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Council unanimously schedules budget hearings, approves opioid/cannabis appropriations, sister‑city pact and an appointment
Summary
At its April 6 meeting the Norwich City Council unanimously voted (7‑0) to set FY27 budget hearing dates, appropriate opioid and cannabis funds, establish a sister‑city link with Basar (Togo), opt into a remnant opioid settlement and reappoint Bill Wazika to the public utility/sewer authority.
The Norwich City Council on April 6 approved a series of procedural and substantive measures by unanimous vote.
Scheduling and appropriations: The council set two public hearings on the city manager's FY2027 budget (April 15, 7:30 p.m.; May 11, 6 p.m.) and voted to place an appropriations ordinance on the public hearing calendar. Councilors also approved appropriations from unexpended/unencumbered opioid settlement funds and cannabis gross receipts tax revenues.
Opioid settlement participation: The council voted to opt into participation in a remnant defendants portion of an opioid settlement and separately appropriated unexpended opioid settlement funds; both motions passed on roll call with all members recorded as "yes."
Sister‑city relationship with Basar (Togo): The council approved a resolution to establish a sister‑city partnership with Basar in Togo, West Africa. Alderwoman Hayes spoke in support, citing long‑standing work with diaspora organizations and nonprofits; Alderwoman Zucardi also voiced support and thanked prior leaders including Alderman Nestrom who previously advocated for the link. Supporters described existing ties between Norwich organizations and schools in Togo and said the formal partnership will strengthen cultural and educational exchanges.
Appointment: The council reappointed Bill Wazika to the board of public utility commissioners and the sewer authority and approved a friendly amendment changing the appointment expiration date to March 1, 2031. The reappointment was moved, seconded and approved by roll call (7‑0).
Other ordinances scheduled for public hearing: The council scheduled hearings on a tax levy ordinance (list as of Oct. 1, 2025), amendments to refuse and recycling fees (April 20, 7 p.m.), food truck inspection fee additions (April 20, 7 p.m.), and an ordinance to suspend OPB funding requirements for fiscal years 2027–2032 (April 20, 7 p.m.). Each motion passed unanimously.
Roll call votes: The transcript records roll call votes with 'yes' votes entered by Alderman Nash, Alderwoman Hayes, Alderman Kabaya, Alderwoman Zucardi, Alderman Nestrom, President Pro Tem Joe Deluchia and Mayor Singh across the items listed.
Next steps: The scheduled public hearings (April 15, April 20 and May 11) will allow department presentations and public input; the council plans preliminary adoption May 4 and final action by mid‑June.
