City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held January 3. 2023 at 7:30 PM in Council Chamber. 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. Singh 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”. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to accept the following minutes of December 5 and 19, 2022. Mayor Nystrom called for the following public hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF NORWICH/ CREATING BUSINESS MASTER PLAN DISTRICT Business Master Plan Complete Documents List of 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”. Mayor Nystrom opened the continued Public Hearing to hear new evidence and comment: Kevin Brown, President of Norwich Community Development Corporation, 66 Franklin St, stated this is an economic opportunity for the citizens of Norwich. He stated they intend to amend the initial Ordinance which conforms to the Commission on the City Plan, is a compatible uses in the area and demonstrated potential economic opportunities in this area. Mark Block, Counsel for Norwich Community Development Corporation, submitted additional information Exhibit Q- Letter from Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, Department of Economic and Community Development, Exhibit R- Letter from Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection and an amendment to the Ordinance Amending the Zoning map of the City of Norwich and creating a Business Master Plan District which adds additional uses (which was read into the record). Exhibit Q – Letter from Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office Exhibit R – Letter from CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Amendment – Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map Amendment – BMPD Signage Regulations H. Tucker Braddock, 868 Scotland Rd, asked if there is an illustration on where the 50’ buffer will be and the 80’ building design standards are. Charles Witt, 511 Canterbury Tpk, talked about open space and how we are industrializing. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 Jeannette Witt, 522 Canterbury Tpk, concerned about what can be built there and if the applicant needs to come back to the Council for approval. Donald Poland, Goman and York, third party reviewer, answered the previous speaker stating approval of buildings need to come from the Commission on the City Plan. Peggy Church, 252 Old Canterbury Tpk, asked about the 60’ height in a dense area. Mayor Nystrom, talked about State and Federal funding for exit 18. President Pro Tem DeLucia, asked what the purpose of the change is, what is the total acres of open space, if moving forward what is the public benefit and are we looking at all Henry Resnikoff, 6 Main St, Centerville, responded to President Pro Tem DeLucia’s questions. Ald. Gould, asked why it can’t go somewhere else, how will we protect the wetland, who maintains the roadways, if NCDC bought the property and if this doesn’t pass what happens. Ald. Singh, asked about the traffic study and the ramp, and asked if this property is buildable for apartments. Ald. Wilson, asked for insight from Donald Poland. Donald Poland spoke on a variety of issues. Mayor Nystrom, asked question to Donald Poland. Janis Sawicki, 39 Andrea Ln, asked for a three-dimensional projection or model. H. Tucker Braddock, 868 Scotland Rd, questioned if there was a designed helicopter zone. Edie Piscatelli, 40 Wales Rd, asked why not use the existing industrial park. She talked about the wind farms, and small businesses. She asked the Council to take some more time. Ald. Neuendorf, stated we should be moving forward for what is the best for all the people in Norwich. Mayor Nystrom stated the public hearing is closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Neuendorf, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was voted to put the above Ordinance on the floor. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to amend the above Ordinance to add the amended Ordinance from Attorney Block as follows: 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 Amended BMPD Signage Regulations Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to postpone the vote until January 17, 2023. CITY MANAGERS REPORT To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: January 3, 2023 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 Meetings attended were Southeastern Council of Governments Meeting (SCCOG), Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA) Board of Directors meeting, Bond signing and Emergency Preparation for the storm event on December 22nd. Public Works assisted with clean up from the storm event that caused minor flooding at Brown Park and near the Intermodal Transportation Center. Due to high tides, the river overflowed its banks in certain areas with minimal damage to City property. During the month of January, Taxpayers can present their current Real Estate, Personal Property, or Motor Vehicle Supplemental tax bills at the Norwich branches of M&T Bank (formerly Peoples) where payment(s) can be processed via cash or check. Delinquent taxes will not be accepted at bank locations and must be paid at the City Hall Tax Office located at 100 Broadway. Taxpayers do not need to be an M & T Bank customer to make their payment at a branch location. This partnership provides greater access and convenience to taxpayers. Payments can be made online at http://norwichct.org/taxes, through the mail and in-person. Norwich Youth Family & Recreation Services Winter 2023 registration is still open with programs starting January 7th. Programs can be viewed at www.norwichct.org. The December Vacation Camp averaged 13-16 children per day assisting 15 families over the holiday break. Hannah Ornburn from Youth, Family, and Recreation Department as the Drug Prevention Coordinator is working with my assistant, Jacquie Barbarossa to have a Narcan Training Session for City employees. Hannah, due to her participation in the Opioid Task Force, has put together some Opioid Safety Bags to be passed out to City departments in the next 2 weeks. These bags contain opioid use prevention materials, fentanyl test strips, Narcan, a QR code to a virtual Narcan training, and more. Once she meets with departments to determine the interest, in-person training(s) will be scheduled. Thank you to those that sponsored or donated to Norwich Human Services, “Adopt A Family Program”. NHS was able to provide gifts to 124 Norwich Families which included 308 children. Congratulations to Leon Barnowski on his retirement. Leon started in the City’s the MIS Department in January of 1999 and has lead the City through numerous technology upgrades. We thank him for his service. 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. Linda Theodora, 39 Taftville Rd, spoke in support of Resolution # 5 and #7. Zato Kadambayu, 54 Sherwood Ln, asked the council to support Resolution #5 and 7. Wendy Bury, Executive Director of Southeastern CTCultural Coalition, asked for support on Resolution # 5. Heather Perez, 66 Franklin St, stated she was a grant winner and asked the council to support Resolution #5. Kevin Saythany, 27 Brook St, asked the Council for support and to adopt Resolution #7. Jennifer and Sarah Watkinson, Bully Busters, asked for support on Resolution #5. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 Andrew Perez, 3 Crossway, asked the council to support Resolution #5. Lottie Scott, Church St, a great supporter of the arts and asked the council to support Resolution #5 and 7. Carrie Dwyer, hopes to be a grant recipient in the next round and asked for support on Resolution # 5. Shiela Hayes, 382 Laurel Hill Ave, asked the Council to support the Arts and tourism Resolution #5 and 7. Tamara Kapart, 90 North St, spoke in support of Resolution #5 and 7. Cynthia Jean-Mary, 213 Prospect St, echoed the pervious speaker. Lisa Bono, Chestnut Street Playhouse, asked to support #5 to help with opportunities to eliminate barriers. Linda Fouche, 65 Williams St asked the Council to support Resolution #5 and 7. Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Mayor Nystrom called for a 5 minute recess at 9:41 pm we returned to regular session at 9:52 pm. Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, a petition signed by not less than five (5) percent of the qualified electors of the City of Norwich, as determined at the last official list of the registrars of voters, has been filed with the city clerk requesting that an ordinance entitled: “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 8-17 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES”, adopted by the Council of the City of Norwich at its December 5, 2022 meeting, be referred to a Special City Election; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 8-17 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCE”, adopted by the Council of the City of Norwich at its December 5, 2022 meeting, be submitted to the electors of the City of Norwich for approval or disapproval at a Special City Election to be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, between the hours of 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM. The notice of said Special Election shall state the question to be voted on substantially as follows: “Shall the ordinance entitled ‘AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 8-17 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES’, adopted by the Council at its December 5, 2022 meeting be approved?” YES NO The ballot label shall read: For approval of AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 8-17 OF THE NORWICH CODE OF ORDINANCES. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to postpone action until after executive session on the following resolution introduced by City Manager John L. Salomone. Relative to the approval of the UPSEU/911 DISPATCHERS collective bargaining unit agreement and the related budget changes to fiscal year 2022-23. RESOLVED, that the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Norwich and United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU/911 DISPATCHERS), covering the period between July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, be, and the same hereby is, approved in accordance with the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes, Section 4-474; and further, that the City Manager, John L. Salomone, be, and hereby is, authorized and directed to execute the same in the name of the City. RESOLVED, that the following 2022-23 budget transfers be made related to the settlement of the UPSEU/911 DISPATCHERS collective bargaining unit agreement: Org Obj Account Name Amount 10420100 51610 Salaries $20,622 10420100 51630 Overtime 2,868 10420100 52000 Fringe Benefits 1,655 10500000 58600 Contingency ($25,145) Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, 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 Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich became the owner of property located at 50 Peck Street, Map 109, Block 1, Lot 57 by virtue of a Certificate of Foreclosure recorded at volume 3161 page 63 of the Norwich Land Records; and WHEREAS, said property is improved by a structure; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich has determined it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of this property by a negotiated sale using the services of Signature Properties of New England, listing the property at a price recommended to it by Signature Properties of New England. 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 on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into an individual real estate listing agreement satisfactory to him with Signature Properties of New England offering to sell the property at 50 Peck Street at a proposed sale price recommended by Signature Properties of New England; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales Agreement from a prospective purchaser containing the proposed sales price recommended by Signature Properties of New England and containing such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to City Manager John Salomone, then, City Manager John Salomone shall be and hereby is authorized and directed to notify the Council of the City of Norwich of the proposed Purchase and Sales Agreement, which the Council may then approve by a resolution authorizing City Manager John Salomone to enter into a Purchase and Sales Agreement 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 as presented for the subject property on behalf of the City of Norwich and, upon timely tender of the purchase price subject to standard adjustments, to execute and deliver a deed of conveyance for said property and to execute, receive and deliver such other documents as are necessary to complete the transfer of title in keeping with the terms and conditions of the Purchase and Sales Agreement. Upon a motion of Ald. 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 Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich became the owner of property located at 36 Huntington Avenue, Map 50, Block 1, Lot 30 by virtue of a Certificate of Foreclosure recorded at volume 3042 page 259 of the Norwich Land Records; and WHEREAS, said property is undeveloped and contains approximately .28 acres; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich has determined it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of this property by a negotiated sale using the services of Signature Properties of New England, listing the property at a price recommended to it by Signature Properties of New England. 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 on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into an individual real estate listing agreement satisfactory to him with Signature Properties of New England offering to sell the property at 36 Huntington Avenue at a proposed sale price recommended by Signature Properties of New England; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales Agreement from a prospective purchaser containing the proposed sales price recommended by Signature Properties of New England and containing such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to City Manager John Salomone, then, City Manager John Salomone shall be and hereby is authorized and directed to notify the Council of the City of Norwich of the proposed Purchase and Sales Agreement, which the Council may then approve by a resolution authorizing City Manager John Salomone to enter into a Purchase and Sales Agreement as presented for the subject property on behalf of the City of Norwich and, upon timely tender of the purchase price subject to standard adjustments, to execute and deliver a deed of conveyance for said property and to execute, receive and deliver such other documents as are necessary to complete the transfer of title in keeping with the terms and conditions of the Purchase and Sales Agreement. Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Singh, Burto and Wilson on the floor. Upon a motion of Ald. Neuendorf, seconded by Ald. Gould, it was voted to postpone until February 6, 2023 on the following resolution. On a roll call vote of 3-4 motion fails to postpone with President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Singh, Burto and Wilson voting in opposition. 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 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 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; • Providing government services previously cut due to pandemic-related revenue shortfalls; and • Making needed investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure; and WHEREAS, in the City of Norwich received the sum of $28,838,730 in connection with the program; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, as of December 26, 2022, has approved expenditures of American Rescue Plan funds in the total amount of $26,657,919 for various initiatives; and WHEREAS, arts, culture, and tourism have still continued to be impacted from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition has been a vital partner to the City of Norwich during the past several years promoting economic development opportunities in these categories through workshops, and grants to local business entities. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds that the following initiative is consistent with the plan objectives of the American Rescue Plan; can be obligated within the time allotted; will promote uses permitted under the appropriate categories of the American Rescue Plan; and that it will be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to appropriate the amount of $500,000 to the Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the $500,000 be appropriated from American Rescue Plan funds to the Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition, that will be in the best interest of the City of Norwich whereby said appropriation and expenditure for the purpose listed having so been found, are approved by the Council of the City of Norwich with the provision that these funds be obligated by December 31, 2024 and that quarterly reports on project, program, and progress be submitted to the city council. Motion passes on a roll vote of 7-0. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to postpone the vote until later in the meeting on the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Singh, Burto and Wilson. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, the Council appoints the following Council Member to the Appoint/Reappointment Sub Committee effective January 4, 2023 for a term to expire December 5, 2023: President Pro Tem Joseph A. DeLucia (D) Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Wilson, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Singh, Burto and Wilson on the floor. 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, to amend the resolution to provide a link between the Board of Education Cultural Calendar and City. On a roll call vote of 3-4 amendment fails with President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Singh, Burto and Wilson voting in opposition. RELATIVE TO CREATING AND ADOPTING CULTURAL CALENDAR FOR CITY OF NORWICH. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich recognizes the city’s rich cultural diversity and that the city is home to peoples from many nations, it acknowledges the need for a Cultural Calendar to help inform and educate citizens, and; WHEREAS, the Board of Education of Norwich Public Schools adopted a Cultural Calendar in January of 2021, which contains the dates of many cultural days to educate and make people aware of various holidays of other cultures, faith-based communities & nationalities, and; WHEREAS, City of Norwich sees this as opportunity to bring awareness about other cultures and faith traditions in Norwich through this calendar and sees this as valuable asset for the community, and; WHEREAS, City of Norwich with help of many community partners and Global City Norwich has held various flag raising ceremonies and other cultural events in downtown Norwich to give the message of unity; the Cultural Calendar will help enhance and complement those efforts, and; WHEREAS, City of Norwich recognizes that these kinds of efforts bring a sense of belonging among various people who live in the city and helps to raise education about other cultures which is important to counter hate crimes, and; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that this Cultural Calendar is adopted as of the date of this resolution and that the City Manager is requested to assign staff as necessary to create and maintain this calendar every year on the city’s website and social media platforms. Motion passes on a roll call vote of 7-0. 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 Statute Section 1-200(6) for the purpose to discuss strategies and negotiations with respect to collective bargaining. The following shall be asked to participate during all or portions of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council: City Manager John Salomone, Comptroller Joshua Pothier and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll. Further moved to continue in executive session pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 1- 200(6) for the purpose to discuss employment plans of City Clerk Betsy Barrett, who does require that this discussion not be held in an open meeting. City Manager John Salomone 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 11:20 pm to 11:40 pm, at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to return to regular session. 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager John L. Salomone. RESOLVED, that the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Norwich and United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU/911 DISPATCHERS), covering the period between July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, be, and the same hereby is, approved in accordance with the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes, Section 4-474; and further, that the City Manager, John L. Salomone, be, and hereby is, authorized and directed to execute the same in the name of the City. RESOLVED, that the following 2022-23 budget transfers be made related to the settlement of the UPSEU/911 DISPATCHERS collective bargaining unit agreement: Org Obj Account Name Amount 10420100 51610 Salaries $20,622 10420100 51630 Overtime 2,868 10420100 52000 Fringe Benefits 1,655 10500000 58600 Contingency ($25,145) Upon a motion of Ald. Wilson, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to suspend the rules. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem DeLucia, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to add the following letter of resignation. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem DeLucia, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote of (6-0) it was unanimously voted to accept the letter of resignation of Ald. Wilson thanking him for his service. 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 14 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote of 6-0 it was voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Neuendorf, Gould, Singh and Burto. WHEREAS, Councilman Derell Q. Wilson, having been elected to the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut to be sworn in on January 4, 2023, has submitted his resignation from the Office of Councilman of the City of Norwich, which resignation has been received by the Council of the City of Norwich on January 3, 2023. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that pursuant to the provisions of Chapter V Section 1(c) of the Charter of the City of Norwich, a special election shall be held on Wednesday May 24, 2023 pursuant to the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, to fill the vacancy for the remainder of his term to run from May 24, 2023 to December 5, 2023; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the City Clerk be directed to warn such special election in accordance with the Connecticut General Statute; Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote of 6-0 it was voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution introduced by, President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Singh, Burto and Wilson. 15 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JANUARY 3, 2023 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, the Council appoints the following Council Member to the Appoint/Reappointment Sub Committee effective January 4, 2023 for a term to expire December 5, 2023: President Pro Tem Joseph A. DeLucia (D) Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote of 6-0 it was unanimously voted to adjourn 11:52 PM. City Clerk 16