City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held August 21, 2023 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Neuendorf, Gould, Singh, Burto and Nash. John Salomone City Manager, Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Nystrom presided. Please be advised that meetings of the Norwich City Council can be viewed in their entirety on the City of Norwich website “norwichct.org”. Ald. Burto, read the opening prayer and Ald. Singh led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment general. Senator, Cathy Osten, 187 Scotland Rd., Baltic, CT, all of the legislators have already given their support for $10,000,000 to a new Police Station. Valerie Gambrel, 73 Allyn Ave., wants more done for the youth in this city. Harrison Faison, 189 Central Ave. spoke with concern about the lack of parking in Greenville. This is a real problem for his business and for future businesses coming in. Shiela Hayes, 382 Laurel Hill Ave., reminded the Council more needs to be done for the youth. There are forgotten neighborhoods in Norwich. There is no progress and no vision for Norwich. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave., spoke in disgust stating new schools don’t mean a better education. Mayor Nystrom read and presented the following proclamation. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 PRO CL AMAT I O N WHEREAS, the Norwich Sea Unicorns provide affordable, fun, family oriented entertainment to thousands of fans each year at Dodd Stadium; and WHEREAS, the Norwich Sea Unicorns captured the franchise's first Futures League championship with a 2-1 victory over the Vermont Lake Monsters before a boisterous crowd of 2,137 at Dodd Stadium; and WHEREAS, top-seeded Norwich (39-22) finished one game ahead of Vermont (38-23) for the regular-season title, the Norwich Sea Unicorns won five of six games against the Lake Monsters during the season; and WHEREAS, Norwich Sea Unicorns second baseman Johnny Knox (Nichols College) was voted the Championship Series Most Valuable Player, after scoring the winning run against Vermont in the fifth inning on Zach Donahue’s RBI single; and WHEREAS, the Norwich Sea Unicorns led by Manager Kevin Murphy, Assistant Coach’s John Mesagno, Noah Plantamuro, Andy Baylock, Luke Broadhurst, Jack Rich, players Mark Capell, Jared Burrows, Joseph Castrichini, Daniel Cohen, Finn Doherty, Ethan Errera, Sean Finn, Chris Jenkins, Brad Lewis, Alistair Morin, Trent Price, Matthew Reyes, AJ Rooks, Payton Sutman, Robert Zawacki, Joey Agar, Joey DeMucci, Ben Jerome, Matt Malcom, Zach Donahue, Dean Ferrara, Johnny Knox, DJ Perron, Austin Bohlman, Matthew Bucciero, DJ Caron, Brennan Hyde, Zack Kovalchik, Jayson Kramer, Ray Leonzi, Logan Meusy; and WHEREAS, we thank owner Miles Prentice, General Manager Lee Walter Jr, Assistant General Manager Heather Bartlett, Group Sales & Ticket Office Manager Kevin Smith, Media Relations Manager Michael Neville, Community Relations Reade Kirby, Clubhouse Manager Bruce Cobb, for their diligent work to support the Norwich Sea Unicorns; and WHEREAS, on Sunday, August 13, 2023 the Norwich Sea Unicorns made baseball history in the Rose City by winning the Futures League Championship, by working together and listening to their coaches and gave Norwich quite a gift. 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 recognize and congratulate Norwich Sea Unicorns for their outstanding accomplishments winning the Futures League Championship and do hereby proclaim today, August 21, 2023 as “Norwich Sea Unicorns Day” in the Rose City. Dated this Twenty First day of August, 2023 Peter Albert Nystrom Joseph A. DeLucia Mayor President Pro Tem 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 Mayor Nystrom called for the following public hearing on AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $44,750,000 FOR THE CITY OF NORWICH POLICE HEADQUARTERS FACILITY PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $44,750,000 BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE City Clerk Muscarella read the following communication from the Commission on the City Plan. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 City Clerk Muscarella read the following communication from the Public Safety Committee. Mayor Nystrom called for those speaking in favor. Anthony Holland, 204 Burnham Hwy., Lisbon spoke in support of the Police Headquarters. Chaplain Charles Tyree, 107 Newton St., spoke in support of the Police Headquarters. He explained the need for proper facilities due to the diverse staffing. The present facility is too small and the department has outgrown it. Scott Camassar, 62 Ox Hill Rd., as a member of the Police Station Study Committee 10 years ago. The want was for the downtown area but the need was real then and still is. The station was and still is too small and outdated. Tracy Holland, 38 Crouch Ave., spoke in full support of the Police Headquarters. Chaplain Gary Poorman, 68 Briar Hill Rd., spoke in support of the Police Headquarters and quoted scripture of the Police being real servants and that they deserve to be treated better. John Perry, 16 Grant Ct., spoke in support and shared his personal story that as a young boy 43 years ago he remembers walking through the Police Station with his dad and it hasn’t changed since. Even though the building hasn’t changed the people that work there have and require and deserve better. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 David Eggleston, 215 Rockwell St., stated that 11 years ago he voted against the Police Station, because he didn’t understand it. He later was on the Police Study Committee. He said the current Police Station was built in the 70’s and is outdated. Harrison Faison, 189 Central Ave., he didn’t realize the Police Station is 44 years old and it is outdated. His hope is for everybody to be safe and this is a great place to start. Dennis Jenkins, 134 Hansen Rd., made it clear that he hates taxes. He also was on the Police Station Committee and agrees the current station is terrible. The longer we wait the more it is going to cost us. He hopes that public gets behind this. Valerie Gambrel, 73 Allyn Ave., admitted she was not for this in the beginning but she feels more educated now. She requested the Council to educate the public to get it passed. David Winkler, 21 Bozrah Dr., spoke as member of the Police Station Study Committee and agreed with the previous speaker and said it was the context of the first paragraph of the report from Police Committee Study. Shiela Hayes, 382 Laurel Hill Ave., spoke on the need for the Police Station doesn’t even have a place to hold a meeting. She also said the NAACP has and still does support this bond. Beryl Fishbone 19 Bliss Pl., listed several points that show the need for a new Police Facility. State Representative, Derell Wilson, spoke as member of the Police Station Study Committee and they did the homework and the need is real and the public needs to be educated on the subject. The City has his full support. Sargent Christopher Horelick, spoke as a Union Representative stating that First Amendment Auditors are on the rise and they can be very insensitive to the public. By having a place to meet that is not out in the open areas of the department would be very important to the public. It would keep these type of people from interfering with personal and professional business. Charles Nicholson, 72 Union St. explained that he has been here for 30 years and admires and respects the fact that many police officers started their careers as being native to Norwich and recognizes their respect, kindness and compassion for the community. But he also feels the way of the future indicates is not looking good and we need to be ready. Ken Keeley , 89 Williams St., stated that 45 years ago his father was a detective for the Norwich Police Department and he asked him what do you think of the new Police Station after moving from the Union Street location? He replied “It’s too small”. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave., spoke in support of this referendum. She stated she worked as a 911 dispatcher on Martha’s Vineyard. Knowing from her experience how important this Police Facility is and it’s components are. That being said it is imperative that open, honest and candid conversations must be had to educate and inform the public. Chief Patrick Daley, 142 Newton St., urged the ordinance to be passed and it’s never going to be cheaper and the current location isn’t going to get any better. The citizens deserve better. Retired Chief, Louis Fusaro, 543 New London Tpke., commended the previous eloquent speakers. He agreed that the present building was undersized from the beginning. He is asking for full support of this project. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 Mayor Nystrom called for those speaking in opposition. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave., is against this bond ordinance. Alexander Botchis, 586 Laurel Hill Rd., we need more information, facts and data before the election. There were no further speakers. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, 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. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia, and Ald. Nash on the floor. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Singh, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to amend the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia, and Ald. Nash on the floor. Amendment #1 change the last sentence of Section 1. Change from “Said appropriation is expected to be in addition to grant funding and all prior and future appropriations for said purpose.” Change to “Said appropriation shall be inclusive of state and federal grants in aid thereof.” #2 change the second sentence of Section 2. Change from “No portion of the Project cost is expected to be paid from other sources other than the proposed bond issue.” Change to “The City of Norwich (the “City”) anticipates that a portion of the Project cost may be paid from sources other than the proposed bond authorization, including state and federal grants for the Project.” Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Singh on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to bring the following amended ordinance back for second reading and action on the September 5, 2023 Council meeting. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $44,750,000 FOR THE CITY OF NORWICH POLICE HEADQUARTERS FACILITY PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $44,750,000 BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: Section 1. The sum of $44,750,000 is appropriated for the planning, acquisition and construction of a new City of Norwich Police Headquarters Facility (the “Project”). The Project is anticipated to include, but not be limited to, a community room, training classrooms, emergency operations center, main desk, dispatch center, areas for the public, lockers, prisoner and processing and detention, evidence processing, forensic lab, administration, conferences, sally port, armory, computer and technology areas, parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and including equipment, furniture and fixtures, computer equipment, property acquisition, demolition, warranty, insurance, testing, administrative, advertising, printing, legal, financing costs, surveying, environmental remediation, consultants and services related to or appropriate to accomplish the foregoing, or for so much thereof or such additional improvements as may be accomplished within said appropriation. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 Said appropriation shall be inclusive of state and federal grants in aid thereof. Said appropriation is expected to be in addition to grant funding and all prior and future appropriations for said purpose. Section 2. The total estimated cost of the Project is $44,750,000. The City of Norwich (the “City”) anticipates that a portion of the Project cost may be paid from sources other than the proposed bond authorization, including state and federal grants for the Project. No portion of the Project cost is expected to be paid from other sources other than the proposed bond issue. The estimated useful life of the Project is expected to be not less than thirty (30) years. The Project is a general benefit to the City and its general governmental purposes. Section 3. To meet said appropriation $44,750,000 bonds of the City, or so much thereof as may be necessary for said purpose, may be issued, maturing not later than the thirtieth (30th) year after their date, or such later date as may be allowed by law. Said bonds may be issued in one or more series as shall be determined by the City Manager and the Comptroller, and the amount of bonds of each series to be issued shall be fixed by the City Manager and the Comptroller, provided that the total amount of bonds to be issued shall not be less than an amount which will provide funds sufficient with other funds available for such purpose to pay the principal of and the interest on all temporary borrowings in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of said bonds outstanding at the time of the issuance thereof and to pay for the administrative, printing and legal costs of issuing the bonds. The bonds shall be in the denomination of $1,000 or a whole multiple thereof, be issued in bearer form or in fully registered form, be executed in the name and on behalf of the City by the manual or facsimile signatures of the City Manager and the Comptroller, bear the City seal or a facsimile thereof, be certified by a bank or trust company designated by the City Manager and the Comptroller, which bank or trust company may be designated the registrar and transfer agent, be payable at a bank or trust company designated by the City Manager and the Comptroller, and be approved as to their legality by Pullman & Comley, LLC, Bond Counsel. They shall bear such rate or rates of interest as shall be determined by the City Manager and the Comptroller. The bonds shall be general obligations of the City and each of the bonds shall recite that every requirement of law relating to its issue has been duly complied with, that such bond is within every debt and other limit prescribed by law, that the full faith and credit of the City are pledged to the payment of the principal thereof and the interest thereon and shall be paid from property taxation to the extent not paid from other funds available for the payment thereof. The aggregate principal amount of the bonds, annual installments of principal, redemption provisions, if any, the date, time of issue and sale and other terms, details and particulars of such bonds, shall be determined by the City Manager and the Comptroller in accordance with the requirements of the General Statutes of Connecticut, as amended (the “Statutes”). In connection with the issuance of any bonds or notes authorized herein, the City may exercise any power delegated to municipalities pursuant to Section 7-370b of the Statutes, including the authority to enter into agreements managing interest rate risk. The City Manager and Comptroller, on behalf of the City, shall execute and deliver such reimbursement agreements, letter of credit agreement, credit facilities, remarketing, standby marketing agreements, standby bond purchase agreements, and any other commercially necessary or appropriate agreements which are necessary, appropriate or desirable in connection with or incidental to the sale and issuance of such bonds or notes. Section 4. The issue of the bonds aforesaid and of all other bonds or notes of the City heretofore authorized but not yet issued, as of the effective date of this ordinance, would not cause the indebtedness of the City to exceed any debt limit calculated in accordance with law. Section 5. Said bonds shall be sold by the City Manager and Comptroller in a competitive offering or by negotiation, in their discretion. If sold at competitive offering, the bonds shall be sold 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 upon sealed proposals, auction or similar process, at not less than par and accrued interest on the basis of the lowest net or true interest cost to the City. Section 6. The City Manager and the Comptroller are authorized to make temporary borrowings in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of any series of said bonds. Notes evidencing such borrowings shall be signed by the manual or facsimile signatures of the City Manager and the Comptroller, have the seal of the City or a facsimile thereof affixed, be payable at a bank or trust company designated by the City Manager and the Comptroller, be certified by a bank or trust company designated by the City Manager and the Comptroller pursuant to Section 7-373 of the Statutes, and be approved as to their legality by Pullman & Comley, LLC, Bond Counsel. They shall be issued with maturity dates which comply with the provisions of the Statutes governing the issuance of such notes, as the same may be amended from time to time. The notes shall be general obligations of the City and each of the notes shall recite that every requirement of law relating to its issue has been duly complied with, that such note is within every debt and other limit prescribed by law, that the full faith and credit of the City are pledged to the payment of the principal thereof and the interest thereon and shall be paid from property taxation to the extent not paid from other funds available for the payment thereof. The net interest cost on such notes, including renewals thereof, and the expense of preparing, issuing and marketing them, to the extent paid from the proceeds of such renewals or said bonds, shall be included as a cost of the Project. Upon the sale of said bonds the proceeds thereof, to the extent required, shalt be applied forthwith to the payment of the principal of and the interest on any such temporary borrowings then outstanding or shall be deposited with a bank or trust company in trust for such purpose. Section 7. Resolution of Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures with Borrowings. The City (the “Issuer”) hereby expresses its official intent pursuant to §1.150-2 of the Federal Income Tax Regulations, Title 26 (the “Regulations”), to reimburse expenditures paid sixty days prior to and after the date of passage of this ordinance in the maximum amount and for the capital project defined in Section 1 with the proceeds of bonds, notes, or other obligations (“Bonds”) authorized to be issued by the Issuer. The Bonds shall be issued to reimburse such expenditures not later than 18 months after the later of the date of the expenditure or the substantial completion of the project, or such later date that the Regulations may authorize. The Issuer hereby certifies that the intention to reimburse as expressed herein is based upon its reasonable expectations as of this date. The Comptroller or his designee is authorized to pay project expenses in accordance herewith pending the issuance of reimbursement bonds, and to amend this declaration. Section 8. The City Manager and Comptroller are hereby authorized to exercise all powers conferred by Section 3-20e of the General Statutes with respect to secondary market disclosure and to provide annual information and notices of material events as enumerated in Securities and Exchange Commission Exchange Act Rule 15c2-12, as amended, as may be necessary, appropriate or desirable to effect the sale of the bonds and notes authorized by this ordinance. Section 9. In order to meet the capital cash flow expenditure needs of the City, the City Manager and Comptroller are authorized to allocate and reallocate expenditures incurred for the Project to any bonds or notes of the City outstanding as of the date of such allocation, and the bonds or notes to which such expenditures have been allocated shall be deemed to have been issued for such purpose. Section 10. It is hereby found and determined that the issue of all, or a portion of, the bonds, notes or other obligations of the City authorized to be issued herein as qualified private activity bonds, or with interest that is includable in gross income of the holders thereof for purposes of federal 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 income taxation, is in the public interest. The City Manager and the Comptroller are hereby authorized to issue and utilize without further approval any financing alternative currently or hereafter available to municipal governments pursuant to law. Section 11. The City Manager and Comptroller are hereby authorized to prepare and distribute preliminary and final Official Statements of the City, to execute and deliver on behalf of the City all such other documents, and to take all action, necessary and proper for the sale, issuance and delivery of any bonds or notes relating to the Project in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes and the laws of the United States. This ordinance shall not take effect unless and until adopted by the City Council and approved at referendum. Mayor Nystrom called for the following public hearing on AN ORDINANCE REGARDING ADDITIONAL FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CITY CONSOLIDATION DISTRICT Mayor Nystrom called for those speaking in favor. Fire Chief, Tracy Montoya, explained the unforeseen reasons for this stating the Fire Department had four retirements and people getting sick or injured. Speaking in opposition: None There were no further speakers. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould 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. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following ordinance introduced by City Manager, Salomone. AN ORDINANCE REGARDING ADDITIONAL FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CITY CONSOLIDATION DISTRICT WHEREAS, the City Consolidation District’s (“CCD”) overtime and replacement costs for fiscal year 2022-23 are $18,000 higher than anticipated compared to the adopted 2022-23 budget for the CCD; and WHEREAS, the CCD has adequate levels of unassigned fund balance (“UFB”) to absorb the impact of the budget variances described above; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT the fiscal year 2022-23 appropriations for the CCD be, and hereby is, increased by the sums of $18,000 for the reasons set forth above. Purpose: To increase the appropriations of the City Consolidation District fund for expenditures in excess of the adopted 2022-23 budget. 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was voted to accept the following communication on a 6-0 vote. 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was voted to accept the following communication on a 6-0 vote. 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Neuendorf, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to accept the following communication. City Manager’s Report To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: August 21, 2023 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 Meetings attended were Southeastern Council of Governments Executive Committee Meeting (SCCOG), NPU-City Coordination Meeting and Uncas Leap Heritage Park Groundbreaking Ceremony. The Uncas Leap ground breaking was attended by more than 50 people as Mohegan Tribal Elders joined local and state officials for the ceremony. The heritage park celebrates Native American, colonial, and Industrial Revolution history and culture and is expected to be completed next summer. The City’s 2.8 million American Rescue Plan funds will be used to preserve the town and Tribal history at this site. Norwich Human Services has partnered with the Three Rivers College Foundation and awarded $150,000 of ARP funding to support year-round scholarship funding for Norwich residents, particularly some of the most vulnerable students. They will be able to assist Norwich students with the costs of tuition, fees, books, and laptops. Norwich Youth, Family, and Recreation Division had 15 kids from Uncas Camp participate in the Summer Invention Convention program through camp, and two will be headed to the State Convention in Hartford to present their inventions. Thank you to YFR and sponsors for the City’s Backpack Program. Eight hundred backpacks, were filled with supplies and given to the community through various partner agencies. Norwich Public Works annual road paving work continues with the City’s paving Contractor Charles Pasteryak Jr. Inc. Work will continue in the Greenville section of the City, including: Barnes, Lois, Margerie, Sylvester, Tilton, Cooper, Friendship, and Elijah Streets. Over four miles of roads were chip sealed this month, including Brownwood and Dupont Lanes, Gifford St., Greenwich Court, Gulliver Circle, Mathieu St., McClellan Ave., Pleasant St., Reservoir Rd., Vergason Ave., and Wallstone Lane. The Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) was approved on August 15th. Thank you again to the efforts of the Commission on the City Plan (CCP), POCD, and the Planning Department for their work over the past few years. Thank you again to our volunteer painter David Bishop. He is currently restoring the City’s welcome signs and has completed the first of several. Public Works has reinstalled the first completed one by Backus Hospital. A Multicultural Festival will be held on August 26th downtown from 1 to 6 pm and will include food, games, music, and art. 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. Kevin Brown, NCDC, spoke in favor of resolutions #1 for Jubilee Park and on #5 for the Multi- Cultural Festival thanking the Council for their support and stating things are changing one step and a time. Bobbie Braboy, 109 Sachem St., spoke in support of resolution #5 on the Multi-Cultural Festival. 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 Senator, Cathy Osten, 187 Scotland Rd., Baltic, CT, spoke in support of resolution #1 saying the grant was designated for NCDC’s plan for Jubilee Park Shiela Hayes, 382 Laurel Hill Ave., spoke in support for resolutions #’s 1, 2, 3 and 5. Thanking the people who are listed in resolution #3 for investing in the sidewalk repairs. There being no speakers Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Gould, Ald. Nash. Relative to the acceptance of a grant award for the Jubilee Park Lower Broadway project. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich awarded an Urban Act Grant from the State of Connecticut Bond Commission (“Grant”) to be administered by the State of Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (“DEEP”) in the amount of $500,000 for the park and drainage improvements to Jubilee Park located on lower Broadway (“the Project”). NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that City Manager John L. Salomone be, and hereby is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents to DEEP necessary to accept this $500,000 Grant award for the Project 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. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager, Salomone. Relative to amendment of existing American Rescue Plan Act allocations. RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the American Rescue Plan Act allocations adopted previously, be amended as follows: Current City Manager ARPA Exp. Brief Change Project Dept/ Details of requested change balance recommended Code Description + / (-) # Entity of ARP allocation funds $50K from 2.37- ARP36. Negative Armstrong Additional funds needed to ARP09 Economic Tennis Courts Public Works award a bid. $303,093 $50,000 This increases Impact: Other full allocation Assistance up to $745K $50K move to 5.18- Move $50K to cover funds ARP09. This Drainage ARP36 Infrastructure: Replacements Public Works needed for ARP09 to award a $305,062 ($50,000) decreases full Water/Sewer bid. allocation to $550K. 14 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 Total Dollar Amount to change $0 BALANCE OF FUNDS AVAILABLE $316,719 Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to set a public hearing for September 18, 2023 for the following resolution introduced by Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Gould, Ald. Nash. WHEREAS, the property owners listed below want to participate in a cost sharing program with the City of Norwich to construct concrete sidewalks along their property; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich wants to improve sidewalks throughout the City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that: granite curbing and concrete sidewalks will be constructed at the following locations where the property owners will pay for an assessment for the cost of the sidewalks and the City of Norwich will pay for the cost of the curbing and miscellaneous items. Name Address Estimate 29 Lincoln Ave LLC 29 Lincoln Avenue $6,852.50 WW Realty LLC 31 Fowler Lane $3,756.48 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the cost of this project be funded from the existing capital budget line item for sidewalks, Capital Improvement Fund #3602 and the Sidewalk Fund, #2858, and that a public hearing be set at the second meeting of the City Council in September 18, 2023. The estimated city’s cost for curbing and miscellaneous construction items is $ 9,971.39. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to set a postpone to September 5, 2023 for the following resolution introduced by Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Gould, Ald. Nash. BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: That the ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $44,750,000 FOR THE CITY OF NORWICH POLICE HEADQUARTERS FACILITY PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $44,750,000 BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE”, as adopted by this meeting of the Council, be submitted to a referendum vote of the electors of the City for approval or disapproval in conjunction with the general election on November 15 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 7, 2023, between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. and that the warning of said referendum state the question to be voted upon and the ballot label with respect thereto as follows: Question 1: “Shall the ordinance entitled ‘ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $44,750,000 FOR THE CITY OF NORWICH POLICE HEADQUARTERS FACILITY PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $44,750,000 BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE’, as adopted by the City Council on ___________, 2023, be approved? YES NO” The ballot label for said question shall read as follows: “Shall the $44,750,000 appropriation and bond authorization ordinance for the planning, acquisition and construction of the City of Norwich Police Headquarters Facility Project be approved? YES NO” The voting will be by paper/electronic ballot. Those desiring to vote for the question shall fill in the box in front of the question on the ballot at “YES”. Those desiring to vote against the question shall fill in the box in front of the question on the ballot at “NO”. Absentee ballots will be made available in accordance with the law. The warning of said referendum shall also state that the full text of the aforesaid ordinance and question are on file open to public inspection in the office of the City and Town Clerk, that the vote on the aforesaid bond ordinance is taken pursuant to Chapter VIII, Section 4 of the City Charter and Chapters 90 and 152 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, and that absentee ballots will be made available in accordance with the law. The City and Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to prepare and print pursuant to section 9-369b of the Connecticut General Statutes (i) explanatory text for the foregoing question and (ii) materials concerning such question in addition to the explanatory text. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Burto, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Gould, Ald. Nash and Ald. Neuendorf. WHEREAS, the Norwich Community Development Corporation through Global City Norwich, proposes to host the Global City Norwich Multicultural Festival to be held on Saturday, August 26th, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Jubilee Park, the David Ruggles Courtyard, the top floor of the City Hall parking garage, the Bath Street Parking Lot and directly under the Metamorphosis Mural, with the permission of the City of Norwich to use those of the listed properties which are owned by it; WHEREAS, the Chief of Police, as traffic authority, has recommended the closure to vehicular traffic of Broadway between Bath Street and Willow Street, the closure to vehicular traffic to commence at 12:00 p.m. and run to 7:00 p.m.; and 16 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich, by this resolution, grants permission to Global City Norwich to conduct the event using city property, and expresses its support for the Multicultural Festival and its sponsors and welcomes the many visitors who will attend the same to enjoy its many attractions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that it is in support of the Multicultural Festival and grants permission to Global City Norwich, to utilize any city owned property described herein, to conduct the same during the hours described herein and authorizes the closing to vehicular traffic of Broadway between Bath Street and Willow Street from the hours of 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief of Police as Traffic Authority. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Gould, Ald. Burto and Ald. Neuendorf. BE IT RESOLVED that the following be appointed as a regular member to the Board of Assessment Appeals, with a term to expire on June 1, 2025. (R) Lawrence Rice BE IT RESOLVED that the following be reappointed as a regular member to the Board of Assessment Appeals, with a term to expire on June 1, 2024. (D) Dennis Riley Upon a motion of Ald. Gould seconded Ald. Singh by on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 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 publicity regarding the proposed acquisition or disposition would cause a likelihood of and increased price to acquire and a diminished price to dispose of property, to review feasibility evaluations and reports made for the City of Norwich regarding such property, and to review information given the city in confidence not required to be disclosed by law, as well as strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims. City Manager John Salomone, Comptroller Josh Pothier, and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll shall be asked to participate during all or portions of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash and seconded Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia it was unanimously voted on a roll call vote to invite Kevin Brown, NCDC to attend all or part of the above executive session. The Council was in Executive Session from 9:20 pm to 9:44 pm, at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Burto and seconded Ald. Gould on a roll call it was unanimously voted to return to regular session at 9:44 pm. 17 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH August 21, 2023 Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:45 pm. City Clerk 18