Post by Wethersfield.com on Dec 16, 2004 17:57:21 GMT -5
TO: The Honorable Mayor and Town Council Members
FROM: Bonnie L. Therrien, Town Manager
DATE: December 16, 2004
A. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Manager: There will be no Management Report next week. The staff and I would like to wish each of you a wonderful holiday season with your family. Thanks for all of your support during the year.
2. Upcoming Events:
• The Wethersfield Police are assisting the U.S. Marine Corps by acting as a local drop off for the Toys for Tots program. Unwrapped toys will be accepted until December 20, 2004 at the Police Station.
• A reservation only flu clinic will be held on December 22, 2004 for residents of the Central Connecticut Health District who fit the high risk category. Reservations can be made by calling the Health District at 721-2822. Proof of age and/or a doctor’s statement verifying health risk must be presented to receive the vaccine. NEW
• The CBIA and the MetroHartford Alliance are sponsoring an Economic Summit and Outlook 2005 on Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. Registration begins at 7:30 AM; the program begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 1:30 PM. The cost is $95/110 per person. Please let us know if you wish to attend this.
• The Council of Small Towns (COST) will be holding their annual conference on January 19th at the Radisson in Cromwell. If you would like to attend, please let us know.
3. Council and Board/Committee Dates:
• Tuesday, December 21, 2004 – Planning & Zoning Commission; Friends of the Nature Center, Strategic Plan Committee
• Infrastructure Committee (Montinieri, Fortunato, Cascio) – December 30, 2004 at 6:00p.m. in the Managers Conference Room
4. Department/Division News:
• The Mid State Collaborative which includes the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Social and Youth Services, and the Libraries of Wethersfield, Newington and Rocky Hill continue to meet each month. The regional Library staff members are sharing a discount on software training; developing a summer reading program and completing joint purchases to save money. Social and Youth Services are meeting once per month; researching transitional housing programs; senior center programs and shared entertainment costs. The Police Departments will be working together, with Berlin, to hold regional vehicle enforcement programs in each community. Our Mid State Collaborative group is trying to continue to finds way to work together on programs and purchases to save money for all member communities.
• Physical Services: All surplus vehicles have been sold, and the budgeted goal of a $20,000 return has been exceeded. Exact numbers will be provided as soon as they are available. I would like to thank Bob Doucette, Fleet Manager and his staff for working so hard on getting our vehicles ready for the auction. We will be completed with the leaf pick up program at the end of business today. This includes the two scheduled pickups at each street. There will be no further leaf collections from this point forward. Residents who missed their deadline and did not have their leaves ready may bag the leaves and bring them down to the transfer station. Beginning tomorrow, the leaf boxes are being removed from the trucks and replaced with sander boxes.
• Engineering/Planning/Building Inspection Division/Fire Marshall/Health: This group of staff met recently to discuss and develop a new process to insure speedy permit approval. The attached memorandum summarizes the results of the meeting and the new process. Good work to all involved. This will certainly help with our Economic Development efforts.
• Library: The first 7th grade class tours of the Wethersfield Library got off to an excellent start this week. Students viewed the wide variety of material available at the library, including the teen collection, and participated in a library search. The students then learned about the library's web site and online resources. The need for a library card was emphasized as the "key" to using the library. We were pleased to learn that almost all of the students had library cards. The students were attentive, asking several good questions. Pam Kelly, Library Adult Services Manager and Librarian Ken Bastura conducted the tours. The students were accompanied by their teacher, Mrs. Donna Russo, and school media specialist Mrs. Edie Lacey. The rest of the 7th grade classes at Silas Deane are scheduled for similar tours within the next several weeks. Silas Deane Media Specialist Edie Lacey and Adult Services Manager Pam Kelly are coordinating these important visits which we hope to make an annual event.
• Fire Department: The Annual Awards Dinner was held on December 13, 2004, at which time twelve members were recognized for their length of service, see the attached program, and Robert LeCrenier was awarded the Tri-Town Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year for 2004. Lt. Robert Lecrenier has been an outstanding member of the Wethersfield Fire Department for more than 28 years. He currently holds the position of Lieutenant at Company 2 and is responsible for the upkeep of the firehouse and the readiness of the apparatus. He was instrumental in designing the latest Heavy Rescue Truck that was placed into service in 2000. Lt. Lecrenier recently served as one of the co-chairs for the Department's 200th Anniversary in 2003. He spent almost two years planning for the 200th Anniversary celebration in May and the Connecticut State Firefighters Convention in September. We would like to congratulate all of our volunteers.
• Economic Development: The annual Salute to Business was well attended and considered a success by all present. Several awards were given to local businesses and two residential properties were also recognized.
5. Board/Commission News:
• Attached is the Preliminary Report of the Silas Deane Highway Advisory Committee. The public hearing was attended by approximately 40 people. Four or five property owners on the Silas Deane expressed interest in joining the committee and in general, feedback was positive.
6. Council Questions/Answers:
• I have been advised that the elementary schools phone replacement project should begin within 45 days.
7. CRCOG: Nothing this week.
8. COST: Nothing this week.
9. ICMA: Nothing this week.
10. Miscellaneous:
• Attached is a summary of Greater Hartford Vacancy rates from the Hartford Business Journal and an article on New Approaches to Expedite Retail Projects.
• Attached is an article from Public Management about two cities in Virginia that use online payments.
• I am attaching a copy of a New York Times article on the ideal Main Streets for your information.
B. PROJECT UPDATES:
• Town Hall/Library Renovations: The Building Committee recently heard from a resident about the use of solar power in our renovations, at which time the history of the Town’s use of solar power was shared and staff was able to respond to the citizen’s concerns.
• Emerson Williams School: The sidewalk extension along the east edge of the parking lot is scheduled for construction on December 16.
• Radio System: An engineer from Trott Associates from Texas is coming to Wethersfield on Monday through Wednesday to work with Motorola and our staff to troubleshoot the radio system. The total cost will not exceed $10,000 and will come from the Radio Bond money. I will keep you posted on the recommendations of Trott Associates.
C. CALENDAR REMINDERS:
D. ATTACHMENTS:
• Flu Clinic flyer
• Memorandum re Permit Process
• Fire Department Awards Program
• Silas Deane Highway Advisory Committee Report
• Vacancy Rates
• Hartford Business Journal Article
• Public Management Article
• New York Times article
FROM: Bonnie L. Therrien, Town Manager
DATE: December 16, 2004
A. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Manager: There will be no Management Report next week. The staff and I would like to wish each of you a wonderful holiday season with your family. Thanks for all of your support during the year.
2. Upcoming Events:
• The Wethersfield Police are assisting the U.S. Marine Corps by acting as a local drop off for the Toys for Tots program. Unwrapped toys will be accepted until December 20, 2004 at the Police Station.
• A reservation only flu clinic will be held on December 22, 2004 for residents of the Central Connecticut Health District who fit the high risk category. Reservations can be made by calling the Health District at 721-2822. Proof of age and/or a doctor’s statement verifying health risk must be presented to receive the vaccine. NEW
• The CBIA and the MetroHartford Alliance are sponsoring an Economic Summit and Outlook 2005 on Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. Registration begins at 7:30 AM; the program begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 1:30 PM. The cost is $95/110 per person. Please let us know if you wish to attend this.
• The Council of Small Towns (COST) will be holding their annual conference on January 19th at the Radisson in Cromwell. If you would like to attend, please let us know.
3. Council and Board/Committee Dates:
• Tuesday, December 21, 2004 – Planning & Zoning Commission; Friends of the Nature Center, Strategic Plan Committee
• Infrastructure Committee (Montinieri, Fortunato, Cascio) – December 30, 2004 at 6:00p.m. in the Managers Conference Room
4. Department/Division News:
• The Mid State Collaborative which includes the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Social and Youth Services, and the Libraries of Wethersfield, Newington and Rocky Hill continue to meet each month. The regional Library staff members are sharing a discount on software training; developing a summer reading program and completing joint purchases to save money. Social and Youth Services are meeting once per month; researching transitional housing programs; senior center programs and shared entertainment costs. The Police Departments will be working together, with Berlin, to hold regional vehicle enforcement programs in each community. Our Mid State Collaborative group is trying to continue to finds way to work together on programs and purchases to save money for all member communities.
• Physical Services: All surplus vehicles have been sold, and the budgeted goal of a $20,000 return has been exceeded. Exact numbers will be provided as soon as they are available. I would like to thank Bob Doucette, Fleet Manager and his staff for working so hard on getting our vehicles ready for the auction. We will be completed with the leaf pick up program at the end of business today. This includes the two scheduled pickups at each street. There will be no further leaf collections from this point forward. Residents who missed their deadline and did not have their leaves ready may bag the leaves and bring them down to the transfer station. Beginning tomorrow, the leaf boxes are being removed from the trucks and replaced with sander boxes.
• Engineering/Planning/Building Inspection Division/Fire Marshall/Health: This group of staff met recently to discuss and develop a new process to insure speedy permit approval. The attached memorandum summarizes the results of the meeting and the new process. Good work to all involved. This will certainly help with our Economic Development efforts.
• Library: The first 7th grade class tours of the Wethersfield Library got off to an excellent start this week. Students viewed the wide variety of material available at the library, including the teen collection, and participated in a library search. The students then learned about the library's web site and online resources. The need for a library card was emphasized as the "key" to using the library. We were pleased to learn that almost all of the students had library cards. The students were attentive, asking several good questions. Pam Kelly, Library Adult Services Manager and Librarian Ken Bastura conducted the tours. The students were accompanied by their teacher, Mrs. Donna Russo, and school media specialist Mrs. Edie Lacey. The rest of the 7th grade classes at Silas Deane are scheduled for similar tours within the next several weeks. Silas Deane Media Specialist Edie Lacey and Adult Services Manager Pam Kelly are coordinating these important visits which we hope to make an annual event.
• Fire Department: The Annual Awards Dinner was held on December 13, 2004, at which time twelve members were recognized for their length of service, see the attached program, and Robert LeCrenier was awarded the Tri-Town Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year for 2004. Lt. Robert Lecrenier has been an outstanding member of the Wethersfield Fire Department for more than 28 years. He currently holds the position of Lieutenant at Company 2 and is responsible for the upkeep of the firehouse and the readiness of the apparatus. He was instrumental in designing the latest Heavy Rescue Truck that was placed into service in 2000. Lt. Lecrenier recently served as one of the co-chairs for the Department's 200th Anniversary in 2003. He spent almost two years planning for the 200th Anniversary celebration in May and the Connecticut State Firefighters Convention in September. We would like to congratulate all of our volunteers.
• Economic Development: The annual Salute to Business was well attended and considered a success by all present. Several awards were given to local businesses and two residential properties were also recognized.
5. Board/Commission News:
• Attached is the Preliminary Report of the Silas Deane Highway Advisory Committee. The public hearing was attended by approximately 40 people. Four or five property owners on the Silas Deane expressed interest in joining the committee and in general, feedback was positive.
6. Council Questions/Answers:
• I have been advised that the elementary schools phone replacement project should begin within 45 days.
7. CRCOG: Nothing this week.
8. COST: Nothing this week.
9. ICMA: Nothing this week.
10. Miscellaneous:
• Attached is a summary of Greater Hartford Vacancy rates from the Hartford Business Journal and an article on New Approaches to Expedite Retail Projects.
• Attached is an article from Public Management about two cities in Virginia that use online payments.
• I am attaching a copy of a New York Times article on the ideal Main Streets for your information.
B. PROJECT UPDATES:
• Town Hall/Library Renovations: The Building Committee recently heard from a resident about the use of solar power in our renovations, at which time the history of the Town’s use of solar power was shared and staff was able to respond to the citizen’s concerns.
• Emerson Williams School: The sidewalk extension along the east edge of the parking lot is scheduled for construction on December 16.
• Radio System: An engineer from Trott Associates from Texas is coming to Wethersfield on Monday through Wednesday to work with Motorola and our staff to troubleshoot the radio system. The total cost will not exceed $10,000 and will come from the Radio Bond money. I will keep you posted on the recommendations of Trott Associates.
C. CALENDAR REMINDERS:
D. ATTACHMENTS:
• Flu Clinic flyer
• Memorandum re Permit Process
• Fire Department Awards Program
• Silas Deane Highway Advisory Committee Report
• Vacancy Rates
• Hartford Business Journal Article
• Public Management Article
• New York Times article