City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 21, 2012 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held May 21, 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. Hinchey read the opening prayer and Ald. Noblick led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ald. Bettencourt read the following Proclamation: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Relay For Life of Southeastern CT is the signature activity of the American Cancer Society and celebrates cancer survivors and caregivers, remembers loved ones lost to the disease and empowers individuals and communities to fight back against cancer; and WHEREAS, money raised by Relay For Life of Southeastern CT totaling nearly $ 1.5 million dollars in it's existence and helps supports the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives and creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays – by helping people stay well, get well, by finding cures for cancer and by fighting back; and WHEREAS, on June 9 and 10, 2012 attendees have formed 40 teams with 350 participants will walk for 24 hours, taking turns in shifts of thirty minutes to two hours at the event being held at the Senator Thomas Dodd Stadium, thanks to the Connecticut Tigers and the entire Tigers Organization; and WHEREAS, the Relay For Life of Southeastern CT is also a celebration of cancer survivorship and includes a victory lap for cancer survivors, which is an emotional time and reinforces the importance of this event; and; WHEREAS, Relay For Life is the largest not-for-profit event in the world and under the guidance and leadership of the American Cancer Society, has grown in it’s service to the Rose City and surrounding towns and cities. 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, do hereby proclaim Monday, May 21, 2012 as Relay For Life of Southeastern CT Day in the City of Norwich Dated this Twenty First Day of May, 2012 Peter Albert Nystrom Pete Desaulniers Mayor President Pro Tem 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 21, 2012 Mayor Nystrom called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2­55(a) TO ADD TWO ADDITIONAL ALTERNATE MEMBERS TO THE ETHICS COMMISSION. Speaking in favor: Robert Davidson, 119 Cedar St., Chair of the Ethic Commission, Spoke in favor of the minor changes of having two additional alternate members. These changes would help reduce the chance of not having the enough votes do to regular members and alternates recuing themselves. Speaking in opposition: None There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Nystrom called for a Public Hearing on RELATIVE TO A RESOLUTION ON THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ALLOCATIONS PY 2012. Speaking in favor: Cathy Zeiner, Executive Director, Women Center S.E. CT, spoke in favor of grant #9, where they save live, restore hope, and change the future of 6,000 victims that suffer domestic violence and sexual assault in SE CT every year. Spoke in favor of keeping the 5,000. to support the Norwich based Women’s Center of S.E. CT. This program has served many citizens, and has provided prevention in Kelly Middle School. We need money for a walk in center so hoping this will be restored. Asking for funding to this item. Roger Mason, representative for TVCCA and Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board, supports the Norwich Block grant #12 they are promoting the step up program to area businesses. It provides employment programs and helps the employer hire new employees. Bev Goulet on behalf of Gary Evans, spoke in favor of supporting the CDBG funding. Explained and overview of the CDBG program; the program works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our community, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of business. Lee Ann Gomes- Human Services, spoke in favor of #2 stated that homeless hospitality center grant housed 73 % of the people that stayed in our shelters. It is very difficult to raise funds every year, no city money is use, it is all grants. This program has a positive impact on the city, asking for this to be 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 21, 2012 increased. Spoke on #5 Norwich works, where residents become self sufficient, it’s a diversified work force, it has a proven track record. We are asking to increase this number. Terry Floyd, Vice Pres. Lending manager, Peoples United Bank, requesting support on #13 Home Ownership Assistance Program, this program helps homeowners to keep their home in difficult times. Home ownership provides pride for the owner keeping the city attractive. David Warfield, 236 Washington St, employee at Central Baptist Church, asking for support on # 2 hospitality center, this program gives meals and shelter to less fortunate people, this outreach program is vital. We should fund this program year round service. Keith Ripley, Meadow Lane, Commented on # 7 Literacy Volunteers and #8 Norwich Adult Education, strengthen homes by speaking English to create a better and stronger city. Thought #10 JFK Heights I Roof replacement, there has to be a plan in place to maintain their assets. Spoke in favor of # 11 Security camera system fall into place with the optic fiber system installed and will create a safer better community for all. Jillian Corbin, 40 Allen Dr, Uncasville Executive director, St Vincent De Paul, Advocated for original request of put back into Hospitality Center # 2. “It takes a Village”, restoring these funds can help make real life changes for disabled, homelessness, and those struggling by working together in our city. Help foster the community by fully funding this fund. Robert Davidson, 119 Cedar St., spoke in favor of #2 proud that 73% of the people that come through the center are housed because of the community care team. Support this program and put back this money. Ray Hulten, Human Services, spoke on #5 Norwich works, stressed the importance of this program; jobs in training system, works one on one with people and help them find employment, training and referral to other agencies. Helps people become more self sufficient. Krissa Fontaine, spoke with passion on # 5 Norwich works, proud to be a CNA, through this program. Very thankful for this opportunity that this program and Norwich gave to her. She now has the independence thought the job training program to have a better life for my family an am thankful for this program. Mayor Nystrom called for a brief recess to read a letter from Senator Prague. She thanked the City for letting her service the City of Norwich as Senator for 18 years. Mayor Nystrom thanked Senator Prague for all the years of service. Wilma Cotto, CNA, spoke with passion in favor of # 5 she came back to Norwich to make a better life for her and her children. She couldn’t have done it without the help of this program. Thank you for having this program. Linda Lancz, 188 Harland Rd, spoke on favor of #15 Community Center Renovation, felt that the money was justified because its used a community center space for the church. Asking for you to reconsider funding this grant request. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 21, 2012 Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, stated “it’s not how much you make its what you do with it”. Felt that # 10 The Norwich Housing Authority should get organized and fund themselves. Rev. John Lancz, asked for support on #15 , Community Center, this program saves kids live with the anti-bulling program (Billy Buster program), and summer acting programs. This space is mostly used for outside organizations. Louis Hubbard, Peck St, spoke in support of grants that help people. These programs help people who are poor or not financially secure, support these grants. Deacon Carl Heinrich, supports #15, reinforcing other speakers. Five groups use the church hall and it serves many people of all ages. Funding would help repair safety issues. Full or partial funding would be appreciated. Joe Petrou, executive Director Big Brother Big Sisters, thanked the committee for supporting #4 last year. Spoke on the positives of the youth outcome survey; found that education, social and environmental issue impact children for the better. This program helps us stop generation issues. Surrett Williams, spoke in favor of funding #2 as a volunteer in the Hospitality Center, its important that this be funded, and asked for restoration of the full amount. Kay Eyeberse, Human Services, spoke in favor of keeping the support for #3 Juvenile Justice Alliance Case Manager, this is a benefit to children in Norwich. Speaking in opposition: David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, stated he was puzzled and confused and felt the list of grants should address the war on poverty as demanded. Spoke against entitlements and thought the government is wasting money. Community development is missing. There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Nystrom called for the second reading on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2­55(a) TO ADD TWO ADDITIONAL ALTERNATE MEMBERS TO THE ETHICS COMMISSION. Upon a motion Ald. Jaskiewicz, seconded Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text. Upon a motion Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Braddock, to adopt the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Bergren. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 21, 2012 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2­55(a) TO ADD TWO ADDITIONAL ALTERNATE MEMBERS TO THE ETHICS COMMISSION. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that: Section 2‐55(a) of the Norwich Code of Ordinances be and hereby is amended as follows: 1) (a) Ethics commission. There shall be an Ethics Commission consisting of five (5) members and four two (4) (2) alternate members. The council shall appoint commission members and alternate members who shall serve for a term of two (2) years. Upon the expiration of a term, the council may reappoint a commission member or alternate member to a new term, provided that no person who has served as either a member or alternate for three (3) consecutive terms may be reappointed. (1) All Commission members and alternates shall be resident electors of the city. (2) Commission members and alternates may not be officers, officials, or employees of the city by virtue of service other than service on the Ethics Commission. 2) This ordinance shall become effective July 1, 2012. The initial term of the new alternate members appointed hereunder shall expire on October 18, 2013, and they may thereafter be appointed to two (2) two­year terms pursuant to the provisions of subsection(a). Purpose: To add more alternate members to the Ethics Commission to be available to consider matters requiring recusal of one or more members of the Commission or alternates. The above ordinance passed on a roll call vote of 7-0. Presentation from Tony Sheridan on Tourism in Norwich. City Manager Alan Bergren gave his report as followed: DATE: May 21, 2012 TO: Mayor Peter A. Nystrom & Council Members FROM: Alan H. Bergren, City Manager SUBJECT: City Manager’s Report 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 21, 2012 1. Upcoming Events/Meetings • The Rotary Carnival will be taking place this weekend starting on Thursday, May 24 thru Monday May 28th at Howard T. Brown Memorial Park. • Memorial Day observances begin at 10:00 A.M. at Taftville Memorial Park. Parade assembly begins at 11:15 A.M. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and step-off is at 12:00 P.M. The parade will end at Chelsea Parade with a memorial service. • The Ron Aliano Service to Norwich Award will be presented to Bob Reed of Hall Communications on Thursday, May 31st, 5:00 P.M. at the Marina under the tent. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door. For more information, please call Michael Franklin at (860) 460- 8144. Upon a motion by Ald. Hinchey, second by Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted that the Council of the City of Norwich pursuant to CSG 1-200(6), go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the selection of commercial and financial information given to them in confidence for selection of a sight and the lease or purchase of Real Estate which would cause a likelihood of increased pricing of the property not requested to be disclosed by statute, City Manager, Alan H. Bergren, and Corporation Counsel, Michael Driscoll, and Comptroller, Joseph Ruffo, and/or Deputy Comptroller, Joshua Pothier, Planning Director Peter Davis, Police Chief Louis Fusaro, Jr., Deputy Chief Warren Mocek, Captain Patrick Daley and Public Works Director Barry Ellison, Bob Mills, Executive Director, NCDC, Karl Sternlot, were asked to participate during all or portions of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council. Further moved That the council of the City of Norwich remain in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the purchase of a parcel of real estate by the city, 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, and/or Deputy Comptroller, Joshua Pothier, Planning Director Peter Davis, Police Chief Louis Fusaro, Jr., Deputy Chief Warren Mocek, Captain Patrick Daley and Public Works Director Barry Ellison, Bob Mills, NCDC, Karl Sternlot, were asked to participate during all or portions of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council. Further move That the council of the City of Norwich continue in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the lease or sale of real estate by the City of Norwich where publicity of such sale could cause a likelihood of a lesser price to the City of Norwich or increase cost in the disposal of the property 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, and/or Deputy Comptroller, Joshua Pothier, Planning Director Peter Davis, Police Chief Louis Fusaro, Jr., Deputy Chief Warren Mocek, Captain Patrick Daley and Public Works Director Barry Ellison, Bob Mills, NCDC, Karl 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 21, 2012 Sternlot, 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 9:20 PM to 10:10 PM, at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Hinchey to return to regular session. Upon motion to Ald. Hinchey, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:11 pm. CITY CLERK 7