City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2023 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held June 19, 2023 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Neuendorf, Gould, Singh, Burto and Nash. Josh Pothier, Acting City Manager, Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Nystrom presided. Ald. Neuendorf read the opening prayer and Ald. Nash 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 general. Greg Perry, 33 Mulberry St., spoke about his disappointment of the result of the budget that woefully under budgeted the Board of Education. Shiela Hayes, 382 Laurel Hill Ave, spoke about her disappointment that the City hasn’t recognized Juneteenth and wants that issue rectified by next year. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave., spoke in frustration about the lack of enforcement of the illegal scooter/dirt bike use on the city streets. There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the citizen comment general closed. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on the following Public Hearing. WHEREAS, the R.E. Van Norstrand Neighborhood Assistance Act, Chapter 228a of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S. 12-630aa-12-638) offers certain benefits to municipalities desiring to obtain the same and is administered by the State Department of Revenue Services (Commission of Revenue Services); and WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Assistance Act provides a tax credit for business firms which sponsor local programs; and WHEREAS, such programs must be proposed and conducted by private non-profit agencies or municipalities and be approved by the local legislative body; WHEREAS, a public hearing has been duly noticed and held on applications submitted to the City Manager’s office. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that it approves the following program proposals under the Neighborhood Assistance Act: 1. United Community & Family Services – Governor Samuel Huntington Mansion Window Replacement Project 2. Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities, Inc. – Elizabeth St. Windows 3. Norwich Historical Society – Energy related upgrades to the circa 1789 East District School House 4. Norwich Historical Society, Inc. – Energy related upgrades to the c. 1772 Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2023 5. Norwich Historical Society, Inc. - Energy Related Upgrades to the c. 1763 David Greenleaf House 6. St. Vincent de Paul Place Norwich, Inc. – Energy Upgrade: Replacement of Windows 7. Calkins Family Association, Inc. - Hugh Calkins House roof restoration Shiela Hayes, 382 Laurel Hill Ave., spoke in support of the recipients on this resolution. There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on the following Public Hearing WHEREAS, the City of Norwich is an entitlement community receiving U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars of $806,276; $27,800 anticipated return of loan (administration) for program year 2023; and WHEREAS, the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has held public meetings and voted on their recommendations for CDBG allocations in the months of March and April; and WHEREAS, the allocation process is subject to a 30-day comment period prior to being placed into effect and the Council of the City of Norwich must hold a public hearing regarding the recommendations prior to the final vote on the allocation. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the Council shall and hereby does schedule a public hearing to be held at 7:30 p.m. during the June 19, 2023 Council meeting on the subject of Community Development Block Grant allocation recommendations for PY 2023 CDBG Requests - PY49 (2023-2024) REVISED FUNDING REVISED FUNDING Anticipated PY 2023 Allocation $ 844,233.00 $ 806,276.00 $ 806,276.00 Total Anticipated Funding for PY49 program year $ 844,233.00 $ 806,276.00 $ 806,276.00 PY49 Request CDAC Recommendation Council Recommendation CD Office - Administration (20% of Grant Funds) $ 168,846.60 $ 161,255.20 Anticipated Return of Loan Admin $ 27,800.00 $ 27,800.00 Total Projected Admin Expenditures $ 176,250.00 $ 176,250.00 Public Services Children in Placement - Guardian at Litem (GAL) $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00 NHS Norwich Works $ 70,000.00 $ 70,000.00 Immigration Advocacy Support Center (IASC) $ 8,000.00 $ 8,000.00 Three Rivers Community College Food Pantry $ 15,000.00 $ - TVCCA Homelessness Prevention $ 20,000.00 $ 20,000.00 Madonna Place COPE $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 Safe Futures $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 The Lefty Cycles Project Inc $ 15,000.00 $ - OIC of NLC $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00 Total Public Services $ 213,000.00 $ 183,000.00 Non-Public Services NHA Rosewood Manor Exterior Renovations $ 200,000.00 $ 200,000.00 Futures Inc Air Quality $ 26,090.20 $ - CD Property Rehabilitation $ 250,000.00 $ 250,000.00 Thermos Owner Assoc Parking $ 75,000.00 $ - DPW Taftville Sidewalks $ 480,000.00 $ 12,020.80 Total Non-Public Services $ 1,031,090.20 $ 462,020.80 TOTALS Public Service $ 213,000.00 $ 183,000.00 Non-Public Service $ 1,031,090.20 $ 462,020.80 CD Administration $ 168,846.60 $ 161,255.20 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2023 Shiela Hayes, 382 Laurel Hill Ave., spoke in concern that the Three Rivers Food Pantry was not being funded. There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared the public hearing closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to accept the following petition and communication. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on resolutions. Valerie Gambrell, 73 Allyn Ave., spoke on resolution #3 and questioned why the July 3rd meeting would be cancelled when tonight’s meeting didn’t observe Juneteeth. There being no further speakers 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 adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia and Ald. Gould. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2023 WHEREAS, the R.E. Van Norstrand Neighborhood Assistance Act, Chapter 228a of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S. 12-630aa-12-638) offers certain benefits to municipalities desiring to obtain the same and is administered by the State Department of Revenue Services (Commission of Revenue Services); and WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Assistance Act provides a tax credit for business firms which sponsor local programs; and WHEREAS, such programs must be proposed and conducted by private non-profit agencies or municipalities and be approved by the local legislative body; WHEREAS, a public hearing has been duly noticed and held on applications submitted to the City Manager’s office. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that it approves the following program proposals under the Neighborhood Assistance Act: 1. United Community & Family Services – Governor Samuel Huntington Mansion Window Replacement Project 2. Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities, Inc. – Elizabeth St. Windows 3. Norwich Historical Society – Energy related upgrades to the circa 1789 East District School House 4. Norwich Historical Society, Inc. – Energy related upgrades to the c. 1772 Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop 5. Norwich Historical Society, Inc. - Energy Related Upgrades to the c. 1763 David Greenleaf House 6. St. Vincent de Paul Place Norwich, Inc. – Energy Upgrade: Replacement of Windows 7. Calkins Family Association, Inc. - Hugh Calkins House roof restoration Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich is an entitlement community receiving U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars of $806,276; $27,800 anticipated return of loan (administration) for program year 2023; and WHEREAS, the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has held public meetings and voted on their recommendations for CDBG allocations in the months of March and April; and WHEREAS, the allocation process is subject to a 30-day comment period prior to being placed into effect and the Council of the City of Norwich must hold a public hearing regarding the recommendations prior to the final vote on the allocation. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the Council shall allocation recommendations for PY 2023 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2023 CDBG Requests - PY49 (2023-2024) REVISED FUNDING REVISED FUNDING Anticipated PY 2023 Allocation $ 844,233.00 $ 806,276.00 $ 806,276.00 Total Anticipated Funding for PY49 program year $ 844,233.00 $ 806,276.00 $ 806,276.00 PY49 Request CDAC Recommendation Council Recommendation CD Office - Administration (20% of Grant Funds) $ 168,846.60 $ 161,255.20 Anticipated Return of Loan Admin $ 27,800.00 $ 27,800.00 Total Projected Admin Expenditures $ 176,250.00 $ 176,250.00 Public Services Children in Placement - Guardian at Litem (GAL) $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00 NHS Norwich Works $ 70,000.00 $ 70,000.00 Immigration Advocacy Support Center (IASC) $ 8,000.00 $ 8,000.00 Three Rivers Community College Food Pantry $ 15,000.00 $ - TVCCA Homelessness Prevention $ 20,000.00 $ 20,000.00 Madonna Place COPE $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 Safe Futures $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 The Lefty Cycles Project Inc $ 15,000.00 $ - OIC of NLC $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00 Total Public Services $ 213,000.00 $ 183,000.00 Non-Public Services NHA Rosewood Manor Exterior Renovations $ 200,000.00 $ 200,000.00 Futures Inc Air Quality $ 26,090.20 $ - CD Property Rehabilitation $ 250,000.00 $ 250,000.00 Thermos Owner Assoc Parking $ 75,000.00 $ - DPW Taftville Sidewalks $ 480,000.00 $ 12,020.80 Total Non-Public Services $ 1,031,090.20 $ 462,020.80 TOTALS Public Service $ 213,000.00 $ 183,000.00 Non-Public Service $ 1,031,090.20 $ 462,020.80 CD Administration $ 168,846.60 $ 161,255.20 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone on the floor. WHEREAS, Chapter V, Section 4 of the Charter of the City of Norwich provides that the council shall meet regularly on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. and may, by resolution, establish additional regular meeting dates, and WHEREAS, the first Monday of July 2023 falls on July 3, 2023, which is the eve of Independence Day, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich that the regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich scheduled for Monday, July 3, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. be cancelled and resume the Council schedule meeting on July 17, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. to be a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich at which it may conduct all business properly before it, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Norwich that the City Clerk be and hereby is directed to give and file notice pursuant to the provisions of an Act concerning Freedom of Information that the Council of the City of Norwich will conduct a regular meeting of the Council on July 17, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2023 Motion failed on a 6 – 1 voted with Ald. Nash, Ald. Singh, Ald. Gould, Ald. Neuendorf, Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia and Mayor Nystrom voting in opposition. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was voted unanimously to postpone the following resolution to July 3, 2023 introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould. BE IT RESOLVED that the below named has been nominated, and is hereby appointed, as a regular member of the Norwich Board of Education to fill a term of a Republican member who resigned, said term to expire on December 4, 2023. (R) Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was voted to put the following resolution on the floor introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, on December 7, 2021, adopted the Rules of Procedure of the Council of the City of Norwich 2021-2023 after amending paragraph XXII to provide that appointments of three (3) aldermen or alderwomen for each of the following standing committees: (a) Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee (b) Public Safety Committee (c) Appointment & Reappointments Committee, were to be made by “majority vote of the Council” rather than “by the Mayor”; and WHEREAS, the Council then voted to appoint aldermen or alderwomen as members of these three standing committees; and WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Norwich at Chapter V Section 1(c) provides that if a vacancy shall occur in the office of councilman or the office of mayor and more than six months remain for the unexpired portion of such term of office, a special election shall be held, pursuant to the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, to fill such office for the unexpired portion of the term; and WHEREAS, following the establishment of a vacancy due to the resignation of Alderman Derrell Wilson, a Democrat, a special election was held with William Nash, a Republican, elected; and WHEREAS, William Nash has been duly sworn in as an alderman for the unexpired portion of the term of office formerly held by Derrell Wilson; and WHEREAS, the Rules of Procedure adopted by the council on December 7, 2021 provide at section XXIV that the council may amend any of the Rules of Procedure by a majority of four (4) votes of the Council; and WHEREAS, the existing standing committees are each currently made up of two Democratic members and one Republican member, a proportion which does not reflect the political affiliation of the current membership of the Council following the special election. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2023 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that Rule XXII of the Rules of Procedure of the Council of the City of Norwich be and hereby is amended by substituting the following provision to become Rule XXII of the Rules of Procedure of the Council of the City of Norwich 2021-2023 if adopted: XXII (a) There shall be the following standing committees consisting of three (3) Aldermen or Alderwomen, each to be appointed by majority vote of the Council. The standing committees shall consist of: (1) Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee (2) Public Safety Committee (3) Appointment & Reappointments Committee (b) If a vacancy due to death, resignation, disability or disqualification shall occur in the office of any Aldermen or Alderwomen or of the Mayor, which vacancy requires a special election pursuant to Chapter V section 1(c) of the Charter of the City of Norwich to elect an alderman or alderwoman or Mayor, as appropriate, to serve for the unexpired portion of the term, the prior appointments to and makeup of the three (3) standing committees shall terminate as of the date of the special election, and the Council of the City of Norwich, within thirty (30) days of the special election, by resolution, shall make new appointments to the three (3) standing committees of the Council replacing and/or reappointing aldermen or alderwomen, and the Council of the City of Norwich may also fill by resolution the position of any alderman or alderwoman on city boards, commissions, or agencies which position has been rendered unfilled by the vacancy. (c) This amendment to the Rules of Procedure of the Council of the City of Norwich and the requirements thereof shall apply retroactively and prospectively. On a roll call vote the motion passed on a 4-3 vote with Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Burto and Ald. Singh voting in opposition. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the appointments of members of the council made to the Public Works and Capital Improvement Committee on December 7, 2021, having expired as of May 24, 2023, the date of a special election held pursuant to Chapter V Section 1(c) of the Charter of the City of Norwich, the following council members shall be appointed for the Public Works and Capital Improvement Committee for a term to expire on December 4, 2023. Alderman Swarnjit Singh (D) Alderman Grant Neuendorf (R) Alderwoman Stacy Gould (R) 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2023 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould on the floor. Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia, to amend the following resolution to remove Ald. Burto from this committee. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously. Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Singh, to further amend the following resolution to add Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia. On a roll call vote the motion passed on a 5-2 vote with Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould voting in opposition. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the appointments of members of the council made to the Public Safety Committee on December 7, 2021, having expired as of May 24, 2023, the date of a special election held pursuant to Chapter V Section 1(c) of the Charter of the City of Norwich, the following council members shall be appointed for the Public Safety Committee for a term to expire on December 4, 2023. President Pro Tem Joseph A. DeLucia (D) Alderman William Nash (R) Alderwoman Stacy Gould (R) Motion passed 5-2 voted with Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould voting in opposition. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould on the floor. Upon a motion of Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia, seconded by Ald. Burto, to amend the following resolution to remove Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia and add Ald. Burto to this committee. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the appointments of members of the council made to the Appointment & Reappointments Sub Committee on December 7, 2021, having expired as of May 24, 2023, the date of a special election held pursuant to Chapter V Section 1(c) of the Charter of the City of Norwich, the following council members shall be appointed for the Appointment & Reappointments Sub Committee for a term to expire on December 4, 2023 Alderwoman Tracey Burto (D) Alderman Grant Neuendorf (R) Alderwoman Stacy Gould (R) On a roll call vote the motion passed on vote of 7-0. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould. 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2023 WHEREAS, Donald Lathrop, Executor of the Estate of David C. Lathrop has offered to convey to the City of Norwich by a deed in lieu of foreclosure a parcel of land carried on the land records of the City’s Tax Assessor’s office as Map 67, Block 3, Lot 14 (49 Sturtevant Street) more particularly described in Schedule A attached hereto; and WHEREAS, Donald Lathrop, Executor of the Estate of David C. Lathrop has offered said deed in lieu of foreclosure in full and final satisfaction of all real estate taxes due the City of Norwich assessed with respect to 49 Sturtevant Street; and WHEREAS, the taxes due as of June 30, 2023 are $5,842.98 and said property is assessed at a value of $28,800.00. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Norwich hereby accepts the tender of the deed in lieu of foreclosure by Donald Lathrop, Executor of the Estate of David C. Lathrop, conveying to the City of Norwich title to 49 Sturtevant Street in full and final satisfaction of said taxes assessed with respect to said property; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized to accept said deed on behalf of the City of Norwich, subject to the approval of the Corporation Counsel, and to cause it and any other necessary documents to be filed or recorded. Exhibit A Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted, pursuant to General Statutes Section 1-200(6), that the members of the Norwich City Council go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the acquisition or disposition of real estate or interests in real estate, when publicly regarding the sites and the acquisition or disposition of interests in the same would adversely impact the price of the same, to review 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JUNE 19, 2023 preliminary drafts of proposals pertaining to the use of the properties, and to review commercial or financial information given in confidence not required by statute, the Council having determined that the public interest in holding such discussions in Executive Session clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure at this time. Finance Director and acting City Manager Josh Pothier, President of the Norwich Community Development Corporation, Kevin Brown and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll shall be asked to participate during all or a portion of the Executive Session at the request of the City Council. The council was in Executive Session from 8:10 pm to 8:48 pm, at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Singh, on a roll call vote it was voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, pursuant to Public Act 21-0111, S. 112, Section 32-285a of the Connecticut General Statutes, the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is authorized to extend financial assistance for economic development projects, under the “Community Investment Fund” and; WHEREAS, the Community Investment Fund provides a unique opportunity for Public Investment Communities and Alliance Districts throughout the State of Connecticut to further projects that promote economic or community development and enable consistent and fair treatment of all, especially underserved individuals, and; WHEREAS, the City’s Waterfront remains a source of cultural, historic, and economic significance with unlocked economic and community development potential; and WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City of Norwich make an application to the State of Connecticut’s Community Investment Fund for no greater than $5,000,000 (five million dollars) in order to undertake the Waterfront Revitalization Project, and; WHEREAS, pursuant to the City of Norwich’s Charter and Code of Ordinances, the legislative power and authority of the City is vested in the Council of the City of Norwich, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that it hereby approves the completion and filing of a grant application for discretionary state funding with the State of Connecticut’s Community Investment Fund for an amount no larger than $5,000,000 and authorizes and directs City Manager John Salomone, or his designee, to complete and to provide such additional information as may be required or requested, to execute such other documents as may be required, to execute and deliver an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for state financial assistance if such an agreement is offered, to execute and deliver any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the City of Norwich with respect thereto. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote of 7-0 it was unanimously voted to adjourn 8:52 pm. Assistant City Clerk 10