Norwich Council rejects Yantic fuel‑tank funding, approves stadium lease and tenant search for former bank building

NORWICH, Conn. — The Norwich City Council on Oct. 20 defeated a proposal to reallocate capital funds to remove an underground heating oil tank and convert the Yantic Volunteer Fire Department station to gas, but approved a mix of other items including a fourth amendment to the stadium lease, a search for a short‑term tenant for the former Chelsea Groton Bank building at 300 Main Street and a set of smaller capital reallocations.

The failed measure would have shifted existing capital dollars to cover a contractor quote of $72,359.36 to remove the tank and convert the station to gas; Comptroller Josh (last name not specified in the record) told the council the city is being asked to add $25,000 to complete the work. The council voted 3–4 against the reallocation after extended debate about municipal responsibility for privately owned property, consultation with fire leadership and environmental risk.

Why it matters: Council members who opposed the reallocation said the city should not spend additional public money on a building owned by a volunteer company without clear cost‑sharing and consultation. Supporters said leaving the tank in place risks contamination of the Yantic River and that the city had previously approved funding for the project in an earlier capital cycle.

The Yantic tank debate and defeat

The Yantic item drew the meeting's longest discussion. Comptroller Josh summarized the project history: a February 2023 request for roughly $75,000 was reduced in the city budget to $45,000; later reallocations and quotes left the department short of the full amount. The council received a quote from Gordian, a vendor used under a regional contract, for $72,359.36.

“That tank is at the end of life,” Bobby Allen, chief of the Yantic Fire Engine Company, told the council when asked to approach the microphone. “That's our biggest worry right now… if anything happens, where we go from there.” Chief Allen said Crop (as named in the record) advised that the tank was at end of life.

Several aldermen objected to using city funds on a building the city does…