Ad Hoc Audit Committee

Audit Committee 11-10-09 Minutes (Final) COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 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. CALL TO ORDER The Council President called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m. and led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the dedication, Reverend Bolden announced the news of the death of a well- known Norwalk resident, Otha Brown, and asked for a moment of silence. Reverend Bolden added that Otha Brown was an active member of the community and will be sadly missed. I. ROLL CALL Ms. Wink called the roll. The following Council Members were present: Mr. Fred Bondi Mr. Michael Geake Mr. Richard McQuaid Ms. Anna Duleep Mr. Richard Bonenfant Mr. Carvin Hilliard Rev. Phyllis Bolden Mr. Nicholas Kydes Ms. Amanda Brown Mr. Steve Serasis Ms. Laurel Lindstrom Mr. Andrew Conroy Ms. Kelly Straniti Mr. Douglas Hempstead Mr. Christopher Potts Reverend Bolden announced that Mayor Moccia was absent, and filling in for Mr. Maslan was Linda Guliuzza from Corporation Counsel’s office, and there were fifteen Council members present. II. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Regular Meeting – October 13, 2009 and October 27, 2009 ** MR. BONDI MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 13, 2009 MEETING AS SUBMITTED. ** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. ** MR. BONDI MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 27, 2009 MEETING AS SUBMITTED. ** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES PASSED WITH TWELVE VOTES IN FAVOR AND TWO ABSTENTIONS (DULEEP, HILLIARD). City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting November 10, 2009 Page 1 COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Ms. Darlene Young, Assistant City Clerk, spoke to congratulate the members of the Common Council for their contributions to the City. She added that she learned a great deal from the members, she wished those out-going members good luck in their future endeavors, and added that she looks forward to working with the continuing members. There were no other participants, and Reverend Bolden closed the Public Participation session of the meeting at 8:20 p.m. IV. A. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS There were no resignations, appointments or reappointments for consideration at this time. REMARKS Mayor Moccia provided a memo for Reverend Bolden to read to the Council members, which is summarized as follows: Mayor Moccia thanked the members of the Council for their extraordinary efforts during this extraordinary year during which they were confronted with tremendous challenges and faced to take decisive action. He thanked the outgoing members and congratulated those upon their re-election, and expressed his heartfelt thanks to all of those involved with the Council for their efforts in behalf of the City of Norwalk. He especially thanked Reverend Bolden for her exceptional job as Council President and noted that she performed her role with a remarkable level of professional dedication and personal integrity. He added that he holds the utmost respect for her and her exceptional accomplishments, and will always value her friendship. He added that he looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead and wishes everyone continued success in their community efforts. V. COUNCIL PRESIDENT A. GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS Reverend Bolden announced that all were invited to the swearing in ceremony on November 17th at the City Hall Community Room. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting November 10, 2009 Page 2 COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Ms. Wink distributed certificates to those members who were leaving their term on the Council to acknowledge their service to the Common Council with the City of Norwalk: Ms. Amanda Brown, Ms. Anna Duleep, Mr. Michael Geake, Mr. Christopher Potts, Mr. Steven Serasis. B. CONSENT CALENDAR ** MR. HILLIARD MOVED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FOR THE CONSENT CALENDAR: VI A. BOARD OF ESTIMATE & TAXATION 1. FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY – NEW TEACHER’S UNION CONTRACT. VII A. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 1. APPROVE PROPOSED REVISIONS TO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS RATES AND FEES. Mr. Hempstead and Mr. McQuaid requested the items to be removed from the consent calendar and Ms. Brown stated that once items were decided to be put on consent, they could not be removed. Rev. Bolden called a recess to discuss procedures. THE MEETING WAS RECESSED AT 8:20 P.M. THE MEETING WAS RECONVENED AT 8:23 P.M. ** THE MOTION FOR THE CONSENT CALENDAR WAS WITHDRAWN. VI A. BOARD OF ESTIMATE & TAXATION 1. For informational purposes only – New Teacher’s Union Contract. Mr. Hempstead and Mr. McQuaid recused themselves from the item due to a conflict and left the room at 8:26 p.m. ** MR. HILLIARD MOVED ITEM VI A. BOARD OF ESTIMATE & TAXATION FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY – NEW TEACHER’S UNION CONTRACT. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting November 10, 2009 Page 3 COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Mr. Hempstead and Mr. McQuaid returned to the meeting at 8:28 p.m. VII A. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 1. Approve proposed revisions to Department of Public Works rates and fees. ** MS. LINDSTROM MOVED ITEM VII A. TO APPROVE PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS RATES AND FEES. ** THE MOTION PASSED BY ROLL CALL VOTE WITH 15 VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE OPPOSED (MR. SERASIS) AND NO ABSTENTIONS. VI. REPORTS: DEPARTMENTS, BOARD AND COMMISSIONS There were no reports from Departments, Boards and Commissions. VI. COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES There were no reports from Common Council Committees. Mr. Hempstead requested permission to address the members of the council to make statement of thanks to the outgoing members. He stated that this year was one of many key accomplishments including the City Master Plan, POKO, and Waypointe. He added that they were are part of this important legacy that they should always remember, and that they should take this experience with them as a credit to their community service and one that will live long in the history of the redevelopment of the City of Norwalk. He encouraged them to continue to ask questions, to keep the fire lit, and to know that there are other ways to serve the City. He added that he will deeply miss the leadership of Reverend Bolden and thanked her for her efforts and dedication in her role as Council President, and added that he will value her as a true friend. Mr. McQuaid stated that he echoed Mr. Hempstead’s remarks and thanked those members who leaving the Council for their efforts and acknowledged their hard work. Mr. Kydes stated that he, too, wanted to add to Mr. Hempstead’s remarks and thanked those members who were leaving the Council for their service, and encouraged them to stay involved with the City. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting November 10, 2009 Page 4 COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Mr. Bondi stated that he thanked those members on the other side who were leaving the Council, and noted that Reverend Bolden is a friend that will be deeply missed. Mr. Bonenfant stated that it was a pleasure to serve with those members who are leaving the Council, and added that they should be proud of all the committee work that was done. He added that it is not good by, but a “see you later” cause you very well may be back. Mr. Hilliard stated that he, too, wanted to add his message to acknowledge those members who were leaving the Council for their service, and encouraged them to stay involved with the City. He added that he will miss the debates, and said that they were good debates that were intended for the betterment of the fine City of Norwalk. Mr. Conroy stated that he had spoken to the members personally but wanted to publicly acknowledge those leaving the Council and to thank them for the wonderful job and their efforts for the City. Ms. Straniti wanted to acknowledge those leaving the Council and to thank them for their hard work, contributions and devotion for the City, and added that she will miss everyone, especially Reverend Bolden who is a very caring individual. She thanked her for her leadership and mentoring. Ms. Lindstrom wanted to acknowledge those leaving the Council and to thank them for their efforts for the City, and added that she will miss everyone. Ms. Brown stated that this has been a tremendous learning experience that has truly enriched her life. She added that she will miss the many, many meetings and debates, especially with Mayor Moccia. She added that Mr. Hempstead, in particular, was very beneficial to her and helped her with her learning and education about the City and he also served as a mentor. She thanked him for his patience and for always allowing her to ask questions. She added that she will deeply miss the leadership of Reverend Bolden and thanked her for her efforts and dedication in her role as Council President, and added that Amanda Brown will be out there and will still be asking questions, on the other side of the podium, and she reminded the continuing members to remain vigilant in their pursuits for the betterment of the City of Norwalk. Ms. Duleep stated that Mr. Sutton was very helpful to her and he had helped her with her learning about the City and had served as a mentor. She added that she will remain involved with the SWRPA and she looks forward to the continued success of the Council in their efforts in behalf of the City. City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting November 10, 2009 Page 5 COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 NORWALK, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Mr. Potts expressed his thanks to all of the members who were helpful to him with his short tenure of only four months on the Council, and he looks forward to following the continued success of the Council with their efforts in tackling the many issues of the City. Mr. Serasis expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone for putting forth their best efforts, and he encouraged the Council members to continue the fight for the future of the City. Rverend Bolden applauded Mr. Serasis for his efforts and courage to run for Mayor, and thanked him for having faith in himself to put forth the energy and dedication in behalf of the City of Norwalk. She thanked Mr. Hilliard for being her partner in the South Norwalk Community and stated she values his passion for the citizens and will always cherish his friendship. X. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES There were no motions to suspend the rules at this time. XI. ADJOURNMENT ** MS. BROWN MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Knox Telesco Secretarial Services City of Norwalk Common Council Regular Meeting November 10, 2009 Page 6