City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held April 5, 2010 in Council Chambers at 7:30 PM. Present: Aldermen Desaulniers, Caron, Braddock, Hinchey, Popovich and Nash. Absent: Mayor Nystrom. City Manager Bergren and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. President Pro Tem Desaulniers presided. Ald. Braddock Read the opening prayer and Ald. Caron led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Pro Tem Desaulniers asked for a moment of silence for the passing of Mayor Nystrom’s father. Upon motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of March 1 & 15, 2010. President Pro Tem Desaulniers called for a public hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER SEVEN OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING A SECTION 28 TO ARTICLE I, TO PROVIDE A TAX EXEMPTION FOR REAL PROPERTY BELONGING TO, OR HELD IN TRUST FOR, A REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS David Crabb, 47 Prospect St., opposes this ordinance why, why insulate any proof of paying taxes without a mission statement of feeding the hungry, healing the sick or comforting those in need. This precedent could fill the city with any group that gets the attention of the legislature. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave., opposes this also because he feels other entities pay taxes and we should not encourage this. He sees no reason for them to be exempt. We need to take another look at this and it shouldn’t get our stamp of approval. There being no further speakers, President Pro Tem Desaulniers declared the public hearing closed. Upon motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Bergren: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER SEVEN OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING A SECTION 28 TO ARTICLE I, TO PROVIDE A TAX EXEMPTION FOR REAL PROPERTY BELONGING TO, OR HELD IN TRUST FOR, A REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: that Chapter Seven of the Norwich Code of Ordinances is amended by adding to it the following provisions: CHAPTER 7 ARTICLE I Sec. 28 Pursuant to the authority set forth in Section 12-81(77) of the General Statutes of Connecticut, as amended, effective October 1, 2009, real property as described therein shall be exempt from property taxes provided all of the following requirements are met: 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 (a) The real property is owned by or held in trust for, a regional council of governments established under 4-124i to 4-124p of the Connecticut general statutes; (b) The real property is used to advance the official duties of such council; and (c) The City of Norwich is and remains a member of such council. PURPOSE: To approve the exemption for such property as required by Connecticut general statute section 12- 81(77). On a roll call vote, the above ordinance failed 3-3, with Ald. Nash, Caron and Popovich voting in opposition. City Manager Bergren passed out the proposed budget and gave his report and the budget message as follows: DATE: April 5, 2010 TO: Mayor Peter A. Nystrom & Council Members FROM: Alan H. Bergren, City Manager SUBJECT: City Manager’s Report 1. March 29-30th Storm/Flood The City Manager’s office has been collecting information concerning preliminary damage reports of business and residential property due to the recent storm. We will continue to collect this preliminary information over the next two days. This information will be shared with the State in anticipation that the damage estimates will be used for a formal declaration for Federal assistance. Business owners and residents who sustained damage can drop off these preliminary estimates at the City Manager’s office during regular business hours. We encourage property owners to email this information to cmoffice@cityofnorwich.org as it will help expedite our processing of this data. Information can also be hand-delivered to the City Manager’s office at City Hall, Room 219. It is important that we have the name, phone number, property address and a description of the type of damage incurred along with any supporting documentation including photographs, written estimates/quotes or insurance adjuster’s reports. We have been advised that following a declaration, FEMA personnel will be in the area to meet with property owners to assist in formal applications. It is important that we have contact information so that we can put people in touch with these officials when they arrive. For businesses that have been affected by the storm, one page forms are available on-line at www.norwichct.org or at the City Manager’s office. BUDGET PRESENTATION APRIL 5, 2010 Good evening Mayor Nystrom and Members of the City Council. Pursuant to the requirements of the duties and responsibilities of the City Manager, I hereby formally present the City Manager’s Proposed Budget for fiscal year 2010-2011. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 Tonight we face the most challenging budget year our city has ever experienced in recent history. We are not alone, all across the State of Connecticut, and the United States this unprecedented economic downturn threatens the ability of municipalities to provide the important services that our citizens have come to rely upon. The current economic downturn, coupled with the growing state budget deficit, and the pressure to control taxes while we are experiencing shrinking revenue, forces us to re-evaluate every program and service the city offers. The City Manager’s proposed budget is a work product of many people who all contributed toward maximizing the resources of the city for the common good. Let me begin by recognizing the invaluable contributions of our Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller, and Acting Human Resources Director for their outstanding guidance, dedicated assistance and hours of hard work. It continues be an honor to work with such highly skilled and talented professionals. I also am indebted to our Department and Agency Heads for their significant professional contributions and their steadfast perseverance in the delivery of quality services in this most challenging environment. I thank all of our employees who gave concessions for the 2009-2010 budget, and I commend them for the ongoing discussions we are having now with all employee groups for potential contributions for this 2010-2011 budget. I am grateful for their commitment in working hard each day for the betterment of our City. The principles used in guiding this budget preparation include: maintaining a competitive tax policy relative to other Connecticut municipalities, preserving fund balance, and funding essential services related to public safety. The City Budget is the single most important policy-making tool that you, our City Council members, utilize in setting the course of the City for the next fiscal year and establishing the blueprint for future years during your tenure. The budget document, when adopted, reflects the annual fiscal work plan for our community. In recognition of the unprecedented fiscal crisis that all of our families and businesses are facing, the work plan that I am presenting here this evening provides for austere funding of essential and important municipal services. It presents some very difficult sacrifices that are needed in this stagnant economy. As staff began the process of assembling the proposed budget last fall, it became apparent that we were experiencing unprecedented financial constraints that made our work exceedingly difficult. Continued deterioration of economic conditions forced us to go back to the operating departments looking for additional reductions after initial budget requests were submitted. The continued uncertainty of State funding, of which we rely upon for approximately 35% of our non-tax revenue, continually challenged our revenue estimates. In addition to the smaller grants, the State is now relying on federal stimulus funds to fund 14% of the largest grant we receive, the Education Coat Sharing Grant (ECS). The federal stimulus funds which supplanted 14% or $4.6 million) of the ECS grant in the current 2009-2010 fiscal year and in the 2010-2011 fiscal year will not be available in the 2011-2012 fiscal year. This loss will create a major cash shortfall for the State to fund its commitment for education. (Refer to ECS funding graph on display) The continuing fiscal crisis at the State level continues to threaten revenues the City has counted upon in the past to fund programs and services while maintaining a stable tax rate. Again, this year we are using the Governor’s estimates of funding for State grants. Although the ECS grant is proposed to remain flat for 2010- 11, other decreases are proposed in transportation and special education funding of $744,000. Decreases are 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 also proposed in State non-education grants by $540,000. These decreases more than offset the slight increase in the grand list projected revenue of $500,000. The finance staff and I will continue to monitor the changing fiscal landscape as we proceed through this budget review and approval process. As circumstances change, staff and I will be prepared, if warranted, to suggest modifications prior to the final adoption of the mill rate. I take this opportunity to thank you, our Council members for your individual support and guidance as you communicated with me during the beginning of the budget development process. I have considered your individual priorities and goals and incorporated these into the proposed budget. In addition I have also recognized the concerns of our taxpayers as they were communicated to us all. After many tough decisions, I am submitting a budget plan, which provides aligning citywide programs and resources with the goals identified in the budget document. With respect to these goals, our budget priorities for 2010-2011are: 1. Provide for adequate public safety services. 2. Keep the mill rate increase as low as possible. 3. Maintain the city’s infrastructure 4. Provide basic education 5. Preserve the financial foundation and credit rating of the city. Early on, as we began the budget development process, we realized that we would be confronting flat or declining revenues, which could not sustain increased spending. Initially departments were given target reductions of 5%-15% below the current year. As we worked the numbers we realized we had to make deeper cuts in some areas in order to adequately fund the services identified by Council members as basic and essential. In order to minimize the impact any tax increase would have on struggling taxpayers, who may be unemployed or underemployed and facing declining home values, painful reductions in services had to be a part of the solution. The City side of the budget, excluding education, will be funded less than the current year. 2009-2010. This translates to a reduction in real spending of $187,417 or minus 0.57%. This reduction will require the elimination of 13 full time equivalent positions, as well as the reduction in hours in 10 positions. Because of the hiring freeze during 2009-2010 at least 4 of the full time positions will be vacant. In the City Manager’s office the elimination of the position of the Assistant City Manager and an administrative clerk which will reduce the number of personnel by 50% from four to two. Similarly across all other city departments and agencies staffing levels are reduced. In order to achieve additional efficiencies and consolidate services a number of changes will take effect. In the Police Department two traffic maintenance positions will be eliminated. The traffic sign and line striping functions will be absorbed by Public Works. Norwich Public Utilities will perform the traffic light maintenance. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 The Police Department has reviewed the number of school crossing guards needed and found that 1/3 of the crossing guards positions can be eliminated with little impact to the walkers. As a result of the efficiencies gained by the implementation of new revenue collection software last year, along with the elimination of the separate charge for refuse services and the increasing number of taxpayers paying tax bills on line the department was able to cut the seasonal tax office staff. A new initiative called the Smart Street Lighting Program that was developed over the last year and was discussed during my last budget presentation will be implemented. The Police Department has performed a citywide assessment of the street lighting and identified streetlights that are not necessary for public safety. Our utility has been asked to coordinate the deactivation process. This Program is estimated to save $60,000 each year in electrical costs, and the environmental impact translates to removing 57 cars from the roads. This program is modeled after others being implemented in cities across the nation. The Public Works department continues to aggressively market our recycling program, single stream recycling. As a result, the amount the city pays at the Preston incinerator for waste disposal continues to drop. Other staffing reductions will mean significant cuts to service levels at our senior center, social services and the recreation department where the Mohegan Park beach will be closed this summer and lights will be turned out at basketball and tennis courts and the city will eliminate support for the boating program. The Human Services Department will be taking on the administration of the Community Development Block Grant Program, as part of a consolidation plan, while reducing staff. Funding contributions have been eliminated for TVCCA, Literacy Volunteers and United Community & Family Services. Funding reductions have been made to all city fire departments in areas that are intended to avoid immediate life safety responses. However, these reductions will affect important reporting and record keeping functions over time. The Planning and Development Department will be eliminating a code enforcement official and two clerical positions. The education Budget is proposed to be funded at the current 2009-2010 level for 2010-2011. Funding less would bring penalties from the State with the additional loss of $2.00 for every $1.00 we receive in grants. Our dependency on the State of Connecticut for funding education increases is not being fulfilled. The State Government, while reducing educational funding continues to push more unfunded mandates down to local boards of education and to local taxpayers who can ill afford to keep up with these demands on the local level. Looking into the future, the problems we are experiencing will not go away even if the recession ends this year. Recovery will take time and necessitates our continuing efforts to achieve greater economy and efficiency in operations. The City, the Utilities and the School Department have been participating in efforts for shared technology improvements and cooperative consolidation of operating systems and processes that will make us more uniform and cost effective as we move forward. These initiatives will continue in earnest. With the continued economic downturn we cannot afford maintaining dedicated revenue for specific programs. As I did last year I am recommending that we repeal the ordinance that directs 50% of the conveyance tax 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 toward Mohegan Park and recreation facilities capital improvements and economic development expenditures. These revenues are not meeting the estimates to support these programs in this constrained economic climate, and the remaining estimates are directed toward shoring up the loss of revenue for basic services. The ability to use surplus from the undesignated fund balance does not exist this year. Last year we were able to apply $800,000 to support expenditures. This year we are at the minimum reserves to maintain the city’s credit rating. Additionally the ballooning State deficit could mean grant revenue shortfalls during the upcoming fiscal year, which would require further reductions in spending and services. The General Assembly could adopt a State budget lower than the projected grant revenues anticipated from the Governor’s figures. Growth in the 10% gross revenues paid to the city from Norwich Public Utilities was one saving grace in the abysmal revenue picture we are looking at. However this additional revenue has only helped to fill the loss of revenue in other areas. Without this we would have been looking at more draconian reductions in services. In spite of all the reductions, to compensate for the loss of non-tax revenues, and in order to maintain basic services, as prioritized, I am proposing a 1.70% increase in the general fund mill rate, or 0.40 mills from 23.48 to 23.88. Within the budget document you will find a table on page 7 of my budget message detailing the change. The Town Consolidated Fire District (TCD) mill rate remains unchanged at 0.36 mills. The combined General Fund & TCD mill rate will increase by 1.68% or 0.40 mills, from 23.84 to 24.24. The City Consolidated Fire District (CCD) mill rate will increase by 9.64%, or 0.35 mills, from 3.63 to 3.98. The combined General Fund & CCD mill rate will increase by 2.77%, or 0.75 mills, from 27.11 to 27.86. All these increases are below the Consumer Price Index – Urban (CPI-U) for our area. Service fees are proposed to be increased in the per ton charge to refuse haulers who deliver refuse to the Preston Incinerator from $65 per ton to $66 per ton. I am also working with department heads to draft ordinances for your consideration to revise burglar alarm and road opening fees. The Capital budget is funded at the minimum as required by Charter, to reflect value of 1 mill. Capital funding will include paving projects, firefighter equipment, replacement of some emergency and city maintenance vehicles and repairs to city buildings. Also included is $60,000 to begin funding the update of the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development. This update is in keeping with the Mayor and Council’s initiative to position the city for economic recovery and provide for greater self-reliance in raising revenues in the future to sustain services. In addition, funding, although modest, for implementing the economic development strategy developed by the Mayor and Council is contained in this budget. Funding for NCDC and RCR. It is anticipated that by thoughtfully analyzing and charting strategic actions to improve our local economy we can create an environment to stimulate economic opportunities for our residents that will pay dividends in the near future. Management will continue to meet with union leadership and employees throughout this budget process in order to find ways to reduce the City’s costs and minimize job loss. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 We will be looking to our citizens to understand, support, and recognize that, in an effort to reduce costs, services must be reduced or limited. We will look to our legislature to support, at the minimum, the Governor’s projected aid to municipalities, and not push the burden down to local taxpayers particularly when we are subjected to numerous state mandates. We will look to our departments and agencies to work with the proposed framework of reduced funding. This is again a year when reduced spending is the norm, and doing more with less is required. Over the last few years, we have pursued several initiatives to lower the cost of services to taxpayers. These efforts include single stream recycling, elimination of refuse bills, consolidation of positions, departments and divisions, implementation of new software, refinancing debt, streamlining processes, introducing new user fees, and energy efficiency investments that have saved the City hundreds of thousands of dollars. The General City departments and the Board of Education have fewer employees than they did ten years ago. (Referring to the second chart on display over a ten year period the number of Board of Education Employees decreased by 10% and the number of City employees decreased by 17%.) This proposed budget before you present the most difficult challenge our City has had in decades. It is a budget proposed to deal with the reality of the serious state, national and global economic downturn. It also reflects the need to provide the services that our City needs to survive and move forward as we eventually come out of this crisis. Many difficult and painful decisions had to be made as we prepared this proposed budget. We in City Hall know we must balance fiscal responsibility with strategic investments. I am confident that under the stewardship of this City Council, committed to the public good and with the collective wisdom of all parties working together towards that end, we will continue the great Norwich tradition of innovation and adaptation. Our State is in a fiscal crisis. Connecticut needs to be competitive in attracting new business and private sector jobs that can grow the economy. We need relief now from unfunded State mandates. There has been a history of unfulfilled commitments from State government to its cities and towns in funding education, local roads, and other programs. To our Mayor and City Council as our leaders, you have recognized the importance to become more self-reliant. Your efforts to develop a strategy to position our great City for economic recovery by energizing the City for new investment are of paramount importance. Healthy, vibrant communities will raise the fortune of all in the State of Connecticut. We have much to celebrate in our heritage and cultural diversity that makes Norwich the story of the promise of America. As we make these painful choices and decisions in these unprecedented economic times, we will, with the support of our state legislators, working together, emerge stronger and more competitive for the future. As you, our City Leaders go through the proposed budget in our upcoming workshops; our staff and I stand ready to support you in this very difficult task. 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 Therefore, I hereby formally transmit to you the City Manager’s proposed budget for the 2010-2011fiscal year. (Final version delivered to the City Council sitting in regular session, in Council Chambers, April 6th 2010, at 7:30 PM) President Pro Tem Desaulniers called for citizen comment. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St., opposes resolution three. Until now he thought the critical part of parenting was the delivery not taking parents by the hand. Another critical area is the numerous number of pregnancies. He gave a handout the stated Medicaid will be cut in the next fiscal year. Keith Ripley, Meadow Lane, asked that as for the upcoming public hearings on the budget that the Council take into consideration that the people who can’t attend, they would allow written statements to be accepted on their behalf. Elizabeth Hamlin, 9 Caulkins Rd., commended the City Council and all the city departments in dealing with the city and all it’s issues. Sheila Hayes, 8 Pin Oak Terrace, stated her concerns about having the public hearings in Council Chambers and wondered if we considered the Middle School. She is in support of resolutions 1 & 2 and wanted to know why the River Fest Committee had to come before the Council every year to sell beer and wine. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave., believes the public should be able to speak on the budget as it is on the agenda. She is in favor of the board of education this year. Andy Depta, 105 Vergason Ave., echos some of Ms. Philbrick’s issues. He thinks the Council violated its rules of procedure by modifying the agenda. Ron Ward, 121 Golden St., was perplexed as to what he can and can’t say and feels he is put in a point of embarrassment. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave., stated that Bev Goulet does a terrific job but we shouldn’t have half the town on welfare and these programs should be cut totally. Upon motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Bergren: RESOLVED, that the first public hearing on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 will be held on Monday, April 12, 2010, 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the second public hearing on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 will be held on Monday, May 10, 2010 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Upon motion of Ald. Caron, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Bergren: 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 WHEREAS, Senior Resources Agency on Aging has Federal Title III funds available for Outreach Services to homebound seniors and Preventive Health Services, and, WHEREAS, The Rose City Senior Center provides Outreach Services and Preventive Health Services to Norwich Seniors, and, WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of Norwich Senior Citizens that the Rose City Senior Center continues to apply for said Federal funding in an amount not to exceed $10,296 for Outreach Services and $5,000 for Preventive Health Services, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORWICH CITY COUNCIL, that the City Manager, Alan H. Bergren, is authorized to apply for funding available through Senior Resources Agency on Aging, on behalf of the Rose City Senior Center. Upon motion of Ald. Caron, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Bergren: WHEREAS, the City of Norwich Youth & Family Services division has a long history of providing case management and support services to young parents, assuring that they have access to quality maternal and child health services, and, WHEREAS, Norwich Youth & Family Services has played a lead role for more then twenty years in coordinating critical services to this population in collaboration with area health, human services and educational institutions, and, WHEREAS, the Department of Health & Human Services Administration For Children And Families has announced the availability of funds in the amount of $85,000 for FY 2010-11 to provide intense case management services to pregnant and parenting Norwich teens, and, WHEREAS, prenatal care is essential in the prevention of mortality and morbidity for both mother and infant, and good birth outcomes are contingent upon a woman’s access to health care and positive family and community supports and experiences, and education and training services are essential for a positive future for these families, and, WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of our area families that Norwich Youth & Family Services apply for funds and function as administrator, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORWICH CITY COUNCIL, that the City Manager, Alan H. Bergren, is authorized to apply for said program funding and is authorized to enter into a contract with the Department of Health & Human Services Administration For Children And Families. Upon motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Popovich, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom: WHEREAS, the River Fest Committee of the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring “River Fest 2010” at the Howard T. Brown Park on Saturday, June 5, 2010;and 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 WHEREAS, “River Fest” allows the entire community to share its cultural heritage with each other and permits festival goers to enjoy the variety of food, music and entertainment; and WHEREAS, The River Fest Committee of the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce has requested permission to sell beer and wine during the festival. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to section 13.14.2 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances, the City Manager is authorized to grant the River Fest Committee of the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce in Norwich permission to serve and sell beer and wine at the River Fest 2010 celebration to be held on June 5, 2010 at the Howard T. Brown Park subject to satisfactory proof that the River Fest Committee of the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce in Norwich has complied with applicable regulations of the State Liquor Commission. Upon motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Caron, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom: BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed as a regular member of the Community Development Advisory Committee with a term to expire on December 31, 2010 or until a successor is appointed: 1. Andreana Becker Upon motion of Ald. Popovich, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to set a date of June 7, 2010 for a public hearing on the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Bergren: AN ORDINANCE RELATIVE TO THE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CITY OF NORWICH AND THE CITY CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT OF SAID CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2010-11. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, the following appropriations hereby are made to meet the expense of the City of Norwich and City Consolidated District of the City of Norwich for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2011 to wit: 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2010-11 REVISED REVISED PROPOSED ADOPTED BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET City Manager 373,098 316,275 261,956 Finance 1,434,055 1,249,469 1,236,569 City Treasurer 200,482 195,497 210,049 Assessment 487,362 356,981 343,847 Human Resources 440,554 357,549 377,221 Law 420,000 420,000 420,000 City Clerk 455,658 375,451 369,291 City Council 205,566 136,887 111,276 Police 10,319,660 10,030,593 10,569,673 Fire - Central 1,728,166 1,600,206 1,695,903 Fire - East Great Plain 142,675 123,721 111,349 Fire - Laurel Hill 71,930 55,786 50,207 Fire - Occum 75,447 75,702 68,132 Fire - Taftville 151,690 125,537 112,983 Fire - Yantic 182,762 126,744 114,070 Recreation 839,107 700,581 528,728 Human Services 1,666,650 1,407,633 958,056 Public Works 7,938,597 9,169,596 9,280,489 Election 165,059 113,529 116,750 Planning & Development 1,202,336 1,047,670 917,721 Economic Development 338,235 272,641 243,000 Debt Service - Principal 3,235,000 3,530,000 3,475,000 Debt Service - Interest 1,198,896 1,007,782 1,100,240 Miscellaneous 6,630,251 6,940,622 6,950,347 Emergency Management 66,632 57,678 52,499 Education 67,191,000 62,580,561 62,580,561 Fire - Special Service 5,003,272 5,641,586 5,817,401 Landfill & Refuse Fund 2,491,309 - - Volunteer Fire Relief Fund 476,162 503,833 519,498 TOTALS 115,131,611 108,520,110 108,592,817 General Operations 33,709,907 32,928,468 32,742,051 Debt Service 4,433,896 4,537,782 4,575,240 Capital Improvements 1,826,065 2,327,880 2,358,066 Education 67,191,000 62,580,561 62,580,561 Fire - Special Service 5,003,272 5,641,586 5,817,401 Landfill & Refuse Fund 2,491,309 - - Volunteer Fire Relief Fund 476,162 503,833 519,498 TOTALS 115,131,611 108,520,110 108,592,817 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 Upon motion of Ald. Popovich, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to set a date of June 7, 2010 for a public hearing on the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Bergren: AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE TAX LEVY ON THE LIST OF OCTOBER 1, 2009 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: Section 1. On the City Assessment list of 2009 a tax of twenty-three and eighty-eight one-hundredths (23.88) mills on the dollar is hereby granted to be levied upon the ratable estate within the City of Norwich of the inhabitants of said City and all others liable to pay taxes therein. Section 2. On the City Assessment list of 2009, a tax of thirty-six one-hundredths (0.36) mills on the dollar, is hereby granted to be levied for fire services upon the ratable estate within the Town Consolidated District of the inhabitants of said District and of all others in said district liable to pay taxes therein. Section 3. On the City Assessment list of 2009, a tax of ninety-eight one-hundredths (3.98) mills on the dollar, is hereby granted to be levied for fire services upon the ratable estate within the City Consolidated District of the inhabitants of said District and of all others in said district liable to pay taxes therein. Section 4. Real Estate and Personal Property, shall become due on July 1, 2010, and payable on said date in whole or in equal installments from that date, namely on July 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011 except that any tax of less than one hundred dollars shall be due and payable on July 1, 2010. If the first installment is not paid on or before August 1, 2010 or if the second installment is not paid on or before February 1, 2011, interest will be charged on any such delinquent payment at the rate of one and one-half (1½%) per cent per month from the due date or $2.00 whichever is greater, as provided for in the general statutes. Any person may pay the total amount of such tax for which he is liable at the time when the first installment shall be payable. Section 5. Motor Vehicle taxes shall become due and payable in whole on July 1, 2010. If the payment is not paid on or before August 1, 2010 interest will be charged on the delinquent payment at the rate of one and one-half (1½%) per cent per month from due date or $2.00 whichever is greater, as provided for in the general statutes. Upon motion of Ald. Hinchey, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to set a date of April 19, 2010 for the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Bergren: AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1577 ADOPTED OCTOBER15, 2007, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 1615 ADOPTED MAY 18, 2009, CONCERNING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND OF THE CITY OF NORWICH WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich by Ordinance 1577 directed the transfer from the general fund of the City of Norwich to the Capital Improvement Fund of the City a sum equal to 50 percent of the revenue remitted to the City of Norwich from real estate conveyance taxes imposed by Connecticut General Statute section 12-494 et seq. as amended; and WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 1615 suspended such transfers for a period of one year commencing July 1, 2009. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Ordinance No. 1577, which provided as follows: 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 Section 1. The Treasurer of the City of Norwich shall, commencing on December 31, 2008, transfer from the General Fund of the City of Norwich to the Capital Improvement Fund of the City of Norwich a sum equal to 50 percent of the revenue remitted to the City of Norwich by the city and town clerk from the real estate conveyance taxes imposed by Connecticut General Statute section 12-494 as amended by section 40 of the Public Act 03-2, and as further amended by section 51 of Public Act 04-216 during the preceding six-month period. Thereafter, the Treasurer shall on June 30 and December 31 of each year transfer from the General Fund of the City of Norwich to the Capital Improvement Fund of the City of Norwich a sum equal to 50 percent of the revenue remitted to the city by the town clerk from said real estate conveyance taxes during the preceding six-month period. Section 2. (a). One quarter of such funds transferred to the Capital Improvement Fund shall be earmarked and be used solely for the purpose of financing the cost of the development of Mohegan Park including the cost of making capital improvements in said pair. No part of said funds shall be expended for the maintenance of said park, except as concerns environment education programs. (b). One quarter of such funds transferred to the Capital Improvement Fund shall be earmarked and be used solely for capital improvements and expansion of recreational facilities and the arts throughout the City of Norwich as directed by Resolution of the Norwich City Council. Upon motion of Ald. Hinchey, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to set a date of April 19, 2010 for a public hearing on the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Bergren: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING A SECTION 28.1 TO ARTICLE I TO PROVIDE A TAX EXEMPTION FOR REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY LEASED TO A CHARITABLE, RELIGIOUS OR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: that Chapter 7 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances be and hereby is amended by adding to it the following provisions: CHAPTER 7 ARTICLE I Sec. 28.1 Pursuant to the authority set forth in Section 12-81(58) of the General Statutes of Connecticut, as amended, real or personal property as described therein shall be exempt from real or personal property taxes provided all of the following requirements are met: 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 5, 2010 (a) The real or personal property is leased to a charitable, religious or nonprofit organization and said organization is exempt from taxation for federal income tax purposes; and (b) The real or personal property described in (a) above is used exclusively for the purpose of such charitable, religious or nonprofit organization; and (c) The real or personal property described in (a) above is not otherwise exempt from taxation under Section 12-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes. PURPOSE: To approve the exemption for such property as required by Connecticut general statute section 12- 81(58). Upon motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:53 PM. CITY CLERK 14