City Council
Regular MeetingNorwich, CT · November 3, 2014
Minutes
JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH NOVEMBER 3, 2014
A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held November 3, 2014 at 7:30 PM in
Council Chambers. Present: Aldermen Desaulniers, Noblick, Eyberse, Bettencourt, Nash and Mayor
Hinchey. City Manager Bergren and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance.
Ald. Wilson was absent. Mayor Hinchey presided.
Ald. Bettencourt read the opening prayer and Ald. Noblick led the members in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Upon motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to adopt the
minutes of October 6 and 20, 2014.
Mayor Hinchey read the following proclamation:
PRO CL A MAT I O N
WHEREAS, Norwich, CT is a community which acknowledges that a special vibrancy exists within the entire
community when its individual citizens collectively “go the extra mile” in personal effort, volunteerism, and
service, and
WHEREAS, with his dedication and hard work, Michael Franklin has gone the “extra mile” for the City of
Norwich by organizing the fireworks since 2010. The July 4th fireworks were not held that year due to the
originator, Ron Aliano, passing, and
WHEREAS, in 2011 Michael Franklin took charge of the newly formed Fireworks Committee and
spearheaded the effort. The City of Norwich fireworks have been successfully held for the past four years, and
WHEREAS, Norwich, CT is a community which encourages its citizens to maximize their personal
contribution to the community by giving of themselves wholeheartedly and with total effort, commitment, and
conviction to their individual ambitions, family, friends, and community; and
WHEREAS, Norwich, CT is a community which chooses to shine a light on and celebrate individuals and
organizations within its community who “go the extra mile” in order to make a difference and lift up fellow
members of their community; and
WHEREAS, Norwich, CT acknowledges the mission of Extra Mile America to create 400 Extra Mile cities in
America and is proud to support “Extra Mile Day” on November 1, 2014.
NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR DEBEREY HINCHEY 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 November 1, 2014 to be Extra
Mile Day. I urge each individual in the community to take time on this day to not only “go the extra mile” in
her or his own life, but to also acknowledge all those who are inspirational in their efforts and commitment to
make their organizations, families, community, country, or world a better place.
Dated this First Day of November, 2014
Deberey Hinchey Pete Desaulniers
Mayor President Pro Tem
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JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH NOVEMBER 3, 2014
Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Speaking in favor:
No one spoke.
Speaking in opposition:
David Crabb, 47 Prospect St spoke in opposition of this ordinance stating it needs several
amendments.
John Lavangie, 85 Lawler Lane, spoke in opposition and felt the City bond rating is good. He asked
that the City Manager put this into his proposed budget.
There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed.
City Clerk read the following report:
Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to accept the
report from the Fountain Street Committee.
From: Gary Schnip [mailto:gary@gschnip.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2014 9:59 AM
To: Betsy M. Barrett
Cc: ACOUNTRYLADY@COMCAST.NET; Sofee Noblick; Tucker Braddock
Subject: Fountain Street Committee
BETSEY: Please advise the City Council that the Fountain Street Committee unanimously voted to recommend the
Council negotiate a Development agreement with Gil & Barbara Jordan. They can be reached at B & G Rentals 1897
Route 12, Gales Ferry, Ct…..T-860-912-5277 or 860-887-2800 (days).
Gary Schnip
Chairman…Fountain Street Committee
City Clerk read the following report:
Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to accept the report
from the Chestnut Street Committee.
Please be advised we had our Special Meeting of 105 and 122 Chestnut St Committee
and recommended that Mel A Wiese , 282 Franklin St, Norwich be recommended
to The City Council for their consideration . We had a Quorum, the vote passed, one
absentee and one member recused from the vote.
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JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH NOVEMBER 3, 2014
Contact Info.
Mel A Wiese
282 Frankin St , Norwich
Phone 860-889-4973 Fax 860-889-5039
I remain,
H Tucker Braddock
Chairmen 105 and 122 Chestnut St Committee
City Manager Alan Bergren gave his report as followed:
DATE: November 3, 2014
TO: Mayor Deberey Hinchey & Council Members
FROM: Alan H. Bergren, City Manager
SUBJECT: City Manager’s Report
1. Norwich Prevention Council Given an Award for Outstanding Coalition Involvement
The Norwich Prevention Council was given an award by the Southeastern Regional Action Council at
their annual meeting on October 23rd for “Outstanding Coalition Involvement”….it reads:
“The Norwich Prevention Council has continued to evolve for almost 15 years to meet the needs of the
community and sustain their efforts in prevention. The past year membership blossomed once again to
rally behind the effort to increase suicide prevention in town. Over 300 individuals (youth and adults)
were trained in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) this past year in Norwich alone. The council continues
to work on a highly collaborated effort with the following organizations: Norwich Free Academy,
Norwich Technical High School, Norwich Public Schools, Otis Library, Norwich Police Department,
Norwich Youth and Family Servicers, BullyBusters, Juvenile Justice, Adult Probation, DCF and UCFS.
Congratulations to the Norwich Prevention Council for their exemplary example of a comprehensive
community coalition! Special thanks to the current coordinator Kay Eyberse and the coalition’s longest
standing member Joanne Zenowitz.”
2. Lee-Ann Gomes receives a Master’s in Business Administration
Congratulations to Norwich Human Services Supervisor Lee-Ann Gomes on recently receiving a
Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Self- improvement and advanced
education always makes employees more valuable to the City and we always encourage our employees
to better themselves.
3. Ghost Walk
The Norwich Historical Society sponsored the final Last Green Valley Walktober event on Thursday,
October 30th. It was a “Ghost Walk” through the Norwichtown Colonial Cemetery. I had the
opportunity to join over 105 people in the walk; many from in and around town and some from as far as
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JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH NOVEMBER 3, 2014
Norfolk, England and Sturbridge, MA. Following the walk, people enjoyed hot cider and cookies in the
Daniel Lathrop Schoolhouse.
4. Police
Chief Fusaro and Captain Daley recently attended a seminar with police executives from all over the
State at Central CT State University titled “Beyond Ferguson” hosted by the US Department of Justice.
The seminar focused on developing positive police/community relations.
The Norwich Police Department and the Norwich Chapter of the NAACP partnered to present a seminar
titled “Both Sides of the Law” which demonstrated to the Public what the police do and why they do it
with appropriate demonstrations by a number of different officers from the Norwich Police Department.
Congratulations to SGT Veiga on receiving the NAACP Community Service award at the 2014 Freedom
Fund Dinner for his work for the department and the City in increasing diversity in Police and City
Services.
Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment.
No one spoke.
Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed.
Ald. Noblick made a motion, seconded by Ald. Nash, to adopt the following resolution.
Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by President Pro Tem Desaulniers, it was unanimously
voted to amend the following resolution introduced by Ald. Noblick, by adding the developer “ Gil and
Barbara Jordan“. The resolution was then unanimously adopted as amended.
WHEREAS, the Fountain Street Committee of Sale was appointed by the Council of the City of
Norwich to issue a Request for Proposals for the development of parcels at 3-5 Fountain Street, 9
Fountain Street and 9 ½ Fountain Street and to recommend a developer to the Council; and
WHEREAS, the Fountain Street Committee of Sale has issued a Request for Proposals and has
completed its selection process identifying a developer to recommend to the Council of the City of
Norwich; and
WHEREAS, the Fountain Street Committee of Sale has reported to the Council of the City of Norwich
that it recommends Gil and Barbara Jordan as its choice to develop said properties
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Gil
and Barbara Jordan be and hereby is designated as the preferred developer of the properties at 3-5,
9, and 9 ½ Fountain Street subject to Gil and Barbara Jordan reaching a draft development
agreement with the City of Norwich within 100 days of the date hereof; and
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JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH NOVEMBER 3, 2014
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that City Manager
Alan H. Bergren be and hereby is authorized and directed by the Council of the City of Norwich to
negotiate a development agreement satisfactory to him with Gil and Barbara Jordan and to present
the same to the Council for its consideration and approval on or before the first meeting of the Council
in March 2015.
Ald. Noblick made a motion, seconded by Ald. Nash, to adopt the following resolution.
Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to amend the
following resolution introduced by Ald. Noblick by adding the developer “ Mel A. Wiese“. The
resolution was then unanimously adopted as amended.
WHEREAS, the Chestnut Street Committee of Sale was appointed by the Council of the City of
Norwich to issue a Request for Proposals for the development of parcels at 105 Chestnut Street and
122 Chestnut Street and to recommend a developer to the Council; and
WHEREAS, the Chestnut Street Committee of Sale has issued a Request for Proposals and has
completed its selection process identifying a developer to recommend to the Council of the City of
Norwich; and
WHEREAS, the Chestnut Street Committee of Sale has reported to the Council of the City of Norwich
that it recommends Mel A. Weise as its choice to develop said properties
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Mel A.
Weise be and hereby is designated as the preferred developer of the properties at 105 and 122
Chestnut Street subject to Mel A. Weise reaching a draft development agreement with the City of
Norwich within 100 days of the date hereof; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that City Manager
Alan H. Bergren be and hereby is authorized and directed by the Council of the City of Norwich to
negotiate a development agreement satisfactory to him with Mel A. Weise and to present the same to
the Council for its consideration and approval on or before the first meeting of the Council in March
2015.
Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was
unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:00 pm.
CITY CLERK
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Agenda
CITY OF NORWICH
CONNECTICUT
AGENDA - MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CTIY OF
NORWICH
November 3,2014
7:30 PM
PRAYER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADOPTION OF MINUTES: October 6 and 20, 2014
PROCLAMATIONS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
1. Extra Mile America Day.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Report of the Fountain Street Committee.
2. Report of the Chestnut Street Committee.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
CITIZENS COMMENT ON RESOLUTIONS
NEW BUSINESS-RESOLUTIONS
1. Relative to authorizing City Manager Alan H. Bergren to negotiate with
recommended developers regarding 3-5, 9 and 9 112 and Fountain Street.
2. Relative to authorizing City Manager Alan H. Bergren to negotiate with
recommended developers regarding 105 and 122 Chestnut Street.
City Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING #1
AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, THAT
AN ARTICLE VI - SECTIONS 7-131 THROUGH 7-132.4 - AS MORE
PARTICULARLY SET FORTH HEREIN BE ADDED TO CHAPTER 7 OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NORWICH:
Article VI - Financial Management Policies
7-131- Unrestricted Fund Balance of the General Fund
The city shall maintain an adequate unrestricted fund balance (UFB) in its General
Fund. The UFB is the amount of fund balance that is not constrained by externally
enforceable legal or contractual restrictions.
7-131.1 - Contingency Appropriation
During the annual budget process, the city shall include a contingency appropriation.
The contingency appropriation may be used to offset unanticipated, unbudgeted
revenue shortfalls or expenditure overages which cannot be mitigated by reducing other
operating expenditures.
Any unspent and unencumbered contingency appropriation, along 'with any operating
surpluses in the General Fund shall close out into the UFB at the end of the fiscal year.
7-131.2 - Size of Unrestricted Fund Balance
The city shall maintain a UFB of not less than 12% of the current fiscal year's budgeted
expenditures and operating transfers.
7-131.3 - Permitted Uses of Unrestricted Fund Balance
UFB may be used to absorb operating deficits caused by unanticipated, unbudgeted
revenue shortfalls or expenditure overages which cannot be mitigated by utilizing the
contingency appropriation. However, UFB shall not be used in the place of normal
operating revenues in the annual budget process.
To the extent that UFB exceeds 17% of the current fiscal year's budgeted expenditures
and operating transfers, the Council of the City of Norwich may appropriate, by
ordinance, some portion of such excess for one or more of the following purposes: .
a) Additional capital improvements beyond those required by Charter Chapter VII,
Section 17 which can be demonstrated to reduce the future operating expenses of the
city
b) Make transfers to a bonded projects fund to pay for projects with authorized, but
unissued debt
c) Retire existing debt early
d) Make employer contributions to the Pension or Other Post-Employment Benefits
Trust Funds above the amount required by 7-132-4
7-131.4 - Replenishment of Unrestricted Fund Balance
If the UFB were to fall below the minimum level set in 7-131.2, the city shall increase the
contingency appropriation in 7-131.1 according to the following schedule:
a) If the UFB is below 8% of the current fiscal year's budgeted expenditures and
operating transfers, the city shall restore UFB to the 8% level within two budget
cycles.
b) If the UFB is greater than 8%, but below 10% ofthe current fiscal year's budgeted
expenditures and operating transfers, the city shall restore UFB to the 10% level
within five budget cycles.
c) If the UFB is greater than 10%, but below 12% ofthe current fiscal year's
budgeted expenditures and operating transfers, the city shall restore UFB to the
12% level within five budget cycles.
7-132 - Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits Funding
The city shall have actuarial valuations of its pension and other post-employment
benefits ("OPEB") plans performed at least biennially.
7-132.1 - Actuarial Cost Method
The city shall use an actuarial cost method which conforms to the current actuarial
standards of practice and allocate normal costs over a period beginning no earlier than
the date of employment and should not exceed the last assumed retirement age. The
selected actuarial cost method should be designed to fully fund the long-term costs of
contractual benefits while equitably allocating the costs over the employees' period of
active service.
7-132.2 - Actuarial Asset Method
The city shall recognize actuarial gains or losses on the differences between actual
investment returns and the assumed rate of return over no longer than five years on a
straight-line basis.
7-132.3 - Am.ortization of Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability
a) Generally - The Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liabilities ("UAALs") that exist as of
the last published valuation date prior to the adoption of this ordinance shall be
amortized over no longer than 25 years. Changes in UAALs that occur after this date
shall be amortized over no longer than 20 years.
b) Plans closed to new entrants - The UAAL amortization for such plans shall be
treated the same as in a) until such plans have no remaining active members. When
a plan is closed to new entrants and has no remaining active members, changes in
the UAAL shall be amortized over no longer than 10 years.
7-132.4 - Contributions
a) Generally - The city shall contribute the amount recommended by its actuary each
fiscal year unless the amount varies by more than 15% +/- from the previous year.
This variance shall be calculated by division (e.g., Norwich Public Utilities, Norwich
Public Schools, Police, Fire, Volunteer Fire, and all other General City).
b) Contribution recommended by actuary is less than 85% ofthe previous year's
contribution - The city shall contribute an amount equal to 85% of the previous
year's contribution.
c) Contribution recommended by actuary is greater than 115% of the previous year's
contribution - The city shall contribute an amount equal to 115% of the previous
year's contribution.
Mayor Deberey Hinchey
Purpose: To establish policies with respect to the unrestricted fund balance of the
general fund and contributions to the pension and other postemployment benefits
funds.
RESOLUTION #1
WHEREAS, the Fountain Street Committee of Sale was appointed by the Council of the
City of Norwich to issue a Request for Proposals for the development of parcels at 3-5
Fountain Street, 9 Fountain Street and 9 ~ Fountain Street and to recommend a
developer to the Council; and
WHEREAS, the Fountain Street Committee of Sale has issued a Request for Proposals
and has completed its selection process identifying a developer to recommend to the
Council of the City of Norwich; and
WHEREAS, the Fountain Street Committee of Sale has reported to the Council of the
City of Norwich that it recommends
as its choice to develop said properties
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORWICH that be and hereby is designated as the
preferred developer of the properties at 3-5, 9, and 9 ~ Fountain Street subject to
reaching a draft development agreement with the City of Norwich within 100 days of the
date hereof; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that
City Manager Alan H. Bergren be and hereby is authorized and directed by the Council
of the City of Norwich to negotiate a development agreement satisfactory to him with
and to present the same to the Council for its consideration and approval on or before
the first meeting of the Council in March 2015.
Alderwoman Sofee Noblick
RESOLUTION #2
WHEREAS, the Chestnut Street Committee of Sale was appointed by the Council of the
City of Norwich to issue a Request for Proposals for the development of parcels at 105
Chestnut Street and 122 Chestnut Street and to recommend a developer to the Council;
and
WHEREAS, the Chestnut Street Committee of Sale has issued a Request for Proposals
and has completed its selection process identifying a developer to recommend to the
Council of the City of Norwich; and
WHEREAS, the Chestnut Street Committee of Sale has reported to the Council of the
City of Norwich that it recommends
As its choice to develop said properties
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORWICH that be and hereby is designated as the
preferred developer of the properties at 105 and 122 Chestnut Street subject to
reaching a draft development agreement with the City of Norwich within 100 days of the
date hereof; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that
City Manager Alan H. Bergren be and hereby is authorized and directed by the Council
of the City of Norwich to negotiate a development agreement satisfactory to him with
and to present the same to the Council for its consideration and approval on or before
the first meeting of the Council in March 2015.
Alderwoman Sofee Noblick
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