A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held May 1, 2017 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Hinchey, Aldermen Nystrom, Philbrick, Gould and Martin. City Manager Salomone and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Ald. Braddock had an excused absence due to a family emergency. Ald. Nash arrived late. Mayor Hinchey presided. President Pro Tem Nystrom read the opening prayer and Ald. Philbrick led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Upon a motion of Ald. Martin, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of April 3, 13 and 17, 2017. Ald. Martin read the following proclamation: P R O C L A M A T I O N WHEREAS, the Norwich Bully-Busters and Youth Against Bullying commenced its work in Norwich in May, 2004, and WHEREAS, the Norwich Bully-Busters and Youth Against Bullying has grown in support to include such agencies as Norwich Youth and Family Services, United Community and Family Services and the Norwich Public Schools, and WHEREAS, the Norwich Bully-Busters and Youth Against Bullying has provided professional training on bullying and understanding the 2002 Act Concerning School Learning Environment that provided the basis for the first school bullying policy, and WHEREAS, the Norwich Bully-Busters and Youth Against Bullying continues to advocate for anti bullying through changes in Legislation, education among youth, teachers, parents, state and local officials to Stop the Violence and promote preventive youth programs; and WHEREAS, in 2015 the Norwich Bully-Busters started a campaign "Kindness Is Magical" which included putting 235 Buddy Benches in the Greater Norwich area schools and libraries. NOW, THEREFORE, I, MAYOR DEBEREY HINCHEY AND NORWICH CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM, PETER ALBERT NYSTROM, ON BEHALF OF THE NORWICH CITY COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF NORWICH do hereby recognize and congratulate the Norwich Bully-Busters and Youth Against Bullying on achieving 15 years of commitment to the youth of the Rose City and encourage residents to express their sincere appreciation and support to this organization that Celebrates15 years of Positive Stepping Stones with an unsurpassed determination and passion for our youth. Dated this First Day of May, 2017 Deberey Hinchey Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom President Pro Tem Gerald Martin Alderman 1
Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 14-32 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS ON THE COMMISSION ESTABLISHED TO EXERCISE THE POWERS OF THE NORWICH GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY FROM SEVEN TO NINE MEMBERS Speaking in favor: There were no speakers. Speaking in opposition: There were no speakers. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3.5-1.2 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION FROM SEVEN TO NINE AND TO CHANGE THE LISTING OF THE POSITION OF CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT TO THAT OF MAYOR Speaking in favor: There were no speakers. Speaking in opposition: There were no speakers. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 14-32 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS ON THE COMMISSION ESTABLISHED TO EXERCISE THE POWERS OF THE NORWICH GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY FROM SEVEN TO NINE MEMBERS NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the membership of the commission exercising the powers of the Norwich Golf Course Authority be increased from seven members to nine members by amending Section 14-32 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances as follows: 1. Sec. 14-32. Created; members. Pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 7-130a 7-130w, as the same have been and may be amended from time to time, the Norwich Golf Course Authority is hereby created and shall have its principal office in city hall, Norwich, Connecticut, or such other place as may be designated, and shall consist of seven nine members to be appointed by the city council who shall be residents of the City of Norwich and who shall serve for two-year terms, or until their successors shall be duly appointed. 2. The two members appointed pursuant to this ordinance shall serve initial terms to expire January 23, 2019, or until their successors shall be duly appointed. 2
Upon a motion Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes, this ordinance being its second reading. Ald. Philbrick motioned, seconded by Ald. Gould, to adopt the above ordinance introduced by Ald. Martin. The above ordinance passed on a roll call vote of 6-0. Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3.5-1.2 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION FROM SEVEN TO NINE AND TO CHANGE THE LISTING OF THE POSITION OF CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT TO THAT OF MAYOR NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that section 3.5-1.2 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances be amended to increase the number of members of the Harbor Management Commission from seven to nine and to change the listing of the chief elected official to the present title of the position as follows: 1. Sec. 3.5-1.2. Establishment, membership and compensation of harbor management commission. (a) There shall be a harbor management commission which shall consist of seven nine members: two members shall be selected from among the Norwich city council; one member shall be the city manager or his/her designee; and four six members who shall have some demonstrable prior interest or involvement in matters connected with harbor activity shall be appointed by the city manager with the approval of the city council. The harbormaster, city council president mayor, planning director, recreation director, parks director and a representative of the inland wetlands, watercourses and conservation committee shall serve as ex officio members of the commission, without vote. (b) No regular member of the harbor management commission shall receive compensation for service but may be reimbursed for any necessary expenses. 1. The two members appointed pursuant to this ordinance shall serve initial terms to expire December 7, 2017, or until their successors shall be duly appointed. Upon a motion Ald. Nash, seconded President Pro Tem Nystrom, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes, this being its second reading. Ald. Philbrick motioned, seconded by Ald. Gould, to adopt the above ordinance introduced by Ald. Martin and Nash. The above ordinance passed on a roll call vote of 6-0. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to suspend the rules to add the following two resignations: 3
Diana Boisclair from the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners (Sewer Authority). Robert Groner from the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners (Sewer Authority). Upon a motion of Ald. Philbrick, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Kylene Thompson from the Community Development Advisory Board thanking her for her service. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Martin, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of CJ Rocket from the Redevelopment Agency thanking him for his service. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nystrom, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of H. Tucker Braddock from the Select Committee of Inquiry. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Pete Desaulniers from the Ice Arena Authority thanking him for his service. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nystrom, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Cheryl T. Ritacco from the Ice Arena Authority thanking her for her service. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Diana Boisclair from the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners (Sewer Authority) thanking her for her service. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Robert Groner from the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners (Sewer Authority) thanking him for his service. City Manager Report: To: Mayor Hinchey and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager s Report Date: May 1, 2017 The Mayor and I have met several times during the past two weeks in addition to our weekly meetings. The budget hearings continued and per the Councils resolution on April 17 th, I have been working on reducing the budget by 5% with Josh Pothier and department heads. I met with the principals of the Ponemah site and staff regarding the State accepting applications for the latest round of grants under the Connecticut Brownfield Remediation Program that are due May 16, 2017. This is the DECD s eleventh round of competitive grant funding for the state s Brownfield Remediation Program, under which the state partners with local municipalities and economic development agencies to put blighted properties back into productive use. Under this round, a total of $4 million will be earmarked for remediation projects and $1 million will be reserved for assessment projects. 4
I attended the SECOG meeting on April 19 th. On April 20 th a ceremony was held in my office to establish an Eruv District with members of Congregaton Brothers of Joseph and the Norwich Jewish community. The Mayor, Alderwomen Gould and Philbreck, and Aldermen Braddock and Martin were also in attendance. An Eruv ceremony delineates an area in which Orthodox Jews may carry on certain activities normally forbidden on the Sabbath. I interviewed the 2 finalists for the CD Supervisor postion and expect to make a decision in the next week. I attended the CCM press conference meeting in Hartford on April 25th to discuss the General Assembly s Finance Committee public hearing. I met with Gary Schnip And Tom Cummings from the Stadium Authority at Dodd Stadium regarding lighting at the stadium. My assistant, Jacquie Barbarossa, met with a videographer for a potential video for the City s website and is participating in the City s new web site design. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment on resolutions. Susan Blinderman, 35 Greenwich Ct, a Norwich School teacher, she urged the Council to vote against resolution #1 and asked the Council not go forward with this plan because there are too many unanswered questions to confidently call it a plan. She asked to put this on the back burner until the economy improves. Margaret Becotte, 208 Baltic Rd, spoke on resolution #1 and asked the Council to stick to their plan of cutting taxes, reduce spending and keep the budget low to save our City. Rebecca Alberts, 508 Beaumont Hwy, Owner of These Guys Brewing, spoke on resolution #1 stating she is opposed to cutting the Norwich Fire Department by 5% stating they are vital to the safety and security of the City. She asked the Council to reconsider these cuts. Jeanne Long, 21 Chelsea Ct, spoke in support of resolution #1 regarding NCDC and economic development. She stated these services are very important. Sean Flaherty, 23 Blueberry Hill Rd, stated on resolution #1 he was concerned and saddened to see cuts made to the recreation programs and staff. He talked about working with NFA to create a recreation complex and reviving the YMCA. He also stated that taxes are extreme leaving vacant property and absentee landlords. Samuel Browning, 671 Scotland Rd, spoke on resolution #1 and asked how the council will handle the Board of Education rising budget with contractual cost. He stated the cuts will disproportion the effect on the primary and middle schools. Sean Langlois, 142 Harland Rd, a Three Rivers teacher, spoke on resolution #1 with concerns about the education budget cuts which will increase class sizes and short change the children. 5
Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, spoke on resolution #1 stating that 5% is a good start and asked to cut more. He spoke on resolution #2 and doesn t see this project improving children s education. Martha Palmer, 32 Elmwood Ave, spoke against resolution #2 stating there is no plan and stated she is against consolidation. She asked the council to think about changing some school to K-8 to save money and do what is right for the children. John Blackburn, 15 Alice St, spoke on resolution #1 stating the problem is we don t know how much the State will give the City which is a problem when creating a budget. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment on resolutions was closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Philbrick, seconded by President Pro Tem Nystrom, it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould and Philbrick on the floor. RESOLVED, that the proposed preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2017-18, as amended by the attached Exhibits 1 through 5, be tentatively adopted, with a public hearing scheduled for Monday, May 8, 2017 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall Upon a motion to amend of President Pro Tem Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to separate Exhibits 1 and 2 from the 5 and combine them together. 6
Ald. Philbrick motioned, seconded by President Pro Tem Nystrom, to amend and separate Exhibits 3, 4, and 5 as individual items. Amendment passes on a vote of 4-2 with Ald. Martin and Nash voting in opposition. President Pro Tem Nystrom motioned, seconded by Ald. Philbrick, to adopt exhibit 3 below. Motion passes on a vote of 4-2 with Mayor Hinchey and Ald. Philbrick voting in opposition. 7
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President Pro Tem Nystrom motioned, seconded by Ald. Martin, to adopt exhibit 4 below. Motion passes on a vote of 5-1 with Mayor Hinchey voting in opposition. Ald. Martin motioned, seconded by President Pro Tem Nystrom, to adopt exhibit 5 below. Motion passes on a vote of 5-1 with Mayor Hinchey voting in opposition. 9
Resolution #1 passes as amended. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by President Pro Tem Nystrom, it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey on the floor. Ald. Martin motioned, seconded by Ald. Gould, to table the following resolution. On a vote of 5-1 with Ald. Philbrick voting in opposition the motion to table passes. 10
Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, the R.E. Van Norstrand Neighborhood Assistance Act, Chapter 228a of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S. 12-630aa-12-638) offers certain benefits to municipalities desiring to obtain the same and is administered by the State Department of Revenue Services (Commission of Revenue Services); and WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Assistance Act provides a tax credit for business firms which sponsor local programs; and WHEREAS, such programs must be proposed and conducted by private non-profit agencies or municipalities and be approved by the local legislative body; 11
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: A public hearing will be held on June 19, 2017 to review applications and receive comments relative to the Neighborhood Assistance Act. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Martin, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone. WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone has appointed with Councils approval as a regular member to the Youth Service Advisory Board for a term to expire on 2/01/18 or until a successor is appointed; Patrick McMahon (U) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby acknowledges the appointments of the above named to the Youth Service Advisory Board. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Philbrick, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nystrom, Ald. Gould and Braddock. WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone has appointed with Councils approval as a regular member to the Harbor Management Commission for a term to expire on 12/7/17 or until a successor is appointed; Mark Sicuso (D) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby acknowledges the appointments of the above named to the Harbor Management Commission. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by President Pro Tem Nystrom, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nystrom, Ald. Gould and Braddock. BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be re-appointed as regular members of the Norwich Ice Arena Authority with a term to expire on April 01, 2019 or until a successor is appointed: Joann Beguhl (U) Mark M. Bettencourt, (D) Gary Makowicki (R) BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed as a regular member of the Norwich Ice Arena Authority with a term to expire on April 01, 2019 or until a successor is appointed: Mark Sicuso (D) Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nystrom, Ald. Gould and Braddock on the floor. Ald. Gould made a motion, seconded by Ald. Nash, to amend the following resolution to change regular member to alternate member. The motion to amend carried on a vote of 6-0. 12
BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed as an alternate member of the Ethics Commission with a term to expire on October 18, 2017 or until a successor is appointed: Linda Bertelson (R) Motion to approve as amended carries. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich acquired the property located at 48 Hinckley Street by a tax collector s deed recorded on June 6, 2016 at volume 2964, page 33 of the Norwich Land Records; and WHEREAS, said property at 48 Hinckley Street was listed on a resolution presented to the Council of the City of Norwich and adopted by it on September 6, 2016 to authorize City Manager John Salomone to enter into a Listing Agreement with Allyn and Associates Realtors for this property and certain other properties; and WHEREAS, Allyn and Associates Realtors has received an offer on behalf of the City of Norwich to purchase said property from David B. Belanger at a price of $20,000 as a cash sale without mortgage contingencies; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that selling said property at a price of $20,000 would be in the best interest of the City of Norwich; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into a Real Estate Listing Agreement satisfactory to him with Allyn and Associates Realtors offering to the sell the property at 48 Hinckley Street at a price of $20,000; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales Agreement listing a purchase price of $20,000 and containing such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to him, City Manager John Salomone, he be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into said Purchase and Sales Agreement between the buyer David B. Belanger and the City of Norwich and upon timely tender of such sum subject to standard adjustments to execute, and deliver a deed of conveyance for the property known as 48 Hinckley Street, Norwich and to execute, receive and deliver such other documents as are necessary to complete the transfer of title in keeping with the terms of the Purchase and Sales Agreement. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Martin, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone. WHEREAS, Section 12-165 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended by Section 35 of Public Act 13-276 provides for the administrative procedure for transferring real estate taxes deemed uncollectible to the suspense tax book; and, 13
WHEREAS, taxes transferred to the suspense tax book are no longer listed as an asset of the city in its annual financial report; and, WHEREAS, listed below are the names and addresses of the persons against whom certain real estate taxes on the Grand Lists up to and including 2015 were levied and which the Tax Collector believes such taxes are uncollectible because of lack of payment for several years; and, WHEREAS, in accordance with the Tax Collector s recommendation the aggregate sum of $107,135.28 in real estate tax on the Grand Lists up to and including 2015, to be transferred to the suspense tax book; and, WHEREAS, nothing herein contained shall be construed as an abatement of any tax transferred to the suspense tax account, but any such taxes, as it shall have been increased by interest, penalty fees and charges may be collected; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the aggregate sum of $107,135.28 representing uncollectible real estate taxes on the Grand Lists up to and including 2015, be and the same hereby are transferred to the suspense account. PROPERTY OWNER NAME PROPERTY ADDRESS UNIQUE ID 2015 GL TAX AMT 56 ALICE ST LLC 56 ALICE ST 100-002-0562 1,054.80 BILL HENRY ESTATE OF 117 RIVER AVE 004-954-0001 39.26 EGGOMAN/PONT CENTER FIN/HALE MILL 45 SUNNYSIDE ST 008-930-0001 437.76 EGGOMAN/PONT CENTER FIN/HALE MILL 244 YANTIC RD 008-929-0001 775.44 EISS ALAN + DONNA 53 PRENTICE #23 036-001-0023 792.12 FOOT OF FIFTH 5TH CANAL END OF STREET 008-136-0001 524.96 HASELMAN PETER BEEBE RD 120-002-0001 250.14 JAMES MARK ALLEN SEVENTH ST 009-466-0001 397.38 KILKELLY DELIA ESTATE OF 35 LAMBERT DR REAR 005-748-0001 25.01 NAUTILAS DEVELOPMENT LAUREL HILL 712-562-0001 58.37 SCHNIP BLDG CO 97 FOREST ST 010-034-0001 338.52 STRATTON BURTON 751 NORTH MAIN ST 010-879-0001 347.60 THAMES/LAUREL HILL 7 HILLSIDE AVE 011-208-0001 1,339.36 THERMOS NORWICH DEV/AUCTION MASTERS 68 THERMOS AVE 011-222-0001 17,485.00 THERMOS NORWICH DEV/AUCTION MASTERS 116 THERMOS AVE 011-223-0001 1,574.82 THERMOS NORWICH DEV/AUCTION MASTERS HOLLAND AVE 011-218-0001 2,060.52 THERMOS NORWICH DEV/AUCTION MASTERS 20 CROWN ST 011-219-0001 1,138.20 THERMOS NORWICH DEV/AUCTION MASTERS 85 HILLSIDE AVE 011-225-0001 6,132.50 TRIANON GROUP LLC/HINSCH OAKRIDGE ST 002-381-0001 853.66 YMCA OF SOUTHEASTERN ST 337-341 MAIN ST 713-153-0001 71,509.86 107,135.28 Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Martin, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12-62 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the City of Norwich must perform a reappraisal and revaluation, referred to as a full inspection, of all taxable and non-taxable real estate for the grand list dated October 1, 2018; and, 14
WHEREAS, the City of Norwich issued RFP 17-16 on March 16, 2017 to solicit proposals for such reappraisal and revaluation; and, WHEREAS, the Assessor and Comptroller selected Vision Government Solutions, Inc. through the RFP process as the vendor to perform such reappraisal and revaluation for a total estimated cost of $450,000; and, WHEREAS, the Assessor and Comptroller believe it is in the best interest of the City to appropriate and encumber funds during fiscal year 2016-17 permitting the City to enter into a contract with Vision Government Solutions, Inc. and begin the reappraisal and revaluation as soon as practicable; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich realized current year savings of $279,379 through refunding of bonds and changes in insurance carriers; and, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that a total of $450,000 be and hereby is transferred from the 2016-17 Debt Service, Insurance, and Contingency line item budgets to the 2016-17 Assessor departments in order to enter into a contract with Vision Government Solutions, Inc. as follows: Line Item Amount of Transfer Debt Service 01090-89D00 79,379 Insurance 01090-80073 200,000 Contingency 01090-80086 170,621 Subtotal - Budget Decreases 450,000 Assessor 01013-80015 450,000 Subtotal - Budget Increases $450,000 Net Budget Change - Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Martin, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:37pm. CITY CLERK 15