City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 18, 2016 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held July 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Hinchey, Aldermen Nystrom, Philbrick, Braddock, Gould and Martin. City Manager Salomone and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Ald. Nash had an excused absence. Mayor Hinchey presided. Ald. Martin read the opening prayer and Ald. Braddock led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. Beryl Fishbone, 19 Bliss Pl, talked about an exhibit “En Plein Air” art work influenced by Norwich which will be in November at the Wauregan. She also talked about the Big E event and asked people to volunteer to support economic development within Norwich. She stated “let’s keep Norwich positive”. Abby Dolliver, 6 Deepwood Dr, Superintendent, talked about recognizing the school staff with close to 700 employees they are taking a pay freeze, furlong days even with some programs being eliminated in this budget year stating the staff is very committed and even with sacrifices will still provide exceptional learning opportunities. Chuck Evans, 49 Butternut Dr, talked about Chelsea Gardens and asked that the park trees be replanted. Marvin Serruto, 100 Starr St, talked about the constitution regarding free speech and he commends Ald. Nystrom for what he did. He encouraged people to speak openly. Elanah Sherman, 65 Cedar St, encouraged the Council to establish an open space commission and also asked to reestablish the Downtown Neighborhood Revitalization committee. Roberta Paro, 246 A Yantic St, asked to form an open space commission and to work in collaboration with other communities. Brian Kobylarz, 16 Hobart Ave, talked about the tour of his neighborhood and thank all those who attended. He looks forward to a solid action plan. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, talked about his disappointment in the President’s speech regarding how someone should act when approached by the police. He stated police need to be respected. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, talked about the previous presidents and the financial crisis. He suggested privatizing jobs. Lola Bradford, 109 Sachem St Apt 1, asked who was responsible for the blight inside of apartments. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Frank W. Blanchard from the Building Code Board of Appeals and thanking him for his service. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 18, 2016 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: July 18th, 2016 Union negotiations have still continued over the past weeks for both the Police and Fire Departments. 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 Thursday July 7st the Mayor and I met with Chairman Scott Bates of the Connecticut Port Authority at the Norwich Marina. We discussed possible developmental plans for both commercial and industrial uses and reviewed the Connecticut’s maritime policies. On Saturday July 9th Mayor Hinchey, residents of the community and I, along with several city officials participated in a targeted neighborhood walk through of the Cliff Street neighborhood. The target area encompassed Cliff Street, N. Cliff Street, E. Cliff Street, Hawthorn Street, Hobart Street, Oak Street and Park Street. A common theme throughout the walk was the presence of trash, condition of vacant lots and vegetation overgrowth. A complete report of the walkthrough is attached for your information. I met with our acting Police Chief Daley and First Selectman, Bob Congdon from Preston to discuss a Norwich police service in Preston. An All Chiefs meeting was called to order to discuss various topics. The Chiefs will be working with me to establish a comprehensive vehicle inventory list and a potential replacement schedule. This NFD meeting will be scheduled for August. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment on resolutions. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St spoke on resolution #1 stating there should be reasonable regulations. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, spoke in favor of resolution #1 to create a non-smoking area. John Blackburn, 15 Alice St, talked about resolution #1 and creating a smoke free environment. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 18, 2016 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 Salomone. WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statutes §19a-342 provides that no person shall smoke in any building or portion of a building owned and operated or leased and operated by the state or any political subdivision thereof; and WHEREAS, the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies at section 16a-38k-3 also provide that no smoking shall be permitted in any building or portion of a building owned and operated or leased and operated by the state or any political subdivision thereof and that all exterior designated smoking areas shall be located at least 25 feet away from outdoor air intakes, operable windows and building entrances; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich has permitted smoking in certain exterior areas adjacent to city hall; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds that identifying and designating areas adjacent to city hall where smoking is not permitted pursuant to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies would be in the best interest of the occupants of and visitors to city hall NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is requested to arrange the posting of no smoking signage outside city hall designating areas near entrances, air intakes and operable windows where smoking is not permitted. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nystrom, Ald. Gould and Braddock. BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed as a regular member of the Recreation Advisory Board with a term to expire on March 15, 2018 or until a successor is appointed: Julie Feindt-Cagle (D) Upon a motion of Ald. Philbrick, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, at its meeting on June 20, 2016, adopted a resolution requesting City Manager John Salomone submit to it a report regarding certain property known as the Reid & Hughes property located at 193-201 Main Street, Norwich, Connecticut; and WHEREAS, said resolution requested the report be made by the first meeting of the Council in August of 2016; and 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 18, 2016 WHEREAS, City Manager Salomone will be unavailable to attend the first meeting of the Council on August of 2016 and has requested additional time to complete his report and present the same. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, its resolution of June 20, 2016 as described herein be and hereby is amended to change the date by which such report is to be made to the Council from the first meeting in August 2016 to the first meeting in September 2016. Upon motion to Ald. Martin, seconded by Ald. Philbrick, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:40 pm. CITY CLERK 4