City Council

AGENDA – MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH September 8, 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: August 3 and 17, 2020 PROCLAMATION: Raising Men & Women Lawn Care: Nathan Concepcion, Ny'Asia Bermudez, Janiyah Jarmon PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1. Report from the Commission on the City Plan per Chapter XV Section 4 of the City Charter relative to a resolution regarding the State of Connecticut DOT release of three (3) parcels of land located in the vicinity of Route 82 and Salem Turnpike to the City of Norwich. 2. Memo from Comptroller explaining resolution regarding refunding bonds. 3. Memo from Comptroller explaining Proposed resolution regarding 2019-20 Budget Transfers for the General Fund, CCD and TCD. 4. Memo from Comptroller explaining proposed ordinances regarding property tax abatements for Volunteer Firefighters and exemptions for motor vehicles equipped for persons with disabilities. 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 an appointment to the Norwich Housing Authority. 2. Relative to request for proposals to demolish property at 21 Fairmount St. 3. Relative to a resolution amending a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of City of Norwich general obligation refunding bonds. 4. Relative to the transfer of funds among various departments to close out Fiscal Year 2019-20. 5. Relative to accepting properties from the State located at Maplewood Court and Route 82. 6. Relative to residency requirements. NEW BUSINESS-ORDINANCES 1. AN ORDINANCE EXEMPTING THE NORWICH ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESAN CORPORATION FROM THE PAYMENT OF TAXES ON CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 25 OTIS STREET 2. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 7-25 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES BY CHANGING THE TITLE, ADDING NEW PROVISIONS, TO BE IDENTIFIED AS (3) AND (4) TO SUBSECTION (a), AND BY ADDING A SUBSECTION (d) REGARDING THE TIMELY FILING OF A CLAIM FOR AN EXEMPTION AS PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION. 3. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 7-26 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING SUBSECTION (g) TO INCREASE THE PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS PURSUANT TO PUBLIC ACT NO. 19-36 City Clerk  City Of Norwich Mayors Office Peter Albert Nystrom, Mayor PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service has worked to create a positive path of commitment and service in communities across the country; and WHEREAS, the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care service teaches youth the concept of giving back by providing free lawn care for the elderly, disabled, single mothers, and our veterans; and WHEREAS, hundreds of youths across the country have helped cut over 15,000 yards by embarking on completing the 50 yard challenge; and WHEREAS, Raising Men & Women Lawn Care service have created a challenge to the youth starting with a white shirt, after 10 lawns an orange shirt, 20 lawns a green shirt, 30 lawns a blue shirt, 40 lawns a red shirt and 50 lawns a black shirt and a visit from Rodney Smith Jr. the founder of Raising Men & Women Lawn Service to receive their thanks and a new lawn mower, weed eater and a blower; and WHEREAS, fourteen year old Nathan Concepcion accepted and completed the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care 50 yard challenge here in the Rose City, starting in 2018 and finishing the challenge during the summer of 2020; and WHEREAS, Nathan Concepcion has shown a kindness and caring for his neighbors and in helping them, showed the importance of giving back and that it’s better to give than receive. 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 declare September 8, 2020 as “Nathan Concepcion Day” in the City of Norwich and urge all citizens to engage in community service in the Rose City. Dated this Eighth Day of September, 2020 Peter Albert Nystrom Mark M. Bettencourt Mayor President Pro Tem  City Of Norwich Mayors Office Peter Albert Nystrom, Mayor PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service has worked to create a positive path of commitment and service in communities across the country; and WHEREAS, the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care service teaches youth the concept of giving back by providing free lawn care for the elderly, disabled, single mothers, and our veterans; and WHEREAS, hundreds of youths across the country have helped cut over 15,000 yards by embarking on completing the 50 yard challenge; and WHEREAS, Raising Men & Women Lawn Care service have created a challenge to the youth starting with a white shirt, after 10 lawns an orange shirt, 20 lawns a green shirt, 30 lawns a blue shirt, 40 lawns a red shirt and 50 lawns a black shirt and a visit from Rodney Smith Jr. the Raising Men & Women Lawn Service to receive their thanks and a new lawn mower, weed eater and a blower; and WHEREAS, eight year old Ny'Asia Bermudez accepted and completed the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care 50 yard challenge here in the Rose City, during summer 2020; and WHEREAS, Ny'Asia Bermudez has shown a kindness and caring for her neighbors and has helped them, showed the importance of giving back and that it’s better to give than receive. 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 declare September 8, 2020 as “Ny'Asia Bermudez Day” in the City of Norwich and urge all citizens to continue to encourage others to engage in community service in the Rose City. Dated this Eighth Day of September, 2020 Peter Albert Mark M. Bettencourt Nystrom Mayor President Pro Tem  City Of Norwich Mayors Office Peter Albert Nystrom, Mayor PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service has worked to create a positive path of commitment and service in communities across the country; and WHEREAS, the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care service teaches youth the concept of giving back by providing free lawn care for the elderly, disabled, single mothers, and our veterans; and WHEREAS, hundreds of youths across the country have helped cut over 15,000 yards by embarking on completing the 50 yard challenge; and WHEREAS, Raising Men & Women Lawn Care service have created a challenge to the youth starting with a white shirt, after 10 lawns an orange shirt, 20 lawns a green shirt, 30 lawns a blue shirt, 40 lawns a red shirt and 50 lawns a black shirt and a visit from Rodney Smith Jr. the Raising Men & Women Lawn Service to receive their thanks and a new lawn mower, weed eater and a blower; and WHEREAS, seven year old Janiyah Jarmon accepted and completed the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care 50 yard challenge here in the Rose City, during summer 2020; and WHEREAS, Janiyah Jarmon has shown a kindness and caring for her neighbors and has helped them, showed the importance of giving back and that it’s better to give than receive. 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 declare September 8, 2020 as “Janiyah Jarmon Day” in the City of Norwich and urge all citizens to continue to encourage others to engage in community service in the Rose City. Dated this Eighth Day of September, 2020 Peter Albert Nystrom Mark M. Bettencourt Mayor President Pro Tem PETITION & COMMUNICATION #1  PETITION & COMMUNICATION #2 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 August 31, 2020 To: Mayor Peter A. Nystrom and Members of the Norwich City Council through City Manager John Salomone Explanation of resolution regarding refunding bonds A resolution amending a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of City of Norwich General Obligation Refunding Bonds This proposed resolution would expand the original resolution adopted by the City Council on March 16, 2020 to enable the Finance Department to issue $16.5 million of bonds to refund bonds issued in 2011, 2014, and possibly other bonds any time before March 31, 2021 if it is advantageous to do so. Refunding bonds is very similar to an individual refinancing his/her mortgage, except unlike many mortgage refinances, the term of the refunding bonds will be tied to the original bond’s maturity and not extended. This refunding would be an advanced refunding, which means that the money from the new bonds would be placed into an escrow account and invested until the original bond’s ‘call date’. The funds from that escrow account would be used to pay debt service on the refunded bonds until the call date. Our goal with this refunding would be to save the City money on future debt service payments. The interest rates are currently very low, but the City and its financial advisors will monitor other market conditions to determine whether a refunding is feasible since we don’t lock in the savings until we actually price the bonds with the underwriter. We need the Council’s approval of this resolution to initiate a refunding. As of the date of this memo, we estimate that the refunding will save the City north of $500,000 over the next 14 years with a substantial portion of the savings being attributable to Norwich Public Utilities gas line extension bonds. For more information about refundings, please see the Government Finance Officers Association Best Practice Article “Analyzing and Issuing Refunding Bonds” (http://gfoa.org/analyzing‐and‐issuing‐ refunding‐bonds).  PETITION & COMMUNICATION #3 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 August 31, 2020 To: Mayor Peter A. Nystrom and Members of the Norwich City Council through City Manager John Salomone Explanation of Proposed Resolution Regarding 2019-20 Budget Transfers for the General Fund, CCD, and TCD There is a resolution for the September 8, 2020 agenda to make budget transfers for fiscal year 2019-20. This memo explains the transfers and net impact on the fund balances of these three funds. General Fund Revenues Revenue collections slowed during March with the closing of many businesses and City offices due to COVID- 19. Property tax collections, conveyance taxes, building permits, and interest revenue were strong for the first eight months of the year, but slowed up in March. In total, actual revenue collections were approximately $450,000 above budget for fiscal year 2019-20. Expenditures Norwich Public Schools (NPS) projected deficits in the $1,100,000 range during the year. The NPS deficit ended up being $750,000. The draft resolution transfers budget savings totaling $750,000 from several General Fund departments to offset the NPS deficit. Unrestricted Fund Balance The 2019-20 adopted budget did not include an appropriation of General Fund unrestricted fund balance (UFB). The General Fund UFB will increase $0.7 million which will put the balance at approximately $14.4 million, or 11.1% of annual operating expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. The target range for General Fund UFB is currently 10%-17%. City Consolidation District Revenues Revenues were approximately $20,000 higher than the 2019-20 budget. Expenditures Expenditures were $80,000 under budget. Unrestricted Fund Balance The 2019-20 adopted budget did not include an appropriation of CCD UFB. The CCD UFB increased $100,000; bringing the CCD’s UFB deficit to $110,000, or (1.4)% of annual operating expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. The Adopted 2020-21 budget includes an appropriation of $138,000 to restore the deficit in this fund (see page 123 of the budget document). The City does not have a policy for the UFB level of this fund, but, in my opinion, a balance of 8% is an adequate level for a fund with moderate levels of risk like the CCD. Town Consolidation District Revenues Revenues were $15,000 higher than the 2019-20 budget. Expenditures Volunteer Firefighter Property Tax Abatement costs were $10,000 lower than anticipated. Unrestricted Fund Balance The 2019-20 adopted budget did not include an appropriation of TCD UFB. The TCD UFB will increase by approximately $25,000 which will bring the TCD’s UFB to $26,000, or 5.5% of annual operating expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. The City does not have a policy for the UFB level of this fund, but, in my opinion, a balance of 5% is an adequate level for a fund with low levels of risk like the TCD.  PETITION & COMMUNICATION #4 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 August 31, 2020 To: Mayor Peter A. Nystrom and Members of the Norwich City Council through City Manager John Salomone Explanation of proposed ordinances regarding property tax abatements for volunteer firefighters and exemptions for motor vehicles equipped for persons with disabilities Ordinance Amending Section 7-26 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances by Adding Subsection (g) to Increase the Property Tax Abatement for Volunteer Firefighters Pursuant to Public Act No. 19-36 This proposed ordinance would increase the abatement from the $1,000 level to $1,500 starting in fiscal year 2021-22 and then to $2,000 in fiscal year 2022-23. Here is my estimate of the cost impact of the proposed increases: At $1,000 Level At $1,500 Level At $2,000 Level Volunteers qualifying for abatement 98 Receiving full $1,000 54 $ 54,000.00 $ 81,000.00 $ 108,000.00 Receiving less than $1,000 44 $ 13,000.00 $ 13,000.00 $ 13,000.00 Estimated Cost of Abatements $ 67,000.00 $ 94,000.00 $ 121,000.00 $ Increase $ 27,000.00 $ 54,000.00 % Increase 40.30% 80.60% Estimated Tax Impact on TCD Residents Incremental Cost Increase $ 27,000.00 $ 54,000.00 10/1/19 Collectible Grand List 1,355,737,700 1,355,737,700 Mills 0.02 0.04 Median Single Family Home Assessed Value 97,400 97,400 Increase in Property Taxes $ 2.00 $ 4.00 Ordinance Amending Section 7-25 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances by Changing the Title, Adding New Provisions, to be Identified as (s) and (4) to Subsection (a) Regarding the Timely Filing of a Claim for an Exemption as Provided in this Section. This proposed ordinance would clarify the eligibility for an exemption for motor vehicles equipped for persons with disabilities and set forth the process for applying for such an exemption. This proposed ordinance should not have the effect of expanding and increasing the cost of such exemptions.  RESOLUTION #1 WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone has appointed with Councils approval as a regular member to the Norwich Housing Authority for a term to expire on 10/31/23 or until a successor is appointed; Mary E. Lunt (U) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby acknowledges the appointment of the above named to the Norwich Housing Authority. City Manager John L. Salomone  RESOLUTION #2 WHEREAS, the City of Norwich took title to the property located at 21 Fairmount Street by a Foreclosure by Sale Committee Deed recorded July 3, 2019 at Volume 3128, Page 299 of the Norwich Land Records; and WHEREAS, the condition of the structure is such that it is recommended by the Public Works Committee that it be demolished as it will otherwise likely become a nuisance and a hazard; and 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, with such assistance as he may require, to issue a Request for Proposals or a Request for Qualifications seeking interested contractors to demolish the structure on 21 Fairmount Street and clear the site of debris, and to recommend the lowest qualified bidder to the council by a subsequent resolution, which is to include information as to the anticipated cost of the work and funds available for the work through the demolition bond. Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom President Pro Tem Mark M. Bettencourt Alderwoman Stacy Gould  RESOLUTION #3 A RESOLUTION AMENDING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF CITY OF NORWICH GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a resolution on March 16, 2020 entitled, “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF UP TO $10,000,000 FOR THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH CITY OF NORWICH GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS” ( the “Prior Resolution”); and WHEREAS, current low interest rates have increased the number and dollar amount of potentially outstanding City of Norwich (the “City”) general obligation bonds that are in the best interests of the City to redeem from the proceeds of a City refunding issue. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: Section 1. Section 1 of the Prior Resolution is amended and restated to read as follow: “Section 1. General Obligation Refunding Bonds of the City of Norwich, Connecticut (the “City”) in a principal amount of not more than $16,500,000 $10,000,000 (the “Refunding Bonds”) are hereby authorized to be issued in one or more series and in such amount or such lesser amount as shall be necessary to refund, including any advance refunding, all or any portion of one or more series of the City’s outstanding general obligation bonds, including, but not limited to, the City’s General Obligation Bonds, Issue of 2011 and the City’s General Obligation Bonds, Issue of 2014 (the “Prior Bonds”), and the payment of principal, interest and any call premium on such Prior Bonds, as determined by the City Manager and the Comptroller to be in the best interest of the City for the purpose of achieving net present value savings and/or to moderate debt service payments and to finance such additional costs and expenses related thereto, as the City Manager and the Comptroller shall approve for the funding of necessary and appropriate financing and/or issuance costs including, but not limited to, legal, advisory, rating, escrow fees, credit enhancement, verification fees, investment fees, net temporary interest, trustee, underwriters’ discount and printing and administrative expenses.” Section 2. Section 11 of the Prior Resolution is amended and restated to read as follow: “Section 11. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and shall remain effective until March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020.”  Section 3. The City Clerk shall cause an amended version of the Prior Resolution incorporating the amended Sections 5 and 11 language to be prepared, labeled “As Amended” at the top, and filed within minutes of the meeting at which this Amended Resolution is adopted. Section 4. This Amended Resolution shall be effective upon adoption by the City Council. Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom President Pro Tem Mark M. Bettencourt Alderwoman Stacy Gould 2  RESOLUTION #4 Relative to the transfer of funds among various departments to close out Fiscal Year 2019-20. WHEREAS, Norwich Public Schools expended approximately $750,000 in excess of its 2019- 20 appropriation resulting from higher than anticipated special education tuition and health insurance costs; and, WHEREAS, several non-education departments underspent their 2019-20 budgets in amounts sufficient to absorb the over-expenditure by Norwich Public Schools. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that $750,000 be and hereby is transferred from the 2019-20 budgets of the departments listed below to the 2019-20 budgets of the Norwich Public Schools department as follows: Budget Decreases Department Org (s) Amount of Transfer City Council 10410300 $40,000 Finance 10411700 30,000 Assessment 10413100 50,000 Planning & Neighborhood Services 10415100 50,000 Elections 10419700 20,000 Police 10420100 230,000 Public Works 10430300 - 10434800 220,000 SEAT Bus 10500000 20,000 Contingency 10500000 90,000 Subtotal - Budget Decreases $750,000 Budget Increases Department Amount of Transfer Norwich Public Schools 750,000 Subtotal - Budget Increases 750,000 Net Budget Change - City Manager John L. Salomone  RESOLUTION #5 WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation several years ago acquired certain small parcels of land in connection with work performed in the area of Maplewood Court and Route 82; and WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation has advised the City of Norwich that it has received final approval to release the subject property to the City of Norwich by a Quit Claim Deed conveying to it three (3) parcels; and WHEREAS, the Commission on the City Plan has reviewed the proposed conveyance and recommends the Council accept these properties for municipal and potential future economic use of the same; and WHEREAS, a copy of the proposed Quit Claim Deed is attached hereto as Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to accept this conveyance from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Manager, John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to arrange to close on said property by notification to the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, to receive the original executed Deed, a mylar map and a tax exempt form, to arrange to file the same with the office of the City Clerk, and to enter into, execute, send and receive such other correspondence or documentation as may be necessary to complete the transfer. Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom President Pro Tem Mark M. Bettencourt Alderwoman Stacy Gould  RESOLUTION #6 WHEREAS, section 16-1 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances requires that, except as otherwise provided by the Charter of the city, no person shall be eligible for employment in any department or agency of the city unless such person shall at the time of his or her regular appointment, or within twelve (12) months of said appointment, reside in the State of Connecticut within a sixty (60) mile radius of Norwich; and WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statute § 16-2 provides that every person employed by the city or by any department or agency thereof shall, during the period of such appointment or employment, maintain a continuous residence in the State of Connecticut within a sixty (60) mile radius of the city; and WHEREAS, section 16.3 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances provides: “The requirements of §§ 16-1 and 16-2 may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the entire counsel”; and WHEREAS, Mark Decker became an employee of the Norwich Department of Public Utilities on January 10, 2011 and currently serves as its Water Integrity Manager responsible for managing the water plants and laboratory of Norwich Public Utilities as well as overseeing two (2) large Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Projects, the Stonybrook Dissolved Air Flotation Project and the Deep River Filtration Upgrade, projects with an estimated total costs in excess of Nine Million ($9,000,000) Dollars; and WHEREAS, both projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020; and WHEREAS, Norwich Public Utilities estimates it will take 3-6 months to select and cross- train his replacement, preferably with Mark Decker’s assistance; and WHEREAS, Mark Decker had scheduled his retirement date for April 10, 2021 and the Personnel and Pension Board received and approved his retirement on August 18, 2020; and WHEREAS, Mark Decker is currently living in his anticipated retirement home in Rhode Island which is located within 45 miles of the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, Mark Decker, as Water Integrity Manager, does not serve Norwich Public Utilities as a first responder in the event of an emergency and would be the third employee in the chain of command to be called should an escalated response be required to an emergency at one of the water plants; and WHEREAS, since his current termination as an employee of Norwich Public Utilities under the circumstances described in this resolution may cause unnecessary disruption to the operations of Norwich Public Utilities, particularly with respect to the ongoing projects and make the selection and cross-training of his replacement more difficult, both situations avoidable by his continued employment until April 10, 2021, Norwich Public Utilities, through its general manager, Christopher LaRose, requests the council suspend the provisions of § 16-2 of the Norwich Code Ordinances as applicable to Mark Decker, its Water Integrity Manager, until his retirement on April 10, 2021. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, having found good cause to adopt this resolution, the requirements of §§ 16-1 and 16-2 be suspended with respect to the continuing employment of Mark Decker as Water Integrity Manager at Norwich Public Utilities until April 10, 2021. Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom President Pro Tem Mark M. Bettencourt Alderwoman Stacy Gould  ORDINANCE #1 AN ORDINANCE EXEMPTING THE NORWICH ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESAN CORPORATION FROM THE PAYMENT OF TAXES ON CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 25 OTIS STREET WHEREAS, that certain property located at 25 Otis Street, Norwich, Connecticut was purchased by The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation on May 1, 2019 to be used for educational and charitable purposes; and, WHEREAS, said property since May 1, 2019 has been used for educational and charitable purposes by The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation; and, WHEREAS, said property would not be tax exempt on the Grand List of October 1, 2018; and, WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statute Section 12-81(b) provides that any municipality may, by ordinance, provide that the property tax exemption authorized by any of subdivisions (7-16), inclusive, of section 12-81 shall be effective as of the date of acquisition of the property to which the exemption applies and shall, in such ordinance, provide procedure for reimbursement of the tax-exempt organization for any tax paid by it for a period subsequent to said date; and, WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statute Section 12-81(7) provides that real property, owned by a corporation organized exclusively for educational purposes and used for educational purposes, shall be exempt from taxation; and, WHEREAS, The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation has paid the July 1, 2019 real estate taxes for the property located at 25 Otis Street in the total amount of $2,409.10; and, WHEREAS, The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation, owned the property located at 25 Otis Street for a period of 151 days on the October 1, 2018 grand list; and, WHEREAS, the daily taxes for the property located at 25 Otis Street are $11.08; and, WHEREAS, The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation would be entitled to a reimbursement in the amount of $1,673.08; 151 days multiplied by $11.08. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that such property at 25 Otis Street be and hereby is exempted from the payment of any real estate taxes, interest or penalty due on the Grand List of October 1, 2018, or until said premises are no longer used by The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation for educational and charitable purposes and the City of Norwich shall reimburse The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation for any City of Norwich real estate taxes paid by it on the Grand List of October 1, 2018 for the period subsequent to May 1, 2019; which reimbursement shall be in the sum of $1,673.08 for real estate taxes paid to the City of Norwich. President Pro Tem Mark M. Bettencourt Alderwoman Stacy Gould  ORDINANCE #2 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 7-25 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES BY CHANGING THE TITLE, ADDING NEW PROVISIONS, TO BE IDENTIFIED AS (3) AND (4) TO SUBSECTION (a), AND BY ADDING A SUBSECTION (d) REGARDING THE TIMELY FILING OF A CLAIM FOR AN EXEMPTION AS PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that Section 7-25 Personal property taxation exemption on ambulances including retrofitted handicapped vehicles of the Norwich Code of Ordinances be amended as follows: Sec. 7-25. Personal property taxation exemption on ambulances including retrofitted handicapped vehicles and motor vehicles equipped for persons with disabilities (a) An exemption from personal property taxation shall be granted to the following: (1) Any ambulance-type motor vehicle or retrofitted handicapped vehicle which is used exclusively for the purpose of transporting any medically incapacitated individual, except any such vehicle used to transport any such individual for profit. (2) Any property owned by a nonprofit ambulance company. (3) Any motor vehicle owned by a person with disabilities or owned by the parent or guardian of such person, which vehicle is equipped for the purpose of adapting its use to the disability of such person, provided the legislative body of the municipality adopts a definition of such vehicle. (4) As used in Section 7-25(a) (3) and (4) and Section 7-25 (d) the terms “motor vehicle” and “vehicle” shall be defined to mean a motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1(58) of the Connecticut General Statutes, that has been altered, reconfigured, or has undergone mechanical or structural changes that permit a persons with disabilities to safely drive such vehicle or to ride as a passenger therein, including hand controls, hoists, lifts, and other adaptive control devices which enable an individual with mobility restrictions to control the accelerator, floor brake, turn signals, dimmer switch, steering wheel and/or parking brake. (b) This section is adopted pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 12-81c as may be amended from time to time. (c) This section shall take effect in assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 1988 (d) Applications for the exemption for motor vehicles owned by a person with disabilities or owned by the parents or guardian of such person shall be made on forms provided by the Assessor and must include all information and proofs required by the Assessor. A complete application for the exemption must be filed with the assessor, not later than the 31st day of December next following the date the property tax is due. The failure to submit a complete application for the exemption by the 31st day of December deadline shall be deemed to be a waiver of the exemption as to the taxes due under the relevant assessment date. Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom President Pro Tem Mark M. Bettencourt Alderwoman Stacy Gould  ORDINANCE #3 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 7-26 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING SUBSECTION (g) TO INCREASE THE PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS PURSUANT TO PUBLIC ACT NO. 19-36 WHEREAS, Public Act No 19-36 repealed section 12-81w of the General Statutes and substituted new provisions effective July 1, 2019; and WHEREAS, Public Act No 19-36 increased the amount of the property tax abatement for certain first responders including volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire police officers, as defined in subsection (a) of section 7-308 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Such tax relief to include an abatement of up to $1,500 in property taxes due in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, and an abatement of up to $2,000 in property taxes due thereafter commencing with the fiscal year running from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, Ordinance No. 7-26 be and hereby is amended by adding a subsection (g) to provide as follows: Sec. 7-26. Tax abatement for volunteer firefighters. (a) Any member seeking an abatement must have met with emergency call and training requirements set forth in §§ 8-74 (a)(i) and (ii). (b) A member who cannot perform his/her duty as a result of a department-related injury, as defined in § 8-72, shall have their percentage of attendance adjusted in the same manner as § 8-74(a)(iii). (c) The chief of each individual volunteer fire company shall submit a notarized list and an electronic list of all eligible members, as well as their respective level of tax abatement to the Norwich Tax Assessor, or the Tax Collector or Assessor of the municipality which has entered into an interlocal agreement with the City of Norwich and in which said eligible member resides, no later than March 1st of each year, in order to be eligible for a tax abatement as to taxes due on the following July 1st on the grand list of October 1st of the preceding year. This tax abatement shall be applied only to residential property tax or personal property tax, whether such property is owned individually jointly or as tenant in common with one or more other persons. (d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to imply that if an eligible member has less tax liability than their permitted amount of tax abatement, that they are entitled to receive any additional funds from the city under this section. (e) The Tax Assessor for the City of Norwich shall maintain a record of all taxes abated in accordance with this section.  (f) The city manager is authorized to enter into, create, receive and deliver an interlocal agreement on behalf of the City of Norwich with one or more of the towns showing common boundaries with the City of Norwich to provide reciprocal tax abatements as set forth in this section for eligible members of volunteer fire department who in a municipality subject to said intergovernmental agreement and provide volunteer services in another municipality subject to said agreement. (g) Any member meeting the emergency call and training requirements set forth in subsection (a) herein or who cannot perform his/her duty as a result of department- related injury as set forth in subsection (b) herein, and on whose behalf the necessary qualifying information has been submitted by the chief of the volunteer fire company for which the member performed services as set forth in subsection (c) herein shall be eligible for a tax abatement of up to $1,500 in property taxes due for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 and up to $2,000 for taxes due on any fiscal year thereafter commencing with the fiscal year running from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom President Pro Tem Mark M. Bettencourt