City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH November 6, 2023 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held November 6, 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 read the following proclamation. PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Norwich, Connecticut is a community which acknowledges that a special vibrancy exists within the entire community when its individual citizens collectively “go the extra mile” in personal effort, volunteerism and service; and WHEREAS, Norwich, Connecticut is a community which chooses to shine a light on and celebrate individuals and organizations within its community who “go the extra mile” in order to make a difference and lift up fellow members of their community; and WHEREAS Norwich, Connecticut is a community which encourages its citizens to maximize their personal contribution to the community by giving of themselves wholeheartedly and with total effort, commitment and conviction to their individual ambitions, family, friends and community; and WHEREAS, Norwich, Connecticut acknowledges the mission of the Extra Mile American Foundation to create 100 Extra Mile cities and states in America and is proud to support “Extra Mile Day” on November 6, 2023. NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR PETER A. 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 proclaim Monday, November 6, 2023 as Extra Mile Day in the City of Norwich. I urge each individual in the community to take time on this day to not only “go the extra mile” in his or her own life, but to also acknowledge all those around who are inspirational in their efforts and commitment to make their organizations, families, community, country or world a better place. Dated this Sixth Day of November, 2023 Peter A. Nystrom Joseph A. DeLucia Mayor President Pro Tem Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to accept the following minutes of October 2, and 16, 2023. City Manager’s Report To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: November 6, 2023 Meetings attended were with State representatives and legislators, Southeastern Council of Governments Executive Committee Meeting (SCCOG), Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) City 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH November 6, 2023 Coordination Meeting, CT Investment Fund (CIF) Stakeholders, Statewide Emergency Exercise, Eastern CT Rail Transit Study, NCDC Executive Committee Meeting, Chelsea Harbor/Downtown Norwich Public Information Meeting and meeting with Fire Chiefs. The Chelsea Harbor/Downtown public information meeting was held Wednesday, October 25th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Otis Library Community Room, which was attended by about 30 members of the public. The meeting provided an overview of data collected to date, existing conditions, and a question and answer period for the public in attendance. A critical component of the study is public outreach. Toward that end, consultants are in the midst of conducting a survey in order to gain feedback concerning what types of transportation improvements citizens of and visitors to Norwich would like to see recommended. The survey can be found on the project website at www.downtownnorwichmobilitystudy.com Norwich Human Services is currently accepting applications for this year’s Adopt a Family Program for the holidays. Please go to the Human Services website to find the application at www.norwichct.org. The Rose City Senior Center was recently awarded just under $100,000 from the Department of Aging and Disability Services, to be used to upgrade and expand outdoor programming space. The Youth, Family, & Recreation Division handed out candy to over 3,000 Norwich residents at October 27th’s Trunk or Treat and would like to thank all who participated. They have also created a short film: “Escape the Vape,” so please be sure to watch it on their social media pages. The downtown streets were busy for the 2nd annual NorWitch Strut that was held on October 28th. Thank you to the Norwich Events Organization, the committee and volunteers for this family event. Thank you also to Norwich Public Utilities, Public Works Department and Police for their assistance with the event. Thank you to Chelsea Groton Savings Bank for their generous donation of upholstered chairs, desks and credenzas. Public Works has been busy rearranging several spaces in City Hall with the used items. 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. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave., spoke on resolution #6 with disgust that more money is being allotted to the Reid & Hughes building. There being no further speakers Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Singh, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the term of the current appointee to the Eastern Connecticut Regional Tourism District expired September 15, 2023; and 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH November 6, 2023 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby re- appoints Angela Adams as a regular member of the Greater Norwich Chamber of Commerce to the Eastern Connecticut Regional Tourism District with a term to expire September 15, 2026 Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, The Chelsea Groton Savings Bank has donated surplus office furniture to the City of Norwich for use in City Hall; and WHEREAS, these items, which include desks, credenzas, tables and upholstered chairs, may be used in the operations of the tax and purchasing offices and various conference rooms at City Hall as well as other departments. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the offered donation of surplus inventory items by Chelsea Groton Savings Bank be accepted and that an appropriate letter expressing the city’s thanks be sent to the Chelsea Groton Savings Bank. Mayor Nystrom withdrew the following resolution as the event was already adopted at the October 16, 2023 City Council meeting. The organizers needed to use a rain date of November 4, 2023. WHEREAS, the Church of the Divine Providence (Divine Providence Parish) will hold a “Taste of Poland Festival” on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 2:00-6:00 PM at Howard Brown Park located on the Norwich waterfront at 100 Chelsea Harbor Drive, Norwich, Connecticut featuring Dennis Polisky & Maestro’s Men, a Grammy nominated, Polka Hall of Fame band, live music with free admission and parking, with art activities, and authentic Polish food; and WHEREAS, the organizer, Divine Providence Parish, proposes to make available beer for sale during the festival, the proceeds of the sales of beer and food to be used to support various programs and activities sponsored by the Divine Providence Parish, the sales of beer to be handled by an appropriate licensed and permitted entity. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, pursuant to Section 13.14.2 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances, City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized to grant the Divine Providence Parish permission to sell beer at its “Taste of Poland Festival” to be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Howard T. Brown Park, subject to satisfactory proof that the Divine Providence Parish has complied with the applicable regulations of the State Liquor Commission; that identification will be mandatory from each person purchasing an alcoholic beverage; that the sales of beer will be made under a proper liquor license, and that proper insurances will be obtained and maintained by the Divine Providence Parish and any vendor of beer for the event. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash on a roll call vote the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, and Ald Gould was put on the floor. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH November 6, 2023 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald Singh it was unanimously voted to amend the following resolution by inserting the date of “January 16, 2024” to report back to the Council. WHEREAS, the city of Norwich acquired property identified as 504 East Main Street, map 103, block 3, lot 95, by a Foreclosure by Sale Committee Deed recorded August 24, 2017 at volume 3031 page 121 of the Norwich Land Records; and WHEREAS, said property is currently a vacant lot and contains .09 acres; and WHEREAS, an abutting property owner has inquired about obtaining this property in order to facilitate development of his property; and WHEREAS, the Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee of the council met on February 24, 2022 and after reviewing this request recommends that the property be conveyed to an abutter so long as the parcel is combined into the abutter’s existing property; and WHEREAS, there are presently three abutting property owners. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that said property be offered to abutting owners to purchase through the office of the tax collector by letters sent to each abutting owner soliciting bids on the property with the tax collector to determine in her discretion a minimum price, which is to be at least one hundred dollars ($100), below which no bid will be accepted, and to report to the council by the second scheduled council meeting to be held in January 16, 2024 if a bid or bids have been received and the identity of the high bidder, all bids subject to a bidder’s confirming that this parcel will be combined with adjoining property of the bidder within 90 days of the conveyance of 504 East Main Street to the bidder. On a roll call vote motion passed 7-0 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, and Ald. Gould. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich, acting through its Department of Public Works, established a cost sharing program to encourage the construction of concrete sidewalks along private properties on public roads in Norwich as part of its program to improve sidewalks throughout the city; and WHEREAS, the program provides for construction using granite curbing and concrete sidewalks with property owners to be assessed for the cost of the concrete sidewalk and the City of Norwich to pay for the cost of the curbing and miscellaneous items; and WHEREAS, by resolution dated August 20, 2012 Ms. Kristen Day of 28 Dunham Street was accepted to the program with an estimated cost to her to replace the sidewalk and curbing of $2,268; and WHEREAS, the sidewalk was completed and a Certificate of Sidewalk Assessment in the sum of $1,890 was recorded on December 17, 2013 at volume 2834 page 16 of the Norwich Land Records; and 4  JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH November 6, 2023 WHEREAS, at the present time the balance owed on this assessment is $367 plus the $24 lien fee for a total of $391; and WHEREAS, work was recently performed on Dunham Street in connection with the 100% grant to the city included the installation of sidewalks while her sidewalk, now over ten years old, was not replaced; and WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Public Works, Patrick McLaughlin, recommends that the remaining balance on the assessment and lien totaling $391 be forgiven. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the balance of the sidewalk assessment and cost totaling $391 secured by a Certificate of Sidewalk Assessment recorded at volume 2834 page 16 of the Norwich Land Records be forgiven and the Certificate of Sidewalk Assessment be released. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Singh, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put 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: Brief Details of requested Current Change City Manager ARPA Exp. Code Dept/ No. Project # Description change balance + / (-) recommended Entity unspent Reallocation of funds: - Additional funds to $600,000 to 2.29-Loans or Norwich assist Reid & Hughes 1. Reid & ARP14 grants to mitigate Revitalizatio NCDC rehab. $2,483,577 ($600,000) 1 Hughes Project financial n Program - Contribute towards ARP31. hardship rehab of structures at the Marina. 2. Marina Project $500K was awarded in 1st round and $500K in 2nd. 2.35-Negative Southeaster Economic Arts & n $250,000 to 2nd: $250K returned to 2 ARP15 Impacts: Aid to Culture Connecticut $351,233 ($250,000) City and looking to Tourism, Travel Support Cultural NCDC reallocated $250K to or Hospitality Coalition ARP15B NCDC to manage programs on behalf of Cultural Coalition 2.35-Negative Reallocate from Cultural Economic Arts & $250,000 from Coalition $250K. NCDC ARP15B Impacts: Aid to Culture NCDC N/A $250,000 will manage on their 3 Tourism, Travel Support ARP15 behalf. or Hospitality 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH November 6, 2023 2.31-Rehabilition Reid & of Commercial $300,000 from Hughes Additional funds to assist ARP31 Properties or NCDC $205,950 $300,000 building Reid & Hughes rehab Other ARP14 4 renovation Improvements Contribute towards 2.35-Negative rehabilitation of structures Economic Marina $300,000 from 5 New City at the Marina. Allocate Impacts: Aid to rehab N/A $300,000 Project Manager from funds approved for Tourism, Travel project ARP14 Norwich Revitalization or Hospitality Programs (ARP14) Total Dollar Amount $0 BALANCE OF FUNDS AVAILABLE $0 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould seconded Ald. Singh, 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 strategy 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 Council, City Manager John Salomone, Police Chief Patrick Daley and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll. The Council was in Executive Session from 7:56 pm to 8:26 pm, at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Burto, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to resume the regular meeting. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Burto on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:27 pm. City Clerk 6