Connecticut Town & City - August 2015

CCM-CT.ORG

AUGUST 2015

CCM ANNUAL 2 0 1 5

C O N V E N T I O N PREVIEW RETURNING TO THE CONNECTICUT CONVENTION CENTER IN HARTFORD 10.20.15

Inside This Issue: Tracking Task Forces p11 CCM Rebranding p10 North Canaan Station p26

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS President, Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager of South Windsor 1st Vice President, Mark Boughton, Mayor of Danbury 2nd Vice President, Susan S. Bransfield, First Selectwoman of Portland Treasurer, Robert Congdon, First Selectman of Preston

Inside this issue...

Secretary, John A. Elsesser, Town Manager of Coventry DIRECTORS Robert Chatfield, Mayor of Prospect Michael Freda, First Selectman of North Haven Toni N. Harp, Mayor of New Haven Barbara M. Henry, First Selectman of Roxbury Deb Hinchey, Mayor of Norwich Cynthia Mangini, Councilmember of Enfield Rudolph P. Marconi, First Selectman of Ridgefield Denise E. Menard, First Selectman of East Windsor Leo Paul, Jr., First Selectman of Litchfield Lisa Pellegrini, First Selectman of Somers Pedro E. Segarra, Mayor of Hartford R. Scott Slifka, Mayor of West Hartford Mark B. Walter, First Selectman of East Haddam Steven R. Werbner, Town Manager of Tolland PAST PRESIDENTS William A. Finch, Mayor of Bridgeport Elizabeth C. Paterson, Mayor of Mansfield Herbert C. Rosenthal, Former First Selectman of Newtown Stephen T. Cassano, Selectman of Manchester

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Annual Convention Preview If Mayors Ruled The World CCM Rebrands Tracking Task Forces Election Time Town Liaison Program

Regular Features

CCM STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joe DeLong

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Executive Director’s Message

DEPUTY DIRECTOR Ron Thomas

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Q&A - Food Trucks

20-22 CIRMA News

MANAGING EDITOR Kevin Maloney LAYOUT & DESIGN Matthew Ford ADVERTISING SALES/ PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Joan Bailey

On the cover: Hartford’s skyline at night, with the CT Convention Center

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CCM Municipal Job Bank

37

Municipal Ethics

WRITER Christopher Cooper EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Beth Scanlon

THE BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE OF MUNICIPALITIES 900 CHAPEL ST., 9TH FLOOR, NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-2807

Connecticut Town & City © 2015 Connecticut Conference of Municipalities

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 3

CCM Annual Convention And Exposition Clear your calendar now for CCM’s Annual Convention and Exposition on Tuesday, October 20, 2015!

I

t’s one jam-packed day and it’s all about communities, with the largest audience of local government leaders in New England — in the state-of-the-art Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

Network with a wide range of professionals in municipal and state government and the business community.

Hear an address from a world-renowned speaker who believes that MUNICIPAL leaders should rule the world.

Learn what your colleagues will share — in nearly two dozen workshops, about navigating the challenges of working in local government.

Explore our Murtha Law Exhibit Hall filled with 150 vendors ready to provide solutions for your municipal challenges.

CCM believes that Connecticut’s towns and cities offer the best quality of life for citizens to live, work, raise families, and retire. We work together with you on a daily basis to improve everyday life for all of Connecticut’s residents and businesses — and nobody knows more about the inner workings, challenges, and achievements of local government than YOU! This belief is at the center of all we do and in this spirit, CCM presents its 2015 Annual Convention.

This year’s Convention features 22 workshops to keep you on top of various municipal and state issues. For the 4 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

Representing Municipalities Throughout Connecticut For Over 40 Years

first time ever, State employees are invited to attend the Convention, which will greatly expand networking opportunities. A new layout for the exhibit hall allows for mini-presentations throughout the day and greater opportunities to interact with vendors.

And our midday keynote speaker is Dr. Benjamin Barber, author of If Mayors Ruled the World – Dysfunctional Nations, Rising Cities. Dr. Barber contends that municipalities are the key to globalizing democracy because “cities are the political institutions in which civilization, culture and democracy were born.” In calling for a global “League of Cities,” Dr. Barber says towns and cities are “the public spaces where we announce ourselves as citizens with the right to write our own narrative” and that municipalities are still “where the action is.”

What better way to spend a day of inspiration, education, and fun? (View Dr. Barber’s TED Talk at http://bit.ly/1f0rsZU).

Please join us on Tuesday, October 20th in Hartford! n

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AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 5

Dr. Benjamin Barber (seen here giving his TED talk) will be the keynote speaker at this year’s CCM Annual Convention.

Global Problems, Local Solutions Excerpts from annual convention keynote Benjamin R. Barber’s book If Mayors Ruled the World: Dysfunctional Nations, Rising Cities Benjamin Barber’s mounts a persuasive argument that local governments are uniquely positioned to save the planet and themselves and are best poised to meet the challenges posed by the global economy.

View Dr. Barber’s TED Talk “Why Mayors Should Rule the World” at http://bit.ly/1f0rsZU

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n a teeming world of too much difference and too little solidarity, democracy is in deep crisis. With obstreperous nation-states that once rescued democracy from problems of scale now thwarting democracy’s globalization, it is time to ask “Can cities save the world?” I believe they can. In this book I will show why they should and how they already do.

We have come full circle in the

city’s epic history. Humankind began its march to politics and civilization in the polis—the township.

It was democracy’s original incubator. But for millennia, we relied on monarchy and empire and then on newly invented nation-states to bear the civilizational burden and the democratic load. Today, after a long history of regional success, the nation-state is failing us on the global scale. It was the perfect political recipe for the liberty and independence of autonomous peoples and nations. It is utterly unsuited to interdependence. The city, always the human habitat of first resort, has in today’s globalizing world once again become democracy’s best hope.

Urbanity may or may not be our nature, but it is our history, and for better or worse, by chance or by design, it defines how we live, work, play, and associate. What-

6 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

ever large-scale political arrangements we fashion, politics starts in the neighborhood and the town.

More than half the world’s people now live in cities—more than 78 percent of the developing world.

As it was our origin, the city now appears to be our destiny. It is where creativity is unleashed, community solidified, and citizenship realized. If we are to be rescued, the city rather than the nation-state must be the agent of change.

Given the state’s resistance to cross-border collaboration, our foremost political challenge today is to discover or establish alternative institutions capable of addressing the multiplying problems of an interdependent world without surrendering the democracy that nation-states traditionally have secured.

In order to save ourselves from both anarchic forms of globalization, such as war and terrorism, and monopolistic forms, such as multinational corporations, we need global democratic bodies that work, bodies capable of addressing the global challenges we confront in an ever more interdependent world. In the centuries of conflict that have defined the world from the Congress of Vienna to the defeat of the Axis Powers and the writing of a Universal Declaration of Human Rights, from the Treaty of Versailles to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of a bipolar world, nation-states have made little progress toward global governance. Too inclined by their nature to rivalry and mutual exclusion, they seem quintessentially indisposed to cooperation and incapable of establishing global common goods. Moreover, democracy is locked in their tight embrace, and there seems little chance either for democratizing globalization or for globalizing democracy as long as its flour-

ishing depends on rival sovereign nations. What then is to be done?

The solution stands before us, obvious but largely uncharted: let cities, the most networked and interconnected of our political associations, defined above all by collaboration and pragmatism, by creativity and multiculture, do what states cannot.

Let mayors rule the world. Since, as Edward Glaeser writes, “the strength that comes from human collaboration is the central truth behind civilization’s success and the primary reason why cities exist, then surely cities can and should govern globally.

recently it has become too large to allow meaningful participation even as it remains too small to address centralized global power. Cosmopolitanism responds by imagining citizens—literally city dwellers—who are rooted in urban neighborhoods where participation and community are still possible, reaching across frontiers to confront and contain central power. It imagines them joining one another to oversee and regulate anarchic globalization and the illegitimate forces it unleashes. Eighty-five years ago, John Dewey embarked on a “search for the great community,” a community that might tie people together through common activities and powerful symbols into an expansive public organized around communication. In doing so, Dewey delinked democracy from mere government and the state and insisted it be understood as a deep form of association embracing the family, the school, industry, and religion. He was certain that when it is embraced “as a life of free and enriching communion,” democracy will come into its own, but only when “free social inquiry is indissolubly wedded to the art of full and moving communication.”

…a miracle of civic “glocality” promising pragmatism instead of politics, innovation rather than ideology, and solutions in place of sovereignty.

In fact, it is already happening. Cities are increasingly networked into webs of culture, commerce, and communication that encircle the globe. These networks and the cooperative complexes they embody can be helped to do formally what they now do informally: govern through voluntary cooperation and shared consensus. If mayors ruled the world, the more than 3.5 billion people (over half of the world’s population) who are urban dwellers and the many more in the exurban neighborhoods beyond could participate locally and cooperate globally at the same time—a miracle of civic “glocality” promising pragmatism instead of politics, innovation rather than ideology, and solutions in place of sovereignty.

The challenge of democracy in the modern world has been how to join participation, which is local, with power, which is central. The nation- state once did the job, but

A world governed by cities gives democratic form to Dewey’s aspirational vision of a great community. It does not require that a new global governing edifice be artificially constructed ex nihilo, and it does not mean that networked cities must be certified by the nation-states they will supersede. It places the emphasis, as the final chapters of this book do, on bottom-up citizenship, civil society, and voluntary community across borders rather than on topdown prescriptions and executive mandates emanating from unitary global rulers.” n

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 7

The Bottom Line

2015 Legislative session now in the books

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he dust continues to settle on the 2015 General Assembly session as new laws and tweaks to old ones begin to roll out. Work done during the five-month regular session and one-day special session resulted in an increase in municipal aid and education funding, a drop in non-education funding, a change in the way some towns will pay for public safety and new streams of revenue for municipalities.

Municipal Aid

Other bond/grant programs

The state budget increases municipal aid by $42.7 million (1.3 percent) in Fiscal Year 2016. Education funding increases 2.1 percent or $56.5 million over last fiscal year. Non-education funding decreases by nearly $14 million or a drop of 3 percent.

• $50 million for Alliance Districts to improve school buildings

New Revenue & Tax Abatements

• $10 million for the School Security Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program • $105.5 million for grants and revolving loans under the Clean Water Fund

Beginning October 1, 2015, municipalities are now allowed to tax property owned by health systems and certain private universities and colleges. An example is residential property to be used for students, which is now no longer tax exempt.

• $20 million for grants for low-impact design of green municipal infrastructure

Municipalities also can now establish “tax increment finance” (TIF) districts to fund economic development projects if the projects meet certain criteria.

Public Safety

To promote natural gas expansion, towns and cities can abate up to 100 percent of a gas company’s personal property tax for 25 years. Municipalities can also abate up to 100 percent of property taxes for certain renewable energy sources that are part of a power purchase agreement.

Bonding and Grants Several municipal grant programs maintained level funding, while at least one program was slashed in half. Environmentally friendly initiatives, particularly green infrastructure projects and land conservation, continued to see programs funded. Among the highlights this year:

• $10 million for open space acquisition grants

For the 62 towns that use resident state troopers, the new state budget changes the funding structure of the program. Participating towns will now have to pay 85 percent of costs for the first two troopers assigned to the town and 100 percent of costs for any additional troopers. Under the original legislation, towns would have had to fund 100 percent of the program, up from 70 percent.

CCM is working with the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) to help participating towns determine and designate which would be the first two troopers. Also under the new law, towns must now pay 100 of any overtime costs and such portion of fringe benefits directly associated with overtime costs.

• School construction bond funding increases by nearly $60 million to $533 million in FY 16

Legislation also was enacted that helps a municipality recoup some of its training costs when a police officer is hired by another entity within two years of his or her certification. Towns and cities must now reimburse 50 percent of the initial costs of certification for the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) when an officer is hired by another law enforcement entity within two years from their initial certification. Costs include equipment, uniforms, training, salary and fringe benefits.

Decreased bond funding

Non-budget related measures on the books passed during special session

Level bond funding • Funding for STEAP grants remains at $20 million • Local Bridge Funding remains $10 million Increased bond funding

• Urban Act grants are funded at $50 million, a decrease of $50 million

8 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

Small business minority set asidePublic Works: For any public works project exceeding $50,000

(developed using state funds), 25 percent must be set-aside for small business – and of that portion, 25 percent must be set-aside for businesses owned by minorities and women.

Right of First Refusal: The state Department of Transportation no longer has to give a town the right of first refusal when preparing to sell excess property before going out to bid.

Pesticide Warnings: Pesticides are prohibited on municipal playgrounds, except for an emergency.

Schools and towns must notify the community 24 hours in advance before using pesticides on any school grounds.

Excessive Force by Police Officers: Among other things, (1) requires additional training on deadly force, retention of records and addressing sensitivity issues; (2) requires law enforcement agencies to develop and implement a plan to recruit minority police officers; and (3) defines how the death of a person killed by a police officer is investigated and how the Chief State’s Attorney will proceed with the investigation

School Nurses: The governor vetoed a bill that would have required each local or regional board of education to maintain a staffing ratio in its school district of at least one school nurse or nurse practitioner for every 750 students. Each school nurse would have needed to complete a school nurse orientation program. Local school boards could have applied for a one-year staffing waiver.

Special Education Costs: A bill that would have mandated certain reporting criteria to the state Department of Education was also vetoed. Local and regional school districts would have had to report: • Total expenditures for special education of the board of education • Expenditures for special education as a percentage of total school district expenditures • Individual expenditures for each child requiring special education who is under the jurisdiction of the board of education. n

Regional Election Monitor: Every March 1, each of the Councils of Government (COG) must establish a “regional election monitor.”

The monitor will be certified by the Secretary of the State and will act on that office’s behalf to work with local registrars for election activities. The monitor will not be a state employee but must be compensated for necessary expenses and for performing any duty agreed upon by the COG. Such duties include: Holding regional instructional sessions for moderators and alternate moderators Communicating with registrars of voters to assist in preparing for and conducting an election, primary, recanvas, or audit Transmitting an order issued by the secretary of the state

What’s not on the books Of the nine bills vetoed by Governor Malloy, the following bills – had they become law – would have impacted local schools.

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 9

CCM Undertakes Messaging And Rebranding Effort New website part of new look

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uring the half century since CCM was established, we have built a reputation for being the voice of local government in Connecticut and the go-to source for information when town officials need to find something out fast. In addition to a wide range of money-saving service programs and top notch advocacy efforts, CCM has the largest database of all things municipal in Connecticut and a top-notch staff of researchers and analysts to get the information to you and help you understand it.

As CCM has grown, so too have the kinds of organizations that use our services, and to build consumer awareness of our programs and services, CCM is undertaking a rebranding effort. We believe our programs, services, and information could benefit other parts of Connecticut’s communities beyond local government. From energy programs to education funding data, CCM has created model programs and has information that could be used by many in the business community, as well as educators, students, church and volunteer groups and others.

A CCM ad in the Hartford Courant from late in the 2015 session perhaps sums up best the future direction of CCM’s rebranding and future. “…Members of CCM don’t represent special interests, rather the best interests of our communities. The Interests of Democrats and Republicans. Main Street and Wall Street workers. Small businesses and stay-at-home parents, corporate executives and labor workers. Senior citizens and kindergarten students. All those who make up the fabric of our hometowns. Every day, we come together to improve everyday life…for everyone in Connecticut. Nobody knows more about the inner workings and unseen details of keeping our municipalities moving forward.”

Avon consulting firm Adams & Knight is working with CCM to hone our brand message and identity. As part of the process the firm will review all of the materials currently being used to promote CCM including press, social media posts, and our website.

In addition, we will identify CCM’s most important market segments, develop our message platform, and finally, identify the most meaningful methods to use to get our key messages and brand in front of those who matter most to our organization.

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During the branding development phase, several messages will be tested with key target audiences based on internal assessment findings gleaned from an interactive 2-3 hour workshop with key CCM stakeholders. Surveys and focus groups will also be part of the message development process.

Once the key messages are set, the methods for expressing our new positioning will be put in place including construction of a new, redesigned website, options for a new logo and tagline and a twelvemonth marketing plan.

The new website will complement and parallel our other rebranding efforts. It will be designed to engage visitors, communicate our brand message and educate our target audience. It will also include the CCM data base and new content mapping, all organized to maximize user experience.

A new look and feel for CCM, designed to highlight the same reliability, responsiveness and good information we’ve been providing since 1966. n

On Task CCM tracking task forces as next legislative session nears

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ach year during the legislative session, new task forces and working groups are formed to study a variety of issues, many of which affect local governments in some way. Even though the task forces are often established during the session of the General Assembly, they work year-round and their charges often run into years, rather than months.

So during the dog days of summer right through to the New Year and beyond, CCM staff members will still be dogging a large number of groups that are studying or developing policies and programs in which towns have a vested interest: MORE Commission – the Municipal Efficiencies, Regional Efficiencies and Special Education Commitees will explore ways for towns to achieve municipal efficiencies through intra-and intermunicipal cooperation and mandates reform. Several CCM-member municipal CEOs serve on MORE committees.

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Property Tax Working Group - examines the property tax and ways to reduce the reliance on it.

Nutmeg Network: Commission for Education Technology - envisions, coordinates, and oversees the management and successful integration of technology in Connecticut’s schools, libraries, colleges, and universities.

Brownfields Working Group – working to improve the process by which brownfields are identified, remediated and returned to municipal tax rolls, through a streamlined administrative process for funding.

Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) General Permit Working Group – CCM represents member-towns as an Intervenor Party in direct negotiations with DEEP, and various environmental advocacy groups.

DEMHS Advisory Council - advises DEMHS on enhancing emergency plans, implements and coordinates the State’s emergency response systems; assesses DEMHS preparedness and policies; and recommends strategies to improve statewide security and emergency management.

DEMHS Long-Term Disaster Recovery Work Group develops the statewide long-term disaster recovery framework.

DESPP Coordinating Council Board - advises DESPP on public safety, emergency response and related issues.

CONTINUES ON 12

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 11

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DESPP Working Group - group of small town CEOs and senior DESPP staff meet to discuss various issues effecting small towns, such as state police dispatch consolidation, and the resident state trooper program (staffing, cost, assignments, fringe benefits, etc.)

Community Planning & Capacity Building ESF - focus is to supports and builds the recovery capacities and community planning resources between municipalities and the state including development of a plan to manage and implement disaster recovery activities in large, unique or catastrophic incidents.

Healthy School Grounds Coalition - in 2010 municipalities were restricted from using certain pest prevention products on school grounds and facilities. This coalition has been working to put some of the tools back into their toolbox as fields deteriorate and pest populations are growing.

Shoreline Preservation Task Force - studies the effects of climate change on efforts to preserve the Connecticut shoreline. Reviews sea level rise data; identifies solutions to protect families and keep businesses open.

Governor’s Council for Agriculture Development – charged with creating a strategic plan for Connecticut agriculture.

Health Insurance Exchange - responsible for creating health care policy for the state and a statewide health care exchange to provide health insurance in accordance with the federal Affordable Care Act. Small Business Property Tax Working Group - examines options for small businesses to have local property taxes assessed based on net value.

Public Transportation Commission - provides annual recommendations on improvements to infrastructure and services.

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Transit Oriented Development (TOD) – develops a statewide TOD game plan and policy with a firm structure in place to incentivize and support TOD. Phosphorus Reduction Working Group - consisting of a coordinating committee and three workgroups to improve coordination between DEEP and municipal stakeholders in meeting EPA required phosphorus reduction goals.

Governor’s Transportation Financing Panel charged with examining funding options and developing recommendations to implement Governor Malloy’s transportation infrastructure initiative.

Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee (SWAC) – assists DEEP in implementing the Solid Waste Management Plan, including identifying emerging issues and solutions and participating in any recommended changes to the plan. n

It’s That Time Again

November municipal elections will shape local government landscape

F

ormer Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Tip O’Neill said “all politics is local” and that is certainly the way things are shaping up in the Nutmeg State as autumn approaches.

ing with registrars of voters to assist in preparing for and conducting an election, primary, recanvass, or audit; and transmitting an order issued by the secretary of the state.

Statewide races for governor and Congress dominated the political scene in 2014, but the November 2015 municipal elections will color the landscape a little closer to home when 162 of the state’s 169 municipalities will elect or re-elect a CEO. Seven Connecticut towns -- Andover, Bethany, Litchfield, Newtown, Stonington, Union, and Woodbridge -held their elections in May.

Municipal elections represent an opportunity for residents to help choose the leader of their home towns.

Every vote can make a difference and we encourage residents in every Connecticut city and town to register and vote. In the 2013 municipal elections, voters saw once again how much a single vote can mean -- in Griswold, Republican Kevin A. Skulczyck beat Democrat Philip E. Anthony Jr. by one vote, 853 to 852. n

In addition, towns across the state will elect about 1,500 town and city council members, 800 members of boards of finance, and 1,400 board of education members on Election Day 2015.

There are also important changes in laws enacted during the last legislative session regarding Registrars of Voters that will affect local governments for the first time in the 2015 municipal elections:

PA 15-224 - STATE ELECTIONS AND REGISTRAR OF VOTERS Requires each registrar to complete a certification program conducted through the Secretary of the State’s office within a certain period of time once elected or appointed as registrar; includes provisions for the investigation and possible removal of a registrar if they do not act in accordance of their duties; requires the reporting of particular elections data; changes the post-election audits process; and changes deadline for mail-in voter registration.

Sections 451-453 of Budget Implementer REGIONAL ELECTION MONITOR Establishes a “regional election monitor” within each of the state’s councils of government (COG). Monitors will act on the Secretary of the State’s behalf before and during each election, primary, recanvass, and audit process. The monitors will be certified by the Secretary of the State’s office, but will not be state employees. The monitors must be compensated for performing any duty agreed upon with the COG and reimbursed for necessary expenses. The COGs must provide their monitor with any space, supplies, equipment, and services necessary to properly carry out the position’s duties. The duties will include holding regional instructional sessions for moderators and alternate moderators; communicat-

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CCM’S 2016 State Legislation Program Around the clock advocacy

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hen it comes to legislative advocacy, the clock never stops ticking for CCM staff. In some cases, the preparation for each session of the General Assembly begins many months before lawmakers convene. In others, it never stops.

The months when the legislature is not in session are filled with days of research, homework, and policy analysis and development to prepare for the host of legislative proposals and administrative policies affecting municipalities that are proposed each year.

A key element of the process involves soliciting suggestions for new laws or changes to existing ones from officials of CCM-member towns.

Each year near the end of summer, CCM conducts a survey of local leaders designed to gain ideas and recommendations for new legislative proposals.

local officials year-round to discuss and evaluate ideas and proposals for new laws.

Last year’s legislative survey yielded dozens of suggestions from local government leaders on issues that included Special Education funding, the MBR, the MS4 permit, the prevailing wage mandate, PILOT, school readiness, land use and a host of other issues of importance to municipalities.

In fact, the CCM-led opposition to the proposed changes to the MS4 permit is widely credited with substantial legislative modifications to the Administration’s proposal that spared smaller towns costly new mandates after House and Senate leaders heard loud and clear about the concerns of towns and cities on the issue.

A key element of the process involves soliciting suggestions for new laws or changes to existing ones from officials of CCM-member towns.

Suggestions from the survey and other ideas from CCM members are submitted to CCM’s issue-based Policy Committees that evaluate all legislative proposals submitted in their issue areas and make recommendations to CCM’s Board of Directors and Legislative Committee on proposals to be included in the State Legislative Program.

These standing policy committees include Education, Environmental Management and Energy, Labor Relations, Public Health and Human Services, Taxes & Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure, among others. Policy committee members work closely with 14 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

Each CCM-member municipality is entitled to be represented on both the Policy and Legislative Committees. The participation of our local leaders brings great value to our efforts to protect town interests in the General Assembly and at the Executive Branch level -- and the success regarding the MS4 permit is just one recent example of the power of a unified municipal voice.

The CCM Legislative Committee meets monthly during the legislative session to further review initiatives – those from CCM’s legislative program as well as other bills of importance to municipalities.

We welcome, rely on and need your voice! n

CCM’s New Town Liaison Program Going one-on-one with member towns

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hink of it as a “personal concierge” program for towns. CCM has launched a new Town Liaison program to better serve our customers with direct, person-to-person service.

Under the program, each of our 158 member towns will have a dedicated CCM staff member assigned to them who will serve as the main portal to the organization, to assure the highest levels of responsiveness and service from CCM. Each CCM Town Liaison will fast track any information request or service need their assigned municipality may have and coordinate a timely response from all CCM services areas.

Towns will still have the ability to reach out directly to any CCM staffer on any issue, but having a dedicated CCM Town Liaison will increase our level of customer service and ensure that each of our 158 member towns is getting the maximum benefit of all that CCM has to offer.

Each CCM Town Liaison will be assigned by region and will serve the other towns in their region’s coun-

Kevin Maloney Director of Communications and Member Relations

cil of governments. That will help them develop additional expertise on the common needs and issues in their assigned region and better serve each town.

Town Liaisons will also complete three visits each fiscal year with each member town CEO to whom they are assigned. Town Liaisons will attend training to assure overall uniformity in the meetings with CEOs, while still providing for flexibility and spontaneity in the meetings. The plan is to have the town visits spread out over the quarters of the fiscal year.

With CCM Town Liaisons covering each of the nine Councils of Government meetings and having assigned towns that they are responsible for, the Town Liaison program will help achieve stronger working relationships with CCM member leaders and provide the assurance of the best, fastest service possible.

Here is the new CCM Town Liaison Team!

Please contact Kevin Maloney at (203) 710-3486 or kmaloney@ccm-ct.org with any questions or suggestions regarding the new CCM Town Liaison program. n

Ann Scully Associate Research Analyst

Shari Fiveash Director of Member Services

Michael Muszynkski Advocacy Manager

Alexandra Beaudoin Legislative Associate

Kennedy Munro Research Analyst

Randy Collins Advocacy Manager

Jackie Scotto Training & Education Program Administrator

A.J. Birmingham Associate Research Analyst

Beth Scanlon Program Administrator

Brian West Senior Research Analyst

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 15

Managing Risk To Save Money CCM Energy delivers more than $10 million in annual savings

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or FY ‘14-’15 the CCM Energy Electric Purchasing program delivered $10.2 million in savings to participating towns, cities and schools.

How? By competitively negotiating supply contracts and competitively bidding pricing. The result reduced risk and advantageous pricing for our CCM members.

Several CCM members have asked about reverse auctions. Does a reverse auction deliver a better deal, a favorable contract and better pricing? Unfortunately, the only way to conduct a fair and comprehensive auction is to review the terms and conditions of all of the bidders’ contracts in advance, assign a weighted price to each based on the differences, and then evaluate bids accordingly. Most energy brokers do not even negotiate terms and conditions.

In practice, auctions are conducted on price only, with contract terms negotiated, if at all, after the fact. But, the winning bidder’s exclusive post-auction position eliminates the buyer’s negotiating leverage with respect to the terms and conditions.

Standard contract language for commercial electric load does not work for municipal load. Indeed, standard language will result in unexpected and costly surprises during the term of the contract. We frequently respond to calls from our members about attempts to collect material change up-charges associated with various events, e.g., school construction, building renovation, or meter change outs. When this happens, we immediately contact the supplier in question and reference the “non-standard” language we have negotiated. As a result of our approach to

competitive negotiation in advance of taking bids, we have never had a material change up-charge imposed under any of our supply contracts.

Finally, the cost of capacity is increasing in Connecticut. As a result, we have negotiated language into our contracts (in advance of taking bids) that allows our members to manage down these capacity costs.

The table below illustrates the impact of these costs.

What else makes the CCM program different?

We maintain a proprietary database of municipal energy procurement results that enables us to place our municipal clients in an informed position about the most recent energy market and the trends and prices that are expected to impact every upcoming procurement.

Unlike other brokers or auctioneers, we continue to protect your interests throughout the term of the supply contract.

And, we go beyond advantageous pricing and advantageous contracts, by working closely with our municipalities and school districts to further reduce energy costs, including taking advantage of emerging market opportunities.

For questions about the above or to learn more about CCM Energy, contact Andy Merola at (203) 498-3056, or amerola@ccm-ct.org. n

Capacity Cost in Connecticut 12 months beginning June 1, 2016 June 1, 2017 June 1, 2018

Monthly cost of capacity per kW $3.15 $7.02 $9.55

Cost per kWh for one community in a recent bid if left un-managed 1.2 cents / kwh 2.6 cents / kwh 3.5 cents / kwh

Your energy broker should be showing you how to manage down these capacity costs.

If not, your risk is not being managed and you are likely paying too much for electricity.

16 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

A M E SSAGE FRO M TH E

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

s the voice of local government, CCM has many dedicated and professional staff members working diligently behind the scenes to hone our message and put the facts behind it so that when we speak, the needs of local governments and the people they serve are heard loud and clear. Each of our four Divisions – Government Relations, Public Policy and Advocacy, Member Services, and Communications and Member Relations plays a critical, interconnected role in helping us achieve our goal of helping you.

The next several issues of CT&C will feature each of our Division Directors outlining the services and programs they provide and their division’s goals and plans for adding services and improving existing ones over the next year. In this issue, George Rafael, Director of Government Relations, will discuss their services, programs and goals and what his five-member Division plans to achieve during the months ahead.

Joe DeLong, CCM Executive Director

Spotlight: CCM’s Government Relations Division British philosopher Francis Bacon is credited with the phrase “knowledge is power.” When you have the need to know and need it quickly, CCM’s Government Relations stands ready to help. Our staff members field questions and provide towns with prompt, individualized responses on a wide range of topics that affect municipalities. All of this comes at no additional cost to members. It is knowledge you can depend on delivered in a timely manner to help you make informed choices to help your citizens.

In addition to individualized research, the Division analyzes state budgets, including providing town-bytown analyses, writes public policy reports, and has created a must-read manual that includes all State Labor Relations Board decisions regarding the Municipal Employee Relations Act (MERA). The Division also issues detailed Bulletins and helps develop the popular municipal InfoKits that have covered everything from environmental management to police and fire services. Have an idea for an InfoKit? Just let the Government Relations staff know and they’ll dig into it!

Our overarching goal during the next twelve months is to make the Research Division the go-to source in Connecticut for research and information on municipal and local government issues. As part of that effort, we are planning to do more of what we do best: provide our members with new and expanded sources of key information and data.

Over the next year, the Division plans to offer more workshops and webinars, post a “research blog” for real-time updates and information and establish a local government research center. We also plan to create town profiles and deliver data in new ways – with searchable datasets, visualized data, and infographics.

By focusing on the “three Ps” – Products, Process and People – we strive to be the most comprehensive and responsive source for research and information on municipal and local government issues.

In addition to expanding our products, we are making our already prompt process even more efficient and streamlined by assigning staff to specific town and policy areas. There will also be an update of the standard operating procedures, a reorganization of electronic files, a redesigned website and broader collaboration with other organizations.

Professional development of the staff includes team-building and ongoing training in Census data, Microsoft Office and Publishing Software and more.

Of course, the people behind all of our information gathering, analyzing, and disseminating are the most critical resource of all.

Senior Research Analyst Brian West, Research Analyst Kennedy Munro, Associate Research Analyst A.J. Birmingham, and Associate Research Analyst Annie Scully are the folks who “make it happen” in the Government Relations Division!

So if you have a need to know, give us a call. We’ll give you the knowledge you need and what we help provide to your community is indeed powerful.

George Rafael, Director, CCM Government Relations Division

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AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 17

CCM TRAINING

Who says the sky’s the limit?

CERC is your connection to resources for business growth in Connecticut.

September 2015 Records Management: Do You Know What To Do? September 9, 2015, East Windsor Town Hall Customer Service for Municipal Personnel September 17, 2015, Killingly Town Hall Complete Streets for CT Municipalities: What, Why & How? September 22, 2015, Glastonbury Town Hall - NEW SESSION! Info coming soon.

Free, personalized assistance for starting, expanding or relocating businesses.

• registration • licensing • programs

• market data • demographics • real estate

Municipal Employee Relations Act (MERA) September 30, 2015, Farmington Town Hall

October 2015

CALL: 1-800-392-2122 CLICK: www.cerc.com CONNECT: @CERCInc / @CTBusinessInfo / @CERCSiteFinder

Ethics, Accountability, and Conflicts of Interest October 8, 2015, Griswold Town Hall Time Management - NEW SESSION! Info soon.

October 29, 2015, Hamden, Thornton Wilder Auditorium (@ Miller Library)

ESCO Services November 2015 Energy

Municipal Meetings: Understanding Parliamentary Procedure November 10, 2015, North Haven Town Hall

is a platinum-level member of CCM’s Municipal Business Associate Program.

Drug & Alcohol Testing Regulations for Supervisors November 17, 2015, Cromwell Fire House

A. H. Harris & Sons, Inc. DTC December 2015 Hocon Gas, Inc. Records Management: Do You Know What To Do? Sertex, LLC December 2, 2015, Wallingford Public Library SolLux Technologies & Ethics, Accountability, and Conflicts of Interest December 3, 2015, Old Saybrook Town Hall Tanko Lighting are gold-level members of CCM’s

January 2016 Municipal

Business Associate Program.

2016 Municipal Budgets January 9, 2016, Southington Police Department

18 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

CCM appreciates their support and commitment to CCM and its members.

& QA

Food Trucks

How are food trucks regulated within Connecticut municipalities?

Vendor, Windham, Conn” displayed on both sides of their vehicle.

Food trucks are typically regulated by a mobile vendor ordinance in municipalities all across Connecticut. They normally include definitions of terms related to mobile vendors, and more specifically, mobile food vendors. A portion of these ordinances will include licenses, fees, and exemptions to operate as a mobile food vendor, and how these parameters can be met. A penalty, included in the ordinance, is enforced if any violation to the regulations occur.

Who oversees the safety and healthy preparation of food in regards to food trucks?

Which Connecticut General Statute gives municipalities the right to draft a mobile vendor (food truck) ordinance?

Connecticut General Statute 21-37 affords municipalities the right to draft and enforce an ordinance in regards to mobile vendors.

How do municipalities normally enforce their mobile vendor ordinance?

Municipalities have the ability to include a fee or permit requirement to food vendors that operate from a vehicle. These fees and/or permit requirements vary depending upon the municipality and their ordinance. For example, the town of Windham requires any food vendor operating from a vehicle to have their license number and the words “Licensed

Oversight of the maintenance of a healthy food preparation environment is left to the local health department which has jurisdiction over the municipality. Most mobile vendor ordinances will make reference to the fact that any mobile food vendor must be reviewed and approved by the local health department in order to operate within a particular municipality. For example, the mobile vendor ordinance from the City of Norwich states: “all licensees using vehicles to vend, peddle or hawk any groceries, meats, provisions, fruits or any other items of food shall have their vehicles inspected by the city health department prior to the issuance or renewal of a license pursuant to this article.”

Where can I find some examples of these mobile vendor (food truck) ordinances?

CCM’s Government Relations & Research Department has multiple examples of mobile vendor ordinances and can be reached at 203-498-3055, or by email at abirmingham@ccm-ct.org. n

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 19

CIRMA CIRMA Broadens Its Training Reach

New e-Learning Center will nearly double educational opportunities

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IRMA not only insures over 75,000 employees working at its 229 member school districts and municipal entities across the state, it also provides safety and risk management training to them as well.

It is a big, vitally important job.

The introduction on July 1, 2015, of the CIRMA e-Learning Center significantly broadens the reach of CIRMA’s training and education programs, making its training accessible any time, from any internet-connected computer. Scheduling training time for employees has long been a challenge for municipal and public school employers with limited in-service training or travel time availability. CIRMA’s e-Learning programs meet that challenge with flexible, high quality online training programs.

“Last year, CIRMA trained 5,400 participants in 213 training sessions, an all-time high. This year, we will almost double that number through the launch of our new e-Learning Center,” said David Demchak, CIRMA President & Chief Executive Officer. “The new e-Learning Center provides our members a tool to train employees exactly when and where they need it—whether it is for one new-hire who needs training immediately, or yearly refresher training for the entire department. The addition of the e-Learning

20 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

Center to CIRMA’s portfolio of Risk Management Services will enable us to direct our instructor-led training to topic areas where it will have the most impact on our members’ organizations,” he noted.

Because CIRMA training is provided free to members, there is another big benefit: no impact on its members’ budgets.

CIRMA worked closely with its Risk Management and School District Advisory Committees, as well as CONN-OSHA, to focus its online learning program on three of its most-requested topics: Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).

The three programs, each about one half-hour in length, will provide instruction on the core OSHA subject areas. As with other CIRMA OSHA Safety programs, employers should provide department or site-specific instruction on these topics to fully comply with OSHA standards. Additional topics may be added as CIRMA members’ training needs change.

CIRMA urges its members to take advantage of this important training opportunity by contacting their Town or School’s E-Learning Center Primary Administrator to register employees. CIRMA members may also contact their Risk Management Consultant for more information. n

GOVERNANCE

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 21

CIRMA Staff Promotions and Additions

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IRMA works to actively develop its in-house expertise by recruiting talent and recognizing the achievements of its employees. We are very pleased to announce a number of recent promotions and professional achievements.

Scott Stevens was recently promoted to the position of Senior Liability Auto Property (LAP) Claims Representative.

Scott, working with Cynthia Mancini, LAP Claims Unit Manager, takes on the responsibility of handling more complex Liability-Auto-Property claims.

Since joining CIRMA in 2014, Evan Gaffey, JD, ARM, has earned an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation. Evan was promoted in July to the position of Risk Management Consultant. In his new position, Evan will draw on his legal and risk management expertise to provide CIRMA members high level consulting services and training programs.

Camille Eremita has been promoted to Workers’ Compensation Medical-Only Adjuster. In her new position within the Claims department, Camille will work with CIRMA members and their injured employees to determine compensability and claims payouts.

Brendon Hull joins the CCM/CIRMA Finance department as a Statutory Accountant I. Brendon, a resident of Berlin, recently graduated from West Virginia University where he majored in Finance. Previously, Brendon worked in the Finance Department as an intern in the summer of 2014.

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TECHNOLOGY Bright Future

Cheshire to reap the benefits of solar farm

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he town of Cheshire has plans to begin “farming” at its former landfill and its cash crop will be renewable energy.

The town is working with a solar energy company to install a solar farm – and a large array of solar panels – at the town’s Waterbury Road site. According to Town Engineer Walter Gancarz, the town could save about $1.7 million on electricity costs over 20 years.

The project will breathe new life into a five-acre site that officials say has very little reuse potential. The solar farm is one of the few allowable uses and would be an optimal fit. Converting defunct landfills into energy generators is part of a growing eco-friendly trend across the state and nation.

Studies show that over the last 30 years, municipal solid waste landfills in the U.S. have decreased dramatically from about 8,000 to fewer than 1,800.

Such sites represent open space where installing solar arrays encounter fewer concerns over aesthetic impacts. Because of existing environmental concerns they are not well suited for residential zoning or other real estate development. But mixing the sun and science on these sites is making sense for more and more municipalities.

“It could be terrific for the town,” said Town Council Chairman Tim Slocum. “The town saves money over time and feels better about using renewables.”

Construction at the Cheshire landfill is scheduled to begin this fall and the installation would come at no cost to the town. The solar farm would be up and operating by the middle of 2016. The town will lock in an energy purchase agreement of 8 cents per kilowatt hour. Electricity generated from the solar farm will feed a meter at the Public Works garage.

Officials say any power generated above what the town needs will be returned to the grid and the town would be credited for the excess electricity. n

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 23

CIVIC AMENITIES

Extra! Extra!

Danbury wants residents to read all about it

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he next stop on the information superhighway may just be a city-run news service for Danbury.

Mayor Mark Boughton has more than 2,000 followers on his Twitter and actively uses social media as one way to keep citizens informed of what’s going on in town. Now city officials are considering creating a community news site and hiring a part-time reporter.

The news site would be in a reader-friendly format, not as formal as the city’s official website. The idea is to keep citizens abreast of everything from a new fire truck to a new police program or interesting school activities. Officials say it would allow the city to increasingly engage with Danbury’s growing population.

“We don’t tell our stories,” Boughton said. “We are trying to figure out another way to get the word out to people about what is going on.”

Local merchants and others could advertise on the site and the ad revenue would help offset the cost of hiring the report. On any given day in any community there is a lot going on so the reporter would have plenty of stories to tell and that would be a big help to the city.

“This is not meant to compete with newspapers, but to do community-oriented pieces about things we think people would like to know about,” says Stephen Nocera, director of Danbury’s Office of Project Excellence.

Nocera has been researching all the possibilities of the news site and plans to present his findings to the mayor and others by the end of summer.

So stay tuned! n

Old Is New Again Old Science Center gets new life as fitness center

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t’s a classic two for one. Guilford is renovating the science wing of the old and now empty high school for use as a new community fitness center.

The science wing was a new addition to the old high school in 1999 and although the rest of the school is being demolished, local officials saw a silver lining in saving it. The science wing is a relatively new, still useable structure and demolishing it would have cost the town $600,000. In addition, the adaptive reuse of the space means the community will have a new facility that will offer a variety of fitness activities and programs.

“When we voted to tear down the old high school, there was some concern that we added this science wing in 1999 and they didn’t want to see it go to waste while it is still functional,” said Guilford First Selectman Joseph Mazza.

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“Superintendent Paul Freeman has laid out twofold plan for the building, said Mazza. “Number one is to renovate the first floor for a community wellness and weight room. The second part is to use the second floor for town storage,” Freeman said.

Rick Maynard, Guilford’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Seniors, said the new fitness center will use existing equipment from the old high school and won’t have to purchase new weights, spinning bikes and other equipment which represents a further cost savings. He also said the center may offer fitness classes to the public once it opens early next year.

“It’s great that we are preserving this building and putting it to town use rather than demolishing it,” said Mazza. “It will be a great addition to our Parks and Rec programs.” n

CIVIC AMENITIES From Negative To Picture-Perfect Greenwich digitizing its past

A lane running in back of a house on Lafayette Place. The house belonged to the undertaker Isaac L. Mead. c1900

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ttention to detail and a passion for the past are helping the Greenwich Library preserve the story of the town one digital photo at a time.

History Librarian Carl White and other staff members are using digital technology to scan old negatives and fragile photos and turn them into archival treasures. And the public is invited to help fill in the blanks. The Library encourages people to view the images on the Library’s special local history web site and enter comments that might help flesh out the who, what and where. Getting the public involved is also part of the Library’s strategic plan to enhance the accessibility of the local history content.

The Library has been hastening the digitization of its archival photographic collection, especially in light of the 375th anniversary of the Town. The process of digitization, which follows best archival practices, scans the items at high resolution so that every detail of the original is preserved. Information about the images is captured and attached to the permanent record of the new digital item.

“You learn so much about Greenwich history,” White said. “I had no idea William ‘Boss’ Tweed – the infamous leader of Tammany Hall – summered here, and even had an estate on Milbank Road. Once you start to look at these photos, you want to research the stories behind them.”

There are a lot of stories to tell, in fact. The Greenwich Library has about 2,500 photographs and

Members of the Amegerone Fire Company around new equipment. c1950

negatives from the late 19th to 20th centuries. They are images of prominent people, historic events, and landscapes. White says the photos of Greenwich Avenue graphically document how the thoroughfare has changed over time.

The Library is working to scan as many old images as possible to have them available as part of the 375th anniversary of the town this year. Library officials say the public input is essential to help fill in the gaps.

“We are hoping that residents can help us improve these records, and with it, enhance our knowledge of the history of Greenwich,” said Joseph Williams, the Library’s Deputy Director. n

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 25

CIVIC AMENITIES Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Effort to rebuild historic North Canaan station nears final phase he path to recovery may not have been the shortest, nor most direct, but one thing is certain a historic treasure in North Canaan is rising from the ashes.

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The group has worked with the local women’s club to hold fundraisers and use in-kind projects to bring the rebuilding project along. One of the final and largest pieces of the puzzle is about to fall into place.

The Canaan Union Station was believed to be one of the oldest continuously operating train depots in the nation when it was partially damaged by fire in 2001.

Enough of the 1871 structure remained to keep its place on the National Register of Historic Places, but the depot could no longer operate.

After much red tape, a $1.7 million federal grant, awarded several years ago, is being released to finish the final construction phase. The last phase includes painting and landscaping. Plans also call for the addition of a railroad museum in the three-story signal tower.

Over the past 14 years, support to rebuild it has never been derailed but the logistics of funding and miles of bureaucratic red tape had to be sorted out.

Town officials say the state Department of Transportation has one of the final reviews on the paperwork before the project goes out to bid. Once the bids are awarded, work on the station will commence and it could reopen in 2016.

Because the station was privately owned at the time of the fire, it didn’t qualify for grants. Enter the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association, which bought the station in 2003 and because of its non-profit status was able to secure some needed grants.

“I don’t think we’ve lost momentum,” says Selectman Charlie Perotti, who was among the volunteer firefighters battling that 2001 blaze. “There are very small things to be resolved.” n

Until the station was devastated by fire, it was the oldest continuously operating station in the United States, built in 1872.

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TRANSPORTATION Discussing Traffic In A “Roundabout” Way Glastonbury looks to circular intersections for traffic calming

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ould a low-tech way for handling traffic congestion be a better fit than adding lights, lanes, and signs? Sometimes less is more and the town of Glastonbury is one of a growing number of communities in the state considering “roundabouts,” a circular intersection that requires incoming drivers to yield to traffic inside the circle.

The town is reviewing a $1.5 million proposal to install a roundabout to ease traffic congestion along busy Hebron Avenue. Another option – an $850,000 project – would add several turn lanes on the westbound side of the road at the intersection with New London Turnpike.

After receiving an update and support from the state Department of Transportation on the use of roundabouts and improved safety, town councilors held a recent public hearing on the matter. While the roundabout proposal got mixed reviews from many of the residents who spoke, the idea of installing the circular patterns to “calm” traffic is picking up speed around the state.

According to the DOT, about 25 towns in Connecticut are currently considering installing roundabouts.

A DOT official told the Glastonbury Town Council that single-lane roundabouts are generally safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The DOT said several studies have all indicated about a 40 percent reduction in crashes, nearly 80 percent reduction in injuries and a 90 percent drop in fatalities. Roundabouts also complement a “Complete Streets” policy, which is intended to calm traffic by design and not signs.

Glastonbury Town Council Chairman Stewart “Chip”

Beckett noted that roundabouts don’t require electricity. As a result, they would be easier to maintain during power outages. He said he has also biked through roundabouts and found them “safer than a traditional intersection.”

Councilman William T. Finn supports the roundabout but said he wants to ensure the public is adequately informed and educated on the issue.

“If we are looking for the downtown area to be our growth area and economic engine, we have to put in the network that’s going to make that be successful,” Finn said. n

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 27

GOVERNANCE Taking Stock

New Seymour committee evaluating town buildings

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n an effort to ensure that municipal buildings get long-term TLC, the town of Seymour has created an advisory committee charged with creating a 10-year plan of action on the upkeep and use of the buildings.

The new Permanent Building Committee will evaluate Town Hall, the library, community center, police and fire departments, all five schools, and other municipal buildings to prioritize what updates and changes can be made. Officials say the committee’s work will allow the town to be more proactive than reactive with building issues. The committee will evaluate with an eye toward energy efficiency and cost effectiveness.

recommendations to the Board of Selectman may include hiring a contractor to thoroughly inspect the buildings in order to compile a detailed report on the work to be done.

Rising to the top of the list already are the library and community center for their immediate needs.

Committee member Alex Danka suggested the community center be evaluated for its potential to house town departments in a central location as part of the town’s long-term consolidation plan. Public Works Director Tony Caserta mentioned a new boiler for the center and a new roof for the library.

Six residents, chosen by First Selectman Kurt Miller, make up the committee. Their early work has been to map out the process for evaluating buildings. The committee will meet twice a month at different town buildings to conduct walk-throughs. Some of their initial

First Selectman Miller said the committee will start with town needs and then move to what the town wants. Ultimately, the committee will help the board create a 10-year strategic plan intended to be continually updated with the town goals. n

Survey Says

Simsbury survey shows it’s not just location, location, location

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hen the town of Simsbury took the pulse of its people, it learned among other things that the “what” is more important than the “where.”

Respondents of a recent survey indicated that the programs and events at a new senior center would be more important than the location. The current center needs more parking and upgraded handicapped access. The Board of Selectman voted this spring to consider a new site near the Simsbury Meadows Arts Center and wanted to poll residents on their thoughts.

Of the 400 residents who took the survey, 69.3 percent said location is important, but 78 percent gave programming and activities in the new center a higher priority.

“The end game is not a specific building or what it looks like. The end game is meeting the needs of our seniors,” First Selectman Lisa Heavner said.

Among the top priorities in the survey were open space preservation and creating more pedestrian/bicycle friendly areas.

Respondents also gave the town a high rating for pursuing those initiatives. Simsbury’s emergency

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services, library, and parks and recreation also received high ratings in the survey.

Nearly 98 percent of the respondents gave the town a high rating for quality of life, showing a 10 percent increase in the number of citizens who rated the town “excellent” in 2008.

“These results give us some good insight into where we should be focusing our efforts in the future,” Selectman Sean Askham said.

For the full results of the survey please click http://www.simsbury-ct.gov under “Quick Links.” n

GOVERNANCE Eyes Toward The Future

Litchfield creating blueprint for town facilities

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itchfield has established a committee that will evaluate schools and town government buildings and develop a long-term plan for their most efficient use.

and estimate costs for code compliance, maintenance, renovations, and new uses over the next 20 years.

force on recommendations forenergy efficiency in town buildings.

The new Town Facilities Commission, an evolution of the former Town Hall Building Committee with an expanded charge, will “take a look at all the buildings we have and take a look at what we could or should do with the current facilities,” said First Selectman Leo Paul Jr.

The scope of the review will include the Town Hall, the Town Hall Annex, the Litchfield Center School, Litchfield Intermediate School and Litchfield High School.

The committee will weigh factors that include school enrollment projections and the opening of a new county courthouse in Torrington next year which will free up space in the Town Hall Annex.

The committee includes one member from the boards of selectmen, education and finance and eight residents.

The committee will evaluate the most efficient use of the buildings

The committee will also utilize data from the town’s energy task

“A lot of that data can flow into this,” Paul said. “I highly support it.”

An architect and design committee will also be provided and the hope is to get a report back to the town in 9 to 12 months.

“It’s a pretty detailed study that we’d like to get moving,” said Paul. n

Down On The Farm

Plainfield creates new ag commission

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he town of Plainfield has given a resounding “yes” to the future of farming.

By a unanimous vote at a recent town meeting, the town approved the creation of an Agriculture Commission to serve in an advisory and educational capacity to the town. As a result, Plainfield joins a growing number of towns in Windham County to create an Ag Commission.

Fourth generation farmer Dan Kapszukiewics said the committee was “long-overdue.” He and his wife, Jennie, helped spearhead the local effort to create the commission. Supporters had taken to Facebook to help get the word out and the large crowd that turned out for the vote indicated they got the message loud and clear.

Town officials say they recognize that increasing numbers of families are opting for locally grown products and the new five-member commission can help foster more

opportunities for farming. Members would serve as a liaison between town boards and commissions and offer advice on legislative matters. The main mission is to serve as an educational and outreach source by supporting local 4-H groups.

Members would be appointed by the selectmen and serve staggered twoand three-year terms.

“This commission would be an educational tool, promoting open space and promoting a positive agenda,” First Selectman Paul Sweet said. “It’s not a regulatory authority.”

Jennie Kapszukiewics says she is looking forward to more farm-based community events and more participation in farmers markets.

“There are about 4,000 farms in Connecticut, half of which are less than 50 acres — niche farms that cater to the wants and needs of their consumers,” she said. “People want to know where their food comes from.

They want to meet the farmers and in some cases even see the animals.” n AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 29

CCM JOB BANK Current Listings:

Statistician HARTFORD, CT

Risk Manager HARTFORD, CT

Planner

GLASTONBURY, CT

Town Administrator DARIEN, CT

Engineering Aide SOUTHINGTON, CT

Assessment Technician II MADISON, CT

Civilian Dispatcher SUFFIELD, CT

To place or view an ad, please visit the CCM Municipal Job Bank at http://ccm-ct.org 30 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

VOLUNTEERS Giving Back Darien teens reach scouting pinnacle

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btaining the rank of Eagle Scout is a challenging quest. Only 6 percent of all Boy Scouts in the nation achieve that milestone.

As Darien marks 100 years of scouting in town this year, three young men were recently celebrated for becoming Eagle Scouts. Along the way to obtaining the coveted rank, they have made a difference in their community through their service projects.

The newly minted Eagle Scouts made it a community affair as they enlisted the help and support of their troop members, leaders, and parents.

Eagle Scout Jack Ogilvie made repairs and improvements at a safe house operated by Connecticut’s Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Jack undertook a project that required efficiency, sensitivity, and confidentiality to ensure the safety of the residents. He took on the project after a fire had damaged the home and made the improvements urgent.

Birds got a boost and a place to call their own from Eagle Scout Christopher von Stuelpnagel’s project.

He worked with the town, the Greenwich Audubon Society, and the Darien Land Trust to construct a new nesting platform for osprey. Also known as sea hawks, ospreys are a protected species and were in dire need of a new nest when the birds initially began building one on the Darien Police radio tower.

Christopher’s project helped solve that dilemma.

Eagle Scout Sam Alptekin helped mentor middle school students at the Stamford-based Domus, a supportive program that helps under-privileged children stay in school. Sam volunteered on many Saturdays at Domus to help students through chemistry and physics. His approach brought science out of the books and directly into hands-on projects. Some of the experiments included creating lava lamps and making ice cream.

While their projects all differed, the young volunteers had much in common. They are all 2015 graduates of Darien High School and have each served their troop as Senior Patrol Leader. n

HEALTH Membership Has Its Privileges

Meriden latest town to offer CCM Prescription Drug Discount Program

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ince CCM began offering the “CCM Prescription Drug Discount Card” program three years ago, 119 cities and towns have signed up for the program -- and their residents have saved over $5.4 million in prescriptions costs so far and have had over 92,000 prescription claims filed.

Meriden recently became the 119th enrollee after becoming convinced of the program’s value.

“We discussed this at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities some time ago,” Mayor Manny Santos said. “There’s no cost to the city, but it does save a substantial amount of money for people who have a need for prescription medication, or ongoing medication needs because those can be quite expensive.

It’s wonderful.”

Neighboring towns Wallingford and Southington also participate in the program, and there are more than 55,000 participating retail pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, Rite-Aid, Stop and Shop, Big Y, Walmart, and Walgreens.

“This is a great benefit for those who purchase prescription drugs; those can be quite costly,” said Meriden city councilor Kevin Scarpati. “I think it’s a great program, it’ll be a benefit to quite a few of our residents in need.”

The program is free to CCM-member towns and is targeted to uninsured and under-insured residents by providing savings on any prescriptions not covered by insurance. There are no costs to either the participating towns or their residents. The savings are negotiated by ProAct Inc., a national company and experienced discount card provider, which deals directly with pharmacies to establish the discount rates.

Residents get immediate fiscal relief at the pharmacy counter by participating in the program which offers the following benefits: anyone can participate regardless of age or income; all prescription medications are covered; there is no cost to the municipality or to participating residents; cost savings average 10-20 percent on brand medications and 20-70 percent on generics for a total average savings of 45 percent; All prescription medications are covered including pet prescriptions.

Discounts are also offered on other medical services including vision, hearing, and Lasik procedures. n

A Taste Of Summer

Norwalk Serving Up Free Meals for Kids

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olunteers clad in bright orange outfits were hard to miss walking the streets of Norwalk this summer -- and that was the point because they had a message that needed to be heard.

Toting banners, fliers, and lawn signs, volunteers spread the word that Norwalk’s summer food service program was kicking off for a second year. The program provides free summer meals on weekdays to Norwalk children who are receiving free and reduced cost lunches in the school district. Children can get either breakfast or lunch or in some cases both meals at one of

five schools throughout the city.

Last year’s inaugural program proved so successful that city officials and organizers were eager to bring it back. The program has garnered the support of a number of municipal agencies, private business, and non-profit organizations.

“If young people do not get nutrition, they don’t develop properly, they don’t achieve, they can’t pay attention in school,” Mayor Harry Rilling said. “It’s really important that we provide them with meals, not only during the school years, but during summer months, which this program is designed to address.”

Children participating in summer camps around the city also are eligible for the free meals.

According to officials with End Hunger Connecticut, one in four children eligible for free or reduced meals while in school may not have a place to eat when school is out.

“The program is available to children 18 and under and there’s no questions asked,” said Lucy Nolan, executive director of End Hunger Connecticut! “We really try to make it easy and try to get as many kids as possible to eat.” n

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 31

PUBLIC SAFETY The Harleys Have It

Motorcycle patrols return to Bristol streets

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fter more than 20 years, motorcycles have returned to the Bristol police force and the public has responded with a big “thumbs up!”

“The parents love them, the children absolutely love them, and it’s a great resource to bring the community to the police officers and let them see how friendly the officers are,” Mayor Ken Cockayne said.

Used for traffic enforcement and accident investigation, the two 2015 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide bikes cost about $28,000 and were purchased through the asset forfeiture program using cash and assets illegally gained by criminals.

Each motorcycle has all the tools of the trade that police on patrol need – an onboard computer, printer, siren, department decals, and more. The officers’ helmets use Bluetooth capabilities to connect to their radios.

For the public, all the so-called bells and whistles on the bikes and the officers who drive them are a splendid sight as they motor around the Bristol streets. They are also very approachable and that has made a difference, police officials say.

Police Chief Thomas Grimaldi said that citizens are more comfortable talking to an officer who is not inside a patrol car. The motorcycle officers agree, saying the Harleys make for a lot more conversation with the people on the streets.

Officer Pat Krajewski had patrolled Bristol for more than a dozen years in a cruiser, but now astride the Harley has a lot more interaction with the public.

Children will often wave eagerly as he goes by and others will engage him in conversation, even while stopped at traffic lights.

“This really opens an officer up so people can talk with you,” Krajewski said. n

Ahead Of The Curve

New Haven’s community policing success

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ith high profile episodes involving citizens and police in places like Baltimore and Ferguson capturing the nation’s attention, there is more focus on community policing than ever. One of the lessons learned is that having a police force which has built relationships with the community before a crisis occurs is very important and does make a difference.

In March, a presidential task force called for expanded efforts to connect officers with neighborhoods to try to restore trust between officers and the communities they serve. But community policing isn’t new to New Haven Chief of Police Dean Esserman who was New Haven’s deputy chief in 1991 when the city launched its community policing initiative.

There were 30 murders in the city that year, but after more officers started walking the beat and talking with residents, the murder rate fell sharply. However, Esserman left New Haven for the top cop jobs in Stamford and later Providence and a change of philosophy over the years saw a departure from beat cops.

In 2011 the murder rate soared to 34 – the same year Chief Esserman returned to New Haven and a year before Esserman reinstituted community policing in 2012.

With community policing, the police work directly with residents to identify potential problems before they erupt. Community policing depends on building of trust and establishing relationships between community members and the police. Because police officers aren’t isolated inside cruisers, they learn

32 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

faster who the troublemakers are and develop a personal bond with the neighborhood.

“How you police matters,” Esserman said. “It’s about fairness and dignity and trust.”

In New Haven, the number of homicides, robberies, motor-vehicle thefts, and other types of serious crime has fallen about 30 percent since the city put a significant number of officers on foot in 2012.

More than one-third of officers on the evening shift walk a beat and all new police-academy graduates are on foot-patrol for at least a year.

“We talk to people and people talk to us,” Esserman said. “It’s not just about contacts. It’s about learning humility and developing trust. You can’t drive on by if you’re not in a car.” n

PUBLIC SAFETY

Trial by Fire

Killingly training center opens its doors

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earning by experience can sometimes be a dangerous lesson, especially for firefighters and other first responders.

Those lessons just got a little safer in eastern Connecticut with the opening of a new firefighter training center in Killingly.

With stainless steel “burn rooms,” the $750,000 facility simulates real-life situations, complete with smoke machines, breachable doors and windows, a rappelling area, and walls that can move. Firefighters can practice forcible entries, searching in smoke-filled rooms, and conducting rescues. When “class” is in session, neighbors won’t have to worry about seeing plumes of smoke billowing out because the training fires are fueled by propane.

“I think this is an excellent training facility for firefighters to learn how to be safe in a dangerous job,” Town Council Chairman John Hallbergh said.

Built on 26 acres in the Dayville section of town, the three-story training center is leased to the Dayville Volunteer Fire Department for $1 a year for 10 years.

The Dayville Department is one of six firefighting units in Killingly.

The center now allows the town to offer one convenient training center for all its firefighters to other parts of the state for training.

Dayville Fire Department Chief Thomas Weaver says firefighters in the region will be able to train there “for many years to come.”

The center is officially named the Lt. Dennis Lemery Memorial Training Center after a Dayville

firefighter who died in the line of duty more than 20 years ago.

Some of Lemery’s former colleagues were on hand at the recent dedication of the facility.

Marcel Lussier, a 51-year veteran of the Dayville Fire Department, said naming the center after the fallen firefighter was appropriate.

“It’s something no one ever thought would happen and that it would ever be this spectacular,” Lussier said. n

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 33

PUBLIC SAFETY Super Models

Milford police mix fashion and crime prevention

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he Milford Police Department recently mixed a little fun with fashion all in the name of public safety.

and other municipal employees,’’ said Milford Sgt. Jeff Nielsen, the Department’s crime prevention officer.

The “models” were actually various municipal, utility, and service representatives in the community who walked the runway at the Westfield Connecticut Post Mall.

They were suited up in legitimate uniforms that the police department wanted the general public to be aware of. The aim was to help citizens spot imposters looking to perpetrate scams while pretending to carry out “official business.”

Police wanted spectators to come away with a heightened awareness of what legitimate employees wear and how to identify them.

Last held in 2009, this year’s fashion show featured representatives from animal control, an oil company, a water company, a caregiver group, a delivery company, and the Milford Fire, Police and Public Works departments.

“The purpose of this event is to educate seniors, children, and other residents and business owners about imposters who may pose as utility workers, law enforcement,

Organizers stressed that anyone can be a target – not just senior citizens. Summer is a time when youngsters are home a lot and could be victimized. More than just the uniforms, police

also provided tips on identifying legitimate credentials and official vehicles.

The Police Department has also unveiled a new crime-fighting tool this summer with the launch of “TipSubmit.” The high-tech tool allows citizens to submit anonymous tips or suspicious activities through the Web, a text message, or on any mobile device such as an Android or iPhone. Users can provide photos with “TipSubmit” and carry on anonymous two-way conversations with police. Funds for the new online tool were provided by the Milford Prevention Council through grants aimed at combatting underage drinking and substance abuse. n

Patrolling With A Personal Touch In Winsted, foot patrols return to downtown

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he beat goes on in Winsted -- one step at a time -- as foot patrols return to Main Street.

“We engage in the community,” said Police Chief William Fitzgerald. “You get to meet people and the best way to communicate is to be there face to face. The community likes walking beats and likes to see the officers downtown.”

The former commander of the Community-Oriented Policing Unit in Newport, Rhode Island, Chief Fitzgerald brought that same focus to Winsted when he was hired in April to lead the 18-member department. His strong support for community police was evident in his first official remarks after being sworn in this past spring.

“My new command team and I have the will and fortitude to re-engage the public, schools, and business community and to address crime and quality-of-life issues,” Fitzgerald told the crowd. “We will uncover any problem, and we will redress any wrong. From this day forward, we commit ourselves to the notion that the police and the community are truly partners.”

34 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

Clad in highly visible yellow shirts, officers walk routes along Main Street in four-hour shifts, engaging business owners, customers, the young and the old.

Community reaction has been positive particularly from merchants who appreciate seeing an officer stop by for a visit now and then. Economic Development Commission member Frank Berg says the initiative creates a “safe vibe” on the street, especially at night.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Berg says. “I think it’s really going to bring people together.”

Officers understand that building relationships in the community is vital for gaining information. Officer Daniel Peitrafesa says patrolling in a squad doesn’t provide the same personal interaction with the community, but strolling Main Street is a great way to establish rapport.

“It’s a mutual respect, and sometimes that gets missed in the police contact,” Peitrafesa says.” I love doing it. I took this job to serve the community, and this is a great way to do it.” n

PUBLIC SAFETY When Seconds Count

Sprague’s new EMT device is a life-saver

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irst responders in Sprague have enhanced their life-saving capabilities by adding an $18,000 piece of medical equipment at no cost to the town.

The Baltic Fire Department recently purchased the LUCAS 2 chest compression system for its ambulance. It is new technology that will greatly help the medical crew in providing quality care during cardiac emergencies. The device was paid for with funds from the fire department’s billing account.

The volunteer department responds to about 300 calls a year and began billing for services seven years ago. Fire officials say that revenue has allowed them to spend more than $185,000 on supplies. Adding the new chest compression equipment was “an obvious choice,” said EMS Lieutenant Harry Segerstrom, Sr. Medical guidelines, revised in November by the Eastern Connecticut EMS Council, require 100 chest

compressions a minute for at least 20 minutes before a patient can put on an ambulance for additional treatment. The Lucas 2 can provide at least 100 compressions a minute with a depth of two inches with minimal interruption to the patient.

Segerstrom said the device is “user-friendly” and will make the responders’ job a lot easier.

“You figure 100 per minute times 20 minutes, you get tired real quick,” he explained. “This machine solves that whole problem. There’s no doubt it will save lives.”

Patients beyond Baltic will essentially benefit as well.

The device will travel with the ambulance and can be used when the department is providing mutual aid in other towns. All 19 medical response members have been trained to use the LUCAS 2.

“If it saves one person’s life, it pays for itself,” crew member and billing coordinator Donna Sanford said. n

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 35

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

No Less Than 10%

Fairfield lands first transit-oriented development park

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auded in a major regional study for making key zoning changes to accommodate transit-oriented development, the town of Fairfield is making good on those efforts.

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission recently approved plans for Fairfield’s first Transit Oriented Development Park, a five-story building on Commerce Drive near the Metro-North Station. The 2.5 acre development will provide a mix of residential and retail units, a fitness center, a barbecue grill and fireplace area, and other amenities.

It was the residential part of the equation, particularly the affordable housing component, that town officials stressed to the developer was essential.

commission unanimously and enthusiastically approved the application. There also was no opposition at a public hearing.

“I think it’s exactly the kind of building we’re looking for,” TPZ Commissioner Patricia Jacobson said. “I think it will be a nice addition to the neighborhood.”

The residential segment will consist of 73 one-bedroom units, 24 two-bedroom units and four studios, which will occupy a building that formerly housed a fitness center.

In 2013, the Regional Plan Association conducted a nine-month study of the 42 communities along the Metro-North New Haven Line to determine how they were tailoring their zoning laws to promote transit-friendly development. More than half the towns had made key zoning changes and Fairfield was among them. In addition to adopting affordable housing criteria, Fairfield also loosened parking requirements in areas where developers could incorporate amenities for bicycles and pedestrians.

“I think it’s exactly the kind of building we’re looking for,” TPZ Commissioner Patricia Jacobson said. “I think it will be a nice addition to the neighborhood.”

New regulations that Fairfield adopted in 2011 require that “no less than 10 percent” of units must be affordable units. The developer had planned to designate 10 of the 101 proposed residential units as affordable. But the Commission pressed for 11 affordable units and had specific language to back it up.

When the Commission adopted the ordinance in 2011, the “no less than 10 percent was a huge factor in our decision,” TPZ Chairman Matthew Wagner explained.

The developer did agree to set aside 11 units and the 36 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

TPZ Commissioner Anthony Calabrese said the new Commerce Drive project is “exactly what we need as a town.” n

MUNICIPAL ETHICS DILEMMA

Extreme Makeover

Madison celebrates major downtown development project

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ailed as one of the most significant initiatives in a century for this shoreline community, the town of Madison has broken ground on a major economic development project that will transform the look of its downtown with an attractive and walkable town center.

The recent groundbreaking of the “Madison Center Project” brought in dignitaries from near and far, including the Governor, state legislators, and members of Congress. The moment the ceremonial shovels hit the ground it represented thousands of hours put in by volunteers and town staff.

“For the first time in over 100 years the Town of Madison is making a significant financial investment in our main street,” said Economic Development Commission Chairman Ryan Duques. “It is my hope that this project, and our commitment to businesses in Madison, acts a catalyst for future growth and investment and new job creation.”

Planning for the project began 13 years ago and the final tab is projected at $3.4 million. The town used a combination of state and federal grants to fund the project, which is broken down in two phases.

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GOVERNANCE

ou are the Director of your town’s Human Services Department. Your spouse is the executive director of a non-profit corporation that has bid on a contract to provide services to your department. It is a competitive bid and your spouse will not play any role in the bid award. How do you handle the situation?

“As Director of Human Services I would abide by the Town’s Code of Ethics (section 25-7c and section 25-71) which prohibits a public employee from using their position to financially benefit themselves or a member of their immediate family.

I would advise my husband that the bid to provide services will not be reviewed for consideration as it would clearly be a conflict of interest for me, under the Town’s Code of Ethics.”

Betsy Paterson, Mayor Town of Mansfield

Most of the phase I work is expected to be completed by mid-November. In preparation, the town installed the utility infrastructure in 2012. A downtown Web cam will allow the public to watch the project unfold step by step.

HERE’S A NEW DILEMMA The makeover includes: • Clay brick paver sidewalks, crosswalks, and aprons • Granite curbing • Tree plantings with cast iron tree grates • Irrigation system for street and median plantings • Decorative LED luminaire streetlights with banner arms • Decorative pedestrian walk signals • Historic replica street signs • Bicycle racks within sidewalks “This project will ensure that downtown Madison is enjoyed by visitors and that it is something we are proud of as residents and business owners”, Duques said. n

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ou are a member of your town’s Planning and Zoning Commission. From talking with other P&Z members, you learn that a major retail and commercial development firm has made inquiries at Town Hall -- leading you to believe they are planning to build a major new plaza on Grove Street.

The plan is not public, and has not been presented to P&Z and you only know about it because you are on the Commission.

You expect that other properties on Grove Street will dramatically increase in value and wonder if you purchase nearby property, will you be benefitting from “insider” information?

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 37

ENVIRONMENT Wide Open Spaces

East Haddam adds 130 acres to open space inventory

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he town of East Haddam has expanded opportunities for passive recreation while preserving a substantial amount of open space in the watersheds of the Connecticut and Eightmile Rivers.

The town partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the recent acquisition of two parcels totaling 130 acres of forest and wetlands.

The town will own and manage a 20-acre parcel that was the subject of a March 2015 referendum in which residents approved the acquisition. The town and TNC jointly applied for a state open space grant and received just under $80,000 toward the $127,000 purchase price.

A second and much larger parcel of 113 acres will connect the popular Devil’s Hopyard State Park with the Burnham Brook Preserve. A state open space grant of $263,700 was awarded toward the purchase. This stretch of open space will be owned and managed jointly by the town and TNC.

The open space acquisition will provide a rich habitat that supports a multitude of wildlife – migratory birds, brook trout and other animals. Outdoor enthusiast will have more opportunities to fish, hike and birdwatch now and for generations to come.

“These acquisitions were possible only because of the patience and commitment of willing land owners and of the conservation partners who played a role,” said Sarah Pellegrino land protection and strategies manager for the TNC. “We’re extremely pleased both of these properties will remain as natural areas.”

Town officials say citizens have shown an overwhelming support for open space preservation. Past referendums have passed by an average of 3-to-1 and the town continues to expand its open space inventory with the two newest additions. In 2014, the town won its largest-ever grant open space grant, $487,500 that went toward the purchase of a 207acre parcel. n KEVIN PEPIN PHOTO

View from inside the covered bridge at Devil’s Hopyard

38 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | AUGUST 2015

AROUND TOWN Danbury wants to crack down on illegal sound and blaring music that can be heard a halfmile away and is considering creating its own noise patrol. Armed with decibel meters, the noise patrol would be part of a new city-wide effort to ticket car owners and club owners who continue to play excessively loud music after they are warned to turn it down.

Middletown was recently named the third best town to raise a family and live, according to a survey conducted by the research site local.niche.com which examined the quality of life of Connecticut towns.

The site examines data and community reviews to determine what a town is really like to live in. The site reaches millions of people each year as they view data while deciding where to live, research the schools available in a particular community or select a college.

Goshen — Controlling the growth of invasive weeds two local ponds and a lake would be a lengthy and costly process, a lake biologist told more than 75 town residents at a recent informational meeting held by the Board of Selectmen’s lake weed subcommittee. A biologist from Northeast Aquatic Research came to the session to present his findings

The Connecticut Main Street Center presented its prestigious Eversource Founder’s Award to Putnam’s Economic and Community Development Director Delpha Very.

“It was a beautiful event and wonderful to have Delpha recognized for all she does in the world of economic development and for Putnam.” said Mayor Tony Falzarano.

Connecticut Main Street Center presents the Founders Award “in recognition of individuals and organizations who dedicate themselves to promoting a comprehensive management approach to the revitalization of Connecticut’s historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.”

Greenwich has launched new tool for residents to submit requests for service or to report a problem such as a dead tree or a flooded street online with a free mobile application. “Access Greenwich” allows residents to submit issues through a web portal or with their smart phones, attach photos, and track the progress of their requests.

It is initially being introduced by the Department of Parks and Recreation and residents can able report issues at town parks, playgrounds, trees, athletic fields and other areas. The app will later include other town departments. n Tyler Lake in Goshen

AUGUST 2015 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 39

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