City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH NOVEMBER 4, 2013 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held November 4, 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. Hinchey read the opening prayer and Ald. Noblick led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Upon motion of Ald. Jaskiewicz, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of October 7 & 21, 2013. Mayor Nystrom called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING A SUM OF UP TO $15,500 FROM THE UNDESIGNATED FUND BALANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM THROUGH JUNE 30, 2014 Ald. Bettencourt recused himself and stepped down from his chair. Speaking in favor: Deborah Monahan, Executive Director of TVCCA, thanked the Council and City Manager for the action taken to put forth this ordinance which demonstrated a responsive need to some of the most vulnerable citizens. Stated there are 122 homebound frail seniors that will benefit from this program and will receive meals 4 days a week, will be checked in upon and made to feel safe. Cathy Osten, 19 District Senator, urged the Council to support this ordinance stating she asked the Office of Policy Management and the Governor’s Office to commit enough money ($18,000) until September 30, 2014. She stated this is a long term problem for the next 9 years due to sequestration. Beverly Goulet, Director of Human Services, spoke in support of the ordinance stating this is critical to our seniors and those that are homebound. Deb Kievits, 252 Old Canterbury Tpke # 72, asked that this be a line item in next year’s budget. Dee Keaney, 12 Ledgewood Ct, stated she delivers meal to shut-ins and she felt this might be the only time they are visited, checked or get a hot meal. We are trained to do a quick evaluation and report back to the main office. Gerry Martin, Gillette Rd, stated it is a savings for society to keep seniors in there own home he asked for support on this ordinance. Tom Keaney, 12 Ledgewood Ct, spoke as a driver for TVCCA asking the Council to support this ordinance. He stated that this is the only contact some of the people receive. Andy Depta, 105 Vergason Ave, stated there is a need and he supports this ordinance. He stated there are 294 food pantries’ in Southeastern CT and 12 are in Norwich he asked the Council to consolidate services under one umbrella: sharing service, people and funding. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH NOVEMBER 4, 2013 Speaking in opposition: David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, felt that property owners shouldn’t subsidize a federal program. There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Nystrom called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING A SUM OF UP TO $15,500 FROM THE UNDESIGNATED FUND BALANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM THROUGH JUNE 30, 2014 Upon a motion of Ald. Jaskiewicz, seconded Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes. Upon a motion of Ald. Jaskiewicz, seconded by Ald. Braddock, to adopt the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem Desaulniers, Ald. Hinchey, Noblick, Braddock, and Jaskiewicz. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING A SUM OF UP TO $15,500 FROM THE UNDESIGNATED FUND BALANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM THROUGH JUNE 30, 2014 NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the sum of up to $15,500 be and hereby is appropriated from the undesignated fund balance to be used by TVCCA to operate the Meals on Wheels program in the City of Norwich through June 30, 2014, said appropriated amount to be reduced by any grants, resources or contributions other wise received by TVCCA for this purpose. The above ordinance passed on a roll call vote of 6-0 with Ald. Bettencourt abstaining. Ald. Bettencourt returned to his chair. Upon a motion of Ald. Jaskiewicz, seconded Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted accept the correspondence from Alderman H. Tucker Braddock advising of intent to withdraw two pending ordinances. City Manager Alan Bergren gave his report as followed: The City employees donated over $2,000 to support the TVCCA meals on wheels program. Upon motion to Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:00 pm. CITY CLERK 2