Bart Barown

The joint meeting focused on adopting a resolution for the roof replacement project at the former Torrington Middle School (Torrington Intermediate School) and its financing. The estimated project cost is $6,612,375, with an anticipated state reimbursement of 75.36%, leaving a local share expected to be $1,866,579. The proposed financing structure involves issuing up to $5,912,375 in bonds or notes, incorporating previously authorized roof improvement bonds, and allocating funds from the Board of Education's Capital Reserve Fund (313) and/or 2% non-lapsing fund (331). Discussions included the use of non-lapsing funds for capital expenses versus operational expenses, and the need for the city to secure the full project funding upfront to qualify for state reimbursement without going to a bonding referendum. There was clarification regarding the balances in the Board of Education Capital Reserve Fund (313) and a pending allocation request for a chiller project at Torford School, which the Board of Education prioritized over other capital reserve expenditures.

The agenda for this special meeting included Old Business concerning Site Plan #1591 for modifications at 367 Winsted Road, submitted by Michael Boe, involving new pavers, curbing, and an outdoor dining area; this item was tabled during the previous meeting pending owner compliance. New Business focused on the reappointment of Marc Trivella and Robert Mileti to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Correspondence included the Zoning and Blight Violation Report. The agenda also referenced the approval of the January 21, 2026 minutes.

The agenda for this City Council & WPCA meeting included the approval of minutes from previous Special, Public Hearing, and Regular meetings held in late January and early February 2026. Key items included the approval of several mayoral appointments to the Economic Development Commission and the Building Committee for the THS/TMS Concession Building. Discussions covered approving FY 25-26 budget transfer requests pending Board of Finance approval, and the allocation of up to $100,000 in TDC Blight Funds for rehabilitation costs related to properties at 93 Main Street and 30 Maiden Lane. The body also voted to enter executive session regarding pending tax assessment appeal litigation (Torrington Downtown Partners LLC v. City of Torrington) and subsequently authorized entering a settlement agreement in open session. Other business involved approving actions for Small Cities Project #143-SC-36 Phase 2, accepting the Conservation Commission 2025 Annual Report, authorizing Resolution #143-286 for a Master Municipal Agreement with CT DOT, referring the proposed sale of the Teen Center (71 East Albert Street) to the Planning & Zoning Commission, and accepting January 2026 Building Department Reports, as well as tax collector and sewer usage refunds dated February 17, 2026.

The agenda for the meeting includes the approval of the November 13, 2025, Meeting Minutes. New business focuses on a proposal submitted by Nicholas Hermann for Fitness Holdings LLC regarding a Health Club located at 1931 East Main Street. The proposal pertains only to exterior signage on the façade, which would involve new paint using the Sherwin Williams color Iron Ore.

The meeting included votes on mayoral appointments to various committees and boards, such as the Coe Memorial Park Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Cable TV Advisory Council, Parking Ticket Appeals, Veterans Advisory Committee, Board of Ethics, Fair Rent Commission, Board of Assessment Appeals, and Services for the Elderly Commission. Key operational items included authorizing the Mayor to enter into a settlement agreement for a tax assessment appeal (OV 147 Market LLC v. City of Torrington) after an executive session discussion, and approving agreements and purchases under the Public Works Department, specifically related to collecting pressurized cylinders with The Cylinder Collective, purchasing MetroStor food scrap collection bins, and subscribing to the Hello Lamp Post AI-Powered Waste Assistant. Furthermore, the council referred the proposed sale of property on University Drive to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a Section 8-24 determination. Updates were provided regarding the Seferi Apartments CIF Grant Application, and authorizations were granted for Tax Collector and Sewer Usage Refunds.