City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 15, 2018 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held August 20, 2018, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Nash, Gould, Philbrick, DeLucia, Browning and Burnham. City Manager Salomone and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. President Pro Tem Nash read the opening prayer and Ald. Gould, led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Nystrom read the following proclamation: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, communities across America have been plagued by the numerous problems associated with illicit drug use and those that traffic in them; and WHEREAS, there is hope in winning the war on drugs, and that hope lies in education and drug demand reduction, coupled with the hard work and determination of organizations such as the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League to foster a healthy, drug-free lifestyle; and WHEREAS, governments and community leaders know that citizen support is one of the most effective tools in the effort to reduce the use of illicit drugs in our communities; and WHEREAS, the red ribbon has been chosen as a symbol commemorating the work of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was murdered in the line of duty, and represents the belief that one person can make a difference; and WHEREAS, October 23 through 31, 2018 has been designated National Red Ribbon Week, which encourages Americans to wear a red ribbon to show their support for a drug-free environment; and WHEREAS, the members of the Three Rivers Young Marines who have served New London County since September 17, 1995, and the youth of Norwich are committed to living a drug, alcohol and tobacco free life style. NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR PETER ALBERT NYSTROM AND NORWICH CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM, BILL NASH, ON BEHALF OF THE NORWICH CITY COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, do hereby proclaim October 23 through October 31, 2018 as RED RIBBON WEEK in Norwich and urge all citizens to join me in this special observance. Dated this Fifteenth Day of October, 2018 Peter Albert Nystrom Bill Nash Mayor President Pro Tem 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 15, 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”. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment. Rodney Bowie, 65 Roosevelt Ave, thanked Sofee Noblick for all the time she volunteer to be on City Committees. He also criticized the Council for adding 10 million dollars to this year’s budget. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to accept the communication from the Public Safety Committee. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. DeLucia, it was unanimously voted to accept the letter of resignation for Sofee Noblick from Board of Review Dangerous Buildings, 751 North Main St. Committee of Sale, 60 6th St. Committee of Sale, 347 Central Ave. Committee of Sale, 19 North Cliff St. Committee of Sale, and the Redevelopment Agency thanking her for her services. City Manager Report: To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: October 15, 2018 I attended Norwich Public Utilities workshop “Communicating In A Crisis” conducted by Anthony Huey, President of Reputation Management Associates. Representatives from Norwich Police, Norwich Fire, Norwich Public Schools, TVCCA, and the Norwich Chamber of Commerce were in attendance along with NPU staff who hosted the event. Participants were provided with valuable information for determining the difference between crisis management versus crisis communication. Mr. Huey defined what a crisis looks like, and provided insight as to how best to communicate and work with various forms of media and audiences during a crisis event. He discussed the importance of having a crisis communication plan and outlined what to include in a plan. I participated in an ICMA online webinar “Asking Fire Chiefs the Right Questions: How to Make Data-Driven Decisions.” I also had the pleasure of attending the 27th Annual Columbus Banquet sponsored by the Norwich Italian Heritage & Cultural Committee. Negotiations are underway with City Hall Union and we have reached a tentative agreement with the Dispatchers Union. The Pleasant Street Bridge was reopened to traffic on October 2nd. A temporary bridge rail was installed in order to open the bridge within the contract time limits and the final bridge rail will be installed by the first week of November. The bridge reconstruction was 80% federally funded with the remaining 20% from the City’s capital improvement fund. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 15, 2018 I was notified that the City of Norwich Heart Walk team contributed $1,337 to the American Heart Association for the annual walk held in September at the Mohegan Sun. Over $257,000 was raised in eastern Connecticut. Thank you to those that donated or participated in this event. My assistant, Jacquie Barbarossa met with a movie location scout from New York. HBO is developing an 8 episode premium cable network drama series based on “I Know This Much Is True”, written by Norwich native and Norwich Free Academy graduate Wally Lamb. Locations highlighted were the Yantic Falls, NFA and neighborhoods with homes from the early 1900’s. City Clerk, Betsy Barrett and my assistant lead a group of more than 20 individuals on the “Golden Clock Tour” on October 5th as part of the 28th annual “Walktober”. Norwich still has several walks and events planned through the end of October. Plans for Light Up City Hall are underway. The event will be held on the First Friday, December 7th this year. Thank you to Susan Dubb, Uncas Health nurse for the Flu Clinics held at City Hall and Norwich Fire Department. . I have attached the Department Head Reports for quarter ending September 30, 2018. Upon a motion of Ald. Delucia, seconded by Ald. Gould it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem Nash and Ald. 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. 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 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 15, 2018 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 Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on resolutions. There were no speakers. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment on resolutions closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nash and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich, Human Services and the Norwich Heroin Task Force, desires to apply for the “How Can We Help?” grant offered by State of CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services WHEREAS, the City of Norwich will be requesting $75,000/year for the two year term of the grant to actively address the opioid crisis and provide for recovery support services in the Norwich community, amongst other services and WHEREAS, no matching funds are required by the City of Norwich, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, the City Manager, John Salomone, be and hereby is authorized and directed to apply for the “How Can We Help?” grant on behalf of Norwich Human Services and the Norwich Heroin Task Force. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nash and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich anticipates being approved to participate in the Municipal Brownfield Liability Relief Program; and WHEREAS, the Connecticut Remedial Action and Redevelopment Municipal Grant Program will provide grant funds to municipalities which are eligible to receive Brownfield Grants under Connecticut General 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 15, 2018 Statute Chapter 588gg, Sections 32-760 to 32-776 (Brownfield Remediation and Development), the goal to fund environmental site assessment, remediation, abatement, and demolition activities prior to redevelopment of brownfield sites; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich proposes to make application under the Connecticut Remedial Action and Redevelopment Municipal Grant Program for funds to be used for remediation and other activities associated with One Terminal Way and 26 Shipping Street; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to complete and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development a Remedial Action and Redevelopment Municipal Grant Program application, together with such other materials and documents as may be required in support of the same. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash, it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nash and Ald. Gould on the floor. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Delucia, it was unanimously voted to postpone the following resolution. WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers grants through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Program; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich proposes to file a grant application for funds to be used for the trail improvement and other amenities at the Greenville Dam Public Recreation Area; and WHEREAS, the deadline for submission of such application is October 31, 2018. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to complete and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development a Remedial Action and Redevelopment Municipal Grant Program application, together with such other materials and documents as may be required in support of the same. Upon a motion of Ald. DeLucia, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced Ald. Philbrick, Gould and DeLucia. BE IT RESOLVED that below named be appointed to the Community Development Advisory Committee for a term to expire on December 31, 2019 or until a successor is appointed. Kevin Saythany (D) 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 15, 2018 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. DeLucia, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced Ald. Philbrick, Gould and DeLucia. BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities for a term to expire on March 16, 2019 or until a successor is appointed. Kevin Saythany (D) Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash, it was unanimously voted to go into executive session. I hereby move pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200(6), that the members of the Norwich City Council go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the property acquisition or disposition of real estate or interest in real estate when publicity regarding the proposed acquisition or disposition would cause a likelihood of an increased price to acquire and a diminished price to dispose of the property, and to review feasibility evaluations and reports made for the City of Norwich regarding such property . City Manager John Salomone, Comptroller Joshua Pothier, City Planner Deanna Rhodes 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 7:35 pm to 7:49 pm, at which time Mayor Nystrom stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to return to regular session. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nash and Ald. Gould on the floor. Upon a motion of Ald. Burnham, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to amend the following resolution to remove in the fourth paragraph “Economic and Community Development Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development a Remedial Action and Redevelopment Municipal Grant Program” and add “Department of Energy and Environmental Protection grant”. WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers grants through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Program; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich proposes to file a grant application for funds to be used for the trail improvement and other amenities at the Greeneville Dam Public Recreation Area; and 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 15, 2018 WHEREAS, the deadline for submission of such application is October 31, 2018. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to complete and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection grant application, together with such other materials and documents as may be required in support of the same. Motion passes as amended 7-0. Upon motion of Ald. Browning, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:50 P.M. City Clerk 7