City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held April 20, 2015 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Aldermen Desaulniers, Noblick, Eyberse, Bettencourt, Nash and Mayor Hinchey. Acting City Manager Bilda and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Ald. Wilson arrived at 6:45 pm. Ald. Mayor Hinchey presided. Ald. Bettencourt read the opening prayer and Ald. Eyberse led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. Vicki Daniels, Administrator of the Recreation Center asked for the main staff and administrator’s office to remain intact and as a team. She also explained the duties of the recreation department under her direction and asked that the recreation department remain as a whole. Tom Dougherty, Maintenance Facilities Supervisor stated they maintain 25 sites over 160 acres providing a safe environment. He stated they just don t mow the grass they do preventative maintenance to keep the playing areas up to standards which helps programs run smoothly. Angelo Callis President of AFSCME union stated that if the recreation department is absorbed by the Public Works Department there would be lost of seniority. He asked the City to withdraw the petition to merge the recreation department. He stated that it takes unique skills to run this department. Mike Giannelli, 89 Old Canterbury Tpke, represents the Norwich Youth Lacrosse and is a parent asking for the support of the recreation department which prepare the fields for play. He stated that the department has been key to allowing the fields to be maintained to practice and play on. He thanked the recreation department for keeping the fields well maintained. Mark Cook, 62 Gulliver Circle spoke on the disappointment of the people he elected and their lack of trust with the Board of Education. He talked about capital improvements the City could do as in installing solar in the schools which could lower the mil rate and help fund the Board of Education budget. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St talked about the Strategic Economic Development plan and that the real estate in Norwich is the lowest in the region. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave, stated she thought that citizen comment was for residents only. She also stated that if you speak on the budget you aren’t necessary against it. She asked if the school budget is increased where the cuts are going to come from. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, felt if the City looked into selling a housing project that would create revenue for the budget. He also talked about getting pilot programs from Social Service in the town and suggested creating a tourism department to promote the City. Paul Bazinet, 66 White Plains Rd works with PAL league and feels the programs might erode without the recreation programs which gives opportunities to our children. He stated that we are entrusted to be leaders for our youth and this includes youth programs. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed. Mayor Hinchey read the following Proclamation: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the Norwich Little League is celebrating the 50th anniversary of two events that occurred in 1965, and WHEREAS, the 1965 Norwich Senior Little League American All-Stars won eight consecutive single-elimination games; winning the State of Connecticut, New England and Eastern Regional tournaments to earn their way to the National World Series, held in Des Moines, Iowa, and WHEREAS, the 1965 Norwich Senior Little League, American All-Stars finished third in the world in Iowa, and WHEREAS, this proclamation acknowledges Manager Ray Peccini, Coach Jack Lonardelli and the players: Bill Chornoby, Mike DeBartolo, Kenn Fischburg, Bill Frye, Brian Glenney, John Herz, Dick Joray, Rod Magoon, Craig Malogrides, Ron Perrault, Pete Slosberg, Doug Smith, Bruce Tedeschi and Paul Thornton for their achievements, and WHEREAS, the other event is the celebration of the May, 1965 dedication of the three-field complex on Otrobando Avenue, Norwich; which was one of the first multi-field complexes in the state, built to bring together, the Farm System (Hamilton Avenue Field), Little League (Fitzgerald Field on the East side), and the Senior Little League (old Norwich Tech field on New London Turnpike), to one central location, and WHEREAS, this proclamation recognizes the vision, design and construction of complex by Dino Malogrides, Jack Desmond, William Huntington and Calvin Silverman, as well as, the hundreds of Norwich citizens who volunteered their time to build a state-of-the-art baseball complex for the children of Norwich. 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 convey honor and recognition upon the Norwich Little League organization, and the 1965 Senior Little League American All-Stars, in the State of Connecticut. Dated this Seventeenth Day of April, 2015 Deberey Hinchey Pete Desaulniers Mayor President Pro Tem 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on resolution that Acting City Manager, John Bilda be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into two license agreements with the Solar City Corporation. Speaking in favor: Chris Larose, Norwich Public Utilities, spoke in support of this proposal for it is a renewal energy source which will create solar power for our customers. The renewable energy would increase NPU’s renewable portfolio to 12% (including our hydro’s on the Shetucket River), and the revenue realized would be 900,000 from property that was a land fill. He stated this is a great opportunity for the City, CMEEC and NPU. Michael Singer, representative for Bright Fields and Solar City asked for the City’s support in this venture. It takes underutilized property it will connect four solar areas together to create a system which creates a useable property and will put it back on the tax rolls. Jean Brown, Foster RI urged the Council to promote Solar City for our children to have clean air to breathe. It also brings areas for technology. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave, stated there is a massive solar farm on route 169. She asked the cost to purchase the land and the cost from NPU to users that don’t have solar. Speaking in opposition: David Crabb, 47 Prospect St believes that this agreement is incomplete, asking the rate and is it a fixed rate for 20 years. He stated this is a bad deal. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey reported on the development in Hartford as they relate to the City budget. She explained some of the work going on in Harford with the budget process that she is participating in. She talked about Hartford having a hard time with funding and programs and cuts will have to be made. They are looking at regionalizing dispatch centers using the nutmeg system. Mayor Hinchey is testifying and asking if you have any suggestions please inform her. Mayor Hinchey requested names for nomination for the Ron Aliano Service Award to submit information go to www.norwichharborfireworks.com Hugh Schnip gave an oral report regarding Chelsea Garden activities he explained that Phase I which is land clearing, approximately five acres of the 80 acres which is in Mohegan Park is to create a Botanical Garden. Permits are in place and a possible opening once funding is in place is 2017 for a Botanical Butterfly Pavilion. Visit the website for more information www.chelseagarderns.org Acting City Manager John Bilda gave his report as followed: 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 City Manager’s Report Date: April 20, 2015 Major Pending Items: Blue=On-going Grey=Verbal report Green=Completed Tasks/Topics Staff Responsible Comments/Update City Leadership Team Meetings CM On-going-Meetings scheduled for 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month First one held 3/10/15 CM/Fire Chief Meetings CM/Kerri Kemp On-going. Bi-weekly meetings scheduled Quarterly City Hall Union Employee- CM/ HR Director On-going Management review team Docent Annual Reception Jill Scheduled for 5/19/15 10AM in Room 335 Grant Proposal Task Force CM/Gary/Peter To develop a strategy that ensures that D./Barry/Mayor/ grant proposals focus on achieving Jason V. outcomes associated with the strategic plan 4/13/15 Initial meeting held Wagsys Implementation CM/Sandra Kutcha On-line permitting software/ Three Phase Project – Phase I is 75% complete 4/2/15 Project status call scheduled Eagle Scout Project-Taylor Stevens Jill/Rec/Gary 4/29/15 Special Rec Adv mtg scheduled for Scout presentation Staff safety training planning CM/ Chief CM to coordinate meeting Chief Fusaro, (reschedule 1/27/15 cancelled) Fusaro/Chief Scand/ Chief Scand, Barry Ellison to plan safety Barry/ Bob S./Jill /evacuation training of employees at all sites; staff training to be scheduled 4/14/15- Follow-up mtg held, one more mtg is needed before training is scheduled Phone System Replacement Leon/Josh Obtaining cost estimates 3/13/15 CM met with Leon/Josh to discuss proposals Community Center Exploration CM/Jill Council Res. 2014-10-06 CM office to Committee provide support 3/12/15 provided requested City owned property lists 2015 Neighborhood Assistance Act CM/Jill 3/16/15 Letters went out to agencies. 5/22/15 NAA due here. 6/1/15 Res. to set PH for 6/15/15 4  JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 Department Initiatives: Tasks/Topics Dept. Comments/Update Responsible 5 Year Priority Plan Community The City of Norwich Office of Development Community Development is required Link to survey: to complete a five year plan to http://www.norwichct.org/index.aspx?NID=216 outline the most pressing Community Development priorities facing Norwich and its residents for the upcoming period 2015 – 2019. It is important that we hear from you regarding what our community needs in order to improve the quality of life, housing, infrastructure, and physical environment in Norwich. The following survey will help us determine priorities for the next five years. These 20 questions will take only a few minutes to complete. This is a confidential survey and no individual information will be shared. Property by Resolution: Tasks/Topics Staff Responsible Comments/Update 130 Prospect Street CM/Bill H./Barry E./Jim T. Council Res. 2015-02-02 Obtain demo estimates 2/5/15 Bill H. coordinating with Jim Troeger to complete pre-demo survey to obtain estimate 3/16/15 Evaluating for possible use of CDBG funds for demo 4/9/15-CDBG funding requirements are in process 59 School Street CM/Bill H./Corp. Counsel Council Res. 2015-02-02 Issue developer RFP3/16/15 Kim McGee working on RFP’s RFP Issued, response date 5/21/15 5  JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 61 School Street CM/Bill H. Council Res. 2015-02-02 Issue developer RFP. 3/16/15 Kim McGee working on RFP’s RFP Issued, response date 5/21/15 13 Baltic Street CM/Corp. Counsel Council Res. 2015-02-02 Enter into listing agreement to sell Bank foreclosing-not listing at this time 34 Lake Street CM/Corp. Counsel Council Res. 2015-02-02 Enter into listing agreement to sell 4/9/15 List agreement signed 362 North Main Street CM/Corp. Counsel Council Res. 2015-02-02 Enter into listing agreement to sell 4/9/15 List agreement signed 3/16/15 Purchase & Sales agreement under review 100 Broad Street CM/Corp. Counsel Council Res. 2015-02-02 Enter into listing agreement to sell 4/9/15 List Agreement signed Completed: Tasks/Topics Staff Responsible Comments/Update FY 2016-17 Budget Preparation CM/Josh 4/6/15 CM proposed budget presentation made Fountain Street Developer CM/Committee 2015-02-15 Res. directs committee to monitor Agreement progress and report to Council in August 2015 105-122 Chestnut Street CM/Committee 03/02/15 Res auth Committee to oversee and Developer Agreement report to Council by first mtg of August 2015 Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave, questioned resolution # 3 asking why no recommendations were included, on resolution #4 she asked how much money, resolution #7 asked if this is tax dollars ,resolution #8 stated this is how the City is going, and on resolution #9 talked about making this area a park. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St concerned with resolution #1 stating he would like to see COLA added to this agreement. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 WHEREAS, the city of Norwich proposes to enter into two license agreements with Solar City Corporation of San Mateo, California authorizing Solar City to install and operate solar voltaic panel systems and associated equipment on two parcels of land owned by the city of Norwich, one of approximately 5.35 acres located at 82 Rogers Road (landfill site) and one of approximately 1.98 acres located at 82 Rogers Road (non-landfill site); and WHEREAS, these license agreements will run for a term equal to that of a Power Purchase Agreement between the Solar City Corporation and the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC), which Agreement is to run for a term of twenty (20) years from the commercial operation date with provisions for two additional five (5) year terms if mutually agreed between Solar City and CMEEC; and WHEREAS, CMEEC will sell the energy produced by this solar array to the Norwich Public Utilities; and WHEREAS, the solar arrays are expected to produce 1.6 megawatts and 1.4 megawatts, respectively; and WHEREAS, the Solar City Corporation will pay an annual license fee to the city of Norwich estimated at a total of approximately $45,000 per year for both licenses, the amount to be dependent upon the exact size of the installed systems; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds this proposal to be in keeping with the Renewable Energy Standards adopted by the State of Connecticut and in the best interest of the city of Norwich. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Acting City Manager, John Bilda be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into two license agreements with the Solar City Corporation to allow it to utilize the properties described herein on Rogers Road for the installation and operation of the solar photo voltaic arrays for a term of twenty (20) years with two possible additional five (5) year extensions, provided such license agreements are satisfactory to him, together with such other documents as may be necessary to complete this transaction on behalf of the city of Norwich and to cause the same to be recorded or delivered as is deemed necessary. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Nash, 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 Ice Arena Authority with a term to expire on April 01, 2017 or until a successor is appointed: Joann Beguhl (U) Angela Duhaime (D) Gary Makowicki (R) Cheryl Ritacco (D) 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 President Pro Tem Desaulniers made a motion, seconded by Ald. Wilson, to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to amend in the third paragraph after report “as referenced in the response attached hereto” and substitute the following recommendation to the Charter Revision Commission. WHEREAS, the report of the Charter Revision Commission was submitted to the Norwich City Clerk on March 16, 2015; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich conducted a public hearing on the report and recommended changes submitted by the Charter Revision Commission on March 30, 2015 and April 13, 2015. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that it recommends to the Charter Revision Commission that it make the following changes to its draft report as referenced in the response attached hereto: And BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Charter Revision Commission through the City Clerk, is requested to arrange a time and date to confer with the Council concerning these recommendations, said conference to be arranged so that the Charter Revision Commission shall be able to submit its final recommendations to the Council not later than 30 days after its receipt of these recommendations, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that City Clerk Betsy Barrett be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit this Resolution containing the recommendations of the Council to the Charter Revision Commission. RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH FOR CHANGES IN THE DRAFT REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION Chapter V. The Council Sec. 2. – Officers (a) Mayor. The draft report of the Norwich Charter Revision Commission recommended that the mayor remain an “ex officio” member of all commissions and committees, but with a change in status from voting member to non-voting member. It also recommended omitting the position of the Economic Development Coordinator to assist in the performance of economic development duties. The Council of the City of Norwich, in response to the proposed change to Chapter V, Sec. 2, Officers (a) Mayor, recommends that the mayor should continue to be an “ex- 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 officio” voting member of all commissions and committees, and that the position of Economic Development Coordinator remain in existence. Chapter V. The Council Sec. 2. – Officers (b) Other officers. The draft report of the Norwich Charter Revision Commission recommended that the position of president pro tempore be abolished. In his place, the Council would be required to appoint a deputy mayor. The deputy mayor would be the alderman who has received the highest number of votes in the general municipal election. The Council of the City of Norwich, in response to the proposed change to Chapter V, Sec. 2, Officers (b) Other officers, concurs that the position of president pro tempore be abolished and replaced with the position of deputy mayor. Rather than being the alderman with the highest number of votes in the general municipal election, the deputy mayor would be the alderman appointed by the council by resolution. Chapter VI. City Manager Sec. 4. – Power of appointment and removal. The draft report of the Norwich Charter Revision Commission recommended that the city manager be specifically given the power to restructure or reorganize any department appointed by him including the elimination, addition or separation of divisions of any department. The Council of the City of Norwich, in response to the proposed change to Chapter VI, Sec. 4, Power of appointment and removal, recommends that this proposed addition be deleted. Chapter VIII. Borrowing Sec. 4. – Bonds and notes, how authorized. The draft report of the Norwich Charter Revision Commission recommended that certain general obligation bonds which are the subject of a payment agreement be excluded from the $800,000 referendum provision of Chapter VIII section 4. The Council of the City of Norwich, in response to the proposed change to Chapter VIII, Sec. 4, Bonds and notes, how authorized, recommends that the recommendations of the Charter Revision Commission be adopted with one change. The Council of the City of Norwich recommends that the $800,000 threshold amount that triggers the requirement that an ordinance be passed (in keeping with the provision of Chapter VIII section 4) be replaced with a threshold amount equal to 1% of the budget of the preceding year. 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 Chapter XIII. Public Welfare Sec. 1. – Board of education. The draft report of the Norwich Charter Revision Commission recommended that members of the Board of Education serve staggered four year terms. The Council of the City of Norwich, in response to the proposed change to Chapter XIII, Sec. 1, Board of education, recommends that members of the board of education serve staggered terms for a period other than the proposed four year term. Chapter V. The Council Sec. 1. – Members of the council (a) Composition. The draft report of the Norwich Charter Revision Commission recommended that no change be made to this section. The Council of the City of Norwich, in response that no change is made to Chapter V., Sec. 1 Members of the council (a) Composition, recommends that the Council members be each elected for a four year term. Chapter V. The Council Sec. 1. – Members of the council (b) Compensation. The draft report of the Norwich Charter Revision Commission recommended no change be made to this section which includes a provision that compensation of each council member be fixed at $1,200. The Council of the City of Norwich, in response that no change be made to Chapter V., Sec. 1 Members of the Council (b) Compensation, recommends that the compensation of each of the council members be established by ordinance and in accordance with the provisions of Article eleventh, § 2, of the Connecticut constitution. Motion passed. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Acting City Manager Bilda. 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by President Pro Tem Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey and President Pro Tem Desaulniers. 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Acting City Manager Bilda. 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Noblick. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey 14 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Wilson, it was unanimously voted to schedule public hearing, second reading and action on May 4, 2015 at 7:30 pm on following resolution introduced by Acting City Manager Bilda. 15 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH APRIL 20, 2015 Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:10 pm. CITY CLERK 16