City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held June 3, 2013 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. Jaskiewicz read the opening prayer and Ald. Braddock led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Upon motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of May 6, 13 and 20, 2013. Mayor Nystrom called for a Public Hearing on RELATIVE TO REVIEWING APPLICATIONS AND RECEIVE COMMENTS RELATIVE TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE Speaking in favor: no one spoke Speaking in opposition: no one spoke There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the public hearing closed. The City Clerk read the following report: Upon a motion of Ald. Jaskiewicz, seconded by Ald. Hinchey it was unanimously voted to accept the report from the Commission on the City Plan relative to acquiring the property located at 12-20 Erin and White Street. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey it was unanimously voted to accept the report from the Public Works Committee relative to naming the playground and recreational field in Occum. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Braddock it was unanimously voted to accept the report from the 47, 49, 51 and 53 Washington Street Committee. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Jaskiewicz it was unanimously voted to accept the letter from Sarah Kannas withdrawing resignation from the Personnel & Pension Board (with attachment). 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 City Manager Alan Bergren gave his report as followed: 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 Upon a motion of Ald. Jaskiewicz, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Bergren. WHEREAS, the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners of the City of Norwich proposes to acquire the property located at 12-20 Erin and White Street, said property further described in the Norwich Land Records at Volume 2761, Page 75, for a price of $50,000.00; and WHEREAS, the cost of the acquisition of such property will be paid by the Norwich Department of Public Utilities but title to the property shall vest in the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners has determined that the acquisition of such property is in the long term interest of the Department of Public Utilities as it will provide the department with additional space at its current location to expand its facilities for storage and support purposes. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY NORWICH that City Manager Alan H. Bergren be and hereby is authorized and directed to accept a deed of conveyance to the City of Norwich satisfactory to the corporation counsel from the Washington Trust Company owner of the property at 12-20 Erin and White Street, to cause the same to be recorded on the land records of the City of Norwich and to enter into and sign on behalf of the City of Norwich such other documents or agreements as are necessary to effectuate this transfer of property. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment. Bev Goulet, 4 Canterbury Tpke, Director of Norwich Human Services, asked not to eliminate two Social Workers and Account Clerks positions in the Human Services Department for they are essential to the department. Stated this department has been consistently successful in obtaining and receiving local, state and federal grants to aid the citizens of Norwich and without this staff would result in a devastating reduction of services to our residents. She also asked not to jeopardize the services provided to our seniors by cutting the Senior Center Manager position. Lee-Ann Gomes, 34 Tanglewood Dr., Supervisor Human Services, stated she expects to see some increase in taxes, and felt that the staff in the Human Service office is essential for they are advocates in Norwich. This office helps protect the citizens of Norwich who are affected by hard economical times and social issues Human Services provides a vital service to the citizens of Norwich and this would be the worst time to reduce services. Stated this office acts as gate-keeper so there are no negative consequences imposed on our City. The Humans Service Department is an advocate for people in need on local and state level. Kay Eyberse- 305 Canterbury Tpke, spoke on behalf of the Human Service position this department is essential service and works with Youth Services of Norwich providing rap-around services year round. She asked the Council to make a correct decision by not cutting any of these essential services and positions so citizens are not affected. Janice Thompson, 14 Great Plain Rd, Administrative Coordinator, asked to reconsider the cuts made to the Human Services Department. If these cuts are made hundreds of thousand of dollars of state and federal grants and services will be lost. In the event of an emergency this department is available 24/7 to help those in need to protect the health and well being of the citizens, asked that this decision is reconsider. 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 Mary Bartlett, 234 Broadway, Norwich Social worker for over 24 years, stated her position is being eliminated and the services in this vital department shouldn’t be eliminated by cutting the staff and services. She stated Norwich helps thousands of citizens with a variety of essential services. Matt Hinchey, 63 Grant Court, Case worker over 33 years, upset with the Council in their choice of cutting staff which in turn cuts services which will affect the department and clients it serves. This is a dangerous path to go down and urged the Council to keep these services. Hallie Axtell, 48 Round Hill, Groton, Norwich Social workers, reiterated what the previous speakers stated. Stated this would be unfair to Norwich resident to loose these critical services. Angelo Callis, 486 Chappell Hill Rd, Oakdale, President AFSCME Union, stated he is proud to serve the youth and families in Norwich. We give our “hearts” to Norwich citizens by serving them in all our programs and services that the City offers. The union 15 years ago had 72 members with these cuts it will be down to 51 members. He stated that a cut to these services will affect the many citizens and asked to keep these departments intact so the quality of services is maintained. Amethyst Dubie, 12 Quarry St, stated she is disappointment by the cuts in the Human Service and Recreation Departments many families will be impacted. She stated that when parents look for housing they look for programs for their children. Yvette Ysordia, 245 Prospect St, Code Enforcement secretary, asked not to make cuts to the Administrative Secretary and Blight Officers within the Planning department, the existing staff can’t absorbed these duties. She asked to consider not eliminating these positions because of safety, liability and health issues. (Speaker George Gardner, 33 Faulkner Dr, Quaker Hill) Curtis Hull, 334 Scotland Rd, Seasonal Recreation employee 20 years, concerned about the diminished services/quality and safety issues that could happen with the cuts proposed to the Recreation Department also asked not to cut the Senior Center services. Kent Kirkpatrick, 150 Vergason Ave, stated Eastern Conn is slow to recover from the economy which has caused his income to be reduced. He stated he has seen the City spend money and raise rates and asked the Council to hold the line on the budget because we can’t afford a tax increase. He talked about looking into furloughs for city workers asking the Council to hold a tax increase to a minimum. John Lance, 188 Harland Rd, stated that the budget is far more than an economic document, a budget is a moral document, and it states who we are and what we value. He asked for the moral and value aspects to be a priority with the budget. Joyce Werden, 13 Lost Acres Rd., stated that Norwich is a very rich in “human” capital with the uncommon wealth of amazing and self-less people we can’t afford to lose. She talked about how the school is moving forward with a zero percent increase how does this fit with the Councils plan to grow education in Norwich. She asked to stop tying the hand of our important staff members. Linda Lance, 188 Harland Rd, appalled that the layoffs are being proposed at this late hour. She asked The Council not to cut anymore employees from departments who are already understaffed, 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 overburden and can’t afford any more cuts. She asked what our values are and who are we helping? These public employees are in need with the over burden workload. Why are some people getting raise when other are getting their jobs cut? She requested to keep the Social Service department, Senior Center and form a Community Center to set an example for our country. Celica Chavez, 24 Linden Parkway, talked about her personal issues and how a Norwich Social Service, case worker helped her. Stated she wouldn’t be where she is today without this help. She is a successful Para-educator and now pays it forward. Please reconsider these cuts. Janice Stewart, 4 Surrey Lane, stated she can’t believe that the Senior Center director (less than ½ of 1% of the budget) the Recreation director and the Administrative Secretary positions will be merged. The seniors have a 10 page newsletter and many activities and the recreation program helps keep our children active and off the streets. She stated there are many other ways to cut the budget without cutting the elderly and youth of the City. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, states he watches the taxes go up year after year a 5% increase year after year is too high. Asked to hold raises down and think of the taxpayers who are paying for this. Todd Guertin, 85 Hansen Rd, President of Norwich PAL, stated that the director of recreation works many hours to see that the over 1300 children in the Norwich programs are kept busy. He is outraged about the recreation cuts and asked to take in to consideration the youth and don’t cut this position. Don Sikorski, 33 Greenwich Ct, spoke on behalf of the Norwich Recreation Dept. sports gives children a social, mental and physical an outlet activity to keep. Take pride and be proud of the City Recreation Dept. he also thanked the Senior Center and Recreation Departments. Paul Bazinet, 66 White Plains Rd, hopes he didn’t make a mistake building in Norwich. He supports the Recreation Department and is impressed with the director. He asked not to balance the budget on the back of our youth. Patrick Fuery, 118 Hunters Ave, states he interacts with the recreation director and staff and fells it a full time position as is the Senior Center Manager. Reconsider consolidating these positions. Ray Hulten, 88 Gooseneck Hill, Canterbury, people shouldn’t be looked at just as numbers they represent services and people in the community. He asked if these positions are cut where the people will turn. Gerry Martin, 199 Gillette Rd, stated the City is in a difficult spot financially; maybe we should concentrate on helping people become productive. We can’t balance the budget on social service or through deficit services. He stated exploring possible furlough. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm St, opposed to resolution #8 she asked why the City is waiving building permit fees and on resolution #6 asked how much is being paid to The Harp and Dragon? Stop giving away everything. Stated she is embarrassed, ashamed and outraged at this budget at this late date. Felt the Blight Officer is needed, and the Senior Center and Recreation Directors shouldn’t be merged to create a new position. Asked why some people are getting raises and other give layoff notices. She asked if the department heads are giving up there raise. 14 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 Duncan Profitt, 245 Elizabeth St, Co-chair, Child First Norwich, spoke of the Recreation and Senior Center merger and stated that is not a good solution. Cutting the Human Service department will only damage services for children and families. Layoffs will devastate families and the community, please reconsider these cuts. Kaitlyn Occhionero, 23 Caulkins Rd, stated she has no issues with a 5% tax increase in order to save programs and staff in the Human Services Department and Senior Center. She asked not to cut these services. Frank Swan, 8 Mountainview Dr, asked not to cut the Recreation department because it’s a good outlet for our children. Guy Calasso, 6 Arbor Terrace, asked to keep the Recreation department so Norwich can become an entertainment mecca. He asked not to cut this department. Bill Belliveau, 6 Arbor Terrace, spoke in favor of keeping the Recreation and Senior Center directors, reconsider consolidating these departments. Greg Sinay, 6 Canterbury Tpke, thought it would be devastating to cut services in the recreation department, it help children have confidences and self worth. Spoke in favor of keeping the employees at the Senior Center and Social Services. Joseph Pellicio, 37 Briar Hill Rd, spoke in favor of keeping the Recreation department director and program it provides, asked the City reconsider cutting this department. Yvette Jacaruso, 181 Wightman Ave, stated she is proud to be in Norwich, and felt that the program and service that are being cut (recreation, senior center, human services) support each other and asked that they not be cut. All these programs enhance the school and education is the equalizer of all children. Michelle Doyle, 67 Alice St Ext, stated she receive a fantastic education in Norwich yet chooses to not put her children through the Norwich school system because it is not the same caliber as what she received. To merge the Senior Center with the Recreation department will diminish the quality of these services. Stated she is willing to pay an additional $24.00 per month in taxes as long as the education quality will increase instead of decrease. A zero percent increase will not achieve this. Marcus Williams, 155 Sandy Lane, stated in years past there was nothing for the youth in Norwich to keep busy; Norwich needs a recreation department with varied programs. He asked to keep the recreation program and fund it adequately so young people have a safe place. Matthew Lynch, 5 Tower Hill Rd and 107 Lawler Lane, counselor recreation, works at the recreation camp which gives children a safe and healthy alternative. Bob Spayne, 22 Wales Rd, Chair of Recreation Advisory Board, felt blind sighted by the recreation cuts. Stated he see concern of the Council members and knows they will do the right thing and work together as a community. Asked to keep this recreation director he is doing a great job. 15 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 Miriam Torres-Thorburn, 9 Chelsea Parade South, humbly requested not to increase taxes in the City because we are over burdened. Asked to think of a way to revise how the City can operate to ease the taxpayers. Kurt Ramsey, 72 Orchard St, Asked not to cut the Recreation department. He stated taxes are too high and the City needs to attract more business to reduce taxes. Kari Palazzo, Harbor View Dr, asked not to cut the recreation services and programs. Cheryl Hansen, West Thames St, stated she has work with the Recreation Director he has a great reputation and been her mentor. Parks and recreation are an essential part of the City, decreasing crime rate, brings revenue and tourism. Shiela Hayes, 288 Central Ave, offered an alternative to the budget cuts, reduce the ambulance fund to zero because it a private service, reduce the contingency fund to $10,000 (both on page 121 of proposed budget), and reduce the Volunteer Fire Department funding (pages 82, 84, 86, 88 and 90) by $500,000 in the general fund. Asked to be bold and look at alternate ways to cut the budget Brian Curtin, 128 Broad St, City Treasurer, asked to stop cutting the budget by lying off staff instead hold off on filling vacancies. He stated the City as a service organization look at taking money from the Other Post Employee Benefits Fund (OPEB), fund it later to save jobs and services for Norwich now. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, asked to delay resolution #8 for the reasons in #7. Stated on resolution #7 the Council rejected a request for a Church and it could set standard. Stated on resolution #1 there are too many increases and variables cut taxes, end base line budgets. Kathy Bemont, 130 Plain Hill Rd, asked why the budget is done at the last minute. Norwich is a service organization, a business that needs to be turned around. Look for business tax revenue and reconsider loosing unbelievably dedicated people who work for the City. Chris Papas, Mystic, spoke on behalf of the Recreation Department layoffs doesn’t make a better economy. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Upon motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to defer action on the following four resolutions (1-4) to a meeting to be held at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers on June 10, 2013. 16 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 1. 2. 3. 4. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Hinchey, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Hinchey. WHEREAS, the R.E. Van Norstrand Neighborhood Assistance Act, Chapter 228a of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S. 12-630aa-12-638) offers certain benefits to municipalities desiring to obtain the same and is administered by the State Department of Revenue Services (Commission of Revenue Services); and 17 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Assistance Act provides a tax credit for business firms which sponsor local programs; and WHEREAS, such programs must be proposed and conducted by private non-profit agencies or municipalities and be approved by the local legislative body; WHEREAS, a public hearing has been duly noticed and held on applications submitted to the City Manager’s office. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that it approves the following program proposals under the Neighborhood Assistance Act: 1. The Connecticut Pardon Team, Inc. 2. Safe Futures, Inc.-Walk-in Crisis Intervention Services 3. CRIS-Audio Programming for People with Disabilities 4. Norwich Human Services-Norwich Safety Net Team 5. Habitat for Humanity of SE CT-Homes in SE CT 6. Norwich Recreation Department-Day Camp & Vacation Camps Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem Desaulniers, and Ald. Hinchey. WHEREAS, a firework display has been arranged by the Norwich Fourth of July Fireworks Committee to take place on July 5, 2013 in Norwich Harbor; and WHEREAS, as a fundraiser in support of the same the Harp & Dragon proposes to put on a viewing event to be held in the Market Street Garage, the event to include table seating, food service, live music before and after the firework display and a cash bar; and WHEREAS, standing room tickets for this event will also be sold; and WHEREAS, a portion of the proceeds will be used to support the fireworks display. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich, Connecticut that the Harp & Dragon be permitted to use the Market Street Parking Garage to hold an event as described the night of the 2013 firework display as the display is originally scheduled or as it may be continued, provided the Police Chief, the Fire Chief or the Public Works Director may identify portions of the structure which may not be so used or require the installation of appropriate safety features to be used; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich, Connecticut that, pursuant to Section 13.14.2 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances, City Manager Alan H. Bergren be and hereby is authorized to grant the Harp & Dragon permission to sell beer, wine or alcoholic beverages at this event, permission to use the premises as described herein and to sell beer, wine and alcoholic beverages being subject to satisfactory proof that the Harp & Dragon has complied with the applicable regulations of the State 18 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 Liquor Commission; that identification will be mandatory from each person purchasing an alcoholic beverage at the event; that the sales of beer, wine and alcoholic beverage be made under a proper liquor license; and that insurance satisfactory to the City Manager be obtained and maintained by the Harp & Dragon both as to the use of the premises and the sale of beer, wine and/or alcoholic beverages at the event. WHEREAS, a firework display has been arranged by the Norwich Fourth of July Fireworks Committee to take place on July 5, 2013 in Norwich Harbor; and WHEREAS, as a fundraiser in support of the same the Harp & Dragon proposes to put on a viewing event to be held in the Market Street Garage, the event to include table seating, food service, live music before and after the firework display and a cash bar; and WHEREAS, standing room tickets for this event will also be sold; and WHEREAS, a portion of the proceeds will be used to support the fireworks display. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich, Connecticut that the Harp & Dragon be permitted to use the Market Street Parking Garage to hold an event as described the night of the 2013 firework display as the display is originally scheduled or as it may be continued, provided the Police Chief, the Fire Chief or the Public Works Director may identify portions of the structure which may not be so used or require the installation of appropriate safety features to be used; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich, Connecticut that, pursuant to Section 13.14.2 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances, City Manager Alan H. Bergren be and hereby is authorized to grant the Harp & Dragon permission to sell beer, wine or alcoholic beverages at this event, permission to use the premises as described herein and to sell beer, wine and alcoholic beverages being subject to satisfactory proof that the Harp & Dragon has complied with the applicable regulations of the State Liquor Commission; that identification will be mandatory from each person purchasing an alcoholic beverage at the event; that the sales of beer, wine and alcoholic beverage be made under a proper liquor license; and that insurance satisfactory to the City Manager be obtained and maintained by the Harp & Dragon both as to the use of the premises and the sale of beer, wine and/or alcoholic beverages at the event. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Jaskiewicz, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem Desaulniers. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, at its May 20, 2013 meeting, postponed action on a resolution relative to the Community Development Block Grant to its meeting of June 10, 2013; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that a further delay in acting on this resolution would be in the interest of the City of Norwich as it will permit the Council to have useful additional information before proceeding. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich, Connecticut that acting on the item identified as Resolution 1 on the agenda of the May 20, 2013 meeting, a resolution entitled 19 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 “Relative to CDBG Allocation and Approved Funding Recommendations”, postponed for action until the meeting of June 10, 2013, be further postponed to the meeting of June 17, 2013. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Braddock, to put the following resolution on the floor introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Jaskiewicz. WHEREAS, United Community and Family Services Inc. (“UCFS”), a Connecticut non-stock corporation with a principal place of business in the City of Norwich, has acquired the property and structures thereon comprising a complex known as “The Meadows Center” at 47-55 Town Street in the City of Norwich, said property more particularly described in Schedule A attached hereto; and WHEREAS, UCFS plans to make renovations and improvements to the structures existing at the complex, said renovations and improvements having an estimated cost of $3,000,000; and WHEREAS, Section 4-7 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances provides that the Council may, by an affirmative vote of at least a majority of all of its members, reduce or waive the building permit fee for work regulated by the state building code as set out in Section 4-5 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances in cases involving buildings or structures of religious, educational or charitable corporations or industrial companies where the Council determines that such buildings or structures will be a benefit to the City; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds that UCFS qualifies for such a waiver and finds that the improvements and renovations to the existing structures will be a benefit to the City of Norwich. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich, Connecticut that the fees for building permits for work regulated by the state building code as set out in Section 4-5 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances otherwise due for the improvements and renovations to be made by UCFS at the Meadows Center complex within three years of the date of this resolution be and hereby are waived, with the exception of any education fees required to be assessed by the building official pursuant to Connecticut General Statute §29-263(b) which education fees shall remain due and payable to the Building Official. 20 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 21 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 22 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 3, 2013 Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, second by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to table the above resolution until June 17, 2013. Upon a motion by Ald. Hinchey, second by Ald. Jaskiewicz, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200, for the purpose of discussing strategies and negotiations with respect to Collective Bargaining City Manager Alan H. Bergren, Director of Human Services Brigid Marks, Comptroller Joseph Ruffo, Deputy Comptroller Joshua Pothier, and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll, may be 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 10:15 PM to 10:46 PM, at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Noblick to return to regular session. Upon motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to recess to June 10, 2013 at 7:30 PM. CITY CLERK 23