Post by GoldShield on Aug 20, 2004 11:59:40 GMT -5
DATE: August 20, 2004
A. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Manager: I will be away from Friday until Saturday afternoon. The Chief will be in charge and he will have the phone number to reach me in case of an emergency.
2. Upcoming Events:
* A 5K Road Race to benefit Intercommunity Mental Health Group will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2004 in Old Wethersfield. I have attached a letter from Race Director Beth Shluger that contains details of the race. The Intercommunity Mental Health Group will be sending a letter to me asking that the Town Council waive the police and physical service fees, which would amount to approximately $1500.
* 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.
* 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 of the report 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.). You are invited to attend if you wish.
* 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 the 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:
* Public Safety Committee – Monday, August 23, 2004, 6:00 p.m., Town Manager’s Conference Room (Karangekis, Cascio, Czernicki, and Adil)
* Special Town Council Meeting – Public Hearings – Bonding – Monday, August 30, 2004, 6:00 pm, Council Chambers
* Shared Services – Tuesday, September 7, 2004, 6:00 pm
4. Department/Division News:
5. Board/Commission News:
* Planning & Zoning Commission- Tuesday, August 24th at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room – Special Meeting on 8-24 Review for Bonding Questions
* Strategic Planning Committee – Tuesday, August 24th at 5:30 pm
6. Council Questions/Answers:
* Regarding the trees on the Town’s open space in the right away for the MDC Ridge Road/ Wolcott Hill Road Sewer Project, Director of Public Works Mike Turner advised me that if MDC comes across dead and already fallen trees, they will cut them up and stack them along the east edge of the cleared ROW for people to take. The same goes for trees that must be taken down. Also the stumps will be removed and the holes backfilled. If firewood is not taken it must be removed and legally disposed of off site by the contractor. Also please note that the Shade Tree Commission has reviewed which major trees would be removed during construction.
* Collier Road – At the last Council meeting, it was mentioned that this street is in very poor shape after having been paved four years ago. Mr. Turner said that the work done four years ago was just a preventative measure and extensive work does need to be done on this road.
* It was asked at the last Council meeting why some letters are read into the record and others are not. Currently there is no policy on this, so I will recommend to the Rules and Procedures Committee that some policy be put in writing so all letters are treated in the same manner.
7. CRCOG: Nothing this week.
8. COST: Nothing this week.
9. ICMA: Nothing this week.
10. Miscellaneous:
* Attached is a letter from a resident dissatisfied with the trash collection service. I have shared this letter with Paine’s and I will be calling the resident to tell them they can put sticks, etc. into the barrel.
* I have included two published commentaries from the Volunteer Fire Association on volunteer firefighters versus paid.
* Attached is a letter the Mayor recently sent to the Mayor and Director General of Nagayo, Japan once again affirming our commitment to the exchange of ideas between our two cities.
* CRRA reports that the cumulative tonnage for FY July 03 through June 04 for the Town of Wethersfield is 19,292, compared to 18,800 for the same period last year. The chart is attached for your review.
* Attached is an email I received from Mr. Dan Kiernan of 468 Main Street in Wethersfield concerning the weight of some vehicles that park on the snow shelf and the dangers that continued pressure on underground utilities could cause.
* I spoke to our Bond Counsel, Sam Calingeri, about the need for the amendment onto the Bond Ordinance for the Town Hall/Library having to do with receiving grants and the proposed Charter. If the Charter passes, this section of the Ordinance would automatically be null and void so there was no need for the amendment. At your August 30th Special Meeting, I will have you rescind that amendment.
B. PROJECT UPDATES:
* Lecture Seats - School Business Manager Dave Whall has advised the Board of Education that asbestos was discovered in the floor under the carpet in the High School lecture hall. High School Principal Tom Moore has been advised the abatement, floor covering replacement and seat installation will not be completed by the start of school. The asbestos was not known to be there until they started removing the seats.
* Elementary Schools’ Telephone System - The telephone system for the elementary schools is going out to bid next week.
* Moeller Home/Nature Center – Bids have been open for the general contracting work at the Moeller Home. The low bid is almost $196,269 over budget. The architect said that the mechanicals and HVAC system came in much higher then expected. The Committee met yesterday to discuss their next steps. They are going to ask the two lowest bidders to meet with the Committee next week to see what items could be cut back or eliminated to bring down the cost. It is felt that about $100,000 could be cut back and Perry Cornwall feels that the additional $100,000 can be raised from grants and the community. They will be making a full report to you at your September 20th meeting. I have attached the bid results and budget. The State will allow us to extend the grant deadline as long as they see us moving along with the project.
* Nott Street Road Project – I am trying to arrange a meeting for the residents with a representative of the DOT and the General Contractor to let them know what will be occurring on their street next and the timetable for completion of this project. I will let you know the date for this. I have also received all of the pre-blast surveys.
* Town Hall/Library – Gary Santoro, Mike Turner, Laurel Goodgion and I will be putting together a video of the current appearance of our Town Hall which will be shown on the local cable access channel. We will also be holding tours of the Town Hall and Library after Labor Day.
* Cottone Field - At a meeting with neighbors of Cottone Field held on Thursday August 12, 2004 several issues were brought up which include:
1. The neighbors are requesting a written policy be put in place for the use of the football field and practice field with and without lights. I have asked Jay Cottone to call other Athletic Directors and receive copies of their written policies and draft one for all of us to review.
2. Once all of the construction is done, neighbors are requesting that the gates for the baseball fields also be locked up unless in use, as the football field is locked at all times unless in use. I have let Mr. Cottone and Dr. Proctor know about this issue.
3. I have agreed to try locking the gate at West Way during games. We will then monitor the situation to se if this causes problems. I was told there are 2 entrances onto Cottone Field area from the Main entrance which people could use to enter the games. If this works out, then we will take down the No Parking signs and they have requested we place a sign at the West Way gate, saying No Spectator entrance.
4. The neighbors are requesting a list of all home games that will be using the artificial surface fields. I have asked Jay Cottone to provide a copy to me.
5. The neighbors have asked if the Away Team busses can be parked somewhere other than Church Street and West Way extensions.
I will be working with Jay Cottone and Pat Proctor to resolve some of these issues.
Also, the artificial surface is being put down this week. The materials they need for this project have been placed in the cul-de-sac at the end of Church Street. The materials will be there for about a week. The lights will be on the Board of Education’s agenda for August 24th for introduction.
A. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Manager: I will be away from Friday until Saturday afternoon. The Chief will be in charge and he will have the phone number to reach me in case of an emergency.
2. Upcoming Events:
* A 5K Road Race to benefit Intercommunity Mental Health Group will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2004 in Old Wethersfield. I have attached a letter from Race Director Beth Shluger that contains details of the race. The Intercommunity Mental Health Group will be sending a letter to me asking that the Town Council waive the police and physical service fees, which would amount to approximately $1500.
* 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.
* 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 of the report 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.). You are invited to attend if you wish.
* 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 the 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:
* Public Safety Committee – Monday, August 23, 2004, 6:00 p.m., Town Manager’s Conference Room (Karangekis, Cascio, Czernicki, and Adil)
* Special Town Council Meeting – Public Hearings – Bonding – Monday, August 30, 2004, 6:00 pm, Council Chambers
* Shared Services – Tuesday, September 7, 2004, 6:00 pm
4. Department/Division News:
5. Board/Commission News:
* Planning & Zoning Commission- Tuesday, August 24th at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room – Special Meeting on 8-24 Review for Bonding Questions
* Strategic Planning Committee – Tuesday, August 24th at 5:30 pm
6. Council Questions/Answers:
* Regarding the trees on the Town’s open space in the right away for the MDC Ridge Road/ Wolcott Hill Road Sewer Project, Director of Public Works Mike Turner advised me that if MDC comes across dead and already fallen trees, they will cut them up and stack them along the east edge of the cleared ROW for people to take. The same goes for trees that must be taken down. Also the stumps will be removed and the holes backfilled. If firewood is not taken it must be removed and legally disposed of off site by the contractor. Also please note that the Shade Tree Commission has reviewed which major trees would be removed during construction.
* Collier Road – At the last Council meeting, it was mentioned that this street is in very poor shape after having been paved four years ago. Mr. Turner said that the work done four years ago was just a preventative measure and extensive work does need to be done on this road.
* It was asked at the last Council meeting why some letters are read into the record and others are not. Currently there is no policy on this, so I will recommend to the Rules and Procedures Committee that some policy be put in writing so all letters are treated in the same manner.
7. CRCOG: Nothing this week.
8. COST: Nothing this week.
9. ICMA: Nothing this week.
10. Miscellaneous:
* Attached is a letter from a resident dissatisfied with the trash collection service. I have shared this letter with Paine’s and I will be calling the resident to tell them they can put sticks, etc. into the barrel.
* I have included two published commentaries from the Volunteer Fire Association on volunteer firefighters versus paid.
* Attached is a letter the Mayor recently sent to the Mayor and Director General of Nagayo, Japan once again affirming our commitment to the exchange of ideas between our two cities.
* CRRA reports that the cumulative tonnage for FY July 03 through June 04 for the Town of Wethersfield is 19,292, compared to 18,800 for the same period last year. The chart is attached for your review.
* Attached is an email I received from Mr. Dan Kiernan of 468 Main Street in Wethersfield concerning the weight of some vehicles that park on the snow shelf and the dangers that continued pressure on underground utilities could cause.
* I spoke to our Bond Counsel, Sam Calingeri, about the need for the amendment onto the Bond Ordinance for the Town Hall/Library having to do with receiving grants and the proposed Charter. If the Charter passes, this section of the Ordinance would automatically be null and void so there was no need for the amendment. At your August 30th Special Meeting, I will have you rescind that amendment.
B. PROJECT UPDATES:
* Lecture Seats - School Business Manager Dave Whall has advised the Board of Education that asbestos was discovered in the floor under the carpet in the High School lecture hall. High School Principal Tom Moore has been advised the abatement, floor covering replacement and seat installation will not be completed by the start of school. The asbestos was not known to be there until they started removing the seats.
* Elementary Schools’ Telephone System - The telephone system for the elementary schools is going out to bid next week.
* Moeller Home/Nature Center – Bids have been open for the general contracting work at the Moeller Home. The low bid is almost $196,269 over budget. The architect said that the mechanicals and HVAC system came in much higher then expected. The Committee met yesterday to discuss their next steps. They are going to ask the two lowest bidders to meet with the Committee next week to see what items could be cut back or eliminated to bring down the cost. It is felt that about $100,000 could be cut back and Perry Cornwall feels that the additional $100,000 can be raised from grants and the community. They will be making a full report to you at your September 20th meeting. I have attached the bid results and budget. The State will allow us to extend the grant deadline as long as they see us moving along with the project.
* Nott Street Road Project – I am trying to arrange a meeting for the residents with a representative of the DOT and the General Contractor to let them know what will be occurring on their street next and the timetable for completion of this project. I will let you know the date for this. I have also received all of the pre-blast surveys.
* Town Hall/Library – Gary Santoro, Mike Turner, Laurel Goodgion and I will be putting together a video of the current appearance of our Town Hall which will be shown on the local cable access channel. We will also be holding tours of the Town Hall and Library after Labor Day.
* Cottone Field - At a meeting with neighbors of Cottone Field held on Thursday August 12, 2004 several issues were brought up which include:
1. The neighbors are requesting a written policy be put in place for the use of the football field and practice field with and without lights. I have asked Jay Cottone to call other Athletic Directors and receive copies of their written policies and draft one for all of us to review.
2. Once all of the construction is done, neighbors are requesting that the gates for the baseball fields also be locked up unless in use, as the football field is locked at all times unless in use. I have let Mr. Cottone and Dr. Proctor know about this issue.
3. I have agreed to try locking the gate at West Way during games. We will then monitor the situation to se if this causes problems. I was told there are 2 entrances onto Cottone Field area from the Main entrance which people could use to enter the games. If this works out, then we will take down the No Parking signs and they have requested we place a sign at the West Way gate, saying No Spectator entrance.
4. The neighbors are requesting a list of all home games that will be using the artificial surface fields. I have asked Jay Cottone to provide a copy to me.
5. The neighbors have asked if the Away Team busses can be parked somewhere other than Church Street and West Way extensions.
I will be working with Jay Cottone and Pat Proctor to resolve some of these issues.
Also, the artificial surface is being put down this week. The materials they need for this project have been placed in the cul-de-sac at the end of Church Street. The materials will be there for about a week. The lights will be on the Board of Education’s agenda for August 24th for introduction.