City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held June 19, 2017 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. Philbrick led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence for Olive Buddington due to her passing. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. Fran Ceccolini, 128 St Regis Ave, talked about the noise that is heard coming from the “Quarry” at Edgewood stating it puts a negative impact on her neighborhood it’s constant and the loud noise is deafening, you can’t enjoy your yard and no there is no notice of the blasting. She stated with high taxes and a “Quarry” in the back yard selling is impossible. Christine Kaiser, 89 St Regis Ave, spoke about the undersized culverts and drainage lines installed under St. Regis which backs up in her neighborhood and she is tired of being ignored. She had a handout and asked to review this issue. Pat Kucharski, 141 St Regis Ave, stated she delivered some packages to the City Clerk to distribute. She spoke about the Hilltop at Edgewood and is disappointed she has only heard from one Council member. She asked how a housing development evolves into a Quarry with no permit, she talked about the noise, large trucks and dirt. She stated it is holding her neighborhood captive. She asked this project to be stopped. Wendy Stoner, 86 St Regis Ave, talked about the “Quarry” and that it shouldn’t be allowed to continue and it is causing her property value to go down. Jeff Wojtcuk, 86 St Regis Ave, played an audio of the noise and sounds emanating from the “Quarry”. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, stated his son lives on St Regis Ave and he shares the same concerns as previously speakers. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, talked about the drop in housing prices as shown in the budget booklet page 20 (in his two page handout) and the lack of reduction of taxes. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on reviewing applications and receiving comments relative to the Neighborhood Assistance Act. Speaking in favor: Bill Champagne, President Norwich Historical Society, 7 N West Corner Rd, Preston, talked about the restoration project they have done with the Daniel Lathrop house and have helped the Leffingwell Museum get energy assistance and working on the East District School house and will use this funding to restore Historical buildings. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 Speaking in opposition: David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, talked about the Sachem fund receiving $27,000 to use for historical projects and questioned if they receive tax breaks with this money. He stated he hasn’t seen bids for these upgrades. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM THE UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE OF THE CITY CONSOLIDATION DISTRICT Speaking in favor: There were no speakers. Speaking in opposition: Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, talked about the overtime of the police and fire department to pad their salaries. He asked to think differently. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, asked why taxpayers haven’t been given a tax cut. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for a Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM THE UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE OF THE TOWN CONSOLIDATION DISTRICT Speaking in favor: There were no speakers. Speaking in opposition: There were no speakers. There being no further speakers Mayor Hinchey declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM THE UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE OF THE CITY CONSOLIDATION DISTRICT Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes this being its second reading. Ald. Gould motioned, seconded by Ald. Nash, to adopt the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Salomone. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM THE UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE OF THE CITY CONSOLIDATION DISTRICT WHEREAS, the cost of overtime, replacement cost, and negotiated salaries and benefits for fiscal year 2016-17 are $330,000 higher than anticipated compared to the adopted 2016-17 budget for the City Consolidation District (“CCD”); and 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 WHEREAS, the CCD has an unrestricted fund balance (“UFB”) which is projected to be $926,000, or 12% of the operating expenditures of the CCD as of June 30, 2017, including the impact of the $330,000 budget variances described above; and WHEREAS, the UFB of the CCD fund has accumulated primarily as a result of greater-than- anticipated current and prior tax levy collections over the years; and WHEREAS, although the City does not have a formal policy for the UFB level of the CCD fund, because the expenditures in this fund vary moderately, the Comptroller and City Manager deem a UFB level of 8% of operating expenditures, or $615,000, to be adequate for this fund; and WHEREAS, as of the City of Norwich Retirement Plan’s most recent actuarial valuation report dated July 1, 2015, the Firefighters portion of the Plan has an Unfunded Accrued Liability of $15,326,208 and a funded ratio of 60.9%; and WHEREAS, an additional contribution to the Firefighters portion of the City of Norwich Retirement Plan will have a long-term impact on mitigating property taxes for the taxpayers of the CCD. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT the sum of $330,000 be and hereby is appropriated from the UFB of the CCD to increase the fiscal year 2016-17 budget for CCD expenditure line items as follows: 80012 Employees $44,000 80014 Overtime 25,000 80017 Replacement Cost 238,000 89999 Fringe Benefits 23,000 Total $330,000 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT $311,000 be and hereby is appropriated from the UFB of the CCD to increase the fiscal year 2016-17 budget for CCD expenditure line item 89999 “Fringe Benefits” for the purpose of making an additional contribution to the Firefighters portion of the City of Norwich Retirement Plan. Purpose: To appropriate funds from the unrestricted fund balance of the City Consolidation District fund for projected expenditures in excess of the adopted 2016-17 budget and for an additional contribution to the City of Norwich Retirement Plan. On a roll call vote of 7-0 motion passes. Mayor Hinchey called for the second reading and action on AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM THE UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE OF THE TOWN CONSOLIDATION DISTRICT Upon a motion Ald. Martin, seconded Ald. Philbrick, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes this being its second reading. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 Ald. Philbrick motioned, seconded by Ald. Braddock, to adopt the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Salomone. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM THE UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE OF THE TOWN CONSOLIDATION DISTRICT WHEREAS, the cost of property tax credits for volunteer firefighters for fiscal year 2016-17 are $8,000 higher than anticipated compared to the adopted 2016-17 budget for the Town Consolidation District (“TCD”); and WHEREAS, the TCD has an unrestricted fund balance (“UFB”) which is projected to be $376,000, or 64% of the operating expenditures of the TCD as of June 30, 2017, including the impact of the $8,000 budget variance in property tax credits for volunteer firefighters; and WHEREAS, this UFB has accumulated as a result of greater-than-anticipated current and prior tax levy collections over the years; and WHEREAS, although the City does not have a formal policy for the UFB level of the TCD fund, because the expenditures in this fund do not vary greatly, the Comptroller and City Manager deem a UFB level of 5% of operating expenditures, or $30,000, to be adequate for this fund; and WHEREAS, the contribution to the Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund is the largest expenditure of the TCD; and WHEREAS, as of the Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund’s most recent actuarial valuation report dated January 1, 2016, the Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund has an Unfunded Accrued Liability of $3,569,000 and a funded ratio of 39.27%; and WHEREAS, an additional contribution to the Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund will have a long-term impact on mitigating property taxes for the taxpayers of the TCD. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT the sum of $8,000 be and hereby is appropriated from the UFB of the TCD to increase the fiscal year 2016-17 budget for TCD expenditure line item 80122 “VFF Tax Abatement.” BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT the sum of $346,000 be and hereby is appropriated from the UFB of the TCD to increase the fiscal year 2016-17 budget for TCD expenditure line item 89270 “VFF Relief Fund Contribution.” Purpose: To appropriate funds from the unrestricted fund balance of the Town Consolidation District fund for projected expenditures in excess of the adopted 2016-17 budget and for an additional contribution to the Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund Plan. On a roll call vote of 7-0 motion passes. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nystrom, it was unanimously voted to accept the report form the Select Committee of Inquiry regarding their findings and determinations. Link to report http://norwichct.org/Archive.aspx?ADID=624 Everyone was shown a video of the Kelly School Graduation. City Manager’s Report: To: Mayor Hinchey and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: June 19, 2017 The Mayor and I have met several times during the past two weeks in addition to our weekly meetings. The budget has been discussed, reviewed and finalized after many meetings. On June 5th, the Mayor and I attended the ribbon cutting for the Shetucket River National Recreation Water Trail which was held at the canoe and kayak launch at Red McKeon Park held by the Last Green Valley. The water trail was developed in partnership with the Rivers and Trails Program of the National Park Service, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the City of Norwich, Norwich Public Utilities, Towns of Lisbon, Sprague, and Windham, Wheelabrator Technologies, Friends of the Shetucket River Valley, Harvard Ellis Technical High School and Volunteers from the Last Green Valley’s Water Trails Advisory Committee. I attended the Volunteer Fire Pension Fund meeting. Bill Hathaway, Purchasing Agent and I had a conference call with Betsy Crum, Executive Director of the Women’s Institute regarding the status of their proposal for the Reid & Hughes building. Brigid Marks and I attended a Pension Negotiation Meeting at the NPU Training Room to finalize the ground rules for the 10 unions participating. I met with John Wong regarding bus service to Norwich. Staff and I met with representatives of Norwich Golf Course regarding the proposed irrigation system at their site. Union negotiations have started with Department of Public Works, and Dispatch and Police Mediation continues. I received a press release from the U.S. Attorney District of CT regarding the assistance of the Norwich Police Department in conviction of 2 individuals as part of an insurance fraud scheme. Our officers participated with the FBI and National Insurance Crime Bureau and the individuals were found guilty of fraud and conspiracy offenses. Good work Norwich Police Department! 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 I attended the services for Jackie Owens at Kelly Middle School on Friday June 16th. She was a remarkable woman who always had words of advice and has certainly left her mark on Norwich with her community involvement. She will be sadly missed as a highly respected individual in Norwich and the surrounding communities. Mayor Hinchey read the names of the Norwich school selectees for the American Legion Peter Gallan Post 104: Those selected from Norwich Free Academy are: Nathan Jean, Carter Ward, Sean O’Neill, Alexandra Tudisca, Guerrie Guerrier, and Kathleen Kelly. Selectees from Norwich Technical School include Steven Allaby, Cody Kersteter, Erin McBride, and Wendalis Landran-Bianchi. Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment on resolutions. William Sweeney, TCORS 43 Broad St., New London, Client is Marcus Plaza, Route 82, spoke in support of amending resolution #5 stating the business owners on Route 82 don’t have the knowledge of this massive project and is concerned that questions weren’t adequately addressed. He stated this will have a detrimental effect on the Route 82 corridor and the businesses. He stated that there has never been this amount of roundabouts in such a short area and stated there are no left hand turn lanes. Marvin Serruto, 100 Starr St, spoke in favor of the amendment to resolution #5 stating it will give more information and control in the decision process. He asked what power the City has over the State. Elanah Sherman, 35 Cedar St, spoke on resolution #2 the funding for the Historical Society. She stated she supports the City’s assets but is concerned that the application doesn’t include persons with disabilities and isn’t ADA compliant. She asked the Council to pass this resolution but have this project compliant with ADA standards and have the applications updated. Paul Agranovitch, 9 Glenwood Park, New London, represents Universal Package Store, Route 82, talked about resolution #5 stating he doesn’t like this and said it won’t do its stated purpose. He suggested cameras on top of the traffic lights, police in undercover vehicles to control traffic and he asked to look into left hand turn lanes. Bill Champagne, President Norwich Historical Society, 7 N West Corner Rd, Preston and Regan Miner, 26 Stewart Rd, Norwich, spoke on resolution #2 the Sachem Fund stating they put this money to good use in the past: restoring the Lathrop School, created two self-walking paths, and the Discover Norwich exhibit. They stated they have funds secured from the state that need to be matched. He stated they will work with Public Works to work together to mirror ADA done elsewhere in the City. Terry Crowley, 35 Great Neck Rd, Waterford, Hendel Corporation Rep., Sunoco on Route 82, stated they will be adversely effected by resolution #5 and spoke in favor of this resolution. Herbert Nyberg, 6 Hawthorn Rd, Old Lyme, Rep. Colonel Car Wash, Route 82, talked about the loss of traffic and business with having roundabouts. He gave examples of Golden Colorado and Montana and their loss of revenue since installing roundabouts. He stated they will have a negative impact on businesses within the City. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 Ken Capano, 6 Trail End, Old Saybrook, Owner, Shop Rite, Route 82, agrees with resolution #5 and stated this project will really hurt his business when there is so much competition people will go elsewhere. He asked to make the resolution stronger and stop the project now. Greg Conover, Norwich Realtor, owner 624 West Main St, Route 82, spoke in support of resolution #5 and his customers are concerned with the impact this project will cause. He agrees with the previous speakers. He asked to support an even stronger resolution. Lori Danis, 21 Patrick Pl, business owner, West Main St, Route, 82, property owner, spoke on resolution #5 stating she knows 20 businesses that will be taken off the grand list if this project is to continue. She stated Norwich doesn’t need to be the experiment for the country. Mark Grader, Groton, President, Grader Jewelers, Route 82, speaking on resolution # 5 agrees with previous speakers that businesses are at a critical juncture and don’t need any delay letting people come into their stores. He asked to stop this project. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, spoke on resolution #5 and asked to have this project killed. He asked where the State is going to get the money from to do and finish this project. He asked to withdraw this project. Cathy Osten, 187 Scotland Rd, Baltic, State Senator, spoke in support of resolution #5 and is willing to work with the City to change the scope and design of the project with far less taxpayer dollars, increase the business and slowing traffic down in a far shorter time period. Frank Manfredi, 94 Plain Hill Rd, and Sheila Hayes, 288 Central Ave, spoke in support of Resolution #3 and the recommendations of the Sachem Committee for the Ellis Ruley project and respectfully asked the Council to support it. She stated an update was given last October and all will be completed by 2018. She spoke on resolution #5 asking to reach out to the State to find other alternatives to address how to slow down the traffic on Route 82. John McNeil, works with Savin Gasoline Properties, Route 82, spoke in support of resolution 5 and requested to consider other options. He asked to take a step back and consider the pain and struggles of the property owners. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, spoke in opposition of resolutions 1, 2 and 3 asking to tighten our belts on these resolutions because legislators are wrapped up in legislating instead of producing. He asked to terminate the Sachem fund, cut Council spending back to 2014 and look at NCDC. He also talked about the roundabouts. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment on resolutions was closed. Mayor Hinchey called for a 7 minute recess at the request of Alderwoman Philbrick starting at 8:17 pm and the meeting resumed at 8:24 pm. Upon a motion of Ald. Braddock, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 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; 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. CRIS-Audio Access for People who are Blind or Print Challenged 2. Arc New London County, Inc. – Energy Conservation at a residence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities 3. Norwich Historical Society – Energy Upgrades for the Daniel Lathrop Schoolhouse 4. Norwich Historical Society – Energy Upgrades for the Samuel Huntington Mansion 5. Norwich Historical Society - Energy Upgrades for the Buckingham Memorial 6. Society of the Founders of Norwich, CT Inc. – Energy conservation, roof, windows, storm doors for 3 locations - historic Leffingwell House Museum, Joseph Carpenter Shop and 2 Town Street 7. Montessori Discovery School, Incorporated – Energy Improvements Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Philbrick, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich established the Sachem Fund by Ordinance No. 1553 dated January 2, 2007, for the purpose of furthering the economic development of the City of Norwich and the cultural experience of residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, the Sachem Fund Board has been delegated the role of reviewing applications to the Sachem Fund and making recommendations based on the applications' contribution to the goals of the Fund; and WHEREAS, the Sachem Fund Board has met to review and consider applications submitted to the Sachem Fund. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the following recommendation made by the Sachem Fund Board is hereby approved: 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 Organization Purpose Amount Norwich Historical Society 1. Self-guided walking trails: $27,772.50 a. Norwich’s Millionaires’ Triangle b. Norwich Freedom Trail Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich established the Sachem Fund by Ordinance No. 1553 dated January 2, 2007, for the purpose of furthering the economic development of the City of Norwich and the cultural experience of residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, the Sachem Fund Board has been delegated the role of reviewing applications to the Sachem Fund and making recommendations based on the applications' contribution to the goals of the Fund; and WHEREAS, the Sachem Fund Board has met to review and consider applications submitted to the Sachem Fund. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the following recommendation made by the Sachem Fund Board is hereby approved: Organization Purpose Amount Ellis Walter Ruley Committee 1. Creation of a park and sanctuary $55,000.00 Project includes developing 28 Hammond Avenue (City owned property) into a park and sanctuary to include walkways, benches, a fountain, walking trails, memorial plaques and informational narratives for on-site viewing Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution on the floor 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, 2019 or until a successor is appointed: Arthur Sharron (D) 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 June 15, 2019 or until a successor is appointed: David Poore (U) 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nystrom and Ald. Nash on the floor for adoption. President Pro Tem Nystrom motioned, seconded by Ald. Nash, to amend the following resolution in paragraph 8 to remove “or the reduction in the number of roundabouts”. On a vote of 4-3 with Mayor Hinchey and Ald. Martin and Braddock voting in opposition the amendment passes. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich adopted a resolution on March 7, 2016, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, expressing its full support for proposed improvements to the Route 82 Corridor (West Main Street) from New London Turnpike to Asylum/Mechanic Street; and WHEREAS, as initially proposed these improvements could include a number of roundabouts; and WHEREAS, said improvements are to be implemented using state and federal monies; and WHEREAS, since the adoption of the resolution on March 7, 2016 there have been proposed changes in the national focus on infrastructure and a difficult state budget process is ongoing in Connecticut; and WHEREAS, various property developments have taken place on or are proposed for the Route 82 corridor which will complicate the use of roundabouts in locations where their use was anticipated; and WHEREAS, these developments and the possible changes in policy and funding are matters of concern to the Council of the City of Norwich such that it finds that the continued review of the proposed improvements and input by the City of Norwich and its citizens would be in the best interest of the City of Norwich and it therefore proposes to amend the resolution adopted March 7, 2016 as follows: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the resolution adopted by it on March 7, 2016 be amended by adding additional language at the end of the resolution as follows: “NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that it request the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation periodically update the Council of the City of Norwich, through its public works subcommittee, throughout the planning process on proposed improvements, that the Department of Transportation consider changes to the project as proposed by the elimination of roundabouts proposed on the route and that it conduct periodic public informational meetings to receive citizen input as the project progresses. 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2017 On a vote of 5-2 with Mayor Hinchey and Ald. Braddock voting in opposition the amended resolution passes. Upon a motion by Ald. Braddock, second by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200, that the members of the Norwich City Council go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the performance and evaluation of City Manager John Salomone, who does not require that these discussions be held at an open meeting. Director of Human Resourses, Brigid Marks, shall be asked to attend all or portions of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council The council was in Executive Session from 9:00 pm to 9:03 pm, at which time Mayor Hinchey stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to return to regular session. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Braddock, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:04 pm. CITY CLERK 12