City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 12, 2014 The second Public Hearing for the 2014-2015 fiscal year was held May 12, 2014 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Aldermen Noblick, Bettencourt, Eyberse and Mayor Hinchey. Absent were President Pro Tem Desaulniers, Aldermen Wilson and Nash. City Manager Bergren and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Hinchey read a memo from the Chief of Police regarding Peace Officer Memorial Week and asked for a moment of silence. Mayor Hinchey opened the public hearing. Kevin Grant, 231 Rockwell Ave, member of the Moriarty School Governance Committee spoke in support of the school budget asking for a full day kindergarten, library programs, world languages and a music program. He stated these programs provide continuity within the school and reinforces positive behavior. Kristen Anderson, 13 Oakridge Rd, member of the Moriarty School Governance Committee stated a strong Library media program leads to a higher student achievement. Bob Farwell, Director Otis Library, shared statistics in 2013-14 the library had 157,000 visits, 153,000 items circulated and have 600 programs for less than 1% of the total revenue. He is asking for an increase up to 1%. Joyce Werden, 13 Lost Acres Rd, Board of Education Member, quoted Ray Hackett “if you watch the pennies the dollars will take care of them self.” Stated Abby and Athena save and spend wisely. She asked for the school to be adequately funded. Lisa Marien, 74 Cranberry Pond Rd, spoke in support of a full time instrumental music program. She talked about her music profession teaching in New London and how their program has flourished. Gabe Lipman, 148 McKinley Ave, asked for support of the music and world language programs feeling Norwich offers less than surrounding towns. She asked for these programs to grow again and be fully funded. Charles Clarke, 110 Union St, stated as a resident for 62 years he is opposed to the tax increase in this budget to 46.5 mils for the CCD which is a 21% increase. He asked a 2-3% increase over the next 5 years or people will be forced to move out of Norwich. Jennifer Kayser, 18 Maplewood Court, works in education but speaking as a taxpayer asking the Council to reconsider the increase in the budget. Please use the State funding to lower the projected mil rate. Denielle Sandoval, teacher at Mahan school, spoke in favor of the Norwich Public School System and having a full time kindergarten. She stated this helps children surpass expectations and helps close the achievement gap. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 12, 2014 Jesshua Ballaro, 40 Hunter Ave, stated it is sad to see Norwich going backward in education. She felt the students special programs are being taken away from our children. She stated many things go up and we pay those fees why not education. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St stated this budget is close to the grand list 8 years ago. Talked about how there are more police and the Board of Education budget seems to be escalating out of control. Jean Saintil, 85 Alice St, stated he doesn’t like higher property taxes and yet he is in support of higher education. Stated education is the key to success and asked for full day kindergarten and a music program. Spoke in favor of a universal mill rate. Jaccie Angelopoulos, 28 Sherwood Lane, a teacher stated she doesn’t like higher taxes but feels full day kindergarten is important. Lee Anne Gomes, Norwich Humans Services, extolled the virtues of the Humans Services Department and how it continues to improve the lives of Norwich residents. Cora Lee Boulware, 385 Norwich New London Tpke, spoke as a citizen and taxpayer concerned about safety, welfare and education. Stated children are our future. She asked to remove the darkness and give it some light by supporting the budget. Kaitlyn Lehman, 560 Boswell Ave spoke in support of a music program which creates many benefits self discipline and team players. She stated music also helps with problem solving, other subjects and builds self esteem. She asked the Council to bring music back to the school system. Chris Burto, 74 William St, finished the letter that Kristen Anderson started, stating support of foreign language which breaks barriers and promotes diversity helping our children achieve. He stated that music helps improve many skills and can lead to higher IQ scores; all programs are beneficial and create a productive life. John Levangie, 85 Laurel Lane, Board of Education member asked the Council to reinstate previously cut items instrumental music, full time kindergarten, library services and world language. Beth Hamel, 9 Caulkins Dr, teacher stated she is embarrassed that the school has to beg for educational funds. Asked the Council to reconsider the way they distribute monies in Norwich. Yvette Jacaruso 193 Wightman Ave, asked for previous items cut in the school budget music, languages, library and all day kindergarten to be restored. She also read a Bill Kenny article. Abby Dolliver, 6 Deepwood Dr, felt proud to see all that care for education in the community. She asked that we invest in our children for they are the future. Asked to reinstate what was lost. John Blackburn, 15 Alice St, states we are still in a recession and it’s hard with all the prices going up. Stated the problem is that money is given to the Board of Education and the issues haven’t been addressed also Board of Educations’ salaries need to be looked at. Stated he is not anti education. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 12, 2014 James Quarto, Elmwood Ave, asked to plan ahead with a 5, 7, 15 year plan. He spoke against the boat launch feeling it isn’t part of economic development and in favor of the Reid & Hughes. He asked to create a strategic plan. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed at 7:35 pm. CITY CLERK 3