City Council

AGENDA – MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH June 15, 2020 7:30 PM The meeting of the Council will seek to comply with the directives of Executive Order 7B-1 issued by Governor Ned Lamont on March 14, 2020, together with any Executive Orders subsequently issued which pertain to such meetings. The Mayor, members of the City Council, the City Manager, City Clerk, Comptroller and Corporation Counsel shall be present in person but separated by appropriate social distancing at Council chambers or participate remotely by conference call, video conference or other technology. The meeting shall be televised on the Public Access Channel in real time and posted on the city website, www.norwichct.org, consistent with Executive Order 7B-1 and the usual practices of the City of Norwich. All remarks or comments made by the Mayor, the members of the Norwich City Council, city officials, and by the public during Citizen Comment General (30 minutes) and the Citizen Comment on resolutions portion of the meeting, shall be included. The citizen comment general (30 minutes) and comments of citizen on resolutions may be made telephonically pursuant to the following instructions: Call phone number first dial 860-215-8140 and then when prompted, enter the conference ID# 4038191 followed by the pound (#) key. This number will be available only during the citizen comment general (30 minutes) and public comment period listed on the agenda as Citizen Comment General (30 minutes) and Citizen Comment on resolutions. Its use commences when Citizen Comment General (30 minutes) and Citizen Comment on resolutions is reached and opened by the Mayor. Any calls must be made prior to the Mayor’s announcement that the Citizen Comment General (30 minutes) and Citizen Comment on resolutions period has ended. Citizen Comment General (30 minutes) and Citizen Comments on resolutions limited to the resolutions on the agenda may also be sent by email or means of other written communication stating the name, address and title if applicable, of the sender. Emails should be sent to the office of the Mayor at mayorsoffice@cityofnorwich.org and other written communication sent or delivered to the office of the Mayor, 100 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360. Emails must be received by 7:00 p.m., the above mentioned date, and other written communications received by 4:30 p.m., the above mentioned date, to be made available to the City Council for this meeting. Citizen Comment General (30 minutes) and Citizen Comments will be limited to the resolutions on the agenda only. All speakers taking part in the Citizen Comment on resolutions portion of the meeting shall clearly state their name, address and title, if applicable, before speaking and will be limited to three minutes. PRAYER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CITIZEN COMMENT GENERAL (30 Minutes) call phone number first dial 860-215-8140 and then when prompted, enter the conference ID# 4038191 followed by the pound (#) key PUBLIC HEARING 1. Relative to holding a public hearing on the Neighborhood Assistance Act. 2. Relative to holding a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant allocation recommendations. PETITION AND COMMUNICATION 1. Communication from the Mohegan Park Improvement & Development Advisory Committee regarding a change of venue of the Disc Golf Course. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT CITIZENS COMMENT ON RESOLUTIONS (only on the agenda items) call phone number first dial 860-215-8140 and then when prompted, enter the conference ID# 4038191 followed by the pound (#) key NEW BUSINESS-RESOLUTIONS 1. Relative to approving the list of applications under the Neighborhood Assistance Act. 2. Relative to approving the Community Development Block Grant allocations for program year 2020. 3. Relative to an amendment to Community Development Block Grant-Covid Virus funding. 4. Relative to rescinding resolution approving a first amendment to a lease for Little People’s Play Place Too! LLC. 5. Relative to changing the location of the Disc Golf Course. 6. Relative to the replacement of Putnam Bank with Centreville Bank on the approved list of banks and trust companies into which the City Treasurer may deposit funds. City Clerk  PUBLIC HEARING #1 WHEREAS, the R.E. Van Norstrand Neighborhood Assistance Act, Chapter 228a of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S. 12-630aa-12-638) offers certain benefits to municipalities desiring to obtain the same and is administered by the State Department of Revenue Services (Commission of Revenue Services); and WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Assistance Act provides a tax credit for business firms which sponsor local programs; and WHEREAS, such programs must be proposed and conducted by private non-profit agencies or municipalities and be approved by the local legislative body; WHEREAS, a public hearing has been duly noticed and held on applications submitted to the City Manager’s office. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that it approves the following program proposals under the Neighborhood Assistance Act: 1. Arc of Eastern Connecticut – Energy upgrades at facility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities 2. Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut – Habitat Homes in Eastern Connecticut 3. Norwich Historical Society, Inc. – Energy related upgrades to the c. 1763 David Greenleaf House 4. Norwich Historical Society, Inc. -Energy Upgrades for the c. 1783 Dr. Daniel Lathrop Schoolhouse 5. Norwich Historical Society, Inc. - Energy Related Upgrades to the c. 1789 East District School Schoolhouse 6. St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich, Inc. – Energy Upgrade Project – windows and HVAC System 7. Montessori Discovery School, Inc. – Energy Upgrades Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom  PUBLIC HEARING #2 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 $50,000.00 anticipated return of loan (administration) for program year (PY) 2020; and as part of its Five Year Consolidated Plan 2020-2024; and 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 and plan 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 and plan and the City of Norwich has held 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 allocate the funds for (PY) 2020 Community Development; Recapture and anticipated Return of Loan for administration as follows: 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 $ - City Manager John Salomone  PETITION & COMMUNICATION #1 CITY OF NORWICH, CT MOHEGAN PARK IMPROVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE June 8, 2020 To Members of the Norwich, CT City Council, A special virtual meeting of the Mohegan Park Improvement & Development Advisory Committee (MPIDAC) was held on Thursday, June 4, 2020 to discuss a possible change of venue from the approved area on Wilderness Road to the area adjacent and behind the Field Pavilion on Mohegan Park Road. Representing the MPIDAC Disc Golf (MPIDACDG) sub-committee was MPIDACDG chairperson and MPIDAC member Kyle Seitz. Mr. Seitz gave a report of the advantages of the Mohegan Park Road location for discussion. Summarized and not in any particular order - • The site has an old but currently not maintained trail dating from the 1970's so there will be less work site preparation. • Depending on course final layout, it may have increased ADA accessibility • Does not cross any of the maintained walk, run, bike trails • Is bordered by Mohegan Park Road on two sides. • Water, facilities, and trash are already on site at the Field Pavilion (FP) and can be shared without disturbing renters of the FP. No additional work for DPW. • Course could be an enticement for increased FP rental • Close to an existing bus stop for broader resident accessibility • Close to a residential area encouraging increased use of the park • Increased recreational option to the beach, hiking, fishing, field, playground, and others located in that area • Close to picnic facilities other than the field pavilion • The FP has an existing parking area with available overflow area and further parking available in the close-by beach parking lot • Mature natural growth canopy over 8 feet above the ground so there is less new growth and saplings on the ground. • Mostly dry ground. • A drainage system in place for the field area of the FP should it be needed • Use of the area would discourage seasonal squatters from using the area ◦ (Kyle Seitz volunteered to clean up 2 areas that show old evidence of use by squatters.) • The grassed over flow parking area can be used as a warm up area for DG players if the FP and/or field is in use. The FP site was toured by MPIDACDG committee members Kyle Seitz, Alderwoman Stacy Gould, Samantha Venturo, Samuel Browning, Joshua Perry, Beryl Fishbone, and Pat McLaughlin (ex-officio, DPW). Pros and cons of the FP site were discussed at a special virtual meeting of the MPIDACDG sub- committee, with written notes and opinions submitted by Sam Browning, Josh Perry, Sam Ventura and Beryl Fishbone (Wednesday, June 3, 2020) with the unanimous recommendation it be sent to the MPIDAC for a special meeting to be called for Thursday, June 4, 2020. It was the unanimous decision of the MPIDAC (by individual voice vote Beryl Fishbone, Chair; Judy Magnano, Bekki Melucci, Kyle Seitz, Samantha Venturo, Alderwoman Stacy Gould, Pat McLaughlin (not voting ex-officio) that a recommendation for change of the proposed disc golf venue be from the Wilderness Road site to the Mohegan Park Road site be sent to the Norwich City Council for approval. Grateful thanks to Alderwoman Stacy Gould for volunteering to submit the recommendation to Council agenda setting on 6/8/2020 for resolution at 6/15/2020 Council meeting. Respectfully, Beryl Fishbone Chairperson Mohegan Park Improvement, Development, Advisory Committee  RESOLUTION #1 WHEREAS, the R.E. Van Norstrand Neighborhood Assistance Act, Chapter 228a of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S. 12-630aa-12-638) offers certain benefits to municipalities desiring to obtain the same and is administered by the State Department of Revenue Services (Commission of Revenue Services); and WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Assistance Act provides a tax credit for business firms which sponsor local programs; and WHEREAS, such programs must be proposed and conducted by private non-profit agencies or municipalities and be approved by the local legislative body; WHEREAS, a public hearing has been duly noticed and held on applications submitted to the City Manager’s office. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that it approves the following program proposals under the Neighborhood Assistance Act: 1. Arc of Eastern Connecticut – Energy upgrades at facility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities 2. Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut – Habitat Homes in Eastern Connecticut 3. Norwich Historical Society, Inc. – Energy related upgrades to the c. 1763 David Greenleaf House 4. Norwich Historical Society, Inc. -Energy Upgrades for the c. 1783 Dr. Daniel Lathrop Schoolhouse 5. Norwich Historical Society, Inc. - Energy Related Upgrades to the c. 1789 East District School Schoolhouse 6. St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich, Inc. – Energy Upgrade Project – windows and HVAC System 7. Montessori Discovery School, Inc. – Energy Upgrades Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom Alderwoman Stacy Gould Alderman Derell Q. Wilson  RESOLUTION #2 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 $50,000.00 anticipated return of loan (administration) for program year (PY) 2020; and as part of its Five Year Consolidated Plan 2020-2024; and 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 and plan 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 and plan and the City of Norwich has held 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 allocate the funds for (PY) 2020 Community Development; Recapture and anticipated Return of Loan for administration as follows: 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 $ - City Manager John L. Salomone  RESOLUTION #3 WHEREAS, the City of Norwich Office of Community Development, as guided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is proposing a substantial Amendment to the City of Norwich’s Annual Action Plan and budget for FY 2019-2020 to incorporate $506,569 of CDBG-CV Cares Act funds; and WHEREAS, the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has held public meetings and voted on their recommendations for CDBG-CV allocations in the month of May and June; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the Council shall and hereby does allow for the substantial amendment and incorporation of CDBG-CV CITY OF NORWICH - CDBG-CV Requests PY45 Substantial Amendment CDBG-CV $ 506,569.00 CDAC Council Request Recommendation Recommendation CD Office - Administration 20% of Grant Funds $ 49,338.00 $ 45,000.00 Public Services The ARC of Eastern CT $ 11,500.00 $ 10,000.00 NHS Norwich CARES $ 200,000.00 $ 200,000.00 Madonna Place Inc $ 15,000.00 $ 7,000.00 St. Vincent de Paul Place $ 30,000.00 $ 25,000.00 CD Office Small Business Assistance $ 225,000.00 $ 219,569.00 Total Public Services $ 481,500.00 $ 461,569.00 Non-Public Services Futures Inc $ 32,930.10 $ - Total Non-Public Services $ 32,930.10 $ - Public Service $ 481,500.00 $ 461,569.00 Non-Public Service $ 32,930.10 $ - CD Administration $ 49,338.00 $ 45,000.00 Total All Requests $ 563,768.10 $ 506,569.00 Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom Alderwoman Stacy Gould Alderman Derell Q. Wilson  RESOLUTION #4 WHEREAS, the City of Norwich and Little People’s Play Place Too! LLC entered into a certain Lease Agreement dated September 2, 2015 pertaining to a portion of the premises located at 92 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, Connecticut; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich on May 4, 2020 adopted a resolution authorizing and directing City Manager John Salomone to enter into a First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Little People’s Play Place Too! LLC as set out in Exhibit A attached to the resolution; and WHEREAS, Little People’s Play Place Too! LLC has advised the City Manager it no longer wishes to enter into this First Amendment to the Lease Agreement at this time given altered conditions and circumstances NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the resolution adopted May 4, 2020 relative to a First Amendment to that certain Lease Agreement referred to herein is rescinded, the First Amendment not having been entered into, and the resolution shall be of no effect. Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom Alderwoman Stacy Gould Alderman Derell Q. Wilson  RESOLUTION #5 WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich viewed an informational presentation by Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee on November 19, 2018 relative to the installation of a 9-hole disc golf course in Mohegan Park proposed to be located on a site off Wilderness Road; and WHEREAS, the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee recommended to the Council that the Council support and approve the installation of a 9- hole disc golf course in Mohegan Park and offered to assist in raising funds through donations towards costs estimated to be $10,000 for the initial installation of the course; and WHEREAS, the Council by resolution adopted December 3, 2018 found it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to further this project by locating and installing a 9-hole disc golf course in Mohegan Park, coordinating with the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee through a subcommittee established for the purpose, with decisions as to the location, installation, and maintenance of the 9-hole disc golf course to require the approval of or be made by the Director of Public Works; and WHEREAS, the Council authorized the receiving of and expenditure of donations for the purpose of establishing and installing a 9-hole disc golf course in Mohegan Park with any excess to remain with the City of Norwich for the maintenance of the course, but permitted to be used for the maintenance and/or refurbishment of other facilities in the park should the use of the course be discontinued; and WHEREAS, the Mohegan Park Improvement and Advisory Committee recommends the course be relocated within Mohegan Park from the site initially under consideration to another site located off Mohegan Park Road which location is recommended by the Director of Public Works NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that it approves the relocation of the proposed 9-hole disc golf course from the site under initial consideration off Wilderness Road to a site near the picnic pavilion off Mohegan Park Road, the specific location of such site to be determined by the Director of Public Works; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee, and the subcommittee established by the Council for the development of the 9-hole disc golf course, may expend donated funds received relative to the project for the purposes of establishing, installing, and maintaining a 9-hole disc golf course at the site selected by the Director of Public Works for the project. Alderwoman Stacy Gould  RESOLUTION #6 Relative to the replacement of Putnam Bank with Centreville Bank on the approved list of banks and trust companies into which the City Treasurer may deposit funds. WHEREAS, Chapter IX, Section 19 of the Charter of the City of Norwich states, “The city treasurer shall have custody of and disburse all funds belonging to the city and shall deposit the same in such banks and trust companies as may be designated by the council on recommendation of the chief executive officer by this charter;” and WHEREAS, the term “financial institution” is defined in Connecticut General Statutes Sections 36a-330(4) as “a bank, Connecticut credit union, federal credit union or an out-of- state bank that maintains in this state a branch as defined in section 36a-410”; and WHEREAS, Centreville Bank recently acquired the Putnam Bank which is one of the banks approved by the Council of the City of Norwich into which the City Treasurer may deposit funds, and by this acquisition has branches in the State of Connecticut; and WHEREAS, Putnam Bank now operates as a wholly-owned division of Centreville Bank; and WHEREAS, at the request of City Treasurer Michael Gualtieri, City Manager John Salomone, as Chief Executive Officer of the City of Norwich, recommends the addition of the Centreville Bank to the list of banks and trust companies into which the City Treasurer may deposit funds. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the Putnam Bank be and hereby is replaced by Centreville Bank on the approved list of banks and trust companies into which the City Treasurer may deposit funds. City Manager John Salomone Exhibit 1 Complete list of banks and trust companies into which the City Treasurer may deposit funds: • American Freedom US Government • Dime Savings Bank Money Market Fund • Eastern Savings Bank • Bank of America Corporation • HSBC USA, Inc. • Bank of New York • ING Bank N.V. • Berkshire Bank • Liberty Bank • Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. • MBIA, Inc. • Charles Schwab Trust Company • People's United • Charter Oak Credit Union • State Street Corporation • Chelsea Groton Bank • TD Bank, N.A. • Centreville Bank • UBS AG • Citizens' Bank of Connecticut • US Bank • Comerica Bank • Webster Bank • Connecticut State Treasurer's Short Term Investment Fund