City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held January 7, 2019, 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. Browning, read the opening prayer and President Pro Tem Nash led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Nystrom called for a moment of silence for the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of December 3, 2018. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, asked to cut back the debt of the City. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, questioned the Councils code of ethics policies. Greg Grippo, 209 Boswell Ave, talked about revaluation and blighted places. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Mayor Nystrom gave the State of the City Address as follows: City Of Norwich Mayors Office Peter Albert Nystrom, Mayor Good evening everyone and thank you for coming to tonight's council meeting. This is the State of the City as I see it tonight. We are fortunate to live in a magnificent City, rich with history, legacy, and diversity. We have long ago suffered from a change in fate as the economic forces of the world shifted from our favor to 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 other communities across the world. It has taken time for us to recognize that the cures are not simple or quick and that no singular actions will bring back what we once had here in Norwich. However, as this new year unfolds, we can look back on a long list of successes, a growing economy in the City and region, and great hope for the future. Norwich has more than hope. We are assembling comprehensive plans to lead this community back into the limelight of success. It should be noted that change through economic development is a long-term proposition that takes focused teamwork and dedication to implement and benefit from. We have a talented team of professionals. Passionate and dedicated leadership. A highly flexible and resourceful utility. And, a community ready to embrace change. The continued investment of Ponemah Mills has encouraged further development across Route 97 in Taftville with the purchase of 3 North Second Avenue by OneKey Developers the plans include development of 22,000 sq. ft. A pharmacy has already committed to occupying a section of the building. The year also brought a new, respectable owner to the Hale Mill in Yantic who is underway to finish the property as a historic hotel in a $30,000,000 redevelopment. While these mill buildings are not being reused as modem manufacturing facilities, there are key manufacturing investments coming again to Norwich. Two significant examples are Nordson EFD (Formerly known as PlasPac) and a new advanced manufacturing company called NALAS Engineering. Both are located in the Business Park and combined are bringing over $35,000,000 investment and 140 jobs over the next few years. We did see two significant properties in the Business Park go dark, but plans are already underway to place new, vibrant users in them. You may recall the tragic fire that destroyed the former Peachtree Apartments in Thamesville back in 2008. A new project, called West Ledge Apartment Community Development, is seeking to build market-rate housing, they are looking to go before the Commission on the City Plan in March. Norwich Public utilities played a very active role in promoting development in all three developments, Ponemah, Westledge Development and Hale Mill. Their ability to answer important questions about utility needs when a new developer visits our city has and will always be one of the most critical reasons why investors choose the City of Norwich. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 Recently a visitor from Ellington was asked why he chose the City of Norwich for his investment. His statement was as follows: "Norwich came on my preferred list when the governor of Connecticut declared parts of Norwich as opportunity zones eligible for federal Capital Gains tax benefits for investors. Upon analyzing publicly available documents on the town website and reviewing the plans by the Norwich Community Development Corporation, it was clear to me that the town has an intentional focus on attracting businesses and improving the town. Very few towns have the equivalent of an NCDC. I also analyzed the rental returns on almost every town in the state and found it very appealing here in the city of Norwich. Norwich also showed stability of employment." Recently NCDC received three significant awards including the 2018 Ron Aliano Service Award; the 2018 NAACP Community Service Award, the 2018 CelebrateCT SECT Project of the Year. On a side note, NCDC continues the managing ofFoundry66 while hosting the Global City Norwich Program. Most notably, the Global City Norwich Program recently received a second year of funding through the gracious support of the Chelsea Groton Savings Bank of which we are most grateful for their partnership here in Norwich. At this time, it is my wish to personally thank and express my gratitude to Mr. Michael Rauh of Chelsea Groton Bank and Mr. Robert Mills of NCDC for the efforts of these organizations. As one recalls it was NCDC back in the 60s that began to develop the Norwich industrial park. They, however, were not the first private sector organization to assist development here. In the late 1870s the Norwich Board of Trade, a group of 215 business leaders and companies shared and pooled their own resources as they started to build structures to House manufacturing here in Norwich. They negotiated the fares on the railroads that came through the city and they negotiated the cost of shipping goods up the river to our harbor. The same individuals made it possible for King Seeley Thermos to locate here in the city of Norwich, a company that would lead to over 600 jobs for a number of decades here at their peak. They also valued quality-of-life issues and built the Norwich Broadway Theater. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 Looking forward there is unfinished business which includes expansion of a downtown Bond program to other parts of our city. This remains an important missing piece. Ultimately, we must engage and include the voters in the city of Norwich in major future decisions. Elected officials must never limit the future of the city, we must include the people who elect us so I'm charging everyone on this council to roll up their sleeves to get engaged. It was a year ago I spoke of the expansion of the downtown Bond programs across the city to places like Greenville Taftville, Occum, Norwichtown, Thamesville and the West Side. Additionally, we're working with NCDC to develop a full waterfront concept involving the entire harbor. Public/ private investment has been the cornerstone of the history of this city. We must continue to walk that path together and not abandon it. We all share a higher obligation to engage the process this year. At this time, I'd like to share with you some highlights of the past year of the finance, treasury, and tax offices as the city is on target to exceed its budget projections for interest revenue by about a quarter of $1 million. Treasurer Mike Gualtieri takes advantage of the opportunities in the rising interest-rate environment; the finance department is assisting the personal & pension board and its consultant to obtain proposals from firms to perform investment advisory services for the city's pension and other post- employment benefits funds. The city will ensure that it obtains the best value through the RFP process as it has for a number of other professional services. In December 2018 the city issued $8 million of bonds at a very favorable interest rate cost relative to its peers. During this process, Standard and Poors confirmed for Norwich a double A bond rating. The City Council approved a bond in July which assists the Norwich Public schools to integrate human resources and accounting functions with the city. The city expects the project to be operational by December 2019. The city is nearing the end of a revaluation process for the October 2018 grand list. There is still a lot of work to be done before the grand list is finalized, including hearings and appeals, but our preliminary estimates indicate an increase in the net grand list of approximately$ 110 million or 5.9 % over the 2017 grand list. At the current general fund mill rate of 41.01, this$ 110 million would generate and additional $ 4.5 million in tax revenue. Last years' grand list grew by 2%. Just as a historical note the gas bonds expansion program that the voters supported beginning 8 years ago is set to now produce $ 813,000 in new revenue. A great return on our money. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 Current levy property tax collection percentages are higher than they've been in the past several years. In addition, the collections of delinquent taxes and interest are ahead of budget projections. Some of the improvements are being driven by the acceptance of tax payments at People's United branches during January and July and the hiring of a new collection agency. This is another example where public and private partnerships can help. Additional commercial activity includes the stabilization and restoration of the Reid and Hughes in downtown Norwich, and a dozen new businesses such as The Royal Punjabi Restaurant, Craftsman Cliffs Coffee Roastery, and Amazing Furniture. Across the city, the Bubbles to Butterfly Swim Academy in Occum and Hi Dental office on Salem Turnpike are also new additions. In the near future, a new pharmacy will be located across from Ponemah Mills and Cafe' Otis in downtown will be opening in the next few months at 80 Broadway across from City Hall. Foundary66 has expanded to the second floor and is incubating many more businesses whose growth we expect will prompt relocation within the city. Norwich is courting developers for underutilized vacant property, specifically in downtown, Shipping Street and Marina area. We also continue to work with FEMA and Southeastern Council of governments to be accepted into the community rating system to reduce the cost of flood insurance for Norwich property owners. We dedicated the Ellis Walter Ruley Memorial Park on the east side. This park celebrates the life of a dedicated world renowned painter. The City completed the Uncas Leap Master plan and is moving forward with construction of the off-site parking area and phasing the site development. The City is utilizing grant funds from DECD for this purpose. The Hills at Riverview are still constructing apartments and their continued expansion includes plans for a clubhouse spending over $ 1 million. Additionally 204 Sturtevant St. is being remodeled for numerous retail establishments. This renaissance was led by Small Potatoes moving there 2 years ago. Additional steps which will help for the investment is the hiring of an assistant city planner. That individual has been selected and will come on board the beginning of February allowing us to respond to applicants' needs at a much higher level. The City has hired a blight enforcement/housing code enforcement officer. The City is working with commercial property owners to provide free of charge environmental assessment with grant funds received from the federal Environment Protection Agency. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 My office in coordination with NCDC, Norwich Public Utilities, and other city department heads all participated in negotiations leading to many of these business opportunities and more announcements in the near future. In closing I'd like to note that a city that collaborates and works well together will succeed. To that end I request that this council approve a charter commission to address issues such as zoning authority, and perhaps staggered terms for council members which will allow for greater experience and knowledge for members serving. In addition as we schedule council workshops and charrettes concerning water development and possible bond expansion I ask every council member to get heavily involved. Our goal is to have everyone plan out a series of logical and sustainable series of developments between Mohegan Sun, downtown and Preston Riverwalk. Keep your weekends open, we are going to be busy. Thank you for your time and attention. Please be advised that meetings of the Norwich City Council can be viewed in their entirety on the City of Norwich website “norwichct.org”. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to accept the annual report from the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. City Manager Report: To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: January 7, 2019 Welcome to 2019 and another challenging and exciting year for the City. Superintendent Abby Dolliver has announced her retirement effective June 30, 2019. The Board of Education has started the process to find a replacement for the position. The 3 finalists for the Fire Chief position were notified and second interviews were held on January 3rd. Congratulations to Kafi Davis our newest firefighter. Her Badge Pinning Ceremony was held on December 11th. Light Up City Hall was a success once again along with the Cat’s Meow ornaments which are almost sold out Over 100 children had their photos taken with Santa and the children and families enjoyed free entertainment throughout the evening. Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers that make this event a success. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 Norwich Human Services helped over 280 kids have a great holiday with the help of generous sponsors. Human Services also received the “How Can We Help” grant which is $150,000 per year for 3 years to fund recovery coaches and the City’s efforts with the Partnership for Success Program to address the opioid epidemic. Norwich Public Schools has supplied the City with new artwork from the students. The artwork is on display on the bulletin boards located across from the Tax Office, outside Council Chambers, and in Human Resources and the City Manager’s Office. My assistant also posted the artwork on Facebook. The Mayor and I met with Senator Osten, and State representatives Kevin Ryan and Doug Dubitsky regarding potential future bonding for the City. The State has awarded the City with $500,000 of funding towards the new police radio project. I attended board meetings at CCM including a meeting with Governor-elect Ned Lamont. I also attended the December Southeastern CT Council of Governments and SEAT meetings. My assistant and I meet with Jim O’Shea of Achievement Unlimited of CT regarding the agenda for the Council Workshop on February 9th 2019 where we will be discussing the progress of last year’s goals and objectives. The City has again partnered with People’s United Bank 3 Norwich locations to accept current Real Estate, Personal Property, and Motor Vehicle tax bills during the month of January in addition to mail or in-person payments at City Hall. A press release has been sent to the newspapers and posted on the City’s website with additional information. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on resolutions. Mark Kalinowski, 5 Dupont Ln, Stacey Mowen-Klein, 172 Broad St, Nancy DePietro, 157 Broad St, Christie Gilluly, 39 East Town St and Sofia Lewitt, 3 Rockwell Ter. spoke in favor of Resolution #14 creating a Public Appearance and Beautification Committee and asked the Council to support this. Marvin Serruto, 100 Starr St, asked for an explanation on Resolution #1. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, spoke on Resolution #1. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, asked the deadline for Resolution #1, asked why on Resolution 11-13 and asked for uniformity on Resolution # 14. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment on resolutions closed. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Burnham it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom. WHEREAS, Norwich Human Services is seeking permission to apply for a grant available through the United States Department of Health and Human Services through its Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) in the amount of $125,000 per year for a term of five years; and WHEREAS, this grant will assist Norwich Human Services and the City of Norwich in that it will: 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 1. Establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public and private non-profit agencies, as well as federal, state, local, and tribal governments, to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth; and 2. Reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time reduce substance abuse among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and by promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse; and WHEREAS, a grant application is due by March 31, 2019; and WHEREAS, this grant will require an annual full community match, which can and will be an in-kind services; and WHEREAS, if the grant is made, funds will be used, among other purposes, to extend the employment contract with the current Partnership for Success Coordinator; and WHEREAS, no city funds are to be committed as part of the community match. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Manager John Salomone and Human Resources Director Lee-Ann Gomes be and hereby are authorized to complete and file an application with SAMSHA seeking a Drug Free Communities Grant in the sum of $125,000 per year for a five year term with matching in-kind community services to be provided and to file the same together with any other supporting materials and reports necessary for consideration under this grant program. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone. WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone, has re-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: Brandon Hyde (R) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby acknowledges the appointment of the above named to the Inland Wetlands, Water Courses and Conservation Commission. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould, Philbrick and DeLucia. 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the following be, and hereby is appointed to the Ethics Commission, as an alternate member with a term to expire on October 18, 2019 or until a successor is appointed: Scott Camassar (R) Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Delucia it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould, Philbrick and DeLucia. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the following be, and hereby is appointed to the Community Development Advisory Committee with a term to expire on December 31, 2019 or until a successor is appointed: Mark Marcy (D) Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould, Philbrick and DeLucia. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the following be, and hereby is appointed to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities with a term to expire on March 16, 2021 or until a successor is appointed: Mark Marcy (D) Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone. WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone has appointed with Councils approval as a regular member to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term to expire on February 28, 2020 or until a successor is appointed; Robert Phoenix (IT) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby acknowledges the appointment of the above named to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould, Philbrick and DeLucia. 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the following be, and hereby is re-appointed to the Historic District Commission with a term to expire on December 31, 2023 or until a successor is appointed: Richard Guidebeck (R) Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould, Philbrick and DeLucia. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the following be, and hereby are re-appointed to the Mohegan Park Improvement & Development Advisory Committee with a term to expire on December 31, 2020 or until a successor is appointed: Samantha Venturo (G) Judith Magnano (D) Beryl Fishbone (R) Rebecca Melucci (U) Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould, Philbrick and DeLucia. BE IT RESOLVED that the following be appointed as a regular member to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term to expire on June 01, 2020 or until a successor is appointed; Jean M. Becker (U) Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, by a resolution adopted November 5, 2018, acknowledged the efforts of the Norwich Events Organization, Inc. as the current organizer of the planned St. Patrick’s Day Parade, among other events; and WHEREAS, local business owners, Norwich residents and other interested individuals, assisted by the Norwich Events Organization, Inc. and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade subcommittee will promote and present a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Norwich to be held on Sunday, March 3, 2019, the parade to be funded by private contributions and sponsorships; and 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich by this resolution intends to express its support for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and to convey its gratitude to the organizers, donors and other supporters of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year and in past years and to invite and welcome Norwich residents and visitors to the parade NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that it supports and encourages all to support and attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and welcomes the participants and spectators who will come to Norwich on March 3, 2019 for the event, inviting them to enjoy the hospitality and entertainments provided with this event by its sponsors and the ambience by downtown Norwich; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the Council of the City of Norwich offers its thanks and appreciation to the Norwich Events Organization, Inc. and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Subcommittee and all donors and sponsors for their efforts. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould on the floor. Motion by Ald. Browning, seconded by Ald. Burnham to amend to remove bullet point 4 (four) “21 Whitaker Avenue (map 118, block 3, lot 72) with title conveyed to the City of Norwich by a Certificate of Foreclosure on November 7, 2018 which Certificate was recorded November 7, 2018 in volume 3096, page 87 of the Norwich Land Records and in paragraph 4 (four) “21 Whitaker Avenue” and in paragraph 5 (five) “21 Whitaker Avenue”. Amendment passes on a vote of 4-3 with Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Gould and Philbrick voting in opposition. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich has acquired the following properties through tax foreclosures: • 43-45 Fountain Street (map 102, block 1, and lots 42 & 43 respectively) with title conveyed to the City of Norwich by a Certificate of Foreclosure on July 9, 2018 which Certificate was recorded July 12, 2018 in volume 3077, page 205 of the Norwich Land Records; and • 23 Whitaker Avenue (map 118, block 3, lot 7) with title conveyed to the City of Norwich by a Certificate of Foreclosure on September 26, 2018 which Certificate was recorded September 27, 2018 in volume 3089, page247 of the Norwich Land Records; • 29 Boswell Avenue (map 93, block 7, lot 83) with title conveyed to the City of Norwich by a Certificate of Foreclosure on October 4, 2018 which Certificate was recorded October 25, 2018 in volume 3094, page 147 of the Norwich Land Records; and WHEREAS, all of the properties, except 45 Fountain Street, are improved by structures. 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of each of these properties by a negotiated sale using the services of Allyn and Associates Realtors listing the properties at a price to be recommended by Allyn and Associates Realtors; 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 on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into individual Real Estate Listing Agreements satisfactory to him and the corporation counsel with Allyn and Associates Realtors offering to sell the properties at 43-45 Fountain Street both lots to be sold together, 23 Whitaker Avenue and 29 Boswell Avenue at proposed sale prices recommended by Allyn and Associates Realtors; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, upon receipt of the Purchase and Sales Agreements containing a proposed sales price recommended by Allyn and Associates Realtors and containing such terms, and conditions as are satisfactory to City Manager John Salomone, then City Manager John Salomone shall be and hereby is authorized and directed to notify the Council of the City of Norwich the proposed Purchase and Sales Agreement which sale the Council may approve by resolution authorizing City Manager John Salomone enter into a Purchase and Sales Agreement for the subject property on behalf of the City of Norwich and, upon timely tender of the purchase price subject to standard adjustments, to execute and deliver a deed of conveyance for any one or more of the properties known as 43-45 Fountain Street, 23 Whitaker Avenue and 29 Boswell Avenue, Norwich, and to execute, receive, and deliver such other documents as are necessary to complete the transfer of title in keeping with the terms and conditions of the Purchase and Sales Agreements. Motion passes. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich became the owner of the property located at 9 Krodel Road by a Certificate of Foreclosure recorded March 29, 2018 at Volume 3062, Page 173 of the Norwich Land Records; and WHEREAS, the property is undeveloped and unimproved land consisting of .54 acres and is located in an R- 40 zone. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the Tax Collector of the City of Norwich be and hereby is authorized and directed to sell the property at 9 Krodel Road, identified as Map 13, Block 1, Lot 43, being limited to receiving bids from the owners or agents of those properties immediately abutting 9 Krodel Road, subject to the requirements established for such sales, the auction to take place in such manner and under such terms and at a time and place to be set by the Tax Collector, including the acceptance of bids by mail to the Tax Collector by a specified date. It shall be a specific requirement as a term of the auction that any successful bidder must agree to combine the property with that of the bidder’s existing abutting property, and do so within 90 days of the date of auction. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould. 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 WHEREAS, the City of Norwich became the owner of the property located at 70 Laurel Hill Avenue by a Certificate of Foreclosure recorded January 29, 2008 at Volume 2458, Page 112 of the Norwich Land Records; and WHEREAS, the property is vacant land consisting of .15 acres and located in a multi-family zone. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the Tax Collector of the City of Norwich be and hereby is authorized and directed to sell the property at 70 Laurel Hill Avenue, identified as Map 110, Block 3, Lot 4, being limited to receiving bids from the owners or agents of those properties immediately abutting 70 Laurel Hill Avenue, subject to the requirements established for such sales, the auction to take place in such manner and under such terms and at a time and place to be set by the Tax Collector, including the acceptance of bids by mail to the Tax Collector by a specified date. It shall be a specific requirement as a term of the auction that any successful bidder must agree to combine the property with that of the bidder’s existing abutting property, and do so within 90 days of the date of auction. Upon a motion of Ald. Delucia, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by Ald. DeLucia, Burnham and Burnham on the floor. Motion by President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. DeLucia it was unanimously voted to amend to replace in the seventh paragraph “not more than ten (10)” with “seven (7)”. WHEREAS, the 2013 Plan of Conservation and Development of the City of Norwich calls for the promotion of livability through the enhancement of community character and spirit reflected in the physical appearance of the city and a feeling of pride about the community, using strategies such as a continuation of the promotion of the beautification of Norwich, the enhancement of community gateways, and the improvement of the aesthetics of public spaces; and WHEREAS, the Plan of Conservation and Development identifies both community character and community spirit as important to the perception of livability of the community and both contribute to overall quality of life and property values; and WHEREAS, the Implementation Tables of the 2013 Plan of Conservation and Development of the City of Norwich calls for the Council of the City of Norwich to continue to promote beautification of Norwich, using city residents as partners; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich on July 2, 2018 adopted an ordinance amending the zoning regulations of the City of Norwich contain the Comprehensive Plan by adding regulations for a Village District Overlay as well as a set of design guidelines for the first locale of Norwich designated as a Village District; and WHEREAS, the Plan of Conservation and Development, the Village District Overlay ordinance, and the approved guidelines intend, among other things, to promote citywide beautification activities so as to advance a sense of community through improving the appearance of Norwich, including the mitigation of blight; and 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 WHEREAS, a number of individuals and organizations have expressed a willingness to assist the Council of the City of Norwich through research, comparative studies, pursuing grants, and engagement with various community groups and local businesses in maintaining when appropriate, and improving when not, the appearance of various areas of Norwich, and by identifying strengths and weaknesses of the procedures used by Norwich for these purposes, including making recommendations to the Council of the City of Norwich. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, a committee to be known as the “Public Appearance and Beautification Committee” to consist of seven (7) individuals be and hereby is established with appointments to be made pursuant to the procedures followed by the Council of the City of Norwich to serve terms to expire on December 31, 2019; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the “Public Appearance and Beautification Committee” shall work under the Council of the City of Norwich, and report to it at least semi-annually. Motion passes. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted, to set a public hearing, second reading and action on January 22, 2019 for the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Nystrom: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ADDITIONAL MEMBER TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS PURSUANT TO CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTES SECTION 9-199(c) WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statutes § 9-199(c) permits a municipality the provisions of subsection (a) of Connecticut General Statute § 9-199 or of any special act, municipal charter or home rule ordinance notwithstanding, to, by ordinance, authorize its legislative body to appoint additional members to the Board of Assessment Appeals for any assessment year; NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT an additional member be appointed to the Board of Assessment Appeals for the assessment year commencing October 1, 2018 to be compensated for services at the same rate as that paid to other members of the Board of Assessment Appeals; said appointments of a qualified individual to be made by resolution after the adoption of this ordinance. Purpose: (To authorize the appointment of an additional member to the Board of Assessment Appeals to assist in hearing appeals in the current assessment year) Upon a motion by Ald. Gould, second by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200(6), the members of the Norwich City Council go into an executive session for the purpose of discussing the acquisition and or disposition of real estate or interests 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 14 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 7, 2019 for the City of Norwich regarding such property, City Manager John Salomone, Comptroller Joshua Pothier, Planning Director and Neighborhood Services Deanna Rhodes and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll, may 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 9:07 PM to 9:35 PM, at which time Mayor Nystrom stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion by President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to reconvene. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:36 P.M. City Clerk 15