Norwich City Plan Commission unanimously approves settlement in pending litigation

The City Plan Commission of Norwich voted unanimously April 10, 2026, to approve a settlement stipulation in two pending court cases and authorized city counsel to execute the agreement on the commission’s behalf.

The special meeting, called at noon, moved briefly into an executive session to discuss litigation filed as preserving Norwich neighborhoods at AL v. the commissioner on city plan, cited in the record as KNL CV256077778 and K&L CV26608448. Attorney Mark Branch identified himself as "special counsel on this matter for the city" and advised the commission it could limit who attended the closed session to permit candid legal discussion. The commission then returned to public session to consider the stipulation.

On the record, the commission noted it had "took no votes and made no decisions" during the executive session and that the settlement document discussed there would now be public because the commission planned to vote on it. Counsel and the chair told members the document would be executed by city counsel if the commission approved it.

A motion to approve the stipulated settlement was made on the record, including language finding there had been no collusion and that the agreement was in the public interest. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jason Bugby and approved by voice vote with all members present voting in favor.

Following the vote, attorneys confirmed that counsel would sign and date the stipulation and staff were asked to submit the stipulation with a motion for judgment to the court. The commission instructed staff to notify court case-flow channels so judges and clerks would have notice of the filing.

With the settlement approved and next steps assigned, the commission moved and seconded to adjourn, and the special meeting concluded.