1 00:00:01,420 --> 00:00:12,650 2026 minutes order at 7 p.m., hello everybody. If we can get started with a pledge of allegiance, a good French 2 00:00:12,650 --> 00:00:14,090 off, you don't mind, leading this in the pledge. 3 00:00:24,950 --> 00:00:27,510 United States of America, and 4 00:00:27,510 --> 00:00:35,530 to the public, which stands on nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 5 00:00:37,920 --> 00:00:42,720 Excuse me. For your remains standing, I'll ask Councilman Frank Salvatore to lead us in prayer, please. 6 00:00:42,720 --> 00:00:42,820 Please. 7 00:00:44,940 --> 00:00:50,920 Sir God, we seek your help with our fears today, bless this meeting with your divine intelligence 8 00:00:50,920 --> 00:00:53,660 and help us make the best use of our own. 9 00:00:54,440 --> 00:00:59,880 We are on a diverse opinion here, yet we wish to mend our differences and reach agreement 10 00:01:00,540 --> 00:01:01,060 satisfactorily. 11 00:01:01,260 --> 00:01:06,260 So please share a little of your wisdom with us and help us to do your best. 12 00:01:06,660 --> 00:01:09,940 By all means, sir, thank you for your heavenly pleasure. 13 00:01:10,800 --> 00:01:11,120 Amen. 14 00:01:11,120 --> 00:01:12,420 Madame 15 00:01:16,030 --> 00:01:17,890 Legislative Assistant, D-Roll, please. 16 00:01:20,520 --> 00:01:21,320 Coelho. 17 00:01:21,680 --> 00:01:21,880 Here. 18 00:01:22,860 --> 00:01:23,660 Flanagan. 19 00:01:24,040 --> 00:01:24,280 Present. 20 00:01:25,020 --> 00:01:25,400 Holly. 21 00:01:26,320 --> 00:01:27,120 Lapine. 22 00:01:28,800 --> 00:01:29,200 Salvatore. 23 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:30,140 Salvatore. 24 00:01:30,680 --> 00:01:31,240 Usade. 25 00:01:32,180 --> 00:01:32,980 Gartner. 26 00:01:33,360 --> 00:01:33,600 Present. 27 00:01:34,080 --> 00:01:34,520 Fay. 28 00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:36,000 Henry. 29 00:01:38,130 --> 00:01:39,170 Wallace Smith. 30 00:01:40,030 --> 00:01:40,290 Present. 31 00:01:40,770 --> 00:01:41,830 Spain, Michael. 32 00:01:42,170 --> 00:01:42,370 Here. 33 00:01:43,010 --> 00:01:43,810 Giordano. 34 00:01:44,250 --> 00:01:44,370 Here. 35 00:01:44,370 --> 00:01:51,170 Jibor, Ritelo, Chinesi, Dwayne Perkins, 36 00:01:51,810 --> 00:01:58,230 Britain, McAllister, Robinson, Laughing House, 37 00:01:59,230 --> 00:02:03,070 Dennis Perkins, 20 present, one absent. 38 00:02:04,390 --> 00:02:04,970 Thank you. 39 00:02:05,970 --> 00:02:08,150 We have a calendar of events that is posted, 40 00:02:08,550 --> 00:02:10,210 but before I read through those quickly, 41 00:02:10,950 --> 00:02:14,210 I do want to scroll over some life events here. 42 00:02:14,210 --> 00:02:14,890 here we have for the month. 43 00:02:15,450 --> 00:02:22,070 We have Happy Birthday to Councilwoman Mia Spain-Rykel, September 6th, Happy Birthday Councilwoman. 44 00:02:26,300 --> 00:02:30,440 We also have Councilwoman Candace Face, September 13th, Happy Birthday Councilwoman. 45 00:02:34,300 --> 00:02:37,800 Don't usually do this, but I gotta do a special shout out to somebody who's here all the time 46 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:38,160 with us. 47 00:02:38,320 --> 00:02:40,680 Sean, I believe your birthday is this month as well, 28th. 48 00:02:40,940 --> 00:02:42,920 On the 28th, Sean Hatch, Happy Birthday, sir. 49 00:02:46,360 --> 00:02:50,120 All right, we have September 4th, the Brazilian Independence Day flag raising here at City Hall, 50 00:02:50,120 --> 00:02:52,420 hosted by New American Dream Foundation, 10 AM. 51 00:02:53,080 --> 00:02:57,440 September 5th, the Embry Farmers Market continue through the 11th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the green. 52 00:02:58,060 --> 00:03:03,560 September 5th through 6th, the Brazilian Festival at the City Center, 12 to 10 p.m. both days. 53 00:03:03,800 --> 00:03:08,360 September 6th, the Dambry Police Cadet, Steele's and Wheels Car Show, but it's a great event, great time. 54 00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:12,560 The Embry Railway, not the Embry Rail and Museum, excuse me. 55 00:03:12,660 --> 00:03:16,420 This is over at the Roger Spark, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Memorial Drive. 56 00:03:16,420 --> 00:03:18,660 We will switch this and make sure it's not like that on the City website. 57 00:03:18,660 --> 00:03:21,860 September 11th ceremony this year is a Friday. 58 00:03:22,480 --> 00:03:24,020 We will be moving this earlier. 59 00:03:24,180 --> 00:03:26,960 It will be at 10 a.m., not in the afternoon. 60 00:03:27,280 --> 00:03:31,800 It's a 25th anniversary, so we know a lot of folks are going outside of the city to the 61 00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:32,480 city for this one. 62 00:03:33,060 --> 00:03:34,320 If you're around, please join us. 63 00:03:35,720 --> 00:03:39,580 September 15th, a Mexican Independence Day flag raising hosted by the Dambri Mexican 64 00:03:39,580 --> 00:03:41,540 Cultural Center, 10 a.m. 65 00:03:41,660 --> 00:03:42,260 Dambri City Hall. 66 00:03:42,780 --> 00:03:47,800 September 18th, this is the stand-down 2026 hosted by Connecticut Veterans Affair and the 67 00:03:47,800 --> 00:03:51,800 the Danbury Veterans Affairs Office, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Danbury War Memorial. 68 00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:56,360 I ask that any of you who are involved with the veterans, community, no veterans, 69 00:03:56,980 --> 00:03:59,000 ask them or let them know to go to this. 70 00:03:59,420 --> 00:04:01,960 Danny Hayes can provide more information and reach out to him. 71 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:03,600 Flyers, we can help as well. 72 00:04:03,880 --> 00:04:09,480 It is a great event that shows just a tremendous amount of resources to the veterans in our state. 73 00:04:10,080 --> 00:04:12,800 Successful every year, so please help promote this event. 74 00:04:13,720 --> 00:04:17,740 September 24th, the Old Timers Association Awards make it hosted by the 75 00:04:17,740 --> 00:04:22,060 Danbury Old Timers Association. To get tickets for this one, you can email Frank 76 00:04:22,060 --> 00:04:26,720 Acre at Frank Acre at sbcglobal.net6bmambroomcolondale. 77 00:04:27,060 --> 00:04:30,320 September 24th, the Vietnam Moving Wall ceremony hosted by the 78 00:04:30,320 --> 00:04:35,640 Danbury Council of Veterans, 10 a.m. Danbury War Memorial, September 26th to 27th, the 79 00:04:35,640 --> 00:04:40,120 Irish Festival hosted by the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center. This one is 80 00:04:40,120 --> 00:04:47,520 Saturday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. This one will be at the Irish Cultural 81 00:04:47,520 --> 00:04:52,440 Center, not on the green. And if you need any more, any more questions you want to help 82 00:04:52,440 --> 00:04:56,340 want to volunteer, sign up. You can reach out to one of the charities there. I'm sure they 83 00:04:56,340 --> 00:04:59,820 can guide you in the right direction, right Sean? All right. Thank you. 84 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:24,040 October 1st, purple flag raising for domestic violence awareness. The Center for Empowerment Education is the host for this here at City Hall, 4 p.m. City Hall Heritage Plaza. October 3rd, Afghanistan Iraq War Memorial Monument anniversary hosted by the Denver Council of Veterans, 10 a.m., the Denver War Memorial at the Memorial itself. October 3rd, the plant and harvest fair hosted by the Denver 85 00:05:24,700 --> 00:05:31,500 then regarding clubs, use me 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hatters Park, that is the calendar of events. 86 00:05:32,620 --> 00:05:38,200 The first 30 minutes of this meeting is hosted for the expression of views of resident 87 00:05:38,200 --> 00:05:43,380 or taxpayers of the city on views, on matters before this council today. 88 00:05:44,000 --> 00:05:48,460 I ask that you use either microphone on each side and just state your name clearly for 89 00:05:48,460 --> 00:05:48,860 the record. 90 00:05:49,500 --> 00:05:51,280 Are there any members of the public wishing to speak? 91 00:05:51,840 --> 00:05:54,460 Any members of the public questions to speak? Mr. Gucker? 92 00:05:59,320 --> 00:06:05,340 Ken Gucker, 89 paid in Aram Road, and I would like to speak on item number five on the agenda. 93 00:06:06,900 --> 00:06:13,920 Item number five, the Marjorie Trail project, is something that has been near and dear to my heart for quite some time. 94 00:06:14,860 --> 00:06:21,700 This was the dream child of my childhood doctor when I grew up in New Fairfield, Dr. Rostemberg. 95 00:06:21,700 --> 00:06:28,620 work, who back in the 70s thought it was really a positive thing to have people go outside 96 00:06:28,620 --> 00:06:36,600 and recreate. Now, sadly, it took COVID to realize he was ahead of his time and how important 97 00:06:36,600 --> 00:06:37,360 that is. 98 00:06:39,710 --> 00:06:45,930 Once I got into the legislature, one of the first acts that I did was establish 99 00:06:45,930 --> 00:06:48,810 to establish the Marjorie Trail as a concept. 100 00:06:49,970 --> 00:06:52,850 It was a bipartisan concept. 101 00:06:53,270 --> 00:06:59,750 It was myself, Richard Smith, then the representative from New Fairfield and 102 00:06:59,750 --> 00:07:04,870 Senator Kushner, the three of us making up the New Fairfield delegation at the time. 103 00:07:06,030 --> 00:07:10,550 But we weren't the first ones to really come up with this idea of the bipartisanship. 104 00:07:10,550 --> 00:07:16,470 This has been a project that was supported by Senator Mike McLaughlin beforehand. 105 00:07:17,110 --> 00:07:29,310 And even the former mayor, Mark Bowton, who also felt it the worthy of putting this concept into the open space binding package that we all voted on a very long time ago. 106 00:07:30,250 --> 00:07:33,410 So this has been a positive project for the community. 107 00:07:33,570 --> 00:07:37,050 This has been something that people have been asking for. 108 00:07:37,050 --> 00:07:47,670 So that drove myself as then the new state rep to lobby and work up in the legislature to secure funding for this project. 109 00:07:48,190 --> 00:07:54,450 At the time through two different bonding packages secure $2.3 million as a total. 110 00:07:55,700 --> 00:08:01,410 That then got the wheels rolling as far as really having a good hard look at this concept. 111 00:08:01,410 --> 00:08:07,530 But the Marjorie Trail Advisory Committee was put together with members of both New 112 00:08:07,530 --> 00:08:12,590 Fairfield and Dambry and if any of you haven't looked at your packet, this will be a project 113 00:08:12,590 --> 00:08:19,090 or a trail that would start at the Dambry Dog Park at Marjorie Reservoir and go along the, 114 00:08:19,720 --> 00:08:26,650 I would say the eastern side of the Reservoir along the Route 37 corridor going into downtown 115 00:08:26,650 --> 00:08:27,490 New Fairfield. 116 00:08:27,490 --> 00:08:36,070 So by partnering with our brothers to the north and holding over 15 public hearings, I don't 117 00:08:36,070 --> 00:08:42,010 think we've ever held 15 public hearings on anything in this city. 118 00:08:43,030 --> 00:08:49,870 And looking at the testimonies from individuals testifying on the desire to have this. 119 00:08:50,370 --> 00:08:55,210 And not only doing that, we put together an interactive website that allowed the individuals 120 00:08:55,210 --> 00:09:00,570 from both communities to go on, they look at the project and put in their comments and all of 121 00:09:00,570 --> 00:09:07,030 those comments will be part of the package that you will see today. But those comments, 80% of 122 00:09:07,030 --> 00:09:13,870 those comments were in favor of this project. The community wants this project. This will be the first 123 00:09:15,110 --> 00:09:20,650 paved, flat level, multi-use trail in the entire city. 124 00:09:23,570 --> 00:09:26,650 We have a lot of support from DOT to get this 125 00:09:26,650 --> 00:09:33,050 project done because the OT would like nothing more to get people off of traversing the dangerous 126 00:09:33,050 --> 00:09:40,330 Route 37 corridor. It's an economic driver. It brings people into the community. I can't tell you 127 00:09:40,330 --> 00:09:48,890 how often we go to other communities to recreate with our dog and walk these trails to see how many 128 00:09:48,890 --> 00:09:55,730 people say this would be great in Danbury. When people go out to Brookfield, they use as an example 129 00:09:55,730 --> 00:09:59,650 Look at the economic development that has popped up around that trail. 130 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:29,980 So, this is an economic driver as well. And third, like my old doctor said, being outside in the fresh air is good. Anything that we can do to get families and kids and others to go out and recreate outside in the fresh air, to witness nature firsthand, and really look at this treasure that we have in Danbury that is so clouded and not seen from the 131 00:10:29,980 --> 00:10:34,100 road because of the evasive plants and the other things that are in there. 132 00:10:34,920 --> 00:10:36,360 This is a great project. 133 00:10:36,680 --> 00:10:42,840 I urge the council to move this on down the road to our next step. 134 00:10:43,600 --> 00:10:49,380 Many people, when I go to the Danbury dog park at Marjorie Reservoir, ask me every single day. 135 00:10:49,980 --> 00:10:59,460 One is the trail starting because we would love to be able to walk to Newfair, 136 00:10:59,460 --> 00:11:06,900 but actually go for a walk, go for a walk with your family, go for a walk with your pets, and really experience the greater outdoors. 137 00:11:07,580 --> 00:11:08,700 So thank you, Mr. Mayor. 138 00:11:10,900 --> 00:11:11,900 Pudders, thank you, Mr. Gokker. 139 00:11:12,680 --> 00:11:14,480 Any other members of the public wishing to speak? 140 00:11:14,860 --> 00:11:19,960 And Chief Riddinhar, I think Mr. Riddinhar, if you're coming up to speak in public. 141 00:11:22,420 --> 00:11:25,380 Good evening everyone, Patrick Riddinhar, I met the Embiary resident. 142 00:11:28,140 --> 00:11:32,460 As you all know, I also currently serve as the Chief of Police in this great city. 143 00:11:32,460 --> 00:11:43,660 I'm speaking in support of item number 10 on the agenda, which will allow applicants who are permanent residents or docker recipients to submit applications to be damn very police officers. 144 00:11:44,800 --> 00:11:48,800 First, I want to clarify how this issue came to the table. 145 00:11:49,820 --> 00:12:02,300 During our recruitment sessions earlier in this decade, and I'm talking about around 2018, 2019, 2020, I had been asked by more than a few people if they could apply to be a police officer. 146 00:12:02,300 --> 00:12:05,080 if they had legal status, but were not citizens. 147 00:12:06,080 --> 00:12:10,360 The answer was always, unfortunately, no, even though they seemed 148 00:12:10,360 --> 00:12:12,180 like otherwise qualified candidates. 149 00:12:13,480 --> 00:12:16,220 Some were pursuing higher education at Wescon. 150 00:12:17,100 --> 00:12:19,000 Others were working at local businesses 151 00:12:19,760 --> 00:12:21,520 and some even owned their businesses. 152 00:12:22,580 --> 00:12:26,160 Every person who inquired expressed the desire 153 00:12:26,160 --> 00:12:27,620 to serve this great community. 154 00:12:28,500 --> 00:12:40,760 It wasn't until the end of 2023 that I heard the police officer's standards and training council may have removed the US citizenship requirement for police officers in the state. 155 00:12:41,720 --> 00:12:46,340 Post is the governing body for all police officer certification in Connecticut. 156 00:12:47,380 --> 00:12:54,180 I then reached out to the post administrator and when I say late 2023, I'm talking a couple days after Christmas. 157 00:12:55,200 --> 00:13:05,060 and learned the citizenship requirement had actually been removed in 2020, and that permanent legal residents were eligible to be police officers in the state. 158 00:13:06,380 --> 00:13:13,840 Post council then went further in 2025 and now allows DACA recipients to be police officers. 159 00:13:14,680 --> 00:13:22,500 Permanent legal residents are already allowed to carry firearms with a permit and in a 2024 160 00:13:22,500 --> 00:13:27,820 letter to the police executive research forum, the federal bureau of alcohol debacle 161 00:13:27,820 --> 00:13:34,240 firearms and explosives has a pine that DACA recipients can legally carry firearms in the 162 00:13:34,240 --> 00:13:36,600 course of their employment as police officers. 163 00:13:38,120 --> 00:13:42,180 Permanent residents and DACA recipients come from all over the world. 164 00:13:43,060 --> 00:13:49,120 Central and South America, Africa, as well as Europe, Asia, and our neighbors to the 165 00:13:49,120 --> 00:13:49,860 North Canada. 166 00:13:50,960 --> 00:13:52,220 Dan Berry has them all. 167 00:13:52,680 --> 00:13:53,860 That's what makes this city great. 168 00:13:54,980 --> 00:13:59,340 So why should we not take advantage of this opportunity to potentially increase our 169 00:13:59,340 --> 00:14:00,800 pool of qualified applicants? 170 00:14:02,220 --> 00:14:07,160 It has already been said by others that permanent legal residents serve in our military and 171 00:14:07,160 --> 00:14:09,120 in other public safety related professions. 172 00:14:09,120 --> 00:14:15,240 most notably firefighters and emergency medical services they can also serve as 173 00:14:15,240 --> 00:14:21,640 armed security guards and as of today even though we like to be innovative here in 174 00:14:21,640 --> 00:14:25,880 Dan Berry and we like our police department to think outside the box we can't 175 00:14:25,880 --> 00:14:32,000 take credit for this one as of today at least 30 municipal or state police 176 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:37,120 agencies in Connecticut already allow permanent legal residents and DACA 177 00:14:37,120 --> 00:14:39,660 recipients to apply to be police officers. 178 00:14:40,680 --> 00:14:46,580 All applicants will still have to successfully complete a very robust screening process. 179 00:14:47,080 --> 00:14:53,660 That includes a polygraph, psychological exam, medical and drug screen, and a thorough background 180 00:14:53,660 --> 00:14:58,060 check that includes a check of both public and law enforcement only databases. 181 00:14:59,340 --> 00:14:59,960 So it's a B. 182 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:24,880 Be clear, this is not asking you to lower our hiring standards. This is simply asking you to allow our hiring eligibility with the eligibility requirements set forth by our governing body, which is the post council. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Mr. Rittenhauer. Any other members of the public wishing to speak? Any other members of the public? Good 183 00:15:29,460 --> 00:15:34,020 evening. My name is Michelle Coelho, and I reside at 47 East Lake Road in Danbury. 184 00:15:34,020 --> 00:15:35,780 Thank you for the opportunity to be heard. 185 00:15:36,700 --> 00:15:41,080 I want to begin with what should unite all of us, respect for men and women of the 186 00:15:41,080 --> 00:15:45,980 Danbury Police Department, and a commitment to the safety of every resident they serve. 187 00:15:46,500 --> 00:15:51,660 As a daughter of immigrants who came to this country seeking freedom and opportunity, I value 188 00:15:51,660 --> 00:15:55,220 what America offers and the responsibility to uphold its laws. 189 00:15:56,340 --> 00:16:01,640 Back in April, I ask for transparency about the proposal tonight, my position is clear. 190 00:16:01,640 --> 00:16:09,060 Any changes should strengthen our police department without sacrificing standards, readiness, or response time. 191 00:16:09,340 --> 00:16:14,180 Before Dambray moves forward, I'm asking for clear answers. 192 00:16:15,360 --> 00:16:29,400 Second, what federal legal authority permits, legal authority permits a DACA officer to possess and carry a fire arm, and what restrictions apply. 193 00:16:29,400 --> 00:16:33,740 Has Corporation Council put that analysis in writing? 194 00:16:34,540 --> 00:16:39,400 Are there clear department policies including for emergency callbacks? 195 00:16:39,800 --> 00:16:44,980 DACA provides temporary protection and does not provide permanent immigration status. 196 00:16:45,980 --> 00:16:50,580 If an officer's work authorization is interrupted, who covers that assignment? 197 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:54,100 How will the city maintain staffing and response times? 198 00:16:54,100 --> 00:16:59,580 that alone just happened in LA in June of this year with two officers who had 199 00:16:59,580 --> 00:17:04,920 applied months in advance for their qualification. It did not come through. So 200 00:17:04,920 --> 00:17:10,900 there was an interruption with their service. Has the police union been 201 00:17:10,900 --> 00:17:16,560 consulted about these operational consequences? How have its concerns been 202 00:17:16,560 --> 00:17:21,460 addressed? The legal requirements, department policies and staffing plan must all 203 00:17:21,460 --> 00:17:27,800 work together. We can respect DACA recipients and insist on a program that is lawful and 204 00:17:27,800 --> 00:17:34,560 dependable. Our police department needs consistency, stability, and readiness. Our residents need 205 00:17:34,560 --> 00:17:41,280 reliable protection. Our officers need reliable backup. That means planning for interruptions 206 00:17:41,280 --> 00:17:42,440 before they happen. 207 00:17:44,990 --> 00:17:49,230 If the answers and the safeguards are ready, present them before you vote. 208 00:17:49,230 --> 00:17:55,190 vote, if they are not postponed to vote, before you authorize this change, show us how 209 00:17:55,190 --> 00:17:59,910 it will strengthen public safety and maintain the consistent, reliable service the 210 00:17:59,910 --> 00:18:01,770 Ann Berry residents deserve. 211 00:18:02,310 --> 00:18:03,030 Thank you for your time. 212 00:18:04,050 --> 00:18:04,730 Thank you, Ms. Quella. 213 00:18:05,330 --> 00:18:06,810 Any other members of the public wishing to speak? 214 00:18:07,030 --> 00:18:07,470 Mr. Reefberg. 215 00:18:11,820 --> 00:18:14,620 Good evening, Mayor, City Councilmembers. 216 00:18:15,440 --> 00:18:21,600 Larry Reefberg, Lawrence Reefberg, Six Irvy Drive. 217 00:18:21,600 --> 00:18:29,560 I don't go by any other name, I have no pseudonyms, I have no pen names. 218 00:18:30,300 --> 00:18:39,560 When I text an email and write and speak, it's Lauren's Reefberg or Larry Reefberg for 219 00:18:39,560 --> 00:18:39,980 the record. 220 00:18:41,020 --> 00:18:46,840 So I want to talk tonight about item number 10, the amendment to the ordinances to allow 221 00:18:46,840 --> 00:18:50,800 DACA and green card holders to apply and become 222 00:18:50,800 --> 00:18:52,220 Denver police officers. 223 00:18:56,500 --> 00:18:58,800 The iconic phrase I want 224 00:18:58,800 --> 00:19:02,760 you has become part of the American culture 225 00:19:03,720 --> 00:19:07,320 symbolizing a call to duty and patriotism. 226 00:19:08,280 --> 00:19:12,340 I want you this iconic image of featuring 227 00:19:12,340 --> 00:19:15,880 Uncle Sam pointing directly to the viewer was 228 00:19:16,440 --> 00:19:19,740 first used during World War I and has since 229 00:19:19,740 --> 00:19:25,140 has been turned into a rallying cry for military recruitment. 230 00:19:25,740 --> 00:19:33,400 I want you, says the American Armed Forces, six distinct service branches under civilian 231 00:19:33,400 --> 00:19:42,180 leadership, the U.S. Army, the mainland combat military police force, the U.S. Marine Corps 232 00:19:42,180 --> 00:19:46,580 A rapid response force specializing in amphibious and ground operations. 233 00:19:47,500 --> 00:19:53,760 The U.S. Navy protects waterways, global sea lanes, and aviation operations at sea. 234 00:19:53,880 --> 00:19:59,400 The U.S. Air Force controls airborne operations, strategic bombing, and air defense. 235 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:27,960 The U.S. Space Force manages operations and satellite defenses beyond Earth's atmosphere, and the U.S. Coast Guard handles maritime law enforcement, port security, and rescue missions. I want you, those branches of the military say they want DACA recipients. They want green card holders. Not if you're not qualified. 236 00:20:29,160 --> 00:20:46,260 not if you don't meet the standards, but given the opportunity to serve, they want those individuals to have that opportunity, and the chief could not have said it better this evening. 237 00:20:46,260 --> 00:20:53,960 The Dambury Police Department wants those individuals as well, but only if they're qualified 238 00:20:54,840 --> 00:21:02,680 and only if they meet the standards necessary with a plan in place because if someone right 239 00:21:02,680 --> 00:21:11,140 now becomes disabled on the job, there's a plan in place or if someone is called to an emergency 240 00:21:11,140 --> 00:21:38,400 or in a car accident, there's a plan in place as there is for the fire department which allows for DACA and green card recipients and EMTs and other security positions as the chief has articulated and explained both this evening and at the subcommittee level at the council. 241 00:21:39,320 --> 00:22:05,400 Don't do it because the United States government does it, or other communities in our state do it, or other states do it, do it because it is the right thing to do to attract qualified individuals to serve in our community, those that want to serve and those that are qualified. 242 00:22:05,400 --> 00:22:22,120 So please, when it comes time to vote on item number 10, please vote yes, something that you'll be hearing me say a lot more about for the next couple of months. 243 00:22:22,460 --> 00:22:23,400 Thank you very much. 244 00:22:23,880 --> 00:22:24,640 Thank you, Mr. Reefberg. 245 00:22:25,460 --> 00:22:27,260 Any other members of the public wishing to speak? 246 00:22:27,520 --> 00:22:28,920 Any other members of the public, Mr. Chen? 247 00:22:36,420 --> 00:22:38,360 A little short of the Mr. Reefberg. 248 00:22:38,360 --> 00:22:45,020 Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Good evening, members of our City Council. My name is Justin Chan. 249 00:22:46,260 --> 00:22:49,680 Life Long Danbury resident. Many of you guys may know me, but- 250 00:22:49,680 --> 00:22:50,600 Your address for the record please. 251 00:22:51,240 --> 00:22:52,840 Yes, 27 Hickory Street. 252 00:22:56,320 --> 00:23:04,960 So this morning, I woke up to some ads from the Republican town committee urging supporters to come here and oppose item number 10. 253 00:23:05,640 --> 00:23:10,460 I think for a group apparently so concerned about who exactly is qualified to work for 254 00:23:10,460 --> 00:23:12,220 of the city, I did find it a little ironic 255 00:23:12,600 --> 00:23:15,160 that they relied on AI to make their ad. 256 00:23:16,400 --> 00:23:19,520 But truth is, after what we witnessed in our city 257 00:23:19,520 --> 00:23:23,860 the past week, I find it extremely disgusting 258 00:23:24,280 --> 00:23:27,000 to hear people advocate in denying 259 00:23:27,540 --> 00:23:30,140 our most disenfranchised members of this community 260 00:23:30,140 --> 00:23:31,860 the opportunity to serve. 261 00:23:32,420 --> 00:23:34,960 When we go to a doctor, it doesn't matter 262 00:23:34,960 --> 00:23:36,600 what their nationality is. 263 00:23:37,060 --> 00:23:38,460 It matters what they can do to help you. 264 00:23:38,460 --> 00:23:44,400 When you go to your place of worship, you don't allow your faith to be impacted by whether 265 00:23:44,400 --> 00:23:50,680 or not your fellow believer or the members of the clergy are citizens or documented, regardless 266 00:23:50,680 --> 00:23:52,740 of their immigration status, none of that matters. 267 00:23:53,800 --> 00:24:03,020 So I find it hard to understand why it would be unacceptable to allow DACA recipients, green 268 00:24:03,020 --> 00:24:10,080 car holders, the ability to apply for the police, and as our Commissioner of Police indicated, 269 00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:17,600 I think it also raises a question if you oppose item number 10, what type of standards there 270 00:24:17,600 --> 00:24:23,860 are in hiring our police department? Because it's not as though someone simply walks in a city hall, 271 00:24:24,140 --> 00:24:29,280 fills out an application, and by virtue of being an undocumented immigrant, they simply get the badge. 272 00:24:29,900 --> 00:24:35,940 I'm a public defender, I've seen cops from all over the state and honestly, I respect 273 00:24:35,940 --> 00:24:42,660 the hell out of Danbury cops the way that they treat our citizens is incredible with respect 274 00:24:42,660 --> 00:24:44,860 is something to admire. 275 00:24:45,780 --> 00:24:51,620 I don't believe that this department would allow unqualified applicants to come in here and 276 00:24:51,620 --> 00:24:56,380 simply take up the responsibility of being a police officer simply because they're an illegal 277 00:24:56,380 --> 00:24:56,820 immigrant. 278 00:24:56,820 --> 00:24:59,780 It's a much more rigorous process and for you to think that 279 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:29,780 That's all that it requires. I, I just can't imagine what would give you that impression. So I also think that when it comes to the party who's opposing this, the, the idea that you come here and you constantly advocate for a safer community that you want more police officers and all that, why would you want to shut off an entire portion of our population? And it is our population because this is what makes Danberry 280 00:25:29,780 --> 00:25:36,280 so magnificent. It's our immigrant population. Why would you prevent them from wanting, from 281 00:25:36,900 --> 00:25:43,640 aspiring to serve in the police department? You talk about more safety than give more people the 282 00:25:43,640 --> 00:25:51,960 opportunity to apply. It's simple as that. The proposal is not just about fairness. It's practical. 283 00:25:52,500 --> 00:25:57,580 It strengthens our department. It expands our recruiting pool. It demonstrates what kind of city 284 00:25:57,580 --> 00:26:03,340 the dam berry intends to be, and it should be one that does not govern through fear or cruelty, 285 00:26:03,760 --> 00:26:05,680 but leads with confidence in its own community. 286 00:26:06,240 --> 00:26:07,060 Thank you for my time. 287 00:26:08,200 --> 00:26:08,740 Thank you, Mr. Chan. 288 00:26:09,780 --> 00:26:11,540 Any other members of the public wishing to speak? 289 00:26:12,100 --> 00:26:13,560 Any other members of the public wishing to speak? 290 00:26:14,300 --> 00:26:14,720 Mr. Robinson. 291 00:26:21,530 --> 00:26:24,290 Alfonso Robinson, seven Melrose Avenue dam berry. 292 00:26:28,190 --> 00:26:37,330 let me start with the easy stuff. I have number 15, the collective bargaining agreement. 293 00:26:38,170 --> 00:26:46,950 Now if I am correct, this regards to individuals who work at City Hall. 294 00:26:49,490 --> 00:26:51,590 And I can tell you 295 00:26:51,590 --> 00:26:54,090 with somebody who has reported on this 296 00:26:54,090 --> 00:26:58,170 and videotape countless Democrats on this stuff. 297 00:26:58,530 --> 00:27:01,050 Going back as far as Gary Dunn-Cowvis, 298 00:27:01,270 --> 00:27:03,970 the Democratic candidate for mayor in 2009, 299 00:27:05,670 --> 00:27:08,310 every single candidate for mayor, 300 00:27:08,590 --> 00:27:09,870 including the current mayor, 301 00:27:10,730 --> 00:27:13,230 every single Democratic town committee chair 302 00:27:14,530 --> 00:27:19,990 has talked about the four-day work week at City Hall, 303 00:27:20,790 --> 00:27:26,110 saying that because the city hall is closed on Friday it's a lot of business 304 00:27:26,110 --> 00:27:30,750 people come down here and there they come down here not knowing that city 305 00:27:30,750 --> 00:27:36,410 hall is closed and they're unable to do business on that day and we've and I 306 00:27:36,410 --> 00:27:39,150 can tell you again because I've been around long enough to talk to a lot of 307 00:27:39,150 --> 00:27:45,130 enough people on the Democratic side that we they have always talked about oh my 308 00:27:45,130 --> 00:27:47,770 I got it marked but once we get marked but not it there. 309 00:27:49,090 --> 00:27:51,610 We're going to open up that city hall the five days a week again. 310 00:27:54,440 --> 00:28:00,460 And here is the unique opportunity to do that with this collective bargain agreement. 311 00:28:01,920 --> 00:28:03,740 And it's not been done. 312 00:28:04,020 --> 00:28:14,680 And I think for people who listened to the commentary and to the pledges to open up city hall 313 00:28:14,680 --> 00:28:20,680 again for five days a week we need to understand why and again maybe I'm wrong I don't know but 314 00:28:20,680 --> 00:28:26,460 maybe I'm wrong but I think this agreement pertains to that why are we not talking about 315 00:28:26,460 --> 00:28:34,260 opening up city hall to five days a week opening up on Fridays I think we are deserves an 316 00:28:34,260 --> 00:28:41,680 explanation in regards to why that's not happening and for people to especially democrats who 317 00:28:43,020 --> 00:28:55,680 campaign on this, I can pull out the video footage, I got a pretty big hard drive, I have all the footage, and you need to explain, now you're in a position, now you're the majority, now you're super majority with the mayor. 318 00:28:56,920 --> 00:29:07,680 You need to explain why this agreement does not include opening up city hall for five days a week. We need explanation for that. 319 00:29:10,120 --> 00:29:12,020 In regards to the Marjorie Trail, 320 00:29:14,480 --> 00:29:16,820 hopefully you'll send it to an ad-out committee immediately. 321 00:29:19,780 --> 00:29:27,360 Because I think that we need to talk about why it took so long for this to get to your hands. 322 00:29:28,360 --> 00:29:32,960 And if some of the conduct that was done by certain members of the committee. 323 00:29:34,040 --> 00:29:38,000 We need to have an examination and talk about some of the actions that were done 324 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:44,540 And in regards to this, I'm not going to say yes or no to that, but I think of many 325 00:29:44,540 --> 00:29:48,800 other walk-in trails that are more beneficial to the people who have said it to Dan Berry. 326 00:29:49,680 --> 00:29:55,000 In this particular trail, but I'll leave my comments on that to a later time. 327 00:29:56,920 --> 00:29:59,200 F2D 328 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:12,780 Item number 10 regarding undocumented immigrants becoming police officers, DACA recipients becoming police officers, yes, yes, of course. 329 00:30:14,460 --> 00:30:28,640 I will say this, if somebody who has first started his site is paced based upon the topic of immigration, you got on the stand, I started back in 2005. 330 00:30:28,640 --> 00:30:33,720 and the very first reason, the only reason I started this site, 331 00:30:34,060 --> 00:30:36,360 I had many other things to do during that time period. 332 00:30:36,440 --> 00:30:38,540 But I started that site because of the topic of immigration, 333 00:30:39,460 --> 00:30:40,660 and it didn't make a whole lot of sense. 334 00:30:41,680 --> 00:30:45,700 And a lot of things I heard from the government about immigration 335 00:30:45,700 --> 00:30:49,140 in this area never, ever, ever made any sense. 336 00:30:49,880 --> 00:30:50,980 Never made any sense. 337 00:30:52,260 --> 00:30:54,880 The damn barrier 11 case never made any sense. 338 00:30:54,880 --> 00:30:55,080 violence. 339 00:30:55,580 --> 00:30:58,220 ICE access never made any sense. 340 00:30:59,020 --> 00:31:04,520 The parade ordinance which is still in effect and shame on you guys for not repealing 341 00:31:04,520 --> 00:31:06,880 that thing, never made any sense. 342 00:31:07,500 --> 00:31:09,480 The volleyball ordinance never made any sense. 343 00:31:10,360 --> 00:31:23,220 For me, it was straight up a racist and disgusting act upon our certain demograph of rape population. 344 00:31:24,720 --> 00:31:27,060 that did not deserve that. 345 00:31:29,190 --> 00:31:37,030 Immigrants in this community contribute to this city so much and I will always, always 346 00:31:37,030 --> 00:31:39,930 be a supporter of all immigrants in this city. 347 00:31:40,630 --> 00:31:43,470 My track records speaks for itself and 348 00:31:46,220 --> 00:31:51,160 I will say this, based upon current events right 349 00:31:51,160 --> 00:31:56,820 now, I've talked to many mayors, many past mayors. 350 00:31:56,820 --> 00:32:03,580 Now you all have told me one thing, the view leader in this area is not about what you're 351 00:32:03,580 --> 00:32:09,280 doing day after day, it's about how you react to certain events that come upon you, 352 00:32:09,400 --> 00:32:10,920 that you have no idea it's going to hit you. 353 00:32:12,180 --> 00:32:19,440 Every single mayor I've talked to you from Dyer, Airquad, Bowton, it's not about what you're 354 00:32:19,440 --> 00:32:27,300 doing, it's about the unexpected circumstances and the things that make you have to be a 355 00:32:27,300 --> 00:32:31,260 leader. You have to rise through the occasion of certain moments. 356 00:32:34,700 --> 00:32:38,980 And I'm just saying that you have 357 00:32:38,980 --> 00:32:45,220 to rise to the occasion when it comes to this particular topic. And do what is right. 358 00:32:47,240 --> 00:32:48,100 And forget 359 00:32:48,100 --> 00:32:53,280 what people are saying or the public opinion. You do what's in your heart is right. 360 00:32:55,570 --> 00:32:56,470 That's my family 361 00:32:56,470 --> 00:32:57,030 taught me. 362 00:32:59,290 --> 00:33:04,550 And if you look up my family, it's pretty deep. But I'm telling you, you do the right 363 00:33:04,550 --> 00:33:11,070 thing within your heart is right. And this thing right here, this this ordinance is just the beginning. 364 00:33:11,810 --> 00:33:15,050 It's a lot of other things we have to correct in this city because of past mistakes. 365 00:33:19,920 --> 00:33:26,600 The undocumented immigrants in this city have been demonized enough. 366 00:33:29,360 --> 00:33:31,160 We have to make a change. 367 00:33:33,700 --> 00:33:39,700 We have to come together as a society in this area. Those ice raves don't do anything. 368 00:33:39,700 --> 00:33:48,780 everything. Everything in the last 20 years. And these topics right here, the allow DACA 369 00:33:48,780 --> 00:33:50,140 recipients to become police officers? 370 00:33:52,240 --> 00:33:55,180 Come on. It makes no sense. It makes no sense to 371 00:33:55,180 --> 00:34:00,020 be against this. It makes no sense for all the stuff that's going on. And we all notice 372 00:34:00,940 --> 00:34:08,540 we have to correct the wrongs and move forward as a society. We should all think about that. 373 00:34:09,480 --> 00:34:14,540 Okay, if we don't, we can keep repeating the same mistakes we've made in the past. 374 00:34:15,520 --> 00:34:16,420 Thank you for your time. 375 00:34:18,740 --> 00:34:19,360 Thank you, Mr. Robinson. 376 00:34:20,340 --> 00:34:22,060 Any other members of the public wishing to speak? 377 00:34:22,380 --> 00:34:23,860 Any other members of the public wishing to speak? 378 00:34:24,220 --> 00:34:26,040 Any other members of the public wishing to speak? 379 00:34:26,200 --> 00:34:26,480 Ms. Hagler? 380 00:34:33,700 --> 00:34:34,300 Good evening. 381 00:34:34,540 --> 00:34:35,900 My name is Lorraine Herger. 382 00:34:36,420 --> 00:34:39,200 I live at 45 Southern Boulevard in Danbury. 383 00:34:40,140 --> 00:34:43,140 I would like to make a comment on the vetting process. 384 00:34:43,140 --> 00:34:59,040 We've heard several people say there will be a robust complete vetting process, but all I have heard is that databases will be checked in the United States, which we know are basically safe and are done according to plan. 385 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:27,840 So, when people come here, whether they have been documented or not, many of them come from countries with broken systems. They're corrupt, it's easy to bribe in those countries, easy to change your identity, easy to say you weren't a gang member when you are and things of that nature. So, I think before any vote should be taken, that I'd ask may or else to have a committee get together. 386 00:35:27,840 --> 00:35:32,480 and document just exactly how you are going to vet these people. 387 00:35:33,460 --> 00:35:36,540 I don't think it's enough for somebody to stand up here and say, 388 00:35:36,760 --> 00:35:40,160 oh, it's going to be a robust vetting process. That's not enough. 389 00:35:40,660 --> 00:35:44,720 As dampery citizens who are entrusting our lives to our police, 390 00:35:45,320 --> 00:35:47,100 I think we are old more than that. 391 00:35:48,180 --> 00:35:52,320 And I would like to see that happen before any vote is taken 392 00:35:52,860 --> 00:35:55,960 because I think that's a very important part of it. 393 00:35:55,960 --> 00:36:01,100 And I think the public is owed that. 394 00:36:01,360 --> 00:36:05,780 My personal opinion, only citizens should carry guns and arrest citizens. 395 00:36:06,260 --> 00:36:08,960 But I think we're beyond that point right now. 396 00:36:10,060 --> 00:36:12,100 So that would be my suggestion. 397 00:36:12,400 --> 00:36:14,600 I don't think we should hand away the process. 398 00:36:14,940 --> 00:36:19,080 It should be given to the public and decided, thank you. 399 00:36:19,440 --> 00:36:19,900 Thank you. 400 00:36:20,180 --> 00:36:20,580 Any other members? 401 00:36:21,160 --> 00:36:21,680 Mr. Santos. 402 00:36:24,660 --> 00:36:28,300 There, Farley Santos, I reside at 27 Westview Drive. 403 00:36:30,060 --> 00:36:33,860 Many of you know my story and so I just will repeat it for those who don't. 404 00:36:35,990 --> 00:36:36,330 I will. 405 00:36:37,570 --> 00:36:41,170 My family immigrated here when I was seven years old in 1996. 406 00:36:43,920 --> 00:36:50,400 The little that I knew of the country that I was born in is now a distant memory given the 407 00:36:50,400 --> 00:36:52,860 fact that I've lived 30 years in this country. 408 00:36:52,860 --> 00:36:59,600 history. The first class I attended here was second grade at King Street Primary. Mrs. 409 00:36:59,780 --> 00:37:01,540 Geisner's class. She's still teaching by the way. 410 00:37:05,620 --> 00:37:07,200 And when we arrived here, my dad said 411 00:37:07,200 --> 00:37:12,920 something to us in Portuguese that I will repeat in English now. This isn't our home land, 412 00:37:13,460 --> 00:37:21,250 but it is now. We need to love it. We need to respect it. We need to give back to it because 413 00:37:21,250 --> 00:37:30,560 he knew that America was the land of promise and opportunity for so many and many generations 414 00:37:30,560 --> 00:37:31,680 that came before us. 415 00:37:36,070 --> 00:37:38,890 I grew up loving this country. I grew up loving this city. I sat 416 00:37:38,890 --> 00:37:44,070 in one of these seats in third grade and I heard the then mayor say that this was the people's 417 00:37:44,070 --> 00:37:50,510 house and that all people were welcome in the city of Danbury. Over the last week we have seen 418 00:37:50,510 --> 00:37:54,250 the city be terrorized, I will agree with Mr. Robinson. 419 00:37:57,140 --> 00:38:03,220 Immigrants aren't as bad as people say they are, or that they like to type on social 420 00:38:03,220 --> 00:38:10,300 media and post on people's pages or comment that they're just all bad people. 421 00:38:11,560 --> 00:38:13,620 I don't consider myself a bad person. 422 00:38:16,400 --> 00:38:22,460 I went to Henry Abbott Technical High School, and for a very short moment, I wanted to be 423 00:38:22,460 --> 00:38:23,560 a police officer. 424 00:38:25,660 --> 00:38:27,660 And a guidance 425 00:38:27,660 --> 00:38:29,580 counselor that many of you know, Mr. Art 426 00:38:29,580 --> 00:38:32,000 Hadad sat me down in his office and 427 00:38:32,000 --> 00:38:34,560 said, son, you can't be a police 428 00:38:34,560 --> 00:38:36,400 officer. You're undocumented. 429 00:38:38,570 --> 00:38:38,890 And 430 00:38:38,890 --> 00:38:42,230 there goes a whole life that I had 431 00:38:42,230 --> 00:38:43,910 sort of planned out for that short 432 00:38:43,910 --> 00:38:47,370 moment. But guess what? You can do. If 433 00:38:47,370 --> 00:38:48,610 you really want to serve your country, 434 00:38:49,130 --> 00:38:50,730 you can give back through the military. 435 00:38:52,350 --> 00:38:57,390 Let that sink in. I couldn't be a cop, but I could go fight a war. 436 00:38:59,430 --> 00:38:59,990 I was right in the 437 00:38:59,990 --> 00:39:05,810 middle of the Iraq war, and I decided not to go. It's the biggest mistake I've ever 438 00:39:05,810 --> 00:39:12,350 made in my life. I should have served. And so I decided to serve in other ways, and you 439 00:39:12,350 --> 00:39:16,610 all know, ran for Board of Ed, sat on this council. I'm a state rep now. 440 00:39:19,060 --> 00:39:19,920 But I think about 441 00:39:19,920 --> 00:39:25,020 all the other children that have that similar story like mine and I have 442 00:39:25,020 --> 00:39:29,520 someone in my family right now she came to this country she was three years 443 00:39:29,520 --> 00:39:37,340 old my niece she's in her 30s now she has two little kids beautiful she's a 444 00:39:37,340 --> 00:39:42,680 DACA recipient I wasn't because I was a generation before that there was no DACA 445 00:39:42,680 --> 00:39:48,540 when I or the mayor were growing up she works in our community works at a law 446 00:39:48,540 --> 00:39:51,880 firm is talented, distinguishes herself, 447 00:39:54,440 --> 00:39:57,800 and you're telling me she couldn't be a police officer she chose to? 448 00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:11,480 Contrary to what some say or write on social media, it isn't filling out a piece of paper and saying, hey, I want to have a green card. I want to become a U.S. citizen. It's not that easy. 449 00:40:14,050 --> 00:40:22,970 And it isn't that easy to become a dambry police officer either. No one could have explained it better than chief ridden hour. He answered all the questions right there. 450 00:40:26,460 --> 00:40:32,720 Someone doesn't just fill out an application and decide to be a cop, ask any other ones who serve ably and are standing in the back right now. 451 00:40:32,720 --> 00:40:40,090 Now, the rigorous background check, everything else that they have to go through before they 452 00:40:40,090 --> 00:40:42,430 can come before this council and get approved by you. 453 00:40:45,590 --> 00:40:54,240 The notion that immigrants are inherently bad people because their immigrants is disgusting. 454 00:40:54,780 --> 00:40:55,680 It's despicable. 455 00:40:57,670 --> 00:40:59,870 And people who feel that way should be ashamed for themselves. 456 00:41:03,870 --> 00:41:12,660 Item number 10 starts to write the wrongs that past administrations have landed on this 457 00:41:12,660 --> 00:41:13,000 city. 458 00:41:13,000 --> 00:41:13,920 It 459 00:41:16,000 --> 00:41:20,220 starts to tell the immigrants who live in this community, who give back to this community, 460 00:41:20,540 --> 00:41:25,160 the same people who are picking up your silverware at the diner, who are handing you your laundry 461 00:41:25,160 --> 00:41:31,440 at the dry cleaners, the folks who are cutting your grass and building your stone walls, because 462 00:41:31,440 --> 00:41:32,540 you don't mind calling them for that, 463 00:41:34,770 --> 00:41:36,510 telling them that they belong here too. 464 00:41:36,670 --> 00:41:37,070 You know why? 465 00:41:37,590 --> 00:41:42,070 Because they've built this city, this state, this country, just as much as you have. 466 00:41:44,020 --> 00:41:50,980 And so, I urge every single one of you to dig deep into your own morality and realize 467 00:41:50,980 --> 00:41:52,700 that we have made mistakes as a city. 468 00:41:53,460 --> 00:41:55,000 Past administrations have made mistakes. 469 00:41:55,280 --> 00:41:59,240 I've heard those passionate speeches by some members of the council who are here tonight 470 00:41:59,240 --> 00:42:00,540 standing up for immigrants. 471 00:42:03,120 --> 00:42:06,800 But I want you to think of my niece when you make this vote, not about me, but think about 472 00:42:06,800 --> 00:42:07,080 her. 473 00:42:08,180 --> 00:42:09,980 Three years old, she came to this country. 474 00:42:10,600 --> 00:42:10,980 No choice. 475 00:42:12,420 --> 00:42:12,860 She came. 476 00:42:14,160 --> 00:42:17,580 She has no fundamental recollection of another nation. 477 00:42:18,080 --> 00:42:19,120 She loves America. 478 00:42:19,320 --> 00:42:20,760 She's giving back to this country. 479 00:42:21,260 --> 00:42:23,040 And simply because she's a DACA recipient, 480 00:42:23,620 --> 00:42:25,900 she shouldn't be able to serve this city. 481 00:42:25,980 --> 00:42:27,520 That's the only city that she's ever known. 482 00:42:30,710 --> 00:42:33,770 I urge you to deep inside you to find dignity, morality, 483 00:42:34,090 --> 00:42:36,610 for those people as we look to continue building 484 00:42:36,610 --> 00:42:38,310 this police department. 485 00:42:38,830 --> 00:42:41,170 And I won't go through the list of all the other police departments 486 00:42:41,170 --> 00:42:43,950 in places that they can work right now, 487 00:42:43,950 --> 00:42:51,310 Including the Connecticut State offices and state police, fire departments, right here at City Hall, they could work. 488 00:42:53,500 --> 00:42:57,260 It's just common sense, avail yourselves of it, please. 489 00:42:58,060 --> 00:42:58,500 Thank you. 490 00:42:59,480 --> 00:43:00,520 Thank you, Mr. Santos. 491 00:43:01,460 --> 00:43:03,060 Any other members of the public wishing to speak? 492 00:43:03,900 --> 00:43:04,920 And that's the police, and then you, sir. 493 00:43:05,760 --> 00:43:06,120 Apologize. 494 00:43:10,700 --> 00:43:13,680 Name is Mr. Rodriguez, 23 George Street. 495 00:43:14,180 --> 00:43:15,940 Just want to comment on item number 10. 496 00:43:15,940 --> 00:43:26,120 And I just want to say I hope that this council could delay the vote on the heels of a terrible 497 00:43:26,120 --> 00:43:26,940 week for our city. 498 00:43:27,460 --> 00:43:32,580 It's a very divisive topic, obviously, just because not everyone's here, but in the days 499 00:43:32,580 --> 00:43:42,480 of a very divisive issue and right now based on what I was saying is it's a very divisive 500 00:43:42,480 --> 00:43:42,860 issue. 501 00:43:42,860 --> 00:43:46,180 and based on the terrible week we had in this city, 502 00:43:48,900 --> 00:43:51,940 I feel that there should be a pause and a delay to this vote 503 00:43:51,940 --> 00:43:55,340 because right now this is a very sensitive issue, 504 00:43:56,460 --> 00:44:02,660 a decisive issue, and there's no urgency to get this passed. 505 00:44:03,040 --> 00:44:05,060 So I just asked the city council to reconsider 506 00:44:05,060 --> 00:44:07,640 just to holding off because like I mentioned, 507 00:44:08,140 --> 00:44:09,340 it was just a terrible week. 508 00:44:09,640 --> 00:44:11,140 We were still reeling emotionally, 509 00:44:12,660 --> 00:44:19,080 Mentally, from what transpired, and if there's a vote, I just think it would just divide us more, thank you. 510 00:44:20,040 --> 00:44:22,700 Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez, apologize, I said it or not, still before. 511 00:44:23,600 --> 00:44:23,960 Sir? 512 00:44:26,120 --> 00:44:27,340 Are you a property owner in town? 513 00:44:27,760 --> 00:44:29,240 Are you a property owner in town? 514 00:44:29,840 --> 00:44:31,320 I apologize, the rules don't allow, sir. 515 00:44:32,580 --> 00:44:34,280 Any other members of the public question to speak? 516 00:44:34,640 --> 00:44:35,040 Ms. Yagish? 517 00:44:36,600 --> 00:44:40,120 Jan Maria, Jaygish, one co-chilled drive, Dan Berry. 518 00:44:40,940 --> 00:44:43,520 I'd like to speak to item number 10. 519 00:44:44,300 --> 00:44:48,060 DACA recipients are already people who have been living and contributing here. 520 00:44:48,540 --> 00:44:55,960 And as Representative Santos said, many of these people do not know any other place but the United States. 521 00:44:55,960 --> 00:44:57,620 This has always been their home. 522 00:44:57,620 --> 00:44:59,760 They... 523 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:28,840 A DACA recipient isn't simply someone who has arrived recently and is all of a sudden seeking a position as a policeman or a police woman. Many have lived in the United States for years and were brought here as children and supporters can argue that someone who has gone through the same education lived in the community and wants to protect that community may actually have valuable local knowledge. It could improve recruitment and diversity. We are a very diversified city, one of the beauties of living in Danbury. 524 00:45:28,840 --> 00:45:34,120 A police department that reflects the community can potentially improve communication and trust, 525 00:45:34,380 --> 00:45:36,520 particularly with immigrant communities. 526 00:45:38,260 --> 00:45:46,100 Danbury's own human resources department says its recruitment goal is to establish diverse and talented eligibility lists. 527 00:45:46,800 --> 00:45:52,680 I have to laugh when people talk about, well, they're not an American citizen, but they're protecting us. 528 00:45:53,040 --> 00:45:58,220 When I lived in Okinawa, Japan, on a military base, the people that stood at 529 00:45:58,220 --> 00:46:05,400 the guard at the gatehouses that let the soldiers in, or the Marines in, or whatever, okay, 530 00:46:05,880 --> 00:46:08,840 they were Japanese citizens. 531 00:46:08,840 --> 00:46:14,380 They were not even American citizens that were guarding our gates in Okinawa, Japan. 532 00:46:15,480 --> 00:46:22,460 It seems to me that if they hear, if the same standards to become a police officer apply, 533 00:46:22,460 --> 00:46:28,140 why you are looking for people that are going to have to meet the rigorous background checks, 534 00:46:28,420 --> 00:46:35,140 the examinations, the physical requirements, all the standards that the city deems necessary. 535 00:46:35,260 --> 00:46:41,640 And I would hope that we could put our faith in our police department and our city to make sure 536 00:46:41,640 --> 00:46:47,020 that those standards are met and that we can add some valuable people to our department. 537 00:46:47,400 --> 00:46:47,700 Thank you. 538 00:46:49,480 --> 00:46:50,420 Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 539 00:46:50,600 --> 00:46:52,420 Any other members of the public looking to speak? 540 00:46:52,760 --> 00:46:54,140 Any other members of the public looking to speak? 541 00:46:54,420 --> 00:46:55,940 Any other members of the public looking to speak? 542 00:46:56,060 --> 00:46:57,680 See, and then we will close public speaking. 543 00:46:58,300 --> 00:46:58,840 Thank you. 544 00:46:59,700 --> 00:47:03,500 Now call on Councilman Peter Buseid for the minutes, please. 545 00:47:04,400 --> 00:47:05,240 Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 546 00:47:05,740 --> 00:47:10,360 Mr. Mayor, I move we receive the Council minutes from the preceding meeting on August 4th. 547 00:47:10,480 --> 00:47:16,440 We have a reading of those minutes as all members of copies and copies aren't filed with the legislative assistance office. 548 00:47:16,440 --> 00:47:19,160 and approve those minutes as they're presented. 549 00:47:20,020 --> 00:47:22,140 Motion is made seconded by Councilman Dwayne Perkins. 550 00:47:22,500 --> 00:47:24,700 Council, any remarks on the minutes, any remarks? 551 00:47:24,980 --> 00:47:25,380 Any remarks? 552 00:47:25,720 --> 00:47:27,020 Seeing none, I will try your minds. 553 00:47:27,020 --> 00:47:28,560 All those in favor, signify by saying aye. 554 00:47:29,500 --> 00:47:29,860 Any opposed? 555 00:47:30,160 --> 00:47:31,620 The ayes have it, vote is so ordered. 556 00:47:32,280 --> 00:47:34,080 Councilman Salvatore, the consent calendar, please. 557 00:47:34,840 --> 00:47:37,980 Consent calendar for September 1st, 2026. 558 00:47:37,980 --> 00:47:40,720 Item number five, move to receive the communication 559 00:47:40,720 --> 00:47:42,680 and accept the report as received. 560 00:47:43,160 --> 00:47:44,980 Move that a workshop be scheduled 561 00:47:44,980 --> 00:47:58,040 between the City of Dambury City Council, town of New Fairfield Selecman, and any city and town departments, the mayor and or first Selecman deemed necessary to meet with the consultant, Barton and Lo Judas. 562 00:47:59,280 --> 00:48:14,960 Item number nine, move to receive the communication and accept the donation of $1,000 from Jowdy Cain Feanor at home on behalf of the DPD, CCU, ice cream truck, and direct the legislative assistant to send the note of banks on behalf of the city. 563 00:48:14,960 --> 00:48:21,040 Council. Item number 12, move to receive the communication and approve the resolution 564 00:48:21,040 --> 00:48:27,580 as presented. Item number 13, move to receive the communication and approve the resolution 565 00:48:27,580 --> 00:48:33,740 as presented. Item number 14, move to receive the communication and approve the resolution 566 00:48:33,740 --> 00:48:39,860 as presented. Item number 15, move the reading of the ad hoc 567 00:48:39,860 --> 00:48:44,240 minutes as all members have copies and copies are on file with the legislative assistance 568 00:48:44,240 --> 00:48:52,300 in office, as well as accept the minutes as presented, and ratify the funding NUNC Pro TUNC. 569 00:48:55,430 --> 00:48:57,130 That is your consent calendar. 570 00:48:57,190 --> 00:48:58,330 Your motion, Councilwoman Gartner. 571 00:48:58,690 --> 00:48:59,550 Yes, thank you, Your Honor. 572 00:48:59,930 --> 00:49:02,450 I move to accept the consent calendar as presented. 573 00:49:03,390 --> 00:49:05,210 Motion is made, seconded by Councilman Dwayne Perkins. 574 00:49:05,370 --> 00:49:06,050 Council are there any remarks? 575 00:49:06,650 --> 00:49:07,310 Any remarks? 576 00:49:07,610 --> 00:49:07,970 Any remarks? 577 00:49:08,150 --> 00:49:08,850 Seeing none, I'll chart your minds. 578 00:49:08,850 --> 00:49:10,570 All those in favor, signify by saying aye. 579 00:49:11,050 --> 00:49:11,330 Aye. 580 00:49:11,330 --> 00:49:14,150 Move your eyes, habits, vote is so ordered. 581 00:49:14,930 --> 00:49:16,110 Item number one, please. 582 00:49:19,420 --> 00:49:22,400 Communication, appointment to police detective. 583 00:49:22,940 --> 00:49:34,620 Dear council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the appointment and promotion of police officer Joseph Ulstrand to the position of police detective with the Danbury Police Department. 584 00:49:35,360 --> 00:49:40,780 Before entering law enforcement, he spent several years working in a higher education administration. 585 00:49:40,780 --> 00:49:46,760 holding positions as a director of admissions and an associate director of 586 00:49:46,760 --> 00:49:51,900 admissions and multiple colleges and universities. He also earned a master's 587 00:49:51,900 --> 00:49:56,060 degree in organizational management and human resources from Manhattanville 588 00:49:56,060 --> 00:49:59,700 College. The Dambury Police Department hired him as 589 00:50:00,000 --> 00:50:29,000 As a police officer on October 26, 2020. In the time since, in addition to his role as a police officer, he has been entrusted with several specialized roles, including field training officer, crisis intervention, technician, and evidence technician, each requiring a distinct set of skills and a high degree of reliability. His contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was presented with the exceptional police service award in April 2023. 590 00:50:29,640 --> 00:50:34,200 Additionally, he was awarded the Chiefs Achievement Medal and named the department's 591 00:50:34,200 --> 00:50:39,860 officer of the year in 2024. Furthermore, he has earned the rank of number two on 592 00:50:39,860 --> 00:50:47,120 the Detective Police Officer eligibility list. He has earned his appointment through 593 00:50:47,120 --> 00:50:52,760 his demonstrated performance and dedication. Given the strength of his record, I am confident 594 00:50:52,760 --> 00:50:57,520 that he will serve with distinction in this new role. I am proud and honored to submit 595 00:50:57,520 --> 00:50:59,980 that his confirmation for this well-deserved promotion. 596 00:51:00,520 --> 00:51:01,800 Thank you for your consideration, 597 00:51:02,120 --> 00:51:04,120 sincerely, Roberto Alves-Mayor. 598 00:51:04,680 --> 00:51:05,360 Thank you. 599 00:51:05,720 --> 00:51:06,440 Council, it's your pleasure. 600 00:51:09,600 --> 00:51:10,220 Councilman Flanagan. 601 00:51:10,720 --> 00:51:11,420 Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 602 00:51:12,440 --> 00:51:13,780 I move to receive the communication 603 00:51:13,780 --> 00:51:16,760 and confirm the promotion of police officer, 604 00:51:16,820 --> 00:51:19,540 Joseph Alstrom, to the position of police detective 605 00:51:20,200 --> 00:51:21,560 with the Danbury Police Department. 606 00:51:22,620 --> 00:51:24,900 Motion has been made second by Councilman Frank Salvatore. 607 00:51:25,040 --> 00:51:26,080 Council, are there any remarks? 608 00:51:26,640 --> 00:51:27,720 Any remarks? Any remarks? 609 00:51:28,140 --> 00:51:31,520 see none. I will try your mind. All those in favor signify by saying aye. 610 00:51:32,240 --> 00:51:36,000 Any opposed? The ayes have it. The vote is unanimous. Congratulations, sir. 611 00:51:40,220 --> 00:51:42,220 If you'd like to come up and say a few words. 612 00:51:51,200 --> 00:51:55,320 This is a great honor. I look forward to the next step in my professional career and 613 00:51:55,320 --> 00:52:00,460 I look forward to serving the people of Damberry as I've been doing previously and 614 00:52:00,460 --> 00:52:04,320 tackling this new role as a detective. So thank you for your confidence in me and 615 00:52:04,320 --> 00:52:05,720 I won't let you down. Thank you. 616 00:52:05,720 --> 00:52:08,680 Congratulations, well deserved item 617 00:52:13,350 --> 00:52:14,190 number two, please. 618 00:52:17,370 --> 00:52:20,130 Communication, appointment to the police detective. 619 00:52:20,650 --> 00:52:32,130 Dear council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the appointment and promotion of police officer Don Drey Perkins to the position of police detective within the Dambary Police Department. 620 00:52:32,670 --> 00:52:41,210 Prior to beginning his career in law enforcement, he proudly served his country for six years as an infantry man in the United States Army. 621 00:52:41,210 --> 00:52:49,010 and experience that instilled in him the discipline, leadership and commitment to service that have defined his career ever since. 622 00:52:49,830 --> 00:52:54,030 He was then hired by the Dambury Police Department on April 8, 2021. 623 00:52:54,710 --> 00:53:06,530 In the years since, in addition to his role as a police officer, he has taken on a range of specialized roles that reflect both his versatility, expertise, and the trust placed in him by the department. 624 00:53:06,530 --> 00:53:12,590 These roles include field training officer, evidence technician, and a member of the Western 625 00:53:12,590 --> 00:53:16,210 Connecticut Regional Emergency Services Unit SWAP. 626 00:53:16,790 --> 00:53:21,690 He ranked number one on the detective police officer eligibility list, which further 627 00:53:21,690 --> 00:53:23,890 confirms his readiness for this promotion. 628 00:53:24,550 --> 00:53:29,130 Based on his record of service, leadership, and achievement, I am proud and honored to submit 629 00:53:29,130 --> 00:53:32,090 his confirmation for this well-deserved promotion. 630 00:53:32,090 --> 00:53:35,810 Thank you for your consideration, sincerely, Roberto Alves-Mayor. 631 00:53:36,350 --> 00:53:37,530 Thank you, Council, with your pleasure. 632 00:53:38,290 --> 00:53:39,190 Councilwoman LePine. 633 00:53:40,870 --> 00:53:41,610 Thank you, Your Honor. 634 00:53:42,730 --> 00:53:47,710 I move to receive the communication and confirm the promotion of police officer, 635 00:53:48,070 --> 00:53:53,710 Deant Dre Perkins, to the position of police detective with the Dambury Police Department. 636 00:53:54,610 --> 00:54:00,990 Motion has been made, and I don't know if I can do this, but it's been seconded by both Dwayne and Dennis Perkins. 637 00:54:11,250 --> 00:54:30,970 I just want to say Deandria I have no news since you were an even younger man probably close to 20 years if not more. I'm so grateful that the City of Dambra has been able to keep you and I'm not surprised that you ranked number one on the detectives test. So congratulations. This is a very well for well-deserved. 638 00:54:30,970 --> 00:54:31,670 Is there a promotion? 639 00:54:32,370 --> 00:54:32,950 Thank you. 640 00:54:33,730 --> 00:54:35,370 Councilman Perkins, Dennis Perkins. 641 00:54:35,890 --> 00:54:36,450 Thank you, Ms. Mayor. 642 00:54:37,590 --> 00:54:39,390 Adyandra, congratulations on your appointment. 643 00:54:40,870 --> 00:54:43,110 Dan Berry's is privileged to have you, 644 00:54:43,650 --> 00:54:46,330 and I wish you the best of luck on the position. 645 00:54:46,650 --> 00:54:47,510 Congratulations once again. 646 00:54:48,590 --> 00:54:48,870 Thank you. 647 00:54:49,570 --> 00:54:50,050 Any other remarks? 648 00:54:50,530 --> 00:54:51,150 Any other remarks? 649 00:54:51,570 --> 00:54:52,050 Any other remarks? 650 00:54:52,410 --> 00:54:53,790 Seeing none, I will try your minds. 651 00:54:53,790 --> 00:54:55,610 All those in favor, signify by saying aye. 652 00:54:56,110 --> 00:54:57,690 Just so easier, any opposed? 653 00:54:57,690 --> 00:54:59,970 The eyes have it, the voter's unanimous comment. 654 00:55:00,000 --> 00:55:01,120 Congratulations, Officer Perkins. 655 00:55:10,280 --> 00:55:23,560 Thank you for the mayor, and thank you to everyone on City Council. I'm looking forward to keeping serving the public in this new position. I'm glad to be here in Damier, still so. Appreciate you guys. Thank you. Congratulations, Officer Perkins. 656 00:55:27,050 --> 00:55:34,390 I think people are going to miss you, crawling on their houses, staying there for a day or so waiting for people, but we'll find a place for that too. 657 00:55:38,490 --> 00:55:39,690 Item number three, please. 658 00:55:41,160 --> 00:55:45,380 Communication, appointment of entry-level police officers. 659 00:55:45,880 --> 00:55:50,500 Dear council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the appointment of the following 660 00:55:50,500 --> 00:55:55,940 individuals to the position of entry-level police officer with the Dambury Police Department. 661 00:55:56,600 --> 00:56:02,360 Mr. Alexis Ortega Gonzalez holds a bachelor's degree in criminology from Western Connecticut 662 00:56:02,360 --> 00:56:03,560 State University. 663 00:56:04,000 --> 00:56:08,980 He has been working as a technology specialist at a department store and previously worked 664 00:56:08,980 --> 00:56:11,420 as a sales associate at a computer store. 665 00:56:11,960 --> 00:56:15,020 Additionally, he served as a volunteer firefighter in Danbury. 666 00:56:15,580 --> 00:56:18,180 He is fluent in Spanish, and he is ranked number eight 667 00:56:18,180 --> 00:56:21,400 on the entry-level police officer eligibility list. 668 00:56:21,820 --> 00:56:23,920 He is currently attending the police academy. 669 00:56:24,820 --> 00:56:28,400 Mr. Matthew Restrepo-Gallo holds a bachelor's degree 670 00:56:28,400 --> 00:56:32,080 in business administration from Western Connecticut State University, 671 00:56:32,540 --> 00:56:36,980 and he is currently working as a mortgage customer service representative 672 00:56:36,980 --> 00:56:37,600 in a bank. 673 00:56:37,600 --> 00:56:41,720 He previously worked as a substitute teacher and as a soccer coach. 674 00:56:42,140 --> 00:56:47,580 He is ranked number 15 on the entry level police officer eligibility list and is currently 675 00:56:47,580 --> 00:56:48,980 attending the police academy. 676 00:56:49,400 --> 00:56:53,340 I am very proud and honored to present to you these exceptional candidates who will 677 00:56:53,340 --> 00:56:56,940 serve the city well with their wealth of experience and skills. 678 00:56:57,480 --> 00:57:01,760 Thank you for consideration of these appointments, sincerely for Burtle Alves Mayor. 679 00:57:02,680 --> 00:57:03,440 Thank you, Council. 680 00:57:03,540 --> 00:57:03,980 What's your pleasure? 681 00:57:06,840 --> 00:57:23,140 Thank you, Your Honour, I move to receive the communication and confirm the appointment of Alexis Ortega Gonzalez and Matthew Restrepo Gallo to the position of entry-level police officers for the City of Danbury Police Department. 682 00:57:24,680 --> 00:57:26,920 Motion has been made and seconded by Councilman Ben-Chanese. 683 00:57:27,620 --> 00:57:28,420 Councilor, are there any remarks? 684 00:57:29,220 --> 00:57:29,780 Any remarks? 685 00:57:30,180 --> 00:57:30,780 Any remarks? 686 00:57:31,280 --> 00:57:32,620 Seeing none, I will try your minds. 687 00:57:32,780 --> 00:57:34,840 All those in favor signify by saying aye. 688 00:57:35,200 --> 00:57:35,560 Aye. 689 00:57:36,220 --> 00:57:36,760 Any opposed? 690 00:57:37,500 --> 00:57:38,380 The ayes have it. 691 00:57:38,520 --> 00:57:39,160 It passes you names. 692 00:57:39,400 --> 00:57:39,760 Congratulations. 693 00:57:39,920 --> 00:57:43,440 These gentlemen are getting ready now to go to the Academy in a couple days, I believe. 694 00:57:43,760 --> 00:57:44,880 So they are not here. 695 00:57:46,320 --> 00:57:48,640 Hope, after you get hired here, but congratulations to them. 696 00:57:48,700 --> 00:57:49,820 They're going to be watching here, so let's 697 00:57:54,180 --> 00:57:56,140 item number four, please. 698 00:57:58,080 --> 00:58:01,420 Communication, appointments to Sustainable CT. 699 00:58:02,140 --> 00:58:07,900 Dear City Council members, I hereby submit for your confirmation the selection of the following individuals 700 00:58:07,900 --> 00:58:14,140 to serve on Dambury Sustainability Team as part of Dambury's membership in Sustainable CT. 701 00:58:15,140 --> 00:58:20,100 Valentina Jimenez, Vita Gonzalez, and Melissa Jimenez. 702 00:58:21,020 --> 00:58:26,700 Ms. Valentina Jimenez has lived in Dambury her whole life and is a proud constituent 703 00:58:26,700 --> 00:58:30,640 happy to give back to a community which has helped her and her family thrive. 704 00:58:31,060 --> 00:58:36,460 She is a first-generation college graduate having received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry 705 00:58:36,460 --> 00:58:43,800 22 at the University of Hartford on a full tuition scholarship. She currently works in energy 706 00:58:43,800 --> 00:58:51,880 efficiency and plans to use her skills as a sustainable CT fellow in 2021 at the Western Connecticut 707 00:58:51,880 --> 00:58:55,760 a Council of Governments to help sustainable damber get its certification. 708 00:58:56,560 --> 00:59:02,000 Ms. Vidag on Caldas is a Western Connecticut State University student, pursuing biology 709 00:59:02,000 --> 00:59:04,180 with a concentration in ecology. 710 00:59:05,020 --> 00:59:09,360 She grew up in Dambury and wants to help the city become more sustainable and environmentally 711 00:59:09,360 --> 00:59:10,740 friendly for everyone. 712 00:59:11,420 --> 00:59:16,580 Ms. Melissa Jimenez is an outreach coordinator at an Energy Efficiency Consulting Group. 713 00:59:17,080 --> 00:59:21,820 She grew up in Dambury and has a background in applied economics and a passion for community 714 00:59:21,820 --> 00:59:27,280 engagement, advocacy, and sustainability. Prior to her current role, she worked with the 715 00:59:27,280 --> 00:59:32,320 Connecticut Roundtable on climate and jobs, where she supported climate and economic 716 00:59:32,320 --> 00:59:37,680 justice initiatives through policy research, coalition building, and public advocacy. 717 00:59:38,340 --> 00:59:42,500 Melissa is passionate about connecting with communities and creating meaningful impact 718 00:59:42,500 --> 00:59:47,060 throughout region relationship building. Sincerely, Roberto Alves-Mayor. 719 00:59:47,700 --> 00:59:50,580 Thank you, Council. What's your pleasure? Councilman Jabor. 720 00:59:52,280 --> 00:59:56,560 Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'm here to receive the communication and confirm the appointments 721 00:59:56,560 --> 00:59:59,980 of Valentina Jimenez, Fida Gungalviz, and- 722 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:29,980 I'm Melissa Jimenez, to serve on Dambury's sustainability team. Motion is made, seconded. I think I'll call Councilman Benciani's first. Council, are there any remarks? Any remarks? Any remarks? Councilman Hawley, please. Thank you, runner. So I'm the team lead for the Sustainable Dambury team. And I just wanted to shout out that Valentina Vida and Melissa have greatly contributed to successfully applying for our bronze certification on August 15th. 723 01:00:29,980 --> 01:00:35,140 They were putting the work in to get the application submitted, so I just want to get much out and recognize that. 724 01:00:36,700 --> 01:00:37,820 Thank you, Councilman Holley. 725 01:00:38,600 --> 01:00:39,320 Council, any other remarks? 726 01:00:39,780 --> 01:00:41,160 Any other remarks? Any other remarks? Any other remarks? 727 01:00:41,220 --> 01:00:44,460 You know I'll try your minds. All those in favor signify by saying aye. 728 01:00:45,160 --> 01:00:48,240 Any opposed? The ayes have it. The vote is so ordered. 729 01:00:48,760 --> 01:00:50,800 5 is on consent. Item number 6, please. 730 01:00:54,620 --> 01:01:00,520 Communication, conveyance and release of water main easement at 113-115 Millplane Road. 731 01:01:00,520 --> 01:01:05,880 Dear Mayor and Council members, the attached request from Anthony Mizzouco on behalf 732 01:01:05,880 --> 01:01:12,420 of Equity 1, Northeast Portfolio, LLC seeks your consideration and approval of completion 733 01:01:12,420 --> 01:01:17,700 of the previously authorized conveyance of water main improvements and the related easement 734 01:01:17,700 --> 01:01:19,520 transaction affecting the property. 735 01:01:20,100 --> 01:01:24,160 Thank you very truly yours, Robin Edwards, Deputy Corporation Council. 736 01:01:24,760 --> 01:01:25,560 Thank you, Council. 737 01:01:25,720 --> 01:01:26,140 What's your pleasure? 738 01:01:27,200 --> 01:01:28,040 Councilman Gerrano. 739 01:01:29,300 --> 01:01:30,280 Thank you. 740 01:01:30,280 --> 01:01:37,980 Your Honor, I move to receive the communication and send this for reports back from the City Engineer and Planning Commission. 741 01:01:39,300 --> 01:01:43,600 Which is very second by Councilwoman Gartner. Council, any remarks? Any remarks? Any remarks? Any remarks? 742 01:01:43,600 --> 01:01:47,700 Any none? I'll charge your minds. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Any opposed? 743 01:01:47,940 --> 01:01:51,860 The ayes have it. The vote is so ordered. Item number seven, please. 744 01:01:51,860 --> 01:01:51,940 the city's. 745 01:01:53,940 --> 01:01:55,720 Communication license agreement. 746 01:01:56,180 --> 01:02:01,040 Dear city council members, the license agreement for the city property on 125 747 01:02:01,040 --> 01:02:04,840 mill plane road is expiring on 1031 26. 748 01:02:05,700 --> 01:02:10,300 The current licensee is in good standing with the city and wishes to enter into a new agreement. 749 01:02:10,960 --> 01:02:14,660 I hereby submit a new three year license agreement for your approval. 750 01:02:15,240 --> 01:02:17,520 Thank you for your attention to this matter sincerely. 751 01:02:17,520 --> 01:02:18,820 I believe Roberto Alves mayor. 752 01:02:19,780 --> 01:02:20,460 Council with your pleasure. 753 01:02:23,560 --> 01:02:24,460 Council with your pleasure. 754 01:02:25,640 --> 01:02:26,740 Councilman Salvatore, thank you. 755 01:02:28,300 --> 01:02:29,320 Councilman Salvatore, thank you. 756 01:02:31,480 --> 01:02:33,080 I move to receive the communication 757 01:02:33,080 --> 01:02:34,960 and send this to an ad hoc committee. 758 01:02:35,940 --> 01:02:37,560 Motion to be made to send to an ad hoc. 759 01:02:37,680 --> 01:02:39,620 That vote is so ordered, ad hoc will consist 760 01:02:41,000 --> 01:02:43,260 of Councilman Peter Busei and the chair. 761 01:02:43,800 --> 01:02:47,500 Councilman Mike Flanagan and Councilman Michael Ollo. 762 01:02:50,400 --> 01:02:51,260 Item number eight, please. 763 01:02:57,370 --> 01:03:04,250 members. The license agreement for the city property on 123 Millplane Road is 764 01:03:04,250 --> 01:03:11,290 expiring on 1231-26. The current licensee is in good standing with the city and 765 01:03:11,290 --> 01:03:16,030 wishes to enter into a new agreement. I hereby submit a new three-year license 766 01:03:16,030 --> 01:03:19,870 agreement for your approval. Thank you for your attention to this matter since 767 01:03:19,870 --> 01:03:21,590 Ms. Earley, Roberto Alves-Mayor. 768 01:03:22,050 --> 01:03:23,390 Thank you, Councilor Wichor, pleasure. 769 01:03:24,170 --> 01:03:24,930 Councilwoman Robinson. 770 01:03:25,690 --> 01:03:26,570 Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 771 01:03:26,710 --> 01:03:29,610 I move to receive the communication and send this to an ad hoc committee. 772 01:03:30,210 --> 01:03:32,070 Motion made to an ad hoc committee. 773 01:03:32,170 --> 01:03:34,470 The vote is so ordered, it will consist of these same ad hoc. 774 01:03:34,990 --> 01:03:36,290 Councilman Peter Buzetti in the chair. 775 01:03:36,610 --> 01:03:38,910 Councilman Mike Flanagan in Councilman Mike Coelho. 776 01:03:40,090 --> 01:03:41,130 Nine is on consent. 777 01:03:41,510 --> 01:03:43,110 Item number ten, please. 778 01:03:46,900 --> 01:03:55,500 Organises and report amendments to ordinances section 22-19 through 22-30 police department. 779 01:03:57,490 --> 01:03:58,690 Councilor Peter Rise, minutes. 780 01:03:58,870 --> 01:04:00,330 Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 781 01:04:00,490 --> 01:04:02,730 I move that we were reading the public hearing minutes. 782 01:04:02,870 --> 01:04:07,990 As all members have copies, copies are in file with the legislative assistance office, as 783 01:04:07,990 --> 01:04:09,950 well as accept those minutes as presented. 784 01:04:10,890 --> 01:04:12,930 Motion is made seconded by Councilman Paul Ritello. 785 01:04:13,070 --> 01:04:15,650 Council, this is on the reading of the minutes. 786 01:04:15,650 --> 01:04:19,210 any remarks? Any remarks? Any remarks? Any remarks on the minutes? 787 01:04:20,790 --> 01:04:25,910 Seeing none, I will try your minds. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Any opposed? 788 01:04:26,870 --> 01:04:31,070 The motion passes. Council, what is your pleasure? Councilman Laughinghouse? 789 01:04:31,450 --> 01:04:34,550 I move to receive the communication and approve the resolution as presented. 790 01:04:35,570 --> 01:04:40,390 Which is made seconded by Councilwoman Gartner. Council, are there any remarks? Councilwoman Faye? 791 01:04:40,390 --> 01:04:41,270 I 792 01:04:44,380 --> 01:04:48,420 move to split the question between permanent legal residents and DACA recipients. 793 01:04:49,200 --> 01:04:49,660 Seconded. 794 01:04:49,840 --> 01:04:50,720 Data ordinances were in. 795 01:04:52,500 --> 01:04:53,240 Seconded. 796 01:04:53,240 --> 01:04:59,900 There's been a motion made seconded to split the question to split between legal. 797 01:05:00,000 --> 01:05:29,880 Any permanent resident and DACA recipient into two separate ones? Are there any remarks on the splitting of the question? Any remarks? On the splitting of the question? Well, I would like to speak in favor of the split. I think we're missing my concern, I should say. I think we're missing a distinction between permanent legal residents and DACA recipients. DACA is really 798 01:05:29,880 --> 01:05:37,600 it's just an exercise of prosecutorial discretion that defers action. That's what it stands for, 799 01:05:37,960 --> 01:05:39,320 deferred action, right? 800 01:05:41,360 --> 01:05:46,280 And that's different than someone who resides here in the United States 801 01:05:46,280 --> 01:05:53,840 as a permanent legal resident. So in my opinion, they are two separate classes of persons 802 01:05:55,400 --> 01:05:56,580 for hiring purposes. 803 01:05:57,500 --> 01:05:57,900 Thank you. 804 01:05:58,460 --> 01:05:59,340 Council are there any other remarks? 805 01:06:00,100 --> 01:06:00,740 Any other remarks? 806 01:06:01,180 --> 01:06:01,780 Any other remarks? 807 01:06:02,280 --> 01:06:03,840 Seeing none, I will try your minds. 808 01:06:04,700 --> 01:06:06,860 All those in favor of splitting the question 809 01:06:06,860 --> 01:06:09,780 at the main motion, signify by saying aye. 810 01:06:11,920 --> 01:06:12,820 I believe that is two. 811 01:06:13,600 --> 01:06:14,380 All those opposed? 812 01:06:15,100 --> 01:06:15,360 Aye. 813 01:06:15,840 --> 01:06:15,940 Aye. 814 01:06:16,440 --> 01:06:18,160 The ladies have it, the motion fails. 815 01:06:18,840 --> 01:06:19,940 Back to the regular motion. 816 01:06:20,100 --> 01:06:20,900 Council are there any remarks? 817 01:06:21,660 --> 01:06:22,420 Any remarks? 818 01:06:22,880 --> 01:06:24,040 Councilman Chienese, please. 819 01:06:26,800 --> 01:06:27,520 Thank you, Your Honor. 820 01:06:28,260 --> 01:06:31,240 I know when Chief Ritt and Hour came up, he answered a lot of my questions. 821 01:06:31,520 --> 01:06:34,960 So thank you, your comments were, I believe, right on point. 822 01:06:35,340 --> 01:06:38,380 So thank you for coming up and sharing those thoughts. 823 01:06:39,120 --> 01:06:45,540 But my only question, as I think I explained earlier to you, was the only distinction between 824 01:06:45,540 --> 01:06:53,020 a citizen and a DACA candidate would just be an applicant, or be a checkbox on the application 825 01:06:53,020 --> 01:06:54,100 to my correct in that. 826 01:07:02,620 --> 01:07:09,660 That is correct that the the application and we use a another party police 827 01:07:09,660 --> 01:07:16,620 app which is where you apply for police officer jobs throughout the state. The application would 828 01:07:16,620 --> 01:07:24,060 only ask are you a US citizen permanent legal resident or DACA recipient and they have to answer yes or 829 01:07:24,060 --> 01:07:32,040 know. If I may, your honor. And through that whole process of application background checks, 830 01:07:32,200 --> 01:07:38,100 there would be no indication whether that candidate is a DACA legal resident or U.S. 831 01:07:38,180 --> 01:07:42,560 citizen. There would be no mention in any of the training. So they wouldn't be just to call 832 01:07:42,560 --> 01:07:48,100 out that I'm a DACA resident. They wouldn't be called out but human resources does have to verify 833 01:07:48,100 --> 01:07:53,180 that they do meet that requirement. But no, they wouldn't be singled out like we wouldn't have 834 01:07:53,180 --> 01:07:57,500 some sort of database or something that says, oh, you know, you're different now. 835 01:07:57,820 --> 01:08:00,400 So you wouldn't know the difference between the US citizen or not? 836 01:08:00,580 --> 01:08:05,860 All I know is that they qualify human resources processes, the applications, civil service 837 01:08:05,860 --> 01:08:09,480 approves the applications and all I would know is that they meet those minimum qualifications. 838 01:08:10,060 --> 01:08:10,640 Thank you, Chief. 839 01:08:10,820 --> 01:08:11,780 And one more question, Your Honor. 840 01:08:11,880 --> 01:08:12,100 Yes, sir. 841 01:08:12,480 --> 01:08:15,520 And maybe to HR, but you may know the answer to this as well. 842 01:08:16,080 --> 01:08:20,220 When is the next police exam that has not been announced yet? 843 01:08:20,220 --> 01:08:26,300 But we have currently, we have three people that are under active background investigations 844 01:08:26,300 --> 01:08:27,760 right now after that. 845 01:08:28,320 --> 01:08:35,180 This list will be exhausted, so probably will be within the next two to three months that 846 01:08:35,180 --> 01:08:39,740 we would be posting again, doing another recruitment for entry level. 847 01:08:40,320 --> 01:08:48,400 You know, unfortunately, as I said earlier, this is a very competitive process between withdrawals 848 01:08:48,400 --> 01:09:03,240 taking offers from other police departments and people not even clearing the backgrounds because of, you know, whether it's a fail polygraph psychological or just too much baggage in the background, we lose about seven out of every eight candidates. 849 01:09:03,860 --> 01:09:12,900 So it's a very difficult process to get through. It's very thorough. We want to make sure that we have qualified people that are here to serve this community. 850 01:09:12,900 --> 01:09:13,960 Thank you, Chief. 851 01:09:14,120 --> 01:09:14,540 Thank you, Anna. 852 01:09:14,840 --> 01:09:18,700 Again, I think this is a good ordinance and I will be supporting it. 853 01:09:18,920 --> 01:09:19,200 Thank you. 854 01:09:19,520 --> 01:09:19,700 Thank you. 855 01:09:21,040 --> 01:09:22,040 Councilman Hawley, please. 856 01:09:24,860 --> 01:09:25,240 Thank you, Renner. 857 01:09:25,920 --> 01:09:28,980 First, I want to thank Chairman Jobber and who chair of this committee. 858 01:09:29,180 --> 01:09:31,020 Way back in April, April 28th. 859 01:09:31,020 --> 01:09:32,400 I cannot believe that was four months ago. 860 01:09:32,400 --> 01:09:33,660 We have been working on this ordinance. 861 01:09:34,280 --> 01:09:38,420 There's one thing I wanted to offer to the public record is back at that ad hoc committee meeting. 862 01:09:38,560 --> 01:09:39,460 I asked a simple question. 863 01:09:39,580 --> 01:09:43,060 Both to our police chief and to our HR director. 864 01:09:43,060 --> 01:09:49,640 would anything in this ordinance negatively affect your departments or the way 865 01:09:49,640 --> 01:09:54,040 that procedures are done or the processes are bringing people on or affecting 866 01:09:54,040 --> 01:09:58,100 any kind of capacity standards. And they both agreed. No, it would not be 867 01:09:58,100 --> 01:09:59,700 impacting their departments in a negative manner. 868 01:10:00,080 --> 01:10:30,060 So I just wanted to offer that for the public record and just say that I believe this will be a impactful ordinance that will be rightening the path for our community and be a good thing for our community overall. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Holley. Council, are there any other remarks? Any other remarks? Councilman Flanagan. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Just a comment. I have a friend who works in a neighboring police department as a civilian employee. And he tells me that very often that department has to call Dambri because they don't have any bilingual 869 01:10:30,660 --> 01:10:38,320 officers. So they call here because they know we do. That department is trying to fix that. 870 01:10:38,680 --> 01:10:44,880 So it's another service that these folks bring. They speak maybe two or three languages 871 01:10:44,880 --> 01:10:51,360 instead of just English. And we speak 40 languages in the school system here. So having 872 01:10:51,770 --> 01:10:57,980 police officers who can speak to folks in their own language, to me just makes a whole lot 873 01:10:57,980 --> 01:11:01,700 a sense. I just can't imagine voting against this. Thank you, Your Honor. 874 01:11:01,840 --> 01:11:04,620 Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Jabora. I believe you had your hand up. 875 01:11:06,020 --> 01:11:11,580 I did. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Just briefly, I will know I heard a lot of commentary today, 876 01:11:11,840 --> 01:11:15,740 and I've read some of the commentary online, and some of it has been quite frustrating, 877 01:11:16,140 --> 01:11:22,760 because a lot of the commentary that's been coming forward has to do with immigration status. 878 01:11:22,760 --> 01:11:30,280 However, while some of it may be well placed in some of the concerns, for example, I heard 879 01:11:30,280 --> 01:11:35,580 some today about vetting processes from other countries, if people are born in other countries, 880 01:11:35,780 --> 01:11:40,240 I heard nobody make any complaints about people who are naturalized U.S. citizens. 881 01:11:40,980 --> 01:11:45,660 These complaints were only specifically directed to individuals who are lawful, permanent residents 882 01:11:45,660 --> 01:11:46,880 or docker recipients. 883 01:11:47,320 --> 01:11:51,560 Why is there a distinguishment that way, but not a distinguishment if you become a U.S. citizen? 884 01:11:51,560 --> 01:11:53,720 and naturalize rather than born here 885 01:11:53,720 --> 01:11:55,120 the upper threat citizenship. 886 01:11:56,080 --> 01:11:58,580 So that was very, very frustrating for me to hear today. 887 01:11:59,540 --> 01:12:02,080 Our background checks are very, very thorough 888 01:12:02,080 --> 01:12:03,300 for police officers. 889 01:12:03,660 --> 01:12:06,080 I will note that I routinely advise people 890 01:12:06,080 --> 01:12:08,400 on what will and will not come up in a background check. 891 01:12:08,860 --> 01:12:11,980 And I will tell you that police departments, 892 01:12:12,440 --> 01:12:14,400 certain state agencies and federal agencies 893 01:12:14,400 --> 01:12:17,000 are the one things that I discuss on a daily basis 894 01:12:17,000 --> 01:12:18,860 when anyone is talking about what will come up 895 01:12:18,860 --> 01:12:19,700 on a background check. 896 01:12:19,700 --> 01:12:22,300 And for those, it's literally everything. 897 01:12:22,840 --> 01:12:32,140 Every single skeleton in a closet is coming out, so the amount of vetting that is going 898 01:12:32,140 --> 01:12:36,820 through everybody who's becoming a police officer is absolutely stranding this. 899 01:12:36,940 --> 01:12:40,320 And what's even more frustrating that I have seen, especially because we've discussed 900 01:12:40,320 --> 01:12:44,940 ice so much today, is that ice officers now do not have a vetting process. 901 01:12:44,940 --> 01:12:50,680 us. In fact, they are now accepting basically anybody with a $50,000 bonus check, which is 902 01:12:50,680 --> 01:12:58,660 absolutely frustrating because I'm not seeing similar discussor frustration at people 903 01:12:58,660 --> 01:13:03,820 who are actively kidnapping people who have not committed any crimes or have not done 904 01:13:03,820 --> 01:13:11,140 anything to harm our community off the streets from bus stops in front of daycare centers in 905 01:13:11,140 --> 01:13:14,580 in front of their own children, creating unspeakable levels 906 01:13:14,580 --> 01:13:18,200 of trauma, that commentary has been absolutely silent. 907 01:13:18,640 --> 01:13:20,860 However, when it's people actively hoping 908 01:13:20,860 --> 01:13:23,180 to serve our community and make our community safer 909 01:13:23,180 --> 01:13:25,200 and better, that is all of a sudden 910 01:13:25,200 --> 01:13:26,420 where I'm hearing commentary. 911 01:13:26,680 --> 01:13:28,740 And that is incredibly frustrating to hear 912 01:13:29,310 --> 01:13:31,020 because I am a child of immigrants. 913 01:13:31,640 --> 01:13:34,340 My parents came here fleeing civil war. 914 01:13:34,520 --> 01:13:36,140 I work every day with immigrants. 915 01:13:36,700 --> 01:13:38,920 And there is nobody that I've ever found 916 01:13:38,920 --> 01:13:44,080 that has a stronger love of America than most immigrants because they know where they came from, 917 01:13:44,960 --> 01:13:52,060 and they know that the American dream is live and well for them, no matter how 918 01:13:52,640 --> 01:13:58,880 at least in my perspective misguided that is because I watch it every day, absolutely falter 919 01:13:58,880 --> 01:14:04,340 and crush people's spirits when they're talking to me and crying and telling me but we came here for an 920 01:14:04,340 --> 01:14:06,220 American dream, what is happening. 921 01:14:06,820 --> 01:14:10,020 So I challenge everybody that if you are making commentary 922 01:14:10,020 --> 01:14:12,980 to question who we are hiring as our police officers, 923 01:14:13,360 --> 01:14:16,020 I would like to hear that same questioning happen 924 01:14:16,020 --> 01:14:19,420 to our federal officers that are kidnapping people off the street. 925 01:14:19,760 --> 01:14:21,640 Because many of them are people who actually 926 01:14:21,640 --> 01:14:24,220 will not pass police officer background checks. 927 01:14:24,400 --> 01:14:28,120 In fact, many have been unmasked as individuals 928 01:14:28,120 --> 01:14:30,340 who not only would no longer pass, 929 01:14:30,560 --> 01:14:32,680 but have just honorably discharged. 930 01:14:32,680 --> 01:14:39,020 I think that the topic is our ordinance and DACA and lawful permanent residents. 931 01:14:39,240 --> 01:14:43,620 I think Council of Major Board has taken this pretty far field and your honours given 932 01:14:43,620 --> 01:14:48,740 are quite a bit of leeway to do so I just like to come back to the topic. 933 01:14:50,340 --> 01:14:54,340 My point is I think everybody should discuss this equally. 934 01:14:54,520 --> 01:14:59,360 I think at this point, post has come out with standards saying that this is acceptable and 935 01:14:59,360 --> 01:14:59,880 We shall include 936 01:15:02,600 --> 01:15:13,860 They're allowed to serve our country. They're allowed to defend our country abroad. Why should they not be allowed to defend our citizens domestically? Thank you. 937 01:15:15,400 --> 01:15:18,300 Councilman Dwayne Perkins, I believe you had your hand up earlier or might put you in the spot. 938 01:15:21,030 --> 01:15:21,930 Thank you, Councilman. 939 01:15:22,730 --> 01:15:23,450 Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 940 01:15:24,910 --> 01:15:33,070 Chief Rittner, this is real quick, I understand everything that's going on here, rights that 941 01:15:33,070 --> 01:15:40,310 individuals have on the job, off the job, the finite market of this population, I get all that 942 01:15:40,310 --> 01:15:40,570 stuff. 943 01:15:40,630 --> 01:15:45,870 I can understand why people are concerned about it, but we have been talking about there 944 01:15:45,870 --> 01:15:49,150 the rigor of the application process so far. 945 01:15:49,370 --> 01:15:52,090 And I wasn't really expecting you to put these numbers out 946 01:15:52,090 --> 01:15:56,610 there, seven of eight, pretty much don't make it through 947 01:15:56,610 --> 01:15:59,110 the, is that the entire application process? 948 01:15:59,630 --> 01:16:00,390 That is correct. 949 01:16:01,790 --> 01:16:04,550 Like I said, it's a very competitive process. 950 01:16:04,930 --> 01:16:07,630 Most of our applicants apply for numerous departments. 951 01:16:08,270 --> 01:16:12,670 So between those withdrawing from the process for whatever 952 01:16:12,670 --> 01:16:19,330 reason between those who have accepted employment somewhere else because another department got to 953 01:16:19,330 --> 01:16:26,870 them before we did and between those who are eliminated through our process because they failed 954 01:16:26,870 --> 01:16:32,530 the polygraph they failed the psychological the information that we uncovered in that in those 955 01:16:32,530 --> 01:16:40,530 background checks is makes them unsuitable to be police officers here we run about seven out of eight 956 01:16:40,530 --> 01:16:45,990 failed, not making it through our process. So we only hire about one out of every eight to ten people. 957 01:16:46,850 --> 01:16:52,510 I wasn't expecting that. So, you know, this is just another reason why what do we do? 958 01:16:53,010 --> 01:16:56,730 We increase our pool of qualified applicants. That's what we're trying to do. 959 01:16:57,170 --> 01:16:59,850 And I think a lot of it comes down to opportunity. 960 01:17:00,270 --> 01:17:01,430 This is correct. Thank you, sir. 961 01:17:03,050 --> 01:17:05,250 Thank you, Councilman. I'm just going to go down line here. Councilman Britain. 962 01:17:05,250 --> 01:17:08,390 Thank you, Your Honor. 963 01:17:09,190 --> 01:17:13,290 I'm not going to continue to belabor the point here. 964 01:17:13,610 --> 01:17:15,250 We heard all of the questions from Chief, 965 01:17:15,490 --> 01:17:16,790 even at the ad hoc committee. 966 01:17:17,610 --> 01:17:21,470 It's legal, it's allowed, it's been recommended, 967 01:17:21,870 --> 01:17:26,790 and I think there's no reason from a legal or practical point to vote 968 01:17:26,790 --> 01:17:30,910 know against this, but I just wanted to kind of dovetail onto that 969 01:17:30,910 --> 01:17:33,330 by saying that now I think this council, 970 01:17:33,790 --> 01:17:36,130 what we have here tonight is an opportunity. 971 01:17:36,130 --> 01:17:46,390 I think, you know, although this definitely wasn't planned to be on the agenda on the end of a federal invasion of immigration officials in 972 01:17:46,390 --> 01:17:53,590 Danbury, because we've been working on this for months, but I do think it's timely and I think this vote tonight sends a message to our 973 01:17:53,590 --> 01:18:03,230 immigrant community at large that you are welcome in Danbury. And I can tell you that from my perspective in the Army, when you put on your 974 01:18:03,230 --> 01:18:08,050 uniform, nobody cares whether you are born here, whether you are a DACA recipient, whether 975 01:18:08,050 --> 01:18:11,970 you are a permanent resident. Nobody cares. You put on that uniform, you are the same as 976 01:18:11,970 --> 01:18:15,710 everybody else, you are part of the same mission. The same goes for the police department. 977 01:18:16,410 --> 01:18:22,090 There are no classes of police officers, there's no DACA recipient officer, John Doe, there's 978 01:18:22,090 --> 01:18:28,580 no permanent resident officer, John Doe, citizen John Doe, you are officer, John Doe in the 979 01:18:28,580 --> 01:18:42,120 and I think this council tonight can, like I said, send a message that to our immigrant community on the end of what was a terrorizing week for our neighbors. 980 01:18:42,620 --> 01:18:52,560 And, you know, representative Santos and his comments really, you know, struck me because, you know, some of you know, I like to run, I run around. 981 01:18:53,120 --> 01:18:55,280 was run around Rodgers Park the other night. 982 01:18:56,360 --> 01:19:00,840 Beautiful evening, not one single person at Rodgers Park on the playground. 983 01:19:01,300 --> 01:19:07,580 You tell me when the last time Rodgers Park was not packed on a weeknight in August, 984 01:19:08,200 --> 01:19:09,700 I have never seen that. 985 01:19:10,860 --> 01:19:14,800 And not every single immigrant in Denver is an undocumented immigrant, 986 01:19:14,840 --> 01:19:19,220 which a lot of people like to say on social media with a lot of people like to throw out there 987 01:19:19,220 --> 01:19:23,060 and hide behind their keyboards and completely pass around 988 01:19:23,060 --> 01:19:25,200 and, you know, infect the rest of the community 989 01:19:25,200 --> 01:19:26,180 with this misinformation. 990 01:19:28,100 --> 01:19:29,280 Immigrants are welcome in Denver 991 01:19:29,280 --> 01:19:31,240 and I think that's what this council can send tonight 992 01:19:31,240 --> 01:19:32,280 by voting yes on this. 993 01:19:32,400 --> 01:19:34,340 There is no reason to vote against this. 994 01:19:34,760 --> 01:19:36,440 And if you do vote against this, 995 01:19:36,620 --> 01:19:39,780 I truly question your moral compass 996 01:19:39,780 --> 01:19:44,560 and I sincerely hope that everybody votes yes. 997 01:19:45,080 --> 01:19:45,820 So thank you, Your Honor. 998 01:19:46,820 --> 01:19:47,040 Thank you. 999 01:19:49,040 --> 01:19:49,800 Councilwoman Robinson. 1000 01:19:50,200 --> 01:19:50,800 Thank you, Your Honor. 1001 01:19:51,240 --> 01:19:55,300 And I just want to mirror what some of the folks up here said, but I also think that 1002 01:19:55,900 --> 01:19:59,960 even if there wasn't the history or what had happened in our community. 1003 01:20:00,000 --> 01:20:29,860 The last several weeks, even if that didn't happen, I think that this is something that it's timely. I think this is very clear what we're trying to accomplish here. And this is not lowering the standards of our police force. We've heard very clearly from our chief of police. We know how vigorous the process is. We know what the training and the vetting that has to happen to be a police officer. And I was just looking at the officers that we had 1004 01:20:29,860 --> 01:20:37,140 bios on earlier today and thinking there's some amazing candidates that are out there 1005 01:20:37,140 --> 01:20:41,340 and the things that these folks have accomplished, and not to be little, the experience of those 1006 01:20:41,340 --> 01:20:46,740 up here in the day is, but I know I wouldn't probably qualify to be a police officer. 1007 01:20:47,680 --> 01:20:54,460 It is an immense responsibility. I think if we had received those letters for those officers 1008 01:20:54,460 --> 01:20:58,920 in front of us tonight and there was say a sentence in there about them being 1009 01:20:58,920 --> 01:21:03,780 citizens. I think that belittles what it is that everybody brings to the table. 1010 01:21:04,420 --> 01:21:08,980 So I think you know there is a lot of emotion running high but I think this is 1011 01:21:08,980 --> 01:21:14,440 very very simply about qualification and this is not changing the qualification to 1012 01:21:14,440 --> 01:21:19,560 become a police officer in the city of Danbury. This is really about taking the 1013 01:21:19,560 --> 01:21:23,640 best candidates for the job and having that pool available. I think putting 1014 01:21:24,080 --> 01:21:29,420 on what somebody is or what you believe somebody is based on their status. 1015 01:21:30,100 --> 01:21:34,680 These are people that are legally and lawfully able to be here 1016 01:21:34,680 --> 01:21:38,020 and they want to be part of this community and anybody that wants to take that oath 1017 01:21:38,020 --> 01:21:40,860 and serve and protect and put their life on the line 1018 01:21:40,860 --> 01:21:43,560 and their families on the line to become a police officer. 1019 01:21:44,660 --> 01:21:48,960 I just think it takes all of us to step back to look at what we have protecting our community 1020 01:21:48,960 --> 01:21:54,600 And it's the right thing to do, it's a moral decision, whether or not we're all emotionally 1021 01:21:54,600 --> 01:21:55,220 high this week. 1022 01:21:55,600 --> 01:21:57,020 I think that we just need to think about that. 1023 01:21:57,100 --> 01:21:57,380 Thank you. 1024 01:21:58,360 --> 01:21:58,900 Thank you. 1025 01:21:59,460 --> 01:22:00,180 Councilman Lafinos. 1026 01:22:01,140 --> 01:22:01,300 Okay. 1027 01:22:01,760 --> 01:22:02,400 Councilwoman Gardner. 1028 01:22:02,560 --> 01:22:04,760 I was just trying to go down the line there, that's why it's okay. 1029 01:22:06,040 --> 01:22:06,960 Thank you, Your Honor. 1030 01:22:08,040 --> 01:22:15,360 I think that the sort of purgatory-like status that are assigned to DACA recipients definitely 1031 01:22:15,360 --> 01:22:19,620 it definitely illustrates the problem of our countries and the broken system that we have. 1032 01:22:20,340 --> 01:22:26,740 But what we can do in Danbury is, to the point of the chief is to broaden the pool. 1033 01:22:27,500 --> 01:22:35,400 And the implication of how much this pool will be broadened is really, it's not so much, right? 1034 01:22:35,600 --> 01:22:39,500 There are less than 3,000 DACA recipients in the state of Connecticut. 1035 01:22:40,020 --> 01:22:43,940 That pool is not growing because that designation is not given anymore. 1036 01:22:43,940 --> 01:22:48,460 The average age of a Connecticut DACA recipient is 32. 1037 01:22:48,920 --> 01:22:54,040 And the average age of people applying to be officers is 26. 1038 01:22:54,880 --> 01:22:58,080 But the pool also goes 22 to age 30. 1039 01:22:59,980 --> 01:23:07,640 The DACA recipients in the state of Connecticut age group is from 19 years old to 45. 1040 01:23:08,160 --> 01:23:13,320 There are people in this age group that are going to not really apply to be police officers. 1041 01:23:13,320 --> 01:23:24,000 Currently only 1% of the available, or docker recipients apply to be police officers. 1042 01:23:24,280 --> 01:23:32,800 So of this pool, if you were to use a 22%, which is kind of what the amount of people in the population that apply to be police officers, 1043 01:23:33,280 --> 01:23:40,480 you would get a pool of 650 in total, which is more than a pool of 30 with only the 1% applying, 1044 01:23:40,480 --> 01:23:43,640 because laws like this aren't ordinances like this aren't in place. 1045 01:23:44,360 --> 01:23:49,940 So even with the application of this, the pool grows really kind of incrementally, 1046 01:23:49,960 --> 01:23:54,560 but probably enough to help bridge a gap that we have here in our own city. 1047 01:23:55,320 --> 01:23:59,320 And with this ordinance, I feel Dambry would be a more attractive place for 1048 01:23:59,320 --> 01:24:04,020 a pool of this small candidates and that would aid our city. 1049 01:24:04,520 --> 01:24:04,780 Thank you. 1050 01:24:05,920 --> 01:24:06,740 Thank you, Councilman Garner. 1051 01:24:07,520 --> 01:24:08,060 Councilman Levinhouse. 1052 01:24:08,860 --> 01:24:17,460 I just want to two things, I just want to mend my original motion, I called this a communications and Dean ordinance, so I just want to clarify that just for the record. 1053 01:24:18,380 --> 01:24:21,480 The other thing is I spoke pretty passionately about this last night in our caucus group. 1054 01:24:22,020 --> 01:24:25,340 And the one thing I wanted to highlight tonight is I don't think it's been talked about. 1055 01:24:25,680 --> 01:24:27,620 I know several other points in the chief. 1056 01:24:28,800 --> 01:24:33,940 Kind of hit a lot of the talking points is when I went back and looked at this, why is the positive influence? 1057 01:24:34,560 --> 01:24:39,820 or right for the City of Danbury is the case studies that I was able to find. 1058 01:24:40,000 --> 01:24:44,640 And the case studies pretty much pointed to that when these candidates came on board, 1059 01:24:44,900 --> 01:24:47,520 the positive influence that it had directly on the community, 1060 01:24:47,520 --> 01:24:53,800 and reaching folks that necessarily are police or the police in that community, 1061 01:24:53,980 --> 01:24:56,100 weren't able to reach, was a 360. 1062 01:24:56,780 --> 01:24:59,980 Some of the adjectives I found, you know, in speaking to some of them. 1063 01:25:00,000 --> 01:25:22,360 All of these officers and some of these recruits were positive mindset, youth oriented, you know, a team player, dedicated, those are all adjectives. I feel that we would benefit greatly here in the city of Danbury, which is part of the reason why I felt the need to speak about it on the caucus and tonight. So I definitely am in favor. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Lifehouse. Council, any marks on this that Councilman Fay? 1064 01:25:24,560 --> 01:25:28,420 I'm sorry that I feel the need to say this, but I do plan to vote no. 1065 01:25:28,420 --> 01:25:32,220 And I am not, anti-immigrant, I am not a racist. 1066 01:25:33,040 --> 01:25:38,520 My concerns are simply from a practical consideration for all of the reasons actually 1067 01:25:38,520 --> 01:25:44,700 stated by Councilwoman Gartner about the small, small pool of persons that this will apply 1068 01:25:44,700 --> 01:25:45,020 to. 1069 01:25:45,920 --> 01:25:53,320 And in this climate to know that that DACA status could be revoked at any moment, I do not 1070 01:25:53,320 --> 01:25:58,140 not believe it to be in our city's best interest to spend thousands and thousands of dollars 1071 01:25:58,760 --> 01:26:08,680 sending anyone to post to attend our police academy to be removed from Danbury, from 1072 01:26:08,680 --> 01:26:10,640 Connecticut, from the United States. 1073 01:26:11,140 --> 01:26:15,620 It's like training someone who tells us, thanks for paying for my training, Danbury, but 1074 01:26:15,620 --> 01:26:16,980 I'm going to go over to Bethel now. 1075 01:26:18,080 --> 01:26:21,400 Those are my concerns, they're very practical considerations. 1076 01:26:21,400 --> 01:26:28,040 It's not an anti-immigrant stance by any means, and it is exactly why I want to 1077 01:26:28,040 --> 01:26:32,220 split the question, because I think there is a nuance difference, it's actually not 1078 01:26:32,220 --> 01:26:37,560 so nuanced between a legal resident and someone who is protected under DACA. 1079 01:26:38,080 --> 01:26:40,740 I have a sister-in-law who was under DACA. 1080 01:26:41,820 --> 01:26:48,640 I understand who this impacts, and I again agree with all of Councilman Gardner's statistics 1081 01:26:48,640 --> 01:26:52,820 that I think this is signal-virtuing at its best. 1082 01:26:55,510 --> 01:26:56,490 Thank you, Councilman Faye. 1083 01:26:57,170 --> 01:26:58,050 Council, any other remarks? 1084 01:26:58,770 --> 01:26:59,490 Councilman Ratella? 1085 01:27:05,970 --> 01:27:06,970 Thank you, Your Honor. 1086 01:27:07,130 --> 01:27:07,950 Through the chair, too. 1087 01:27:08,710 --> 01:27:09,430 Sheep Reddinella. 1088 01:27:15,750 --> 01:27:17,570 Sheep, we've heard a lot of emotions tonight, 1089 01:27:17,730 --> 01:27:19,930 and I'm not gonna go down that road. 1090 01:27:20,750 --> 01:27:23,470 I think my record on emotions is pretty clear 1091 01:27:23,470 --> 01:27:27,510 on the immigration issue going back 30 years in the city, 1092 01:27:27,570 --> 01:27:31,070 but I do have some queries about procedural 1093 01:27:31,070 --> 01:27:32,530 or practical effects. 1094 01:27:33,830 --> 01:27:44,130 To begin with, the Council of Police Officers that has approved this is not a legislative 1095 01:27:44,130 --> 01:27:44,650 body. 1096 01:27:44,970 --> 01:27:47,770 It's not the legislative body of the state of Connecticut. 1097 01:27:47,950 --> 01:27:48,450 Is that correct? 1098 01:27:49,490 --> 01:27:50,530 They're not the legislative body of what? 1099 01:27:50,530 --> 01:27:51,250 I mean, the body of what? 1100 01:27:51,250 --> 01:27:51,410 I mean, the body of what? 1101 01:27:51,550 --> 01:27:54,130 The status of the group that's approved this. 1102 01:27:54,170 --> 01:27:54,890 The governing body. 1103 01:27:55,030 --> 01:27:56,590 Post here. 1104 01:27:56,590 --> 01:28:03,130 Post is the, it's under the State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, 1105 01:28:03,470 --> 01:28:08,710 but it is responsible for all police officers certification in the State of Connecticut. 1106 01:28:09,450 --> 01:28:15,670 What happens is individual municipalities hire police officers, but we really cannot serve 1107 01:28:15,670 --> 01:28:21,170 as police officers until we're certified by the State of Connecticut and that responsibility 1108 01:28:21,170 --> 01:28:21,950 is under post. 1109 01:28:21,950 --> 01:28:22,190 So, 1110 01:28:26,080 --> 01:28:31,300 again, this is not an elected body of legislative officials in the state of Connecticut 1111 01:28:31,300 --> 01:28:34,220 chosen from 169 cities and towns. 1112 01:28:34,320 --> 01:28:39,500 No, it's a legislative appointed body by the state, understood. 1113 01:28:40,420 --> 01:28:45,500 And they can change their mind, or once they've done something like this, is it sticky? 1114 01:28:45,720 --> 01:28:46,200 Is it sunset? 1115 01:28:46,520 --> 01:28:53,140 Is it, you mentioned they did it something in 20, then they did it in 24, 25, and then 1116 01:28:53,140 --> 01:28:54,920 I mean, just recently they did something else. 1117 01:28:55,080 --> 01:28:55,340 Correct. 1118 01:28:56,000 --> 01:28:59,420 And in 2020, they allowed permanent legal residents. 1119 01:28:59,420 --> 01:29:04,100 And in 2025, they further extended it to DACA recipients. 1120 01:29:04,480 --> 01:29:08,240 And this process is proceeded like it would be in the legislature 1121 01:29:08,240 --> 01:29:11,420 with public hearings and public notices and things like that 1122 01:29:11,420 --> 01:29:12,840 or not, how does that work? 1123 01:29:12,860 --> 01:29:15,620 That I'm not aware of, but I do know that their council meetings 1124 01:29:15,620 --> 01:29:16,640 are open to the public. 1125 01:29:16,940 --> 01:29:22,480 OK, so it's not a state statute done in a particular way 1126 01:29:22,480 --> 01:29:28,280 the state legislature does, it's not that, these are appointed by the state, but it's not a state legislative state. 1127 01:29:28,340 --> 01:29:35,160 They are appointed by the state and it's usually the state just as if you look at the police accountability bill. 1128 01:29:35,720 --> 01:29:45,020 The state legislature usually puts the burden on post to come up with policies, et cetera. 1129 01:29:45,020 --> 01:29:49,880 I understand that's a way that the state generally operates for a lot of things. 1130 01:29:50,140 --> 01:29:51,800 I don't want to say a lot of things like this. 1131 01:29:51,940 --> 01:29:55,220 This is pretty unique, but police powers in general, specifically. 1132 01:29:55,920 --> 01:29:59,980 But the state does have these policies where they have a group that like a standing... 1133 01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:28,120 Yes, correct. That's relatively normal. Okay, ICE has in the past, and we'll probably again arrested DACA, people holding DACA status. This is not an unknown thing. This is not even a rare thing. The ICE has gone after people to hold DACA status. What are the plans going to be? We're going to have, let me get to that in just one second. 1134 01:30:28,120 --> 01:30:32,260 Again, you mentioned that the ATF 1135 01:30:35,330 --> 01:30:39,170 alcohol tobacco and fire arms that they still call it has 1136 01:30:39,170 --> 01:30:45,210 opined that people with DACA status, I think you were talking about DACA status. 1137 01:30:45,690 --> 01:30:46,490 That is correct. 1138 01:30:47,270 --> 01:30:52,690 That should be or could be or will probably be allowed to carry fire arms. 1139 01:30:52,970 --> 01:30:56,910 No, that they are allowed to carry fire arms in the performance of their duties. 1140 01:30:57,830 --> 01:30:58,470 Correct. 1141 01:30:58,470 --> 01:31:04,270 But ATF is essentially a bureaucracy, that's not a federal law, am I correct in that? 1142 01:31:04,790 --> 01:31:13,290 It's sort of like the post thing, this is a separate group that is charged with creating these regulations but it's not the government itself. 1143 01:31:13,710 --> 01:31:16,550 It is a branch of the government, it's a bureaucracy basically. 1144 01:31:16,650 --> 01:31:23,630 Correct, I would assume so, I can't dispute that at this particular time, I don't have stuff in front of me. 1145 01:31:23,630 --> 01:31:29,950 Okay, so the post thing is not a statute, and the ATF thing is not a law. 1146 01:31:30,250 --> 01:31:45,470 Post is the standard that we all go understood, we're just talking about the status of the legal status upon which this is based. 1147 01:31:45,470 --> 01:32:02,370 The carrying guns is an opinion by ATF, and the post is a suggestion of this body that's been formed by the state of Connecticut to create policy, but again, these two things are not lost. 1148 01:32:03,870 --> 01:32:05,270 But you agree with that. 1149 01:32:05,270 --> 01:32:06,190 No. 1150 01:32:07,510 --> 01:32:08,530 Not really. 1151 01:32:09,110 --> 01:32:10,290 You think they are a law? 1152 01:32:10,570 --> 01:32:10,710 Yeah. 1153 01:32:11,370 --> 01:32:11,570 Okay. 1154 01:32:11,950 --> 01:32:12,110 All right. 1155 01:32:13,150 --> 01:32:19,450 I made the defer later to corporation council to answer that question more fully since it is actually our attorney. 1156 01:32:20,590 --> 01:32:20,810 Okay. 1157 01:32:20,950 --> 01:32:22,210 Let's get to DACA now. 1158 01:32:22,650 --> 01:32:27,510 And the arrest that ICE has been conducting. 1159 01:32:30,290 --> 01:32:35,230 What plans does the city of Danbury have if this were to pass tonight? 1160 01:32:35,230 --> 01:32:57,990 And we have armed DACA members on the street who are then confronted by ICE and told the stand down, get arrested, what are these armed Danbury police who are sworn police officers with guns going to do if they themselves are being faced with arrest by ICE in Danbury. 1161 01:32:58,630 --> 01:33:00,550 Do we have a plan for that? 1162 01:33:01,210 --> 01:33:06,710 Is it a reasonable if ISIS arresting DACA people, is it reasonable assume that they might 1163 01:33:06,710 --> 01:33:08,310 arrest DACA people who are police? 1164 01:33:09,030 --> 01:33:14,350 Maybe at home when they're not armed because apparently ATF says they can be armed on the 1165 01:33:14,350 --> 01:33:19,890 job, but maybe that's the turn the weapon in, or perhaps even in the course of their duties 1166 01:33:19,890 --> 01:33:20,530 on the street. 1167 01:33:20,790 --> 01:33:27,270 What suggestions will you have to the rank and file to your officers if they are then confronted 1168 01:33:27,270 --> 01:33:30,370 to stand down, to stand up, to do what? 1169 01:33:31,270 --> 01:33:33,390 Or do you think that that's such a rare occurrence? 1170 01:33:33,390 --> 01:33:34,650 It's not even worth discussing. 1171 01:33:34,790 --> 01:33:38,390 I don't see a scenario where that would happen 1172 01:33:38,390 --> 01:33:40,090 if you have officers that are on duty 1173 01:33:40,090 --> 01:33:41,430 and the performance of their duties 1174 01:33:41,430 --> 01:33:43,270 that I don't see that happening. 1175 01:33:44,150 --> 01:33:45,690 And, you know, and in other cases, 1176 01:33:46,330 --> 01:33:49,170 I mean, if an officer gets arrested for any reason, 1177 01:33:49,650 --> 01:33:52,330 we have a procedure in place, you know, 1178 01:33:52,470 --> 01:33:55,390 until that is adjudicated. 1179 01:33:56,530 --> 01:34:07,190 Okay, so the advice to officers would be if they were confronted by ICE in a situation that might lead to arrest to cooperate. 1180 01:34:08,510 --> 01:34:12,050 Absolutely, okay, all right, thank you, that's all I have, you know, thank you. 1181 01:34:14,350 --> 01:34:16,170 Thank you, Councilman Rathalla, Councilman Chienese. 1182 01:34:18,810 --> 01:34:26,430 Thank you, this is more of a housekeeping, there's since Councilman Laff and House changed his motion, I think he needs to restate it. 1183 01:34:26,430 --> 01:34:27,350 What will you say to motion? 1184 01:34:27,570 --> 01:34:29,210 I was going to ask him to do that instead of the amendment. 1185 01:34:29,490 --> 01:34:32,910 So when we get ready for that, I'll ask the councilman to reinstate the motion. 1186 01:34:33,970 --> 01:34:37,310 Thank you, we state the motion as an ordinance. 1187 01:34:39,010 --> 01:34:41,670 Council, are there any other remarks on this topic? 1188 01:34:42,490 --> 01:34:43,490 Any other remarks? 1189 01:34:44,470 --> 01:34:45,490 Councilman Cuello, please. 1190 01:34:47,850 --> 01:34:49,130 His side, a question for the chief. 1191 01:34:56,420 --> 01:34:58,940 You noticed this guy didn't realize any of it's an exercise, right? 1192 01:34:59,300 --> 01:34:59,460 Yeah. 1193 01:34:59,460 --> 01:34:59,500 Yeah. 1194 01:35:00,110 --> 01:35:29,550 I didn't say a thing. I sit here. I got to walk too. So, if you could just clarify a couple things, with regard to a councilwoman phase question, excluding the vote, there is a difference between a permanent legal resident, with regard to allowing to have a concealed carry permit, say, right? Now, off duty, not talking about on duty, aren't permanent legal residents allowed to obtain a concealed carry permit? 1195 01:35:29,550 --> 01:35:36,310 That permanent legal residents are allowed to obtain a permit, but if they're police officers, 1196 01:35:36,570 --> 01:35:39,010 sworn police officers, they really don't need it. 1197 01:35:40,510 --> 01:35:42,490 And so, but second part of your question. 1198 01:35:42,650 --> 01:35:47,670 The second part is then our DACA recipients allowed to have concealed carry permits. 1199 01:35:48,010 --> 01:35:55,430 This was asked at the ad hoc with Councilman Mike Henry, and the answer is they are allowed 1200 01:35:55,430 --> 01:36:00,730 to carry while they are on duty, but they are not allowed to carry while off duty. 1201 01:36:01,150 --> 01:36:06,850 Unless we have a policy in place that says that requires off duty carry. 1202 01:36:07,850 --> 01:36:09,290 Do you see that being a conflict? 1203 01:36:09,650 --> 01:36:24,550 Because I think the potential for exposure to the city is my concern because I could see the 1204 01:36:24,550 --> 01:36:31,110 with them because there's a lot that don't there and there's a need they feel they have right and I got it 1205 01:36:31,110 --> 01:36:35,910 So the question I have is is the exposure the city could face in that instance, right? 1206 01:36:35,990 --> 01:36:41,530 I know there was some there was talk about all sergeant would give it to him in the field and et cetera and I guess that 1207 01:36:41,530 --> 01:36:47,650 question may not be directed to you right now as much as corporation counsel but my concern would be in that 1208 01:36:47,650 --> 01:36:54,190 instance where say off duty to maybe being recalled to duty not having that weapon you know 1209 01:36:54,190 --> 01:37:00,270 Or in the midst of being off duty is our exposure as a city has that been looked at well 1210 01:37:00,270 --> 01:37:03,970 if you're if you're recalled to duty then you would be issued your weapon 1211 01:37:07,250 --> 01:37:11,950 I'd like to hear corporation council kind of a fine on that if you can jump on the microphone corporation council, please 1212 01:37:14,600 --> 01:37:16,820 Yeah, can we just please use your microphone sir? 1213 01:37:18,100 --> 01:37:18,560 Microwave 1214 01:37:19,280 --> 01:37:26,820 I'm like you're asking if there's any exposure or liability to the city by letting DACA recipients use the firearms that the 1215 01:37:28,580 --> 01:37:32,400 that the governing body and the federal government already said they can use between 1216 01:37:33,440 --> 01:37:39,880 off-duty and on-duty, that transition period, right? Now obviously we can agree to disagree with it after the federal election. 1217 01:37:39,900 --> 01:37:42,580 That's a fair question, councilman. Right, one around duty, fair question. 1218 01:37:42,740 --> 01:37:43,660 We're not arguing that point. Yeah. 1219 01:37:44,000 --> 01:37:47,560 My point would have the firearm off-duty and the city's what would happen during that transition. 1220 01:37:47,800 --> 01:37:50,720 There's no transition. The firearm would be locked in the police department. 1221 01:37:52,400 --> 01:37:54,760 Second, councilman Robinson. Go ahead. 1222 01:37:54,760 --> 01:38:00,160 clear face because I understand we don't require police officers to carry weapons off to 1223 01:38:00,160 --> 01:38:08,940 it as a party don't require it but you're you're positing a hypothetical but many do so well true 1224 01:38:08,940 --> 01:38:18,260 but it's not a requirement yeah um you're positing a hypothetical that an officer off duty could get 1225 01:38:18,260 --> 01:38:24,260 into some please use that microphone so everybody can hear you and all your off-duty could uh get 1226 01:38:24,260 --> 01:38:29,500 into some kind of a confrontation involving the use of the pistol, people can have their pistol. 1227 01:38:30,040 --> 01:38:32,540 Is that up there, summary of your- 1228 01:38:32,540 --> 01:38:37,380 There's a, and when it comes to hypothetical, right, there's a lot of different scenarios. 1229 01:38:38,080 --> 01:38:41,120 And I'm not going to sit here and profess to know that I know all of them. 1230 01:38:41,560 --> 01:38:43,800 All I just know is that there is a potential. 1231 01:38:44,360 --> 01:38:48,960 And has that been looked at in our exposure, because the last thing you want to do is, you know- 1232 01:38:48,960 --> 01:38:56,560 So yeah, it's been looked at in the sense that any officer who does something that, you 1233 01:38:56,560 --> 01:39:01,240 know, could give rise to a lawsuit, you know, negligence, assault, et cetera, they enjoy 1234 01:39:01,240 --> 01:39:05,440 governmental immunity if they're acting in a discretionary way. 1235 01:39:05,820 --> 01:39:08,580 So that would be the first defense. 1236 01:39:08,760 --> 01:39:14,340 There's also qualified immunity under section 1983, if someone were to bring an action under 1237 01:39:14,340 --> 01:39:15,180 section 1983. 1238 01:39:15,180 --> 01:39:32,720 So I'm not saying that an officer or the city could could never be held liable in that kind of confrontation, but there are certain laws in place that would be triggered by the governmental immunity doctrine. 1239 01:39:32,720 --> 01:39:48,580 And I guess if I could follow up on that, one of my questions would be maybe to the chief if there's an anti-corporation council, if in fact something like this did arise, do we have a policy in place where you guys are the experts, right? 1240 01:39:48,660 --> 01:39:58,320 So I'll defer to you on this, but the question lies that an officer checks in his weapon, you know, when he's off duty, maybe it's a half hour away, gets called back. 1241 01:39:58,680 --> 01:39:59,980 I don't have time to go to the... 1242 01:40:00,000 --> 01:40:29,980 Police station, I'm going to go to the scene wherever it may be, because we need backup. I mean, have we looked at that, you know, because I mean, in cases of emergencies, there are emergencies and you have to respond, right? So I just would, I'm thinking about the exposure part of that. I understand what you're saying, but, you know, if you're called back, then it's to respond to headquarters to make sure, first of all, you know, what you're responding to, and, you know, you would be issued your weapons. So, I don't 1243 01:40:29,980 --> 01:40:45,020 I don't see it as any different than the officer who chooses not to carry off duty and may have to go home and get their weapon, you know, if for some reason they were, you know, had to, you know, respond to something so or or were called back to work. 1244 01:40:46,920 --> 01:40:48,020 Okay, thank you. 1245 01:40:52,930 --> 01:40:53,710 Councilman Robinson. 1246 01:40:53,710 --> 01:41:00,510 I just wanted to clarify, and I think I'm not sure if what I was following from Councilman 1247 01:41:00,510 --> 01:41:03,530 Kuala's question was totally answered. 1248 01:41:03,670 --> 01:41:07,870 But I think the question really is, is there any liability or responsibility for the 1249 01:41:07,870 --> 01:41:13,810 city of Danbury if an off-duty officer does not have their weapon on them in something 1250 01:41:13,810 --> 01:41:14,250 happens? 1251 01:41:14,870 --> 01:41:20,010 And I think that's really the question, if they're off-duty and they're not carrying a weapon, 1252 01:41:20,010 --> 01:41:25,270 Is there any liability to the city of Dambury that that officer doesn't have his weapon on him? 1253 01:41:26,940 --> 01:41:27,340 No. 1254 01:41:29,880 --> 01:41:39,960 But I mean, if an officer is on duty, we have a responsibility, the city of Dambury is responsible for that officer's actions, whether or not they have their, but if they're off duty. 1255 01:41:40,740 --> 01:41:43,100 Just like now, I believe the answer is no, correct chief? 1256 01:41:43,620 --> 01:41:47,700 If an officer is not required to carry, there's no, the inquiry requirement for that. 1257 01:41:47,700 --> 01:41:53,060 That's what I wanted to clarify the question that we're not open to liability because an officer's off duty. 1258 01:41:53,060 --> 01:41:55,540 and whatever they do in that off-duty capacity, 1259 01:41:56,200 --> 01:41:58,000 whether they have a weapon or not is irrelevant. 1260 01:42:04,040 --> 01:42:04,540 Thank you. 1261 01:42:06,140 --> 01:42:07,180 Councilman Faye, please. 1262 01:42:09,340 --> 01:42:11,700 Also, through the Chair of the Corporation Council, 1263 01:42:12,200 --> 01:42:14,860 there would be liability on the city 1264 01:42:14,860 --> 01:42:18,740 if any officer used their duty weapon elsewhere 1265 01:42:19,060 --> 01:42:22,860 in the commission of a crime and any other set of facts. 1266 01:42:23,400 --> 01:42:25,020 So in this circumstance, 1267 01:42:25,020 --> 01:42:32,520 We are we are taking persons who otherwise cannot carry a weapon they cannot hold a firearms permit 1268 01:42:32,520 --> 01:42:39,700 They're given a duty weapon and if they leave the station with that duty weapon and do use that in some all-mawful manner 1269 01:42:39,700 --> 01:42:43,900 That could expose the city since it's our weapon that we issued to them correct 1270 01:42:45,040 --> 01:42:47,580 If they use it in some unlawful manner 1271 01:42:50,540 --> 01:42:55,000 You know you get into the issue of did they act outside the scope of their emergency? 1272 01:42:55,020 --> 01:43:01,160 Employment was their actions wanted and willful. Yeah, so there's there's a number of scenarios 1273 01:43:02,240 --> 01:43:09,160 And again, I don't want to speculate on a particular situation. No, I'm not asking you to speculate 1274 01:43:09,160 --> 01:43:15,820 It's it assume it's it's unlawful. It's it's want and it's reckless, right? It's it's beyond the scope of their employment 1275 01:43:15,820 --> 01:43:20,020 If you're reckless if you act recklessly and willfully and want to know you don't enjoy 1276 01:43:20,020 --> 01:43:23,200 the provisions of the indemnification statute. 1277 01:43:23,240 --> 01:43:23,460 Okay. 1278 01:43:24,130 --> 01:43:24,560 Thank you. 1279 01:43:24,820 --> 01:43:25,620 Any police officer. 1280 01:43:25,920 --> 01:43:26,800 Any police officer. 1281 01:43:27,920 --> 01:43:28,960 Any police officer. 1282 01:43:29,720 --> 01:43:31,700 Council, are there any other remarks? 1283 01:43:32,400 --> 01:43:33,140 Any other remarks? 1284 01:43:33,640 --> 01:43:34,320 Any other remarks? 1285 01:43:34,740 --> 01:43:36,940 Before I close, we will let the majority leader, 1286 01:43:37,300 --> 01:43:38,360 Salvatore, make the final comments. 1287 01:43:39,640 --> 01:43:44,260 Okay, and I'll keep these brief, which some people are saying he's never brief. 1288 01:43:45,600 --> 01:43:51,900 We heard tonight a citizen asked for us to hold off because this is a device of situation. 1289 01:43:52,520 --> 01:43:56,880 Seriously, I think it would be more of a problem for us if we did hold it off. 1290 01:43:56,980 --> 01:44:00,840 I think the city is looking for us to do something. 1291 01:44:01,560 --> 01:44:07,160 And believe it or not, I hope you have your video on, but we're on the same side on this one. 1292 01:44:07,160 --> 01:44:13,920 Okay? We have to be on the right side of the argument, I believe we are when we pass this. 1293 01:44:14,900 --> 01:44:18,720 We have to have the ability to write the wrongs, okay? 1294 01:44:21,380 --> 01:44:22,760 The chief said everything. 1295 01:44:23,100 --> 01:44:26,320 He answered the questions, it opens up the pool. 1296 01:44:26,980 --> 01:44:39,060 I had the pleasure after the public hearing of meeting a city of Danbury resident who is a 1297 01:44:39,060 --> 01:44:59,900 And wanted to know if she should wait, or if she should take the job in Norwalk because she had passed the test there, passed everything to become an officer, and I said it's gonna take some time, and I believe she did end up becoming a Norwalk police officer enough from wrong, I hope she can become the damn police officer she wanted. 1298 01:45:01,740 --> 01:45:30,500 In the end, it's the right thing to do. We're worried about police officers with guns. Let me ask you a question. I'm a respiratory therapist by trade. I work in a hospital. Have you ever looked up at the doctor who might be a licensed resident who or a doctor recipient and asked them, do you have your papers? Or no, you're going to say save me. Police officer that comes has been vetted and has been trained. 1299 01:45:30,500 --> 01:45:34,880 And I remember what my uncle went through in the police academy many years ago. 1300 01:45:35,060 --> 01:45:38,220 It's not a simple way to become a police officer. 1301 01:45:38,340 --> 01:45:40,260 They do all the work. 1302 01:45:40,900 --> 01:45:42,760 Your city of Danbury Fire Department. 1303 01:45:43,260 --> 01:45:49,700 You don't ask that firefighter who's crawling up the ladder to get you out of the building if they're a resident. 1304 01:45:50,400 --> 01:45:52,040 No, save me. 1305 01:45:52,680 --> 01:45:54,220 Let's do the right thing, people. 1306 01:45:54,520 --> 01:45:56,780 Let's vote yes, vote yes now. 1307 01:45:57,360 --> 01:45:58,600 I call for a roll call vote. 1308 01:45:58,600 --> 01:45:59,700 Thank you, Council. 1309 01:46:01,360 --> 01:46:02,740 Council, come in laughing now. 1310 01:46:02,800 --> 01:46:05,820 If you don't mind restating the motion, please. 1311 01:46:06,240 --> 01:46:10,040 I move to receive the ordinance and approve the resolution as presented. 1312 01:46:12,460 --> 01:46:13,860 Do I need to do that? 1313 01:46:14,260 --> 01:46:14,640 Third time. 1314 01:46:15,500 --> 01:46:16,420 I apologize. 1315 01:46:17,180 --> 01:46:17,860 That's okay, apologize. 1316 01:46:18,940 --> 01:46:20,480 No, it's, we had to change it. 1317 01:46:20,720 --> 01:46:24,680 I move to receive the communication of the ordinance and approve the resolution as presented. 1318 01:46:24,680 --> 01:46:32,240 take resolution out. I move to receive the ordinance and approve as presented. 1319 01:46:32,540 --> 01:46:38,940 I give it perfect. Thank you. Seconded by Councilman Chiennes. All right, Council, I will try your minds. We're going to go for a roll call vote here. 1320 01:46:40,460 --> 01:46:42,100 Kuehle. No. 1321 01:46:43,500 --> 01:46:44,760 Flanagan. Yes. 1322 01:46:45,820 --> 01:46:47,120 Holly. Yes. 1323 01:46:47,860 --> 01:46:51,560 Lapine. Yes. Salvatore. Yes. 1324 01:46:51,560 --> 01:46:59,690 Busei, Gartner, Faye, Wallis Smith, 1325 01:47:05,240 --> 01:47:12,300 Spain Raquel, Giordano, Jabor, Routello, 1326 01:47:12,300 --> 01:47:12,360 Hello, 1327 01:47:18,210 --> 01:47:22,150 Jeanne Easy, Dwayne Perkins, 1328 01:47:23,510 --> 01:47:28,310 Britten, McAllister, Robinson, 1329 01:47:29,450 --> 01:47:32,930 Laughing House, Dennis Perkins, 1330 01:47:38,280 --> 01:47:42,100 18 yes, two noes. 1331 01:47:42,320 --> 01:47:45,860 The eyes have it, the vote is so ordered, thank you all. 1332 01:47:47,300 --> 01:47:48,940 Item number 11, please. 1333 01:47:58,940 --> 01:48:01,980 Resolution Purchase of Taylor Farm Property. 1334 01:48:02,560 --> 01:48:11,540 Dear council members, in 2008, the city of Danbury acquired the development rights to the Taylor Farm on Great Plane Road, 1335 01:48:11,900 --> 01:48:16,340 as well as to several adjacent parcels of property owned by the Taylor family. 1336 01:48:17,020 --> 01:48:24,280 As a result of that acquisition, the use of the properties was limited exclusively to agriculture, farming, and open space. 1337 01:48:24,280 --> 01:48:29,860 In addition, as part of the transaction, the city acquired the right to buy the properties 1338 01:48:29,860 --> 01:48:35,680 at 50% of their remaining fair market value should the tailors ever decide to sell. 1339 01:48:36,340 --> 01:48:43,320 On June 25th, 2026, the city received a revised notice that Donald A. Taylor, Jr. wished 1340 01:48:43,320 --> 01:48:51,200 to sell two of these parcels owned by him and located at 44 through 55 and 78 great 1341 01:48:51,200 --> 01:48:51,860 plane road. 1342 01:48:51,860 --> 01:48:59,180 I have reviewed this proposal and recommend to you the acquisition of 49 through 55 great plain road. 1343 01:48:59,780 --> 01:49:07,780 On the other hand, since 78 great plain road is unrelated to the tailor farm itself, I do not propose that the city purchase it. 1344 01:49:08,140 --> 01:49:15,720 According to the letter from Mr. Taylor, the city has until November 15 to make a decision about this potential purchase. 1345 01:49:16,360 --> 01:49:18,640 Very truly yours, Roberto Alves-Mayor. 1346 01:49:18,640 --> 01:49:21,560 Thank you, Council, what's your pleasure? 1347 01:49:23,100 --> 01:49:23,840 Councilwoman Meaghan. 1348 01:49:25,260 --> 01:49:26,220 Thank you, Mayor. 1349 01:49:26,500 --> 01:49:31,180 I move to receive the communication and send this to an ad hoc committee. 1350 01:49:31,680 --> 01:49:33,660 The motion has been made to move this to an ad hoc. 1351 01:49:33,780 --> 01:49:36,700 The ad hoc shall consist of Councilman Frank Salvatore in the chair. 1352 01:49:37,440 --> 01:49:41,040 Councilwoman Diana Pine and Councilman Michael Ollo. 1353 01:49:44,340 --> 01:49:47,680 12, 13, 14, and 15 are on consent. 1354 01:49:48,400 --> 01:49:49,780 Item number 16, please. 1355 01:49:51,140 --> 01:49:55,880 Mr. Mayor, I move we waiver reading of the reports as all members of copies and copies 1356 01:49:55,880 --> 01:49:59,980 are on file at the legislative assistance office, as well as we accept- 1357 01:50:00,000 --> 01:50:11,820 Let the reports as they're presented. Motion has been made, second by Councilman Dwayne Perkins. Council, are there any remarks or questions for our department heads? Councilman McAllister. 1358 01:50:14,420 --> 01:50:22,440 Thank you very much, Your Honor. I'd like to start with the police chief. I'm sorry I'm going to add to your workout tonight, Chief. So, 1359 01:50:26,570 --> 01:50:32,170 Chief, earlier tonight, I found it very difficult not to comment on item number 10. 1360 01:50:32,170 --> 01:50:37,130 And because of my extensive family background and public safety. 1361 01:50:37,490 --> 01:50:45,010 But what I would like to say to you and roll us over to Chief Lownsbury and 1362 01:50:45,490 --> 01:50:52,590 Matt, your self as director of EMS, is a department head of a busy department. 1363 01:50:52,910 --> 01:50:57,730 I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the help that the city of 1364 01:50:59,750 --> 01:51:19,470 But the surrounding departments, because of the diversity of the people they have employed there, the fact that daily we call for interpretations of so many different languages, and knowing that we have somebody coming right away from a neighbor in community, they could pick up a child. 1365 01:51:19,470 --> 01:51:41,210 I get emotional about this and tell them that mommy's going to be okay in their native language and that person that's picking them up and telling them that looks like them, they can relate to it instead of an old white guy like me and make them feel good about the fact that somebody's going to make their life better. 1366 01:51:41,210 --> 01:51:53,210 Alright, you do that. She flounders very does that, math does that. Hopefully I do it the right way, but it was hard for me earlier, not to say anything about that. 1367 01:51:53,630 --> 01:52:10,010 The fact that we can bring this, these type of positive people into our employment, and not only serve the city of Dambray, but serve the surrounding communities in a way that I can't even begin to tell you. 1368 01:52:10,730 --> 01:52:17,710 results in positivity on a daily basis, I'm not sure how I can best express that. 1369 01:52:18,270 --> 01:52:26,070 But having you up here to receive my plaudits and Chief Loundsbury and Matt Keshevekia, I want 1370 01:52:26,070 --> 01:52:32,950 everybody to know that this is something that happens every single day, sometimes many times 1371 01:52:32,950 --> 01:52:38,870 each day, that we have people that can come and help us, that can relate to the individuals 1372 01:52:38,870 --> 01:52:44,030 that really need our help because they can relate to that person that's standing there, 1373 01:52:44,290 --> 01:52:51,750 holding on to them and making a better day and a better part of their day, at that particular 1374 01:52:51,750 --> 01:52:55,090 point, time does not go on well. So Chief, thank you. Thank you. 1375 01:52:55,230 --> 01:52:57,210 Chief Lownsbury and Chief Cazverky, thank you. 1376 01:52:57,990 --> 01:52:59,310 Thank you, Councilman McHolster. 1377 01:53:00,190 --> 01:53:00,870 Councilman Chines? 1378 01:53:02,250 --> 01:53:06,430 Thank you, Toronto. If I'm not too much, if you can sit down, you look tired. 1379 01:53:08,870 --> 01:53:10,490 Sure, somebody else will call you up. 1380 01:53:11,330 --> 01:53:14,230 My question is to the tax assessor, if I may. 1381 01:53:22,170 --> 01:53:26,690 Again, I just want to thank you again for all your hard work that you did regarding the 1382 01:53:26,690 --> 01:53:27,370 senior credit. 1383 01:53:27,610 --> 01:53:33,790 And I'm still getting a lot of positive comments from this for the administration and this 1384 01:53:33,790 --> 01:53:36,230 council for passing the senior credit. 1385 01:53:36,410 --> 01:53:39,050 And I think this is the second year that we did it. 1386 01:53:39,090 --> 01:53:41,610 And I think it's a lot smoother than the first year we did it. 1387 01:53:41,610 --> 01:53:45,230 But my question really relates to the firefighters, 1388 01:53:46,190 --> 01:53:50,850 volunteer tax credit, which this council in the mayor also supported. 1389 01:53:51,090 --> 01:53:52,190 And we passed this year. 1390 01:53:53,030 --> 01:53:55,830 And again, I had all positive comments on it, 1391 01:53:55,930 --> 01:53:58,910 the hard work your department did, and kudos to you. 1392 01:53:59,070 --> 01:54:02,450 Because again, you really went above and beyond to make this successful. 1393 01:54:03,010 --> 01:54:07,670 So my question is basically, can you just tell us how that process work? 1394 01:54:07,750 --> 01:54:10,330 Was this smoothly, as I have led to believe, 1395 01:54:10,330 --> 01:54:13,250 or there's some hiccups that we should at least fix? 1396 01:54:13,590 --> 01:54:15,650 No, it was actually quite easy for me. 1397 01:54:15,870 --> 01:54:19,530 I received a spreadsheet from Councilman Salvatore 1398 01:54:20,230 --> 01:54:23,770 and we were very easily able to put it into our system. 1399 01:54:23,830 --> 01:54:25,290 I got it in a timely manner. 1400 01:54:25,810 --> 01:54:27,090 We were able to put it in. 1401 01:54:27,270 --> 01:54:31,390 We had one slight hiccup might need to be reviewed. 1402 01:54:32,510 --> 01:54:37,330 The system only lets you abate up to 75% of the real estate bill. 1403 01:54:37,830 --> 01:54:39,830 We didn't figure that out until afterwards. 1404 01:54:39,830 --> 01:54:44,150 the system automatically cuts it off so after bills went out, I just simply moved 1405 01:54:44,150 --> 01:54:50,670 there over to the motor vehicle bills. Other than that, I thought it was easy. I don't know of Councilman 1406 01:54:52,010 --> 01:54:57,750 Salvatore agrees. I don't know. Again, I got the listing. I don't know what they did. 1407 01:54:57,750 --> 01:54:59,970 And I just say, I'm the Secretary of... 1408 01:55:00,000 --> 01:55:27,780 The volunteer fireman's council, so that's why she got the sheet from me. But yeah, it was very easy. Once the volunteers gave us all the documentation, passed it on to the city. And everybody saw it in their, their text bills when they opened them in July. Again, thank you. Thank you for all the hard work you did. Again, it was a great program, and I got nothing but praise. So thank you. Good job, Donna. Thank you, Councilman Shinnis. Councilman Jibor. 1409 01:55:30,190 --> 01:55:41,270 I guess I can. Oh, I think I lost the chief. No, he's here. Okay. No, he's outside. All right. Well, I can start with the Antonio to start with the Antonio. You almost got away this time. I'm sorry. 1410 01:55:42,210 --> 01:55:49,410 All right. I forgot it. Tony, take a second. Take a second. I could take to both of you at the same time. It's regarding the same thing. 1411 01:55:52,010 --> 01:55:52,410 Yes. 1412 01:55:52,410 --> 01:55:58,410 or not, I guess we're peace-mailing it, now that we're done with the Franklin Street Extension 1413 01:55:58,410 --> 01:56:04,010 Bridge project, I just really wanted to thank you very much for all of the time and effort 1414 01:56:04,690 --> 01:56:11,430 you and your officers expended in trying to keep our community safe. I know it was very difficult 1415 01:56:11,430 --> 01:56:17,330 to reroute the detour and make sure all our children stayed safe, especially as they access the 1416 01:56:17,970 --> 01:56:26,690 community pool, that's in the neighborhood. So I just really wanted to commend you on all of the additional enforcement assistance you guys provided. 1417 01:56:27,230 --> 01:56:31,910 Thank you. I appreciate that. Thank you, Councilman. Do you still need Antonio? Is that for the same thanks? 1418 01:56:32,010 --> 01:56:33,250 No. Antonio, come on in. 1419 01:56:33,270 --> 01:56:34,030 It's the same place. 1420 01:56:35,930 --> 01:56:37,230 In a different phrase. 1421 01:56:40,050 --> 01:56:43,150 Antonio, thank you so much for finishing the bridge early. 1422 01:56:43,150 --> 01:56:46,970 We greatly, greatly appreciated it for those of you that haven't seen it. 1423 01:56:47,050 --> 01:56:51,050 There was a very lovely press release that was put out and the bridge looks beautiful. 1424 01:56:51,170 --> 01:56:56,830 That road is gorgeously paved and I'm greatly appreciative that there is now a sidewalk that 1425 01:56:56,830 --> 01:56:58,730 exists, that did not previously exist. 1426 01:56:58,970 --> 01:57:02,650 And for anyone that's ever driven that road, not only was it tight and dangerous, but there 1427 01:57:02,650 --> 01:57:09,350 was always people walking back and forth to the little sort of like senior center that's 1428 01:57:09,350 --> 01:57:10,730 down on the other end of that bridge. 1429 01:57:10,730 --> 01:57:13,550 So I'm very grateful that it's open and upgraded. 1430 01:57:14,210 --> 01:57:18,330 So thank you for all of your time and effort in getting that done ahead of schedule. 1431 01:57:19,090 --> 01:57:24,830 Thank you, I appreciate it, and I want to thank all the council members that reached out to my department. 1432 01:57:25,310 --> 01:57:33,750 Several residents that reached out to thank us on the effort that we're able to get that bridge completed prior to school opening. 1433 01:57:34,130 --> 01:57:36,650 So and the weather cooperated, so thank God. 1434 01:57:37,230 --> 01:57:37,730 Thank you. 1435 01:57:38,610 --> 01:57:39,150 Thank you. 1436 01:57:39,430 --> 01:57:40,110 Councilman Cuello? 1437 01:57:41,670 --> 01:57:44,770 No, I think Councilwoman Jebore covered it, so thank you Antonio. 1438 01:57:47,820 --> 01:57:50,720 Council, any other remarks, comments, any other remarks, comments, any other remarks 1439 01:57:50,720 --> 01:57:51,200 or comments? 1440 01:57:51,800 --> 01:57:52,480 Councilman Calister. 1441 01:57:55,420 --> 01:58:03,040 At the end of the night when we thank all of our department heads for the excellent leadership 1442 01:58:03,040 --> 01:58:08,260 that they show to the City of Danbury and the accountability that they show to the members 1443 01:58:08,260 --> 01:58:09,180 of the City Council. 1444 01:58:09,180 --> 01:58:15,380 So, but I have to say that in the past week, with what we experienced there in the city, 1445 01:58:15,920 --> 01:58:24,260 the one department had that we did not bring up and ask question or give plot as to needs 1446 01:58:24,260 --> 01:58:25,940 to have that, in my opinion. 1447 01:58:26,520 --> 01:58:30,960 And it's this guy right here, Mayor Alves, the leadership of this guy showed this week. 1448 01:58:31,420 --> 01:58:31,960 Unbelievable. 1449 01:58:32,820 --> 01:58:33,280 Unbelievable. 1450 01:58:33,760 --> 01:58:34,020 Thank you. 1451 01:58:36,590 --> 01:58:37,050 Thank you. 1452 01:58:37,050 --> 01:58:43,410 Joey and I represent the fourth ward and everybody knows the fourth ward is heavily heavily 1453 01:58:44,610 --> 01:58:49,150 immigrant all right include my family all right and 1454 01:58:49,810 --> 01:58:51,190 what I saw this week 1455 01:58:52,730 --> 01:58:58,150 parents crying at the bus stop come on you know uh 1456 01:58:58,150 --> 01:59:02,870 Joey talked about running through Rogers Park the other night um so did I 1457 01:59:02,870 --> 01:59:06,370 Joe was right, there was nobody in Roger's Park Saturday night. 1458 01:59:07,970 --> 01:59:12,990 The immigrant community that shares their faith with me were not at 5 o'clock mass 1459 01:59:12,990 --> 01:59:14,010 on Saturday night. 1460 01:59:14,690 --> 01:59:19,970 I walked mainstream for two hours Saturday night and I was the only one. 1461 01:59:21,010 --> 01:59:29,230 I did it for two hours, but the stability that has arisen from what we went through, I 1462 01:59:29,230 --> 01:59:35,070 I just can't say enough of the support and the guidance that came out of City Hall, and that's all I want to say. 1463 01:59:35,310 --> 01:59:36,670 Thank you, Your Honor, thank you. 1464 01:59:37,390 --> 01:59:43,510 Thank you, but that was a community, we're just a part of it. 1465 01:59:44,870 --> 01:59:46,290 Council, are there any other remarks? 1466 01:59:46,830 --> 01:59:47,930 Any other remarks in the remarks? 1467 01:59:48,250 --> 01:59:50,010 Seeing none, I will try your minds, all those in favor. 1468 01:59:50,670 --> 01:59:51,810 Signify by saying aye. 1469 01:59:53,010 --> 01:59:53,550 Any opposed? 1470 01:59:53,950 --> 01:59:58,990 The ayes have it, the vote is so ordered, I hear by extend all committees, and we'll entertain a motion to adjourn. 1471 02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:05,160 So moved and seconded by council. I'm sure while the Smith, all those in favor, signify by saying aye. 1472 02:00:05,460 --> 02:00:05,720 Aye. 1473 02:00:06,380 --> 02:00:07,200 Ayes, have it, buddy.