City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held May 19, 2014 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Aldermen Desaulniers, Noblick, Wilson, Eyberse, Bettencourt, Nash and Mayor Hinchey. City Manager Bergren and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Hinchey presided. Ald. Nash read the opening prayer and Ald. Noblick led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Hinchey asked the will of the Council if non residents or people who have a connection to Norwich would be allowed to speak. The Council moved to allow. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. Phil Davis, 5 Corning Rd, stated his family has been in town over 350 years and hoped the present issues will be resolved. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, spoke that NCDC economic plan for $4 million bonds to make over downtown didn’t live up to expectations. He asked who regulates NCDC and to use do diligence. Abby Dolliver, 6 Deepwood Drive, announced successes and celebration that Norwich has two network schools Stanton and Uncas which was just approved. Also, created two magnet schools Wequonnoc and Moriarity. Stated Mahan is a school of distinction. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave, felt at open topic people should be able to talk about any topic and the Council should give their undivided attention. She disagrees with out of town speaker talking unless they have a vested interest on Norwich issues. She asked the fate of the YMCA and the vision for the City of Norwich. Keith Ripley, Meadow Lane, asked the Council to consider waiving the 3 minutes when there is good news. He asked the Council to state intentions of additional money from the State and where it will be used. John Levangie, 85 Lawler Lane, VP of Board of Education finished Abby Dolliver comments. He stated Stanton student Sidney Pink received honorable mention in Connecticut Student Writers Magazine, 2 Teacher Memorial students Rebecca Burke and Thomas Hurd received awards in leadership, 10 interns from ECSU next year to work with students on I-pads and computer at Huntington. Stated there will be a reading program with Otis Library this summer for students K-8th, Team Net finals are at Kelly Middle School tomorrow and the Art show Wednesday at Huntington school. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed. Mayor Hinchey read the following proclamation: 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Mayor Hinchey asked for a moment of silence in recognition of the 60th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,000,000 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STONY BROOK CONTACT CLARIFIER NON-BUOYANT MEDIA WITH BUOYANT MEDIA, UPGRADING THE PLC CONTROLS AND REPLACING THE EXISTING FILTER MULTI-MEDIA, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,000,000 REVENUE BONDS OF THE CITY SECURED SOLELY BY WATER REVENUE TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES TO ENTER INTO GRANT AND LOAN AGREEMENTS AND A JOINT RESOLUTION WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT WITH RESPECT THERETO. (The purpose of the amendment is to increase the appropriation and bond authorization by $2,700,000, from $2,000,000 to $4,700,000, to change the project description and to 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 ratify, confirm and adopt all prior authorizations and bond ordinances in connection with the Project.) City Clerk read the referral from the Commission on the City Plan: Speaking in favor: John Bilda, Manager Norwich Public Utilities, stated these ordinances have been vetted and approved by Commission on the City Plan as well as the City Council. He stated the first two bonds have no impact to taxpayers or ratepayers it is revenue funded bonding; the third bond is a change as a result of new technology eliminating the back wash project and the buoyant media. He stated the 3.9 million increases will be offset by the 4.2 million decreases in spending. Speaking in opposition: David Crabb, 47 Prospect St asked the revaluation didn’t affect NPU asking why their 10% contribution to the budget has declined. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $1,630,000 FOR DEEP RIVER RESERVOIR TRANSMISSION LINE REPLACEMENT AND MICRO-TURBINE TECHNOLOGY INSTALLATION, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $1,630,000 REVENUE BONDS OF THE CITY SECURED SOLELY BY WATER REVENUE TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES TO ENTER INTO GRANT AND LOAN AGREEMENTS AND A JOINT RESOLUTION WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT WITH RESPECT THERETO (The purpose of the amendment is to increase the appropriation and bond authorization by $670,000, from $1,630,000 to $2,300,000, and to ratify, confirm and adopt all prior authorizations and bond ordinances in connection with the Project.) City Clerk read the referral from the Commission on the City Plan: 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Speaking in favor: No one spoke Speaking in opposition: David Crabb, 47 Prospect St reiterated previous opposition. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,440,000 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEEP RIVER RESERVOIR PUMP AND DRIVE SYSTEM, INCLUDING WATER STORAGE TANKS, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,440,000 REVENUE BONDS OF THE CITY SECURED SOLELY BY WATER REVENUE TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES TO ENTER INTO GRANT AND LOAN AGREEMENTS AND A JOINT RESOLUTION WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT WITH RESPECT THERETO (The purpose of the amendment is to increase the appropriation and bond authorization by $560,000, from $2,440,000 to $3,000,000, and to ratify, confirm and adopt all prior authorizations and bond ordinances in connection with the Project.) City Clerk read the referral from the Commission on the City Plan: 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Speaking in favor: No one spoke Speaking in opposition: David Crabb, 47 Prospect St reiterated previous opposition. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, stated the water system in this City is not affordable. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR REGULATION OF BIDDING AND THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS TO ESTABLISH AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN MUNICIPAL PROJECTS OVER FIVE MILLION DOLLARS. Speaking in favor: Chris Bachant, N.E. Regional Carpenters Union, stated this advocates creating careers not just jobs. He stated that the individuals that go through the apprentice program are given skills can go anywhere to work. He stated people who live in Norwich should be able to keep residence in town and work there. John Angleo, Local 24 Carpenters, stated his son had the opportunity to go through the apprenticeship program and the money he makes stays in the community. He stated this is good for our children to stay in this area. Mark Einhellis, Laurel Hill spoke that expanding his training and career in the apprentice program keeps him in Norwich. He stated he would like to expand his opportunities. Isaac Cookwater, Norwich stated he went through the apprentice program at General Dynamics which taught him the significant of a job and how to earn a good living and afford a house. He stated there is a need to keep this program to teach people how to make a living. Peter Alfieri, Union Representative 777 commented that there is nothing better than a resident working on a job in their own community. Speaking in opposition: Jason Bugbee, 55 Broad St, Nutmeg Company, stated he does not object to the apprentice training but this ordinance as it stands will jeopardize his company because they would be ineligible to compete with other contractors. He stated this would drive the bids higher for Norwich. Ron Penton, North Haven, Russ Building Group, agreed with the program but disagrees with putting the burden on non union companies. He stated there would be less bidders when you put this many restrictions. George Mattern, Mattern Construction, employs 30 people and completed approximately 25 jobs in Norwich he feels this discriminates against companies like his without a formal apprentice program. He stated it will have a negative impact on local companies. Chris Syuek, Ct ABC, Rocky Hill, expressed concern relating to sec.1 and other sections. He stated this could bring unattended consequences to business just because they are not members of a union. Bryan Addy, Rocky Hill stated his company has restored the NFA campus, City Hall and this ordinance doesn’t promote the City financially or help economic development. Stated it will eliminate competition which will drive up the cost. 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Every Gawendo, Nutmeg Company concurred with the previous speakers. He asked why local contractors had no input on this ordinance. He stated this would produce less bidders resulting in higher prices. He asked to reconsider this ordinance. Jim Sawyer, 25 Stony Ridge, Nutmeg Company stated he doesn’t see where this will benefit Norwich because it will create less qualified bidders. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, stated he had on the job training and put the service in City Hall. He stated this ordinance will add to the cost of the contractors. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St felt this ordinance is premature and asked where the supporting data is. He asked to postpone action. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave, questioned where this ordinance originated. Matt Makila, 85 Mohegan Park Rd asked how it will impact small companies and will they have to move out of Norwich if passed. Keith Ripley, Meadow Lane, commented that this is not vetted and it’s a premature time for this ordinance. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,000,000 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STONY BROOK CONTACT CLARIFIER NON-BUOYANT MEDIA WITH BUOYANT MEDIA, UPGRADING THE PLC CONTROLS AND REPLACING THE EXISTING FILTER MULTI-MEDIA, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,000,000 REVENUE BONDS OF THE CITY SECURED SOLELY BY WATER REVENUE TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES TO ENTER INTO GRANT AND LOAN AGREEMENTS AND A JOINT RESOLUTION WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT WITH RESPECT THERETO. (The purpose of the amendment is to increase the appropriation and bond authorization by $2,700,000, from $2,000,000 to $4,700,000, to change the project description and to ratify, confirm and adopt all prior authorizations and bond ordinances in connection with the Project.) Copies of the ordinance were available at the hearing. 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to receive the favorable report of the Commission of the City Plan regarding the Stony Brook Reservoir Project Bond Ordinance. Motion carried. Upon a motion Ald. Noblick, seconded Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the Stony Brook Reservoir bond ordinance except for the title, incorporating its full text into the minutes. 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 14 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 15 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 16 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to adopt the above ordinance. Motion carries on a roll call vote 7-0. Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $1,630,000 FOR DEEP RIVER RESERVOIR TRANSMISSION LINE REPLACEMENT AND MICRO-TURBINE TECHNOLOGY INSTALLATION, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $1,630,000 REVENUE BONDS OF THE CITY SECURED SOLELY BY WATER REVENUE TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES TO ENTER INTO GRANT AND LOAN AGREEMENTS AND A JOINT RESOLUTION WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT WITH RESPECT THERETO (The purpose of the amendment is to increase the appropriation and bond authorization by $670,000, from $1,630,000 to $2,300,000, and to ratify, confirm and adopt all prior authorizations and bond ordinances in connection with the Project.) 17 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Copies of the ordinance were available at the hearing. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to receive the favorable report of the Commission of the City Plan regarding the Deep River Transmission Line Project Bond Ordinance. 18 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Motion carried. Upon a motion Ald. Wilson, seconded Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the Deep River Transmission Line bond ordinance except for the title, incorporating its full text into the minutes. 19 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 20 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 21 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 22 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 23 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 24 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 25 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 26 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to adopt the above ordinance. Motion carries on a roll call vote 7-0. 27 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,440,000 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEEP RIVER RESERVOIR PUMP AND DRIVE SYSTEM, INCLUDING WATER STORAGE TANKS, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,440,000 REVENUE BONDS OF THE CITY SECURED SOLELY BY WATER REVENUE TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES TO ENTER INTO GRANT AND LOAN AGREEMENTS AND A JOINT RESOLUTION WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT WITH RESPECT THERETO (The purpose of the amendment is to increase the appropriation and bond authorization by $560,000, from $2,440,000 to $3,000,000, and to ratify, confirm and adopt all prior authorizations and bond ordinances in connection with the Project.) Copies of the ordinance were available at this hearing. 28 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to receive the favorable report of the Commission of the City Plan regarding the Deep River Pump and Drive System Project Bond Project. Motion carried. 29 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Upon a motion President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the Deep River Pump and Drive System Project bond ordinance except for the title, incorporating its full text into the minutes. 30 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 31 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 32 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 33 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 34 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 35 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 36 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 37 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to adopt the above ordinance. Motion carries on a roll call vote 7-0. Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR REGULATION OF BIDDING AND THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS TO ESTABLISH AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN MUNICIPAL PROJECTS OVER FIVE MILLION DOLLARS 38 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Upon a motion Ald. Wilson, seconded Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the below bond ordinance except for the title, incorporating its full text into the minutes. Upon a motion Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Wilson, to adopt the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Hinchey. 39 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 40 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 41 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to table the above ordinance. Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $680,000 FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY ICE RINK REFRIGERATION SYSTEM AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $680,000 BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE Upon a motion President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Wilson, to put the following ordinance on the floor. 42 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 43 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 44 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 45 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 The above motion failed on a roll call vote of 2-5 with Ald. Nash, Bettencourt, Eyberse, Wilson, and Noblick voting in opposition. Motion fails. Report from the Commission on the City Plan regarding the proposed revisions to three amending bonding ordinances for NDPU Water Projects previously accepted. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to accepting the report from the 105 Chestnut Street Committee of Sale. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the accepting the report from the 631 West Main Street Committee of Sale. Senator Cathy Osten gave a Legislative update with respect to the latest legislative session. City Manager Alan Bergren gave his report as followed: 46 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 47 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave, confused on resolution #2 stating she thought the project was on time and under budget. She spoke on resolution # 4 and stated that if you buy your property next to water if might flood and felt to buy him out is fiscal mismanagement. Upset about all the property the City is acquiring and demolishing. 48 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 David Crabb, 47 Prospect St stated on resolution #2 that the charter requires a referendum for this amount of money. He spoke on resolution # 5 stating the capital improvement budget is out of control. Sheila Hayes, 288 Central Ave, spoke in support of resolution # 2 if the state Department of Education will pay for the reimbursement. Spoke in favor of resolution #4 that this business should be moved to a safer place in Norwich and asked for an explanation on resolution # 5. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, questioned why on resolution # 2 was the project going over budget and asked for an explanation. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Noblick. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich acquired the property known as 105 Chestnut Street further described as Map 93, Block 3, Lot 38, on February 15, 2002; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich on March 3, 2014 appointed a committee known as the 105 Chestnut Street Committee of Sale, to prepare guidelines for the disposition of said property for redevelopment or other reuse through sale or other transfer; and WHEREAS, the 105 Chestnut Street Committee of Sale has submitted a report recommending that 105 Chestnut Street be offered with a parcel of land located at 122 Chestnut Street to be included in the proposal, 122 Chestnut Street to be limited to parking use only in support of 105 Chestnut Street, also recommending that any proposed use of 105 Chestnut Street may include renovation, partial demolition or total demolition of the existing structure on 105 Chestnut Street, but that any proposed and actual use shall be limited to commercial uses, said property not to be available for residential development; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich accepts the recommendation of 105 Chestnut Street Committee of Sale NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the 105 Chestnut Street Committee of Sale be and hereby is authorized, with such assistance from city administrative staff as City Manager Alan H. Bergren may assign, to select and recommend to the Council of the City of Norwich a proposed developer for the to be combined lots of 105/122 Chestnut Street through a Request for Proposals process and to report its recommendations to the Council of the City of Norwich no later than the first meeting in October 2014, the Council to accept or reject its recommendation as to the developer, reserving the right to itself to amend or modify the terms of any proposed development. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Bettencourt and Nash. 49 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 A RESOLUTION APPROVING UP TO S1.0 MILLION ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE KELLY MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT, THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS THERE FOR, AND THE PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC ACT ADOPTED 2014‐ PA 2014‐90 sec. 16 (a)(b) Whereas, the City of Norwich has by ordinance approved a $40.25 million bond ordinance for the renovation and expansion of Kelly Middle School; and Whereas, the extent of the renovations required has caused project bids to exceed the original project cost estimate by $1.0 Million (hereinafter the “Revised Estimated Project Cost”); and Whereas, the State legislature has adopted legislation that authorizes increased grant funding for the Kelly Middle School Project and, upon approval of the City Council, authorizes the City to appropriate, spend, and contract the Revised Estimated Project Cost and issue bonds to finance the revised net project cost to the City; and Whereas, as a result of the Special Legislation, the revised net project cost is not projected to exceed the originally projected net project cost to the City; and Whereas, section 512(b) of an act of the General Assembly referred to as Substituted Senate Bill No. 475 requires the City Council of the City of Norwich to approve its provisions in order for the Act to become effective; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The City Council of the City of Norwich hereby approves the additional appropriation and section 512 of Public Act adopted 2014. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Noblick. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich, through a tax foreclosure, became the owner of certain real property known as 631 West Main Street, shown in the records of the Norwich Tax Assessor as Map 108, Block 3, Lot 86, on April 20, 2011; and WHEREAS, on May 7, 2012 the Council of the City of Norwich appointed a committee known as the 631 West Main Street Advisory Committee to evaluate the property and provide a recommendation to the Council as to the disposition of the property; and WHEREAS, on October 15, 2012 the Council approved an expenditure of $1,540 for environmental testing with respect to the property; and WHEREAS, the 631 West Main Street Advisory Committee recommended to the Council of the City of Norwich that the structure on the site be demolished; and 50 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich appropriated funds for the demolition of the structure which demolition has been completed; and WHEREAS, the 631 West Main Street Advisory Committee also recommended that the property be combined with one or both of the abutting commercial properties and that a curb cut be eliminated; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds that this property is located in a General Commercial zone but is too small to be used for a stand‐alone development; and that the division of parcels between adjoining commercial properties, or the incorporation of the parcel with one or both of the adjoining commercial properties will best serve the goals recommended by the 631 West Main Street Advisory Committee and adopted by the Council of the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the assessor of the City of Norwich has determined that said property has a value of $11,800; and WHEREAS, on March 3, 2014 the Council of the City of Norwich appointed a committee to be known as the 631 West Main Street Committee of Sale to prepare guidelines for the sale or disposition of 631 West Main Street which Committee has recommended that the city dispose of this property by auction conducted by the tax collector, bidders limited to the owners or agents of the abutting commercial properties, any sale including a requirement that the property be merged with the acquirer’s existing property or that a boundary adjustment be made with the acquirer’s property and the other adjoining commercial property and that one of the existing curb cuts on the acquirer’s property, this property, or the other adjoining commercial property in the event of a boundary line adjustment be eliminated; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the tax collector of the City of Norwich be and hereby is authorized and directed to sell at an auction 631 West Main Street identified as Map 108, Block 3, Lot 86, being limited to receiving bids from the owners or agents of the two commercial properties located on Main Street immediately abutting 631 West Main Street, subject to the requirements established for such sales, the auction to take place in such manner under such terms and at a time and place as set by the tax collector, with the specified requirement as a term of the auction and the sale of said property that any successful bidder must agree to combine the parcel with that of the bidder’s existing abutting property, or enter into a mutual boundary line adjustment affecting both abutting commercial properties and eliminate at least one curb cut on one of the properties within 180 days of the sale date. Mayor Hinchey recused herself from discussion and voting and left the room on the following resolution and asked President Pro Tem Desaulniers to preside over the meeting on this item. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Wilson, to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Bettencourt, Eyberse, and Noblick. WHEREAS, the property located at 31 New London Turnpike further described as Map 67, Block 3, Lot 74, is adjacent to the Yantic River and in a flood hazard zone, having flooded on a number of occasions, 51 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 including flooding on March 26, 2010 causing the property and buildings located on it to suffer significant damage; and WHEREAS, flood profile information for the 10‐year, 50‐year, 100‐year, and 500‐year flood events at the building location confirm that future flooding is likely; and WHEREAS, said property is owned by Bugbee & Gawendo, LLC and occupied by The Nutmeg Companies, Inc.; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich by resolution adopted November 1, 2010 recognized that grant funding for the acquisition of 31 New London Turnpike, might be available from the Federal Emergency Management Administration for post‐disaster hazard mitigation through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and, by such resolution, the Council acknowledged that the City of Norwich had made an application under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to acquire said property, to demolish the structures located on the site and to maintain the property as open‐space in perpetuity; and WHEREAS, the Council then authorized and directed City Manager Alan H. Bergren to attempt to negotiate an agreement with the Bugbee & Gawendo, LLC and/or The Nutmeg Companies, Inc. whereby the City of Norwich, if awarded a grant under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, would acquire the property, demolish all buildings on the site and maintain said property as open‐space in perpetuity; and WHEREAS, a relocation of The Nutmeg Companies to a site within the City of Norwich was strongly encouraged; and WHEREAS, City Manager Alan H. Bergren has been able to negotiate an Agreement to acquire said property with the relocation of the Nutmeg Companies to a site in the Norwich Business Park, the acquisition of their new business site to be structured as a 1031 Exchange Transaction; and WHEREAS, this Agreement calls for the City of Norwich to acquire the property for $650, 000 together with an expense reimbursement of $100,000 through grants and other fundings, in kind contributions by the City of Norwich and a payment estimated to be $20,000 from city funds set aside for this project with a closing to take place on or before October 1, 2014; and WHEREAS, to fund this acquisition the City of Norwich has received a grant of $570,075 from the Federal Emergency Management Administration through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program leaving a local match of $190,025 towards which the city has received a State of Connecticut sub‐grant award of $100,000 for the purchase and protection of open‐space through the State of Connecticut Open‐Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program; and a further $50,000 grant through the State of Connecticut to be used for moving and other expenses; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the FEMA grant the City of Norwich will be required to demolish the existing structures on the site within 90 days of obtaining title to the same NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Manager Alan H. Bergren be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into an Agreement of Sale and a Reimbursement Agreement with Bugbee & Gawendo, LLC, The Nutmeg Companies, Inc. and/or such 52 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MAY 19, 2014 entity as may be established to accomplish a 1031 exchange of the real estate as described herein, said agreement being satisfactory to him and to the Corporation Counsel, and that he, at an appropriate time cause a resolution to be presented to the Council of the City of Norwich which authorizes the purchase of the property under the general terms and conditions described herein. The above resolution passed on a 6-0 vote with Mayor Hinchey abstaining. Mayor Hinchey returned. Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Bettencourt. Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, to amend the following resolution to add Ald. Nash and Noblick as sponsors. The amendment passed 7-0. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich included funding in its 2013-14 Capital Budget of $36,750 for the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department for the purpose of replacing self- contained breathing apparatus packs; and WHEREAS, the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department has determined that it would not be purchasing these packs until fiscal year 2015-16; and WHEREAS, the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department had been approved by the Council of the City of Norwich to reallocate $20,000 of the funds in the Capital Budget which had been allocated for the purpose of replacing self-contained breathing apparatus packs towards the replacement of the dive truck; and WHEREAS, the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department has requested to apply the remaining $16,750 of the funds in the Capital Budget which had been allocated for the purpose of replacing self- contained breathing apparatus packs towards the stripping, repairing, sealing, and repainting of the Taftville fire station. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the 2013-14 Capital Budget for the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department be and hereby is amended to reduce $16,750 funding for the purpose of replacing self-contained breathing apparatus packs and add $16,750 funding for stripping, repairing, sealing, and repainting of the Taftville fire station. The above resolution unanimously passes as amended. Upon motion to Ald. Bettencourt seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:55 pm. CITY CLERK 53