Commission on the City Plan

LAST REVISED 08/06/12:10 PM MINUTES COMMISSION ON THE CITY PLAN Wednesday August 4, 2010 - 7:00 P.M. 23 UNION STREET NORWICH CONNECTICUT LOWER LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS A, B & C – CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, DETERMINATION OF QUORUM: Chairman Ralph Page called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Commission Members Present: Ralph Page, P. Michael Lahan, Frank Manfredi, John Mathieu and Les King Absent: Jeremy Booty, and Arthur Sharron Also Present: Peter Davis, Director A quorum was present. D. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. C.G.S. 8-24 Council Referrals: Relative to the review of proposed bonding ordinances. Mr. Davis advised the Commission that the first two items on the agenda were subject to the CGS Sec. 8-24 referral process as they are proposed capital projects. The third item (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) is on the agenda for the purposes of requesting support from the CCP for proposed programs. Programs are not subject to the CGS Sec. 8-24 process. An ordinance appropriating $ 1,520,000 for Norwich Business Park Infrastructure Improvements. Mr. Mills presented on the subject of the proposed ordinance, which would appropriate $1,520,000 for Norwich Business Park infrastructure improvements and strategic planning. After a very detailed presentation and questions from the Commission relative to the specific components of the proposal and consistency with the 2003 Plan of Conservation and Development, Frank Manfredi made a motion to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council, seconded by Les King and voted unanimously. The Commission determined that the proposed bond ordinance and scope of work was consistent with Chapter 6 of the 2003 Plan of Conservation and Development, entitled “Economic Development”. As stated in the POCD, one of the key economic development strategies is to “reposition the Business Park as a higher quality park or corporate campus in order to reflect the current and future Connecticut economy.” 1 LAST REVISED 08/06/12:10 PM An ordinance appropriating $ 3,000,000 for the extension of natural gas lines. Mr. Bilda presented on the subject of the proposed ordinance, which would appropriate $3,000,000 for the extension of natural gas lines. After a detailed presentation and questions from the Commission relative to the components of the proposal and consistency with the 2003 Plan of Conservation and Development, Frank Manfredi made a motion, seconded by John Mathieu, and voted unanimously, that a favorable recommendation should be forwarded to the City Council. The Commission determined that the proposed bond ordinance and scope of work was consistent with the 2003 Plan of Conservation and Development, Chapter 11, entitled “Utility Services”. As stated in the POCD, one of the key strategies noted is the expansion of utility services in order to support existing and future development opportunities. An ordinance appropriating $ 3,380,000 for the City of Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Mr. Mills presented information to the Commission relative to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The proposed bond ordinance would appropriate $3,380,000 for program elements, which would include Life Safety and ADA code improvement assistance, a revolving loan fund and rental assistance. The purpose of the programs are to incentivize private sector investment, attract appropriate businesses and create a vital market place in the downtown. Program applicants will be subject to stringent underwriting requirements and will be required to participate financially in the endeavor. After a number of questions from the Commission, staff was directed by the Commission to draft a letter of support, which would be forwarded to the City Council for the purposes of being entered into the formal hearing record on August 16th. Staff will draft the subject letter and forward it to the Commission members present at the meeting for comment. After any necessary revisions, staff will forward the letter to the City Council under the signature of Chairman Page. E. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Michael Lahan and second by John Mathieu, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting. Respectfully submitted, Peter Davis, Director 2