The City of Norwich Common Council and the City of Norwich Mayor appointed members to committees and advisory boards at the January 2 organizational meeting. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — At the January 2 organizational meeting, the City of Norwich Common Council and City of Norwich Mayor Brian Doliver appointed committee and advisory board members for 2024.

Doliver said this year the council, committees, and boards will be focusing largely on the downtown area to increase public safety.

“This year we will continue to work on solutions with our problem properties, one of which is through the chronic nuisance ordinance,” said Doliver. “Because we cannot change the legal process, we will be bringing to you all of our recommendations to increase all of our fines, especially second and third offenses. We will look to double these fines or more.”

“With a focus on our downtown, we are looking into a grant to upgrade our public cameras. We will also be coming with recommendations to increase our downtown lighting,” he continued. “We will be focusing on problem properties, public safety, continuing to update our aging infrastructure, while being fiscally responsible.”

Ward 1 Alderman Eric Warren, Ward 3 Alderwoman Nancy Allaire, and Ward 5 Alderman Dave Zieno were all re-sworn in as council members. The mayor appointed Zieno, Warren, and Ward 2 Alderman Fred Gee to the Finance Personnel Committee, and he appointed Allaire, Ward 4 Alderman William Loomis, and Ward 5 Alderman Robert Jeffrey to the Public Works/Public Safety Committee.

Joint committee meetings were set for the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers.

Alderman Loomis nominated Alderman Jeffrey as President of the Common Council, which was supported unanimously by his fellow council members.

“There’s a couple things that it appears to me that residents of the City of Norwich are looking for and one of those things is some change. I think the nuisance ordinance is a step forward to some of these changes, and I believe that having Alderman Jeffrey as our council president will support the changes that are necessary,” said Zieno.

“I just want to say I appreciate the nomination. I appreciate the support, and I will make it my personal responsibility in 2024 that if there’s anything that any of you need, or if there’s anything that you want to talk about, my phone is always available. I can be available at any time of the night, any time of day,” said Jeffrey. “I look forward to working with everyone here on the many issues that we have to face. So I appreciate your support and you do have that personal commitment from me.”

Alderman Loomis was nominated as acting mayor by Alderman Jeffrey, as a major focus of the coming year will be the downtown district, much of which is located in Loomis’ ward.

“I think that for this year and what we’re trying to accomplish, he has the qualifications and skills to lead us in that aspect,” said Jeffrey.

Common council appointments included the appointment of Vivian James, Frank Revoir, Sr., Paul Eaton, and Richard Natoli to the traffic commission. All were appointed to a three-year term expiring December 31, 2026.

Mayor Doliver made several board and commission appointments. Tom Mealey was appointed to a three-year term on the electrical board, with his position expiring December 31, 2026. Christine Carnrike and Jim Kandora were both re-appointed to the flood mitigation commission for three-year terms expiring December 31, 2026.

Marissa Phelps was appointed to fill the remainder of a three-year term expiring December 31, 2025 on the planning commission, and plumbing board members Gary Brightman, David Francis, and Richard Towndrow were all re-appointed for three-year terms expiring December 31, 2026.

John Kolb and Gigi Baas were re-appointed to the water commission for three-year terms expiring December 26, 2023. On the youth board, Patrick Marks and Abigail Telesky were both re-appointed for three-year terms expiring December 31, 2026, and Jessica Colley was appointed to fill the remainder of a three-year term expiring December 31, 2024.

On the zoning board of appeals, Andrew Coates and Karol Kucinski were re-appointed to three-year terms expiring December 31, 2026.

With council approval, the mayor also re-appointed Elise Eaton to a three-year term on the street tree commission, expiring December 31, 2026, and re-appointed Paul Read as an advisory member for a three-year term expiring December 31, 2026.

Lastly, Kearstin Roach was appointed to a three-year term on the parks commission expiring December 31, 2026, and Paul Read was appointed to fill the remainder of a three-year term, expiring December 31, 2025.

Council members thanked members of the commissions and boards for volunteering their time and for their dedication to the city.

“I’m excited for all the individuals that are volunteering to serve on these commissions. They’re not easy, and I appreciate everybody taking the time in their willingness to serve in their capacity,” said Jeffrey.

“Thank you to those serving on these boards and commissions for being willing to step up and take an active role in some of these issues that the city is facing,” said Alderman Loomis.

“All our members, they work tirelessly for no pay, and they do a lot of great work for the city. I’d especially like to thank the members of the electrical board and the plumbing board who I have worked with, we’ve been working on some wonderful changes,” said Zieno. “Also just a special note to our student representatives for the youth board, it’s very important for the students to have a say. I know they have a full agenda with school and activities and things like that, so for them to be active with the city is even better. So I appreciate them also.”