LET'S TURN THE LIGHTS ON

[oldetowne]

Joe SixPack said:

"morganika, I think the other towns are slapping their knees hysterically, not at Cottone Field, but the bogus obsolete radio system that we paid over $3,000,000 for and needs replacing."

I like that quote. It stood out among the others for a couple of reasons.

First, although it isn't what Joe intended, it puts things in perspective. Add that to Channel 3 driving right past Wethersfield on the way to its new home, the impending 8-10% tax increase (which reflects service reductions and layoffs) on top of last year's 18-25% increase, the microscopic growth in the grand list, the fire chief debacle this winter, the over-budget behind schedule town projects, the double-talk regarding the roads and sidewalk referendum, and it's no wonder other towns look at us and laugh.

We're here at a point in this town's existence where we have the choice of becoming the next East Hartford or Bloomfield or remaining Wethersfield. Instead of looking at these issues, we're obsessed with artificial turf and installing lights for fewer than a half-dozen high school football games. Our "leaders" are sitting in a room alone debating how much our taxes will go up and in what direction this town will go while the folks outside are arguing about whether our almost winless football team should play in the afternoon or at night.

The additional irony of referendum question 2 is that it is designed to fast-track the lighting so that it can be in place this fall. If you do the math based on Bonnie's latest report of how much was in the "lights fund", the rate of increase in that fund since January 1 suggests that there will be enough to buy the lights in 200 or 300 years.

[LouS]

BobD,

Your verbiage and affect are very similar to the Carter Malaise Period.

All I can say is you are very much overstating the negatives, as well as defining the people involved in the pro field, pro light movement.

I question whether "many" neighbors are moving out of the area. And what high school fields are under a "hush rule"?

Of course upon approval, neighbors feelings and input will be entertained regarding usage, however, they will not be the only ones to have the up or down say as to whether the project moves forward.

[LouS]

Oldetowne,

Thank you for the bank account information...but do not worry, the monies are there slated for delivery after the referendum. And these are not town dollars nor do the taxpayers of Wethersfield have to fear a tax increase to pay for this. Zero on both accounts.

[oldetowne]

LouS - I believe you. But a lot of others don't.

[Ironrod]

OLDTOWN,

You stated that Wethersfield is on the brink of becoming another East Hartford or Bloomfield....well East Hartford perhaps but Wethersfield can only dream of becoming another Bloomfield.

Did you know that Bloomfield, in the past 2 years, has issued hundreds of new building permits for homes to be constructed in the $400,000+ range. Bloomfield also recently announced plans for a massive capital investment plan to improve it's schools by committing in excess of $180 million dollars over the next 20 years... and not a penny of that will go for plastic grass! The funds instead will be spent on building improvements, quality educators & new programs and new text books - imagine that a school system that actually buys new books. I remember last year Bob Peters chartered a bus to see the lights at Bloomfield High School and show us how wonderful our lives would be if only Wethersfield had lights on it's football field...perhaps Bob can charter another bus tour to show off Bloomfield once again in acouple of years to show us the impact of a real community commitment to education...by then we may very well be just blinded by our own lights to know any better...or maybe by then a new Town Council will give in to the pleas for new books and the students of Wethersfield can actually read something about current events beyond the 1980's when many of our textbooks were last updated. Raul Rodriguez made some interesting public comments at last nights TC meeting...in the same breath he thanked the council for spending money to make Cottone Field into a top flight athletic facility (can you say 'sports complex') and then went on to plead with the TC to find it in their hearts to include money in this year's budget for new text books...after all money was budgeted for new books in each of the past 2 years and went unspent because of "other spending priorities". Certainly, Mr. Rodriguez is bright enough to understand the irony of his statement...Wethersfield can spend $1.3 million dollars on plastic grass but $0 on text books...BOE are you asleep at the wheel??? This year alone Wethersfield will spend more than $180,000 on its annual instalment to pay off the new Cottone Field - how much will we spend on text books this year? And in seven years Wethersfield will be making the last annual instalment of $180,000 at just about the time we reach the expected useful life of the 'new' (by then 'old') Cottone Field and we can start planning to budget more money to resurface Cottone Field all over again (and again, and again)...by then the Bob Peters bus tour should have made several stops in Bloomfield and we'll know clearly who made the right choice for their kids in terms of spending priorities.

Also, did I mention that in the past 2 years Bloomfield has developed not 1 but 2 new public golf courses that some have suggested are world class - one of them is a municipal facility and the only golf course in Connecticut designed by renowned golf architect Peter Dye (no other Dye course exists in CT and that includes all of the posh private country clubs - WCC included). Sey, Bob Peters can you include the new golf courses on your next tour of Bloomfield. For those of us ordinary folk, we'd just like to see a town that offers more recreational opportunities to it's residents than the simple pleasure of watching kids run around on plastic grass. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, we've got the Wethersfield Country Club but isn't that reserved for only the elite among us and of course that one day a year we can play at WCC in our Mayor's tournament (don't forget your generous contribution).


Will Wethersfield become the next Bloomfield???

What does Bloomfield have that we don't???

Expensive new homes, a dedication to a quality education, building value in their school system, a real impact on economic development beyond planters on light poles, a commitment to build a quality town center, recreational opportunities for all, a respect for each other (NIMBY's included) and a proud and growing sense of community.

Now isn't that a nice neighborhood we'd all like to be a part of??? In fact, some of those among us will get that very priviledge.

Enjoy the plastic grass...it doesn't stain clothes and I understand it even looks more lifelike at night.

Now, come on Bob let's get that next bus tour going!

[Ironrod]

LouS,

Your promise of funds being 'in place' for the installation of lights on Cottone Field reminds me of a very similar promise of funds being 'in place' to maintain the new Cottone Field once we all got around to spending the $1.3 million dollars resufacing it with state of the art plastic grass. After all, we were assured that the new field would be essentially maintenance free - so it was a no brainer to pledge support. When reality set in this past winter and it became clear that plastic grass may actually be more costly to maintain than good old fashion natural turf (remember the kind you have to mow) where did all those promise makers go?

We needed money for a artificial turf groomer...silence. We needed more money to implement a plastic grass maintenance plan...more silence.
We needed more & more money for landscape improvements...more & more silence.

Where will the money come to "Let there be lights"

The promise makers will talk alot now but where will they be later...more silence?

I know the 'lightheads' can make plenty of noise...judging from the shouts and screams coming from the stands during last year's midget football marathons (remember those glorious autumn days from 8AM to 5PM on Sunday - there's nothing quite like being awaken by a midget football game). These caring parents had no problem demanding there little 7 year old draw blood from their opponents...will they be as vocal when it comes to keeping their promises?

I don't think so.

NOW HIT SOMEBODY d**n IT!

[LouS]

Ironrod,

If you go back, in my memory to the late 60's and 70's, you will find that Bloomfield has always had stately homes and was a place that many well-to-do resided. Many towns are building the $400,000 homes, so they are joining the company of other towns. There is also a side of Bloomfield that reflects Wethersifeld of many years ago, with ranch homes, capes, etc., with 2 and three bedrooms, which again can be found in many towns. Bloomfield also has, in part, a transient housing population. So good or bad you can equate Bloomfield any way you want. So your point here is actually no point at all.

They do have more open space, which will mean golf courses, developments and your "higher priced housing". With so much development and new families, there will be a proportional need for new and updated schools, something that all towns experience over the years.

You never mentioned if Bloomfield had adequately funded its education system in past years...this would make a difference to your posting.

I have stated, correctly, without stomping my feet, being rude, lashing out, or other, relative to the light funding, that it will be funded with private monies.

(rhetorical questions )Does this bother you that there are taxpayers willing to see this get done? Does it bother you that Bob had taken an active roll? Maybe he should have charged everyone for the ride to show the actual value investment. I'm sure not only Bob, but many others would offer to give you a ride, anywhere.

The field, my dear person, is virtually maintenance free. You seem to want to go back to the good ole mowing days, let alone applicaiton of lines, fertilizer, weed killers, etc., where ruts were left and clumps of grass littered the field along with the various weeds, dirt and mud when it rained. All leading to a field that was not only not playable most of the time but not as safe as the current one. I know that the safety issue probably falls on deaf ears when someone does not have a vested interest in this aspect.

A groomer can be as simple as a brush pulled behind a variety of tractors, it doesn't have to be from the Mercedes group.

The maintenance schedule and other additional work is on the table to be donated by the booster clubs' professionally equiped members. You may want to contact the town and urge them to negotiate to allow this to save money. This would cost you nothing, but this is a positive action, one that you might want to complain about instead of boosting forward.

Any landscape improvements are items that would have been part of the good ole green mowing grass/dirt days.

Your suggestions and innuendo that these "improvements" are due to the newly installed field are nonsense. Stop the story telling please.

If you want to debate, I am all for it, but don't tell tales.

Wethersfield High School and its associated fields were built many years ago. People living in the houses that surround the high school, especially those that weren't there originally, should know that where there is a high school and fields that they will be used by children. Where there are sporting events there will be noise.

I bet those residents can hear the shouts from Pine Acres during their home swim meets. Have there been complaints about this?

And what about Stillman Field being used so much over the years with all sorts of traffic. Friendly neighbors acknowleged the use and accepted it graciously.

Looking forward to May 24th.

[Ironrod]

Lou,

Bear with me while I tell a few more stories...

1. Why don't you take full advantage of the "neighbor friendly environment" over at Stillman and propose the installation of lights over there? Then perhaps you can propose the same over at Mill Woods (actually, it already appears there is an active constituency looking to light the little league fields based on referendum propoganda being illegally posted on town owned/town secured bulletin boards at Mill Woods). Let's see how gracious those friendly neighbors are once you expose your plan to light them up.

2. Noise at Cottone Field has not been limited to activity originating from Cottone Field. You are right about Pine Acres, they can be loud...but they have NEVER started making noise at 8AM or 9AM or 10AM...and WE have been GOOD neighbors to our friends at Pine Acres all these years. I fear the same type of relationship will not pervail with the BOE because it takes some measure of respect to acknowledge the right of others to enjoy some degree of peace & quiet within the sanctuary of one's own home. The BOE and TC has not acknowledged this inherent right among affected resident property owners. And you know that's too bad because my home was here BEFORE there was a high school. You'd like everyone to believe that the high school has a preemmient right to dictate the quality of life to residents who just happened to buy or build their homes before there was a high school and must accept the 'misfortune' that comes with living adjacent to its boundries. And by the way for the past 45 years we neighbors accepted the high school field for what is was - someplace for the high school to conduct a limited number of athletic events...we did not bargain for the sports complex that Cottone has become with more non school events being held compared to school sanctioned events. Your 'sports complex' DID NOT pre-date my home being occupied..when I bought my home I also acquired the rights, restrictions and priviledges from the who originally built my home in 1952 - and that did not include an abutting sports complex.



3. Field maintenance: so you still believe this field is maintenance free? Then why don't you pledge to fund the annual maintenence expense out of your community war chest for light? You can start with purchasing the equipment required to properly maintain the field, including the groomer, sweeper, gator and all other needed essentials. I recall these items would have cost the town upwards of $92,000 until we found a way to beg, borrow (and maybe steal) this equipment in some sort or inane partnership deal we supposedly entered into with Rocky Hill and Berlin. It call for us to 'share' this equipment. Imagine a town can spent $1.3MM on a new carpet but can't afford the vacuum cleaner to keep it in good order...is this your version of Wethersfield leadership at its best? And, by the way, the field has now been in use for 8 months and not a single effort to maintain the field has yet to be seen...our warranty calls for an annual maintenance program...I hope Rocky Hill or Berlin will let us borrow their stuff in time so as not to void our warranty.

4. School funding: you seem to have conveniently ignored Mr. Rodriguez's plea for new text books...any more money in the community war chest of yours to help him out? Remember, it's for the good of the kids...and we all know that's something that's near and dear to your heart.

5. You are right on by claiming that Bloomfield is not the only town out there where $400,000 homes are being built - but again you conveniently forgot to mention that Wethersfield is not and will never again be one of these towns. But, you can look at the glass as half full - perhaps all of our $400,000 homes have already been built and now that we've reached capacity we don't need any more affluence. Not to worry the though, if your house isn't worth $400,000 you can rest assured our beloved town will soon make worth that much in the coming property revaluations. Higher residential property assessment is, as we all know, the cornerstone of our great leadership's strategy to preserve the grand list. Godspeed Wethersfield...

6. Lastly, I am really not a tale teller. I speak what I believe to be facts, I base my opinions on what I believe to be fact and I try to influence others based on what I believe to be fact. On the other hand Mr. S. your slick new flyer entitled "Let's Turn The Lights On" claims a No vote on question #1 will prevent the WTXA from removing existing lights at Mill Woods...now is this a factual statement of another one of your tales (note that's just a nice way to say lies). The light referendum question was negotiated in good faith with the full disclosure on the part of the Town and WTXA that existing lights WOULD BE GRANDFATHERED. You know this, Bradley knows this, Bonnie knows this, Andy knows this and Russ knows this. We all know this, so why is it that you would promote such a position on the referendum question which you know is not truthful? And why was the TC reluctent to include this in the explainatory text for the upcoming referendum? Could it be that both you and the TC on on the same page in a willful attempt to decieve the electorate? Say it ain't so.

Lou the next time you imply someone else is telling tales remember the glass house you live in...or is that just your way of playing fair?

[LouS]

Ironrod,

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't you suggest that the "complex", be situated at the DiCicco soccer field where the track is? Is it that you thought the lights and noise would be, in your view, diminished from that location, or just not worried about those neighbors?

I was not under the impression that there are assorted restrictions either on your property or the adjacent fields.

Apparently, you too, choose to overlook passages. I have stated that there are groups of parents and supporters that do possess the knowledge and equipment to assist the town in maintaining the field(s). This is an historic issue and needs to be dealt with by the town and negotiated with the union.

As part of the past election, the WYO has promised to not only see this endeavor through, but once accomplished act in good faith to support the educational needs, as well. I don't think you recall the Sports Federation, with Larry Killoran at the helm, but our goal is to emulate his ideas.

If you really want to effect policy and town tax issues with your good ideas, please run for council where you can have some input on the taxation issues, enterprise zones, etc.

I have never seen, in writing associated with the 1st referendum question, which will grandfather existing lighting (and now your plastic grass field?). And does the good faith that you purport to be exuded by the WTXA extend to the convoluted phrasing of Question 1?

Lastly, and you overlook this too, it is the intention of all involved with seeing this issue through to meet with residents for assistance and guidance, after the process of May 24th is finalized.

[Ironrod]

Lou,

I'm glad we can finally have this dialogue...I'm realizing you are much less informed than I thought. Let me try to bring you up to date.

1. Yes, I did author the Minority Decision of the ASFFAC (artificial surface football field advisory committee) which did recommend to the town that the artificial field at the high school be situated inside the track, directly behind the high school on the field commonly known as Diccico Field. By the way, every single high school within 20 miles of Wethersfield have situated their football field within their tracks - what do they know that we ignored? I DID NOT RECOMMEND THAT THE FIELD BE ILLUMINATED WITH STADIUM LIGHTS. Instead, I suggested that any decision regarding lights be deferred upto 5 years to determine if the high school was the right place for this. Right now I do not believe the high school is the right place for a sports complex...apparently my influence only goes only so far as we are witnessing a sports complex in the making at Cottone Field. I can provide you with my recommendation if you wish - apparently you have not read it thoroughly.

2. There ARE restrictions related to my property as far as it relates to the installation of stadium lights...it's called the Town Code which as we all know now prohibit the installation of lights on poles higher than 14 feet. My home is in a residential zone as is Cottone Field. This is the case today, this was the case in 1997 when I bought my home and as far as I can tell this has been the case as far back as the Wethersfield Town Code exists. When I bought my home I researched the Town Code and determined that the 'threat' of stadium lights was mitigated by the restrictions that existed in the Town Code. To a significant degree this FACT influenced my decision to buy. So to all of you Light Bulbs out there who claim I live next to the field so I should just accept the lights do the research...Lights were prohibited when my house was built, lights were prohibited when I bought my home and lights are prohibited today. If the WYO played by the rules there would be no lights...instead they have determined in order to win they must change the rules. But instead of trying to change the rules on a specific hardship application for Cottone Field alone the WYO and Miller continguent has decided to change the rules for all of Wethersfield...not just as it relates to Lights without limits as far as it related to any zoning issue. By doing this you have further polarized our community to get your lights. Is that fair play, Lou?

3. You keep stating that there is group (boosters) ready to enlist their support (financially or donating in-kind services) to maintain the field but beyond the promise where can we find this commitment documented? Is there a proposal filed with the town? Are there funds deposited somewhere by the boosters to help support this effort. Have they organized a community effort to lend a hand? The field has now been very actively used for 8 months and no maintenance to date. I think its time for the boosters step up to the plate (sports metaphor) and deliver on their promise, don't you?

4. The pledge by the WYO to make a good faith effort to support educational needs within Wethersfield is honorable. But this is just another promise. Can you provide any tangible details documenting this kind of support by the WYO (beyond supporting athletic programs)?

5. I'm flattered that you suggest I run for council, but can't I have (and share) my opinions merely as a concerned citizen. Isn't that what you do, Lou. We're all on this plane together and there alot more passenger sets than pilot seats. As a passenger, I have every right to put my 2 cents in.

6. You promise (another promise) to reach out to the resident neighbors after May 24th to seek their input and guidance. We have been waiting more than a year for someone to reach out and involve us. Why do we have to wait until after the referendum? Our concerns matter...shouldn't they have been considered by now? And by the way, as a memeber of the ASFFAC I motioned to provide neighborhood representation in the field reconstruction effort. That motion was defeated 1-6...my one vote alone for this motion speaks volumes about the inherent bias of my fellow committee members...all along they viewed the neighbors as a barrier to getting the field done and were not interested in our concerns.

7. Lastly, I address the GRAND FATHERING issue...for this I'll let our esteemed Town Manger speak for me. Below is an excerpt from an email she wrote to a concerned citizen last January:

From: "Therrien, Bonnie" <[e-mail]>
To: "***********" <***********@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: lawsuit-1/3/05
Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 21:28:26 -0500

There is an agreement that any lights now in place will stay as is.
The question on the ballot in May will be introduced tomorrow night for a hearing on 1/18. Then on 1/18, the actual question will be voted on by the Town Council, as well as the date for the election...

Bonnie


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

How does this comment 'synch' up with what the Town Manager had to say during the TC meeting Monday night. Sounds like she had a change in position since she made this original comment in January...what do you think?


Let's keep this dialogue going Lou, I think we're educating people who you claim have been left in the dark far too long.

[LouS]

Ironrod,

It appears that your opinion of your opinions runs contrary to what most feel (ASFFAC 1-6 decision and the implementation of the field).

What everyone should know is that it is a small minority that tries to speak for the majority, and last I looked, my knowledge in this are tells me- that will not fly.

The bottom line in your "authoring" of the minority decision, did in fact move it out of your area and into another, under the guise of moving it within the track.
I believe an additional reason why this wasn't a valid suggestion was that an additional ($500,000+)would have been needed for bleacher construction. It most certainly couldn't have been for simply getting the field out of your neighborhood?

The restrictions that you are speaking of I believe are not tied to your deed, but as you stated, were part of Town Code. As you portray to show your comprehensive knowlege in this area, you may want to check to see if there is a lighting ordinance. You may find that whatever is there does not speak to sports lighting, and only limits the glare that shines into a window. As far as the pole height, again, this does not speak to sports lighting and was meant to control street lights, but this is only based on input of those more knowledgeable than me, but I am sure you will clarify.

To avoid grievances from the union, based upon taxpayers or their representatives doing work on a town fields, negotiations, on a case by case basis need to take place. And yes, dialogue was initiated months ago.

Support for last year's education budget was part of our initiative. Do not worry, just as the funds will be provided, as promised for the lights, the WYO will be around for other promised issues. Much the same as the WTXA, only more positive.

Continue to interject opion, no one has stopped you and you certainly do have the right.

I have spoken to 2of3 of the adjacent property owners (to the practice field) and a few in the remainder of the neighorhood personally, and do have their input, which to be honest, revolved only around doing the job correctly and increased traffic flow, with one response being what took us so long; both of which have been and will be addressed. So do not question my "promises".

My question, relative to grandfathering, seems to have been substantiated by your response of "a change in position". I do not believe it.

Thanks, and oh yeah, VOTE NO on 1 and YES on 2.

[LouS]

And one point I missed.

If, as you had mentioned, that there was a Town Code preventing such lighting, why in fact, did the WTXA, first petition and then sue the town, to have something that is already prohibited, prohibited again with an additional cost of $25,000?

[nvone]

Rod,

When will it ever end? You are the biggest pain in the neck when it comes to Cottone field. You have complained about anything and everything that goes on down there. Enough already. You complain about the bushes, about the loud speakers, about the band, about the events, about the practices that go past 5 pm. Sell your house to me!

I will enjoy our youth. The state championship soccer team. The revival of our football team. The BAND! What I look forward to the most is being able to use the new lights on Cottone field to have a barbeque. That sounds great. Friday night lights and a cookout. You can even come to my first cookout, I'll provide you with sun glasses for the glare and ear plugs for the noise.

[Ironrod]

Nvone,

You wouldn't be trying to 'intimidate' me into moving, now would you?

Since there's no sign of intelligence here I'll keep the debate going with Lou. Even if he is somewhat uninformed I'm confident he has the capacity to learn. Not so sure about you.

[nvone]

No Rod,

No need to look over your shoulder for me. If you are so unhappy, there are plenty of people that would buy your house, me included.

And what is it that I could possibly learn from you? Black and white, that is all it ever is with you, no grey areas.

I would rather remain stupid is as stupid does than to learn how to be a narrow minded, self centered, arrogant fellow like you are. Thanks for the offer though