City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 1, 2020 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held June 1, 2020, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present by a roll call vote: Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Bettencourt, Gould, Nash, Wilson, Myles and DeLucia. City Manager Salomone and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Nystrom presided. Ald. Gould read the opening prayer and Ald. Nash, led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of May 4, 11 and 18, 2020. 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. DeLucia, seconded by Ald. Myles, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to accept the report from the City Council and Board of Education Ad Hoc Committee regarding the record of vote on a recommendation to the City Council regarding the funding of the Norwich Public Schools budget for fiscal year 2020-21. 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 1, 2020 Regular scheduled meetings over the past 2 weeks held via conference call or video conferencing were with Governor Lamont, State representatives and legislators, Region 4 Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, Statewide COVID-19 Local Health Departments, Southeastern Council of Governments, (SCCOG) South East Area Transit (SEAT), City Council and Board of Education Ad Hoc Committee, Restaurant Reopening Committee and Department Heads. Staff and I discussed the Councils proposed Fire Study with Acting-Fire-Chief, Keith Wucik, and the Volunteer Fire Departments representative, Yantic Fire Chief, Frank Blanchard to assist and coordinate throughout the entire process and we will be meeting accordingly. The goal is to have the RFP issued by the end of June. The Office of Community Development received 7 applications totaling $563,768.10 for the Program Year 45 amendment which must be used to prevent, prepare for or respond to the COVID-19 Virus. Funding is available in the amount of $506,569 and deliberations will be held on June 2nd. The City Clerk’s Office Number “1” Dog Tag contest will be held via email nomination this year. Submissions must be received by June 15th. For more information on the nomination process please call the Clerk’s Office at 860-823-3732. Norwich Human Services has been awarded $25,000 from the Neighbors to Neighbors Fund from the Community Foundation of Eastern CT to assist those in Norwich affected financially from the COVID- 19 Virus with rent, utilities, food and other necessary bills. The Community Foundation also awarded the Recreation Department $25,000 toward camp scholarships to help defray costs so that Norwich parents can return to work, confident that their children are being well cared for. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 1, 2020 Summer Youth Employment will also take place this year. Youth under the age of 18 will not be able to work on a job site but they will earn money for participating in Metrix learning on topics such as safe driving, employment skills, and other topics. Those over 18 will be allowed to work on job site. Information is posted on the Youth and Family Services page of the City’s website. The Recreation Department is working to open Spaulding Pond by June 17th. Lifeguards will be trained in new protocols for social distancing on the beach and Red Cross Lifeguard COVID-19 standards. Capacity will be limited with required spacing between blankets and we feel that we will be able to offer this much needed no-cost recreation opportunity to families. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on resolutions. Cynthia White, 28 Bliss Pl, Norwich Public School Teacher, asked not to cut the school budget. Cory Fogarty, 177 Maple St, asked to reconsider cutting the magnet school budget. Megan Campbell, NPS Teacher, talked about not cutting schools and having smaller class sizes. Allen Reichle, 11 Laurel Htgs, NPS Teacher, stated teachers and educators give Norwich the bright name. He asked that the schools be given a 5.5% increase. Alicia Reyes, Para Educator, questioned if the budget is cut how will it affect our students learning and resources. Virginia Butler, 229 Old Canterbury Tpk, spoke in support of the school budget and asked to stay consistent. Carolyn Turner, 281 Norwich Ave, asked not to cut the school budget stating it will cause a loss of growth of our children’s education. Marvin Serruto, 100 Starr St, asked for no increase on Resolution #3 at all. He stated we are in a pandemic. Stacy Weckwerth, 26 Flyers Dr, respectfully requested to fully support the Board of Education budget. Heather Romanski, 297 Scotland Rd, Chair Board of Education, spoke on Resolution #3 and advocated for an increase of 5.5% for the Norwich Public Schools. Jessica Quay, asked to have the education budget fully funded. Jill Distasio, 105 Peck St, NPS teacher, stated we can’t fund the Board of Education budget on the backs of our children. She asked to fund the budget to keep all schools open. Christina Carter, 126 Scotland Rd, asked to fully fund the school budget. Norma Thoms 229 Old Canterbury Tpke, asked the Council to support the NPS school budget. Ethel Baratz, 49 Tanglewood Dr, urged the Council to reconsider cutting custodial positions. Melody Allen, 43 Greene Ave, asked not to cut the NPS budget. Seth McQuown, Trader Cove, inaudible. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 1, 2020 Wayne Hanson, 49 Ann St, spoke in favor of an increase of NPS budget. Autumn Butler, stated this budget is not in the best interest of the children. John Blackburn, 15 Alice St, stated the Board of Education shouldn’t get a big increase at this time. Carla Lee, 26 Dellwood, asked to reconsider funding the Board of Education budget request. John O’Keefe, Chestnut St, asked not to cut the music budget. Ellen Henson, 49 Ann St, stated education is the key to everything and asked the Council not to cut the education budget. Citlali Vargas, 74 S 4th Ave, asked the Council to reconsider the Board of Education cuts. Kristin Taley, 205 McKinley St Ext, stated the City Manager budget is not enough. Carline Charmelus, 19 Jordan Dr, Board of Education member, asked to support the 5.5% increase. Yvette Jacaruso, 92 Wightman Ave, Board of Education member, stated the City has no control of the NFA tuition and asked the Council for the support of this budget. Ashlin Gomes, 79 Hanson St, Teacher, implored the Council to approve the Board of Education budget. James Roberge, Merchants Ave, stated the education of our youth is the best option and asked the Council to consider and to fully fund the Board of Education budget. Emails received: Christina Carter, no address given, Exhibit #A, Karen Cook, 62 Gulliver Circle, Exhibit #B, Melanie Elliot, Greene Ave, Exhibit #C, Scott Harrington, no address given, Exhibit #D, Michelle K. Jenkins, no given, Exhibit #E , Mark Kulos, Member of the Board of Education, Exhibit #F, Shannon Lougee, no address given, Exhibit #G, Kathleen Markey-Cirillo, 391 Plain Hill Rd, Exhibit #H, Marlaina Malone, no address given, Exhibit #I, Gregory Perry, , no address given, Exhibit #J, Jessica Quay, no address given, Exhibit #K, JoAnna Timmerman, Brandon Girard, Ellie and Kamryn, no address given, Exhibit #L, Citlali Vargas, no address given, Exhibit #M, Richard Weckwerth, Flyers Dr, Exhibit #N. See attached emails: Public Comment emails Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Myles, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote the following resolution passes 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 $861,120.00; $55,551.72 Recaptured funds and $6,780.00 anticipated return of loan (administration) for program year (PY 46) 2020; and 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 1, 2020 WHEREAS, the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has held public meetings and voted on their recommendations for CDBG allocations in the month of April; and WHEREAS, the allocation process is subject to a 30-day comment period prior to being placed into effect as part of the Five Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Plan 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 15, 2020 Council meeting on the subject of Community Development Block Grant allocation recommendations for PY 2020. CDBG Requests - PY46 (2020-2021) Anticipated PY 2020 Allocation $ 861,120.00 PY 44 Recapture $ 55,551.72 ROL Admin $ 6,780.00 $ 923,451.72 PY 2020 Request CDAC Recommendation Council Recommendation CD Office - Administration $ 172,224.00 20% of ROL $ 6,780.00 $ 179,004.00 $ - Public Services Children in Placement $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $ - Rapid Rehousing & Shelter Diversion - NHS $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $ - Norwich Works - NHS $ 50,000.00 $ 50,000.00 $ - Immigration Advocacy & Support - CLEAR $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ - TVCCA Home Again $ 20,000.00 $ 20,000.00 $ - OIC of NL County $ 25,000.00 $ - $ - Safe Futures $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $ - NCDC Working Lab $ 40,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ - Total Public Services $ 143,000.00 $ 128,000.00 $ - Non-Public Services ARC of NL County $ 22,331.25 $ - $ - Rosewood Manor III Ductless Splits - NHA $ 100,000.00 $ 100,000.00 $ - Boswell Ave Sidewalks - DPW $ 227,183.00 $ 200,000.00 $ - WWI Memorial Park 540 Norwich Ave - DPW $ 86,018.00 $ - $ - Futures, Inc $ 41,786.53 $ - $ - Taftville Basketball Courts - Norwich Recreation $ 70,080.00 $ 70,000.00 $ - McKeon Park Occum - Norwich Recreation $ 160,800.00 $ - $ - Property Rehabilitation - CD $ 250,000.00 $ 246,447.72 $ - Total Non-Public Services $ 958,198.78 $ 616,447.72 $ - Public Service $ 143,000.00 $ 128,000.00 $ - Non-Public Service $ 958,198.78 $ 616,447.72 $ - CD Administration $ 179,004.00 $ 179,004.00 $ - Total All Requests $ 1,280,202.78 $ 923,451.72 $ - Upon a motion of Ald. Myles, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone. Relative to an amendment of the 2020-21 budget to increase funding for permit and inspection software and decrease funding for servers. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 1, 2020 RESOLVED, that the budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21, as tentatively adopted on May 4, 2020, be amended by the expenditure adjustments as listed herein. General Fund Capital Budget Expenditures Description Department Page ORG OBJ Change in Change Change Expenditures in GF in CCD Mill Mill Rate Rate Remove server Finance 117 10500000 59102 (200,000) replacement funding Add funding for Planning & permit & inspection Neighborhood 117 10500000 59102 200,000 software Services Total Change 0 0.00 0.00 Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom on the floor. Upon a motion of Ald. DeLucia, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to postpone the following resolution until June 8, 2020. Relative to the adoption of the budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21. 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 6, 2020, as amended and tentatively adopted by the Council of the City of Norwich on May 4, 2020 and as further amended by the Council of the City of Norwich on June 1, 2020 be, and the same hereby is, adopted. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to postpone the following resolution until June 8, 2020. RESOLVED, that the appropriations ordinance of the City of Norwich; including the General Fund, Capital Budget, Town Consolidation District, and City Consolidation District; for the Fiscal Year 2020-21 as submitted by the City Manager on April 6, 2020, as amended and tentatively adopted by the Council of the City of Norwich on May 4, 2020 and as further amended by the Council of the City of Norwich on June 1, 2020 be, and the same hereby is, adopted. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to postpone the following resolution until June 8, 2020. RESOLVED, that the tax levy ordinance of the City of Norwich for the Fiscal Year 2020-21 as submitted by the City Manager on April 6, 2020, as amended and tentatively adopted by the Council of the City of Norwich on May 4, 2020 and as further amended by the Council of the City of Norwich on June 1, 2020 be, and the same hereby is, adopted. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 1, 2020 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE TAX LEVIES ON THE LIST OF OCTOBER 1, 2019 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: Section 1. On the City Assessment list of October 1, 2019 a tax of ___ (____) 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, 2019, a tax of ___ (___) 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, 2019, a tax of ___ (___) 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, 2019, a tax of ___ (___) 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, 2020, and payable on said date in whole or in equal installments from that date, namely on July 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021, except that any tax of less than one hundred dollars shall be due and payable on July 1, 2020. If the first installment is not paid on or before August 1, 2020 or if the second installment is not paid on or before February 1, 2021, 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, 2020. If the payment is not paid on or before August 1, 2020 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. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Myles, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:05 pm. Betsy M. Barrett City Clerk 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 1, 2020 7