City Council
Regular MeetingNorwich, CT · July 6, 2020
Minutes
JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2020
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held July 6, 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.
Please be advised that meetings of the Norwich City Council can be viewed in their
entirety on the City of Norwich website “norwichct.org”.
Ald. Wilson read the opening prayer and Ald. Nash, led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was unanimously
voted to suspend the rules.
Upon a motion of Ald. Myles, seconded by Ald. DeLucia, on a roll call vote it was unanimously
voted to add the following Petition and Communication:
JOSHUA A. POTHIER, C.P.A. 100 Broadway Room 105
COMPTROLLER Norwich, CT 06360-4431
Phone: (860) 823-3720 www.norwichct.org/finance
Fax: (860) 823-3812 jpothier@cityofnorwich.org
June 30, 2020
To: Mayor Peter Nystrom and Members of the Norwich City Council through City Manager John
Salomone
Proposed Golf Course Authority Bond Ordinance
Golf Course Authority Background
The Golf Course Authority was created in January 1978 for the purposes of promoting and coordinating
recreational activities, establishing and maintaining facilities, and providing for the public health and welfare of
the citizens of the city.
The City acquired land (approximately 160 acres) in December 1977 for approximately $1.2 million with
$600,000 from a Federal conservation grant, $300,000 from a State of Connecticut open space grant, and
$300,000 from City funds. The grant agreements included a dedication agreement requiring that the land be used
for “open space uses” which include recreation and conservation.
All operational expenses and the majority of improvements to the golf course since then have been paid for with
the golf course’s operating revenues and non‐city grant sources. The City has issued bonds in its name to pay for
some of the golf course improvements, but all of the debt service payments on those bonds have been made by
the Golf Authority from its revenues. The City Council has approved the following expenditures from the capital
budget in recent years:
• FY2019‐20 ‐ $50,078 to replace a tractor with turf tires, a PTO blower and a greens mower
• FY2020‐21 – $50,000 to replace reel grinding machine
Capital Projects Contemplated
Equipment Replacements
The NGCA has been maintaining the facilities with some very old equipment (several pieces are 20‐30 years old).
Because of the repair costs and inefficiency of the equipment, the NGCA believes it is prudent to replace this
equipment in the near future. The equipment replacement is expected to cost $410,000. The average estimated
useful life of this equipment (listed below) is seven years.
• Groundmaster 1200 – Pull Behind Rough Mower
• Groundsmaster 3200 4WD – Trim Rough Mower that does around trees and wooded areas
• Greensmaster TriFlex 3300 – Greens mower
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JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2020
• Two Reelmaster 5410‐D – 2 Fairway Mowers
• Sand Pro 5040 – Bunker Rake
• Multi Pro 5800‐G with ExcelaRate ‐ Sprayer
• Two Workman HDX – 4WD – Heavy Duty Work Vehicles
• John Deere 4066R Tractor – Tractor
Proposed Bond Ordinance with Internal Financing
As with traditional bond ordinance financing, the City Council votes on a bond ordinance, but the City and NGCA
could handle the financing internally. Here is how it would work:
• City Council adopts a bond ordinance for NGCA projects
• NGCA adopts a resolution authorizing the NGCA to reimburse the City for the capital projects
• NGCA begins to procure the capital items
• City pays for the capital items from a capital projects fund
• City charges any legal fees incurred to draft the bond ordinance and joint resolution to the
• NGCA bond project account in the capital projects fund
• City does not issue any debt related to the NGCA projects
• NGCA repays principal to the capital projects fund and interest to the general fund in
• accordance with the terms in the joint resolution
If the City were to experience a major cash shortage for whatever reason, the bond ordinance would allow the
City to issue temporary or permanent financing for the NGCA projects. Depending on the timing of this financing,
the notes or bonds may need to be made on a taxable, rather than tax‐exempt basis.
Projected Budget Impact
As you can see, the NGCA ended fiscal year 2018‐19 with a $37,000 cash deficit. With the staffing pattern
changes, incremental fee increases, and the successful implementation of the storage pond project, this deficit
should be erased before the end of fiscal year 2020‐21. The projects proposed in this bond ordinance should
reduce the NGCA’s equipment maintenance costs and allow them to operate more efficiently.
Potential Risks
The NGCA has a long track record of managing its finances well and the projects proposed in this bond ordinance
would assist the NGCA in continuing to manage its finances. However, there are a few areas of risk that the
Council needs to be aware of.
Weather
The NGCA has managed its expenditures over the years when fluctuations in weather hurt its revenues.
However, if the City experiences a few consecutive years of bad golf weather, the NGCA could be in a deficit
position.
Decline in Popularity of the Sport of Golf
NGCA membership revenues have declined over the years and more golfers are paying greens fees. If this is
merely an indication of the change in preference of golfers to pay‐as‐they‐go rather than paying up front, then
the NGCA should not be negatively impacted. However, if this trend points to a decline in the popularity of the
sport, then it may pose the risk that future NGCA revenues will not be able to support its operations.
Aging Infrastructure
In addition to the old maintenance equipment used by the NGCA, it also has an old irrigation system.
The irrigation system dates back to the late 1970’s. The irrigation system may cost as much as $1.5 million to
replace. If it becomes necessary to replace the irrigation system, the NGCA operations could not support the debt
service on such a project.
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JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2020
Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Myles, on a roll call vote it was unanimously
voted to adopt the minutes of June 1, 8 and 15, 2020.
Mayor Nystrom read the following proclamation:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, this legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination
of discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The City of Norwich believes that all people offer a valuable asset and contribute in a
myriad of ways which are vital to the Rose City; and
WHEREAS, The City of Norwich believes that local officials should renew their commitment to
creating equal opportunity for all persons with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The City of Norwich declares the month of July 2020 to be Americans with Disabilities
Awareness Month and we urge all citizens to join together to seek opportunities to promote
understanding.
NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR PETER ALBERT NYSTROM AND NORWICH CITY
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM, MARK BETTENCOURT, ON BEHALF OF THE
NORWICH CITY COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF NORWICH do hereby
celebrate and recognize 30 years of progress that has been made by reaffirming the principles of equality
and inclusion and recommitting our efforts to reach full ADA compliance to enrich and enhance the
quality of life for all our citizens.
Dated this Sixth Day of July, 2020
Peter Albert Nystrom Mark Bettencourt
Mayor President Pro Tem
Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously
voted to accept the letter of resignation of Charlie Magnan from the Norwich Housing Authority
thanking her for her service.
Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Myles, on a roll call vote it was unanimously
voted to accept the memo from the Comptroller regarding the proposed Golf Course Authority
Bond Ordinance.
City Manager Salomone report:
To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council
From: John Salomone, City Manager
Subject: City Manager’s Report
Date: July 6, 2020
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Meetings are still being held via conference calls and videos and included Governor Lamont updates,
State representatives and legislators, Region 4 Division of Emergency Management & Homeland
Security, Southeastern Council of Governments, (SCCOG), South East Area Transit (SEAT) Connecticut
Conference of Municipalities (CCM), Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA),
Restaurant Reopening Committee, Public Parking Commission, Rock the Docks Committee, and the City
Hall Reopening Committee.
I attended the Juneteenth gathering at the David Ruggles Courtyard in front of City Hall on June 19th. I
also attended the promotion ceremony for Police Lieutenant, Anthony Gomes and Police Sergeant,
Steven Schmidt who were promoted on June 30th. Congratulations to both of them.
City employees are back in their offices which several now have Plexiglas work areas to allow social
distancing between employees and customers. Cleaning crews are disinfecting common areas and
touchpoints a minimum of a least once a day and citizens are encouraged to conduct business via
phone, mail, and email and should only visit City buildings when the business may not be done remotely
in accordance with the City’s Phase 1 COVID-19 Return to Work Plan.
During the month of July, the Tax Office will be accepting in-person payments Monday through
Thursday from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm and citizens must wear masks and practice social distancing.
Taxpayers may also pay their taxes in person with cash or check at any Norwich Peoples United Bank
branch locations.
The City’s Recreation Department has been very active the past few weeks with Spaulding Pond
opening on June 18th with appropriate social distancing and safety precautions being followed by the
lifeguards with an average of 200 visitors a day. Recreation Camp started on June 29th and spots are
still available for the upcoming weeks.
Special thanks to Kim Beyer, Ed Ibraham, Vic Butsch, and John Egan for giving back to our community
for their hard work rebuilding the concession stand at the Jennings Football Field which was struck by a
car last year. The retired friends who create things in their woodshops together have donated their
labor to the project saving the City several thousands of dollars. Thank you for investing in our youth.
Congratulations to Evelyn and Larry Pontbriant who received the number “1” dog tag from the City
Clerk’s office for their dog Maggie. Maggie is a 10 year old cockapoo who has been paralyzed twice
from degenerative disc disease and is recovering. Her picture has been posted on the City’s Facebook
page.
Attached is the Treasurer’s Report from Michael Gualtieri, for quarter ended March 31, 2020 for your
review.
Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on resolutions.
Emails received: There were none.
Speakers via telephone: There were none.
Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed.
Upon a motion of Ald. Myles, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously
voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Gould and DeLucia.
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JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2020
WHEREAS, the Norwich Commission on the City Plan on May 19, 2020 voted to approve the request and
application of PPFR LLC for a two (2) lot Re-subdivision (SUB#431) on a parcel that includes the existing
dwelling identified as 612 West Thames Street, assessor’s map 129, block 1, lot 24, subject to certain
terms and conditions; and
WHEREAS, this application required the Commission on the City Plan to approve the Coastal Site Plan for
SUB#431 under proceedings identified as CAM#20-01 which approval the Commission on the City Plan
granted after determining that the coastal resources would not be impacted relative to this Re-
subdivision and that any future development beyond that of a single-family dwelling would require
referral again to the DEEP for Coastal Area Management review; and
WHEREAS, the approvals under SUB#431 and CAM#20-01 were made subject to a number of conditions
including a condition
“that the final plan be revised to include a Conservation Easement to protect the steep
slope towards the bottoms of the parcel, generally around the ledge area and along the
110’ contour line from West to East between the angle points of the parcel. The
Conservation Easement must be acceptable to City Staff prior to the filing of mylars.”; and
WHEREAS, PPFR LLC proposes to grant a Conservation Easement to the City of Norwich as required
pursuant to an agreement substantially in the form of the Conservation Easement Agreement attached
hereto as Exhibit “A”, provided such Agreement remains acceptable to City Staff.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Manager John
Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into said Conservation Agreement on behalf
of the City of Norwich and to accept and cause to be recorded a fully executed copy of the Conservation
Easement Agreement together with such other documents are necessary in connection with this grant of
a Conservation Easement.
Conservation Easement Agreement Exhibit A
Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Myles, on a roll call vote it was unanimously
voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone.
WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone has reappointed with Councils approval as a
regular member to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term to expire on 2/28/22 or until a successor is
appointed;
Robert Phoenix (D)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby
acknowledges the reappointment of the above named to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Mayor Nystrom stated the following resolution is being withdrawn by the sponsors:
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JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2020
WHEREAS, the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Norwich Area Business and
Industry Foundation, Inc. are co-producing “Rock the Docks Summer Concert Series 2020”, a Wednesday
night series of acoustic concerts to be held at the Dodd Stadium from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on the
following dates:
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Wednesday, August 12, 2020; and
WHEREAS, this concert series will allow the entire community to enjoy music and entertainment at a
scenic location and will be subject to any and all restrictions placed by the Governor of the State of
Connecticut to protect participants, including, but not limited to, the number of patrons allowed at an
event, the maintenance of social distancing, and any required use of masks; and
WHEREAS, effective June 30, 2020, Minor League Baseball has been suspended for the 2020 season; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 22 of that certain lease between the City of Norwich and Oneonta Athletic
Corporation, the City of Norwich shall have the right to use Dodd Stadium or any part thereof for any
purpose during any baseball suspension period.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, City Manager John
Salomone be and hereby is authorized to grant use of Dodd Stadium to the Greater Norwich Area
Business and Industry Foundation, Inc. for the “Rock the Docks Summer Concert Series 2020”, a
celebration to be held on Wednesdays as listed above or as rescheduled at Dodd Stadium, subject to
satisfactory proof that the Greater Norwich Area Business and Industry Foundation, Inc. has obtained and
will maintain proper insurances for the event.
Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Myles, on a roll call vote it was unanimously
voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Gould and DeLucia.
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, by a resolution adopted December 16th, 2019, authorized
City Manager John Salomone to enter into an individual Real Estate Listing Agreement with Allyn and
Associates Realtors offering to sell the property at 58 Division Street at a price to be recommended by
Allyn and Associates Realtors; and
WHEREAS, the Council further resolved that upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales Agreement containing
an offer to purchase at a price recommended by Allyn and Associates Realtors and containing such terms
and conditions as were satisfactory to the City Manager, he was to notify the Council of the proposed
Purchase and Sales Agreement for its consideration and possible approval; and
WHEREAS, Allyn and Associates Realtors has received offers to purchase the property, the highest offer
being the sum of $30,000 the property to be conveyed in “as is” condition.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Manager John
Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into a Purchase and Sales Agreement on
behalf of the City of Norwich to sell said property at a price of $30,000 to Kerri Douglas of 54 Shoreview
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Drive, Yonkers, New York pursuant to the terms of said Purchase and Sales Agreement and, upon timely
tender of the purchase price subject to standard adjustments, to execute and deliver a deed of
conveyance to Kerri Douglas of 54 Shoreview Drive, Yonkers, New York or his designee for the property
known as 58 Division Street, and to execute, deliver, and receive 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 Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to waive the
full reading and set a public hearing on July 20, 2020 at 7:30 pm for the second reading and
action for the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald Gould and DeLucia.
Council Ordinance
AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $410,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR
THE NORWICH GOLF COURSE AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $410,000 OF
NORWICH GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY INTERNALLY FUNDED DEBT OR BONDS OF
THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF
THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH:
Section 1. The sum of $410,000 is appropriated for the purchase of golf course equipment for the Norwich
Golf Course including, but not limited to, mowers, bunker rakes, sprayers, tractors and other work vehicles as well
as any appurtenances, consultants and other services related thereto, all or so much of any portion of any part of the
foregoing as may be accomplished within the foregoing appropriation and as determined by the Norwich Golf
Course Authority (the “Authority”), and for administrative, advertising, printing, legal and financing costs
(hereinafter the "Project"). Said appropriation shall be in addition to grant funding and all prior and future
appropriations for said purpose.
Section 2. The total estimated cost of the Project is $410,000. The average estimated useful life of the
Project is seven years. The Projects is a general benefit to the City of Norwich (the “City”) and its general
governmental purposes. Project costs may be paid from bonds and notes issued by the City, obligations of the
Authority (including internally funded debt), or any combination of the foregoing (collectively, the “Obligations”).
Section 3. To meet said appropriation, up to $410,000 of Obligations, or so much thereof as may be
necessary for said purpose, may be issued, maturing not later than the seventh (7th) year after their date, or such
later date as may be allowed by law. Said Obligations may be issued in one or more series as shall be determined
by the City Manager and the Comptroller, and the amount of Obligations of each series to be issued shall be fixed
by the City Manager and the Comptroller, provided that the total amount of Obligations to be issued shall not be
less than an amount which will provide funds sufficient with other funds available for such purpose to pay the
principal of and the interest on all temporary borrowings in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of said
Obligations outstanding at the time of the issuance thereof and to pay for the administrative, printing and legal
costs of issuing the Obligations. The Obligations shall bear such rate or rates of interest as shall be determined by
the City Manager and the Comptroller. The City bonds shall be in the denomination of $1,000 or a whole multiple
thereof, be issued in bearer form or in fully registered form, be executed in the name and on behalf of the City by
the manual or facsimile signatures of the City Manager and the Comptroller, bear the City seal or a facsimile
thereof, be certified by a bank or trust company designated by the City Manager and the Comptroller, which bank
or trust company may be designated the registrar and transfer agent, be payable at a bank or trust company
designated by the City Manager and the Comptroller, and be approved as to their legality by Pullman & Comley,
LLC, Bond Counsel. The City bonds shall be general obligations of the City and the full faith and credit of the City
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are pledged to the payment of the principal thereof and the interest thereon and shall be paid from property taxation
to the extent not paid from other funds available for the payment thereof. The aggregate principal amount of the
Obligations, annual installments of principal, redemption provisions, if any, the date, time of issue and sale and
other terms, details and particulars of such Obligations, shall be determined by the City Manager and the
Comptroller in accordance with the requirements of the General Statutes of Connecticut, as amended (the
“Statutes”) including Section 7-130r of the Statutes. Each Obligation shall recite that every requirement of law
relating to its issue has been duly complied with, that such Obligation is within every debt and other limit
prescribed by law. In connection with the issuance of any City bonds or notes authorized herein, the City may
exercise any power delegated to municipalities pursuant to Section 7-370b of the Statutes, including the authority
to enter into agreements managing interest rate risk. The City Manager and Comptroller, on behalf of the City,
shall execute and deliver such reimbursement agreements, letter of credit agreement, credit facilities, remarketing,
standby marketing agreements, standby bond purchase agreements, and any other commercially necessary or
appropriate agreements which are necessary, appropriate or desirable in connection with or incidental to the sale
and issuance of such City bonds or notes.
Section 4. The issue of the Obligations and of all other obligations of the City and the Authority heretofore
issued and outstanding or authorized but not yet issued, as of the effective date of this ordinance, would not cause
the indebtedness of the City to exceed any debt limit calculated in accordance with law.
Section 5. Said Obligations shall be sold by the City Manager and Comptroller in a competitive offering or
by negotiation, in their discretion. If sold at competitive offering, the City bonds shall be sold upon sealed
proposals, auction or similar process, at not less than par and accrued interest on the basis of the lowest net or true
interest cost to the City.
Section 6. The City Manager and the Comptroller are authorized to make temporary borrowings in
anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of any series of said Obligations. City notes evidencing such borrowings
shall be signed by the manual or facsimile signatures of the City Manager and the Comptroller, have the seal of the
City or a facsimile thereof affixed, be payable at a bank or trust company designated by the City Manager and the
Comptroller, be certified by a bank or trust company designated by the City Manager and the Comptroller pursuant
to Section 7-373 of the Statutes, and be approved as to their legality by Pullman & Comley, LLC, Bond Counsel.
Any temporary Obligations shall be issued with maturity dates which comply with the provisions of the Statutes
governing the issuance of such obligations, as the same may be amended from time to time. Any City notes shall
be general obligations of the City and the full faith and credit of the City are pledged to the payment of the
principal thereof and the interest thereon and shall be paid from property taxation to the extent not paid from other
funds available for the payment thereof. Each temporary Obligation shall recite that every requirement of law
relating to its issue has been duly complied with, that such obligation is within every debt and other limit
prescribed by law. The net interest cost on such temporary Obligations, including renewals thereof, and the
expense of preparing, issuing and marketing them, to the extent paid from the proceeds of such renewals or
Obligations, shall be included as a cost of the Property. Upon the sale of any Obligations the proceeds thereof, to
the extent required, shalt be applied forthwith to the payment of the principal of and the interest on any such
temporary borrowings then outstanding or shall be deposited with a hank or trust company in trust for such
purpose.
Section 7. Resolution of Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures with Borrowings. The City hereby
expresses its official intent pursuant to §1.150-2 of the Federal Income Tax Regulations, Title 26 (the
“Regulations”), to reimburse expenditures paid sixty days prior to and after the date of passage of this ordinance in
the maximum amount and for the Project with the proceeds of the Obligations authorized to by the City. The
Obligations shall be issued to reimburse such expenditures not later than 18 months after the later of the date of the
expenditure or the substantial completion of the Project, or such later date that the Regulations may authorize. The
City hereby certifies that the intention to reimburse as expressed herein is based upon its reasonable expectations
as of this date. The Comptroller or his designee is authorized to pay Project expenses in accordance herewith
pending the issuance of reimbursement Obligations, and to amend this declaration.
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Section 8. The City Manager and Comptroller are hereby authorized to exercise all powers conferred by
Section 3-20e of the General Statutes with respect to secondary market disclosure and to provide annual
information and notices of material events as enumerated in Securities and Exchange Commission Exchange Act
Rule 15c2-12, as amended, as may be necessary, appropriate or desirable to effect the sale of the Obligations
authorized by this ordinance.
Section 9. In order to meet the capital cash flow expenditure needs of the City, the City Manager and
Comptroller are authorized to allocate and reallocate expenditures incurred for the Project to any bonds, notes or
other obligations of the City outstanding as of the date of such allocation, and the bonds, notes or obligations to
which such expenditures have been allocated shall be deemed to have been issued for such purpose.
Section 10. It is hereby found and determined that the issue of all, or a portion of, the Obligations
authorized to be issued herein as qualified private activity bonds, or with interest that is includable in gross income
of the holders thereof for purposes of federal income taxation, is in the public interest. The City Manager and the
Comptroller are hereby authorized to issue and utilize without further approval any financing alternative currently
or hereafter available to municipal governments pursuant to law.
Section 11. The City Manager and Comptroller are hereby authorized to prepare and distribute preliminary
and final Official Statements of the City, to execute and deliver on behalf of the City all such other documents, and
to take all action, necessary and proper for the sale, issuance and delivery of any City bonds or notes relating to the
Project in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes and the laws of the United States.
Section 12. That the principal and interest on any Obligations issued for the Project shall be repaid to the
City by the Authority from funds in the Authority’s operating budget and/or reserve accounts and any other funds
available to the Authority, and that the City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager and the Comptroller to
take such actions, and execute such repayment agreements, memoranda of understanding, instruments and
documents with the Authority, on behalf of the City, that they deem necessary, appropriate or desirable to
consummate the intendment of this Ordinance.
Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously
voted to adjourn at 7:50 pm.
Betsy M. Barrett
City Clerk
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Agenda
AGENDA – MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH
July 6, 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 and posted on the city
website, www.norwichct.org, in real time, 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 the Citizen Comment on
resolutions portion of the meeting, shall be included.
The 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 public comment period listed on the agenda as
Citizen Comment on resolutions. Its use commences when 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 on resolutions period has ended.
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.,
of above mentioned date, and other written communications received by 4:30 p.m., of above
mentioned date, to be made available to the City Council for this meeting.
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
ADOPTION OF MINUTES: June 1, 8 and 15, 2020
PROCLAMATION: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter of resignation of Charlie Magnan from the Norwich Housing Authority
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 accepting a Conservation Easement on West Thames Street.
2. Relative to a reappointment of a regular member to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
3. Relative to Rock the Docks Summer Concert Series 2020 being held at Dodd Stadium.
4. Relative to the sale of 58 Division Street.
NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCES
1. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $410,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF
EQUIPMENT FOR THE NORWICH GOLF COURSE AND AUTHORIZING THE
ISSUE OF $410,000 OF NORWICH GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY INTERNALLY
FUNDED DEBT OR BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND
PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY
BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE
City Clerk
City Of Norwich
Mayors Office Peter Albert Nystrom, Mayor
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, this legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for
the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The City of Norwich believes that all people offer a valuable asset and
contribute in a myriad of ways which are vital to the Rose City; and
WHEREAS, The City of Norwich believes that local officials should renew their
commitment to creating equal opportunity for all persons with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The City of Norwich declares the month of July 2020 to be Americans with
Disabilities Awareness Month and we urge all citizens to join together to seek
opportunities to promote understanding.
NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR PETER ALBERT NYSTROM AND NORWICH
CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM, MARK BETTENCOURT, ON
BEHALF OF THE NORWICH CITY COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS OF THE
CITY OF NORWICH do hereby celebrate and recognize 30 years of progress that has
been made by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion and recommitting our
efforts to reach full ADA compliance to enrich and enhance the quality of life for all our
citizens.
Dated this Sixth Day of July, 2020
Peter Albert Nystrom Mark Bettencourt
Mayor President Pro Tem
RESOLUTION #1
WHEREAS, the Norwich Commission on the City Plan on May 19, 2020 voted to approve the
request and application of PPFR LLC for a two (2) lot Re-subdivision (SUB#431) on a parcel that
includes the existing dwelling identified as 612 West Thames Street, assessor’s map 129, block 1,
lot 24, subject to certain terms and conditions; and
WHEREAS, this application required the Commission on the City Plan to approve the Coastal Site
Plan for SUB#431 under proceedings identified as CAM#20-01 which approval the Commission
on the City Plan granted after determining that the coastal resources would not be impacted
relative to this Re-subdivision and that any future development beyond that of a single-family
dwelling would require referral again to the DEEP for Coastal Area Management review; and
WHEREAS, the approvals under SUB#431 and CAM#20-01 were made subject to a number of
conditions including a condition
“that the final plan be revised to include a Conservation Easement to protect the
steep slope towards the bottoms of the parcel, generally around the ledge area and
along the 110’ contour line from West to East between the angle points of the
parcel. The Conservation Easement must be acceptable to City Staff prior to the
filing of mylars.”; and
WHEREAS, PPFR LLC proposes to grant a Conservation Easement to the City of Norwich as
required pursuant to an agreement substantially in the form of the Conservation Easement
Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, provided such Agreement remains acceptable to City
Staff.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City
Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into said
Conservation Agreement on behalf of the City of Norwich and to accept and cause to be recorded
a fully executed copy of the Conservation Easement Agreement together with such other
documents are necessary in connection with this grant of a Conservation Easement.
Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom
Alderwoman Stacy Gould
Alderman Joseph A. DeLucia
RESOLUTION #1
EXHIBIT A
RESOLUTION #2
WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone has reappointed with Councils
approval as a regular member to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term to expire on
2/28/22 or until a successor is appointed;
Robert Phoenix (D)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of
Norwich hereby acknowledges the reappointment of the above named to the Zoning
Board of Appeals.
City Manager John L. Salomone
RESOLUTION #3
WHEREAS, the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Norwich
Area Business and Industry Foundation, Inc. are co-producing “Rock the Docks Summer
Concert Series 2020”, a Wednesday night series of acoustic concerts to be held at the Dodd
Stadium from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on the following dates:
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Wednesday, August 12, 2020; and
WHEREAS, this concert series will allow the entire community to enjoy music and
entertainment at a scenic location and will be subject to any and all restrictions placed by
the Governor of the State of Connecticut to protect participants, including, but not limited
to, the number of patrons allowed at an event, the maintenance of social distancing, and
any required use of masks; and
WHEREAS, effective June 30, 2020, Minor League Baseball has been suspended for the
2020 season; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 22 of that certain lease between the City of Norwich and
Oneonta Athletic Corporation, the City of Norwich shall have the right to use Dodd Stadium
or any part thereof for any purpose during any baseball suspension period.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that,
City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized to grant use of Dodd Stadium to
the Greater Norwich Area Business and Industry Foundation, Inc. for the “Rock the Docks
Summer Concert Series 2020”, a celebration to be held on Wednesdays as listed above or as
rescheduled at Dodd Stadium, subject to satisfactory proof that the Greater Norwich Area
Business and Industry Foundation, Inc. has obtained and will maintain proper insurances
for the event.
Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom
Alderman Bill Nash
Alderwoman Stacy Gould
RESOLUTION #4
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, by a resolution adopted December 16th, 2019,
authorized City Manager John Salomone to enter into an individual Real Estate Listing
Agreement with Allyn and Associates Realtors offering to sell the property at 58 Division
Street at a price to be recommended by Allyn and Associates Realtors; and
WHEREAS, the Council further resolved that upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales Agreement
containing an offer to purchase at a price recommended by Allyn and Associates Realtors
and containing such terms and conditions as were satisfactory to the City Manager, he was
to notify the Council of the proposed Purchase and Sales Agreement for its consideration and
possible approval; and
WHEREAS, Allyn and Associates Realtors has received offers to purchase the property, the
highest offer being the sum of $30,000 the property to be conveyed in “as is” condition.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that
City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into a
Purchase and Sales Agreement on behalf of the City of Norwich to sell said property at a price
of $30,000 to Kerri Douglas of 54 Shoreview Drive, Yonkers, New York pursuant to the terms
of said Purchase and Sales Agreement and, upon timely tender of the purchase price subject
to standard adjustments, to execute and deliver a deed of conveyance to Kerri Douglas of 54
Shoreview Drive, Yonkers, New York or his designee for the property known as 58 Division
Street, and to execute, deliver, and receive 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.
Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom
Alderwoman Stacy Gould
Alderman Joseph A. DeLucia
ORDINANCE #1
Council Ordinance
AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $410,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF
EQUIPMENT FOR THE NORWICH GOLF COURSE AND AUTHORIZING THE
ISSUE OF $410,000 OF NORWICH GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY INTERNALLY
FUNDED DEBT OR BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND
PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY
BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH:
Section 1. The sum of $410,000 is appropriated for the purchase of golf course equipment for the
Norwich Golf Course including, but not limited to, mowers, bunker rakes, sprayers, tractors and other work
vehicles as well as any appurtenances, consultants and other services related thereto, all or so much of any
portion of any part of the foregoing as may be accomplished within the foregoing appropriation and as
determined by the Norwich Golf Course Authority (the “Authority”), and for administrative, advertising,
printing, legal and financing costs (hereinafter the "Project"). Said appropriation shall be in addition to grant
funding and all prior and future appropriations for said purpose.
Section 2. The total estimated cost of the Project is $410,000. The average estimated useful life of
the Project is seven years. The Projects is a general benefit to the City of Norwich (the “City”) and its
general governmental purposes. Project costs may be paid from bonds and notes issued by the City,
obligations of the Authority (including internally funded debt), or any combination of the foregoing
(collectively, the “Obligations”).
Section 3. To meet said appropriation, up to $410,000 of Obligations, or so much thereof as may
be necessary for said purpose, may be issued, maturing not later than the seventh (7th) year after their date,
or such later date as may be allowed by law. Said Obligations may be issued in one or more series as shall
be determined by the City Manager and the Comptroller, and the amount of Obligations of each series to
be issued shall be fixed by the City Manager and the Comptroller, provided that the total amount of
Obligations to be issued shall not be less than an amount which will provide funds sufficient with other
funds available for such purpose to pay the principal of and the interest on all temporary borrowings in
anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of said Obligations outstanding at the time of the issuance thereof
and to pay for the administrative, printing and legal costs of issuing the Obligations. The Obligations shall
bear such rate or rates of interest as shall be determined by the City Manager and the Comptroller. The City
bonds shall be in the denomination of $1,000 or a whole multiple thereof, be issued in bearer form or in
fully registered form, be executed in the name and on behalf of the City by the manual or facsimile
signatures of the City Manager and the Comptroller, bear the City seal or a facsimile thereof, be certified
by a bank or trust company designated by the City Manager and the Comptroller, which bank or trust
company may be designated the registrar and transfer agent, be payable at a bank or trust company
designated by the City Manager and the Comptroller, and be approved as to their legality by Pullman &
Comley, LLC, Bond Counsel. The City bonds shall be general obligations of the City and the full faith and
credit of the City are pledged to the payment of the principal thereof and the interest thereon and shall be
paid from property taxation to the extent not paid from other funds available for the payment thereof. The
aggregate principal amount of the Obligations, annual installments of principal, redemption provisions, if
any, the date, time of issue and sale and other terms, details and particulars of such Obligations, shall be
determined by the City Manager and the Comptroller in accordance with the requirements of the General
Statutes of Connecticut, as amended (the “Statutes”) including Section 7-130r of the Statutes. Each
Obligation shall recite that every requirement of law relating to its issue has been duly complied with, that
such Obligation is within every debt and other limit prescribed by law. In connection with the issuance of
any City bonds or notes authorized herein, the City may exercise any power delegated to municipalities
pursuant to Section 7-370b of the Statutes, including the authority to enter into agreements managing
interest rate risk. The City Manager and Comptroller, on behalf of the City, shall execute and deliver such
reimbursement agreements, letter of credit agreement, credit facilities, remarketing, standby marketing
agreements, standby bond purchase agreements, and any other commercially necessary or appropriate
agreements which are necessary, appropriate or desirable in connection with or incidental to the sale and
issuance of such City bonds or notes.
Section 4. The issue of the Obligations and of all other obligations of the City and the Authority
heretofore issued and outstanding or authorized but not yet issued, as of the effective date of this ordinance,
would not cause the indebtedness of the City to exceed any debt limit calculated in accordance with law.
Section 5. Said Obligations shall be sold by the City Manager and Comptroller in a competitive
offering or by negotiation, in their discretion. If sold at competitive offering, the City bonds shall be sold
upon sealed proposals, auction or similar process, at not less than par and accrued interest on the basis of
the lowest net or true interest cost to the City.
Section 6. The City Manager and the Comptroller are authorized to make temporary borrowings in
anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of any series of said Obligations. City notes evidencing such
borrowings shall be signed by the manual or facsimile signatures of the City Manager and the Comptroller,
have the seal of the City or a facsimile thereof affixed, be payable at a bank or trust company designated
by the City Manager and the Comptroller, be certified by a bank or trust company designated by the City
Manager and the Comptroller pursuant to Section 7-373 of the Statutes, and be approved as to their legality
by Pullman & Comley, LLC, Bond Counsel. Any temporary Obligations shall be issued with maturity dates
which comply with the provisions of the Statutes governing the issuance of such obligations, as the same
may be amended from time to time. Any City notes shall be general obligations of the City and the full faith
and credit of the City are pledged to the payment of the principal thereof and the interest thereon and shall
be paid from property taxation to the extent not paid from other funds available for the payment thereof.
Each temporary Obligation shall recite that every requirement of law relating to its issue has been duly
complied with, that such obligation is within every debt and other limit prescribed by law. The net interest
cost on such temporary Obligations, including renewals thereof, and the expense of preparing, issuing and
marketing them, to the extent paid from the proceeds of such renewals or Obligations, shall be included as
a cost of the Property. Upon the sale of any Obligations the proceeds thereof, to the extent required, shalt
be applied forthwith to the payment of the principal of and the interest on any such temporary borrowings
then outstanding or shall be deposited with a hank or trust company in trust for such purpose.
Section 7. Resolution of Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures with Borrowings. The City
hereby expresses its official intent pursuant to §1.150-2 of the Federal Income Tax Regulations, Title 26
(the “Regulations”), to reimburse expenditures paid sixty days prior to and after the date of passage of this
ordinance in the maximum amount and for the Project with the proceeds of the Obligations authorized to
by the City. The Obligations shall be issued to reimburse such expenditures not later than 18 months after
the later of the date of the expenditure or the substantial completion of the Project, or such later date that
the Regulations may authorize. The City hereby certifies that the intention to reimburse as expressed herein
is based upon its reasonable expectations as of this date. The Comptroller or his designee is authorized to
pay Project expenses in accordance herewith pending the issuance of reimbursement Obligations, and to
amend this declaration.
Section 8. The City Manager and Comptroller are hereby authorized to exercise all powers
conferred by Section 3-20e of the General Statutes with respect to secondary market disclosure and to
provide annual information and notices of material events as enumerated in Securities and Exchange
Commission Exchange Act Rule 15c2-12, as amended, as may be necessary, appropriate or desirable to
effect the sale of the Obligations authorized by this ordinance.
Section 9. In order to meet the capital cash flow expenditure needs of the City, the City Manager
and Comptroller are authorized to allocate and reallocate expenditures incurred for the Project to any bonds,
notes or other obligations of the City outstanding as of the date of such allocation, and the bonds, notes or
obligations to which such expenditures have been allocated shall be deemed to have been issued for such
purpose.
Section 10. It is hereby found and determined that the issue of all, or a portion of, the Obligations
authorized to be issued herein as qualified private activity bonds, or with interest that is includable in gross
income of the holders thereof for purposes of federal income taxation, is in the public interest. The City
Manager and the Comptroller are hereby authorized to issue and utilize without further approval any
financing alternative currently or hereafter available to municipal governments pursuant to law.
Section 11. The City Manager and Comptroller are hereby authorized to prepare and distribute
preliminary and final Official Statements of the City, to execute and deliver on behalf of the City all such
other documents, and to take all action, necessary and proper for the sale, issuance and delivery of any City
bonds or notes relating to the Project in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes and the laws of the
United States.
Section 12. That the principal and interest on any Obligations issued for the Project shall be repaid
to the City by the Authority from funds in the Authority’s operating budget and/or reserve accounts and
any other funds available to the Authority, and that the City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager
and the Comptroller to take such actions, and execute such repayment agreements, memoranda of
understanding, instruments and documents with the Authority, on behalf of the City, that they deem
necessary, appropriate or desirable to consummate the intendment of this Ordinance.
Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom
Alderwoman Stacy Gould
Alderman Joseph A. DeLucia
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