerned about leakages in trucks. 500 residents live in area.
Bitsy Farnsworth: Harborview residents are distressed at traffic on Meadow street. Concerned that such detailed info is presented before a vote to be taken by the council.
Ann Barrows: Concerned about Meadow street traffic.

Michael Farrell: From City Carting. The Meadow street site is permitted to handle waste since 1994. They run transfer stations all over the street and mentions the Stamford location. The permit is for 500 tons now, and that shouldn’t result in more traffic. They are committed to cleaning up the site, and to get the property clean which they are doing right now.

Missy Conrad: Thinks the contract review is at 11th hour.  Says that Woodward can’t handle trucks.  Wants a public hearing.  Is concerned about recycled.
Rudy Pinto:R Owner of property across the street.  Has concerns about how much trash will be transferred there. Asks if this is a zoning matter.

Resignations and appointments

David Murchie has resigned from the Norwalk Facilities Construction Committee and the Mayor thanks him for his service.

Lewis Clark is appointed to the Water pollution Authority with only Doug Sutton abstaining.

?IV. MAYOR
A.    REMARKS
Says that the council voted to hire an independent consultant to make recommendations and that they have been working with 7 other towns. This is not an 11th hour project it has taken 2 years and time to get to this point. Points out that if the city continues with CRRA, the costs will go up and that everyone would start complaining about paying mroe in taxes and being unable to live in Norwalk.

?V. COUNCIL PRESIDENT
They approve the consent calendar.

The assistant corporation was introduced, Brian McCann.

Carvin is welcomed back.

First Item off consent:
Finance Committee:
VII A 6: The Rogers Ritch Merrit House transfer and allocation to existing Mill properties.

Amanda Brown received an email concerning the transfer of the funds from Terry Tylo. Asks about bids and approvals for the projects, is concerned about the HVAC being installed on private property of the Norwalk Museum.

Brown asks about the defunding process.
Tom Hamilton responds, this is the typical process that you are going through now. A project is requested to be closed down and that the same department requests another appropriation. The Mayor has to agree to the close out of the project, than the planning commission and then the BET and then it comes back to the council. It’s the same process Norwalk always follows.
David Park answers the question about the length of the lease and that it is 38 more years.
Mayor Moccia says that this is just the allocation of the funds and that then it will go out to bid.
Laurel Lindstrom: Says that the piece of the hosue should be kept in good condition.
Mayor Moccia responds that it might not be the the right place to do it.

Kelly Stranitti: There was lengthy discussion at the historic commission and that the project was to be kept open and to seek other funding sources.  This will be a standing committee of the HC.

Doug Hempstead: Confirms that it has gone through the planning commission. The project is not being abandoned as money is being left in the account. Money is being left in to reimburse private funds that were donated for this project.
Fred Bondi: Is not going to recuse himself since this is not the first time Terry Tylo has attacked him.
Here are the votes:
Bondi Y
Brown Y
Geake Y
Sutton N
Bonnefant Y
Serasis Y
Bolden Y
Kydes Y
Lindstrom Y
Hempstead Y
Straniti Y
Conroy Y

They take a 5 minute recess that is 10 minutes long.

They come back from recess to tackle the next item.

Public Works Committee Item B 1 and 2, the City Carting issue:
Hempstead makes a motion for a Public Hearing by the full Council on June 18th and tabling the issue till the next council meeting. Nice parliamentary maneuver, it cuts off all the pontificating and provides for another night of public comments on garbage.

Here are the votes 

Bondi Y
Brown  passes, asks for clarification then votes Y
Geake Y
Sutton N
Bonnefant Y
Serasis Y
Bolden Y
Kydes Y
Lindstrom Y
Hempstead Y
Straniti Y
Conroy Y

Planning Committee the Master Plan of Conservation Approval

Bonnenfant: Will be voting against it but compliments the work done to get the plan together.
Kydes: Congratulates those that worked on the plan and says he will vote for it and that it is time to pass it.

Mayor Moccia thanks Reverend bolden for moving the plan through as quickly as she had.

Hempstead: Thanks Bolden for sheparding the plan productively. We have a great plan in front of us.

Stranitti: Commends Reveerend Bolden for getting the plan to the council. Started working on the plan as a neighborhood leader to this point.
Brown: As a member of Reverend Bolden’s committee and that Tim Sheehan did an excellent job managing the process of the comments and documents color coded and easy to read.
Bondi: Served on council since the start of Frank Esposito and that its really a pleasure to have appointed the right person to the planning commission, and that it’s a pleasure to be able to vote on it tonight.
Lindstrom: Thrilled to be voting on it tonight and having worked on the mini master plans that she appreciates how much work has been done on it.
Bolden: Thanks everyone and the Mayor. Truly humbled by wonderful comments. Thanks the committee, the staff the commission, mentions Mike Greene and Tim Sheehan.

Bonnenfant votes against it everyone else votes for it.

The end.

And for those interested the agenda for the night:

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 27, 2008 ??III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ?IV. MAYOR
A. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Resignations: David Murchie – Norwalk Facilities Construction Committee ?Appointments: Lewis Clark – Water Pollution Control Authority ?Reappointment: ?B. REMARKS
V. COUNCIL PRESIDENT
A. GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS??B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
VI. REPORTS: DEPARTMENTS, BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
A. CORPORATION COUNSEL
1. Approve appointment of Associate Corporation Counsel, Brian McCann.
B. BOARD OF ESTIMATE & TAXATION
1. RESOLVED, that sum not to exceed $60,970 be and the same is hereby transferred from contingency to the Register of Voters to cover the cost of administering the Presidential primary election in February. (Account No. various).
2. RESOLVED, that a sum not to exceed $237,586 be and the same is hereby transferred from Contingency to the Police Department to cover severance payments. (Account No. various).
3. RESOLVED, that a sum not to exceed $150,583 be and the same is hereby transferred from Contingency to the Police Department to pay for an anticipated shortfall in overtime wages. (Account No. various).
COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA PAGE 2 JUNE 10, 2008
VI. REPORTS: DEPARTMENTS, BOARD AND COMMISSIONS (continued)
B. BOARD OF ESTIMATE & TAXATION (continued)
4. RESOLVED, that a sum not to exceed $20,000 be and the same is hereby transferred from Contingency to the Police Department to purchase Uniforms for new recruits and replace uniforms and equipment damaged in the line of duty. (Account No. 3061-5276).
5. RESOLVED, that a sum not to exceed $156,574 be and the same is herby transferred from Contingency to the Fire Department to cover severance payments. (Account No. various).

VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES
A. FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Accept and approve the Report of the Claims Committee dated, May 8, 2008.
2. For informational purposes only: Monthly Tax Collector’s Report dated, April 30, 2008.
3. For informational purposes only: Narrative on Tax Collections dated, May 29, 2008.
4. Approve FY 2008-09 Parking Authority Budget.
5. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an amendment to CIRMA for third party administrative services for the self-insured Worker’s Compensation and Heart & Hypertension at the same rate as the third year of the current contract:?For fiscal year 2008-2009 (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009) at a per claim cost of $200 for medical only, $1,095 for indemnity and heart/hypertension and $25 for record only.?For fiscal year 2009-2010 (July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010) at a claim cost of $200 for medical only, $1,095 for indemnity and heart/hypertension, and $25 for record only.
6. Resolution, reducing $115,000 from Rogers-Ritch-Merritt House (Account No. 09036310-5777-C0275).
7. Resolution, appropriating $35,000 for Mill Hill Buildings (repairs to Little Red Schoolhouse at Mill House)?(Account No. 09036310-5777-C0276).
8. Resolution, appropriating $20,000 for Mill Hill Cemetery Restoration (Account No. 09036310-5777-C0457).
9. Resolution, appropriating $40,000 for Norwalk Museum HVAC system and Collection Care & Restoration (Account No. 09036310-5777-C0449).
10. Resolution, appropriating $20,000 for Pine Island Cemetery (Security Lighting) (Account No. 09036310-5777-C0459).

COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA PAGE 3 JUNE 10, 2008
VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES (continued)
A. FINANCE COMMITTEE (continued)
11. Resolution authorizing the issuance of $5,920,000 bonds of the City to meet an appropriation for infrastructure and traffic improvements in the Reed-Putnam Redevelopment area and pending the issuance thereof the making of temporary borrowings for such purpose.
12. Resolution making appropriations for various public improvements aggregating $29,716,500 for the 2008-2009 capital budget and authorizing the issuance of $27,088,500 General Obligation bonds of the City to meet certain appropriations in the 2008-2009 capital budget.
13. Resolution with respect to the issuance and sale of not exceeding $34,200,000 City of Norwalk, Connecticut General Obligations bonds, series 2008.

B. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
1. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with City Carting, Inc. for the disposal of municipal solid waste for a term of ten years commencing on January 1, 2009. ?Account No. 014042 5298
2. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute a Lease Agreement with Meadow Street Partners, LLC for the lease of the Meadow Street Transfer Station for a term of ten years commencing on January 1, 2009. Account No. 014042 5298
3. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a Purchase Order to Signal Service, Inc. for the purchase of six (6) traffic controllers for installation along East Avenue for a sum not to exceed $ 101,700. ?Account No. 0140 31 5267?0140 31 5269?0140 31 5343?0140 33 5342?09074120 5777 C0397
4. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with Laferriere Associates to provide professional survey easement maps in connection with the Meadowbrook and Noah’s Lane Projects for a sum not to exceed $ 3,700. Account No. 0908 4027 5777 C0423
5. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue Orders on Contract to Deering Construction for Project No. 4R 2007-1 in connection with providing ADA access at the picnic pavilion at Cranbury Park for a sum not to exceed $13,672. Account No. 0908 6030 5777 C0366
6. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with DW Transport & Leasing, Inc. for Street Sweepings/Catch Basin Grit Transport & Disposal for a first year amount of $194,880 in accordance with responses to Request for Proposals #2629. Account No. 014042 5299

COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA PAGE 4 JUNE 10, 2008
VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES (continued)
B. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
7. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an Agreement with Almstead Tree and Shrub Care, LLC for the supply and planting of trees and shrubs for an amount not to exceed $100,000.
Account No. 09034021 5777 C0233?09054021 5777 C0316?09064021 5777 C0353?09074021 5777 C0353?09084021 5777 C0233?09094021 5777 C0233?09096030 5777 C0370

C. RECREATION,PARKS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Technical Correction: June 26, 2007 Action, item number VII.C 4a &4b to include?additional account number.
Original items: ?4a. Authorize the Mayor, Richard a. Moccia to enter into an agreement with Shock Electric for project #2517 Baseball Field Lighting at Brien McMahon high School for a sum not to exceed $297,570.00. Account#’s 09026030-5777-C0215, 09076030-5777-C0371.
4b. Authorize the Director, Recreation and Parks to issue change orders on a contract for a total not to exceed $29,757.00. Account # 09076030-5777-C0371.
Corrected item to read as follows:?1b. Authorize the Director, Recreation and Parks to issue change orders on a contract for a total not to exceed $29,757.00. Account #’s09026030-5777-C0215, 09076030-5777-C0371.
2. Authorize the Director , Recreation and Parks to issue change orders on a contract with Wernert Construction Management LLC for the Renovation of the Calf Pasture Beach Men’s 7 Ladies Rooms for a sum not to exceed $15,671.00. Account# 09076030-5777-C0292.
3. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an amendment to Partners for Architecture/engineering design services contract for the Calf Pasture Restroom Project, in order to expand the existing scope of services to include the Bathhouses, for an additional amount not to exceed $23,900.00. Account # 09076030-5777-C0292.

COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA PAGE 5 JUNE 10, 2008
VII. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES (continued)
D. PLANNING COMMITTEE
1. Approval of the Norwalk Master Plan of Conservation and Development.
2. Approval of the State of Connecticut Personal Services Agreement.
3. Approval of City of Norwalk Adoption of Non-Discrimination Agreement and Warranties.
4. Approve the attached list of programs for inclusion in the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program.

VIII. RESOLUTIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL
IX. MOTIONS POSTPONED TO A SPECIFIC DATE
X. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES ???XI. ADJOURNMENT

APPOINTMENTS
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY M/C Nwlk Code 113-3 ___
Lewis Clark (R) Succeed J. McInerney?24 Creeping Hemlock Drive Term expires – 4/01/11?Norwalk, CT 06851

source: Greenwich Time, Stamford firm wins carting contract, By Neil Vigdor,  06/04/2008