City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 19, 2022 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held December 19, 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 Ald. Burto 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 called for citizen comment. Joanne Philbrick, Norwichtown, started there are three core values; trust, truth and transparency that should be followed. She also talked about the report given by Alderman DeLucia at last month’s meeting. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave, talked about a petition being circulated by the Volunteer Fire Department and stated they are doing a good job. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Mayor Nystrom called for the continuing of the following public hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF NORWICH/ CREATING BUSINESS MASTER PLAN DISTRICT Complete Business Master Plan List of Public Hearing Exhibits Please be advised that meetings of the Norwich City Council can be viewed in their entirety on the City of Norwich website “norwichct.org”. Speaking in favor: Scott Camassar, 62 Ox Hill Rd, spoke in favor and asked the Council to look out for the best interest of the overall town. He also stated we need to compete with other towns. Paul Whitescarver, Executive Director Southeastern CT Enterprise, 19 B Thames St, Groton, stated that this project will bring in jobs and improve life for the people living in Norwich and that it is a great opportunity for this area and region. Kevin Brown, President of NCDC, 66 Franklin St, stated NCDC cares and is listening to your concerns and this is a conceptual approval. He also stated this will lessen the tax burden in Norwich. Mark Block, Attorney for NCDC, reiterated that this is only a zone change. Deanna Rhodes, Director of Planning and Neighborhood Services, stated the third party reviewer needed to be on the record. She also told the Council the time lines regarding public hearings. Donald Poland, Gorman and York, third party reviewer, talked about the three reviews he gave and clarified some information possibly given incorrectly. Speaking in opposition: 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 19, 2022 Harold Mecteau, 365 Canterbury Tpk, asked if any members of the Council sits on the NCDC board and if they felt it was a conflict of interest. Kim Pilch, 41 Caribou Dr, talked about the damage to the environment and asked the council to vote no. Holly Watson, 507 Canterbury Tpk, spoke against the factories and the round-a-bouts. She talked about several other ideas for this property. Noreen Varney, 7 Nemczuk Dr, read the ordinance and stated it is not the appropriate place to put an industrial park. Fred Phelps, 17 Sabrina Ct, talked about the width of the road with trailer trucks. He thought citizens should be better informed on this project. Peggy Church, 252 Old Canterbury Tpk, asked for a larger buffer and to show respect to property owners. Chase Corcoran, 465 Canterbury Tpk, talked about the various zones and stated they would ruin the resident’s site view. He asked for the council to look at other options. Erica Chiaradio, 538 Scotland Rd, agrees with other speakers and talked about who was notified. Paul Chiaradio, 538 Scotland Rd, talked about the economy and doesn’t see that this will help the town. He asked to put this on hold. Beryl Fishbone, 19 Bliss Pl, stated Norwich needs new businesses but was not sure if this is the right design. Jessica Quay, 321 Old Canterbury Tpk, talked about this changing the neighborhood and the quality of life. She asked the Council to listen to the people. Steve Browning, 671 Scotland Rd, stated his property abuts four parcels and talked about green space around the development. Jeannette Witt, 511 Canterbury Tpk, asked if the Council knew anyone who will be impacted by this development. Donald Surprenant, 43 Wales Rd, doesn’t believe this is the place for this. Joanne Philbrick, Elm Ave, thanked the people who spoke and asked the Council to listen and put this on hold. Kevin Horton, 15 Wales Rd, stated he believes in a peaceful neighborhood. Janet Swain, 506 Canterbury Tpk, stated the people being effected need to be notified and asked not to put the park there. Edie Piscatelli, 44 Wales Rd, stated everything in the packet is misleading and talked about the City focus being wrong. Ryan Beckman, 210 Old Canterbury Tpk, agreed with other speakers. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 19, 2022 Bruce Macadie, 23 Wales Rd, agreed with other speakers and talked about losing the wildlife and the heavy traffic on these roads. Nicole Santerre, 452 Canterbury Tpk, asked what the Council is voting on. Samuel Browning, 671 Scotland Rd, asked if the Council is voting on this ordinance tonight. Edie Piscatelli, 44 Wales Rd, asked how the ledge removal will affect people’s wells. There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the public hearing be continued until January 3, 2023. Mayor Nystrom called for the following public hearing on AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE VIII OF CHAPTER 7 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR MUNICIPAL OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS Speaking in favor: Jennifer, SCADD Cromwell, asked the Council to distribute this money to help with prevention of overdose deaths. Joanne Philbrick, Norwichtown, spoke of her experience with opioids and asked the Council to put the money in the right hands. Shiela Hayes, 382 Laurel Hill Ave, asked for clarity on a section and asked what the process is and how will this money distributed. Speaking in opposition: There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the public hearing closed Mayor Nystrom called for the following public hearing on AN ORDINANCE TO BE ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH ACTING AS THE ZONING AUTHORITY (ZONING COMMISSION) AND LEGISLATIVE BODY OF THE CITY OF NORWICH VOTING TO OPT OUT OF PROVISIONS OF CONNECTICUT PUBLIC ACT NO. 21-29 REGARDING ALLOWANCES OF ACCESSORY APARTMENTS AS PERMITTED THEREIN AND TO STATE ITS REASONS FOR DOING SO Speaking in favor: Deanna Rhodes, Director of Planning and Neighborhood Services, stated this is to opt out of the State program for accessory dwelling. Speaking in opposition: Shiela Hayes, 382 Laurel Hill Ave, stated she is disappointed we are opting out of this Ordinance. There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the public hearing closed Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes this ordinance being given its second reading. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 19, 2022 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia, and Ald. Gould on the floor. AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE VIII OF CHAPTER 7 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR MUNICIPAL OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut was part of a multi-state $26 billion settlement with pharmaceutical distributors Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen and manufacturer Johnson & Johnson for their role in the opioid crisis; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich will receive approximately $18,000 per year for 18 years from this settlement; and WHEREAS, according to guidance from Chief Counsel to the Attorney General and Director of Legislative Affairs, these settlement funds “are to be used exclusively for opioid abatement purposes, including, but not limited to, expanding access to opioid use disorder prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery options”; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich may receive funds from other settlements and legal actions related to the opioid crisis with similar restrictions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the following sections be added in Article VIII of Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances: ARTICLE VIII. OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS Sec. 7-156 Separate set of accounts. Revenues from the opioid settlement with pharmaceutical distributors, manufacturers, and retailers and any revenues from other legal actions and settlements related to the manufacture, distribution, and sale of opioids (collectively referred to as “opioid settlement funds”) and expenditures of opioid settlement funds shall be accounted for in a special revenue fund and not included in general fund revenues. Sec. 7-157 Expenditure of opioid settlement funds. The city manager shall submit a resolution proposing the use of unexpended and unencumbered opioid settlement funds to be spent in the following fiscal year for the City Council’s consideration at its first meeting in April. Any expenditures of opioid settlement funds shall be used exclusively for opioid abatement purposes, including, but not limited to, expanding access to opioid use disorder prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery options. Purpose: To establish a framework for collecting and appropriating opioid settlement revenues. On a roll call vote of 7-0 the above ordinance passes. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the full text and incorporate it into the minutes this ordinance being given its second reading. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 19, 2022 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia, and Ald. Gould on the floor. AN ORDINANCE TO BE ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH ACTING AS THE ZONING AUTHORITY (ZONING COMMISSION) AND LEGISLATIVE BODY OF THE CITY OF NORWICH VOTING TO OPT OUT OF PROVISIONS OF CONNECTICUT PUBLIC ACT NO. 21-29 REGARDING ALLOWANCES OF ACCESSORY APARTMENTS AS PERMITTED THEREIN AND TO STATE ITS REASONS FOR DOING SO WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich pursuant to its Charter at Chapter XV section 6 acts as the Zoning Authority (Zoning Commission)of the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut adopted Public Act No. 21-29, effective as of January 1, 2022, as to establishing legislation to allow for Accessory Dwelling Units; and WHEREAS, Public Act No. 21-29 allows a municipality to opt out of the legislation before January 1, 2023 following action by a zoning commission or combined planning and zoning commission after a public hearing, then by the municipality’s legislative body, both by a two-thirds vote, said actions are required to take place prior to January 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, acting as its Zoning Authority (Zoning Commission) may make the following findings in favor of opting out of the applicable provisions of Public Act 21-29 regarding allowance of accessory apartments: 1) Public Act 21-29 effective January 1, 2022 includes standards to allow construction of accessory apartments that supersede municipal zoning regulations governing accessory units, unless a municipality opts out of the legislation before January 1, 2023; 2) The City of Norwich Zoning Regulations at section 6.7 provide a pathway to establish an accessory dwelling unit; 3) On May 16, 2022, the City of Norwich adopted its Affordable Housing Plan and submitted the same to the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management demonstrating the significant number of affordable housing units and existing housing stock in the city, the number of affordable housing units exceeding ten (10) percent after existing housing stock; 4) The City of Norwich is in the process of preparing a statutory required ten-year plan of conservation and development which is to be adopted in August of 2023 to include updated recommendations relative to housing and land use; 5) This ordinance has been duly introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich at which time a first reading was had and a public hearing scheduled with the title to the same and a concise description of its purpose and a statement that the proposed ordinance is on file in the clerk’s office and available for public inspection, notice of the same given within seven days after its introduction by a paid advertisement once in the daily newspaper of general circulation in the city, together with a notice of the time and place in which the public hearing or hearings thereon shall be held, pursuant to section 10 of Chapter V of the Norwich Code of Ordinances. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 19, 2022 NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH acting as its Zoning Authority (Zoning Commission) and as its legislative body 1) pursuant to Connecticut Public Act 21-29 the Council of the City of Norwich acting as its Zoning Authority (Zoning Commission) and its legislative body makes the following findings: a) Public Act 21-29 effective January 1, 2022 includes standards to allow construction of accessory apartments that supersede municipal zoning regulations governing accessory units, unless a municipality opts out of the legislation before January 1, 2023; b) The City of Norwich Zoning Regulations at section 6.7 provide a pathway to establish an accessory dwelling unit; c) On May 16, 2022, the City of Norwich adopted its Affordable Housing Plan and submitted the same to the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management demonstrating the significant number of affordable housing units and existing housing stock in the city, the number of affordable housing units exceeding ten (10) percent after existing housing stock; d) The City of Norwich is in the process of preparing a statutory required ten-year plan of conservation and development which is to be adopted in August of 2023 to include updated recommendations relative to housing and land use; e) This ordinance has been duly introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich at which time a first reading was had and a public hearing scheduled with the title to the same and a concise description of its purpose and a statement that the proposed ordinance is on file in the clerk’s office and available for public inspection, notice of the same given within seven days after its introduction by a paid advertisement once in the daily newspaper of general circulation in the city, together with a notice of the time and place in which the public hearing or hearings thereon shall be held, pursuant to section 10 of Chapter V of the Norwich Code of Ordinances. 2) The Council of the City of Norwich acting as the Zoning Authority (Zoning Commission) has adopted this ordinance opting out of the Accessory Dwelling Unit provision of P.A. 21-29 by a vote of more than two-thirds of its members; 3) The Council of the City of Norwich acting as its legislative body hereby adopts this ordinance and affirmatively opts out of the Accessory Dwelling Unit provisions of Public Act 21-29 for the reasons stated herein. On a roll call vote of 7-0 the above ordinance passes. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to accept resignation of P. Michael Lahan from the Senior Affairs Commission thanking him for his service. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 19, 2022 CITY MANAGERS REPORT To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: December 19, 2022 After several months of ups and downs, the City Hall elevator is operational. Council Meetings will be back in Chambers in January 2023. Meetings attended were with State representatives and legislators, Southeastern Council of Governments Executive Committee Meeting (SCCOG), Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA), I-95 & Rail Transportation Project Briefing, NCDC Board of Directors meeting, NPU-City Coordination Meeting, CT Conference of Municipalities Board (CCM) of Directors Meeting, Public Safety, and CT Investment Fund 2030. I also had the pleasure of attending the badge pinning ceremony for our 3 newest firefighters. Live bid results from the City’s bond sale were streamed via the City’s Wi-Fi on an interactive panel purchased from the ARPA City Hall Audio Visual Equipment funds. Eight bids were received ranging from 3.51% to 3.64% with the winning bid of 3.51% from Fidelity Capital Markets. Standard & Poor put Norwich’s rating at AA/Stable Outlook due to strong management, strong reserves and very strong liquidity. The bonds will provide financing for various City projects including the recently approved School Construction Program and infrastructure improvements. The funds will become available to the City after the December 29th settlement date. Norwich Youth Family & Recreation Services Winter 2023 registration is now open and can be viewed at www.norwichct.org. Along with the City’s universal language translation system, Norwich Human Services is proud to announce they have expanded accessibility to the CivicRec Program Registration System which translates into over 100 languages. The Senior Center also has the ability to switch to over 50 languages upon check- in. The 2022 Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Approved Business Contribution have been announced. Thank you to the businesses that donated $243,500 to our Norwich organizations. Approvals can be viewed at the State of CT website under NAA Summary of Approved Business Contributions at 2022 Approved Business Contributions (ct.gov). Thank you to the Norwich Events Organization, volunteers and participants for the City’s first Light Parade which was on held on Friday, December 9th. The event brought approximately 2,000 people to our downtown. Happy Holidays to all. 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. 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 19, 2022 There were no speakers. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. 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. WHEREAS, on November 21, 2022, the Council of the City of Norwich held its first reading of an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO BE ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH ACTING AS THE ZONING AUTHORITY (ZONING COMMISSION) AND LEGISLATIVE BODY OF THE CITY OF NORWICH VOTING TO OPT OUT OF PROVISIONS OF CONNECTICUT PUBLIC ACT NO. 21-29 REGARDING ALLOWANCES OF ACCESSORY APARTMENTS AS PERMITTED THEREIN AND TO STATE ITS REASONS FOR DOING SO”; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Charter of the City of Norwich the Council of the City of Norwich serves as both the Zoning Authority and the legislative body of the city of Norwich; and WHEREAS, in connection with the ordinance referenced herein the Council acting initially as the Zoning Authority (Zoning Commission) of the city of Norwich had to initiate the opt-out process and approve it by a 2/3 vote, then, acting as the legislative body for the city of Norwich, must ratify the opt-out decision by a 2/3 vote, requiring in each instance that 5 members of the council vote in the affirmative, first when acting as the Zoning Authority (Zoning Commission) then when acting as the legislative body of the city of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich having voted first on this ordinance as the Zoning Authority (Zoning Commission) and, to avoid doubt as a result of the process required by its dual role, the Council of the City of Norwich as the legislative body of the city of Norwich by this resolution proposes to adopt the ordinance referenced herein, the same having first been approved by the affirmative vote of 5 members of the Council of the City of Norwich acting as the Zoning Authority (Zoning Commission) of the city of Norwich. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO BE ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH ACTING AS THE ZONING AUTHORITY (ZONING COMMISSION) AND LEGISLATIVE BODY OF THE CITY OF NORWICH VOTING TO OPT OUT OF PROVISIONS OF CONNECTICUT PUBLIC ACT NO. 21-29 REGARDING ALLOWANCES OF ACCESSORY APARTMENTS AS PERMITTED THEREIN AND TO STATE ITS REASONS FOR DOING SO” having been approved by the Council of the City of Norwich as the Zoning Authority (Zoning Commission) and also having been being considered by the Council of the City of Norwich as its legislative body be, and the same hereby is, adopted. 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 19, 2022 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 Ald. Gould, Burto and Wilson. BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed as a regular member to the Historic District Commission with a term to expire on December 31, 2023 or until a successor is appointed: Peter Jacob Stahl (R) BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be reappointed as an alternate member to the Historic District Commission with a term to expire on December 31, 2024 or until a successor is appointed: Greg Farlow (R) BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed as an alternate member to the Historic District Commission with a term to expire on December 31, 2024 or until a successor is appointed: Dayne Rugh (U) Upon a motion of Ald. Neuendorf, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould, Burto and Wilson. BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed as a regular member of the Recreation Advisory Board with a term to expire on March 15, 2024 or until a successor is appointed: Kara Kochanski-Vendola (D) 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 Ald. Gould, Burto and Wilson. BE IT RESOLVED, that Shiela Hayes be appointed to the School Building Committee (2020) to fill a seat vacated by Mark Adams with a term to expire on January 21, 2024 or until a successor is appointed. Shiela Hayes (D) 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 Ald. Gould, Burto and Wilson. BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be re-appointed as a regular member of the Commission on the City Plan with a term to expire on February 28, 2023 or until a successor is appointed: P. Michael Lahan (D) BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be re-appointed as a regular member of the Commission on the City Plan with a term to expire on February 28, 2024 or until a successor is appointed: Kathy Warzecha (D) 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH DECEMBER 19, 2022 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, Ald. Gould, Burto and Wilson. BE IT RESOLVED that the following be appointed as a regular member to the Personnel and Pension Board for a term to expire on March 01, 2024 or until a successor is appointed; Robert Pounch (U) Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:45 pm. City Clerk 10