City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 1, 2018 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held October 1, 2018, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Nash, Gould, Philbrick, DeLucia, Burnham and Browning. City Manager Salomone and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Nystrom presided. Ald. DeLucia read the opening prayer and Ald. Burnham led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Burnham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of September 4 and 17, 2018. Please be advised that meetings of the Norwich City Council can be viewed in their entirety on the City of Norwich website “norwichct.org”. City Manager Report: To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: October 1, 2018 I met with Occum Fire Chief, Robert LaChapelle and staff regarding equipment needs for the Occum Volunteer Fire Department. This resulted in reallocation from previous year’s funds to allow for the purchase of equipment in the proposed Resolution 1 on this agenda. I attended the monthly SEAT meeting and the Southeastern CT Council of Governments meeting on September 19th where CT DOT Commissioner James Redeker was guest speaker and spoke on the State Budget Impact on Towns. I also attended the SCCOG meeting along with the City Assessor regarding the tax exempt impact of non-profits on towns. The Harbor Management Committee held a public presentation by consultant Geoff Steadman who stated the Commission’s top priorities were to find a new location for the boat launch and improve the public docks at Brown Park. The Harbor Management Commission is still conducting a survey of residents on the harbor issues through the City’s website and hard copies are available in the City Manager’s office. Josh Pothier and I met with Norwich Public School staff regarding their upcoming budget and the City department’s budget estimates for the next fiscal year. The approved Parking Lot License Agreement between the Parking Lot Commission and Nassi Connecticut Realty, LLC for the use of up to 150 parking spaces at the Market Street and Main Street Parking Garages has been signed by both parties. The 5 year term begins when the State of CT executes the Lease with the Nassi Company. Congratulations to OneKey, LLC, the developers of the Lofts at Ponemah Mills. I attended the ribbon cutting along with local dignitaries for the ground breaking event that was held to celebrate the 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 1, 2018 completion of phase one and the launch of phase two. Their commitment and dedication to this development project is an asset to Taftville and the surrounding area. The 28th annual “Walktober” has begun. The City of Norwich participates with the Last Green Valley on this annual event which includes over 200 walks and events throughout the National Heritage Corridor. Norwich has over 30 walks scheduled including a tour of City Hall along with numerous heritage sites and points of interest throughout the City. Thank you to the volunteers that make this event possible. Brochures are available at the City Clerk’s Office, the Docent Booth and in my office or you can contact my assistant for more information. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on resolutions. There were no speakers. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment on resolutions closed. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Philbrick it was unanimously voted to send a referral to the Public Safety Committee on the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem Nash and Gould. To reallocate funds from prior years’ capital budgets to purchase vehicle stabilization equipment, additional sets of turnout gear for the interior firefighters, and lighting upgrades for the Engine Tanker 42 apparatus bay of the Occum Volunteer Fire Department. WHEREAS, the Occum Volunteer Fire Department (“OVFD”) responds to several automobile accidents each year, including many on Interstate 395; and, WHEREAS, the OVFD does not have equipment to stabilize vehicles that were involved in automobile accidents; and, WHEREAS, the OVFD currently has 12 interior firefighters; and, WHEREAS, each of OVFD’s interior firefighters have a single set of turnout gear; and, WHEREAS, it is a common and recommended practice for fire departments to provide two sets of turnout gear for interior firefighters in order to have clean and ready sets available for emergencies while other sets are cleaning and drying; and, WHEREAS, the lighting in the Engine Tanker 42 apparatus bay of the Occum Fire Station is inadequate; and WHEREAS, there are funds available in the Capital Improvement Fund from projects which have been completed at costs lower than were allocated. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 1, 2018 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that a sum totaling $ 27,659.20 be and hereby is repurposed from the Capital Improvement Fund line items listed below, for the purposes of purchasing vehicle stabilization equipment, additional sets of turnout gear for the interior firefighters, and lighting upgrades for the Engine Tanker 42 apparatus bay of the Occum Volunteer Fire Department. Amount Department Org Object Project Description Remaining OVFD 10217 88225 Station improvements 2,100.85 Police 10217 88221 Locker room improvements 15,102.33 Human Services 10217 88233 Moving NHS and YFS out of 80 Broadway 1,977.00 Emergency Management 10217 88291 Roof for EM Garage 2,919.00 Public Works 10217 88342 PW vehicles 4,541.44 Human Services 10218 88233 Moving NHS and YFS out of 80 Broadway 891.23 OVFD 10218 88425 Hose and turnout gear 127.35 27,659.20 Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:39 P.M. City Clerk 3