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 not own. President Pro Tem DeLucia said he was not “willing to fund projects for a department that is threatening to sue the city again,” and Alderman Hayes questioned why the volunteer company had not contributed funds. Alderman Singh pressed for better process controls for reallocations and questioned the long payback the department would see from the conversion, citing council discussion that estimated only modest annual fuel savings.

After the discussion the council voted 3–4 to defeat the reallocation. The roll call produced a 3‑vote majority in favor and four opposing votes (final tally: yes 3, no 4). The item was recorded as defeated.

Other council actions

• Sidewalk cost‑sharing public hearing set: The council unanimously adopted a resolution to set a public hearing on Nov. 3, 2025 for the city’s participation cost‑sharing program to construct concrete sidewalks (adopted 7–0).

• Emergency lighting for fire apparatus: The council approved a reallocating resolution to spend approximately $3,000 to replace emergency lighting and reflective material on a Norwich Fire Department apparatus to meet safety expectations; the measure passed unanimously (7–0). Fire Chief (last name Wilson in the record) and the comptroller described the work as an interim upfit until a new squad vehicle arrives next winter.

• Termination and surrender agreement: The council voted unanimously (7–0) to authorize the city manager to execute a termination and surrender agreement with Little People’s Play Place 2 LLC (exhibit attached to the resolution as amended).

• Former Chelsea Groton Bank building at 300 Main Street: After extensive debate, the council adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to seek a short‑term tenant for the former Chelsea Groton Bank building, with a final condition that any proposed lease, rental payments and terms be submitted to the city council for approval. The measure passed 4–3 after an on‑the‑floor amendment requiring council approval of any lease terms. Opponents argued the building was purchased to house future police‑station functions and that temporary tenants could complicate a later referendum; proponents cited the financial and security benefit of occupying a vacant structure and sought to offset carrying costs.

Kevin Brown of the Norris Community Development Corporation, who had reviewed the building informally, told the council that short‑term tenancy could be difficult because the former bank would need significant preparation and investment for many uses.

• Stadium lease amendment: The council adopted a fourth amendment to the stadium lease (7–0) that extends the team’s use of the stadium for at least another season. Kevin Brown and other supporters called the result “good news” for local recreation; Kevin Brown also said the team ownership had committed $50,000 toward capital expenditures and agreed to the same utility arrangement as in previous seasons.

• 149 Broadway purchase and sales agreement: The council authorized the city manager to enter into a purchase and sales agreement for 149 Broadway as presented (resolution adopted 7–0); an amendment adding the sale price ($12,500) and the purchaser name was added on the floor and adopted.

Procedural and calendar items

Early in the meeting the council voted 7–0 to close the citizen comment period on non‑agenda items after a string of disruptive public‑comment remarks; the mayor instructed officers to remove a speaker for disorderly conduct. Later the council voted 5–2 to cancel its Nov. 3 meeting (the meeting immediately before Election Day) and agreed to schedule special meetings if urgent business arises.

What council members said

• “That tank is at the end of life,” Bobby Allen, chief, Yantic Fire Engine Company.

• “We are going to be spending $800,000 … with the intention of turning it into the new police station,” President Pro Tem DeLucia said describing the Chelsea Groton purchase and why some members opposed a short‑term tenant. (DeLucia spoke in favor of honoring the plan to hold a later referendum on a police station.)

• Comptroller Josh explained the budget history for the Yantic tank project, including the 02/2023 $75,000 request, the $45,000 allocation in the adopted 2023–24 budget and the recent $72,359.36 Gordian quote.

Meeting context and next steps

The meeting included robust public comment on the stadium and the Chelsea Groton purchase, several detailed budget‑and‑procurement questions about capital reallocations, and a contentious exchange that led the council to close a portion of public comment. Key follow‑ups likely to appear at future meetings include any revised request for Yantic station funding, the council’s review of tenant proposals for 300 Main Street if any bids are returned, and continued planning around stadium costs and long‑term use of city properties.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to close citizen comment period (non‑agenda items): Approved 7–0. - Resolution 1 — Sidewalk participation cost‑sharing; set public hearing for 11/03/2025: Adopted 7–0. - Resolution 2 — Reallocate capital funds for Yantic Volunteer Fire Department oil‑to‑gas conversion and underground storage tank removal (request to add $25,000): Defeated 3–4. - Resolution 3 — Reallocate funds for replacement of emergency lighting and reflective material in fire apparatus (~$3,000): Adopted 7–0. - Resolution 4 — Authorize city manager to execute termination and surrender agreement with Little People’s Play Place 2 LLC (exhibit added): Adopted 7–0. - Resolution 5 — Authorize city manager to seek short‑term tenant for former Chelsea Groton Bank building at 300 Main Street (amended: any proposed lease and terms returned to council for approval): Adopted 4–3. - Resolution 6 — Authorize and direct city manager to execute fourth amendment to stadium lease agreement: Adopted 7–0. - Resolution 7 — Authorize city manager to enter into purchase and sales agreement for 149 Broadway (sale price added on floor): Adopted 7–0.

Ending

Councilors said they expect follow‑up reports on the Yantic station item and on any lease proposals for the former Chelsea Groton Bank building. The council canceled its Nov. 3 meeting but left open the option to call special meetings if time‑sensitive matters arise.