City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 20, 2016 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held June 20, 2016 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Hinchey, Aldermen Nystrom, Philbrick, Braddock, Gould, Martin and Nash. City Manager Salomone and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Hinchey presided. Ald. Gould read the opening prayer and Ald. Braddock led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. Susan Goldman, 35 Sherwood Ln, thanked some of the Council members in advance for disavowing the negative attacks on the Norwich Fire Department. She commented about misinformation given to the newspaper and radio. She asked to let the City Manager do his job on the issue and come up with a solution that is equitable and safe for all residents of the entire City. Shiela Hayes, 288 Central Ave, thanked Ald. Martin for sponsoring the event in Greenville. She stated Norwich is not a double taxation system by definition. She felt that Salem MA past history is now coming to Norwich in 2016 and finds this disturbing that an individual could bring accusations against someone and be the judge, jury and executioner. Lottie Scott, 85 Church St, was outraged at the comments made on the radio and in the paper. She stated it is the role of the Council to make policy and the role of the City Manager to carry them out. She stated the employees are very valuable to get the work done and it’s the City Manager job to address. She asked not to tear down the City. Debra Dickey, 10 Bevel St, stated she is stunned by the budget cut leaving only one social worker in a City this large. She stated you should let the City Manager do his job. She also talked about the Norwich Fire Department and stated a professional study should be done on all the fire departments. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, talked about the drop out in the labor force. He also talked about keeping refugees out of the country and stated behavior modification starts at home. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, thanked the council members for their work on the budget. John Blackburn, 15 Alice St, stated that the budget items should be discussed at the Council meeting and not on the radio or in the papers. He thanked the Council for the good job on the budget. He also talked about the paid and volunteer fire departments stating it is a tax issue. He informed everyone there will a ceremony for the Korean War Veterans on July 16 at 11 am. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on, Relative to the Community Development Block Grant allocation program year 2016: Speaking in favor: Darlene Keen, 104 River Ave, stated she was a recipient of the lead rehab program and it saved her grandchildren from lead issues. She was thankful for this program and asked to continue this program. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 20, 2016 Timothy Jencks, 32 Providence St, Chief of Taftville Fire Department, asked the Council to support #15 Playground Phase II and asked to revisit #19 Safety Cameras. Lee Ann Gomes, Director Human Services, asked to support #8 as it provides work, training which helps increase income also # 9 which helps keep people out of shelters and helps rehouse them. Katlin Zito, 16 Jay St, New London and Main St, Norwich, asked the Council to support #6 so the grant can be renewed. This is a program that helps keep people safe from domestic violence. Ken Scandariato, Norwich Fire Chief, asked for support on # 12 to build a lightweight storage facility to house items that are now left outside. Shiela Hayes, 288 Central Ave, thanked the Advisory Committee for all their hard work. Kathy Zeiner, Safe Futures, asked for support on # 6 to allow them to have a full time office in Norwich that advocates against domestic violence. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, asked why support some of these programs when the lifeguard at Mohegan Park are not funded for the children to be able to swim. He asked to recalibrate the social service section or delay the fire department storage and the playground that could take a back seat to fund the lifeguard. Chris Ferace, Captain Norwich Police Department, spoke in favor of #6 safe futures and the lives it effects. He stated domestic crime is behind closed doors and this program provides follow-up information. Pat Daley, Deputy Chief Norwich Police Department, echoed the previous speaker. He also asked to reconsider supporting the Taftville camera project. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on, Reviewing Applications and Receive Comments Relative to the Neighborhood Assistance Act. No one spoke. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Ald. Philbrick asked to raise a point of personal privilege; She read a prepared statement which addressed the divide between the paid and volunteer departments. She spoke about the long and hard decision the Council had faced in preparing the budget. She praised Chief Scandariato and the entire paid department as a fine and admirable group of people and explained that the Career Departments are prepared to assist on any fire call they are expected to. She expressed her concern about the serious problem between the CCD and the TCD. She professed her independent opinions and her need to communicate to the public “no one speaks for me”. She stands in support of Chief Scandariato and the paid fire department and feels the only solution to the problem between the TCD and CCD is to have the Council make a hard decision to pass an ordinance to correct it. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 20, 2016 Ald. Martin asked to raise a point of personal privilege; He commented that no one is perfect and he praised Ald. Nystrom and his family with the highest regard. He listed a set of facts and fiction concerning the budget and the paid fire departments. He requested an apology of Ald. Nystrom for the attacks in the newspaper made on Chief Scandariato as they are only driving a bigger wedge between the volunteers and paid fire departments. It’s time to move forward for all of our citizens no matter where they reside. Ald. Gould asked to raise a point of personal privilege; She spoke about the election of November 2015 stating this Council was elected for the purpose of lowering taxes and controlling spending. This council doesn’t always agree but we must work together. She made it clear that she has no personal vendetta against the paid Fire Department Local 392 and holds them in the highest regard. Personal attacks on department heads or staff have no place in a policy forum and she will not play a part in that. Ald. Nash asked to raise a point of personal privilege; He spoke about his disappointment of the recent article about Ald. Nystrom and Chief Scandariato. He also commented on misquotes in the newspaper in the past on issues stemming from the Public Safety Committee. He also for the record in no way agrees with the negative comments about Chief Scandariato and the paid Fire Department. As Chairman of the Public Safety Committee he works with the Chiefs and he has the utmost faith and confidence in what they contribute to the community. He explained that Chief Scandariato is the most transparent person he has worked with through the years and praised his knowledge and support of the volunteer departments as well. He also made it clear he ran for Council to control spending he never said he was cutting taxes. He holds everyone accountable for keeping the spending down with consideration for a city this size. Mayor Hinchey asked to raise a point of personal privilege; She spoke of her distress of what was in the newspaper and on the radio. She expressed her concern of those comments being an attack on a City Department Head and a department. She spoke of clarification of the incorrect information that was in the newspaper and on the radio to be coming out soon. She explained that the allegation were false and the public needs to know that. She spoke of the open door policies in all of the fire departments and the finance departments’ transparency. This is “one City” everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with dignity no matter where you live, TCD or CCD. She thanked everyone for their time and comments. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Braddock it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Barbara Rothstein from the Inland, Wetland, Water Courses and Conservation Commission thanking her for her service. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Martin it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of John Iovino from the Recreation Advisory Committee thanking him for his service. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Gould it was unanimously voted to accept the report from the 105-122 Chestnut St Committee. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 20, 2016 Upon a motion of Ald. Martin, seconded by Ald. Gould it was unanimously voted to accept the report from the Monument Committee. Mayor Hinchey acknowledged that Assessor Donna Ralston is the President of the Northeast Regional Association of Assessing Officers and Mayor Hinchey congratulated her. City Managers Report: ESTABLISHED 1659 CITY OF NORWICH CONNECTICUT 100 Broadway Norwich, CT 06360 JOHN SALOMONE 100 Broadway CITY MANAGER Norwich, CT 06360 (860) 823-3747 Fax (860) 885-2131 To: Mayor Hinchey and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: June 20, 2016 On Tuesday June 7th I received a letter of retirement from our Chief of Police, Chief Fusaro. After 48 years of dedicated service to our City, the Chief will retire on Tuesday July 5th 2016. I will be appointing Deputy Chief Patrick Daley Interim Acting Chief of Police. I will be determining the recruiting and hiring process by early July. Union negotiations have continued over the past few weeks for both the Police and Fire Department. In addition, we have held negotiations with both the Public Works Supervisors and the Municipal Employees Union Independent Inc. I will be periodically updating the City Council as the process develops. On Tuesday the 7th, the Mayor and I met with members of the EPA, Bob Mills; President of NCDC and the Project Director to discuss the Ponemah Mill Site on Norwich Avenue. We were able to tour the site and found the tour to be a great way to familiarize the EPA with the progress and various challenges of the site. On Wednesday the 8th Patrick McLaughlin from NPW and I visited a property on Harland Road to assess a city drainage issue. I also met with Lee-Ann Gomes, the Director of Human Services to tour some available rooms in City Hall for the possible relocation of their office. This past Wednesday the 15th the Mayor and I attended a breakfast presentation from Governor Malloy on the successes and challenges CT has faced over the past year, as well as his expectations and goals for the future. Also on Wednesday I was invited to speak at the Rose Garden in Mohegan Park for the Rotary Club luncheon. My topic was the 2016-17 City budget. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment on resolutions. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, addressed resolutions # 7 & 8 asking why a realtor is selling the properties, would like to know the price, profit and loss of taxes. He felt they should be auctioned off. He also suggested the City Manager should have a professional study done on resolutions # 4 & 5. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment on resolutions closed. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 20, 2016 Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, the R.E. Van Norstrand Neighborhood Assistance Act, Chapter 228a of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S. 12-630aa-12-638) offers certain benefits to municipalities desiring to obtain the same and is administered by the State Department of Revenue Services (Commission of Revenue Services); and WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Assistance Act provides a tax credit for business firms which sponsor local programs; and WHEREAS, such programs must be proposed and conducted by private non-profit agencies or municipalities and be approved by the local legislative body; and WHEREAS, a public hearing has been duly noticed and held on applications submitted to the City Manager’s office. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that it approves the following program proposals under the Neighborhood Assistance Act. 1. Connecticut Radio Information System, Inc. – Audio Accessibility for People Who are Blind or Print Challenged 2. Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut – Energy Efficiency for 5 Residential Homes 3. Society of the Founders of Norwich, CT – Energy Efficiency for Leffingwell House Museum 4. Safe Futures, Inc. (Formerly the Women’s Center) - Crisis Intervention Services for Victims of Domestic Violence 5. Norwich Historical Society – Energy Efficiency for Buckingham Memorial 6. Norwich Historical Society – Energy Efficiency Daniel Lathrop Schoolhouse 7. Norwich Historical Society – Energy Efficiency 1789 East District Schoolhouse Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone. WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone, has appointed with Council approval as a regular member of the Inland Wetlands, Water Courses and Conservation Commission for a term to expire on February 28, 2017 or until a successor is appointed: Arthur Sharron (D) WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone, with Council approval shall appoint an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands, Water Courses and Conservation Commission for a term to expire on February 28, 2018 or until a successor is appointed: P. Michael Lahan (D) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby acknowledges the appointments of the above named to the Inland Wetlands, Water Courses and Conservation Commission. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 20, 2016 Upon a motion of Ald. Martin, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to hold a public hearing on the following resolution on July 5, 2016 at 7:30 pm introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, the property owners listed below want to participate in a cost sharing program with the City of Norwich to construct concrete sidewalks along their property; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich wants to improve sidewalks throughout the City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that: granite curbing and concrete sidewalks will be constructed at the following locations where the property owners will pay for an assessment for the cost of the sidewalks and the City of Norwich will pay for the cost of the curbing and miscellaneous items. Name Address Owner Cost Richard and Denise Kelly 6 Goldberg Avenue $ 2,482.00 Mario and Alicia Soto 8 Goldberg Avenue $ 2,316.00 Robert and Dorothy Lesser 15 Joseph Perkins Avenue $ 2,770.00 Joao Mendes 40 Convent Avenue $ 2,242.00 Felicia Keramidas 8 Grove St $ 9,821.00 Robert and Donna Grayeck 30 Ward St. $ 1,925.00 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the cost of this project be funded from the existing capital budget line item for sidewalks, Construction Account #81000 and the Special Assessment Fund, Fund #40000, and that a public hearing be set at the first meeting of the City Council in July 2016. The estimated city’s cost for curbing and miscellaneous construction items are estimated to be $18,201.00. Upon a motion of Ald. Martin, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) §4-66(c), the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is authorized to extend financial assistance for economic development projects; and WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City of Norwich make an application to the State for $ 51,000 in order to undertake Occum Fire Station Energy Efficiency and Other Building Improvements project and to execute an Assistance Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, 1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for the state financial assistance imposed by CGS §4-66(c). 2. That the filing of an application for State financial assistance by the City of Norwich in an amount not to exceed $51,000 is hereby approved and that City Manager John Salomone is directed to execute and file such application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the City of Norwich. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 20, 2016 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) §4-66(c), the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is authorized to extend financial assistance for economic development projects; and WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City of Norwich make an application to the State for $250,000 in order to undertake Taftville Fire Station Addition and Other Building & Site Improvements project and to execute an Assistance Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, 1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for the state financial assistance imposed by CGS §4-66(c). 2. That the filing of an application for State financial assistance by the City of Norwich in an amount not to exceed $250,000 is hereby approved and that City Manager John Salomone is directed to execute and file such application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the City of Norwich. Upon a motion of Ald. Philbrick, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, the Norwich Noontime Rotary intends to hold its 4th “Celebrate Diversity Event” at the Howard T. Brown Park on Wednesday, September 21st from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.; and WHEREAS, Norwich Noontime Rotary intends to serve alcoholic beverages at this event; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich, Connecticut that the Norwich Noontime Rotary be permitted to use the Howard Brown Park to hold an event as described the night of the Wednesday, September 21st from 5:00pm to 8:00pm; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich, Connecticut that, pursuant to Section 13.14.2 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances, City Manager John L. Salomone be and hereby is authorized to grant the Norwich Noontime Rotary permission to sell beer, wine or alcoholic beverages at this event, permission to use the premises as described herein and to sell beer, wine and alcoholic beverages being subject to satisfactory proof that the Norwich Noontime Rotary has complied with the applicable regulations of the State Liquor Commission; that identification will be mandatory from each person purchasing an alcoholic beverage at the event; that the sales of beer, wine and alcoholic beverage be made under a proper liquor license; and that insurance satisfactory to the City Manager be obtained and maintained by the Norwich Noontime Rotary both as to the sale of beer, wine and/or alcoholic beverages at the event. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Braddock. 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 20, 2016 WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich directed the issuance of Request for Proposals No. 13-05 seeking the services of qualified property managers and/or real estate brokers to help maintain and to market various properties acquired by the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, Allyn and Associates Realtors d/b/a Allyn and Associates LLC, Hyde Park Landscaping and Robin Keator, acting together, replied to the Request, were selected to provide such services, and have entered into an Agreement dated January 7, 2015, with Respect to Maintenance and Disposition of Certain Properties Owned or Acquired by the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich acquired the property described as map 93, block 5, lot 55 known as 13 Baltic Street, through a tax foreclosure taking title on August 13, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of said property by a negotiated sale using the services of Allyn and Associates Realtors, at a price recommended by Allyn and Associate Realtors; WHEREAS, a prospective buyer has signed and submitted a Purchase and Sales Agreement dated May 15, 2016 to Allyn and Associates Realtors offering to purchase the property for $18,000.00, which price Allyn and Associates Realtors recommends. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the City Manager, John Salomone, be and hereby is authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into a Real Estate Listing Agreement satisfactory to him and the corporation counsel with Allyn and Associates Realtors and to offer to sell 13 Baltic Street at a price recommended by Allyn and Associate Realtors and on terms satisfactory to City Manager John Salomone. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT THE City Manager, John Salomone, be and hereby is authorized to accept, execute, and deliver the Purchase and Sales Agreement between the buyer Fiorella M. Diaz and the City of Norwich and upon payment of such sum subject to standard adjustments to the City of Norwich to execute and deliver a deed of conveyance together with such other letters or documents as are necessary to complete the transfer of title in keeping with the terms of the Agreement executed by the buyers on May 15, 2016 for the property known as 13 Baltic Street, Norwich. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Martin, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Braddock. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich directed the issuance of Request for Proposals No. 13-05 seeking the services of qualified property managers and/or real estate brokers to help maintain and to market various properties acquired by the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, Allyn and Associates Realtors d/b/a Allyn and Associates LLC, Hyde Park Landscaping and Robin Keator, acting together, replied to the Request, were selected to provide such services, and have entered into an Agreement dated January 7, 2015, with Respect to Maintenance and Disposition of Certain Properties Owned or Acquired by the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich acquired the property described as map 102, block 1, lot 27 known as 85 School Street, through a tax foreclosure taking title on May 2, 2013; and 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 20, 2016 WHEREAS, the City of Norwich acquired the property described as map 102, block 1, lot 25 known as 9 Washington Street, through a tax foreclosure taking title on April 17, 2012; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich acquired the properties described as map 101, block 4, lots 39-42 known as 47, 49, 51 and 53 Washington Street, through a tax foreclosure taking title on February 1, 2012; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of said property by a negotiated sale using the services of Allyn and Associates Realtors, at a price recommended by Allyn and Associate Realtors; WHEREAS, a prospective buyer has signed and submitted a Purchase and Sales Agreement dated January 19, 2016 to Allyn and Associates Realtors offering to purchase the property known as 85 School Street for $1,250.00, the property known as 9 Washington Street for $1,300.00 and the properties known as 47, 49, 51, and 53 Washington Street for $2,500.00, which price Allyn and Associates Realtors recommends. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the City Manager, John Salomone, be and hereby is authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into a Real Estate Listing Agreement satisfactory to him and the corporation counsel with Allyn and Associates Realtors and to offer to sell 85 School Street, 9 Washington Street and 47, 49, 51 and 53 Washington Street at a price recommended by Allyn and Associate Realtors and on terms satisfactory to City Manager John Salomone. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT THE City Manager, John Salomone, be and hereby is authorized to accept, execute, and deliver the Purchase and Sales Agreement between the buyers Barbara J. Jordan and Gilbert F. Jordan, or an entity to be named for the purpose of taking title, and the City of Norwich and upon payment of such sum subject to standard adjustments to the City of Norwich to execute and deliver a deed of conveyance together with such other letters or documents as are necessary to complete the transfer of title in keeping with the terms of the Agreement executed by the buyers on January 19, 2016 for the properties known as 85 School Street, 9 Washington Street and 47, 49, 51 and 53 Washington Street, Norwich. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Philbrick, it was voted to put the following resolution on the floor introduced by Ald. Gould and Philbrick. The above motion passed on a vote of 6-1 with Ald. Braddock voting in opposition. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich is the owner of certain property known as the Reid & Hughes property located at 193-201 Main Street, Norwich, CT; and WHEREAS, the city has issued Requests for Proposals seeking interested parties to redevelop said property; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich most recently, by resolution adopted May 20, 2013 initiated a process to seek new proposals for the Reid & Hughes property from qualified developers; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich by resolution adopted September 3, 2013 authorized and directed the Norwich Community Development Corporation, as the city’s development agency, to issue a Request for Proposals for the Reid & Hughes property and make recommendations to the council with respect to any proposals received as the Norwich Community Development Corporation found to be appropriate and necessary; and 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 20, 2016 WHEREAS, the Norwich Community Development Corporation recommended a proposed developer but was unable to negotiate an agreement with said developer with respect to the development of the Reid & Hughes property; and WHEREAS, the Norwich Community Development Corporation then, as a non-profit development corporation and not as the city’s development agency, offered to seek a developer for the Reid & Hughes property and requested the City of Norwich enter into an option agreement with it for this purpose; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, by resolution adopted July 7, 2014 authorized and directed the city manager to negotiate an option agreement with the Norwich Community Development Corporation to permit it to seek a developer for or otherwise arrange a development of the Reid & Hughes property; and WHEREAS, an option agreement was reached and entered into between the City of Norwich and the Norwich Community Development Corporation, to run for a term of two years from September 15, 2014-September 14, 2016; and WHEREAS, said option agreement will expire in approximately 3 months and the Council of the City of Norwich finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to receive a timely update on the condition and status of the Reid & Hughes property prior to the expiration of the option agreement. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is requested, following such reviews and consultations as he may deem appropriate, to prepare a report on the status of the Reid & Hughes property, with particularly emphasis to its condition, structural issues and any health and safety risks it may currently present or is likely to present as well as any recommendations the Norwich Community Development Corporation may make as to the property and to make such report to the Council of the City of Norwich at its first meeting in August 2016. The above motion passes on a vote of 6-1 with Ald. Braddock voting in opposition. Upon a motion by Ald. Gould, second by Ald. Philbrick, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200, for the purpose of discussing the strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining. City Manager Salomone, Human Resources Director Brigid Marks, and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll, shall be 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 8:31 pm to 9:25 pm, at which time Mayor Hinchey, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Martin, it was unanimously voted to return to regular session. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Martin, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:26 pm. CITY CLERK 10