NORWICH – On the first day of the new year, the City of Norwich Common Council held an organizational meeting, appointing individuals to positions and adopting procedures.

Before the meeting began, Mayor Joseph Maiurano and Fifth Ward Alderman Paul Laughlin were sworn in. Council rules and procedures, the same used last year, were adopted.

Maiurano then appointed Second Ward Alderman Terry Bresina as Chair of the Public Safety and Public Works Committee – a post previously occupied by First Ward Alderman A. Anthony Abraham – and re-appointed Alderman Walter Shermerhorn as the Chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee. Bresina was also nominated to be President of the Council – meaning he would take on the duties of the mayor in his absence. The five aldermen present voted in favor.

Fourth Ward Alderman Robert Jeffrey was nominated for the position of Acting Mayor, meaning he would take on the duties of the mayor in the absence of the mayor and the president of the council. Neither the president of the council or the acting mayor has the authority to make any appointments or removals from office. Jeffrey was voted in with four of the five present aldermen voting in his favor. Abraham cast the opposing vote.