City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held January 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Nystrom, President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Singh, Ald. Gould, Ald. Bettencourt, Ald. Hayes and Ald. Nash. City Manager John Salomone, 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”. President Pro Tem DeLucia, read the opening prayer and Ald. Nash led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Nystrom gave the State of the City Address as follows: ESTABLISHED 1659 CITY OF NORWICH CONNECTICUT Peter A. Nystrom 100 Broadway Mayor of Norwich Norwich, CT 06360 My fellow Norwich residents and Council members, public officials, and friends, I am very pleased to join you tonight to provide my State of the City address for 2025. The start of a new year is always a good time to take stock – to look back and evaluate what has gone well, and what could’ve gone better. Its also smart to look ahead at the opportunities to build on our successes – and recommit to continuing the critical work of moving our city forward. This is likely the last time that I will provide a State of the City address as your mayor. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve my community in this capacity. It has not always been easy or fun, but it has always been an important and rewarding endeavor, and a worthwhile use of my time and talents. And as I look around this room, I see so many people who I have the truly enjoyed working with on projects big and small, things that have been successful – and some initiatives that didn’t turn out as we’d hoped. But I like to think of myself as a Norwich person through and through – a workhorse, not a show horse. And whenever I’ve been knocked down, I always get back up, just like our city always has – and always will. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 Next January, I will no longer be the Mayor of Norwich. But I fully intend to stay engaged as long as I have the energy and the will to offer my ideas, perspectives, and experiences for the benefit of this city. And so, as we look back on what we have accomplished – and where our city is, I am more optimistic and hopeful than I have ever been in my tenure as a community leader. This is a very exciting time for our city in so many ways – big and small – across all parts of Norwich. I do not know of any time in the long and proud history of our great city where there has been as much economic and community development taking place – with even more and bigger things on the horizon. It is not a stretch by any means to refer to this point in time as when Norwich starts to be recognized as The Revitalized Rose of New England. Consider the following: • Our former YMCA building is coming back to life after far too long and will soon be the home of a successful regional business, Mattern Construction. • Directly across the street, the Hotel Calista has revived the former Elks building and is welcoming visitors to spend time – and money – in Norwich. • Further down Main Street, the Reid & Hughes project is moving forward with each passing month; for years, the revitalization of this grand old building has been an aspiration – and it is now becoming a reality. • More and more apartments will be occupied toward the end of Main Street, bringing more economic activity to our Downtown • Our marina – and adjacent area – the crown jewel of Norwich – will be coming to life as a result of the hard work of so many people in our community. Again, more activity – and jobs – and money being spent – in the center of our city. • Norwich Public Utilities’ wastewater treatment plant project – at $200 million is the largest construction project in our city - is more than a year into construction. When complete, this project will go a long, long way toward improving water quality in the Thames River and Long Island Sound. • NPU is also investing millions of dollars to modernize its water and natural gas infrastructure that will benefit this community for generations to come. 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 • Together, with the leadership of the NCDC, we secured more than $2.3 million in funding to assist with Brownfield cleanup at the Integrated Day Charter School; we’ve also secured an additional $1.8 million that will help them repurpose an underutilized section of the property to expand the services that they provide to Norwich kids. • Our Occum Industrial Center will take a big step forward in 2025 as the work to bring utilities and roads into the property gets underway. o This transformational opportunity has been a great collaboration with NPU providing early funding to NCDC to support the preliminary work in evaluating – and eventually purchasing – the property. o There will be a lot of wide-open real estate that could suit the needs of a host of businesses – those that want to come here – or those who are already in Norwich and want to expand. o We’re going to be aggressively marketing this property to companies who want to have their operations in brand new facilities, right on Interstate 395 – and served by NPU, with electric rates 30% below those of the investor-owned utilities in Connecticut. • And we will be building four new public schools that will meet the needs of thousands and thousands of our children in the years to come. None of these projects can or will happen overnight – and there will inevitably be more difficult discussions and maybe even some arguments. But I am hopeful, as a council and as a community, we will be able to provide our residents with what they truly need. The facts speak for themselves. Our community has done an excellent job of taking advantage of the unprecedented investment being made by federal and state governments. And we are so grateful for the time and effort of our legislators in Washinton and Hartford who truly understand and appreciate Norwich. At the same time, we have many challenges and obligations that must be addressed: • Our ambitious school construction project will challenge our finances and our patience • The same can be said about the installation of the roundabouts on West Main Street. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 • We need to continue to evaluate the finances and operations of our school system – and find the financial and operational efficiencies that are needed. o I am encouraged that the General Assembly is taking closer look at the financial challenges in the educational systems of Connecticut’s cities; more resources for keeping our special education students in Norwich – instead of expensive and time-consuming out-of-district placements is something we should all support and fight for. • There must be a way to keep these kids in Norwich – and not in a van to some other community for 90 minutes each way, for 180 days – so that they can be educated and cared for – and spend more time with their peers. It’s better for the kids and it’s better for our community. The kids of Norwich need more and better after school and summer resources. We simply cannot have our streets and neighborhoods deteriorate – the direct and indirect costs to our city would be devastating. We must work together – the Council and the community – to continue the projects that are already underway while focusing on the long-term financial and tax consequences of our decisions. I am committed to making my last year as your Mayor my most productive and collaborative year in public office. And I hope that my fellow Councilors will join me in making this commitment. And finally, as I start my 12th year as your mayor, as a point of personal privilege, I would like to recognize a few of the pillars of our community who have worked tirelessly, year after year, to move our city forward. As Mayor of Norwich, I have always viewed myself as the quarterback of an outstanding team – one made up of many, many people that contribute individually and collectively to move our city forward. There is an old saying that it is amazing what can be accomplished when you don’t care about who gets the credit. And day after day, year after year, we are seeing that expression come to life across Norwich - in terms of our government, community, economic development, social services. And while it is not always wise to single out individuals in a public speech, as this is my last State of the City address, I hope you will indulge me as I recognize the following Pillars of our Community. These individuals have gone above and beyond over and over again, making enormous impacts in Norwich for the betterment of our community, making our future more exciting, productive, brighter, and more compassionate. And so, I would like to recognize: 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 • Kevin Brown, the President and Executive Director of the Norwich Community Development Corporation. The NCDC has been around since 1963, which is a lot longer than many of the people here tonight. And it is not an exaggeration to suggest that Kevin has transformed this critical organization with his ideas, enthusiasm, tenacity, relentless hard work, and results. He has been incredibly effective for our city and we are very fortunate to call him a partner and a friend. • Chris LaRose, General Manager, Norwich Public Utilities. Chris has enjoyed a very long and productive, successful career at NPU, working his way through a number of important roles in our hometown utility. And most importantly, he assumed the role of General Manager during a turbulent and challenging time for the organization and our city. He is leading NPU through an unprecedented level of activity and investment in its infrastructure, with numerous projects and initiatives that will benefit our community for generations to come. • Jillian Corbin, the Executive Director of St. Vincent DePaul Place. It is not uncommon – or inaccurate – to hear someone refer to Jillian as a ‘walking saint’. She and her outstanding team make an immeasurable impact on our community, year after year after year. Hundreds of thousands of hot meals provided to those in need every year. Hygiene bags, pet food bags, and anything else needed to meet the daily needs of men, women and families that are struggling in our community and region. Tens of thousands of food pantry visits, literally tons and tons of food provided through the committed and compassionate work of hundreds of volunteers. And she does all of this with strength, grace, and good humor. • Debbie Kievits of Norwich Bully Busters. The goal of this very special organization is to advocate for kids who are or could be the victims of bullying, in schools or anywhere in Norwich. Debbie and her team have provided countless kids with fun, interactive, and usually free programs throughout the year. Debbie has been a tireless ally of hundreds of Norwich kids she does not – nor likely never will – know. I do not know if there is anyone with a bigger heart in the Rose City than Debbie Kievits. • Becca and Ray Alberts, the owners and operators of These Guys Brewing Company who have put their time, money, energy – in addition to their blood, sweat, and tears – into one of the best restaurants and breweries in the region. They have made an incredible investment in our city – and we are excited to see their continued growth and success as they relocate to our marina. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 • Angela Adams, Executive Director, Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce. Last, and certainly not least, is the leader of our outstanding Chamber of Commerce. Angela has a been an invaluable resource to so many businesses – big and small – that have come to or expanded in – Norwich. Through networking events, helpful seminars, marketing and sponsorship opportunities, Angela has a long-standing, vested interest in the success of our businesses and our community every day. These outstanding leaders have very different jobs and organizations, and a wide range of perspectives and personalities. But they have so many things in common; they are each full of energy and optimism, they each enjoy working with and learning from others; they are always willing to go the extra mile whenever its needed; and they also do a lot of things – often big things – without anyone knowing or without seeking any credit. And all of them have my heartfelt thanks, appreciation, and admiration. I’ve always believed that humility and resilience are super-powers. And these outstanding people are living examples of that belief. I have worked long and hard over the course of my long career- five years on the Council City Council as I got started, then for 18 years in the General Assembly, and finally with 11 years – and counting - as mayor to offer my service to my community. I might not miss some of the things that go along with public service - the countless meetings and long hours, headaches, late nights, early mornings, community meetings, parades, door knocks, radio and newspaper interviews – but in the end, it was all worth it. I am proud of the work I have done and thank you all for the opportunity to have served in this important capacity. Mayor Nystrom read the following proclamation for the record. PR O C L A MA TI ON WHEREAS, Scott Eggert was born August 1986 in Bad Axe, Michigan, and enlisted in the Navy in October of 2004 and attended Hospital Corpsman "A" School in April 2005 and Field Medical Service School in September 2005; and WHEREAS, Senior Chief Scott Eggert first tour was at 3D Medical Battalion, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, he deployed to Pakistan for Humanitarian Assistance in October 2005 and earned his Fleet Marine Force Warfare; and WHEREAS, Senior Chief Scott Eggert leadership and expertise were recognized early in his career, advancing from the rank of Hospital Corpsman Third Class (HM3) to Chief Petty Officer and then to Senior Chief Petty Officer, reflecting his tireless commitment to his fellow sailors and Marines; and 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 WHEREAS, Senior Chief Scott Eggert personal achievements and educational accomplishments, including earning a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical Health Sciences from The George Washington University and graduating from the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 205 Gray Group, exemplify his commitment to both professional development and service excellence; and WHEREAS, Senior Chief Scott Eggert service to our nation continued with outstanding leadership as a Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman, Submarine Independent Duty Corpsman Program Supervisor, and as the sole medical department representative aboard the USS South Dakota (SSN 790), where he ensured the health and readiness of the crew through every challenge; and WHEREAS, Senior Chief Eggert lives in Norwich, and is married to Jessica and they have four children, and he serves as the Chief of the Occum Fire Department, he is also an Emergency Medical Services Instructor, Fire Service Instructor, American Red Cross Instructor, Fire Apparatus Driving Instructor; and WHEREAS, Senior Chief Eggert's personal decorations and military awards include: The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 Awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 Awards), Good Conduct Medal (6 Awards), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2 awards), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Non-Article 5 NATO Medal, Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, Navy Pistol Marksmanship Medal, and various other unit awards, he also holds the 804G, 806R, 8MTS, 825A, L03A, and 8SEA Navy Enlisted Classification Codes. NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR PETER ALBERT NYSTROM AND NORWICH CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM, JOSEPH A. DELUCIA, do hereby proclaim and extend our deepest gratitude and respect to Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Scott Eggert for his exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to the United States Navy, our nation, and the City Of Norwich, his legacy of courage, integrity, and dedication to duty serves as an inspiration to all. Dated this Tenth Day of January, 2025 Peter Albert Nystrom Joseph A. DeLucia Mayor President Pro Tem Mayor Nystrom call for Citizen Comment General. Jennifer Tyler, 35 Chestnut St., (Artspace), described the hardships she is experiencing at Artspace with the new owners and described the drastic comparison of how things were when she first moved in. Susie Boada, 35 Chestnut St., (Artspace), also echoed the previous speaker further stating she was given three days to vacate the Gallery and was robbed of the stereo system. Donna Dunphy, 329 River Rd., spoke about the untimely death of her son Jacob Evans is looking for answers surrounding his death. 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 Larry Rice, 21 Will Rd., thanked the mayor for his speech and spoke in concern about the rumors or truths about the hours of the Warming Center for the Homeless and asked for the city to financially help and extend the hours of operation. Joann Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave., began to address the Council but needed to leave the podium because she wasn’t feeling well. Pietro Camardella, 79 Lambert Dr., reiterated his frustration of his experience on August 19, 2024 regarding the Council’s request of stating his name and address for the record. He maintains that this request is infringing on his freedom of speech. He feels bullied by the 12/2/2024 revised Rules and Procedures. Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave. spoke on his long-standing position as a landlord in the city and feels the City needs to stay out of the real estate business. City Manager’s Report. To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: January 21, 2025 Meetings attended were Southeastern Council of Governments Meeting (SCCOG) Board of Directors meeting, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) Legislative Committee, NCDC Executive Board of Directors meeting, NPU-City Coordination meeting, CIF Stakeholder and NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon. A Goal Setting informational workshop is scheduled for Saturday, January 25th for the City Council and invited department heads. This will be an update with the Council for their previous goals and accomplishments and to strategize for this year’s upcoming budget season. The Tax office is open for in person payments and collection has been steady for the January tax installment. The City’s Lock Box tax payments as of Friday, January 17th were 778 payments totaling $905,613.22. For your information and convenience, we’d like to recap how the Warming Center Project has evolved. In November of 2024, City of Norwich Leadership met with member organizations of the Coordinated Access Network, a State-wide system in which collaborative case management for people experiencing homelessness is utilized. The goal of this meeting was to develop a plan for creating and managing an Emergency-Only/No-Freeze Warming Center in Norwich. A site was identified, and TVCCA is managing operations. This Warming Center is in the Buckingham Memorial Building at 307 Main St., a building not owned but maintained at the expense of the City and opens only on evenings when the Governor declares a Cold Weather Emergency. The actual maximum capacity is 16 clients and 2 staff members. In a coordinated effort across the Human Services, Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments, the City put in motion a plan to open the Rose City Senior Center as an overflow shelter. Human Services arranged for the Senior Center bus to shuttle clients from the Buckingham Building to the Senior Center with the help of Public Works and the Police. Unfortunately, TVCCA was not able to staff this overflow shelter and chose instead to expend 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 additional funds to put any overflow clients into a hotel for the night. The City will be providing a shuttle for those clients. Public Works has replaced the bulletin board at the Greenville Playground per the request of the Greenville Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ). Reminder that the Connecticut Department of Transportation will be holding a public meeting at City Hall, Room 335 on January 22nd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for their Statewide Active Transportation Plan. The state has held 4 of the 6 meetings scheduled. For more information about the open houses, CTDOT’s active transportation strategy, and ways to provide comments and ask questions, visit https://portal.ct.gov/dot/projects/active-transportation-plan?language=en_US. I have attached the City Departments, and Otis Library reports for quarter ending December 2024. Quarterly Reports Mayor Nystrom called for citizen comment on new business resolutions. There being no speakers, Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone. Relative to appointing a certified public accounting firm to perform the regular general audit for fiscal year 2024-25. WHEREAS, the Finance Department selected the proposal by the certified public accounting firm of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP with request for proposals number 23-19 to perform the audits for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2023 through June 30, 2027; and WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statutes §§7-391 through 397 require each municipality to file financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and audited by an independent public accountant in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by December 31st; unless an extension is granted by the Connecticut Office of Policy & Management; and WHEREAS, the independent auditor must be appointed by the “appointing authority” on or before May 31st; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich is the appointing authority for the City of Norwich. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the accounting firm of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP be and hereby is, appointed to perform the regular general audit for the City of Norwich for fiscal year 2024-25. 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 Mayor Nystrom and Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia. 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 WHEREAS, Bernard “Barney” Caulfield was first appointed a member of the Norwich Golf Course Authority on March 18, 1996; and WHEREAS, as a longtime Norwich Golf Course member, Barney Caulfield, both before and continuing after his appointment has provided to the Norwich Golf Course Authority the benefits of his knowledge of the course and his talents and skills in building, installing, maintaining, repairing and restoring facilities and conditions at the course, learned first from his father, John J. Caulfield, and honed in his years of teaching in the Norwich Public Schools; and WHEREAS, on September 19, 2007 Barney Caulfield was appointed the Chairman of the Norwich Golf Course Authority, adding financial planning and management to his portfolio of talents; and WHEREAS, Barney Caulfield has made himself available to respond to countless calls reporting after hour alarms, to solve problems which arose in the middle of a project, and to work productively with staff, members, and the Authority in the process of maintaining and improving the Norwich Golf Course; and WHEREAS, Barney Caulfield has always viewed the Norwich Golf Course as an asset of the City of Norwich as to which he felt a personal responsibility and a justifiable pride; and WHEREAS, the Norwich Golf Course Authority together with the Council of the City of Norwich wish to recognize and honor Bernard Caulfield for his long history of service to the city and his contribution to the Norwich Golf Course which has become and remains a significant asset of the City of Norwich. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that Bernard Caulfield be, and hereby is, appointed as a non-voting lifetime Chairman Emeritus of the Norwich Golf Course Authority. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Singh, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia. A RESOLUTION OF THE NORWICH CITY COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF SEEKING U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REBUILDING AMERICAN INFRASTRUCTURE WITH SUSTAINABILITY AND EQUITY (RAISE) GRANT FUNDING FOR UPGRADES TO THE EXIT 18 EXIT RAMP AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PUBLIC INDUSTRIAL ACCESS ROAD, AND AFFIRMING THE CITY’S COMMITMENT OF LOCAL FUNDS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT WHEREAS, the City of Norwich seeks to improve the I-395 Exit 18 ramp which connects key transportation corridors, promotes economic development and wellbeing for its residents including disadvantaged neighborhoods, and creates infrastructure to serve environmentally beneficial technologies, and; WHEREAS, the proposed enhancements of the Exit 18 ramps from Interstate 395 onto Connecticut State Route 97 along with the construction of a new industrial access road to open up 184 acres for the development of a green manufacturing complex, signalization for the connection of the Occum Industrial Center access road at Route 97 of the north and southbound ramps, new sidewalks along Route 97 and improved safety on I-395 including acceleration and deceleration lanes would serve as a 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 first step in establishing an industrial sector, to be known as the Occum Industrial Center, for environmentally beneficial technologies and help to revitalize core impoverished neighborhoods through economic growth and job opportunities; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Transportation administers financial assistance for surface transportation purposes, through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich seeks financial assistance from the RAISE program for the proposed ramp and industrial road and other enhancements described above in the amount of $16,560,357.94 to be applied toward the capital construction expenses of the project, which is estimated to cost $20,081,227.34 in total; and WHEREAS, Norwich City Council finds that this proposed improvement significantly furthers the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Norwich and the community by improving vehicular safety while providing expanded capacity for the development of modern manufacturing, logistics and warehousing that will produce immediate economic opportunity for the City and its citizens, and firmly commits to the expenditure of local funds necessary to complete this project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that City Manager John Salomone or his designee be and hereby is authorized to file an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation seeking grant funding in the amount of $16,560,357.94 from the RAISE grant program to offset construction costs associated with the upgrade of the Exit 18 ramp, signalization for the connection of the Occum Industrial Center access road at Route 97 of the north and southbound ramps, new sidewalks along Route 97 and improved safety on I-395 including acceleration and deceleration lanes. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom and Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia. WHEREAS, Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee has for a number of years assisted the city council in terms of the development of Mohegan Park and the installation of facilities in recognition of current needs for park users; and WHEREAS, these responsibilities are also being addressed currently by the Public Works and Capital Improvements Subcommittee of the Council of the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, vacancies in the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee have become difficult to fill and the council finds that the Public Works and Capital Improvement Subcommittee is addressing the responsibilities established for the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it will be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to dissolve the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee be and hereby is dissolved effective February 1, 2025 with its duties and obligations to be undertaken by the Public Works and Capital Project Subcommittee of the Council; and 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, expresses its thanks to the current and former members of the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee and predecessors to the same; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that any funds presently held by the Mohegan Park Improvement and Development Advisory Committee be transferred to an appropriate account and maintained for use in connection with Mohegan Park only. Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to waive the full reading of the ordinance and incorporate it in the minutes and to schedule a public hearing for February 3, 2025, the following ordinance introduced by Ald. Bettencourt and Ald. Nash. AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE PROHIBITION OF PANHANDLING, SOLICITATION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES FROM LOCATIONS DEEMED UNSAFE PURPOSE The purpose of this section is to preserve the public order, to protect the citizens of Norwich and to ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, without unconstitutionally impinging upon protected speech, expression or conduct. DEFINITIONS For purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: 1. Ask, Beg, or Solicit Alms includes the spoken, written, or printed word or such other act conducted for the purpose of obtaining an immediate donation or money or thing of value. 2. Panhandle includes asking, begging, or soliciting alms. 3. Unsafe Location means any roadway or roadway medians, including areas immediately adjacent to the roadway or roadway median, that have been designated by the traffic authority as a place where the presence of pedestrians is hazardous to the safe travel of persons or traffic. PROHIBITED LOCATION No person may panhandle or conduct any other activity from an unsafe location, as defined herein. The traffic authority or designee shall submit the list of the unsafe locations, which list may be revised from time to time as circumstances warrant, to the Town Clerk, which list shall be posted in City Hall and on the City’s Website. INTERPRETATION OF PROVISIONS 1. No provision of this chapter shall be interpreted or construed to prohibit speech, expression or conduct protected by the laws or Constitution of the United States or the laws or Constitution of the State of Connecticut. 2. No provision of this chapter shall be interpreted or construed to prohibit the installation, construction, repair and/or maintenance of roadways, roadway medians, or utilities located above, upon or beneath such roadways,. Roadway medians or areas immediately adjacent thereto. PENALTIES FOR OFFENSES 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 21,2025 1. Upon a finding that a person is in violation of any provision of this ordinance, a written warning shall be issued. 2. Upon a finding of a second and subsequent violation of any provision of this ordinance, a fine of $99 shall be imposed and the violation shall be deemed to be an infraction. RESERVED This section is reserved for future use. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Nash on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:41 pm. City Clerk 13