Plan of Conservation & Development Plan Implementation Committee

PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2019 – 6 PM 100 BROADWAY, RM #335 - THIRD FLOOR NORWICH, CT REGULAR MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER: Art Sharron called at the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. B. INTRODUCTIONS OF MEMBERS AND GUEST PARTICIPANTS: Present: Committee on the City Plan: Chair Art Sharron, Norwich Historical Society: Regan Miner, Redevelopment Agency: Chair Jim Quarto, Norwich Public Utilities: acting General Manager Chris LaRose, Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce: Angela Adams, and Inland Wetlands Commission: Rick Morell Others Present: City Planner Deanna Rhodes, Assistant City Planner Dan Daniska and Recording Secretary Melinda Wilson C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 13, 2018 On a motion by Rick Morell, seconded by Jim Quarto, the commission unanimously approved the minutes of the Norwich Plan of Conservation and Development: Plan Implementation Committee (POCD PIC) meeting of March 13, 2018 with the date adjusted to March 13, 2019. D. OLD BUSINESS: None presented E. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Review & Discuss: Chapter entitled “Promote Livability” • Section entitled ““Enhance Character/Spirit” –Pages 9-12 of Implementation Element & Pages 38-41 of Strategic Element o Subsection – “Enhance Physical Character”
A.1. Council not present.
A.2. NCDC was not present. Ms. Rhodes reported that discussion has been held on this topic.
A.3. Regan Miner reported they have been trying for signs. She reviewed criteria for the site to have a sign on Interstate 395. Restrooms and liquid refreshments must be available.
A.4. NCDC is working on this, per Ms. Rhodes. Discussion ensued on adding selective wayfinding signs throughout the city.
A.5. Ms. Rhodes mentioned that this is in process with DPW
A.6. Chris LaRose noted that NPU has guidelines for planting.
A.7. Ms. Rhodes said Planning & Neighborhood Services staff are working with NPU and NCDC on an Assistance Team. They also assist developers directly.
A.8. Ms. Rhodes reported that she is encouraging the participation of the Zoning Authority.
A.9. Ms. Rhodes noted the city has adopted a Norwichtown Village District. There have been no applications since the village district was established. 
A.10. NCDC got CDBG funding that was approved in previous years. This should help with signage and façade improvements.
A.11. Mr. LaRose reported that the public LED light upgrades are complete. One hundred private lights need a resolution on replacement or removal. NPU has been surveying all lights for replacement necessity. Within a month they will have proposed guidelines to be brought to the public. Standards will be proposed. This will be a phased approach. Grant funding would allow much larger change-outs. Discussion ensued on the recent presentation to the City Council on Miranda Creative’s marketing plan for the city. o Subsection – “Preserve and Enhance Scenic Resources”
B.1. Ms. Rhodes reported there has not been a lot of activity here. Designating a scenic road is a possibility.
B.2. Ms. Rhodes noted that the city has not acquired land. She has requested it in each year’s budget but it has not been funded. The city could consider regulations for developments on rivers to have public access to the water. Also it could be considered to connect existing areas as developments occur. Ponemah South Mill has had a concept plan for marketing done. It noted that the property’s best use would likely be industrial and maker spaces with outdoor spaces such as a Riverwalk. The report suggests breweries. o Subsection – “Expand Community Events”
B.1. Angela Adams reported on the multitude of events occurring through the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce. She encourages information sharing.
B.2. Ms. Adams spoke to utilizing social media marketing and online calendars. o Subsection – “Maintain and Enhance Quality of Life”
D.1. Ms. Rhodes said the school system and the city have all of these as goals.
D.2. Item not specifically addressed.
D.3 & 4. Ms. Rhodes not that they are accessible yet not taking up spaces that have potential to be more vibrant.
D.5. Ms. Rhodes reported that she initiated a property disposition process for city-owned properties. Two city-owned properties were recently sold and had multiple purchase offers. Also the Blight Officer is doing a great job.
D.6. This item is under development and progressing.
D.7. Ms. Rhodes reported that the city continues to support and promote. The city has so many municipal assets. • Next Steps and Accountability for Section - “Enhance Character/Spirit”
This agenda item was addressed in the conversations on earlier agenda items. 2. Reports from Committee Members and Guests Chris reported on the APPA report which showed NPU’s quality is on-par or better than the larger utility companies in the state. F: OTHER ITEMS 1. Meeting Reminder for July 10, 2019: Prepare to Review & Discuss Chapter Next meeting:. Ms. Rhodes reminded everyone of July’s meeting. She will send the pages of the POCD that will be reviewed. Mr. LaRose asked for a review of the committee’s work. Ms. Rhodes explained that in 2013 the POCD was written. Per state statue, every ten years it needs to be rewritten. If it’s not done, the municipality will receive no discretionary funding from state. Since it takes about 2 or 2 ½ years to write, this review will inform the new POCD. Ms. Rhodes noted that Norwich Public Schools Superintendent Abby Dolliver resigned. She hopes the new Superintendent will come to these meetings. Ms. Adams announced the GNACC will sponsor a legislative breakfast on June 11, 2019. Ms. Rhodes will forward the information to the POCD PIC membership. 2. Other: None G. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Rick Morell, seconded by Jim Quarto, the POCD PIC meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary