City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held July 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”. Ald. Bettencourt, read the opening prayer and Ald. Gould, led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Nystrom called for a moment of silence in remembrance of Dennis Riley that recently passed away. He was a lifetime resident of the community that contributed to our community on both the state and local levels. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to accept the following petition and communication. 1 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 Mayor Nystrom called for Citizen Comment General. Joanne Philbrick, 10 Elm Ave., questioned the emptiness of the room. She feels people should be more involved. She also recognized the fact that she owes Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia a lunch as she lost a bet that the Reid and Hughes building would never be developed. She also invited people to visit the Norwichtown section of the city, commenting on the fact that it is a well-kept section of town and would like to see the City Officials invest more into that part of town. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 Rodney Bowie, 62 Roosevelt Ave., he feels that Norwich has become a welfare city. Nobody comes here. Why do we need more housing developments? Pietro “Rocky” Camardella, 79 Lambert Dr., he questioned why the baseball stadium is for sale? He asked why it was removed as a budget item and our taxes have increased and now it’s for sale again? David Addis, 109 Whittington Ave., he questioned why a police car was parked outside of his home on the morning of July 8, 2025? He said that is illegal surveillance and he warned it better not happen again or there will be consequences. There being no further speakers. Mayor Nystrom called for the close of citizen comment general. City Managers Report. To: Mayor Nystrom and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: July 21, 2025 Meetings and Professional Engagements During the reporting period, I participated in the following meetings and activities on behalf of the City: • Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SECOG) • Weekly and executive sessions with the Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) • Stakeholder discussions related to the Community Investment Fund (CIF) • Norwich Waterfront Stakeholder Coordination meetings A notable event included the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the redevelopment of the former Reid & Hughes Building, alongside Governor Ned Lamont and state and local officials. This long-anticipated project culminated in the creation of 17 market-rate apartments and 2,000 square feet of commercial retail space, all while preserving the structure’s historically significant façade. This revitalization represents a major milestone in the City’s downtown redevelopment efforts. Tax Collection Update The Tax Collector’s Office reports positive trends in payment activity: 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 • A 10% increase in lockbox and in-person tax payments at M&T Bank. • Distribution of a targeted outreach email to approximately 4,000 taxpayers, introducing the City’s new credit card payment system. Taxpayers are reminded that payments made or postmarked after August 1, 2025, will be subject to statutory late penalties. To enhance service efficiency, residents are encouraged to enroll in paperless billing via InvoiceCloud. Human Services and Senior Programming The department is now preparing to administer two newly awarded Community Development Block Grants focused on Employment Training and Housing Assistance The Rose City Senior Center Outreach Coordinator Carolyn McAuliffe has completed the majority of Renters’ Rebate applications for senior housing at AHEPA. The Senior Center also secured a CDBG grant to support free food distribution services, reinforcing its mission to address senior food insecurity. Youth Family & Recreation Youth programming continues to thrive under the Summer Jam initiative: • Campers engaged in community service projects, including: o Creating floral centerpieces with McKenna’s Flower Shop and UCFS Sheltering Arms residents. o Preparing and donating 50 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to St. Vincent de Paul Place. The Department launched its third Kindness Pantry, located adjacent to the Taftville Playground, furthering access to free essential items for the public. Led by Idis Andino, the initiative reinforces community generosity and resource sharing. Summer camps are operating at full capacity, and Spaulding Pond remains a well-utilized recreational amenity. Community Development Office Welcome to the City’s new director of Community Development, Patricia Mullins. The Community Development Office has completed the Draft 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan, now available for a 30-day public comment period on the City’s website. The final submission to HUD is scheduled by the August 16, 2025, deadline. In support of this initiative, Community Development staff: 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 • Hosted a public housing forum on July 3. • Engaged municipal partners, including: o The Directors of Planning & Neighborhood Services, Human Services, and the Norwich Housing Authority. o Conducted site visits to Norwich Housing Authority properties. o Held a consultation session with the Norwich Youth, Family, and Recreation Advisory Committee on July 15. • Conducted a formal public hearing on July 16; public input received will be documented in the final submission. Public Engagement and Special Projects Progress continues on the Norwich Waterfront Improvement Project. Public input collected through recent community engagement efforts will be made available via the Envision Norwich 360 platform, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in the planning process. Quarterly Reports Attached are the City Department and Otis Library reports for the quarter ending June 30, 2025. Mayor Nystrom, withdrew the following old business resolution as a sponsor, seconded by Ald. Gould, no roll call vote was needed. Relative to the disposition of Dodd Stadium through use of a commercial real estate broker. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich is the owner of property commonly known as “Dodd Stadium” located at 14 Stott Avenue in the Stanley Israelite Business Park (“Business Park”); and WHEREAS, the lease of Dodd Stadium between the City of Norwich and the Oneonta Athletic Corporation expires on October 31, 2025; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich desires to transfer the title of the Dodd Stadium property to a tax-paying entity, for a new use or for continued use as a stadium, shortly after the expiration of this lease; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich wants to maximize the economic return on this Business Park property, in terms of proceeds from the sale, property taxes, utilities, and jobs while minimizing impact on municipal services; and 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich has determined it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of this property by a negotiated sale using the services of a commercial real estate broker; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Norwich to select a qualified and experienced commercial real estate broker through a request for proposals process; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that, upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales Agreement from a prospective purchaser containing the proposed sales price recommended by the commercial real estate broker and containing such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to City Manager John Salomone shall be and hereby is authorized and directed to notify the Council of the City of Norwich of the proposed Purchase and Sales Agreement, which the Council may then approve by a resolution authorizing City Manager John Salomone to enter into a Purchase and Sales Agreement as presented for the subject property on behalf of the City of Norwich and, upon timely tender of the purchase price subject to standard adjustments, to execute and deliver a deed of conveyance for said property and to execute, receive and deliver such other documents as are necessary to complete the transfer of title in keeping with the terms and conditions of the Purchase and Sales Agreement. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Gould and Ald. Singh. 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 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. Pietro “Rocky” Camardella, 79 Lambert Dr., questioned why the city is involved in buying and selling real estate? There being no further speakers, Mayor Nystrom declared citizen comment closed. 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Hayes, 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 sites and the acquisition or disposition in the same would adversely impact the price of the same, to review 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. City Manager John Salomone, Executive Director Kevin Brown of Norwich Community Development Corporation and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll shall be asked to participate during all or a portion of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council. The Council was in Executive Session from 7:59pm to 8:29pm. Upon motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Singh, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted that the Council return to regular session at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. 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, Pres Ald. Gould and Ald. Singh. 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to set a public hearing for August 4, 2025 on the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald Gould and Ald. Singh. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich’s Office of Community Development, as guided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is proposing a Substantial Amendment to the City of Norwich’s Annual Action Plan and budget for FY 2024-2025 to recapture and reallocate $649,000 of 2018-2023 CDBG funds; and WHEREAS, the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has held public meetings and voted on their recommendations for CDBG allocations in the month of March and May; 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 August 4, 2025 Council meeting on the subject of Community Development Block Grant 2024-2025 substantial amendment allocation. CDBG Reprograming (2024-2025) REVISED FUNDING Available $ 700,000.00 $ 649,000.00 CDAC Request Recommendation Non-Public Services Norwich Housing Authority-JFK Heights II Boiler Replacement Phase I $ 225,000.00 $ 225,000.00 Norwich Public Works -Taftville Sidewalk Revitalization $ 415,320.00 $ 193,000.00 Norwich Planning & Neighborhood Services Demolition for Blight Remediation $ 90,000.00 $ 90,000.00 Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities-Norwich Improvements $ 200,000.00 $ 141,000.00 Norwich Community Development-Radon Testing and Remediation $ 60,000.00 $ - Norwich Community Development-Lead Paint Control Matching Funds $ 81,000.00 $ - Thames River Community Services-Climate Control & Energy Efficiency Syst. $ 139,380.00 $ - Total Public Services $ 1,210,700.00 $ 649,000.00 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Gould and Ald. Singh on the floor. 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 Upon a motion of Ald. Hayes, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to amend the following resolution introduced to include the sales price and buyer. Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich, is utilizing the services of Signature Properties as a realtor, which has listed the property at 29 Division Street and received an offer to purchase. WHEREAS, the Council has resolved that upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales Agreement containing an offer to purchase on such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to the City Manager, he was to notify the Council of the proposed Purchase and Sales Agreement for its consideration and possible approval; and WHEREAS, City Manager John Salomone has received a Purchase and Sales Agreement from Signature Properties containing an offer to purchase 29 Division Street, the offer being the sum of $120,000 with property to be conveyed in “as is” condition. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into a Purchase and Sales Agreement on behalf of the City of Norwich to sell said property at a price of $120,000 to Treehouse Family Properties LLC pursuant to the terms of said Purchase and Sales Agreement and, upon timely tender of the purchase price subject to standard adjustments, to execute and deliver a deed of conveyance to Treehouse Family Properties LLC or his/her designee for the property known as 29 Division Street and to execute, deliver, and receive such other documents as are necessary to complete the transfer of title in keeping with the terms and conditions of the Purchase and Sales Agreement. Upon a motion of Ald. Singh, seconded by Ald. Gould on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to postpone until August 4, 2025 the following resolution introduced by Mayor Nystrom, Ald. Gould and Singh. WHEREAS, on September 18, 2023 the Council of the City of Norwich adopted a resolution acknowledging the proposed assignment of the Ground Lease and Development Agreement for the Norwich Marina from JCM Norwich Marina Acquisitions, LLC to Patten Marina Holdings, LLC having concluded that Patten Marina Holdings, LLC is likely to be of sound financial standing sufficient to provide reasonable assurance of being financially able to perform its obligations under the Ground Lease and Development Agreement, the assignment of the Ground Lease and Development Agreement expected to take place within thirty (30) days of the adoption of the resolution and authorized and directed City Manager John Salomone to execute and deliver on 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 behalf of the city its consent to the assignment of the Ground Lease and Development Agreement; and WHEREAS, on October 16, 2023, the Council of the City of Norwich adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager John Salomone to execute and deliver on behalf of the city such consents, certificates, and other documentation as he may deem prudent and necessary to document the status of the Marina Ground Lease and Marina Development Agreement and to consent to their assignment by JCM Norwich Marina Acquisitions, LLC to Patten Marina Holdings, LLC, or a related entity; and WHEREAS, on October 16, 2023 the Council of the City of Norwich adopted a resolution authorizing City Manager John Salomone to negotiate with Patten Marina Holdings, LLC a new Ground Lease with an option to purchase for the property developed under the Phase I, Phase II and Phase IV of the Development Agreement in favor of Patten Marina Holdings, LLC; and WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023, JCM Norwich Marina Acquisitions, LLC assigned its interest in the Ground Lease to Patten Marina Holdings, LLC, subject to a mortgage to JCM Norwich Marina Acquisitions, LLC; and WHEREAS, Patten Marina Holdings, LLC has secured bank financing to complete the purchase of the Norwich Marina, which, under the terms of the financing, will require the City of Norwich to transfer the fee simple interest of the Norwich Marina to Patten Marina Holdings, LLC; and WHEREAS, on July 2, 2024, the City of Norwich acquired property located at 74-78 West Thames Street, which property is adjacent to the Marina; and WHEREAS, on December 4, 2023, the Council of the City of Norwich adopted a resolution authorizing the completion and filing of a Round #4 CIF Grant Application by the City of Norwich and Norwich Community Development Corporation with a project total of no more than $14,458,769.17 for a funding request to CIF for no more than $11,715,769.17; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich and Norwich Community Development Corporation have applied for Round #4 CIF Grant, which Grant would be contingent, among other conditions, on the City of Norwich having a fee simple interest in 150 Chelsea Harbor Drive; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it is in the best interest of the City of Norwich to transfer the property located at 46 West Main Street to Patten Marina Holdings, LLC; and 14 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it is in the best interest of the City of Norwich to also transfer the property located at 74-78 West Thames Street to Patten Marina Holdings, LLC in exchange for 150 Chelsea Harbor Drive; and WHEREAS, Patten Marina Holdings, LLC’s financing of the Norwich Marina is conditioned on the income it derives from what is referred to as the “Ice Cream Shack” located at 150 Chelsea Harbor Drive, which is presently being rented to a restaurant; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it’s in the best interest of the City of Norwich to lease the restaurant portion and immediate surrounding areas of 150 Chelsea Harbor Drive to Patten Marina Holdings, LLC as a triple-net Lease for a period of Ten (10) years, with two Five (5) year options. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to execute and deliver on behalf of the City of Norwich a quit claim deed to Patten Marina Holdings, LLC for the property located at 46 West Main Street and 74-78 West Main Street; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that City Manager John Salomone be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into a Lease with Patten Marina Holdings, LLC for the 2,352 square foot building. Upon a motion of Ald. Singh seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to set a public hearing for August 4, 2025 the following ordinance introduced by City Manager Salomone. AN ORDINANCE REGARDING ADDITIONAL FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CITY CONSOLIDATION DISTRICT WHEREAS, the City Consolidation District’s (“CCD”) expenditures for fiscal year 2024-25 exceed the adopted 2024-25 budget by $96,000 due to higher than anticipated overtime and replacement costs; 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 2024-25 appropriations for the CCD be, and hereby is, increased by the sum of $96,000 for the reasons set forth above. Purpose: To increase the appropriations of the City Consolidation District fund for expenditures in excess of the adopted 2024-25 budget. 15 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH July 21, 2025 Upon a motion of Ald. Gould, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 1-200 (6), (8) and (9), that the members of the Norwich City Council go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending claims and pending litigation pursuant to these sections. City Manager Johns Salomone, Fire Chief Samuel Wilson and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll shall be asked to participate during all or a portion of this Executive Session at the request of the City Council. The Council was in Executive Session from 8:39pm to 10:50 pm. Upon motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Singh, the Council returned to regular session at which time Mayor Nystrom, stated no votes were taken. Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Gould, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:51 pm. City Clerk 16