City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held October 17, 2011 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Aldermen Desaulniers, Braddock, Hinchey, Popovich and Mayor Nystrom. City Manager Bergren and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Absent: Alderwoman Caron and Alderman Nash. Mayor Nystrom presided. Ald. Hinchey read the opening prayer and Ald. Braddock led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Nystrom read a proclamation in observance of the Extra Mile Day. PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Norwich, Connecticut is a community which acknowledges that a special vibrancy exists within the entire community when its individual citizens collectively “go the extra mile” in personal effort, volunteerism and service; and WHEREAS, Norwich, Connecticut is a community which chooses to shine a light on and celebrate individuals and organizations within its community who “go the extra mile” in order to make a difference and lift up fellow members of their community; and WHEREAS Norwich, Connecticut is a community which encourages its citizens to maximize their personal contribution to the community by giving of themselves wholeheartedly and with total effort, commitment and conviction to their individual ambitions, family, friends and community; and WHEREAS, Norwich, Connecticut acknowledges the mission of the Extra Mile American Foundation to create 100 Extra Mile cities and states in America and is proud to support “Extra Mile Day” on November 1, 2011. NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR PETER A. NYSTROM AND NORWICH CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM, PETE DESAULNIERS, ON BEHALF OF THE NORWICH CITY COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, do hereby proclaim Monday, November 1, 2011 as Extra Mile Day in the City of Norwich. We urge each individual in the community to take time on this day to not only “go the extra mile” in his or her own life, but to also acknowledge all those around who are inspirational in their efforts and commitment to make their organizations, families, community, country or world a better place. Dated this First Day of November, 2011 Peter Albert Nystrom Pete Desaulniers Mayor President Pro Tem Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to accept a report from J. P. Mereen Harbor Management Commission, on the Waterfront Vision Report. Bob Mills, NCDC, gave a report on the status and update of the Downtown Revitalization Program. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 Bill Block, City Purchasing Agent and Brian Curtin, City Treasurer gave the following report on the restoration of the Sara Osgood Statue to Yantic Cemetery. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here tonight to inform you of the project to restore the Sarah Osgood statue and return it to its place in the Yantic cemetery. After Norwich Police recovered the statue pieces, they were held as evidence until the Spring of this year when they were turned over to the Department of Public Works to be stored. At that point, I was contacted by the Street Maintenance Superintendant to investigate the feasibility of repairing the statue. As the statue had been cut into several large pieces as opposed to numerous small ones, restoration appeared possible. I contacted the Director of the Slater Museum for advise on a restoration specialist. I was given the name of Barbara Mangum of Sculpture and Decorative Arts Conservation Services of Somerville, Ma. While I was making this inquiry, the City Treasurer informed me that there were substantial funds in the Cemetery Trust Fund Account and this project seemed an appropriate use of the funds. The Treasurer and I discussed this issue with the Corporation Counsel and the Judge of Probate. There were no statutes or regulations apparent that would prevent the use of the cemetery funds for this project. The ordinance governing this fund states that they shall be dispensed by the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager. The funds are not public money. In June, I met with Ms. Mangum and showed her the sculpture pieces. Ms. Mangum determined that the sculpture could be restored. New England Sculpture Service, an art foundry in Chelsea, Ma, will reassemble it. The cost will be $22,000-25,000, including transportation back to Norwich and reinstallation at its original location. Public Works personnel would deliver the statue to the studio. Ms. Mangum is an eminently qualified conservationist. She was recently awarded a Boston Preservation Alliance 2011 Preservation Achievement Award for the restoration of the Brewer Fountain on Boston Common. To further safeguard this significant work of art, I have researched the cost of reinstalling a fence around the Osgood plot. A substantial, architecturally appropriate fence would cost roughly $20,000. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to accept the following report from Capehart Ventures, LLC . 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 James Quarto, Chairman Reid & Hughes Committee gave an interim report from the Reid & Hughes Committee. City manager gave his report as follows: DATE: October 17, 2011 TO: Mayor Peter A. Nystrom & Council Members FROM: Alan H. Bergren, City Manager SUBJECT: City Manager’s Report 1. Upcoming Events/Meetings • On October 27, 2011, the Mayor will host a presentation in Room 335 of City Hall on the Norwichtown Mall rebuilding project. All are welcome to attend. • The City Clerk’s office will be closed on Friday, October 28, 2011 from 11 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. to complete an update of their land records computer systems. 2. Public Works Public Works recently hired a nationally renowned cemetery restoration expert to train several staff members on the proper means and methods in repairing, restoring and rehabilitating cemetery headstones and monuments. Public Works intends to employ the means and methods learned once the brush and leaf pickup schedules are completed. 3. Finance The Finance office is in the process of preparing an official statement in order to issue bonds for authorized projects. The Administration, NPU, Finance and the Economic development team will be meeting with Moody’s rating agency in New York to determine a rating. This is necessary in order for the City to sell to investors who are concerned about the safety of their investments. The Finance office believes that there is a good story to be told and look forward to making a presentation on the City’s financial strengths. The bonds sold include the Kelly Jr. High renovation as well as sewer and road construction. The total bonds of to be sold is $8,680,000, and the sale date is anticipated for November 30, 2011. Moody’s report will be available in mid-November, and distributed then. 4. Manager’s Goals At your regular meeting on November 21st I will be submitting an update on the Manager’s 2011-12 goals that were set with the City Council at my last review. These will include quarterly reports from all agencies under the Manager’s jurisdiction on departments meeting their goals as set forth in the 2011-12 budget. There were nine goals set for the City Manager by the City Council and I will be providing an update on each one for this first quarter. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on resolutions. 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 Dale Plummer, 25 Broadway, endorsed resolution #5. He also stated his pleasure in the restoration of the Sarah Osgood Statue and passed around a photo of the statue prior to its theft commenting his belief that the selection of Ms. Mangum for the preservation is an excellent choice. Kevin Harkin, 37 Lincoln Ave., spoke in favor of resolution #5 and stated the importance of the Council endorsement as proof of the importance, credibility and accountability of the work that this committee is doing to raise money at the highest standards and fiscal responsibility for this project. Susan Misenheimer, 57 Sholes Ave., supports resolution #5. She also suggested in regard to resolution #4 in the search for a new City Clerk that we look throughout the area not just locally and in the future take a look at the protocols so we don’t have a repeat of the issues that have arisen. Andy Depta, 105 Vergason Ave., questioned the need to lease the land in resolutions #6 & #7 when the is no cost to the city. There being no further speakers, Mayor Nystrom, declared citizen comment on resolutions closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager, Alan H. Bergren: WHEREAS, the City Manager Alan H. Bergren has re-appointed as regular members to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term to expire on 2/28/13 or until a successor is appointed; Joseph Jacaruso (D) Marc Benjamin (D) WHEREAS, the City Manager Alan H. Bergren has appointed alternate members to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term to expire on 2/28/13 or until a successor is appointed; Joe East (D) Peter Cuprak (R) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby acknowledges the re-appointment of the above named to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Upon a motion of Ald. Hinchey, seconded by Ald. Popovich, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Peter A. Nystrom and Ald. Desaulniers: WHEREAS, the City of Norwich plans to make repairs and structural improvements to the entrances to City Hall from Union Street and Sanquedolce Plaza; and WHEREAS, this project may be eligible for a grant under the historic restoration fund administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, $200.000 being the maximum grant amount available. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich that City Manager Alan H. Bergren be and hereby is authorized, empowered and directed to execute and deliver in the name of the City of Norwich an application and all documents, reports, plans and other materials necessary to make a 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 $200,000 grant application to the Historic Restoration Fund administered by the State of Connecticut Historic Preservation Office. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Peter A. Nystrom and Ald. Desaulniers: WHEREAS, the City of Norwich and the State of Connecticut propose to enter into an agreement permitting federal financial assistance for the engineering design phase of the rehabilitation of the Sunnyside Street Bridge over the Yantic River project, State Project No. 103‐261; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it will be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to enter into such an agreement with the State of Connecticut NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich that Alan H. Bergren, City Manager, be, and hereby is, authorized to sign the agreement entitled “Agreement between the State of Connecticut and the City of Norwich for the Construction, Inspection and Maintenance Required for the Rehabilitation of the Sunnyside Street (Bridge #40746) over the Yantic River Utilizing Federal Funds from the Highway Bridge Program. Upon a motion of Ald. Popovich, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Peter A. Nystrom : WHEREAS, Sandra Greenhalgh has resigned her position as city and town clerk for the City of Norwich effective October 11, 2011; and WHEREAS, municipal elections will take place on November 8, 2011 with the new city council to take office on December 6, 2011; and WHEREAS, the new city council shall then appoint a town and city clerk to serve for a term of two years; and WHEREAS, the current Council of the City of Norwich finds that it would be helpful to receive applications and resumes from individuals interested in the position of town and city clerk and to arrange interviews to assist in this decision NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich that City Manager Alan H. Bergren, on behalf of the Council of the City of Norwich, and utilizing such processes and city employees as he may find necessary or expedient, seek applicants for the position of town and city clerk and, on behalf of the Council, obtain resumes and recommendations with respect to such individuals and report the same to the Council of the City of Norwich prior to its meeting scheduled for November 21, 2011. Upon a motion of Ald. Hinchey, seconded by Ald. Braddock, to accept the following resolution introduced by Mayor Peter A. Nystrom and Ald. Desaulniers: . 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 WHEREAS, the Emancipation Proclamation celebration in 1863 symbolized the support in Norwich for ending slavery and the men and women from Norwich who served on the side of the Union during the United States Civil War which began in April of 1861 and ended in 1865; and WHEREAS, when in 1863 the Emancipation Proclamation was announced, it received support from William A. Buckingham, then Governor of Connecticut, and from the Mayor and City Council of Norwich; and WHEREAS, James Lloyd Greene, Republican mayor of Norwich, ordered the bells of the city to be rung for one hour and a one hundred gun salute fired in honor of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 2, 1863. This celebration was an important symbolic gesture of the importance of the event, and of the enthusiasm of the majority of the citizens. It was intended to be the first public celebration of the Proclamation in the State of Connecticut; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and remember the150th anniversary of the United States Civil War with various events, a commemorative bell cast, forged, erected and maintained and a memorial court to honor the men and women from Norwich who served in the United States Civil War on the grounds of 100 Broadway (Norwich City Hall); and WHEREAS, Council of the City of Norwich wishes to encourage donations to help with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and honoring those who served in the United States Civil War from Norwich.; and WHEREAS, these donations shall be made payable to the City of Norwich and will be deposited into the City of Norwich 150th United State Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation Commemorative Committee Fund account S9926-75000; and WHEREAS, the donations and expenditures of those donations would be required to follow all of the laws, policies and procedures of the City of Norwich including , but not limited to accounting, purchasing, risk management and cash handling; and NOW AND THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the City Historian be authorized to convene a committee to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. The functions of said committee, which shall include raising of funds and expending those donations for the purpose of casting and maintaining a memorial bell to be erected on the grounds of Norwich City Hall and to coordinate any other activities or events to commemorate the Emancipation Proclamation within the City of Norwich. The name of the committee shall be the Emancipation Proclamation Commemoration Committee (EPCC). The membership of the committee will be at minimum at least one representative from the Norwich Clergy Association, Norwich Branch NAACP, Norwich Historical Society, Friends of the Norwich Bells and the Office of the Mayor of the City of Norwich or his designee Upon a motion of Ald. Popovich, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to amend the above resolution by adding “and the Office of the Mayor of the City of Norwich or his designee.” to the end of the resolution. The motion was unanimously voted to adopt as amended. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Peter A. Nystrom : 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 WHEREAS, the City of Norwich leases approximately 12,050 square feet of land from the State of Connecticut located on the west side of the Yantic River off West Thames Street (CT. Route 32) at its intersection of West Main Street (CT. Route 82) which lease will expire on October 31, 2011; and WHEREAS, the City has the option to renew the lease agreement for an additional five year term for no monetary rental fee; and WHEREAS, the Council finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to exercise this option and to extend the lease from November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2016. 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 sign such documentation as is necessary to acknowledge and accept this lease extension on behalf of the City of Norwich and to sign and deliver it and such other documentation as may be necessary to extend the lease. Upon a motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Peter A. Nystrom : WHEREAS, the City of Norwich leases land from the State of Connecticut located on the east side of the west branch of the Yantic River off West Main Street (CT. Route 82) near its intersection of West Thames Street (CT. Route 32) which lease will expire on January 31, 2012; and WHEREAS, the City has the option to renew the lease agreement for an additional five year term for no monetary rental fee; and WHEREAS, the Council finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to exercise this option and to extend the lease from February 1, 2012 to January 31, 2017. 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 sign such documentation as is necessary to acknowledge and accept this lease extension on behalf of the City of Norwich and to sign and deliver it and such other documentation as may be necessary to extend the lease. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, under suspension of the rules, to introduce, and set a public hearing on for the following ordinance introduced by Ald. Desaulniers, Hinchey, and Popovich: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 19-1 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES – SNOW, SLEET AND ICE REMOVAL OR SANDING – TIME FOR REMOVAL OF SNOW AND SLEET BY PRIVATE PERSON TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TIME TO REMOVE SNOW AND SLEET FROM A SIDEWALK WHEREAS, Section 19-1 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances presently requires that the owner, occupant or person having the care of any building or lot of land bordering on any street, square, or public place in the City of Norwich where there is a sidewalk shall cause all snow and sleet to be removed therefrom within three (3) 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 hours after the same has fallen or is otherwise deposited on the sidewalk or within three (3) hours after sunrise when the snowfall or deposit occurs in the nighttime; and WHEREAS, after consideration, the Public Works and Capital Improvement Committee of the City of Norwich, finding that three (3) hours is often an inadequate amount of time to accomplish this, and the plowing of snow on public streets or adjoining property can cause a new deposit or redeposit of snow on sidewalks previously cleared, and recommends extending the time for the removal to twelve (12) hours following a storm ending during daylight hours or six (6) hours after sunrise for a storm ending during the night hours. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Section 19-1 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances be amended as follows: Sec 19-1. – Snow, sleet and ice removal or sanding – Time for removal of snow and sleet by private person. The owner, occupant or any person having the care of any building or lot of land bordering on any street, square, or public place in the city where there is a sidewalk shall cause to be removed therefrom all snow and sleet within three twelve (12) hours after the same shall have fallen, been deposited or found, or within three six (6) hours after sunrise when the same shall have occurred in the nighttime. Purpose: To increase the hours within which snow or sleet is to be removed from certain sidewalks. Upon motion of Ald. Popovich, seconded by Ald. Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted, set a public hearing, with second reading and action on the ordinance on November 21, 2011 for the above ordinance. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment. Sam Browning, 671 Scotland Rd. addressed the cost estimate for the Reid & Hughes could be 1.5 to 5 million depending on what is done on the interior of the building. He also stated that based on the report, Becker and Becker is not offering a cost analysis. Andy Depta, 105 Vergason Ave., requested that some type of explanation be put into the City Manager’s Report at the next meeting with regards to avoiding the problems that occurred in City Clerk’s office and assurance that other departments have been looked at to be sure similar practices don’t exist. Some reporting of the actions or processes that are being implemented to prevent future problems like the ones that have occurred.. James Quarto, 25 Elmwood Ave., stated in reading the latest Bloomberg Report the federal government doesn’t know how to handle the present foreclosed homes crisis and he suggests that we do something locally in terms of an investigative committee to find some solutions locally. Keith Ripley, Meadow Lane, submitted some ideas on how to bolster the Greenville community and he suggests that November 29th at 7:00 will be the first meeting of the POCD and he invites people to be there and ask him about it as well as he is the public’s representative. 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH October 17, 2011 Barry Ellison, Public Works Director, clarified that the stair project does not include the Broadway entrance just the main entrance and Union street. There being no further speakers, Mayor Nystrom, declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Popovich, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to cancel the first Council meeting on November 7, 2011. Upon a motion by Ald. Hinchey, second by Ald. Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy and negotiation with respect to pending claims and litigation, City manager, Alan H. Bergren, and Corporation Counsel, Michael Driscoll, and Deputy Comptroller, Josh Pothier 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 9:05 PM to 9:10 PM, at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion by Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey it was unanimously voted to reconvene. Upon motion of Ald. Hinchey, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:12 PM. ASSISTANT CITY CLERK 14