City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 14, 2012 The second Public Hearing for the 2012-2013 fiscal year was held May 14, 2012 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Aldermen Desaulniers, Braddock, Hinchey, Noblick, Bettencourt, Jaskiewicz and Mayor Nystrom. City Manager Bergren and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Nystrom opened the public hearing. Aaron Daniels, Union St, Board of Education member, spoke in favor of the education budget; we should put education at the top. Putting education at the top will get you ‘everything’ you want for your city. Beverly Goulet, Director of Human Services, asked for the second time, that the council reconsider adding a critical part time position to this department. Thanked the volunteers who helped the income tax program. Please reconsider adding this part time position. Abby Dolliver, Superintendent of Schools, Thanked the council for letting her speak. Stated that the 5% increase is for day to day operations, to keep the schools running smoothly. Asked that ECS monies be kept separate from the (city budget) this money is to embrace school reform strategies. To get the ECS monies a program has to be established. Keith Ripley, Meadow Lane, Thanked the council about something to talk about. 1. Supported the Library as it’s cultural, crucial and important to educate everyone. 2. Thought the Taste of Italy brings a lot to the city- but we need to be fair and not single out anyone. 3. School system stimulus money should be used, (we don’t want mandates). School budget should be on its own merit. 4. Need someone who is passionate to build back the next program. Cheryl Egan, 82 Whitman Ave, supports the Norwich Public Schools budget. Stated loyalty and longevity of the staff who work in the Norwich school system makes us a strong community. Adopt the proposed budget. Dennis Slopak, 8 North 2nd Ave, Board of Education member, Conservative, asked for approval on the entire budget as requested. Time to conserve and preserve what this town has. Joyce Werden, 13 Lost Acres Rd, Board of Education member, supports the budget and would like it fully funded. Change the face of Norwich by acting boldly to set an upward direction, accept this budget. Thomas St George, 15 Shore Rd, teacher, thanked and respects Mayor Nystrom for his tireless work and dedication. Support the education budget. Invest in our children’s education, the time has come. Beth Hanlon, 9 Caulkins Rd, teacher, stated that Norwich teachers are committed and devoted. Norwich school system doesn’t have as many items as neighboring town schools, so support and fund this budget so we can be competitive. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 14, 2012 Laura Wedge, 24 Caulkins Rd., Co-chair of PTO, spoke in favor of the Education budget, stated that teacher give 110% of their time and energy for our kids, the education budget shouldn’t get less than 5%. Students shouldn’t be let down, make our school a place of pride. Let’s invest in education. Jennifer Tyler with daughter Bella, Sunnyside Ave, parent, spoke in favor of increasing the budget by 5%, disappointed in the lack of increase in the budget. Believes the Library should be fully funded, Bella her daughter reads and enjoys the Library. Peter Procko, 27 Cooper St., Chair of the Greenville Neighbor Revitalization Zone, Felt that the Police Resource Officer program was a great asset. The police present assist people in the community, policing is what we need. Fund the Police department. Kathy Warzecha, 47 High Meadow Lane, supports the Board of Education budget. Invest in our students and bring back the programs we lost so we can compete. Education is important. Christy Gilluly, 39 East Town St., school employee, supports funding the education budget and not short change our students and children. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, felt the Board of Education is doing a terrific job. Believes that the City Managers gave us a budget and we need to strike a balance on what the city can afford. It’s very expensive to live here. Strike a balance. Yvette Jacaruso, 192 Whitman Ave., Chair of the Board of Education, Supports the education budget, stating that economic development needs an educated populous. Asked that all options be considered so we can have a world class school system. Put education on top of your list. David Crabb, Greenville, Felt that priorities are needed to be kept in order don’t approve this tunnel vision budget. Chuck Cottle, Maennerchor Ave., commented that everyone needs an education to keep up with the changing world economy. Children need to get as much technical education as possible. Al Mayo, Russell Rd., Stated that more police and fire fighters should be hired. Feels the education budget should get a 5% increase. Complimented the atmosphere at the Library. Approve this budget. Cora Lee Boulware, 385 New London Tpke., believes that education is real to do what ever you chose, no one can take education away from you. Spoke in favor of securing the city to have a police, fire and library. Let do our best to secure our city to assist people because one day they may assist you. John Levangie, 85 Lawler Lane, Vice-chair of School Board, supports education, feels we have a decline in the education of our children by not funding this budget. Schools have lost safety officer (less safe environment), lost of language and music programs (important programs). Let’s look in a different direction, give education a chance and we will get this city back. Jack Maliszewski, Taftville, Neighborhood watch program, stated that the police have done an outstanding job to reduce crime. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 14, 2012 John Blackburn, Alice St., stressed that putting education against the elderly on a fixed income is wrong. Use common sense and look at the big picture remembering the elderly. Andy Depta, 105 Vergason, challenges the council to define goals, define a schedule, set a tracking system and follow the success of the outcome. If not successful change the goal and lower funds. Board of Education should come back next year and tell of the success. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm St, spoke with mixed emotions that everything should be taken into consideration. Stated education is important so is the rest of the package. More police and fire services are needed in the city. A better example should be set for future generations. There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the public hearing closed at 9:20 PM. CITY CLERK 3