City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 20, 2015 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held January 20, 2015 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Aldermen Desaulniers, Wilson, Eyberse, Bettencourt, Nash. Mayor Hinchey was in Washington DC at the National Mayors Conference and Ald. Noblick was absent due to personal commitments. City Manager Bergren and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. President Pro Tem Desaulniers presided. Ald. Bettencourt read the opening prayer and Ald. Nash led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Pro Tem Desaulniers asked for a moment of silence for Thomas Sullivan who passed, he served on the RDA and was a former Alderman for Norwich. President Pro Tem Desaulniers called for citizen comment. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, talked about the budget and asked the Council to keep in mind they still control the City. He felt there is no need for a Community Center or Police Station, taxes are too high now. Mark Cook, 62 Gulliver Circle, applauded the Council and City Manager for meeting and discussing the budget with the School. He asked to keep communication open until June and to fully fund the education budget. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St spoke about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He talked about the vacant buildings in Norwich and the increase in taxes. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave, asked for an update on the police station, the soup kitchen and other on going issues. She talked about other communities that pay higher salaries and have a lower mil rate and ask to find a happy medium. Brian Kobylarz, 16 Hobart Ave, submitted a disc with the damage to the Oak Street Cemetery (available in the City Clerks office). He spoke about the damage to the Oak St and Yantic cemetery and asked that an investment is made to repair the damage. John Blackburn, Alice St, was saddened to see businesses leaving Norwich. President Pro Tem Desaulniers declared citizen comment closed. President Pro Tem Desaulniers called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE RESTRICTING RECEIPT OF PENSION AND BENEFITS DURING A PERIOD OF REEMPLOYMENT BY THE CITY Speaking in favor: Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave, stated the pension plan has a huge effect on the taxpayers. Speaking in opposition: Bill Blake, 169 Corning Rd asked why this is being addressed now. He stated it is not a taxpayer or budget issue. He asked about retiring and then working again for the city and what happens. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 20, 2015 David Crabb, 47 Prospect St stated he was confused by the wording of this ordinance. He stated he couldn’t understand how a person can work for the City retire and then work for the City again and then retire again. There being no further speakers President Pro Tem Desaulniers declared the public hearing closed. Upon motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading in its entirety of AN ORDINANCE RESTRICTING RECEIPT OF PENSION AND BENEFITS DURING A PERIOD OF REEMPLOYMENT BY THE CITY Ald. Bettencourt made a motion, seconded by Ald. Wilson, for adoption of the following ordinance AN ORDINANCE RESTRICTING RECEIPT OF PENSION AND BENEFITS DURING A PERIOD OF REEMPLOYMENT 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. The above ordinance passed on a roll call vote of 4-1 with Ald. Nash voting in opposition. A presentation from Dennis Baptiste regarding the Norwich Veterans Council. Jason Vincent of Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) gave an oral report regarding Reid & Hughes. City Manager Alan Bergren gave his report as followed: DATE: January 20, 2015 TO: Mayor Deberey Hinchey & Council Members FROM: Alan H. Bergren, City Manager SUBJECT: City Manager’s Report 1. Fire The Norwich Fire Department has selected 2 candidates to fill vacancies. James Justice and Alexander John will be attending the Connecticut State Fire Academy beginning February 4, and assigned to duty by the end of May. 2. Police Chief Fusaro is pleased to report the following achievements of two officers: Officer First Class Harrison Formiglio was one of the Southeastern Connecticut 40 under 40 awardees for his work in the community. The 40 under 40 awards recognize the achievements of those working to make our community stronger and achieving professional excellence within their industry while balancing extensive community service. Officer First Class Michael McKinney was promoted to Sergeant this afternoon at Police headquarters. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 20, 2015 3. St. Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraiser A Grand Marshal Dinner honoring Bob Reed to raise funds for the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Monday, January 26 at 6:00PM at the Harp & Dragon. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Harp & Dragon, in the Mayor and Manager’s office and online at NorwichParade.com. President Pro Tem Desaulniers called for citizen comment. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St spoke in opposition to resolution # 3 he stated that NCDC’s draft plan doesn’t comply with the Charter. President Pro Tem Desaulniers declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Eyberse, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Bergren. WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (the “DOT”) and the City of Norwich undertake projects to improve locally-maintained roadways, structures and transportation enhancement facilities which are eligible for government financing from the DOT, the federal government, or both; and WHEREAS, such projects often include what is referred to as a rights of way phase, being necessary activities to acquire property in conjunction with the project, including, but not limited to, appraisals, title searches, property map reviews, negotiations, and closing; and WHEREAS, the DOT has introduced a Master Municipal Agreement for Rights of Way Projects to be utilized with its municipal partners, including the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the DOT will require the city to enter into a Master Municipal Agreement for Rights of Way Projects which shall have a ten (10) year term and will provide for and cover either the DOT or the City of Norwich taking on the responsibility for the administration of the rights of way phase of a particular municipal project; and WHEREAS, the proposed Master Municipal Agreement for Rights of Way Projects presented to the City of Norwich will need to be amended to list the City Manager rather than the Mayor as the designated official to sign necessary documents on behalf of the City of Norwich 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 said Master Municipal Agreement for Rights of Way Projects with the DOT, provided such recognizes the City Manager as the designated official as set forth in § 2.3, to execute sufficient copies of the Master Municipal Agreement for Rights of Way Projects between the State of Connecticut and the City of Norwich, and to deliver the same in a timely manner to the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Bettencourt, 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 Norwich Golf Course Authority with a term to expire on January 23, 2017 or until a successor is appointed: 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 20, 2015 Bernard Caulfield (D) David DiBattista (D) Michael E. Driscoll (D) John P. Mereen (R) Richard A. Podurgiel (D) Richard Strouse (R) Charles C. Whitty (D) Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, the Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) is a non-profit development corporation which for many years has also served as the Municipal Development Agency for the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, NCDC has been active in encouraging the development of various vacant properties in downtown Norwich; and WHEREAS, the structure at 59 Broadway (Map 102, Block 3, Lot 42) is, and for some time has been, vacant; and WHEREAS, NCDC has worked with the owner of 59 Broadway and with various parties interested in developing the same and has recognized that the interior layout of the structure hinders development of the same; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich owns adjoining property at 63-67 Broadway (Map 102, Block 3, Lot 43) which is unimproved and used at this time only for parking, accommodating less than six (6) vehicles; and WHEREAS, NCDC has advised the City of Norwich that there may be an improved opportunity to develop the property at 59 Broadway if the property at 63-67 Broadway could be made available to be combined with or used in connection with the development of 59 Broadway; and WHEREAS, NCDC has requested the City of Norwich provide it with an option allowing it to acquire 63-67 Broadway for use in connection with any suitable development project proposed by a qualified developer for 59 Broadway; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds that providing NCDC with an option to acquire the property at a nominal price for this purpose would be in the best interest of the City of Norwich 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 negotiate an option agreement with the Norwich Community Development Corporation whereby it may acquire title to the property known as 63-67 Broadway at a nominal price, the option agreement to run for a term of no more than three (3) years and to contain such other terms and conditions as he and the Norwich Community Development Corporation find to be necessary and agreeable to both; and 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 20, 2015 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 to enter into, execute and deliver such an option agreement on behalf of the City of Norwich to the Norwich Community Development Corporation without further action by the Council of the City of Norwich. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Bergren. WHEREAS, there is on file in the Tax Collector’s Office the names and addresses of the persons against whom motor vehicle taxes and personal property taxes on the Grand Lists up to and including 2011, were levied and the reasons why the Tax Collector believes such taxes are uncollectible; and, WHEREAS, in accordance with the Tax Collector’s recommendation the aggregate sum of $266,512 is the total outstanding motor vehicle tax on the Grand Lists up to and including 2011, to be transferred to the suspense tax book and $112,513 is the total outstanding personal property tax on the Grand Lists up to and including 2011, to be transferred to the suspense tax book; and, WHEREAS, nothing herein contained shall be construed as an abatement of any tax transferred to the suspense tax account, but any such taxes, as it shall have been increased by interest, penalty fees and charges may be collected; and WHEREAS, the City has contracted with Rossi Law Offices to pursue collection of the aforesaid accounts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the following aggregate sums representing personal property taxes of $112,513 and motor vehicle taxes of $266,512 on the Grand Lists up to and including 2011, be and the same hereby are transferred to the suspense account. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated each March 17th to honor Patrick, Ireland's patron saint and, in this country, particularly to recognize the contributions made by Americans of Irish ancestry; and WHEREAS, nine (9) signers of the Declaration of Independence and nineteen (19) presidents of the United States, including the first president, George Washington, claimed Irish heritage; and WHEREAS, 44 million Americans today are of Irish ancestry, and, like their forebears, continue to enrich all aspects of life in the United States; and WHEREAS, immigrants from Ireland settled in numbers in Norwich in the 19th century and they and their descendants have enriched all aspects of life in Norwich; and WHEREAS, an organization of business owners, Norwich residents and other interested individuals, assisted by the Norwich Community Development Corporation, have joined together as the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee to organize, promote, and present a St. Patrick's Day parade in 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 20, 2015 downtown Norwich to be held this year on Sunday, March 8, 2015, the parade funded by private contributions and sponsorships. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that it recognizes the planned St. Patrick's Day parade as a City of Norwich function, that it welcomes the participants and spectators who will come to Norwich on March 8, 2015 and invites them to enjoy the ambience provided in downtown Norwich by the event; and that it offers its thanks to the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee for its efforts. Upon motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted, to set a public hearing on February 2, 2015 , for the second reading and action for the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Bergren: AN ORDINANCE ELIMINATING THE POSITION OF SUPERVISOR OF HUMAN SERVICES AND ESTABLISHING AN ADDITIONAL CASEWORKER POSITION AT THE NORWICH DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES WHEREAS, position of Supervisor of Human Services at the Norwich Department of Human Services has been vacant since November 24, 2014 and is likely to remain so; and WHEREAS, the supervisory functions of the position are being performed by the Director of the Department of Human Services at Norwich Human Services who will continue to perform them; and WHEREAS, the present workload at the Department of Human Services requires that an additional Caseworker position be established and funded through June 30, 2015; and WHEREAS, adequate funding exists in the budget of the Norwich Department of Human Services to pay the salary and fringe benefits for a new Caseworker position through June 30, 2015; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds that community needs require the addition of a Caseworker position for the Norwich Department of Human Services through the remainder of this fiscal year. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH the position of Supervisor of Human Services be eliminated at the Norwich Department of Human Services and an additional Caseworker position be established at the Norwich Department of Human Services for the remainder of fiscal year 2014-2015, funds for salary and fringe benefits for this position to be made from the present appropriation to the Norwich Department of Human Services during the 2014- 2015 fiscal year. Upon motion to Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:25 pm. CITY CLERK 6