City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held January 5, 2015 at 7:30 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. Wilson read the opening prayer and Ald. Eyberse led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Hinchey called for a moment of silence to honor the two New York policemen who were shot in New York, Officer Liu and Ramos, also a beloved Norwich citizen Stanley Israelite. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of December 1 and 15, 2014. Mayor Hinchey gave the “State of the City Address” as follows: January 05, 2014 Good Evening, I offer you a summary of 2014 in my second State of the City address. I want to thank the many city employees and Department Heads who have contributed so much to 2014 in our City. We are becoming a growing and thriving city because of all of you. I also want to thank the members of the City Council. You all give so much of your time and talent to this city, often without any fanfare. Your creative thinking and dynamic planning has produced many innovative ideas that further bring Norwich to a place of prominence. Josh Pothier, Comptroller reports that Norwich received an upgrade from Standard & Poor to "AA'' in January. In February, the City issued $12.4 million of new bonds with a true interest cost of 3.029% and $5.8 million of refunding bonds with a net present value savings of $382,000. The City Council continues to demonstrate its commitment to sound financial management by supporting the funding of the City's long term liabilities in the budget and, most recently, by adopting formal fund balance and post-employment benefit funding policies. I am proud of our Norwich Police Department. You risk your lives every day. You conduct police business with professionalism and a true concern for the neighborhoods you patrol. The Norwich Police Department pro-actively joined forces with the Norwich NAACP branch to diffuse conflicts as has been seen in other communities across this nation. The Norwich Police Department and the Norwich Branch worked together on two community events with positive results. Community Policing efforts continue to make our neighborhoods safer and stronger. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 The Norwich Fire Department has reworked its recruitment practices to promote greater diversity by incorporating community leaders into the screening process and creating a Diversity Team. The Diversity Team participates in local and state events promoting the Fire Service to civic groups and Educational facilities. Our city is one of wonderfully diverse cultures and the Fire Department is taking the needed steps to be inclusive of all our citizens. The department has collaborated with Norwich Public Utilities, the Tax Assessor's office and the Building Department in order to increase public safety by employing state of the art, cloud based information systems via on-board computers. Because of this technology, decision makers have the ability to access current information increasing first responder safety and public protection. The NFD continues to lead in a system-wide approach to incident scene management. It has enhanced a mutual understanding in managing an incident within an educational facility for greater operational efficiency and safety of our most important asset, our children, by including educational leaders. We are fortunate to have the services of the Volunteer Fire Companies. I want to thank them for the volunteer hours, the dedication to fighting fires and providing emergency response that has meant so much to Norwich. The City Manager and the Community Development Department continue to partner with department heads and employees on the efficient utilization of resources. This work was based on the principle that with limited resources, the success of our City operations is dependent on creative and efficient work ethics. Two initiatives were instituted. The Positive Workforce Committee was formed. The Committee's focus is to discover opportunities in daily work routines that ultimately lead to a decrease in tasks and to refocus efforts on outcomes that improve the quality of life of Norwich residents. The second initiative is to advance the city organization towards outcome based budgeting. I and the Council have directed the City Manager to a list of priorities that include improving organizational efficiencies, strengthening vital links that will be a catalyst to the economic wellbeing of the city, and building capacity around capital improvement projects. The Community Development Department has returned 5 foreclosed units back to the market as part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Ill. An additional 19 Housing units were rehabilitated resulting in an estimated average increase of 12% in property values per property. Four condemned housing units returned to the market. For the past 2 years, the Community Development Department's statistics indicate that with a goal of 120, their programs in collaboration with Norwich Human Services were able to increase job skills/employment for 107 individuals. Barry Ellison, Director of Public Works reports that they resurfaced 4.9 miles of city streets and extended the life of an additional 5.5 miles through preventative maintenance treatments such as chip sealing and crack filling. NPW also secured 100% construction grant funding ($685,200) for the resurfacing of approximately 3,000 feet of Connecticut Avenue. As all of you know, our City Hall is known across the State for its historical significance and beauty. In the many municipalities I visit, people are enthralled with our center of government. It is through Public Works' stewardship and maintenance that this landmark gets even better. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 They have obtained an Assistance Grant from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation to offset nearly 50% of the preservation plan costs. There has been significant progress in the design, permitting, and/or construction of bridge rehabilitation projects on Sherman Street, Sunnyside Street and Montville Road. These projects are 80% funded by State and/or Federal resources secured all or in part by Public Works. The Montville Road bridge project has been awarded and construction is expected to be completed by summer 2015. Public Works completed the demolition of 31 New London Turnpike, the former Nutmeg property. This accomplishment utilized FEMA flood mitigation funding and DEEP open space grants. With the assistance of many city departments and NCDC, Nutmeg moved to the Norwich Business Park. Jackie Roy of Norwich Public Utilities spearheaded the administration part of the project and Public Works managed the entire demolition phase. Together, this City and City Council worked to provide a valued business a place here after a devastating flood. Public Works recently inventoried and completed an initial assessment report on approximately 30 city owned properties and have transferred this report to Fred Allyn for his professional real estate opinion. His assessment of these properties will be further discussed at the PW Committee for recommendation to the Council and/or direction by the City Manager. We had a change in the leadership at Norwich Human Services. The City said a fond farewell to Beverly Goulet who has retired after a long and incredible career building social network foundations for those in need and wanting to aspire to a better life. We miss her and wish her well. Lee-Ann Gomes was named Director and she brings many years of experience to this most important department. The ALICE report conducted by United Way indicates that 50% of Norwich residents do not earn enough to meet the basic costs of living in this county, despite working. We must continue to advocate for higher wages and consistent employment. Our City wide economic development initiatives must always keep in focus creating jobs that pay a livable wage. Norwich Human Services has been a beacon across the state in housing efforts, shelter diversion and rapid re-housing. The people related focus is the provision of long-term solutions to homelessness for families and individuals as opposed to the use of shelters. 57 people were re-housed and 91 people were diverted from a shelter. Thanks to the advocacy of Senator Cathy Osten, the Rose City Senior Center was awarded $690,000 by the State of Connecticut Bond Commission. The installation of a new roof is completed and in the spring there will be further improvements and upgrades. The Youth and Family division of Norwich Human Services has trained over 300 youth and adults in suicide prevention and was recognized for their efforts by the Southeastern Regional Action Council. Norwich Children First/School Readiness has received funding again. These programs bring additional assistance to create a healthy start for our young children, getting them ready to be all they can be in school. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 For the third time in recent years, voters approved a $9.5 million bond referendum for expanding natural gas service in Norwich. It will be repaid using the revenue generated through new natural gas customers and will not impact rates paid by existing customers. Since 2010, NPU has added more than 1,600 natural gas customers and generated approximately $2.4 million in new revenues. This conversion has kept more than seven million pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted into our atmosphere, having a significant environmental impact. We work with the State of Connecticut, through its Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority as well as local lenders, to make the conversion process both seamless and cost- effective for Norwich customers. We are a member of the Clean Cities Coalition. We would not be a leader in this coalition without the hard work of Peter Polubiatko who retired this year. Norwich Public Utilities continues to move forward with plans for a major upgrade to the city's wastewater treatment facility. This upgrade, which will be undertaken without closing the facility, is a significant operational and financial endeavor. It will be a catalyst for economic development in Norwich and in a number of surrounding communities. NPU's Municipal Area Network consists of more than 70 miles of fiber cabling throughout Norwich. This infrastructure provides NPU with the ability to manage the operation and control of its utility facilities located throughout the city, maintaining the excellent quality of the natural gas, electricity, water and waste water collection services. NPU has the capability to provide lower cost, high quality fiber optic services to a range of critical organizations, including the City of Norwich, Otis Library, NFA, Backus Hospital, Southeastern Connecticut Council of Government and the Connecticut Municipal Electrical Energy Cooperative. It connects our public schools with the Connecticut Education Network. NPU has partnered with the Norwich Police Department on the installation and operation of 16 public safety cameras, 5 cameras located in the Norwich Transportation Center. The Planning Department has played a key role in the promotion of economic development. We secured $200,000 from State DECD Brownfield Assessment Grant for property on Shipping Street for the boat launch relocation project. The assessment is expected to begin in the spring of this year. With the help of Jason Vincent of NCDC, the draft Comprehensive Plan update is completed, zoning ordinances and zoning maps will have a format that will be comprehensive and easily utilized by city officials, citizens and developers. It is expected to be adopted in the spring of this year. The Planning Department, Community Development and the RDA have continued their efforts to secure Federal Brownfield Assessment and Clean up grants to address environmentally challenged areas that are targeted in the 2013 Brownfields Area Wide Plan. The Planning Department issued over 1,8 00 building permits with a construction value of approximately $26.1 million and generating over $600,000 in permit revenue. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 Betsy Barrett, our City Clerk, reports that although other towns are trending decreases, Norwich has maintained an increase in land records recordings. Norwich City Clerk revenues are up 58% over the previous fiscal year due to conveyance tax from sales. This past year the Norwich Public School system focused on four main areas, including talent, academics, culture and climate and operations. They employed systems and strategies to recruit, hire, develop, evaluate, and retain excellent school leaders, teachers, and support staff. They designed and implemented a rigorous, aligned and engaging academic program that allows all students to achieve at high levels. They also fostered a positive learning environment that supports high-quality teaching and learning and engages families and the community as partners in the educational process. Finally, they created systems and processes that promote organizational efficiency and effectiveness, including the use of time and financial resources. It has been a busy and productive year for NCDC. An important component for the partnership of the city, NPU and NCDC was the development of an agreement on the focus of their core activities and reporting. NCDC is using a software overlay to Microsoft Outlook-Prophet to fully report activities such as job creation, revenue and other impacts for the city. John Bilda, Gary Evans, Mark Bettencourt, myself, as well as, Bob Mills and Jason Vincent worked diligently to present a format that would bring meaning and accountability to the work being done. At the next Council meeting, NCDC will give their quarterly report and roll out this innovative reporting mechanism. NCDC and I continue to work to secure the needed funding for the completion of the Ponemah Mills project as well as the Hampton Inn. These projects are complicated and require professional attention and creative thinking. Both require public/private partnership for funding. NCDC has worked to present the Reid and Hughes project through an option agreement with the City to become more attractive to potential developers. This is a very fluid and financially difficult project to bring forward but NCDC remains committed to highlighting this valuable asset to developers. As of October of 2014, about half of the 3.3 million Downtown Bonds have been spent or encumbered. NCDC received a grant for $35,000 in support of expanding the reach of the Farmer’s Market to the elderly and families on limited incomes. 29 Stott Avenue closed with the Norwich Bottling Company as the new owner. In November, 9 Wisconsin Ave closed with Sheffield Pharmaceuticals as the buyer. Thayer's Marine has expanded, Nutmeg has moved to their new location in the Business Park, the Capano family continues to expand in downtown, and C.J. Rocket has renovated multiple apartments downtown and all are rented. The Gebbies of PD Enterprises continue to expand their luxury apartments at the Hills of River View. Dominion has opened their emergency facility, with an estimated accumulation of 20 years' worth of projected revenues valued at $1.29 million for Norwich. These are examples of the progress made throughout the City. I have worked closely with NCDC to remove barriers to these projects and to advocate for alternative funding sources. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 Norwich is changing and I am proud to be a part of that change. I have worked to form a philosophy of collaboration throughout the city. Very few projects are spearheaded by one entity. Developers have come to recognize that Norwich Departments, NCDC and the Mayor are here working creatively and efficiently to bring economic development to the forefront. I have made sure that Norwich is recognized in Hartford and in some cases have hand delivered Small Business Express Loan applications in person. The Governor's office, DECD and DOH knows me well and Norwich even better. I have brought a whole team of city officials to describe our projects to the Governor's Chief of Staff and other Commissioners. I have accompanied Jason Vincent and Regan Miner to present our projects to the Historic Preservation Commission and to DECD. We were successful in obtaining funding for the Heritage/Visitor Center projects. We are in the second round for a Historic Brownfield Grant for the Uncas Leap area. I am proud to represent family run businesses such as Thayer's Marine and Norwich Bottling or enterprises such as US Foods where I have connected with Senator Blumenthal's office and the administration of Sysco to express Norwich's commitment to this business in light of the possible merger. US Foods is a prime example of all city departments creatively working together to produce possible plans for the future should expansion or trouble shooting be required. Congressman Joe Courtney worked tirelessly and successfully to help retain our downtown post office. Senator Chris Murphy is a frequent visitor to our city and is always available to advocate for this area. The 8.2 million dollar TIGER Grant is another example of the cooperative work of Federal, State and Local leaders. Improvement in our rail system will generate much economic development in the coming years. We are talking with businesses now about the viability of connecting to the rail system. I have put together a "Team" that makes business visits two times a month. The Team includes Bob Mills, Fawn Walker of NPU and Peter Camp of Community Policing. We spend about 1 hour with these businesses learning of their challenges, their successes but more importantly understanding what they do and the employment and financial impact they make on this city. Descriptions of these business visits will be available on a new blog written by me on the City web site. We have visited 25 businesses so far. The Ice Rink is open and is beautiful. UCFS has expanded. The Heritage/Visitor Center on the Norwichtown Green is vibrant. Bob Farwell has led the Otis Library as it continues to be a hub of community activity. I have spent the last ten months working with Department Heads, including Abby Dolliver, Superintendent of Schools, to develop a Strategic Plan for Economic Development. Each department has played a key role in identifying specific areas that will bring whole scale change to this city. In the next 3 years, I will look toward major areas of focus, Shipping Street, Chestnut Street and the Capehart area. I will also continue to work toward the completion of Ponemah Mill, the continued development of the Norwich harbor and waterfront and of course, the Downtown area. I will be attending the US Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. January 20th. Norwich must be part of the larger picture nationwide. I am on Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch's Sustainability subcommittee for CCM, as well as, a member of the Legislative committee for the SECCOG. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 Challenges remain. I, our Police department, Human Services and our Hartford Delegation continue to work with the Department of Corrections regarding the housing of sex offenders. We need to further utilize our Transportation Center. Our taxes continue to be higher than most of you can tolerate. I believe with the continued efforts toward bringing in more businesses, the Positive Work Force Committee and more regional attention to Norwich we will be able to provide our citizens with some financial relief. Respectfully submitted, Mayor Deberey Hinchey Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS’ RELIEF FUND OF THE CITY OF NORWICH Speaking in favor: There were no speakers. Speaking in opposition: David Crabb, 47 Prospect St spoke in opposition stating the Volunteer Fire Fighters Relief Fund has increased $363,000 over the last 10 years and can’t understand the reason for this initiative. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Upon motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading in its entirety of AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS’ RELIEF FUND OF THE CITY OF NORWICH Ald. Noblick made a motion, seconded by Ald. Wilson, for adoption of AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS’ RELIEF FUND OF THE CITY OF NORWICH 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: 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 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 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 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 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 [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] 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 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. 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. The motion passes on a vote of 7-0. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Andrea Kaiser from the Community Center Exploratory Committee with thanks. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Robert W. Spayne from the Recreation Advisory Board with thanks. City Manager Alan Bergren gave his report as followed: DATE: January 5, 2015 TO: Mayor Deberey Hinchey & Council Members FROM: Alan H. Bergren, City Manager SUBJECT: City Manager’s Report 1. Finance The FY 2013-14 audit reports are complete and on-line. The auditors will be appearing before the Council in February to review the reports and answer any Council questions. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 There were no speakers. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion by Ald. Noblick, second by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session per CGS 1-200 for the purpose of discussing strategies or negotiations with respect to Collective Bargaining, City Manager Alan H. Bergren, Director of Human Resources Brigid Marks, Assistant Director of Human Resources Pat Osten, Finance Director Joshua Pothier and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll and Special Labor Counsel David Ryan were asked to participate during all or portions of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council. I further move the member of the City Council remain in executive session for the purpose of discussing strategy and negotiation with respect to pending litigation. City Manager Alan H. Bergren, Director of Human Resources Bridget Marks, Assistant Director of Human Resources Pat Osten, Finance Director Joshua Pothier, Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll and Special Labor Counsel David Ryan were asked to participate during all or portions of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council. The council was in Executive Session from 8:11 PM to 8:35 PM, at which time Mayor Hinchey stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion by Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Wilson it was unanimously voted to reconvene. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Bergren. RESOLVED, that the proposed Agreement between the City of Norwich and United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU), Local 24, covering the period between July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2017, be, and the same hereby is, approved in accordance with the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes, Section 4-474; and further, that the City Manager, Alan H. Bergren, be, and hereby is, authorized and directed to execute the same in the name of the City. Ald. Noblick made a motion, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Bergren. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by President Pro Tem Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to amend the following resolution by adding “$40,732.33” in the fourth paragraph. The resolution was then unanimously adopted as amended. WHEREAS, C. Roger Moss, MEUI Local 506, SEIU, and the City of Norwich have reached an agreement with respect to C. Roger Moss’ separation from employment with the City of Norwich including a payment to C. Roger Moss for a release of all claims and a withdrawal with prejudice of State Board of Labor Relations case number MPP 31125 and two grievances filed with the State Board of Labor Relations Mediation and Arbitration, case numbers 2014-A-0287 and 2015-A-0108; and 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 5, 2015 WHEREAS, these parties wish to enter into a Separation Agreement and Release in connection with the separation 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 a Separation Agreement and Release with C. Roger Moss and MEUI Local 506, SEIU on terms and conditions which are satisfactory to him and to Attorney David Ryan serving as special labor counsel in connection with this matter; and AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the sum of $40,732.33 be appropriated from the Contingency Account 01090-80086 to be paid as consideration AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the City of Norwich shall withdraw with prejudice a certain Connecticut Superior Court action styled City of Norwich v. MEUI Local 506, 001 KNL-CV-14-6022205-S. Upon motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted, to set a public hearing, second reading and action on January 20, 2015, for the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Bergren: AN ORDINANCE RESTRICTING RECEIPT OF PENSION AND BENEFITS FROM THE CITY OF NORWICH DURING A PERIOD OF RE-EMPLOYMENT BY THE CITY: NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that effective and retroactive to March 2, 2010 employees who have retired under any of the City of Norwich’s (“City”) pension plans and are later re-employed by the City in a permanent position, shall not be entitled to receive pension payments and retirement benefits from the City during such period of reemployment. City employees are not permitted to receive pension payments and retirement benefits from the City while in active permanent employment with the City. City employees will resume membership in a pension fund and receive credit for service during such reemployment. When a City employee next retires, that City employee's pension payments and benefits will not be less than the amount he/she was receiving or entitled to receive prior to reemployment. Upon motion to President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:40 pm. CITY CLERK 12