The Stratford Town Council will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of Stratford Town Hall, 2725 Main Street, Stratford, CT.

Public Forum will begin at 6:00 PM

Any individual with a disability who needs special assistance to participate in the meeting should contact the ADA Coordinator at 203-385-4020 or 203-385-4022 (TDD) 5 days before the meeting, if possible.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The Stratford Town Council will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of Stratford Town Hall, 2725 Main Street, Stratford, CT.

PUBLIC FORUM WILL BEGIN AT 6:00 P.M.

AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Regular meeting of February 14, 2023

RESOLVED: that the reading of the minutes of the regular meeting of February14, 2023 be dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously provided to each Council Member and the same be and are hereby approved.

2.               CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS

3. COMMUNICATIONS, BILLS, PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES

• Notification of resignation (for information only)

• Email dated 2/17/23 – Victoria Florek – Stratford Library Association Board

4.               MAYOR’S REPORT, QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYOR, TOWN ATTORNEY’S REPORT

• MAYOR’S REPORT

• QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYOR

• TOWN ATTORNEY’S REPORT

5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS and/or OLD BUSINESS

6.               ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

• ORDINANCES

• AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION AS CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE XX, § 5-110 – § 5-112 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD (#23-01)

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD THAT A BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION BE ESTABLISHED AS ARTICLE XX, § 5-110 – § 5-112 IN CHAPTER 5 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD AS FOLLOWS::

Article XX    Beautification Commission

• 5-110 Establishment; Duties.

There is hereby created a Beautification Commission established to work in coordination with the Mayor’s office to identify areas in the Town for beautification, develop ideas and designs, implement plans, and provide support for the Town’s efforts to improve and maintain Stratford’s physical appearance while preserving its unique community character and natural beauty. The Commission may also design and maintain various Town gardens and plantings, organize clean-ups, sponsor seasonal award programs and contests, and promote the Town’s flower – the daffodil.

§ 5-111 Membership; Terms of Office.

The Beautification Commission shall consist of seven members and three alternates appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Town Council as provided by the Charter, each of whom shall serve for a term of four years concurrent with the Mayor’s term. The Commission Chairman shall be appointed by the Mayor.

§ 5-112 Funds

The Town Council may appropriate funds for the Beautification Commission to carry out its duties.

RESOLVED: that the first reading of the above entitled Ordinance be and is hereby dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously furnished to each member of the Town Council, and that the same be adopted as a first reading and referred to the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing.

• AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 55 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD NAIL SALONS (#23-02)

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

Section 55-1 of the Code is hereby amended by adding thereto the following definition:

Nail Salon: A shop or business performing manicures and/or pedicures that involve the trimming, filing and painting of the healthy nails of the hands and feet, excluding cutting of the nail beds, corns, calluses, or other medical treatment of the hands. feet or ankles and/or a shop engaged in the application of cosmetics. lotions, oil, waxes to the skin of the head, face. neck. arms or legs for cosmetic purposes only.

• 55-4. Annual inspections; additional inspections.

1. The Director of Health, or his/her agent, after proper identification, shall be permitted to enter, during normal operating hours, any portion of the barbershop, hairdressing shop, and cosmetology shop for the purpose of inspecting to determine compliance with this chapter and all        state and local codes.

1. Barbershops, hairdressing shops and cosmetology shops will be inspected minimally one time per year. Establishments offering pedicure services will be inspected minimally two times per year. The Director of Health or his/her designee shall make as many additional inspections as are necessary for the enforcement of this ordinance and the public health code of the State.

1. If a critical violation or set of recurring violations appear on an inspection report, or a complaint is made, additional inspections and/or a reinspection shall be required.

1. With respect to nail salons. following an inspection. the Director of Health or his/her designee shall issue a Certificate of Inspection. containing a grade as set forth below, which must be posted on the front door of the premises in which the nail salon is operated. This Certificate oflnspection is the property of the Stratford Health Department and is to be posted or removed only by Stratford Health Department Any such certificate removed by a person who is not authorized to remove it constitutes a violation of this ordinance and may result in the issuance of orders by the Director of Health and could lead to permit suspension.

1. Grading following inspections shall be as follows:

1. “an inspection score of 90 to I00. with no 4 or 5 point demerit items and no more than two (2) risk factor violations.”
2. “an inspection score of 80 to 89, with no 4 or 5 point demerit items and not more than four (4) risk factor violations.”
3. “an inspection score of less than 79, or the presence of one or more 4 or 5point or more than four (4) risk factor violations, or the presence of any chronic, previously identified risk factor violations that have not been corrected.

A risk factor is defined in sections 55-9 and 55-8 of the Stratford Town Code.

The nail salon owner has the right to appeal the inspection in accordance with section 55-7(8) within 5 business days with the Stratford Health Director. Should the nail salon owner wish to request another inspection to improve the grade, a fee of$ I00 is required.

RESOLVED: that the first reading of the above entitled Ordinance be and is hereby dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously furnished to each member of the Town Council, and that the same be adopted as a first reading and referred to the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing.

• AN ORDINANCE TO ADD 55-17 – § 55-18 TO CHAPTER 55 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD (#23-03)

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD THAT

• 55-17 – § 55-18 BE ADDED TO CHAPTER 55 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD AS FOLLOWS:

§ 5-17 Display of inspection score grade.

Establishments must conspicuously display the grade (placard) on the front door issued as part of a routine or complaint-based inspection. The placard is the property of the Stratford Health Department and is to be posted by Stratford Health Department staff. Only Health Department staff members can remove the placard. A grade will be assigned after an inspection, and an inspector will then post it.

Grading is as follows:

A – “aninspection score of 90 to 100, withno 4 or 5 point demerit items and no more thantwo (2) risk factor violations”

B – “aninspection score of 80 to 89, withno 4 or 5point demerit items andnot more than four (4) risk factor violations”

C – “aninspection score oflessthan 79, orthepresence of oneormore 4 or 5point violations, or morethanfour(4)risk factor violations, orthepresenceofanychronic, previouslyidentifiedrisk factorviolationsthathavenotbeencorrected.”

A risk factor is defined in sections § 55-8 and § 55-9 of the Stratford Town Code.

§ 5-18 Right to appeal.

The establishment owner has the right to appeal the inspection in accordance with section 55-7 (B) within 5 business days with the Stratford Health Director. Should the establishment owner wish to request another inspection to improve the grade, a fee of $100 is required.

RESOLVED: that the first reading of the above entitled Ordinance be and is hereby dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously furnished to each member of the Town Council, and that the same be adopted as a first reading and referred to the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing.

• AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A FAIR RENT COMMISSION (#23-04)

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

A Fair Rent Commission is created, which shall consist of seven electors or taxpayers of the Town, who shall serve for terms of four years. The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council. Vacancies on the Commission shall be appointed in the same manner for the unexpired portion of the term. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Powers and authority of Commission.

1. The Commission may make studies and investigations, conduct hearings and receive complaints relative to rental charges on housing accommodations, except those accommodations rented on a seasonal basis, within the Town of Stratford in order to control and eliminate excessive rental charges on such accommodations and to carry out the provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, C.G.S. § 47a-20 and Subsection (b) of C.G.S. § 47a-23c. The Commission, for such purposes, may compel the attendance of persons at hearings, issue subpoenas and administer oaths, issue orders and continue, review, amend, terminate or suspend any of its orders and decisions. The Commission may be empowered to retain legal counsel to advise it.
2. For the purposes of this section, “seasonal basis” means housing accommodations rented for a period or periods aggregating not more than 120 days in any one calendar year.

Determination of excessive rent.

In determining whether a rental charge or a proposed increase in a rental charge is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable, the Fair Rent Commission shall consider such of the following circumstances as are applicable to the type of accommodation:

1. The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality.
2. The sanitary conditions existing in the housing accommodations in
3. The number of bathtubs or showers, flush waste closets, kitchen sinks and lavatory basins available to the occupants thereof.
4. Services, furniture, furnishings and equipment supplied
5. The size and number of bedrooms contained
6. Repairs necessary to make such accommodations reasonably livable for the occupants accommodated
7. The amount of taxes and overhead expenses
8. Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the Town of Stratford and the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut relating to health and safety.
9. The income of the petitioner and the availability of
10. The availability of
11. Damages done to the premises by the tenant, caused by other than ordinary wear and
12. The amount and frequency of increases in rental
13. Whether, and the extent to which, the income from an increase in rental charges has been or will be reinvested in improvements to the accommodations.

Rent reduction order; repairs.

If the Commission determines, after a hearing, that the rental charge or proposed increase in the rental charge for any housing accommodation is so excessive, based on the standards and criteria set forth in this chapter, as to be harsh and unconscionable, it may order that the rent be limited to such an amount as it determines to be fair and equitable. If the Commission determines, after a hearing, that the housing accommodation in question fails to comply with any ordinance of the Town of Stratford or state statute or regulation relating to health and safety, it may order the suspension of further payment of rent by the tenant until such time as the landlord makes the necessary changes, repairs or installations so as to bring such housing accommodation into compliance with such ordinance, statute or regulation. The rent during said period shall be paid to the Commission, to be held in escrow by said Commission.

Appeals.

Any person aggrieved by any order of the Commission may appeal to the Superior Court for the Judicial District of Fairfield at Bridgeport. Any such appeal shall be considered a privileged matter with respect to the order of trial as provided in C.G.S. § 7-148e.

Penalties for offenses.

Any person who violates any order of rent reduction or rent suspension by demanding, accepting or receiving an amount in excess thereof while such order remains in effect, and no appeal pursuant to § 81-5 is pending, or who violates any other provision of this chapter or C.G.S. § 47a-20 or who refuses to obey any subpoena, order or decision of the Commission pursuant thereto shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $100 for each offense. If such offense continues for more than five days, it shall constitute a new offense for each day it continues to exist thereafter.

RESOLVED: that the first reading of the above entitled Ordinance be and is hereby dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously furnished to each member of the Town Council, and that the same be adopted as a first reading and referred to the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing.

• RESOLUTIONS
• RESOLUTION REGARDING A NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH’S SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION GRANT TO SUPPORT A 2023 SOBER TRUTH ON PREVENTING (STOP) UNDERAGE DRINKING ACT GRANT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STRATFORD PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES

Executive Summary: The Town of Stratford has applied to the NIH’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for a 2023 Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act Grant in partnership with the Stratford Partnership for Youth and Families – our Local Prevention Council and Drug Free Communities Coalition. Our program will utilize STOP Act funds to create community-level change to prevent and reduce underage drinking among Stratford youth in grades 7-12 using the Strategic Prevention Framework and 7 Strategies for Community- Level Change. We expect to reach more than 25,000 youth and adults annually, and more than 100,000 through the four years, including individuals we will communicate with via our social media platforms. Our two over-arching goals are:(1) increase the capacity of the Coalition to support infrastructure development to reduce underage drinking, and,(2)reduce underage drinking rates, with a focus on youth with higher rates of use including those who identify as LGBTQ+ and Hispanic youth

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

WHEREAS, the National Institute of Health (NIH) is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,

WHEREAS, this funding has been made possible from NIH’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Grant program; and,

WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford expends funds to support the general health and well-being of the youth of our community; and,

WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with NIH’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the amount of $60,000 per year, for four years, totaling $240,000 and requiring $0 in Town Match.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:

1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to the NIH’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for funds to support youth in our community in the fight against substance abuse, and,

2. That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Laura R. Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from NIH’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant program

and to implement the funded program as outlined in the grant application, in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.

• RESOLUTION REGARDING A GRANT REQUEST TO THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION’S (DEEP) RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM

SUPPORTING A TOWN-WIDE RECREATIONAL TRAILS / OPEN SPACE STUDY INCLUDING A PHYSICAL SURVEY OF ROOSEVELT FOREST

Executive Summary: With trails grant funding, the Town has proposed to create a comprehensive Master Plan of existing and potential future additions to Stratford’s recreational trails that will not only chronicle in one unified document what resources exist today; it will serve as a planning tool and guide to the ongoing upkeep/maintenance/improvements to existing trails, the expansion of overall trails, the possible linkages of existing and future resources to municipal parks, historical areas, schools and other appropriate facilities and open spaces. The project also includes the creation of multi-media public educational materials designed to increase utilization. The “in-kind services” provision involves selected town employees relevant to this effort and will not include any additional salary or overtime expenses.

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,

WHEREAS, this funding is being made possible from DEEP’s Connecticut Recreational Trails Program grant funding; and,

WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford expends funds to maintain and protect its natural resources including parks, forests, open spaces, beaches and waterways, among other areas; and,

WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with DEEP’s Recreational Trails Program in the amount of $143,200 requiring 20% / $35,800 in Town Match, which will be in the form of in-kind services of work conducted throughout the Master Planning process.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:

1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to DEEP’s Connecticut Recreational Trails Program for funds to support a Town-wide recreational trails / open space study including a physical survey of Roosevelt Forest, and,

2. That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Laura R. Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from DEEP’s Connecticut Recreational Trails Program and to implement the program once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.

7.               NEW BUSINESS

• Referred by the Building Needs Committee with a favorable recommendation
• Town Bid #2023-028: Police Lobby Renovation – to RFJ Associates LLC of Trumbull in the amount of

$346,000

RESOLVED: that Town Bid #2023-028: Police Lobby Renovation – to RFJ Associates LLC of Trumbull in the amount of $346,000 be and is hereby approved and the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement for such in form acceptable to the Town Attorney.

• Referred by the Parks and Recreation Committee with a favorable recommendation

• Increase of the Recreation playground fees from $75 to $150 for the 6-week session, and the sports camp fees from $75 to $100 per week

RESOLVED: that an increase of the Recreation Dept. playground fees from $75 to $150 for the 6-week session, and the sports camp fees from $75 to $100 per week be and is hereby approved.

• To consider and act upon the favorable recommendation of the Planning Commission for the deeding of lot #4 as open space to the Town of Stratford and relocation of existing trails on the proposed subdivision map of 500 Peters Lane property pursuant to the 8-24 Review.
• To consider and act upon a referral to the Planning Commission for a review pursuant to CGS 8-24 for 795 James Farm Rd.
• To consider and act upon an amendment to extend the Veterans Museum
• Discussion – term limits in the Town of
• APPOINTMENTS

7.7.1       Zoning Commission – Alternate – 3 year term

RESOLVED: that RICH FREDETTE of FERRY COURT be and is hereby reappointed as an alternate on the Zoning Commission with a term that expires January 1, 2026.

• CONFIRMATION OF MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS
• RESOLVED: that the Mayor’s appointment of Greg Burnes to the Short Beach Park Commission be and is hereby confirmed.

8. ADJOURNMENT