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Torrington council adopts code changes, approves salary increases and several contracts
Summary
At its Oct. 6 meeting the Torrington Board of Councilmen adopted revisions to the city code covering building construction and zoning fines, approved salary increases for three elected positions, and authorized a series of capital and contract items including a lease referral and blight‑cleanout contract.
The Torrington Board of Councilmen on Oct. 6 adopted amendments to building and zoning ordinances, approved salary adjustments for three elected positions and approved a variety of capital and contract items ranging from building repairs to equipment purchases.
The council unanimously adopted a fully revised Chapter 85 (building construction, alteration, renovation and demolition) and approved related fee and citation changes in Chapter 114 (zoning and inland wetlands) after ordinance‑committee review. The mayor opened each roll call and the council recorded unanimous votes for the three related code amendments.
Why it matters: the ordinance revisions set the updated permitting and citation framework for construction and wetlands enforcement in Torrington; fee changes affect permit costs and citation procedures for residents and contractors. The salary votes alter compensation for three elected offices and will affect FY2026 budgeting.
Votes at a glance
- Code revisions — Chapter 85 (building code): motion to adopt revised ordinance; mover: Councilwoman Rouette; seconder: Councilman Oliver; outcome: approved, unanimous (5–0).
- Code revisions — Chapter 114 zoning fees and citations: motion to adopt revisions; mover: not specified in record; seconder: Councilwoman Rouette; outcome: approved, unanimous (5–0).
- Code revisions — Chapter 114 inland wetlands and watercourse fines: mover: Councilman Oliver; seconder: Councilwoman Spino; outcome: approved, unanimous (5–0).
- Treasurer salary (elected position): motion to increase annual compensation to $20,000 effective July 1, 2026 (align future increases with management resolution); outcome: approved (record indicates majority in favor and one recorded opposition; recorded voice vote: one opposed). Vote tally per roll call not individually recorded in transcript.
- City Clerk salary (elected position): motion to increase annual compensation to $80,000 effective July 1, 2026 (align future increases with management resolution); outcome: approved, unanimous.
- Mayor salary (elected position): motion to increase annual compensation to $125,000 effective July 1, 2026 (align future increases with management resolution); outcome: approved with one abstention from Councilwoman Spino (majority in favor).
Other approvals and referrals
- Vehicle replacement budget transfer for FY25‑26: Approved; previously recommended by the Board of Finance.
- Lease referral: Council approved referring a proposed lease for 32 City Hall Avenue (assessor Map Block Lot 117/017/005) to the Planning & Zoning Commission for CGS §8‑24 review and authorized the mayor to negotiate lease terms on a favorable recommendation.
- Blight cleanout contract: Council authorized the mayor to award and execute a contract for cleanout of 492 Prospect Street to Trauma Services LLC (Mansfield, Mass.) for $24,960, funded from the city's blight fund. Staff said the property became city‑owned after foreclosure and required extensive interior cleanout before further disposition.
- Armory projects: Council authorized an ADA‑compliant door frame and automatic opener (DRF Locksmith Specialties) and approved replacing a steam boiler (Air Temp Mechanical) to maintain building heating systems.
- Public‑works and facility maintenance: approved replacement of sprinkler heads at the Public Works garage (SoundWorks and Security) and other capital items funded from Public Works capital reserve funds.
- Equipment and technology purchases: approved purchases for police cruisers and animal control (five Panasonic Toughbooks), replacement desktop computers and monitors, ammunition procurement for public safety training, and purchase of firefighter uniforms under state contract.
Council process and comments
Council members praised the fire department for its response to the late‑September downtown fire and acknowledged staff work on ordinances and capital planning. Several council members said the elected‑position salary votes are difficult during an election cycle but emphasized that Article 19 of the Connecticut Constitution prescribes timing for such adjustments.
Ending
Council members closed the meeting after routine departmental approvals and public‑comment procedures. Staff will return to the council with follow‑up items as procurement and project timelines progress.
