City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 20, 2026 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held January 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Singh, President Pro Tem DeLucia, Ald. Nystrom, Ald. Zuccardy, Ald. Kadambaya, and Ald. Hayes. Ald. Nash was absent. City Manager John Salomone, Corporation Counsel Aimee Siefert were also in attendance. Mayor Singh presided. Please be advised that meetings of the Norwich City Council can be viewed in their entirety on the City of Norwich website “norwichct.gov”. Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia, read the opening prayer and Ald. Nystrom, led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Singh called for a suspension of the rules to add under petitions and communications two letters of favorable recommendation from the Commission on the City Plan on the below listed public hearings on the Zoning Regulation and Zoning Map amendments. Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to suspend the rules to include the two petitions and communications from the Commission on the City. City Clerk Muscarella read the following into the record. Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, 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 January 20, 2026 2 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 20, 2026 City Clerk Muscarella read the following into the record. Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to accept the following petition and communication. 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 20, 2026 Mayor Singh called for a public hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPENDIX A, ZONING, CHAPTERS 1-9 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NORWICH CONCERNING REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE USE OF LAND AND THE USE AND LOCATION OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE HEIGHT AND BULK OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES AND DETERMINING THE AREA OF YARDS, COURTS AND OTHER PLACES SURROUNDING THEM; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DENSITY OF POPULATION; DIVIDING THE CITY OF NORWICH FOR SUCH PURPOSES; ADOPTING MAPS OF SAID CITY SHOWING THE BOUNDARIES AND THE CLASSIFICATION OF SUCH DISTRICTS; AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION OF ITS PROVISIONS. Speaking in favor. Deanna Rhodes and Dan Daniska, Planning and Neighborhood Services, spoke briefly on the amendments and Dan gave a short video presentation explaining the changes and improvements to the regulations and map. Razul Wallace, 21 Huntington Pl., commented on the slow economic development in the city in the past and is excited to see these changes as someone coming from New York. It is a welcome change. Karen Staples, 28 Arnold Pl., was glad to see the overlay section around the Hospital area. She would also like to see some changes in the commercial signage in this area to be more compatible with the Historical significance of this part of town. Beryl Fishbone, 19 Bliss Pl., was relieved to see that Mohegan Park will be under annual review for any changes (additions/subtractions) of property to the park. She is also excited to hear about the downtown storefront decorating. She pointed out that it could be a great business for someone to do the window decorating. Charles Boughton, 11 Beechwood Blvd. questioned the accountability of how violations of the new regulations will be enforced. Richard Shuck, Zoning Officer, explained the same procedures would be in place for enforcing the regulations. Carline Charmelus, 19 Jordan Dr., was appreciative of the work that went into recreating the new regulations. She would like to see these regulations accommodate and consider affordable housing for seniors, low-income and handicap residents. Deanna Rhodes, Planning and Neighborhood Services, read into the record the following favorable recommendation from Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments. 4 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 20, 2026 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 20, 2026 Speaking in opposition – none. There being no further speakers, Mayor Singh declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Singh called for a public hearing on AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF NORWICH ACCOMPANYING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWICH BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF TRACTS OR PARCELS OF LAND WITHIN THE CITY OF NORWICH. There being no speakers Mayor Singh declared the public hearing closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put on the following ordinance on the floor for its second reading and action. Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Hayes on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to amend the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Singh, Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia and Ald. Nash. City Clerk Muscarella read into the record the following amendments. Page 8 – Section 2.2 Definitions: Advanced Manufacturing should be Manufacturing, Advanced and moved to Page 18 Page 33 – Section 3.2.G.2 PDD Dimensional Standards Table 10: Remove the “E” to the right and above Building Height 105’ DEEP Comments from Diane Ifkovic regarding Section 3.4.B Floodplain Overlay: Page 40 – Section 3.4.B.3 Definitions: Add back in the FEMA definition for Basement which was inadvertently deleted: Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. Page 42 - Section 3.4.B.3 Definitions: Change Incorrect Section from 3.4.B.8.iii to Section 3.4.B.11 Page 44 – Section 3.4.B.4 Interpretation of Floodplain & Floodway Boundaries: Add these required FEMA sentences at the beginning of the section as the first paragraph: All permit applications shall be reviewed to determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe from flooding. The local floodplain administrator will obtain and maintain records of the lowest floor and floodproofing elevations for all new construction and substantial improvements. Page 47 – Section 3.4.B.7(6) Special Permit Uses: Change incorrect Section from 6.14 to Section 3.4.B.10 and replace (5)d) with (5) to apply to all criteria above, not just item “d” 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 20, 2026 And also: In approving these amendments, the Council has given due consideration to the recommendations of the City’s current Plan of Conservation and Development, which recommendations are reflected in these amendments. These amendments will be effective on: February 15, 2026. Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following ordinance. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPENDIX A, ZONING, CHAPTERS 1-9 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NORWICH CONCERNING REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE USE OF LAND AND THE USE AND LOCATION OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE HEIGHT AND BULK OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES AND DETERMINING THE AREA OF YARDS, COURTS AND OTHER PLACES SURROUNDING THEM; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DENSITY OF POPULATION; DIVIDING THE CITY OF NORWICH FOR SUCH PURPOSES; ADOPTING MAPS OF SAID CITY SHOWING THE BOUNDARIES AND THE CLASSIFICATION OF SUCH DISTRICTS; AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION OF ITS PROVISIONS. Link to amended regulations. Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to put on the following ordinance on the floor for its second reading and action. Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Hayes on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to amend the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Singh, Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia and Ald. Nash. Amendment: In approving these amendments, the Council has given due consideration to the recommendations of the City’s current Plan of Conservation and Development, which recommendations are reflected in these amendments. These amendments will be effective on: February 15, 2026. Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following ordinance. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF NORWICH ACCOMPANYING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWICH BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF TRACTS OR PARCELS OF LAND WITHIN THE CITY OF NORWICH. Link to map 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 20, 2026 City Manager’s Report To: Mayor Singh and members of the City Council From: John Salomone, City Manager Subject: City Manager’s Report Date: January 20, 2026 Meetings and Professional Engagements • During the reporting period, I represented the City of Norwich at the following meetings and events: • Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SECOG) • Norwich Waterfront Design Committee • City Coordination Meeting • Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) • Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) Legislative Committee and Board of Directors • Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Assessor’s Office The Assessor’s Office will mail reminder letters on February 2 to residents currently enrolled in the Elderly/Total Disabled Homeowners Program who are required to reapply this year. The application period runs from February 1 through May 15. Public Works Through Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Norwich Public Works (NPW) has responded to five winter weather events over the past five weeks. The season began with a long-duration snowstorm that started on December 13 and continued overnight into the following morning. The most recent storm began early Sunday morning, briefly subsided in the afternoon, and then resumed overnight, ending Monday morning. The total cost associated with responding to these five storms is estimated at approximately $150,000. While significant, these expenses are anticipated and accounted for within the winter operations budget. The primary cost driver continues to be road treatment materials, particularly salt. To date, nearly 900 tons of salt have been used this winter, compared to an annual average of approximately 2,500 tons. Based on current usage, the department anticipates remaining within budget, provided there is not an extraordinary number of additional storm events in the coming weeks. The overtime budget has experienced the greatest impact due to the timing of these storms, which have largely occurred during overnight hours, weekends, and holidays when staff coverage requires overtime. In addition to storm response, NPW has conducted snow removal operations in the Downtown and Greeneville areas as needed to improve safety for both motorists and 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 20, 2026 pedestrians. These cleanup efforts were completed during regular working hours and did not result in additional overtime costs. Human Services and Senior Programming Over the past three weeks, Adult and Family Services has issued more than $15,000 in relocation benefits. With assistance from the Finance Department, staff began billing landlords immediately upon receipt of invoices, allowing the City to recover funds more promptly. Previously, landlords were notified of repayment amounts only at the time of property sale. The department is also partnering with Three Rivers Community College to host a Human Services student intern for a field placement beginning January 21. The intern will complete 120 hours and earn academic credit toward an Associate Degree in Human Services. The Senior Center’s AARP tax assistance program is currently full and is no longer accepting phone calls or appointments. Approximately 300 appointments were filled this year. Due to a reduction in available volunteer tax preparers, capacity was limited to about half of prior years’ participation. Youth, Family, and Recreation Department The Youth, Family, and Recreation Department hosted a highly successful stress-relief event for Norwich Free Academy students in preparation for midterm exams. Activities included crafts, yoga, and a therapy dog visit. The first session of winter programming began on January 12, 2026, with just over 200 participants registered. Link to quarterly reports Please be advised that meetings of the Norwich City Council can be viewed in their entirety on the City of Norwich website “norwichct.gov”. Mayor Singh called for citizen comment on new business resolutions. There being no speakers Mayor Singh declared the citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Singh, Pres. Pro Tem DeLucia and Ald. Nystrom. 9 EXHIBIT "A" EXHIBIT "B" JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 20, 2026 Upon a motion of Ald. Nystrom, seconded by Ald. Hayes, on a roll call vote it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by City Manager Salomone. WHEREAS, the City Manager John L. Salomone has reappointed with Council approval as regular member to the Harbor Management Commission for a term to expire on 12/7/27 or until a successor is appointed; David Bishop (U) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Norwich hereby acknowledges the appointment of the above named to the Harbor Management Commission. Citizens comment general 30 minutes on non agenda items only. John Taylor, spoke on topics from a written submission that he presented to the Council that was received in the City Clerk’s office on January 16, 2026 for the Council members attached here to. 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH January 20, 2026 David Addis, was very upset about the amount of the NPU bill he received for last month and that it was in his deceased mother’s name. Daniel Addis, was very upset that he received a tax bill for a vehicle he no longer owns. There being no further speakers, Mayor Singh declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of Ald. Hayes, seconded by Ald. Nystrom, on a roll call vote it was voted to adjourn at 8:18pm. City Clerk 12