Post by Wethersfield.com on Aug 13, 2004 10:50:57 GMT -5
TO: The Honorable Mayor and Town Council Members
FROM: Bonnie L. Therrien, Town Manager
DATE: August 13, 2004
A. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Manager:
2. Upcoming Events:
• The Griswoldville Preservation Associations’ walking tour for August is rescheduled from the first Saturday in August to August 14. Assemble at 9:30AM at the intersection of Griswold Rd. and Country Club Rd. Former water-powered mill sites will be visited and discussed during the 1.5-hour tour. A $2 donation is suggested. Rain date is the following Sunday, same time and place.
• A breakfast and discussion with local banks to encourage participation in the Façade Loan Program is scheduled for August 18, 2004 at 7:30 AM at the Country Club. The date was changed from August 11.
• The next Business After Hours will be held on Wednesday, August 25, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the Capitol Region Federal Credit Union. A flyer is attached on this event.
• The Police Department will host a Community Safety Presentation on Thursday, August 26 at 6:30 PM in the Department’s Community Room. The purpose of the event is to provide tips on preventing becoming a victim and for the Chief to hear and respond to public safety concerns. See attached flyer.
• We have been asked to co-sponsor a forum on September 22nd at the Community Center at 7 PM to discuss the Metropatterns findings done by Myron Oldfield. A committee is working on putting this together and we are hoping to have the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Education sponsor this also. Residents will be invited to hear about the findings and look for ways to improve our community. Robert Santy, President of the Regional Growth Partnership, will be the speaker. If you would like to borrow a copy of the Metropatterns findings, please let me know.
• The annual Health Fair will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2004 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Wethersfield Ambulance Facility on Prospect Street.
• On September 28, 2004, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Global Companies will be hosting a grand reopening of their business at 80 Burbank Road (the former Cargill, Inc.).
• An Economic Development Summit is planned for September 29, 2004 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, featuring an information session and a panel discussion of success stories from communities that have been successful in putting together development/redevelopment programs. More information will follow. Please save the date and time.
• The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities will host CCM Convention and Exposition on October 14, 2004 from 8 AM to 5 PM at the Radisson Hotel in Cromwell. The keynote topic is “The New Connecticut: The Changing Face of Our Towns and Cities”. The convention includes numerous workshops on issues pertinent to managing town business and a municipal market place. Registration fees apply. Please see me for more details.
• The tentative date for the annual Chamber/EDIC sponsored Salute to Business is December 9th. More details will be forthcoming.
3. Council Committee Dates:
• Infrastructure/Budget Committees – Monday, August 16th, 6:00 PM, Town Manager’s Office to discuss possible November bonding questions. Agenda to follow.
4. Department/Division News:
• Tax Office – Attached is a summary of tax collections for FY 2004-05 through July 2004. 52.58% of the taxes have been collected.
• Finance Department – The Finance Director has requested authorization to use unexpended funds from her budget to hire a temporary financial analyst to provide assistance in updating the fixed asset inventory and to work on the infrastructure valuation.
• Building Inspection – Attached is a summary of monthly activity for the division. A total of $32,865 in permit fees was collected for the month of July, with a permit value of $1,352,367.
• Social And Youth Services –The Department held a graduation ceremony for the six students who participated in the Workforce Development Program on Friday, August 6th. The program, sponsored by CREC, provided training in employment skills and exposure to a wide variety of careers and opportunities for the youth who are juniors or seniors in high school. Jane Johnson and Nancy Stilwell worked with the students who participated 20 hours per week for six weeks. Activities included individual and career interest inventories, internet exploration of career and training opportunities, visits to many worksites including factories and hospitals, community service, and practice in filling out job applications and interviewing. The students also went canoeing and played miniature golf. Follow up activities will continue during the school year. See attached program evaluation from the Capital Workforce Partners. The Department has received notification that the YSB grant for 2004-2005 will be $21,513, an increase of $520 from the previous year. This annual grant from the Department of Education partially funds the salaries of several department staff members.
• Library – Attached is the monthly report for July.
• Police Department – Officers Veilleux and Poulin continue their field training under the guidance of a certified field training officer; the anticipated completion is early August. Upon successful completion they will be assigned for solo patrol. On July 8, 2004, the WPD hosted a one day armorer class instructed by O.F. Mosssberg and Sons. Fifteen students attended the class from approximately twelve different law enforcement agencies. The Department saved $200.00 in registration fees by hosting the class. During the month of June, a citizen survey was initiated to measure the overall quality of service provided by WPD. The survey consists of mailings, sent in the form of a questionnaire, to a random sample of people including complainants, victims and arrestees who have had recent contact with the Department. The survey will continue to December. In July Lt. T. Dillon met with CREST Dive personnel. CREST assisted the East Hartford Police with Riverfest on July 3 CREST also assisted River Front Recapture on July 18 with the Hartford Triathlon. On July 24 CREST met with Connecticut K-9 Search & Rescue at Crystal Lake. CREST divers were used to help training Connecticut K-9’s dogs in underwater searches. In July 2004 the Marine Division conducted marine inspections and performed training for new members. During the training the vessel performed well. The training of the new member consisted of vessel familiarity and operation. The Marine Division was deployed on the Connecticut River on July 11 and July 31 for safe boating enforcement. The Marine Division also assisted the Cromwell Police in July with the Portland fireworks.
The following are the burglary and robbery statistics for the month of July 2004, along with comparative statistics for the same period of last year. The figures in the parenthesis represent the number of cases cleared by arrest, or in which the perpetrators have been identified.
Criminal Activity
July 2003
July 2004
Residential Burglaries:
3 (0)
8 (2)
Commercial Burglaries:
3 (0)
0 (0)
Armed Robberies:
0 (0)
0 (0)
Strong-arm Robberies:
0 (0)
0 (0)
Patrol Bureau Statistics for July 2004:
5. Board/Commission News:
• The Planning and Zoning Commission continued the Public Hearing on the proposed Zoning Changes to August 17, 2004 at 7:00 PM to hear more public opinion.
6. Council Questions/Answers:
• In response to the question about the cement pillars at Mikey’s Place, Director Bagley informs me that a work order was placed with Physical Services for two cement bollards with a chain to prevent people from parking on the grassy area between the parking lot and Garden Street. The request was made because of a safety issue. When people park on the grass, the line of sight is impeded for cars exiting the parking lot. Physical Services installed five bollards to prevent parking because they felt that three would not stop the parking on the grass. This did not go to the Historic District Commission.
7. CRCOG: Nothing this week.
8. COST: Nothing this week.
9. ICMA: Nothing this week.
10. Miscellaneous:
• State of Connecticut Public Act 04-144became effective on May 21, 2004. This act concerns Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation and increases Land Use application fees. See attached correspondence.
B. PROJECT UPDATES:
• The State Department of Transportation has engaged the services of United International Corporation to inspect bridges around Connecticut. They will be inspecting the bridge over the Connecticut River and Great Meadow Road requiring lane closures in both directions. The projected time period in which the inspection will occur is August 9 through August 27. All work will take place between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM. See attached letter.
• Attached is a memorandum from Public Works Director, Mike Turner regarding the CIP Project Status of School Buildings.
• Attached is the Board of Education’s Capital Improvement Plan and Facilities master plan.
• I have attached a memorandum from Director of Public Works, Mike Turner regarding interior damage to two rooms in Charles Wright School that resulted from damage to an HVAC unit by the roofing company.
• Attached is a memorandum from Mike Turner, Public Works Director, regarding estimated costs to plant trees along the east and north sides of Cottone Field.
• The roof replacement project for firehouse 3 commenced the first week of August.
• The roof replacement project at the Silas Deane Middle School will be closed out by the end of this month. All work, including punch list items will be completed and all warranties will be supplied as required. A savings of $34,400 was realized on this component of the school renovation project.
FROM: Bonnie L. Therrien, Town Manager
DATE: August 13, 2004
A. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Manager:
2. Upcoming Events:
• The Griswoldville Preservation Associations’ walking tour for August is rescheduled from the first Saturday in August to August 14. Assemble at 9:30AM at the intersection of Griswold Rd. and Country Club Rd. Former water-powered mill sites will be visited and discussed during the 1.5-hour tour. A $2 donation is suggested. Rain date is the following Sunday, same time and place.
• A breakfast and discussion with local banks to encourage participation in the Façade Loan Program is scheduled for August 18, 2004 at 7:30 AM at the Country Club. The date was changed from August 11.
• The next Business After Hours will be held on Wednesday, August 25, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the Capitol Region Federal Credit Union. A flyer is attached on this event.
• The Police Department will host a Community Safety Presentation on Thursday, August 26 at 6:30 PM in the Department’s Community Room. The purpose of the event is to provide tips on preventing becoming a victim and for the Chief to hear and respond to public safety concerns. See attached flyer.
• We have been asked to co-sponsor a forum on September 22nd at the Community Center at 7 PM to discuss the Metropatterns findings done by Myron Oldfield. A committee is working on putting this together and we are hoping to have the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Education sponsor this also. Residents will be invited to hear about the findings and look for ways to improve our community. Robert Santy, President of the Regional Growth Partnership, will be the speaker. If you would like to borrow a copy of the Metropatterns findings, please let me know.
• The annual Health Fair will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2004 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Wethersfield Ambulance Facility on Prospect Street.
• On September 28, 2004, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Global Companies will be hosting a grand reopening of their business at 80 Burbank Road (the former Cargill, Inc.).
• An Economic Development Summit is planned for September 29, 2004 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, featuring an information session and a panel discussion of success stories from communities that have been successful in putting together development/redevelopment programs. More information will follow. Please save the date and time.
• The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities will host CCM Convention and Exposition on October 14, 2004 from 8 AM to 5 PM at the Radisson Hotel in Cromwell. The keynote topic is “The New Connecticut: The Changing Face of Our Towns and Cities”. The convention includes numerous workshops on issues pertinent to managing town business and a municipal market place. Registration fees apply. Please see me for more details.
• The tentative date for the annual Chamber/EDIC sponsored Salute to Business is December 9th. More details will be forthcoming.
3. Council Committee Dates:
• Infrastructure/Budget Committees – Monday, August 16th, 6:00 PM, Town Manager’s Office to discuss possible November bonding questions. Agenda to follow.
4. Department/Division News:
• Tax Office – Attached is a summary of tax collections for FY 2004-05 through July 2004. 52.58% of the taxes have been collected.
• Finance Department – The Finance Director has requested authorization to use unexpended funds from her budget to hire a temporary financial analyst to provide assistance in updating the fixed asset inventory and to work on the infrastructure valuation.
• Building Inspection – Attached is a summary of monthly activity for the division. A total of $32,865 in permit fees was collected for the month of July, with a permit value of $1,352,367.
• Social And Youth Services –The Department held a graduation ceremony for the six students who participated in the Workforce Development Program on Friday, August 6th. The program, sponsored by CREC, provided training in employment skills and exposure to a wide variety of careers and opportunities for the youth who are juniors or seniors in high school. Jane Johnson and Nancy Stilwell worked with the students who participated 20 hours per week for six weeks. Activities included individual and career interest inventories, internet exploration of career and training opportunities, visits to many worksites including factories and hospitals, community service, and practice in filling out job applications and interviewing. The students also went canoeing and played miniature golf. Follow up activities will continue during the school year. See attached program evaluation from the Capital Workforce Partners. The Department has received notification that the YSB grant for 2004-2005 will be $21,513, an increase of $520 from the previous year. This annual grant from the Department of Education partially funds the salaries of several department staff members.
• Library – Attached is the monthly report for July.
• Police Department – Officers Veilleux and Poulin continue their field training under the guidance of a certified field training officer; the anticipated completion is early August. Upon successful completion they will be assigned for solo patrol. On July 8, 2004, the WPD hosted a one day armorer class instructed by O.F. Mosssberg and Sons. Fifteen students attended the class from approximately twelve different law enforcement agencies. The Department saved $200.00 in registration fees by hosting the class. During the month of June, a citizen survey was initiated to measure the overall quality of service provided by WPD. The survey consists of mailings, sent in the form of a questionnaire, to a random sample of people including complainants, victims and arrestees who have had recent contact with the Department. The survey will continue to December. In July Lt. T. Dillon met with CREST Dive personnel. CREST assisted the East Hartford Police with Riverfest on July 3 CREST also assisted River Front Recapture on July 18 with the Hartford Triathlon. On July 24 CREST met with Connecticut K-9 Search & Rescue at Crystal Lake. CREST divers were used to help training Connecticut K-9’s dogs in underwater searches. In July 2004 the Marine Division conducted marine inspections and performed training for new members. During the training the vessel performed well. The training of the new member consisted of vessel familiarity and operation. The Marine Division was deployed on the Connecticut River on July 11 and July 31 for safe boating enforcement. The Marine Division also assisted the Cromwell Police in July with the Portland fireworks.
The following are the burglary and robbery statistics for the month of July 2004, along with comparative statistics for the same period of last year. The figures in the parenthesis represent the number of cases cleared by arrest, or in which the perpetrators have been identified.
Criminal Activity
July 2003
July 2004
Residential Burglaries:
3 (0)
8 (2)
Commercial Burglaries:
3 (0)
0 (0)
Armed Robberies:
0 (0)
0 (0)
Strong-arm Robberies:
0 (0)
0 (0)
Patrol Bureau Statistics for July 2004:
5. Board/Commission News:
• The Planning and Zoning Commission continued the Public Hearing on the proposed Zoning Changes to August 17, 2004 at 7:00 PM to hear more public opinion.
6. Council Questions/Answers:
• In response to the question about the cement pillars at Mikey’s Place, Director Bagley informs me that a work order was placed with Physical Services for two cement bollards with a chain to prevent people from parking on the grassy area between the parking lot and Garden Street. The request was made because of a safety issue. When people park on the grass, the line of sight is impeded for cars exiting the parking lot. Physical Services installed five bollards to prevent parking because they felt that three would not stop the parking on the grass. This did not go to the Historic District Commission.
7. CRCOG: Nothing this week.
8. COST: Nothing this week.
9. ICMA: Nothing this week.
10. Miscellaneous:
• State of Connecticut Public Act 04-144became effective on May 21, 2004. This act concerns Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation and increases Land Use application fees. See attached correspondence.
B. PROJECT UPDATES:
• The State Department of Transportation has engaged the services of United International Corporation to inspect bridges around Connecticut. They will be inspecting the bridge over the Connecticut River and Great Meadow Road requiring lane closures in both directions. The projected time period in which the inspection will occur is August 9 through August 27. All work will take place between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM. See attached letter.
• Attached is a memorandum from Public Works Director, Mike Turner regarding the CIP Project Status of School Buildings.
• Attached is the Board of Education’s Capital Improvement Plan and Facilities master plan.
• I have attached a memorandum from Director of Public Works, Mike Turner regarding interior damage to two rooms in Charles Wright School that resulted from damage to an HVAC unit by the roofing company.
• Attached is a memorandum from Mike Turner, Public Works Director, regarding estimated costs to plant trees along the east and north sides of Cottone Field.
• The roof replacement project for firehouse 3 commenced the first week of August.
• The roof replacement project at the Silas Deane Middle School will be closed out by the end of this month. All work, including punch list items will be completed and all warranties will be supplied as required. A savings of $34,400 was realized on this component of the school renovation project.