City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held December 20, 2021 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Neuendorf, Gould, Singh, Burto and Wilson. City Manager Salomone and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Nystrom presided. Ald. Wilson read the opening prayer and Ald. Neuendorf led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ald. Wilson asked for a moment of personal privilege to have a moment of silence for State Representative Edith Prague’s passing. Please be advised that meetings of the Norwich City Council can be viewed in their entirety on the City of Norwich website “norwichct.org”. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, commended the Mayor for the remembrance of David Crabb. He also talked about knowing the names of board members ahead of time. Marvin Serruto, 100 Starr St, talked about various issues. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted on a roll call vote to accept the resignation of Shane Roberts from the Uncas Health District and the Redevelopment Agency and thanking him for his service. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted on a roll call vote to accept the resignation of Swarnjit Singh from the Commission on the City Plan and the Inland Wetlands, Water Courses and Conservation Commission and thanking him for his service. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was unanimously voted on a roll call vote to accept the resignation of Gerald M. Martin from the School Building Committee 2020 and thanking him for his service. CITY MANAGERS REPORT To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: December 20, 2021 The official swearing in ceremony for Council and Board of Education took place on Tuesday, December 7th and was followed by a reception. Congratulations and thank you to family members, friends, and local dignitaries that attended. Special thanks to Rabbi Rabinowitz for the opening prayer, and Sally Masse for singing the national anthem. Thank you to City Clerk, Betsy Barrett, Mayors Secretary, Bonnie Cuprak, Executive Assistant, Jacquie Barbarossa and staff for their assistance in organizing the event. Meetings attended were with State representatives and legislators, Southeastern Council of Governments (SCCOG), Southeastern Area Transit (SEAT) Board meeting, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, (CCM) Annual meeting, Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA), Region 4 Emergency support Plan, NCDC Board meeting, NPU‐ City Coordination meeting, Harbor Management and the Fire Chiefs. I would also like to mention that two city employees, Brigid Marks, Human Resources Director and Jacquie Barbarossa, Executive Assistant to the City Manager were recognized at the annual CCM conference for obtaining Certificates of Completion as Certified CT Municipal Officials. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 To safeguard the health and well‐being of employees and their families, our residents and visitors and the community from the considerable risks associated with COVID‐19 all employees and elected officials were notified that beginning January 1, 2022 all City employees and elected officials who are not vaccinated are required to submit weekly testing results. The full policy is on the Human Resources page of the City website at www.norwichct.org. I would like to announce the appointment of Tara Booker who has been hired as the new Director of Norwich Human Service. Tara began her duties on December 6th and is working with parting director Lee‐Ann Gomes until her retirement on December 30th. Congratulations to Tara on her new role and thank you to Lee‐Ann for 36 years of service with the City of Norwich. Thank you to the Norwich Events Organization and to those that participated in the annual Winterfest Parade that was held on November 28th. Thousands enjoyed the downtown parade and it was a great way to kick off the start of the holiday season. The 30th annual Light Up City Hall Event was held on First Friday, December 3rd... Thank you to the committee, sponsors, performers, and volunteers who make this event possible and to The Rows City Knitters at Otis Library who donated scarves to keep our residents warm throughout the season. Thank you to Chris Ninteau from Preston and Michael Gualtieri from Norwich who donated the holiday trees for City Hall and the downtown rotary. I have attached the Fire Chiefs report from our November meetings. City Manager’s Report to Public Safety December 8, 2021 meeting I have met with the Fire Chiefs twice over the past month. We met on November 9th with Rob Rautio from American Ambulance. We met again on November 16th with Captain Veiga and Dispatcher O’Brien from Norwich Police Department. Due to scheduling conflicts, the Chiefs have not been able to meet on their own over the past two months, however they did have another meeting with representatives from Motorola and the Connecticut Telecommunications System Unit regarding the Statewide Radio System project. At our meeting with American Ambulance we discussed a number of concerns raised by the Chiefs regarding procedures, policies, and recent service delivery. We don’t normally have American Ambulance at the table, but it was a good to directly address the ongoing concerns of the Chiefs with Rob. Several topics were discussed involving Emergency Medical responses that the Fire Chiefs and Rob will work on for consistency in response, communication, and expectations when mutual aid ambulance services may be needed. The conversation was helpful for the groups to better understand the needs and concerns of both sides. I will include American Ambulance in future meetings as needed to address the concerns of the Chiefs. The meeting with Captain Veiga and Dispatcher O’Brien focused on recent incidents and dispatch procedures, and also included some of the items that were raised during the meeting with American Ambulance. There are some challenges and inconsistent application of procedures in dispatch that were addressed. The Chiefs and Dispatcher O’Brien shared their ideas on how to move forward and what areas can be adjusted to implement specific procedures regarding re-tones and automatic aid assignments. Dispatch and communication procedures were discussed as they relate to all departments following similar practices whenever feasible, with the understanding that there are inherent differences in the services. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 We spoke of schedule and staffing level challenges that dispatch faces and what role the Chiefs play. The Chiefs all support increased staffing for the dispatchers, but recognize that it is on the Dispatcher’s union and PD leadership to enact any changes to personnel levels. While it is not normal for me to include the outside agencies in my meetings with the Chiefs, the need to have direct conversation with American and with Dispatch was clearly identified. Both meetings were productive and I think will lead to steps in the right direction to address the concerns of all involved. My next scheduled meeting with the Chiefs is December 14th. Please be advised that meetings of the Norwich City Council can be viewed in their entirety on the City of Norwich website “norwichct.org”. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on resolutions. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, commented on Resolution #9 and asked who was being appointed and spoke on Resolution #25. LeAnn Gomes, Director of Human Service, commended the City for opting into Resolution #25. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. RESOLVED, that the council members listed below, be, and hereby are, appointed to the Harbor Management Commission for a term to expire December 5, 2023. 1. Alderman Grant Neuendorf 2. Alderman Derell Q. Wilson Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. RESOLVED, that the council member listed below, be, and hereby is, appointed to the Dangerous Buildings Board of Review for a term to expire December 5, 2023. 1. Alderwoman Stacy Gould Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould on the floor. Upon a motion of President Pro DeLucia, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to amend the following resolution to add “Alderman Swarnjit Singh”. RESOLVED, that the council members listed below, be, and hereby are, appointed to the Public Parking Commission for a term to expire December 5, 2023. 1. Alderwoman Stacy Gould 2. Alderwoman Tracey Burto 3. Alderman Swarnjit Singh 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 Motion passes on a roll call vote of 7-0. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. RESOLVED, that the council members listed below, be, and hereby are, appointed to the Recreation Advisory Board for a term to expire December 5, 2023. 1. Alderman Grant Neuendorf 2. Alderman Derell Q. Wilson Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. RESOLVED, that the Council member listed below, be, and hereby is, appointed to the Sachem Fund Board for a term to expire December 5, 2023. 1. Alderman Derell Q. Wilson Upon a motion of Ald. Singh, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. RESOLVED, that the council member listed below, be, and hereby is, appointed to the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee for a term to expire December 5, 2023. 1. Alderman Grant Neuendorf Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. RESOLVED, that the council members listed below, be, and hereby are, appointed to the Monument Committee for a term to expire December 5, 2023. 1. Alderman Grant Neuendorf 2. Alderman Swarnjit Singh 3. Alderwoman Tracey Burto Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. RESOLVED, that the council members listed below, be, and hereby are, appointed to the Plan of Conservation & Development for a term to expire December 5, 2023. 1. Alderwoman Stacy Gould 2. Alderman Swarnjit Singh 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. RESOLVED, that the council member listed below, be, and hereby is, appointed to the Rehabilitation Review Committee for a term to expire December 5, 2023. 1. Alderwoman Stacy Gould Upon a motion of Ald. Singh, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Bill Nash be and hereby is appointed as the designated City of Norwich Veterans’ Service contact person pursuant to Public Act No. 13-34 to serve in such position until such time as the City of Norwich, separately or with one or more other cities or towns, by ordinance establishes a local Veterans’ Advisory Committee which shall have the responsibility of carrying out locally the duties and purposes of §27-135 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Upon a motion of Ald. Singh, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. RESOLVED, that the council members listed below, be, and hereby are, appointed Liaison to the Board of Education, for a term to expire December 5, 2023. Said appointees shall report in writing to the Council quarterly. 1. Alderwoman Stacy Gould 2. Alderman Derell Q. Wilson Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, has adopted a resolution establishing a City Council & Board of Education Ad Hoc Committee to communicate relative to financial provisions for education. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the below named, be and hereby are, appointed to the City Council & Board of Education Ad Hoc Committee to serve, unless replaced, until December 5, 2023. 1. President Pro Tem Joseph A. DeLucia 2. Alderwoman Stacy Gould 3. Alderman Swarnjit Singh Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Norwich adopted a resolution to create and appoint members to a School Building Committee (2020) on January 21, 2020, and; WHEREAS, the work of that committee continues for the foreseeable future and until such time as a recommendation is made by the committee to the Council regarding the renovation, replacement, and construction of the physical assets of the city’s school system. BE IT RESOLVED, that the below named be and hereby are appointed as Council Representatives to the School Building Committee (2020) for terms to expire December 5, 2023. President Pro Tem Joseph A. DeLucia (D) Alderwoman Stacy Gould (R) BE IT RESOLVED, that the below named be and hereby are appointed as public members to the School Building Committee (2020) for terms to expire January 21, 2024 or until a successor is appointed. Gregory Ballassi (R) Mark M. Bettencourt (D) Greg Carabine (U) Peter Gauthier (D) William Hull (D) Kristen Talley (D) Mark Adams (R) BE IT RESOLVED, that the below named be and hereby are appointed as Board of Education members to the School Building Committee (2020) for terms to expire December 5, 2023. Christine DiStasio (R) Mark Kulos (D) BE IT RESOLVED, that the below named be and hereby are appointed as Ex-officio members to the School Building Committee (2020). Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom John Salomone - Norwich City Manager Kristin Stringfellow - Superintendent of Schools (NPS) Josh Pothier - Comptroller Chris LaRose - General Manager (NPU) Michael Driscoll - Corporation Counsel Patrick McLaughlin - Director of Public Works Jamie Bender - Director of Pupil Services & Special Education (NPS) Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 WHEREAS, the Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) was founded in 1963 by a group of visionaries who understood the necessity of bringing economic prosperity to the City of Norwich and helping to create opportunities for jobs and investments. WHEREAS, the Norwich City Council on April 15, 1971 designated the Norwich Community Development Corporation as the development agency, assisting the Mayor and City Manager with the coordination of economic development and growth of the City; and WHEREAS, the bylaws of Norwich Community Development Corporation state that “The following representatives of the City of Norwich shall serve as full voting members of the Board of Directors subject to requirements of Section 4 of this Article: Mayor of the City of Norwich, City Manager of the City of Norwich, Norwich Public Utilities General Manager and one Person from Norwich Public Utilities, at the option of the Department; and not more than two, then serving, members of the Norwich City Council during their term of office, at the option of the City of Norwich; WHEREAS, all council member appointments to boards, commissions, committees or any representation on behalf of the city are subject to approval by the full council; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, 2 members of the council serve on the Norwich Community Development Corporation alongside the City Manager and Mayor and that their term be until December 5, 2023: Alderwoman Stacy Gould Alderman Swarnjit Singh Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. RESOLVED, that the re-appointment of Aimee L. Siefert by the Corporation Counsel as an Assistant Corporation Counsel of the City of Norwich be and the same is hereby approved. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich has appointed Michael E. Driscoll, of the firm of Brown Jacobson PC, as Corporation Counsel for the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the Council has approved the appointment of Attorney Aimee L. Siefert, of Brown Jacobson PC, as an Assistant Corporation Counsel; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich has considered the needs of the City for legal advice, the nature and complexity of litigation and administrative matters currently underway or likely to occur in the future and the need for representation with regard to multiple areas of legal, financial and administrative matters, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the following attorneys from Brown Jacobson PC may assist Attorney Driscoll and Attorney Siefert in carrying out their duties: 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 Michael D. Colonese Jeffrey R. Godley Jeffrey F. Buebendorf Cassie N. Jameson John F. Duggan Ashley E. Palma AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Corporation Counsel may utilize the services of other attorneys to perform specialized matters or to assist the Corporation Counsel and the City of Norwich including, but not limited to; 1) Attorneys selected by insurance carriers providing coverage to the City of Norwich or divisions thereof, including those of the firm of Cella, McKeon and Williams, Howd and Ludorf, and other attorneys or firms selected by the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency; or other entity providing coverage to the city of Norwich or division thereof; 2) Attorneys of the firm of Scott & Scott LLP of Colchester, Connecticut and other locations, presently handling Opioid Class Action litigation for the City of Norwich; 3) Attorneys Lloyd Langhammer, Donna Skaats, attorneys of the firm of Murtha Cullina, and other counsel as necessary for tax assessment appeals, sewer assessments, water and sewer liens, gas and electric charges, tax collections, other collections matters involving monies owed the city; 4) Attorneys Eileen Duggan and Kenneth Plumb and other attorneys of their respective firms; 5) Attorneys Michael Andreanna, John Stafstrom and other attorneys of the Pullman and Comley firm as bond and financial counsel and for litigation; 6) Attorneys with the firm of Shipman and Goodwin for representation of Norwich Public Schools; and 7) Such other attorneys as may be retained on behalf of the City of Norwich should the Corporation Counsel have a conflict or require specialized legal assistance. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem DeLucia and Ald. Singh, Ald. Burto and Ald.Wilson. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Norwich adopted a resolution to create and appoint members to a School Building Committee (2000) on January 21, 2020, and; WHEREAS, the work of that committee continues for the foreseeable future and until such time as a recommendation is made by the committee to the Council regarding the renovation, replacement, and construction of the physical assets of the city’s school system. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the School Building Committee 2020 deliver its written report and recommendation to the Council on or before June 30, 2022. Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone. Relative to appropriating fees retained by the City Clerk for the preservation and management of historic documents for the purpose of increasing staffing. 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 WHEREAS, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §7-34a(d), the Norwich City Clerk retains a portion of land records fees in an account to be “used for the preservation and management of historic documents;” and WHEREAS, the City Clerk has an accumulated balance is this account of approximately $95,000; and WHEREAS, because of the large volume of work, the City Clerk would be able to preserve and manage historic documents more effectively with increased staffing; and WHEREAS, the City Manager intends to include an increase in staffing in the City Clerk’s office in his 2022-23 budget proposal. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that up to $45,000 be appropriated from the City Clerk’s account for preservation and management of historic documents (project account G0016) for the purpose of hiring an additional Records Clerk and paying the wages and fringe benefits for such Records Clerk until the end of fiscal year 2021-22. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone has reappointed with Councils approval as regular member to the Harbor Management Commission for a term to expire on 12/5/23 or until a successor is appointed; Michael Aliano (U) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby acknowledges the appointment of the above named to the Harbor Management Commission. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem DeLucia, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Ald. Gould. To allocate American Rescue Plan funds for replacement of public safety computer-aided dispatch and records management system software and related radio and other equipment and implementation services. WHEREAS, under the American Rescue Plan funds have been and are to be delivered next year from the federal government to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and to bring back jobs and funding objectives; and WHEREAS, these funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and can be used to cover costs associated with:  Responding to the negative impacts of the COVID pandemic, including assistance to households, small businesses and non-profits as well as aide to affected industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality; 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021  Providing government services previously cut due to pandemic-related revenue shortfalls; and  Making needed investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich has been allocated a total of $28,838,728.44; of which it has received the sum of $14,419,364.22 in June 2021 and will receive the remainder by June 2022; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich has approved expenditures of American Rescue Plan funds totaling $11,289,000 for various initiatives; leaving a balance of $17,549,728.44; and WHEREAS, in its February 2021 fire study report, McGrath Consulting Group found that antiquated dispatch technology and lack of interoperability to be the highest priority issues needing to be addressed for the fire services; and WHEREAS, the efficient dispatch of public safety officers is essential to the safety of both the persons in need of service and the public safety officers; and WHEREAS, the cost to implement new public safety computer-aided dispatch and records management software systems, migrate the six fire departments onto the Connecticut State Police radio infrastructure, and purchase compatible radio subscriber units for the six fire departments is estimated at $4,100,000; and WHEREAS, the City will likely receive $700,000 in an earmark from Congressman Courtney and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds that this project is consistent with the plan objectives of the American Rescue Plan; can be obligated within the time allotted; will respond to American Rescue Plan Expenditure Category “1.7 Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes to Public Facilities that respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.” NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that $3,400,000 be appropriated from American Rescue Plan funds to the Norwich Police and Fire Departments to implement a new Computer Aided Dispatch system, migrate the six fire departments onto the Connecticut State Police radio infrastructure, and purchase compatible radio subscriber units for the six fire departments with the provision that these funds be obligated by December 31, 2024 and that quarterly reports on project and its progress be submitted to the City Council, and that any remaining funds be returned to the city for reallocation. Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. To authorize and direct City Manager John Salomone to enter into a contract with Motorola for public safety computer-aided dispatch and records management system software and related radio and other equipment and implementation services. WHEREAS, the Norwich Police Department has been notified by its software vendor that its public safety computer-aided dispatch and records management software systems will not continue to be fully supported and upgraded; and 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 WHEREAS, the Norwich Police Department transitioned its radio communications to the Connecticut State Police’s Motorola-based radio system in 2018; and WHEREAS, the City has reviewed public safety computer-aided dispatch and records management system alternative solutions and determined that Motorola’s combined Subscriber Unit and PremierOne system should work most effectively with the Connecticut State Police’s Motorola-based radio system and, therefore, represents the best interest of the City; and WHEREAS, the cost to implement new public safety computer-aided dispatch and records management software systems, migrate the six fire departments onto the Connecticut State Police radio infrastructure, and purchase compatible radio subscriber units for the six fire departments is estimated at $4,100,000. 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 agreement(s) with Motorola for the purposes of replacing the City’s public safety computer-aided dispatch and records management system software and purchasing related radio and other equipment and implementation services. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. To reallocate capital improvement fund project funding. WHEREAS, the Public Works department is requesting to replace a bucket truck which was damaged in a storm; and WHEREAS, the Public Works department is requesting additional funds to repair the roof of the 23 Union Street building; and WHEREAS, the Police department is requesting additional funds to renovate the eight prisoner cells at the police station; and WHEREAS, the Police department is requesting additional funds for the completion of the parking lot repairs at the police station; and WHEREAS, there are funds available from previously approved capital projects which have been completed at less than their original appropriations or are determined to be less urgent than the projects to which the funds are being reallocated. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that $250,835.50 be and hereby is reallocated from the Capital Improvement Fund projects listed in 1. to the projects listed in 2. below: 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 1. Projects to reallocate funds from: Org Object Project Description Amount 36022017 53010 Radio system planning services 129,524.10 36022018 57301 Police equipment 73.16 36022019 57301 Police equipment 14,368.87 36022018 54430 Building repairs 6,869.37 36024305 57413 C2134 Sidewalk improvements 100,000.00 Total 250,835.50 2. Projects to reallocate funds to: Org Object Project Description Amount 36022015 57247 23 Union Street Roof 38,000.00 36024201 57200 C2108 Renovate eight prisoner cells 100,000.00 36024313 57320 C2253 PW Bucket Truck 110,000.00 36024201 57220 C2109 Parking lot repairs 2,835.50 Total 250,835.50 Upon a motion of Ald. Singh, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich currently is divided into six (6) voting districts often referred to as precincts (hereinafter “Voting Districts”); and WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statute § 9‐169 provides that the legislative body of any town may divide and re‐ divide said municipality into voting districts; and WHEREAS, all or portions of three (3) state assembly districts, the 46th, the 47th, and 139th are located in Norwich; and WHEREAS, the boundaries within Norwich of all three (3) of these state assembly districts have been altered pursuant to a Plan of Redistricting for Connecticut approved by the Reapportionment Commission and entitled to the full force of law; and WHEREAS, the Registrars of Voters of the City of Norwich have recommended that the boundaries of the six (6) Voting Districts in Norwich be redrawn to incorporate these changes to the state assembly districts within the Voting District structure in Norwich, which will continue to have six (6) Voting Districts, with the Registrars of Voters to identify one or more suitable polling place within each Voting District; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it to be in the best interest of the city and the electors of the City of Norwich to maintain six (6) Voting Districts incorporating necessary changes to the boundaries of the state assembly districts. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the configuration of the Voting District in Norwich be and hereby is amended as depicted on the City of Norwich Voter Precinct Map, 2021 Updates Review, attached to this resolution as Exhibit A and more particularly set out and described in a Norwich Street Range Guide attached hereto as Exhibit B; and 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that this amendment and rearrangement to the boundaries of the six (6) Voting Districts in the City of Norwich shall become effective on January 1, 2022. Map and Voting Districts – Exhibits A & B Upon a motion by Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 1-200(6), that the members of the Norwich City Council go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation. City Manager John Salomone and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll shall be asked to participate during all or portions of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council. The council was in Executive Session from 8:30 pm to 9:05 pm, at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to return to regular session. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould on the floor. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to amend the following resolution in paragraph #4 “$86,000” #5 “$86,000 and Victoriano Alarcon of 240 Raymond Hill Road, Uncasville, CT”. WHEREAS, the resolution recently approved on November 15, 2021, the offer was withdrawn by the buyer; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich, is utilizing the services of Signature Properties as a realtor, which has listed the property at 16 Robbins Court and received an offer to purchase. WHEREAS, the Council has resolved that upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales Agreement containing an offer to purchase on such terms and conditions as are 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, City Manager John Salomone has received a Purchase and Sales Agreement from Signature Properties containing an offer to purchase 16 Robbins Court, the offer being the sum of $86,000 with 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 $86,000 to Victoriano Alarcon of 240 Raymond Hill Road, Uncasville, CT 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 Victoriano Alarcon of 240 Raymond Hill Road, Uncasville, CT or his designee for the property known as 16 Robbins Court, 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. Motion passes on a roll call vote of 7-0. 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 20, 2021 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Alderwoman Gould on the floor. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by President Pro Tem DeLucia, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to amend the following resolution in paragraph #2 to remove after “Chapter 11 bankruptcy” “, which proof of claim was in excess of $80,000,000.00”. WHEREAS, on May 7, 2018, the City of Norwich retained the law firm of Scott & Scott to initiate and pursue litigation on behalf of the City of Norwich against manufacturer and distributor pharmaceutical companies involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of opioid; and WHEREAS, on September 30, 2019, the City of Norwich filed a proof of claim in the Purdue Pharma L.P. Chapter 11 bankruptcy; and WHEREAS, Attorney Generals of several states, including Connecticut, have negotiated a potential settlement with the pharmaceutical companies; and WHEREAS, if the City of Norwich wishes to opt-in to the potential settlement, it must do so no later than January 2, 2022; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds that settlement of such litigation may assist the City of Norwich in recovering just compensation for cost, expenses and other damages relating to the Opioid crisis. 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 execute the settlement agreement opt-in on behalf of the City of Norwich. Motion passes on a roll call vote of 7-0. Ald. Singh asked for a moment of personal privilege where he expressed his thanks and appreciation to the citizens of Norwich and other organizations. He also described his many names he is addressed by. He congratulated the young cheerleaders for their victory, he spoke on the 230th anniversary of the Bill of Rights being ratified, and a personal citation remembering a fellow Sikh for his volunteerism. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:10 pm. City Clerk 14