City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held December 15, 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. Bettencourt led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Hinchey commented on the great job the maintenance department did framing and installing the previous Mayor portraits in Council Chambers. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. Tara Hall, 80 Ox Hill Rd, expressed disappointment about lack of youth programs especially the termination of the youth basketball program. She asked that the program be reinstated. Lorraine Thomas, 86 Ox Hill Rd, stated that she is disheartened that the youth basketball program is discontinued. She stated that this is a positive forum for our children and asked for this program to be restated. Susana Burgess, 74 Russell Rd, stated she is in support of a splash pad for Norwich and would like to see one installed. She stated the community will help. Lisa Fedick, Norwich Ice Rink, stated the first group of skater was up on the ice last Saturday (the NFA hockey team). She informed everyone that the grand opening will be December 20th. She is very excited that the rink is open. Johnny Burns, 26 Allen Ave reiterated the previous speaker and advocated for the recreation basketball program asking the City to support this program. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave, talked about the light throughout the City and asked why no lights or tree were in Norwichtown. Questioned the golf course posted hours. She talked about the NPU increase of the rates and asked for Council input. She asked how the police “lease” will work and will it go out to referendum. She asked about economic development and vibrant community incentives. Nyjuhwahn Walker stated he was very excited about the ice rink being open again and thanked the Council. Mark Cook, 62 Gulliver Circle asked how the City can be made a focal point for economic development. He stated there are not enough teachers per students in the Norwich school system and felt it should be better staffed. He asked the City to fully fund the 2015/16 component of the education budget which in turn might encourage younger professional to relocate to Norwich. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St spoke about NPU increased rates and the past City Mangers vision for new construction. He asked where the risk managers are in Norwich. Kathleen Murphy, Boswell Ave thanked the Council for their time and effort and asked the Council to make a difference by changing the Charter regarding the CCD and TCD taxes. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed. Mayor Hinchey congratulated “The Wauregan” for the award they received. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE THRESHOLD FOR SEALED BIDS FOR CITY CONTRACTS AND PURCHASES Speaking in favor: The City manager read the following letter below: 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 William Hathaway, Norwich Purchasing Agent, asked that the City Council support raising the bidding threshold. Speaking in opposition: No one spoke. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT POLICIES Speaking in favor: Joshua Pothier, Comptroller, stated the ordinance was reworked with the Council so now it doesn’t raise taxes and will be funded through surplus. Kathleen Murphy, Boswell Ave stated the changes are awesome. Speaking in opposition: David Crabb, 47 Prospect St stated he was opposed because it needs a few changes to be the perfect ordinance. He felt Norwich needs a uniform financial management policy which encompasses all aspect of the financial policy’s in the budget. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to suspend the rules to amend the agenda. Motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to add “second reading and action on the proposed above ordinances”. Mayor Hinchey called for second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE THRESHOLD FOR SEALED BIDS FOR CITY CONTRACTS AND PURCHASES Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes. President Pro Tem Desaulniers made a motion, seconded by Ald. Noblick, for adoption of AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE THRESHOLD FOR SEALED BIDS FOR CITY CONTRACTS AND PURCHASES BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, THAT SECTIONS 7- 39 AND 7-43 OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 7 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NORWICH BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS: 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 Sec. 7-39. - Competitive bids on purchases, contracts, sale—When required. (a) All single purchases, contracts, or sales in which the amount of expenditure or sale is estimated to exceed $12,000.00 the greater of $25,000 or such higher amount allowed by section 7-148v of the general statutes either shall be made from or let by sealed bids or, when considered advantageous, be made from State of Connecticut-negotiated or other consortium-negotiated contracts from which the City of Norwich is allowed to purchase. Sec. 7-43. - Same—Authorization of open market transactions; emergency purchase procedure. All purchases of supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services, and all sales of supplies, materials and equipment determined, after consultation with the head of the department or agency concerned, to be surplus, obsolete or unused, of less than $12,000.00 in amount shall the threshold for bids specified in 7-39(a) may be made in the open market, without bid advertisement and without observing the procedure prescribe by sections 7-39 to 7-42 and 7-46 and 7-47 for the award of contracts. In case of an emergency which requires immediate purchase of supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services, the city manager may authorize the purchasing agent to secure, without competitive bids at the lowest obtainable price, any supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services regardless of the amount of the expenditure; provided, however, a full explanation of the circumstances of such emergency shall be entered in the purchasing records and shall be open to public inspection. Purpose: To increase the amount by which the City may enter into contracts and purchases without the formal sealed bid process. The above ordinance passed on a roll call vote of 7-0. Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT POLICIES Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes. President Pro Tem Desaulniers made a motion, seconded by Ald. Nash, for adoption of 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 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 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 accumulate 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 e) Fund projects and other expenditures for which the City of Norwich is authorized to incur indebtedness pursuant to Charter Chapter VIII, Section 1 7-131.4 – Replenishment of Unrestricted Fund Balance Should the Unrestricted Fund Balance of the General Fund, having reached the minimum level set in 7-131.2, fall below that minimum level, in the fiscal year following such occurrence, the city shall increase the contingency appropriation called for 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% of the 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% of the 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. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 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 – Amortization 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% of the 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. The above ordinance passed on a roll call vote of 7-0. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes. Ald. Nash motioned seconded by Ald. Eyberse, to adopt the following amended ordinance introduced by President Pro Tem Desaulniers and City Manager Bergren. Ald. Nash made a motion, seconded by Ald. Nash, for adoption of AN AMENDED ORDINANCE REGARDING: AN INCREASE IN CERTAIN PARKING FINES AND AN EXTENSION OF THE TIME WITHIN WHICH TO PAY ALL FINES TO THE PARKING COMMISSION BEFORE THE AMOUNT OWED IS DOUBLED BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, THAT CHAPTER 20, ARTICLE II, SECTION 20-19 SUBSECTION (m) BE REMOVED PARKING AT METER OVER LEGAL LIMIT… $5.00 AND TO INCREASE THE TIME TO FOURTEEN (14) DAYS FOR PAYMENT OF FINES WITHOUT DOUBLING THE AMOUNT AND FAILURE TO MAKE PAYMENT INCREASED TO THIRTY (30)DAYS; THE AMENDMENTS STATED AS FOLLOWS: Sec. 20-19. Same-Fines and penalties. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 Each owner or operator receiving a notice provided in section 20-18 may pay to the public parking commission personally or by mail as a penalty for and in full satisfaction of such violation the following sums: (a) Obstruction driveway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00 (b) Parking too far from curb. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.00 (c) Parking too close to corner. . . . . . . . . . . 15.00 (d) Double parking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.00 (e) Parking on wrong side of street. . . . . . 15.00 (f) Parking in crosswalk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.00 (g) Parking too close to fire hydrant. . . . . . 25.00 (h) Violation of snow regulations. . . . . . . . . 25.00 (i) Parking in handicapped zone. . . . . . . . . 100.00 (j) Parking in fire zone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.00 (k) Parking in posted no parking zone. . . . 15.00 (l) Overtime parking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 (m) Parking at meter over legal limit. . . . . . 5.00 (n) Parking at bus stop, taxi stand or loading zone 15.00 (o) Parking on sidewalk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.00 (p) Parking in intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.00 (q) Obstructing traffic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.00 (r) Left wheel to curb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.00 (s) Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.00 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 Chapter 20, Article II The failure of such owner or operator to make such payment to said commission within 48 hours 14 days shall render him liable to payment of double the above fines. The failure of such owner or operator to make such payment to said commission within 96 hours 30 Days shall render him liable to the penalty provided by the Connecticut General Statutes for infractions. And be it further ordained by the Council of the City of Norwich that this ordinance shall become effective on January 15, 2015. The above ordinance passed on a roll call vote of 7-0. City Manager Alan Bergren gave his report as followed: DATE: December 15, 2014 TO: Mayor Deberey Hinchey & Council Members FROM: Alan H. Bergren, City Manager SUBJECT: City Manager’s Report 1. 2012-14 City of Norwich Biennial Report The 2012-14 Biennial Report is complete and available in both hard copy and on-line. I am pleased to note that Jill Brennan was the editor and designer of this report which is in a calendar format. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to peruse the report as there is important and valuable information on the activities of the various agencies and departments of the City for the past two fiscal years. 2. Fire The Norwich Fire Department has entered into a $65K regional grant application for protective equipment for first responders with the City of Groton, City of New London, Poquonnock Bridge, Mystic, Colchester and Old Mystic fire departments. Throughout the year the NFD has been training for special operations in Rapid Intervention for Fire Fighter rescue, High and Low angle rope rescue and Confined Space rescue operations. The entire fire department is now qualified in these disciplines. 3. Police Chief Fusaro reports that the Police Department is currently very involved with a variety of charitable events focused on improving the holiday season for the city's needy children and families. With that in mind, the PD is once again this year providing support to the Tommy Toy Fund. Two highly successful toy collections, "Stuff the Cruiser", events for the Tommy Toy Fund were held at the Norwich Walmart store by our Community Policing officers. They also assisted with Santa's Fun Run event that was also a success in toy donations. Our DARE Officer assisted with the "Kid's Christmas" party held at NFA by Mrs. Hall again this year. This event was also supported by the Norwich Police PBA and the DARE program. The NPD Juvenile Unit Detective and Police Officers and the Police Chaplains supported by anonymous donors and the Norwich Police PBA, will again provide gifts to children identified for us by Norwich Schools as deserving, and will be delivered by our "Secret Santa's". 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 The Chief also noted that the Department is in full swing in its holiday traffic safety grant funded programs. He said our Police Department's Officers are working hard to not only make the holiday season safe, but also as enjoyable as possible for everyone. 4. On behalf of all of us who serve the City, I extend best wishes this Holiday Season to our Mayor, the City Council and all of our citizens along with best wishes for the New Year. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St spoke in opposition to resolution #3 stating this should be on the balance sheet in the annual budget. Barney Caulfield, Chairman Norwich Golf Course Authority, asked for support on resolution #3 asking to approve the 2015 golf course budget. Robert McKeon, 73 New Village St, asked for the contract on resolution #4 to be updated and questioning why it was stripped. 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 President Pro Tem Desaulniers, Ald. Noblick, and Eyberse. BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be re-appointed as regular members of the Historic District Commission with a term to expire on December 31, 2019 or until a successor is appointed: Pamela A. Muccilli (D) BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed as alternate members of the Historic District Committee with a term to expire on December 31, 2016 or until a successor is appointed: Christie Gilluly (D) Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by President Pro Tem Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Desaulniers, Ald. Noblick, and Eyberse. BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be re-appointed as regular members of the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee with a term to expire on December 31, 2016 or until a successor is appointed: 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 Kerry Bilda (D) Kevin Crowley (D) Brandon Hyde (R) Mikel Middleton (R) Timothy Smith (U) BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed as regular members of the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee with a term to expire on December 31, 2016 or until a successor is appointed: William Barbuto (D) Upon a motion of Ald. Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Bergren. WHEREAS, an agreement between the City of Norwich and the Norwich Golf Course Authority entered into at the time of the acquisition of the golf course by the City provided that the Norwich Golf Course Authority might not expend more than $100,000 in any one year without the approval of the Council of the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the Norwich Golf Course Authority has annually advised the Council of the City of Norwich of its expected revenues and expenses for the upcoming calendar year; and WHEREAS, the Norwich Golf Course Authority anticipates it will need to expend more than $100,000 during the calendar year 2015 to meet operating and capital improvement expenses; and WHEREAS, the Norwich Golf Course Authority expects to receive revenue of $1,100,000 from operations during 2015 and to expend the same. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the Norwich Golf Course Authority be and hereby is authorized to expend up to $1,100,000 from revenues and expenses during calendar year 2015 to cover the cost of anticipated expenses. Ald. Eyberse made a motion, seconded by Ald. Nash, to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Eyberse. Upon a motion by Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to amend the following resolution to change “my” to “any” plans in the third paragraph and amend the date from ”March” to “July”. Motion to amend passed. 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 WHEREAS, the City of Norwich, was gifted certain land in Occum containing 3.2 acres more or less to be used for a playground area and for recreational purposes by a deed from the St. Joseph’s Church Corporation of the Village of Occum dated February 14, 1973 and recorded at volume 380, page 332 of the Norwich Land Records; and WHEREAS, on October 20, 2014 the Council of the City of Norwich received a petition from Robert “Red” McKeon signed by more than 60 individuals requesting the Occum Playground be returned to its original intent as a recreational area NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the petition be referred to the Recreation Advisory Board to review the petition, any plans and proposals which have been made with respect to maintenance, development and use of this property, to determine the feasibility of the same, and to recommend a use or uses of the property as a playground and for recreation and the development of the same for such purposes and to report its findings to the Council of the City of Norwich on or before the first meeting of the Council in July of 2015. Motion passed. Upon motion of Ald. Eyberse, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted, to set a public hearing the second reading and action on January 5, 2015 for the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Bergren: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' RELIEF FUND OF THE CITY OF NORWICH BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that: WHEREAS, the Norwich City Council, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §7-148(c)(5)(A), adopted a Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Fund Plan on 11/9/87; and WHEREAS, Section 8-71 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances adopts by reference Article I through XIII, inclusive, as contained in the Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Fund Plan as the complete rules and regulations of the Relief Fund for volunteer firefighters in the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this ordinance is to adopt amendments to said Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Fund Plan; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Norwich, that the following amendments to the Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Fund Plan be adopted as amendments to the rules and regulations of the Relief Fund Plan for volunteer firefighters of the City of Norwich: Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII, IX, X and XII are amended as set out herein: Article I, Sections 1.11 Article II, Section 2.2 Article III, Sections 3.1, 3.3 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 Article IV, Sections 4.1, 4.3 Article VI, Sections 6.4, 6.5 Article VIII, Sections 8.1, 8.1.2 Article IX, Sections 9.3 SECTION 1.11 “Normal Retirement Date” For Members joining the Plan prior to January 1, 2015, the Normal Retirement Date means the date on which a Member shall have both attained his 55th birthday and have been credited with at least 20 Years of Credited Service. For Members joining the Plan on or after January 1, 2015, the Normal Retirement Date means the date on which a Member shall have both attained his 55th birthday and have been credited with at least 25 Years of Credited Service. SECTION 2.2 Becoming a Member – A Volunteer eligible to participate in the Plan shall become a Member of the Plan by contributing $216 $264 for each calendar year of Credited Service. The timing and manner of the contribution shall be prescribed by the Committee. Forms agreeing to such contribution will be provided by the Committee. SECTION 3.1 Benefit Date For Members joining the Plan prior to January 1, 2015, the Benefit Date of Members in the Plan is the later of: i. Attainment of age 55 ii. Completion of at least 20 years of Credited Service For Members joining the Plan on or after January 1, 2015, the Benefit Date of Members in the Plan is the later of: i. Attainment of age 55 ii. Completion of at least 25 years of Credited Service SECTION 3.3 Deferred Benefit Date [Second Paragraph] A Member who qualifies for benefits under 3.1 may begin to receive benefits at his/her benefits at his/her Benefit Date even though he/she continues Volunteer Service to the City. Members joining the Plan prior to January 1, 2015 who qualify for benefits and continue to provide Volunteer Service after that date may continue to earn credit up to a maximum of 40 years. Members joining the Plan on or after January 1, 2015 who qualify for benefits and continue to provide Volunteer Service after that date may continue to earn credit up to a maximum of 30 years. SECTION 4.1 At Benefit Date 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 [Third Paragraph] Effective January 1, 2011 January 1, 2015, for retirements on or after that date, the monthly benefit shall be increased to $18 $22. For Members joining the Plan on or after January 1, 2015, the maximum years of Credited Service shall be increased decreased to (40) 30 years also effective at that date. Volunteers who commence benefits prior to that date and do not have Volunteer Firefighter status subsequent to January 1, 2011 January 1, 2015 shall remain at the$7/ $8 /$10/ $15/$18 level. SECTION 4.3 At Disability Benefit Date - For Members joining the Plan prior to January 1, 2015, the annual benefit of a Member who retires on a Disability Benefit Date shall be computed in accordance with Section 4.1 but shall be based on the maximum 40 years of Credited Service. For Members joining the Plan on or after January 1, 2015, the annual benefit of a Member who retires on a Disability Benefit Date shall be computed in accordance with Section 4.1 but shall be based on the maximum 30 years of Credited Service. SECTION 6.4 Death Benefits After Retirement [Second Paragraph] In the event of death of any Member of the Fund, subsequent to the effective date of his/her retirement in accordance with the provisions of this Fund, payment shall be made to the spouse of such Member until death or remarriage, whichever shall come first. This widow/widower pension shall equal ninety (90%) percent of the pension which the deceased Member was receiving at the time of his/her death. To receive such pension benefits, the spouse must have been married to the deceased Member for at least two (2) years before his/her death. If the deceased Member leaves no spouse, or the spouse dies or remarries, payments totaling ninety (90%) percent of the deceased Member's pension shall be paid to the then living children of the deceased Member, if any, share and share alike, provided no payment shall be made to any child after the attainment of his/her twenty- fourth (24th) eighteenth (18th) birthday. SECTION 6.5 Pre-Retirement Spouse’s Death Benefit [Second Paragraph] If there is no eligible spouse, this death benefit shall be paid to dependent children under age 24 18. The payment of the current maximum amount available per month shall continue until the youngest dependent child reaches his/her twenty-fourth eighteenth birthday. In the event there is more than one eligible child, the benefit shall be distributed equally among all eligible children. SECTION 8.1 Member's Contributions - Commencing January 1, 2011 January 1, 2015, the Member contributions shall increase to $216 $264 per year, payable annually upon completion of the qualifying year. Effective also at that date, contributions may be paid for a maximum of 40 years for Members joining the Plan prior to January 1, 2015 and 30 years for Members joining the Plan on or after January 1, 2015. 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 15, 2014 SECTION 8.1.2 Military Service Buy Back Option - A Member with at least 16 years of credited Plan service may purchase up to four years of military service time. Buy back may be purchased at a rate of $216 $264 per year. This time may be directly applied toward Plan credited years of service. SECTION 9.3 Amount of Disability Benefit - The annual amount of Disability Benefit payable to a Member eligible for such benefit shall be determined in the same manner as his/her Benefit based on the maximum of 40 years of Credited Service for Members joining the Plan prior to January 1, 2015 and 30 years for Members joining the Plan on or after January 1, 2015. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:40 pm. CITY CLERK 14