City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held October 17, 2022 at 7:30 PM at Kelly STEAM Magnet Middle School. 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 Eagle Scout John G Jerolis 3rd led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. 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 read the following Proclamation: PRO CL A MAT I O N WHEREAS, Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men, with the title of Eagle Scout being held for life, thus giving rise to the phrase "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle"; and WHEREAS, requirements for earning the rank of Eagle Scout include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit, John G. Jerolis 3rd has earned 26 merit badges and a Palm, as a member of Troop 4; and WHEREAS, John G. Jerolis 3rd has risen through the ranks from, a Tiger Scout to the Order of the Arrow with Pack 17 and crossed over to Troop 4; and WHEREAS, John G. Jerolis 3rd shows his Scout Spirit through his chosen project, he replaced the left fence around the Colonial Garden at Leffingwell House Museum; and WHEREAS, John G. Jerolis 3rd fundraising was so successful that he had a balance of $446.00 that was presented to Leffingwell House Museum on July 4th; and WHEREAS, John G. Jerolis 3rd has two sisters, one older one younger who is in Troop 15G in Franklin and an older brother who served our country as a veteran serving in Iraq, his grandparents are very active in his Scouting career; and WHEREAS, John G. Jerolis 3rd graduated from high school in May and plans to attend college next fall for his degree in Computer Science, we wish him well. NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR PETER ALBERT NYSTROM AND NORWICH CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM, JOSEPH A. DELUCIA, ON BEHALF OF THE NORWICH CITY COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, do hereby congratulate John G. Jerolis 3rd on his impressive record and on his achieving the rank of Eagle Scout with a Palm. Dated this First day of October, 2022 Peter Albert Nystrom Joseph A. DeLucia Mayor President Pro Tem 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 Mayor Nystrom read the following Proclamation: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc. was established in 1998 as a Section 501(c) (3) organization, initially endowed with a $2 million dollar donation from Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation has awarded over $5 million in grants to non-profit organizations; and WHEREAS, Chelsea Groton Foundation presented a grant donation to Global City Norwich, to be used specifically for assisting multicultural entrepreneurs and small business owners who are interested in occupying storefront spaces in the Downtown area, or who currently own businesses and are looking to grow; and WHEREAS, in their role as a major bank of Norwich, Chelsea Groton Foundation, through the leadership of Michael Rauh has continually supported program’s in the Rose City for the betterment of all of us and our children; and WHEREAS, Chelsea Groton Foundation has a vision to bring multicultural enterprises to the downtown to fill the storefronts with ethnic entrepreneurs, to educate them in business practices and connect them with business resources; and WHEREAS, Chelsea Groton Foundation whose mission is to support the ongoing commitment in partnership for the long-term growth of our community; and WHEREAS, since 2018, Global City Norwich has brought multiple cultures and communities together for festivals for the Haitians, Cape Verdeans, Polish, Peruvians, Puerto Ricans, Dominican and flag raising ceremonies, for the Greeks, Sikh, Juneteenth, Peruvian, Ukrainian, Haitians, and Pakistani, to attract residents and visitors of Norwich to the Downtown area; and WHEREAS, the Rose City thanks Chelsea Groton Foundation and Michael Rauh for their dedication to Norwich and our residents and for bringing their vision to Norwich. NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR PETER ALBERT NYSTROM AND NORWICH CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM, JOSEPH A. DELUCIA, ON BEHALF OF THE NORWICH CITY COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, do hereby thank Chelsea Groton Foundation on their impressive work and on their commitment to the City of Norwich. Dated this Seventeenth day of October, 2022 Peter Albert Nystrom Joseph A. DeLucia Mayor President Pro Tem Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment. John Rynkiewicz Jr, 23 Michelle Dr, talked about the concerns of taxpayers, asked for better communication regarding the roundabouts and the schools. Samuel Browning, 671 Scotland Rd, asked for better communication about the school bond project. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 Brian Kobylarz, 16 Hobart Ave, asked for better communication about the school bond project. He suggested to use the Citizen Lab program to help educate and asked about the economic impact of the roundabout project. Janice Sawicki, 39 Andrea Ln, stated a concern about the lack of attendance at meetings. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to accept the following letter of resignation. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 CITY MANAGERS REPORT To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: October 17, 2022 Meetings attended were with State representatives and legislators, Southeastern Council of Governments Executive Committee Meeting (SCCOG), Southeastern Area Transit (SEAT), NPU-City Coordination Meeting, NCDC Board of Directors meeting, and Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF 2030). The City of Norwich has launched Envision Norwich 360 the new digital community engagement platform, powered by CitizenLab. The platform will provide residents, businesses, and property owners with a central online hub where they can learn about ongoing City projects and initiatives, share ideas, discuss proposals with fellow community members, and make their voice heard on the issues that matter to them. Envision Norwich 360 currently features four projects and allows users the ability to submit an idea that others can view and support. To register and start participating visit envisionnorwich360.com or click on the 06360 button located at the top of the main page of the City’s website www.norwichct.org. Please contact the Planning Department at 860-823-3767 for more information. Thank you to Uncas Health for the annual flu and covid clinics that were held at City Hall and Fire headquarters for city employees. Thank you to City Clerk Betsy Barrett, and my Executive Assistant Jacquie Barbarossa for leading the Norwich City Hall Facts & Folklore tour of City Hall for the Last Green Valleys “Walktober”. Walks continue until November 6th in Norwich and the surrounding towns. Norwich Youth, Family, and Recreational Services is collaborating with Otis Library on October 26, 2022 to screen the upcoming film, “Race to Be Human.” Youth, Family, and Recreational Services will be hosting Trunk or Treat on the evening of October 28th at the Rose City Senior Center parking lot. Norwich families can register on the Recreation Department website or call 860-823-3791 for more information. The first NorWitch Halloween Strut will be held on October 29, 2022 from 6 to 8 pm. There will be fun for all ages; come show of your costume in downtown Norwich. For more information visit gonorwichct.com. I have attached the City Departments, and Otis Library reports for quarter ending September 30, 2022, the Key Financial Indicators as of August 31, 2022 and the Fire Chiefs Meeting report. Department Quarterly Reports City Manager’s Report to Public Safety October 12, 2022 meeting I last met with the Fire Chiefs on September 28th. Due to a schedule conflict, my time with them was spent discussing Automatic Aid. The other items were discussed after I left the meeting, as reported by Chief Montoya. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 Automatic Aid Policy was reviewed and finalized. Chief Montoya was to forward a copy to Dispatch for their awareness, and an implementation date of November 1st was decided. The Chiefs have been asked to do all that they can to make this a successful change in fire responses. We know that there will be challenges, and we will reevaluate after 6 months to see if any adjustments are necessary. This is a major change for the Norwich fire service and I appreciate the time and effort of all the Chiefs in coming to an agreement on this. Chief Montoya reports that all Knox authorized signers have been updated with the company. Each department has two representatives for ordering parts and acting as Knox coordinator for installed systems. The Chiefs discussed the new provider for firefighter physicals and procedures for when a member fails the physical. All Chiefs have processes in place. Chief Montoya updated the group on the CAD system and the provisioning that has begun. Run cards and other aspects of fire data will be input once the FDs have guidance from Motorola. Chief Eyberse reported the Norwich Free Academy wants to restart the Introduction to Fire Service program. The Chiefs will work together on planning and logistics for the program. The Lucas Devices that were purchased through ARPA funds were delivered. Training is scheduled for later this month. Once training is complete, all Norwich Departments will be equipped with the device. Norwich Fire received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to provide training in Rapid Intervention Teams, Aerial Operations, and Pump Operations. Training is yet to be scheduled, but will include all groups. Our next meeting is scheduled for October 26th. 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. There were no speakers. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. 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, Ald. Gould and Wilson. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich is the owner of two (2) small parcels of land adjacent to Bromley Lane in Norwich which land is included within land comprising the proposed Business Park North being developed by the Norwich Community Development Corporation; and WHEREAS, the property to be conveyed was previously conveyed by the Norwich Community Corporation to the City of Norwich by deed dated June 7, 2007 and recorded in Volume 2389 Page 312 of the Norwich Land Records, a copy of the legal description of the land being attached hereto as Exhibit A, and a plan depicting the same shown as Exhibit B; and WHEREAS, the property was acquired by the Norwich Community Development Corporation to facilitate the development of the proposed for the Byron Brook Country Club, the development of which was not achieved, the Norwich Community Development Corporation thereafter conveying the property to the City of Norwich in 2007 to be held for future development; and 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 WHEREAS, conveyance of the property to aid in the development of Business Park North is consistent with the purpose for which the City of Norwich has held this property; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Norwich to convey this property to the Norwich Community Development Corporation to assist in the development of Business Park North. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the conveyance of the land described herein by the City of Norwich to the Norwich Community Development Corporation be approved and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Norwich that City Manager, John Salomone, be and hereby is authorized and directed to execute a quit-claim deed of the subject property to the Norwich Community Development Corporation and to enter into and sign on behalf of the City of Norwich, such other documents as are necessary to effectuate the transfer of said property. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Singh, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Gould and Wilson. 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 To amend the employment agreement between John Salomone and the City of Norwich. WHEREAS, John Salomone is presently employed by the Council of the City of Norwich (“Council”) as City Management pursuant to the terms of an agreement made effective February 1, 2016 and later amended on May 20, 2019; and WHEREAS, the Council is satisfied with the performance of John Salomone and wishes to enhance his benefits to encourage him to continue to serve as City Manager beyond December 31, 2022; and WHEREAS, such benefit enhancements are similar to the benefits offered to other non-union department heads. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Manager John Salomone be granted the following benefit enhancements: 1. Increase annual vacation from four weeks to five weeks; and 2. Allow the carryover of up to one week of vacation time to the following year; and 3. Upon retiring from his role as City Manager of the City of Norwich: a. The City shall pay for premiums on a $100,000 life insurance policy, and b. The City shall pay out any unused vacation time, and c. The City shall pay out up to 20 days of unused sick time. 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, Ald. Gould and Wilson. Relative to the acceptance of and identification of the local match for a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) scoping Grant for the City of Norwich Upper Falls Dam Project Scoping. WHEREAS, the Norwich Public Works Department applied for and was awarded a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) scoping Grant for the Upper Falls Dam Project Scoping from the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $44,800 for the project scoping, WHEREAS, the BRIC grant requires a local match of $14,000.00; and WHEREAS, the items and activities to be funded by the Grant and local match should not give rise to an increase in annual operating costs. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the City Manager and Comptroller be, and hereby are authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents necessary to accept the BRIC award on behalf of the City of Norwich and to do and perform all acts and things which he deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the local match be funded with $14,000.00 from the 2022-23 Norwich Public Works Department Engineering Professional Services line item (10430500-53010). 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Singh, it was unanimously voted on a roll call vote to waive the full reading of the text, send a referral to the Commission on the City Plan and set a public hearing on December 5, 2022 at 7:30 pm for the second reading and action for the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Gould. 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 Business Master Plan Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Singh, it was unanimously voted on a roll call vote to waive the full reading of the text and set a public hearing on November 7, 2022 at 7:30 pm for the second reading and action for the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President, Ald. Gould and Wilson. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 20 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ESTABLISHING A HEARING PROCEDURE FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS WHEREAS, Section 7-152b of the Connecticut General Statutes provides a hearing procedure of parking violations which Connecticut municipalities may adopt by local ordinance; and WHEREAS, the adoption of such a hearing procedure enables municipalities to use the judicial process to collect on delinquent parking violations which should, in turn, improve the collections for delinquent parking violations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the following sections be added or amended in Article II of Chapter 20 of the Code of Ordinances: Sec. 20-19. Same—Fines and penalties. Each owner or operator receiving a notice provided in section 20-18 may pay to the public parking commission personally or by mail shall pay as a penalty for and in full satisfaction of such violation the following sums: (a) Obstructing driveway $25.00 (b) Parking too far from curb $15.00 (c) Parking too close to corner $15.00 (d) Double parking $25.00 (e) Parking on wrong side of street $15.00 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 (f) Parking in crosswalk $15.00 (g) Parking too close to fire hydrant $25.00 (h) Violation of snow regulations $25.00 (i) Parking in handicapped zone $100.00 (j) Parking in fire zone $25.00 (k) Parking in posted no parking zone $15.00 (l) Overtime parking $5.00 (m) Parking at bus stop, taxi stand or loading zone $15.00 (n) Parking on sidewalk $15.00 (o) Parking in intersection $15.00 (p) Obstructing traffic $25.00 (q) Left wheel to curb $15.00 (r) Other $15.00 The failure of such owner or operator to make such payment to said commission within 14 days shall render him them liable to payment of double the above fines. The failure of such owner or operator to make such payment to said commission within 30 days shall render him them liable to the penalty provided by the Connecticut General Statutes for infractions violations. Any convenience fees or other collection costs may be passed onto such owner or operator by the commission. [The current language of Sec. 20-21 regarding prima facie evidence shall be replaced as follows:] Sec. 20-24. Hearing procedure for parking violations Pursuant to §§ 7-148, 7-152b, and 14-305 to 14-308, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes, the city enacts the hearing procedure for parking violations described herein. a) Hearing officers. The parking commission shall appoint one or more parking violation hearing officers to conduct hearings for parking violations. Such hearing officers cannot be personnel who are authorized to issue such violations or who otherwise work for the police department or parking commission. b) Notice of violation. Within two years from the expiration of the final period for the uncontested payment of fines, penalties, costs or fees for any alleged parking violation, the city shall send notice to the motor vehicle operator, if known, or the registered owner of the motor vehicle by first class mail at their address according to the registration records of the Department of Motor Vehicles or by electronic mail, if the operator or owner's electronic mail address is known. Such notice shall inform the operator or owner: i) of the allegations against them and the amount of the fines, penalties, costs or fees due; ii) that they may contest their liability before a parking violations hearing officer by delivering in person, by electronic mail or by mail written notice within 10 days of the date thereof; iii) that if they do not demand such a hearing, an assessment and judgment shall enter against them; and iv) that such judgment may issue without further notice. c) Proof of liability. Whenever a violation of such an ordinance occurs, proof of the registration number of the motor vehicle involved shall be prima facie evidence in all proceedings provided for in this section that the owner of such vehicle was the operator thereof; provided, the liability of a lessee under section 14-107 shall apply. d) Admission of liability. If the person who is sent notice pursuant to subsection (b) of this section wishes to admit liability for any alleged violation, such person may, without requesting a hearing, pay the full amount of the fines, penalties, costs or fees admitted to in person or by mail to an official designated 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 by the city. Such payment shall be inadmissible in any proceeding, civil or criminal, to establish the conduct of such person or other person making the payment. Any person who does not demand a hearing within 10 days of the date of the first notice provided for in subsection (b) of this section shall be deemed to have admitted liability, and the designated official shall certify such person's failure to respond to the hearing officer. The hearing officer shall thereupon enter and assess the fines, penalties, costs or fees provided for by the applicable ordinances and shall follow the procedures set forth in subsection (f) of this section. e) Hearing procedure. i) Any person who requests a hearing shall be given written notice of the date, time and place for the hearing. Such hearing shall be held not less than 15 days nor more than 30 days from the date of the mailing of notice, provided the hearing officer shall grant upon good cause shown any reasonable request by any interested party for postponement or continuance. An original or certified copy of the initial notice of violation issued by a police officer or other issuing officer shall be filed and retained by the city, be deemed to be a business record within the scope of section 52- 180 and be evidence of the facts contained therein. The presence of the police officer or issuing officer shall be required at the hearing if such person so requests. A person wishing to contest their liability shall appear at the hearing in person or by means of electronic equipment, and may present evidence in their behalf. A designated official, other than the hearing officer, may present evidence on behalf of the city. ii) If such person fails to appear, the hearing officer may enter an assessment by default against them upon a finding of proper notice and liability under the applicable statutes or ordinances. The hearing officer may accept from such person copies of police reports, Department of Motor Vehicles documents and other official documents by mail and may determine thereby that the appearance of such person is unnecessary. The hearing officer shall conduct the hearing in the order and form and with such methods of proof as he deems fair and appropriate. The rules regarding the admissibility of evidence shall not be strictly applied, but all testimony shall be given under oath or affirmation. The hearing officer shall announce their decision at the end of the hearing. If the hearing officer determines that the person is not liable, they shall dismiss the matter and enter their determination in writing accordingly. If the hearing officer determines that the person is liable for the violation, they shall forthwith enter and assess the fines, penalties, costs or fees against such person as provided by the applicable ordinances of the city. f) Notice of assessment and judgment. If such assessment is not paid on the date of its entry, the hearing officer shall send by first class mail a notice of the assessment to the person found liable and shall file, not less than 30 days or more than 12 months after such mailing, a certified copy of the notice of assessment with the clerk of a superior court facility designated by the Chief Court Administrator together with an entry fee of $8.00. The certified copy of the notice of assessment shall constitute a record of assessment. Within such 12-month period, assessments against the same person may be accrued and filed as one record of assessment. The clerk shall enter judgment, in the amount of such record of assessment and court costs of $8.00, against such person in favor of the city. Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, the hearing officer's assessment, when so entered as a judgment, shall have the effect of a civil money judgment and a levy of execution on such judgment may issue without further notice to such person. g) Appeal. A person against whom an assessment has been entered pursuant to this section is entitled to judicial review by way of appeal. An appeal shall be instituted within 30 days of the mailing of notice of such assessment by filing a petition to reopen assessment, together with an entry fee in an amount equal to the entry fee for a small claims case pursuant to section 52-259, at the Superior Court facility designated by the Chief Court Administrator, which shall entitle such person to a hearing in accordance with the rules of the judges of the Superior Court. 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH OCTOBER 17, 2022 Purpose: To establish a hearing procedure for parking violations to enable the use of the judicial process to collect on delinquent parking violations which should, in turn, improve the collections for delinquent parking violations. Upon a motion by Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Singh, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200(6) for the purpose of discussing acquisition or disposition of real estate or interests in real estate when publicity regarding the site and proposal, including proposed construction, would adversely impact the price of the same as to the interest of the city, to review preliminary drafts concerning proposed development and use of the property feasibility estimates, and evaluations, the Council having determined that the public interest in withholding such clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure; as well as to review commercial or financial information provided in confidence not required by statute. City Manager John Salomone, President of Norwich Community Development Agency Kevin Brown and Corporation Counsel Michael E. 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 8:06 pm to 8:55 pm, at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Singh, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to return to regular session. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:57 PM. City Clerk 13