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Ellington New Youth Services director has long presence in town ELLINGTON — The Board of Selectmen has unanimously promoted Kristen Harp to the role of Youth Services director. The move was effective on March 13. Harp is a highly experienced professional who has served the town of Ellington in various roles since 2003, when she started assisting the Recreation Department with assorted activities, becoming camp director in 2014. She took on the role of administrative secretary I for the Recreation and Human Services Departments in 2018, where she quickly proved her worth. She was promoted to assistant youth services director in 2019. “The Town of Ellington is extremely fortunate that Kristen will be leading its vibrant Youth Services Department with her background,
knowledge, and familiarity with the youth of Ellington and the community at large,” First Selectwoman Lori Spielman said. “I’m excited to Kristen Harp see Kristen continue to grow within this new role. “She’s been with us for a long time, and this is a wonderful opportunity for her to really dive in and develop new and exciting programs for our youth and families.” Harp said, “I am excited and honored to continue to serve the youth and families of Ellington in this new role, and to be part of the continued growth of the Youth Services Department.” Harp may be contacted at 860-8703130 or via email at KHarp@ellington-ct.gov.
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Vote will decide project’s fate Continued from page 5 First identified in 2016, attempted in 2019, and actively pursued since 2021 is not in any way rushed. Commitment of funds Some have raised concerns about how funds for planning purposes for this project became available. On June 16, 2021, the Board of Finance —the only body legally allowed to transfer funds between departments – transferred funding to be used for plan development of a shovel-ready project. On June 15, 2022, the Board of Finance — again, the only body legally allowed to do so — transferred $1.2 million from the town’s FY21/22 budget to a capital, nonrecurring line to offset the project costs. It was within its authority to do so, and no additional expense was incurred by taxpayers. Here again, the POCD says on page 66 the town should “continue to request money to be set aside ... for matching funds for grants. Exactly as we are doing. Cause for revote Finally, questions have been raised as to why the vote is being held at all, when the question was posed to voters on Nov. 8. That question asked voters if the town
should bond $3.8 million for the project and utilize the $1.2 million set aside in capital non-recurring for this purpose. That question failed by 23 votes. In December, we were notified that funding for the project was included in the federal omnibus bill. That $2.75 million is tied to the renovation and expansion of Scout Hall, for its conversion into a multigenerational service center, or community center. The funding is not block granted, it cannot be used for any other purpose or project. With that fact understood, selectmen were left with two choices: decline the $2.75 million in federal funding or ask the voters if the federal funding changed their minds. That is what will be happening April 4, when voters will be asked whether to accept the federal funding and move forward with the project. As a citizen in East Windsor, I strongly encourage voters to vote yes, for our kids, our seniors, and those who depend on social services. I strongly encourage voters to vote yes because our town has identified this as a critical need since 2000 and has been working toward a solution since 2016. I encourage voters to vote yes because it’s a good project and the right thing to do for our community.
Letters
EW plan draws concerns, questions While attending the public hearing on the “Community Center Congressionally Directed Spending Options” held Feb. 16 at East Windsor Town Hall, it became apparent First Selectman Jason Bowsza and Select Board have questions to answer. While reminded, once again, that the legislative body (voters) of East Windsor rejected the referendum request to fund the Scout Hall Community Center, questions remain unanswered as to why the Town Charter was ignored in pursuit of this federal grant. That issue, much more than the referendum question, is confusing. Further questions noted that money spent to date, without voter approval, have not been made available to the voters though requested in writing through a Freedom of Information request, as long ago as Nov. 14. An obvious disregard for the will of the voters is on full display by what could be interpreted as either ignorance of, or arrogance to, the entire process. Both are unacceptable. An accounting is due. Rand D. Stanley, Broad Brook
Currently, the Senior Center is housed on the second floor of the Broad Brook Fire Department. This was intended to be a temporary solution until a senior center could be built. That was in 1980. It is time to give seniors. Broad Brook Fire Department could certainly make use of the space as well once it is vacated. Youth groups will also be able to take advantage of expansion of the Scout Hall Youth Center with more rooms and potential use of the new additional facilities. As for the Kogut property, what those advocating for it fail to mention is that the property has no sewer or city water. It is under a several year lease to a local farmer who paid to have the land cleared. For reference, Windsor Locks is planning to build a senior center on property with all utilities available estimated to cost $14 million. Would those advocating the Kogut property be willing to promote a $16 million plus facility? East Windsor residents should vote yes on this expansion as this is a win for the entire town. Ronald Masters, Scout Hall Committee