City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held March 21, 2016 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Hinchey, Aldermen Nystrom (arrived at 7:05 PM), Philbrick, Braddock, Gould, Martin and Nash. City Manager Salomone and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Hinchey presided. Ald. Martin read the opening prayer and Ald. Philbrick led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. Susan Goldman, 35 Sherwood Lane, spoke about the upcoming tough budget issues. She suggested consolidation citywide to include Board of Education, Public Utilities etc. and to take a closer look at the healthcare program to see if there could be a cost savings there as well. Elanah Sherman, 65 Cedar St., advocated creating an “Open Space” commission and explained how advantageous it would be on several levels for the City. Stacy Cottle, 21 Mannechor Ave., explained that she attended a program provided by Human Services “Voices for Families”. She said skills learned in that program enabled her to speak tonight to the council and explained what a wonderful program it was. She doesn’t want to see the Human Services budget cut. Sam Browning, 671 Scotland Rd., agreed with the Susan Goldman’s comments and wants to see cross training and job sharing across the city. Glenn Carberry, 27 Greenwich Court, explained his concern about the City Planner position that will soon be vacant. He expressed the importance of hiring a person for this position with extensive knowledge of Norwich with respect to zoning. He requested that the city tap into the people and entities that have knowledge and expertise in the field and are familiar with Norwich zoning etc. be involved in the hiring process. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave. thanked the Council for going through the budget and requested them to keep the school budget spending down. Roberta Paro, 246A Yantic St. spoke in favor of “Open Space” she listed many reasons for the need for open space. John Lavangie, 85 Lawler Lane, requested that the City Manager give oral presentations of his report at Council meetings and suggested that at least one representative of the Council participate in Union negotiations. Shiela Hayes, 288 Central Ave. suggested the consolidation of the Boards and Commission. She also referred to the Charter section titled Public Welfare reminding us of what is in our Charter. She also stressed the importance of education in the birth to eighth grade years. Beryl Fishbone, 19 Bliss Place, reminded the Council of their pledges of working together as a team with each other and the various boards and commissions including the Board of Education. She stressed that teamwork is paramount. JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 David Crabb, 47 Prospect St., spoke about the comparisons of Connecticut to New Jersey and said that New Jersey seems to be doing better than Connecticut. He also noted the problems with the national education system. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF NORWICH ACCOMPANYING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWICH BY CHANGING A TRACT(S) OR PARCEL(S) OF LAND ON 27 & 51 NORWICH AVENUE FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC)/MULTI-FAMILY (MF) TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC). The Assistant City Clerk read the letter from the Commission on the City plan. CITY OF NORWICH Commission on the City Plan 23 Union Street, Norwich, CT 06360 Telephone: (860) 823-3739, Fax: (860) 823-3741 Ralph Page, Chairman February 25th, 2016 TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND ALDERPERSONS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF NORWICH ACCOMPANYING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWICH BY CHANGING A TRACT(S) OR PARCEL(S) OF LAND ON 27 & 51 NORWICH AVENUE FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC)/MULTI-FAMILY (MF) TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC). At the meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich (Council) held February 16th, 2016, the ordinance described above was introduced and referred to the Commission on the City Plan (CCP) for a report pursuant to Chapter XV, Section 4 of the City Charter. The Commission on the City Plan, at its February 24th, 2016 special meeting reviewed the above-referenced referral. Seated were Chairman Ralph Page, Art Sharron and Les King. After careful consideration, the Commission voted unanimously to forward a FAVORABLE recommendation to the Council. In reaching the favorable recommendation, the Commission determined that the proposed map amendment was consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development. This change advances the City’s economic development goals of increasing the grand list and creating growth opportunities. Respectfully submitted, Ralph Page, Chairman JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 RP/dd Pc: City Clerk, City Manager, ZEO Speaking in favor: William Sweeney, TCORS law firm, submitted the return receipt cards from the certified mailings of the proposed zoning change of the abutters. He explained the reason for this zone change and referred to a map showing the existing and proposed change. He explained the reasons for the change are of a housekeeping nature and a positive change to help develop this area with more commercial/retail options in the future. Speaking in opposition: None. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on the proposed ordinance listed below. Upon a motion Ald. Nystrom, seconded Ald. Philbrick, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes. Motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Gould, to adopt the following ordinance introduced by Ald. Nash and Ald. Braddock. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF NORWICH ACCOMPANYING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWICH BY CHANGING A TRACT(S) OR PARCEL(S) OF LAND ON 27 & 51 NORWICH AVENUE FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC)/MULTI-FAMILY (MF) TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC) BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: That the following map of the City of Norwich accompanying the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Norwich be and the same is hereby amended so that the following tract(s) or parcel(s) of land located on 27 & 51 Norwich Avenue is changed from General Commercial (GC)/Multi-Family (MF) to General Commercial (GC), said parcel(s) of land being more particularly described as follows: JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 The above ordinance passed on a roll call vote 7-0. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to accept the letter of resignation from Joanne Philbrick from the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and thanking her for her service. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to accept the letter of resignation from Patrick McMahon form the Ethics Commission and thanking him for his service. City Manager Salomone gave the following report: To: Mayor and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: March 21, 2016 Attached please find the tentative schedule for the fiscal year 2016-17 budget presentation. As you will note, the presentations have been spaced out to allow for more time to concentrate information provided by the individual departments. Also attached is report summarizing the City’s financial standing as of February 29, 2016. It provides a comparison of key financial indicators for this fiscal year against the past two fiscal years. On Friday, March 11, I completed my plan to visit all the fire houses in Norwich, with a visit to the Yantic Fire Company. I also held a meeting with all the fire chiefs regarding the implementation of new fire house reporting software. I met with the executive director and staff from ARC of New London County and was given a tour of their facility. I was impressed with the programs and services they provide through this facility for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. I attended the East Great Plain Fire House banquet, which afforded me the opportunity to meet members of the department. The hospitality extended to me was terrific. On an interesting note, the Norwich Golf Course, which normally closes for 3-4 months over the winter season, was only closed for about 8 weeks this winter. According to Michael Svab, this was the shortest timeframe the course was ever closed, which is obviously good for the bottom line. The course closed on January 4, 2016 and reopened on March 4th. Over the course of the last two weeks, I was involved in the following meetings: JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 • I met with Laura Hancock, a representative from the International City Managers Retirement Corporation to discuss deferred contribution retirement plans. • I met with the president and vice president of the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce. I find this chamber to be very active and believe it is an asset to the city. • I attended an informational session for the City of Norwich hosted by Norwich Free Academy. NFA board members met with the Mayor, several council members and myself. • I met with representatives at the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation to discuss the roundabouts planned for Route 82. • I met with representatives from the AFSCME Council 4 Local 2422 to continue collective bargaining negotiations and resolve issues of mutual interest. • I attended a planning meeting for the East District Schoolhouse project. • I attended the monthly board meetings for the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SECCOG) and the Southeast Area Transit (SEAT). • I met with Gary Evans regarding the 2016 Community Development Block Grant Program as well as the Lead Abatement Grant. • I was visited by Michael Aliano and staff from the American Group. I found the American Group to be very dedicated to the city and a good partner with us. • I attended the Broad Street Neighborhood Watch Group meeting. Preparations are underway for a Targeted Attention Team Walk through the Broad Street neighborhood on April 9th. • I met with staff to discuss the request from the Norwich Rotary to hold a carnival in the downtown Norwich area on Memorial Day weekend. • I met with staff and actuaries to discuss the city’s pension plan and how we can plan for future expenditures. • I attended the monthly Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee meeting, welcoming back Ryan Thompson from military active duty. I will be happy to discuss any of the above with you in further detail. /jmk Attachments (2) CITY OF NORWICH OFFICE OF CITY MANAGER 3-17-16 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 To: Mayor Deberey Hinchey & Members of Council Subject: Schedule Budget Review, Public Hearings and Adoption of 2016-17 Budget From: John Salomone, City Manager Presented below is the schedule of budget reviews as well as upcoming Council meetings. Monday, April 4, 2016 - Council Meeting - Council Chambers 7:30 PM Council Meeting - Council Chambers City Manager's proposed budget presented. Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Departmental Hearings – Council Chambers 6:30 PM Police 7:00 PM East Great Plain VFD 7:20 PM City Fire 7:50 PM Emergency Management 8:10 PM Laurel Hill VFD 8:25 PM Occum VFD 8:40 PM Taftville VFD 9:00 PM Yantic VFD Monday, April 11, 2016– Departmental Hearings – Council Chambers 6:30 PM Finance/Treasurer/Assessor 6:55 PM City Manager/Mayor/Human Resources/Recreation 7:20 PM City Clerk/Elections 7:45 PM Planning & Neighborhood Services 8:10 PM Public Utilities Wednesday, April 13, 2016 – Public Hearing – Council Chambers- City Hall 6:30 PM First Public Hearing – Council Chambers Thursday, April 14, 2016 –Departmental Hearings-Council Chambers 6:30 PM Human Services 6:55 PM Otis Library 7:15 PM Public Works 7:45 PM Norwich Public Schools Monday, April 18, 2016 – Council Meeting - Council Chambers 7:00 PM Council Meeting- Council Chambers Monday, May 2, 2016 – Council Meeting - Council Chambers 7:30 PM Adoption of Council Preliminary Budget – Council Chambers Monday, May 9, 2016 – Public Hearing- Council Chambers 7:00 PM Second Public Hearing - Council Chambers JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 Monday, May 16, 2016 – Council Meeting- Council Chambers 7:00 PM Council Meeting- Council Chambers Monday, June 6, 2016 - Council Meeting - Council Chambers 7:30 PM Tentative date for Budget Adoption – Council Chambers John Salomone City Manager C: B. Barrett M. Driscoll J. Pothier T. Madeira Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment on resolutions. Shiela Hayes, 288 Central Ave., spoke in support of the resolution she would like to see more local financial institutions be implemented and not sending our money out of the local area. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St. felt that this resolution is incomplete. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment on resolutions was closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager John Salomone. WHEREAS, Chapter IX, Section 19 of the Charter of the City of Norwich states, “The city treasurer shall have custody of and disburse all funds belonging to the city and shall deposit the same in such banks and trust companies as may be designated by the council on recommendation of the chief executive officer by this charter;” and JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 21, 2016 WHEREAS, the term “bank” shall be construed as having the same meaning as “qualified public depository” as defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 36a-330(8); and WHEREAS, City Treasurer Michael Gualtieri requests that City Manager John Salomone, as chief executive officer of the City of Norwich, recommend additions to the list of banks and trust companies into which the City Treasurer may deposit funds. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the following be and hereby are added to the list of approved list of banks and trust companies into which the City Treasurer may deposit funds: • Charter Oak Credit Union • TD Bank, N.A. • Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (acquirer of Wilmington Trust) Exhibit 1 Complete list of banks and trust companies into which the City Treasurer may deposit funds: • American Freedom US Government Money • Dime Savings Bank Market Fund • Eastern Savings Bank • Bank of America Corporation • HSBC USA, Inc. • Bank of New York • ING Bank N.V. • Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (acquirer of • Liberty Bank Wilmington Trust) • MBIA, Inc. • Charles Schwab Trust Company • People's United • Charter Oak Credit Union • Putnam Bank • Chelsea Groton Bank • Savings Institute Bank & Trust • Citizens' Bank of Connecticut • State Street Corporation • Comerica Bank • TD Bank, N.A. • Connecticut State Treasurer's Short Term • UBS AG Investment Fund • US Bank • Webster Bank Upon motion to Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:07 pm. ASSISTANT CITY CLERK