City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held June 10, 2019, 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. Mayor Nystrom presided. Ald. Gould read the opening prayer and Ald. Burnham led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Nystrom read the following Proclamation: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, despite advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of five years less than women, with Native American and African-American men having the lowest life expectancy; and WHEREAS, educating the public and health care providers about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality from disease; and WHEREAS, men who are educated about the value that preventative health can play in prolonging their lifespan and their role as productive family members will be more likely to participate in health screenings; and WHEREAS, fathers who maintain a healthy lifestyle are role models for their children and have happier, healthier children; and WHEREAS, Men’s Health Network worked with Congress to develop a national men’s health awareness period as a special campaign to help educate men, boys and their families about the importance of positive health attitudes and preventative health practices; and WHEREAS, Men’s Health Month website has been established at www.MensHealthMonth.org and features resources and information about awareness events and activities, including Wear Blue for Men’s Health Month. 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 the Month of June as Men’s Health Month in the City of Norwich and encourage all our citizens to pursue preventative health practices and early detection efforts. Dated this Tenth Day of June, 2019 Peter Albert Nystrom Bill Nash Mayor President Pro Tem Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of May 6, 13 and 20, 2019. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 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 Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Grace S. Jones from the Norwich Public Utilities Board of Commissioners thanking her for her service. City Manager Salomone report: To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: June 10, 2019 Staff and met to discuss the application for an EPA Planning Assistance for Recreation Economy to connect the eastside business district to the waterfront and downtown. This would provide access to active and passive recreational opportunities for residents as well as visitors to the City. The entire area is located in the Opportunity Zone which would provide incentives for investments for the redevelopment of housing stock and commercial parcels along our waterways. If awarded, a Steering Committee would be formed to oversee the plan that would result in a sustainable future for residents and business owners. I had my monthly meetings with City Department Heads and Fire Chiefs and attended the monthly Parking Commission and NCDC meetings. I attended a roundtable discussion at UCFS where Senator Murphy discussed the Affordable Care Act. I had the honor of attending the 77th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway and the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings that was held at the Historic Ship Nautilus and Submarine Force Museum on June 5th. I also attended the Connecticut Town & City Management Association annual meeting where several informative presentations were given including Ethics, Accountability and Conflicts of Interest by Murtha Cullina LLP. Congratulations to the City’s newest firefighters, Glenn Maiorano and Arthur Muench who received their badges on May 24th. Congratulations to Battalion Chief Marc Benjamin, Captain Patrick Curtin and Lieutenant Stephen Fricke who were promoted on June 6th. The Norwich Fire Department also held the Christening Ceremony of Marine 1 at Howard T. Brown Park on June 8th with several local dignitaries in attendance. The boat was named “Chief Scand” in honor of retired Fire Chief Kenneth Scandariato. My assistant, Jacquie Barbarossa, who is also the city’s liaison for the Neighborhood Assistance Act Program has received 15 applications for the 2019 program year totaling $1,037,281. The public hearing for the applications will be held June 17th and then they will be forwarded to the State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services before the July 1st submission date. The Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program provides funding for municipal and tax exempt organizations by providing corporation 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 business tax credits for business that make cash contributions to the organizations that are approved by the Department of Revenue Services. The 31st Annual Norwich Juneteenth Celebration will be held downtown on Saturday, June 15th from noon to 6 pm. The event is hosted by the NAACP and Global City Norwich and includes food and retail vendors and various performances throughout the day. I have attached is the Treasurer’s Report from Michael Gualtieri, for quarter ended March 31, 2019 for your review. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to suspend the rules to recognize and appreciate the Cape Verdean Festival. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment. Mark Kulos, 327 Broadway, asked the Council to fully support and increase resolution #6. Heather Romanski, 297 Scotland Rd, asked to amend and to fully restore resolution #6 Dennis Slopak, 8 North 2nd Ave, asked to amend and increase resolution #6. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, asked to hold the City Managers budget. David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, spoke on resolutions #2 and #3 then on #6-12. Shiela Hayes, 382 Laurel Hill Ave, spoke in concern on resolution #4 about restoring the benches and resolution #6 thank the Council for the increase. She asked to start the budget process earlier. Lee-Ann Gomes, Director Human Services, spoke on resolution #4 stating it will be funded by the Rotary. Brian Kobylarz, 16 Hobart Ave, asked for further explanation on resolution #5 and is in support of the increase in resolution #6. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution setting the Public Hearing date as June 17, 2019 introduced by City Manager Salomone. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich is an entitlement community receiving U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars of $836,068; $8,722.35 Recaptured funds and $11,356.40 anticipated return of loan (administration) for program year (PY) 2019; and 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 WHEREAS, the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has held public meetings and voted on their recommendations for CDBG allocations in the month of March; and WHEREAS, the allocation process is subject to a 30-day comment period prior to being placed into effect and the Council of the City of Norwich must hold a public hearing regarding the recommendations prior to the final vote on the allocation. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the Council shall and hereby does schedule a public hearing to be held at 7:30 p.m. during the June 17, 2019 Council meeting on the subject of Community Development Block Grant allocation recommendations for PY 2019. CDBG Requests - PY 45 (2019-2020) Anticipated PY 2019 Allocation $ 836,068.00 PY 44 Recapture $ 8,722.35 $ 844,790.35 CDAC PY 2019 Request Recommendation Council Recommendation CD Office - Administration $ 167,213.60 $ 167,213.60 20% of Grant Funds and ROL $ 11,356.40 $ 11,356.40 Public Services NHS Norwich Works $ 50,000.00 $ 50,000.00 NHS Rapid Rehousing & Shelter Diversion $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 Children in Placement $ 10,000.00 $ - Safe Futures $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 TVCCA Home Again $ 20,000.00 $ 20,000.00 OIC of NL County $ 25,000.00 $ - NPD Community Policing $ 316,461.00 $ - Total Public Services $ 451,461.00 $ 100,000.00 Non-Public Services NHA Rosewood Manor Phase III $ 100,000.00 $ 100,000.00 Norwich Rec. Taftville Basketball Courts $ 96,000.00 $ 90,000.00 Norwich CD Demolition $ 100,000.00 $ - Norwich CD Property Rehabilitation $ 200,000.00 $ 200,000.00 DPW Taftville Park Gazebo $ 41,800.00 $ 40,000.00 DPW Greeneville Playground $ 135,057.00 $ 76,400.00 DPW ADA Ramps $ 82,300.00 $ 71,176.75 Total Non-Public Services $ 755,157.00 $ 577,576.75 Public Service $ 451,461.00 $ 100,000.00 Non-Public Service $ 755,157.00 $ 577,576.75 CD Administration / ROL $ 178,570.00 $ 178,570.00 Total All Requests $ 1,385,188.00 $ 856,146.75 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. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 RESOLVED, that the budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20, as tentatively adopted on May 6, 2019 and as amended on May 20, 2019, be further amended by the expenditure adjustments as listed herein. General Fund Revenues Change Change Change in in GF in CCD Description Page OBJ Revenues Mill Mill Rate Rate Conveyance Tax 47 41200 ($16,000) Building Permits 47 42201 $10,000 Mashantucket Pequot/Mohegan 47 43354 $500,000 Youth Services Bureau 47 43359 $2,000 Shared Revenues 47 43500 ($2,000) Land Recording Capital 47 44106 ($1,000) Improvement Refuse Collection Fees 47 44403 ($17,500) Direct Hauler Fees 47 44405 ($7,000) Blight Citations 47 45104 $1,000 Total Change $469,500 (0.27) (0.04) 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. RESOLVED, that the budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20, as tentatively adopted on May 6, 2019 and as amended on May 20, 2019, be further amended by the expenditure adjustments as listed herein. Capital Budget Expenditures Description Page Change in Expenditures Remove funding for Replacement of City Hall and Police 116 (143,330) networked file servers and storage Add funding for maintenance of existing servers through 6/30/2020 and planning for replacement of file servers and 116 55,000 storage. Increase funding for Demolition 115 88,330 Total Change 0 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Browning, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould and Browning. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 RESOLVED, that the budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20, as tentatively adopted on May 6, 2019 and as amended on May 20, 2019, be further amended by the expenditure adjustments as listed herein. Capital Budget Expenditures Description Page Change in Expenditures Remove funding for Mohegan Park beach repairs 115 (5,000) Add funding for replacement of mini utility vehicle for park 115 5,000 maintenance Total Change 0 Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem Nash and Ald. Gould on the floor. Motion passes with a vote of 5-2 with Ald. Philbrick and Browning voting in opposition. RESOLVED, that the budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20, as tentatively adopted on May 6, 2019 and as amended on May 20, 2019, be further amended by the expenditure adjustments as listed herein. Capital Budget Expenditures Description Page Change in Expenditures Add funding for Sachem Street stairs 118 90,000 Reduce Demolition to offset Sachem Street stairs 115 (90,000) Total Change 0 Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Nash on the floor. Motion to amend by Ald. DeLucia, seconded by Ald. Burnham to increase the below resolution to three million. Amendment fails with a vote of 3-4 with Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem Nash, Ald. Gould and Philbrick voting in opposition. Upon a motion to amend by Ald. Browning, seconded by Ald. Burnham to increase the below resolution to 1.5 million. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 Amendment fails with a vote of 3-4 with Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem Nash, Ald. Gould and Philbrick voting in opposition. RESOLVED, that the budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20, as tentatively adopted on May 6, 2019 and as amended on May 20, 2019, be further amended by the expenditure adjustments as listed herein. General Fund Expenditures Change Change Change in in GF in CCD Description Page ORG OBJ Expenditures Mill Mill Rate Rate Increase funding for Norwich 109 10470000 Various Public Schools 1,000,000 0.57 0.08 Total Change 1,000,000 0.57 0.08 Motion passes on a vote of 5-2 with Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Philbrick voting in opposition. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom on the floor. RESOLVED, that the budget of the City of Norwich; including the General Fund, Capital Budget, Town Consolidation District, City Consolidation District, and Department of Public Utilities; for the Fiscal Year 2019-20 as submitted by the City Manager on April 1, 2019, as amended and tentatively adopted by the Council of the City of Norwich on May 6, 2019 and as further amended by the Council of the City of Norwich on May 20, 2019 and June 10, 2019 be, and the same hereby is, adopted. Motion passes on a vote of 4-3 with Ald. DeLucia, Browning and Ald. Burnham voting in opposition. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash, it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom on the floor. AN ORDINANCE RELATIVE TO THE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CITY OF NORWICH AND THE CITY AND TOWN CONSOLIDATION DISTRICTS OF SAID CITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-20. 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, the following appropriations hereby are made to meet the expense of the City of Norwich and the City and Town Consolidation Districts of the City of Norwich for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020 to wit: 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Budget Budget Adopted City Council 289,439 426,524 429,384 City Manager 366,102 374,699 380,781 Finance 1,589,111 1,596,154 1,741,710 Assessor 421,071 508,881 510,952 City Treasurer 253,446 255,126 275,341 Law 391,400 446,000 431,000 Human Resources 494,329 516,331 544,136 City Clerk 483,478 494,702 508,943 Planning & Neighborhood 977,691 1,036,664 1,101,313 Services Election 115,779 153,376 147,449 Police 16,399,440 16,199,251 17,261,380 Fire - Central 2,017,756 2,141,876 2,107,278 Emergency Management 82,687 81,574 82,637 Fire - East Great Plain 126,693 144,138 145,552 Fire - Laurel Hill 73,812 71,396 78,360 Fire - Occum 76,041 71,626 81,393 Fire - Taftville 160,397 160,552 165,713 Fire - Yantic 161,683 168,011 165,341 Public Works 11,211,366 11,132,406 10,898,348 Human Services 1,977,845 2,039,006 2,151,697 Education 77,284,300 78,469,829 81,039,000 Debt Service 4,470,107 4,262,998 4,383,985 Miscellaneous 4,958,446 5,324,291 5,297,260 City Consolidation District 7,657,212 7,573,222 8,011,975 Town Consolidation District 581,805 552,571 481,312 TOTALS 132,621,436 134,201,204 138,422,240 General Operations 40,168,892 40,866,596 41,984,300 Debt Service 4,470,107 4,262,998 4,383,985 Capital Improvements 2,459,120 2,475,988 2,521,668 Education 77,284,300 78,469,829 81,039,000 City Consolidation District 7,657,212 7,573,222 8,011,975 Town Consolidation District 581,805 552,571 481,312 TOTALS 132,621,436 134,201,204 138,422,240 Motion passes on a vote of 4-3 with Ald. DeLucia, Browning and Ald. Burnham voting in opposition. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom on the floor. 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE TAX LEVIES ON THE LIST OF OCTOBER 1, 2018 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: Section 1. On the City Assessment list of October 1, 2018 a tax of forty and twenty-eight hundredths (40.28) mills on the dollar is hereby established to be levied upon the ratable Real Estate, Personal Property, and Motor Vehicles within the City of Norwich of the inhabitants of said City and all others liable to pay taxes therein. Section 2. On the City Assessment list of October 1, 2018, a tax of thirty-six hundredths (0.36) mills on the dollar, is hereby established to be levied for fire services upon the ratable Real Estate, Personal Property, and Motor Vehicles within the Town Consolidation District of the inhabitants of said District and of all others liable to pay taxes therein. Section 3. On the City Assessment list of October 1, 2018, a tax of seven and seventy-one hundredths (7.71) mills on the dollar, is hereby established to be levied for fire services upon the ratable Real Estate and Personal Property within the City Consolidation District of the inhabitants of said District and of all others liable to pay taxes therein. Section 4. On the City Assessment list of October 1, 2018, a tax of four and seventy-two hundredths (4.72) mills on the dollar, is hereby established to be levied for fire services upon the ratable Motor Vehicles within the City Consolidation District of the inhabitants of said District and of all others liable to pay taxes therein. Section 5. Except as provided in Section 6, all taxes on Real Estate and Personal Property listed in Sections 1 through 4 shall become due on July 1, 2019, and payable on said date in whole or in equal installments from that date, namely on July 1, 2019 and January 1, 2020, except that any tax of less than one hundred dollars shall be due and payable on July 1, 2019. If the first installment is not paid on or before August 1, 2019 or if the second installment is not paid on or before February 1, 2020, interest will be charged on any such delinquent payment at the rate of one and one-half (1½%) per cent per month from the due date or $2.00 whichever is greater, as provided for in the general statutes. Any person may pay the total amount of such tax for which he is liable at the time when the first installment shall be payable. Section 6. Taxes on Motor Vehicles shall become due and payable in full on July 1, 2019. If the payment is not paid on or before August 1, 2019 interest will be charged on the delinquent payment at the rate of one and one-half (1½%) per cent per month from due date or $2.00 whichever is greater, as provided for in the general statutes. Motion passes on a vote of 4-3 with Ald. DeLucia, Browning and Ald. Burnham voting in opposition. 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. 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 WHEREAS, the City of Norwich has acquired the property located at 13-15 South A Street, Map 47, Block 1, Lot 59 through foreclosure of tax liens; and WHEREAS, said property is improved by a structure; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich has determined it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of this property by a negotiated sale using the services of Allyn & Associates Realtors, listing the property at a price recommended to it by Allyn & 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 an individual real estate listing agreement satisfactory to him with Allyn & Associates Realtors offering to sell the property at 13-15 South A Street at a proposed sale price recommended by Allyn & Associates Realtors; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales Agreement from a prospective purchaser containing the proposed sales price recommended by Allyn & 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 of the proposed Purchase and Sales Agreement, which the Council may then approve by a resolution authorizing City Manager John Salomone to enter into a Purchase and Sales Agreement as presented 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 said property 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 Agreement. 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 has acquired the property located at 253 Broad Street, Map 93, Block 6, Lot 26 through foreclosure of tax liens; and WHEREAS, said property is improved by a structure; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich has determined it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of this property by a negotiated sale using the services of Allyn & Associates Realtors, listing the property at a price recommended to it by Allyn & 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 an individual real estate listing agreement satisfactory to him with Allyn & Associates Realtors offering to sell the property at 253 Broad Street at a proposed sale price recommended by Allyn & Associates Realtors; and 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 10, 2019 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales Agreement from a prospective purchaser containing the proposed sales price recommended by Allyn & 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 of the proposed Purchase and Sales Agreement, which the Council may then approve by a resolution authorizing City Manager John Salomone to enter into a Purchase and Sales Agreement as presented 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 said property 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 Agreement. 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 became the owner of the property located at 28 Cedar Street by a Quitclaim Deed recorded February 5, 2019 at Volume 3107, Page 17 of the Norwich Land Records; and WHEREAS, said property is undeveloped and consists of .08 acres and is located in an MF 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 28 Cedar Street, identified as Map 102, Block 1, Lot 14, being limited to receiving bids from the owners or agents of those properties immediately abutting 28 Cedar Street, subject to the requirements established for bidding at such sales, such sale or 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 sealed bids by mail sent to the Tax Collector on or before by a specified date. It shall be a specific requirement as a term of any sale or auction that any successful bidder must agree to combine the property with that of the bidder’s existing abutting property, and to do so within 90 days of the date of auction. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem Nash, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:55 pm. City Clerk 11