City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 20, 2017 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held March 20, 2017 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 arrived late due to a work commitment. 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. Lottie Scott, 85 Church St, stressed concerns about safety of the city because of aggressive drivers she sees this as becoming a pattern and asked for this to be addressed. She also asked to stop spending tax payer dollars on city events that promote racial desegregation and discrimination. She stated with such a diverse population this needs to stop. Shiela Hayes, 288 Central Ave, requested full printed copies (not just the summary) of the 2017-18 City Manager and School budgets prior to the April 17, 2017 budget meeting. Marvin Serruto, 100 Starr St, gave a photo of the heritage trail for the good deeds jar, donated to the fireworks fund and stated he is willing to join in and to preserve our heritage. Linda Bertelson, 24 Manwaring Rd, stated she doesn’t agree with the ethics commission recommendations and asked for a charter revision regarding this issue. She felt all commissioners should be replaced when their terms are up. Sara Ofner-Seals, 103 Sherwood Ln, talked about a diversity event on March 1st at city hall and how people should work together so people feel united and safe asking the council to make this a priority. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, asked for CMEEC and NPU to give back the money. He also talked about spending money on a water tank that the City doesn’t use. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed Upon motion of Ald. Martin, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Homer Callicutt from the Harbor Management Commission thanking him for his service. Upon motion of Ald. Philbrick, seconded by Ald. Martin, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Lisa Harrison from the Commission for Persons with Disabilities thanking her for her service. Upon motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Martin, it was unanimously voted to accept and congratulate to the Comptroller for receiving a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. City Manager’s Report: 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 20, 2017 To: Mayor Hinchey and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: March 20, 2017 The Mayor and I continue to have regular meetings. Chief Pat Daley, City Comptroller Josh Pothier and I met with the Town of Preston regarding exploring alternatives to their current resident state trooper coverage. We proposed 4 options for Preston to consider without the need to hire any new officers. I had my monthly meeting with the Fire Chiefs. There has been a lot of cooperation and discussion within the group in regards to prioritizing equipment upgrades. Josh and I have meet with department heads and volunteer fire departments the week of March 13 to clarify any questions regarding their upcoming budgets. We also met with Abby Dolliver and Athena Nagle of Norwich Public Schools. Chief Scandariato and I held an EOC meeting on March 14 in preparation for the expected blizzard “Eugene”. Members of Public Works, Police, Fire Departments, Norwich Public Utilities, Norwich Public Schools, Human Services, City Council and Red Cross were in attendance. A parking ban was issued and City Hall was closed due to the travel ban on highways. The EOC was set up at Norwich Public Utilities at 6 am and started to disband at 2 pm when the storm abated. I have a handout of the Key Financial Indicators report for the eight months ended February 28th. Josh Pothier has been doing this report for the two months ended August 31st and eight months ended February 28/29th each year to coincide with the major tax collection and storm seasons. The Treasurers Report for quarter end December 31, 2016 is also attached. As of Monday morning, March 20th over 160 training sessions have been completed. My assistant, Jacquie Barbarossa is in the process of reminding those who have not taken the Ethics Course that they are required to do so. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment on resolutions. Shiela Hayes, 288 Central Ave, spoke on resolution #10 and questioned why the City Clerk should keep a file for ethic violations when it is recorded in the permanent minute books. She also asked the Council not to support this resolution. Larry Goldman, 35 Sherwood Ln, spoke on resolution #6 and thanked the Council and citizens for allowing him to serve as an NPU Commissioner. He stated he was leading and first voice to speak out about the retreats and that he was stonewalled at every turn when looking for answers. He stated he was surprised he wasn’t being reappointed when he brought this to light. Elanah Sherman, 65 Cedar St, spoke on resolution #6 stating that she is aware there is a need for partisan balance and asked to let the current members serve on this board. She asked to vote it down or withdraw this resolution. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 20, 2017 Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, talked about resolution #6 stating it is the professional responsibility of the whole commission, they are all accountable for actions, as a team and they represent the whole city. Beryl Fishbone, 19 Bliss Place, spoke on resolution #3 and thanked the selection committee for finding two people for this committee. She stated the meetings are listed on the City web site at Public Works at 6:30pm. Samuel Browning, 671 Scotland Rd, talked about resolution #6 stating Mr. Goldman was the only member that displayed dismay for what took place. He talked about filling the commission with another person and stated either candidate would be a good candidate. He urged the council to reconsider. Linda Bertelson, 24 Manwaring Rd, applauded the council on resolution #6 for replacing any of the board members stating nothing was done since the story broke in October. She felt new people are needed for this committee and asked the council to support this. Brian Kobylarz, 16 Hobart Ave, spoke regarding resolution #6 and stated in advance of the Derby trip several city officials had concern that if it were made public someone would question this. He stated someone has. He asked to keep the people on the board who are looking out for the public interest. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment on resolutions was closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, by resolution adopted February 2, 2015 established a committee made up of representatives of the board of education, council of the city of Norwich and city administration to facilitate the exchange of information necessary to fulfill the city’s responsibilities with respect to school facilities; said committee to be known as the School Facilities Review Committee, (Committee); and WHEREAS, by this resolution ten (10) members were appointed to the Committee by name or by position and the Committee requested to hold an organizational meeting on or before April 1, 2015; and WHEREAS, the Committee was subsequently expanded to have 13 members; and WHEREAS, the Committee, held a number of meetings and, with assistance from consultants, prepared a school re-structuring plan for the Norwich Public School system which the Committee approved and passed on with its recommendation to the Norwich Board of Education for its consideration and subsequent submission to the Council of the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, at a meeting held March 8, 2017 the Norwich Board of Education adopted the recommendation of the Committee to renovate four (4) existing schools as new plus additions as had been described in the Norwich Public Schools Facilities Strategic Planning Study dated July 5, 2016 and 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 20, 2017 authorized and directed the superintendent of schools to take all appropriate action to effectuate the project, including presenting to the project to the Norwich City Council for its consideration. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, the School Facilities Review Committee, having completed the work with which it was charged by the Council of the City of Norwich, be discharged and disbanded with the recognition and appreciation of the Council of the City of Norwich for its efforts. Upon motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, 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 reappointed as regular members to the Norwich Golf Course Authority for a term to expire on January 23, 2019 or until a successor is appointed; Bernard Caulfield (D) David DiBattista (D) Michael E. Driscoll (D) John Paul Mereen (R) Richard A. Podurgiel (D) Richard Strouse (R) Charles C. Whitty (D) Upon motion of Ald. Martin, seconded by Ald. Gould, 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 regular members of the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee with a term to expire on December 31, 2018 or until a successor is appointed: Rebecca Melucci (U) Samantha Venturo (G) Upon 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 regular members of the Community Center Exploration Committee with a term of office to expire on July 31, 2019 or until a dissolution of said committee: Jeffery R. Brown (U) Katherine Rose (D) Upon motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nystrom, Ald. Gould and Braddock 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 20, 2017 BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be reappointed as a regular members to the Personnel & Pension Board for a term to expire on March 1, 2019 or until a successor is appointed; Paul Schroder (R) John A. John (R) Ald. Braddock stated he wished to remove his name as a co-sponsor on the following resolution. Upon motion of Philbrick, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was 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 member to the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners and the Sewer Authority for a term to expire on March 01, 2022 or until a successor is appointed; Stewart Peil (R) On a vote of 6-1 with Ald. Braddock voting in opposition. Motion passes. Upon motion of President Pro Tem Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Gould, 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 reappointed as regular members of the Commission on the City Plan with a term to expire on February 28, 2019 or until a successor is appointed: Frank Manfredi (D) Arthur Sharron (D) BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be reappointed as alternates of the Commission on the City Plan with a term to expire on February 28, 2019 or until a successor is appointed: Daniel Daniska (U) Jason Arndt (L) Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey, Ald. Gould and Martin. WHEREAS, the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2017 and will host the firefighter’s parade associated with the 134th Annual Connecticut State Firefighter’s Association Convention to be held on September 17, 2017, and WHEREAS, the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department will utilize the City owned Taftville playground located adjacent to the Taftville Firehouse at 134 Providence Street for activities in connection with the parade. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 13.14.2 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances, City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized to grant the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department permission to serve and sell or provide beer on the city property 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 20, 2017 described herein in association with the firefighter’s parade and events to be held on September 17, 2017 subject to satisfactory proof that Taftville Volunteer Fire Department has complied with the applicable regulations of the State Liquor Commission, that identification will be mandatory from each person purchasing or receiving an alcoholic beverage, that the sale or provision of beer will be made under a proper liquor license, and that proper insurances will be obtained and maintained by the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department and any vendor or provider of beer and for the event. Upon motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. 1. WHEREAS, the following projects from the City of Norwich’s Capital Improvement Fund have been completed or will be completed at $129,687.51 the amounts of their non-lapsing budgets: Projected/ Available for Org Obj Description Budget Actual Reallocation 10212 88236 Senior Center Improvements $95,000.00 $69,830.33 $25,169.67 10212 88603 Drainage Improvements $34,310.19 $22,814.59 $11,495.60 10213 88247 Public Works Building Improvements $190,000.00 $187,718.57 $2,281.43 10214 88221 Police Building Improvement $4,800.00 $4,328.19 $471.81 10215 88603 Yantic Street Drainage Improvements $70,000.00 $0.00 $70,000.00 10216 88226 TVD Building Improvements $8,000.00 $7,500.00 $500.00 10216 88422 Norwich Fire Equipment $103,400.00 $83,631.00 $19,769.00 $129,687.51 ; and 2. WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut has returned to the City retainage monies for the Landfill Closure Fund of $213,330.36 and it may now be closed; and 3. WHEREAS, the following projects from the City of Norwich’s Capital Improvement Fund need funding of $343,017.87 Org Obj Description Amount 10215 88391 Emergency Management Vehicle $356.45 10215 88603 Drainage Improvements $23,269.47 10216 88342 Public Works Street Vehicles $2,122.58 10217 88291 Emergency Management Building $19,769.00 10217 88500 Technology Infrastructure $1,968.00 10217 88600 Road Improvement Program $295,532.37 $343,017.87 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the unexpended funds of $ 129,687.51 from the projects enumerated in (1), and the closing of the Landfill Closure Fund (2) be and hereby are appropriated to the projects enumerated in (3). 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 20, 2017 Upon motion of President Pro Tem Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was voted to put the following resolution on the floor introduced by President Pro Tem Nystrom, Ald. Philbrick. WHEREAS, on March 6, 2016 the Council of the City of Norwich received reports from the Norwich Ethics Commission as to complaints made against Diana Boisclair, Robert Groner, Deberey Hinchey, John Bilda and Steven Sinko, all of which reports contain a request that a letter outlining the ethical violation found in each case by the Ethics Commission be included in the individual’s file with the City of Norwich in the city clerk’s office; and WHEREAS, the city clerk’s office does not currently maintain such a file for each individual other than the files maintained with respect to the ethics complaint made against each. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, the city clerk, as secretary for the Council of the City of Norwich, be and hereby is directed to open a city council file for each individual as to whom she received a report from the Ethics Commission as described herein, and that a copy of this resolution and a copy of the pertinent individual report from the Norwich Ethics Commission be placed in such file. President Pro Tem Nystrom motioned, seconded by Ald. Philbrick to substitute the following resolution below: discussion follows President Pro Tem Nystrom amends his original motion to amend not substitute to add paragraphs 3 and 5. Ald. Philbrick withdraws her second. Motion fails to garner a second. Ald. Philbrick reiterates her second to add paragraph 3 and 5. Mayor Hinchey recuses herself and leaves the room. President Pro Tem Nystrom assumes charge of the meeting. On a vote of 4-2 with Ald. Braddock and Gould voting in opposition. Motion passes to amend the resolution adding paragraphs 3 and 5 below: On a vote of 3-3 with Ald. Philbrick, Braddock and Gould voting in opposition the resolution as amended below fails. Motion fails. WHEREAS, on March 6, 2017 the Council of the City of Norwich received reports from the Norwich Ethics Commission as to complaints made against Diana Boisclair, Robert Groner, Deberey Hinchey, John Bilda and Steven Sinko, all of which reports contain a request that a letter outlining the ethical violation found in each case by the Ethics Commission be included in the individual’s file with the City of Norwich in the city clerk’s office; and WHEREAS, the city clerk’s office does not currently maintain such a file for each individual other than the files maintained with respect to the ethics complaint made against each; and 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH MARCH 20, 2017 WHEREAS, the Council disagrees with the recommendations of the Ethics Commission that Diana Boisclair, Robert Groner and Deberey Hinchey repay only a portion of the Kentucky Derby Trip costs per person. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, the city clerk, as secretary for the Council of the City of Norwich, be and hereby is directed to open a city council file for each individual as to whom she received a report from the Ethics Commission as described herein, and that a copy of this resolution and a copy of the pertinent individual report from the Norwich Ethics Commission be placed in such file; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the Council of the City of Norwich go on record as recommending each individual against whom an ethical violation was found repay the full cost per person for the Kentucky Derby Trip for himself or herself and any of their respective spouses or invited guest. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200, for the purpose of discussing the performance and evaluation of City Manager John L. Salomone, provided that City Manager John L. Salomone does not require that discussion be held at an open meeting, Comptroller Joshua Pothier, Human Resources Brigid Marks shall be asked to participate during all or portions of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council. Upon a motion by Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Martin it was unanimously voted to reconvene. The council was in Executive Session from 8:20 PM to 8:40 PM, at which time Mayor Hinchey stated no votes were taken. Discussion on resolution #10 followed. Mayor Hinchey leaves the room. Ald. Philbrick questioned a reconsider action of resolution #10 which she indicated she would defer to the next meeting. Upon motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:55 pm. CITY CLERK 8