City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held September 6, 2011 at 7:35 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Aldermen Desaulniers, Braddock, Hinchey, Popovich (arrived 7:40) and Mayor Nystrom. City Manager Bergren and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Absent: Ald. Nash. Mayor Nystrom presided. Ald. Caron read the opening prayer and Ald. Braddock led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Upon a motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of July 28, special meeting and August 1 & 15, 2011. A presentation from Bob Farwell, Otis Library, on the scrolls from the “Great Book” was given. He presented the Council with a large scroll of signatures of the people who signed it in support of the Council providing the funding to keep the library open through the summer. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to accept the following report from the Public Works & Capital Committee. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 Upon a motion from Ald. Hinchey, seconded by Ald. Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to accept the following report from the City comptroller, Joseph Ruffo. September 6, 2011 TO THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL: AT THE REQUEST OF THE CITY MANAGER, I HAVE CONSULTED WITH THE CORPORATION COUNSEL AND REVIEWED CERTAIN FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED HIM IN CONFIDENCE BY THE ATTORNEY FOR JOYAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC. INCLUDED IN THE DOCUMENTATION I REVIEWED WERE ACCOUNTANT PREPARED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE ENTITY, RELATED ENTITIES AND FOR GARY F. JOYAL AS PRINCIPAL. I ALSO SPOKE DIRECTLY WITH PAT COLONNA, THE ACCOUNTANT WHO PREPARED THE DOCUMENTATION. MY REVIEW WAS LIMITED TO A REVIEW OF THE CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED ME AND MY CONVERSATION WITH THE ACCOUNTANT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING WHETHER JOYAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC OR ANOTHER ENTITY IN WHICH GARY F. JOYAL IS A PRINCIPAL IS LIKELY TO BE OF SOUND FINANCIAL STANDING SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE REASONABLE ASSURANCE OF BEING FINANCIALLY ABLE TO PERFORM ITS OBLIGATIONS. SUBJECT TO THE ABOVE, IT IS MY OPINION THAT THE DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED GIVES THE CITY SUCH ASSURANCE. Respectfully Submitted, Comptroller Joseph Ruffo 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 The following request was made by James Quarto in respect to an extension on the Reid & Hughes Committee report. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Caron, it was unanimously voted to suspend the rules to add a resolution #7 relative the Reid and Hughes building. Upon a motion from Ald. Popovich, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to suspend the rules to move the acceptance of the Council Special Investigative Committee report to the end of the agenda in order to complete the remainder of the agenda items. City Manager Bergren gave his report as follows: DATE: September 6, 2011 TO: Mayor Peter A. Nystrom & Council Members FROM: Alan H. Bergren, City Manager SUBJECT: City Manager’s Report 1. Upcoming Events/Meetings ♦ The next Mayor’s “One City” meeting will be held on Saturday, September 10th at 9:00 A.M. at the City Fire House. ♦ 9/11 Ten Year Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony will be held on Sunday September 11th, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. At Kelly Middle School in the new Jacqueline Owens Auditorium. 2. Tropical Storm Irene I am taking this opportunity to thank all of the City agencies for their outstanding cooperation to see us through this storm. Our Utility, City and School employees and volunteers did a tremendous job during the storm and during the recovery period. Through-out this month our Public Works Department will be involved in clean-up of brush and debris and Utilities will be monitoring the repairs that have been made to the electrical infrastructure. We continue to monitor other weather systems that may impact us in the near future during this hurricane season. I’d like to give the opportunity now for brief comments from Gene Arters, Emergency Management Director and John Bilda, General Manager of Public Utilities to offer any updated information for the Council and members of the public on items of ongoing interest regarding the storm and/or the recovery process. The Mayor and Council may have questions for other departments as members of our emergency team, and I invite them to ask them following the briefing provided by the Emergency Management Director and the Public Utilities General Manager. Also attached are the preliminary damage estimates submitted to FEMA which were just under $3 million dollars. Council members also received these electronically from my office. 3. Public Safety Fire Chief Scandariato’s staffing report on the long term needs of the Fire Department, which was included in council packs last Friday, is attached. 4. School Opening Just a reminder that school is now in session and there will be children and school buses on the streets again. All drivers should be aware of the laws governing stopping both ways for school buses picking up and discharging children. Our Superintendant of Schools, Abby Dolliver is with us this evening and I would like to give her the opportunity now to address her on the opening day of school. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comments on resolutions. Dale Plummer, 25 Broadway, supports resolution the Reid & Hughes. He stated that downtown Norwich is on the National Register as a historic place. Because the downtown is on the Register it is eligible for a 20% investment tax credit to developers. He feels that we should take the time necessary to get things right. The HPTAG grant is available because the State of Connecticut wants to see good things happen Norwich. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St., supported resolution #5 should be used as a model and should become a standard for officials who have done exceptional service for the city. He stated that in reference to #6 he opposes the resolution. He feels the current plan that was presented years ago should be revised the current price is steep price to pay for a wish list. Keith Ripley, Meadow Lane, commended all the workers of Norwich for their efforts from storm Irene and stated that Norwich should also be recognized for their help in the surrounding towns of Preston and Ledyard. He is also in favor of the resolution for the Reid and Hughes Building extension with this we will have some action without them we will have nothing. Also he recommends that when a professional website designer is contracted for the city they should have past experience in municipal website design. Andy Depta, 105 Vergason Ave., supports resolutions #5 and #6. He expressed his approval of the city recognizing Luis Depina for his many years of dedication as an important honor. He also recommends deferring the action of resolution #6. Because of the cost breakdown per page is about $700., Through his personal experience in this type of work, he feels that this plan is premature and the cost is astronomical. Marvin Serruto, 100 Starr St., sited that the Otis Library is an anchor in our society just like City Hall. He also supports the Reid & Hughes resolution. He stated anytime you can save a piece of history do it and make the Reid and Hughes building productive. There being no further speakers, Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment period closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Hinchey, seconded by Ald. Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Hinchey & Nash: RESOLVED, that the persons listed below, be, and hereby are, re-appointed to the Recreation Advisory Board for a term to expire March 14, 2013. 1. Bob Spayne 2. Ray Stewart 3. John Iovino Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and City Manager, Bergren: 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 WHEREAS, the City Manager Alan H. Bergren has recommended for appointment as the Youth Representative to the Youth Services Advisory Board for a term to expire on 2/1/12 or until a successor is appointed, the following; Sorna Sarker NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby approves the appointments of the above named to the Youth Services Advisory Board. Upon a motion of Ald. Popovich, seconded by Ald. Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager, Bergren: 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 $6,500 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 a motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom: BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that City Manager Alan H. Bergren be and hereby is authorized and directed to prepare and issue an RFP/RFQ to solicit bids for professional services to update the City website. Upon a motion of Ald. Hinchey, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Nash and Hinchey: WHEREAS, Luis DePina was appointed Recreation Director of the City of Norwich on April 10, 1986 and served as such for more than twenty‐five years retiring from city service on July 2, 2011, and; 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 WHEREAS, Luis DePina, as Recreation Director, oversaw improvements to the recreational facilities of the City of Norwich, organized ongoing maintenance for existing facilities, innovated recreational programs and opportunities and promoted and supported recreation for all citizens of Norwich; and WHEREAS, Luis DePina recognized and enhanced the value of programs run by the City Recreation Department, particularly programs available during the school summer vacation and encouraged young people to participate in them; and WHEREAS, Luis DePina worked to maintain as many programs and facilities as possible during difficult budget times creatively raising funds to support recreation and encouraging participants to be responsible for the support of such programs, and; WHEREAS, Luis DePina saw particular value in the facilities available in Mohegan Park as a center of recreation in the City of Norwich and encouraged their use. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich that, in recognition of Luis DePina’s service and dedication for more than twenty‐five years as Recreation Director of the City of Norwich, the recreational field located at the juncture of Reynold’s Road and Mohegan Road be and hereby is to be known as Luis DePina Recreation Field. Upon a motion of Ald. Hinchey, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Hinchey and Popovich: WHEREAS, the City of Norwich, through a request for qualifications process, has selected Planimetrics to assist the City of Norwich in the preparation of a revised Plan of Conservation and Development, and; WHEREAS, the Planimetrics proposal to the City anticipates a process to take up to eighteen months to complete at a cost of $100,000.00, and; WHEREAS, funds for this work are included in the Capital Improvement Account. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich, that City Manager, Alan H. Bergren, be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into an Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Norwich and Planimetrics, Inc. of Avon, Connecticut, in a form satisfactory to the Corporation Counsel, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Norwich that the sum of $100,000.00 be and herby is appropriated for the work to be performed under this agreement, said funds to be taken from the Capital Improvement Account, No. 10211‐80015. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom: WHEREAS, by Resolution adopted February 22, 2011, Council of the City of Norwich appointed Jim Quarto, Richard Caron, Andrew Zeeman, James Troeger, Gary Schnip, Sofee Noblick, Tucker 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 Braddock, Attorney Samuel Browning, and Leland Loose as the Reid and Hughes Committee (the “Committee”) to analyze and make recommendations to the Council as to the repair, restoration, modification and marketing of the Reid and Hughes building, which recommendations were to be made to the Council on or before the first Council meeting of September 2011; and, WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich by Resolution adopted March 21, 2001, authorized City Manager, Alan H. Bergren, to apply for a Connecticut Historic Preservation Technical Assistance Grant, a matching grant of up to $20,000, through the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, said grant to be used to assess and help determine the remediation and use of the Reid and Hughes building; and, WHEREAS, by Resolution adopted July 18, 2011, the City Council acknowledged receipt of a Connecticut Historic Preservation Technical Assistance Grant in the sum of $10,000, which grant could be matched by in-kind services, and appropriated a sum up to and not to exceed $10,000 from the contingency account to serve as the City’s match; and, WHEREAS, the Committee has arranged to have structural and environmental reviews performed and is awaiting final reports detailing the findings; and, WHEREAS, the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation has recommended that an architectural assessment of the Reid and Hughes building be performed as part of the grant awarded the City and has provided the City with a list of qualified firms to make such an assessment of the Reid and Hughes building; and, WHEREAS, the Committee has requested the Council extend the date for its recommendations to the Council to allow it to obtain the reports of the reviews done to date, to select a firm to do an architectural assessment through a request for qualifications/request for proposal process, and to receive such report; and, WHEREAS, it may be helpful to the Committee and the City to have the City historian serve on the Committee. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the time for the Committee to report its recommendations to the Council be extended to the first meeting of the Council in February 2012; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Historian, Dale Plummer, be and hereby is made a member of the Reid and Hughes Committee; and, 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Manager, Alan H. Bergren, be and hereby is authorized on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into an agreement with a firm qualified to perform an architectural assessment of the Reid and Hughes building, as such firm is selected by the Committee, through a request for qualifications or a request for proposal process, provided said agreement is satisfactory to him and that a sufficient amount of funds to pay for this service remains available through the $10,000 Historic Preservation Technical Assistance Grant and the match of the City of Norwich up to the sum of $10,000, and that all funds necessary to pay for the same be taken from account 56507-80015. Upon a motion by Ald. Hinchey, second by Ald. Caron it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of DISCUSSION CONCERNING THE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, PERFORMANCE, EVALUATION, HEALTH OR DISMISSAL OF A PUBLIC OFFICER, APPOINTED BY THE COUNCIL, PROVIDED THAT THE OFFICER DOES NOT REQUIRE IT BE HELD IN PUBLIC MEETING, Attorney David Ryan, Special Labor Counselor, and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll, were asked to participate during all or portions of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council. The council was in Executive Session from 8:55 PM to 10:20 PM (power outage), at which time and Mayor Nystrom stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion by Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Desaulniers it was unanimously voted to reconvene. Upon a motion of Ald. Popovich, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to accept the following report. 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 14 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 15 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 16 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 17 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 18 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 Upon a motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:25 PM. ASSISTANT CITY CLERK 19