City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 17, 2012 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held January 17, 2012 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Aldermen Desaulniers, Noblick, Braddock, Hinchey, Bettencourt, Jaskiewicz and Mayor Nystrom. City Manager Bergren and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Nystrom presided. Ald. Bettencourt read the opening prayer and Ald. Jaskiewicz led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Nystrom read the following Proclamation: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that a person’s worth should not be measured by his or her color, culture, or class, but rather by his or her commitment to creating a better life for all by living a life of service for others; and WHEREAS, Dr. King’s message of peace and service and his dream of pursuing a world free from prejudice and injustice lives on and has not been forgotten since his tragic death on April 4, 1968; and WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of racial equality, understanding, service and social justice is an inspiration to all of us; and WHEREAS, service to others is a bond that unites us as citizens and helps us to define a vision achievable by working for the common good; and WHEREAS, there are many ways to show service and respect to others, such as collecting books for schools or food for a food bank, planting a tree, donating blood, volunteering at a senior center, or serving meals to the homeless, and many others; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich joins with others in this community in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his ideals. NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR PETER ALBERT 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, urge all citizens to join me in the celebration thereof, and to take this opportunity to reflect upon Dr. King’s message of the principles of justice and equality for all peoples, and pursuing the ideal of the spirit of one America. Dated this Sixteenth Day of January, 2012 Peter A. Nystrom Pete Desaulniers Mayor President Pro Tem 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 17, 2012 Mayor Nystrom presented to Sheila Hayes, a member an a wonderful volunteer of the local NAACP Chapter. Update Report by the Reid & Hughes Committee, by Jim Quarto, Chm. Presentation by Norwich Youth and Family services, by Kay Eyberse. CITY MANAGER Bergren gave his report as follows: DATE: January 17, 2012 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 Forum will be held this Saturday, January 21st at 9:00 A.M. at the Laurel Hill Volunteer Fire Department. 2. Public Works • The Public Works Department recently applied for and received a $200,000 matching grant from the State Historic Preservation Office to rehabilitate the two exterior stairways at City Hall. Design plans are nearly complete and the project is expected to be completed this calendar year. • With the season's first snowfall of the year upon us residents and contractors are reminded that it is illegal to plow, push or blow snow into or across a public street. 3. Financial Superintendant of schools Abby Dolliver and school business manager, Athena Nagel met with Comptroller Joseph Ruffo, Deputy Comptroller Josh Pothier and me today on preliminary information relating to the upcoming 2012-13 budget. The finance officials, school officials and I will continue to meet over the next few weeks as we continue to work on the proposed budget for next fiscal year that I will be submitting to the Council in April. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 17, 2012 Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on resolutions Keith Ripley, Meadow Lane, spoke in favor of Resolution # 4 stating it is very timely, Councilwoman Noblick’s, appointment making her able to attend the workshops in Greenville. Pleased that Resolution #7 was thoroughly written binding Norwich over all Southeastern Connecticut Community and is in support of the goals of The Coast Guard Academy and the City of New London. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, commented on resolution #6 the intermodal system which seems to expend a lot of money. Believed that resolution #7 The Coast Guard needs to be accommodated by the City of New London. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, spoke in opposition to resolution # 6 there is no data that supports this project. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave, spoke on resolution # 6 requesting that the ‘schedule A’ items be posted. Beverly Goulet, 324 Canterbury Tpke., Praised, Kay Eyberse, Angelo Callis, Pat Dixe, from Youth and Family Services, on their incredible job working with the community. There being no further speakers, Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment on resolutions closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Peter A. Nystrom. BE IT RESOLVED, that the following persons be appointed to the Ethics Commission for a term to expire on October 18, 2013 or until a successor is appointed. Regular member 1. Robert E. Davidson 2. Tammy Lanier 3. Ira W. Misenheimer, IV 4. Wayne D. Rosenfield 5. Joseph Sastre Alternates 1. Marcia Marien 2. Robert Alan High 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 17, 2012 Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Alan H. Bergren. WHEREAS, on May 21, 2001 the Council of the City of Norwich approved a resolution which noted that the Norwich Redevelopment Agency, at a special meeting held on May 7, 2001, had designated “New Renaissance, L.L.C.” as the developer for 50‐52 Broadway; and WHEREAS, the Council then resolved to authorize City Manager, William G. Tallman, to execute a deed to “New Renaissance, L.L.C.” upon the completion of what was described as Phase I in a renovation plan presented to the Norwich Redevelopment Agency at its meeting of May 7, 2001; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich entered into a development agreement with “New Renaissance, LTD.” dated August 6, 2001; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich, by quitclaim deed recorded in volume 1744 at page 213 of the Norwich Land Records conveyed said property to “New Renaissance, L.L.C.”, said deed dated August 23, 2002 and recorded February 25, 2003; and WHEREAS, the entity as formed by a filing made with the Connecticut Secretary of the State on February 19, 1999 was named “New Renaissance, LTD. Liability Company” and that entity mortgaged 50‐52 Broadway to the Jewett City Savings Bank by mortgage deed recorded in volume 2530, page 284 of the Norwich Land Records, said mortgage was dated January 30, 2009 and recorded February 2, 2009; and WHEREAS, the Connecticut Attorneys Title Insurance Company has notified the city that its deed should have been to the “New Renaissance LTD. Liability Company” and requests the City of Norwich issue a correcting deed to cure the title defect and ensure the title is marketable. 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 execute a correcting quitclaim deed for 50‐ 52 Broadway from the City of Norwich to New Renaissance, LTD. Liability Company, together with an amended State of Connecticut Real Estate Conveyance Tax Form, if necessary, and any affidavit or other document or documents required to ensure the title to the property is marketable and to cause all of the same to be delivered to the Connecticut Attorneys Title Insurance Company. 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. BE IT RESOLVED, that Council President Pro Tem Pete Desaulniers be and hereby is appointed to the Sachem Fund Committee to fill a position designated for a sitting member of the city council, said term to continue so long as President Pro Tem Desaulniers continues as a sitting member of the city council. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 17, 2012 Upon a motion of Ald. Jaskiewicz, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Peter A. Nystrom. BE IT RESOLVED, that Alderwoman Sofee Noblick be appointed to the Plan of Conservation and Development Subcommittee. Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, second by Hinchey it unanimously voted to amend the following resolution by removing Jennifer Christopher’s name from the committee. Upon a motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following amended resolution introduced by Mayor Peter A. Nystrom. BE IT RESOLVED, that the following be and hereby are appointed members of the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee to serve until December 31, 2012 or until their successors are appointed Kerry R. Bilda Jennifer Christopher Brandon Hyde Mikel Middleton Kevin Crowley AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Alderwoman Deb Hinchey President Pro Tem Pete Desaulniers Alderwoman Sofee Noblick be and hereby are appointed council members of the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee their terms to expire upon completion of their term of office as members of the Council. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 17, 2012 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. WHEREAS, the Norwich Community Development Corporation (“NCDC”), the Southeast Area Transit District (“SEAT”) and the City of Norwich (the “City”) propose to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, in connection with SEAT’s operations of its commuter bus service at the Intermodal Transportation Center; and WHEREAS, SEAT has advised NCDC and the City it will contribute up to $120,000 towards the interior buildout of the Intermodal Transportation Center, said funds to come from the Federal Transit Authority and requiring a 20% match by the City of Norwich, that is a sum of up to $24,000. 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 a Memorandum of Understanding satisfactory to him, but substantially incorporated the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding attached hereto as Exhibit A, and to deliver original, executed, duplicate copies of the same to the Norwich Community Development Corporation and the Southeast Area Transit District; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the sum of $24,000 be taken from the Capital Contingency Account #10212‐88000 for the purpose described herein MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING This is a Memorandum of Understanding by and between the Norwich Community Development Corporation (“NCDC”), City of Norwich (the “City”) and Southeast Area Transit (“SEAT”). NCDC, on behalf of the City, is constructing the Intermodal Transportation Center (“ITC”), from which SEAT will be operating its commuter bus service. In connection with SEAT’s operation at the ITC, NCDC was to buildout interior space for the waiting room, public lavatories, ticket booth, lavatories for drivers, and rooms for security and a break room (the “SEAT Space”). SEAT provided NCDC with certain specifications for the fitout of the SEAT Space. NCDC has advised SEAT that the Project funding did not contain sufficient funds for the fitout in accordance with SEAT specifications, and that NCDC was planning to make certain changes to the specifications, i.e., changes to the security system and removal of certain items from the concourse. SEAT has advised NCDC and the City that it would contribute up to $120,000 for the Project if NCDC and the City would restore the items as set forth on Schedule “A” to the Project. The funds provided by SEAT are from the Federal Transit Authority and require a 20% match by the City, and the City has agreed to provide the 20% match up to $24,000. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 17, 2012 Therefore, in consideration of NCDC and the City restoring those items to the Project as listed on Schedule “A” hereto, SEAT agrees to contribute up to $120,000, and the City agrees to match such contribution a the rate of 20% of the contribution up to $24,000. Dated: January ______, 2012 NORWICH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BY_____________________________________________________________ CITY OF NORWICH BY_____________________________________________________________ SOUTHEAST AREA TRANSIT BY_____________________________________________________________ SCHEDULE “A” to MOU By SEAT, CITY OF NORWICH & NORWICH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Ticket Counter & Bullet Resistant Glass $32,014.00 Aluminum Ceil in lieu of acoustical $25,649.00 Porcelain Floor $12,495.00 Security Conduit $25,249.00 Security Cameras $40,000.00 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 17, 2012 Upon a motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Braddock, to it was unanimously voted to postpone the following resolution until February 21, 2012. RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR COAST GUARD EXPANSION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard has had a substantial presence in New London County for over 100 years, including the Coast Guard Academy, a Coast Guard station, and the Coast Guard Research and Development Center; and WHEREAS, the presence of the United States Coast Guard in New London County has been and remains a substantial contributor to the maritime heritage, economic development, homeland security, higher education, and quality of life of the entire region; and WHEREAS, the governmental and business leadership of the City of Norwich recognize and appreciate the important role which members, retirees and supporters of the United States Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Academy have played in the economic and civic life of the community; and WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard has publicly expressed its interest in expanding the facilities of the Coast Guard Academy in New London and in locating a national Coast Guard Museum in that City; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich supports and encourages the efforts of concerned citizens in the City of New London to collaborate with the United States Coast Guard in meeting its needs for expanded and additional facilities in that City; and WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard has publicly expressed its willingness to consider alternative locations for additional Coast Guard facilities outside of the City of New London in the event that appropriate land and public support cannot be obtained in that community; and WHEREAS, there are public and private holdings of land in Norwich along the Thames River and elsewhere that could be made available for use by the United States Coast Guard in the event that such land is needed in the future to meet its needs. NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Norwich that: 1. The Council of the City of Norwich confirms its support for the expansion of the Coast Guard Academy’s facilities in the City of New London and the location of a National Coast Guard Museum in the City of New London, or in such other alternative locations in New London County as may be feasible and necessary to meet the Coast Guard’s requirements for said facilities in a timely manner if appropriate locations cannot be obtained in the City of New London. 2. The Mayor will prepare and send a letter of support containing this Resolution to the Coast Guard Commandant, the Coast Guard Academy Superintendant, and the Mayor of the City of New London. 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 17, 2012 3. The Mayor will form an ad hoc committee consisting of not less than six individuals with economic development experience and/or knowledge of the Coast Guard for the purposes of: (i) ensuring that the continued support of the City of Norwich is fully communicated to Coast Guard officials; (ii) participating in such preliminary discussions as may be appropriate with Coast Guard representatives, (iii) identifying possible alternative locations for Coast Guard facilities in Norwich and elsewhere, and (iv) exploring the feasibility of such alternative locations. The Mayor shall be an ex officio member of the committee and shall appoint to the committee not less than six individuals with established economic development experience and/or knowledge of the Coast Guard including the Director of Planning and Neighborhood Services, at least one member of the City Council, and other interested private citizens or governmental officials. 4. The Mayor will report back to the Council on the status of the Committee’s efforts at the first meeting of the Council in March and at such subsequent Council meetings as may be required. Upon a motion by Ald. Hinchey, second by Ald. Jaskiewicz, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing commercial and financial information given to them in confidence and not requested to be disclosed by statute, City manager, Alan H. Bergren, and Corporation Counsel, Michael Driscoll, and Comptroller, Joseph Ruffo, Attorney Marc Block, Robert Mills, and Frank Blanchard, Norwich Commercial Development Corporation 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 8:25 PM to 9:08 PM, at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Hinchey to return to regular session. Upon a motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Bettencourt, it was adjourned at 9:09 PM. CITY CLERK 9