Thursday, September 26, 2019
www.plainvillecitizen.com
Volume 16, Number 34
Sewer rate increase scaled back By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
would have tapered off to 3 percent by 2026. However, a new staff analysis has reThe town has scaled back duced that to a flat 2 perits sewer rate increase, cent each year through which is tied to an overhaul 2026. If passed by the of the waste water treatcouncil in October, the ment facility. change would be applied to "It's always nice to get a re- the bills mailed out in duced amount, rather than November. going in the other direcFor a typical user paying tion," Town Council Chair- $400 a year, the changes person Katherine Pugliese would constitute an $8 ansaid during the Sept. 16 nual increase, $10 less than meeting, when the new fig- the original rate increase ures were presented. plan. Town Manager Robert Lee The original projections said previous projections were based on a study of called for a 4.5 percent rate the financial impact of the increase this year, which $15 million upgrades to the
SLOW START FOR CHAMPS
water treatment facility on Cronk Road. After state grants are accounted for, the town’s share of the project is around $9 million, which is being financed through state bonds with a 2 percent interest rate. The study was done by the engineering firm Tighe and Bond. The project is ahead of schedule and should be completed in April, about three months ahead of the original date. Equipment is being installed to remove phosphorus from wastewater before it’s discharged See Rate, A7
Choral OK’d to perform hymns The Senior Center’s Choral Group can continue to sing religious hymns during performances following a ruling by the town’s attorney.
“Based upon a concern expressed by a member of the Plainville Senior Center Choral Group, the Committee on Aging reviewed their longstanding practice regarding religious hymns
being sung during their performances. After conferring with the town attorney, the new practice that was adopted will allow for religious hymns to be sung if it fit the theme of the program,” Town Manager Robert Lee said during the Sept. 16 Town Council meeting. The Senior Center singers’ 2019-20 season began this month.
Shawn Cohen, the center’s director, said at the end of the group’s season last spring she received some questions from members about whether it was appropriate for a town-sponsored group to perform religious songs. “I had gotten some questions from members of the choral group that we were doing hymns each time,” See Choral, A12
Headed into this week, the Plainville High School boys soccer team was still in search of its first victory of the season. The Blue Devils – the defending CIAC Class M state champs – dropped their first three games of the year to Farmington, Wethersfield and Bristol Eastern. Pictured: Plainville’s Logan Miller is pictured in action against Bristol Eastern. Photo by Patrick Matthews
Plainville’s oldest funeral home with over 130 years of serving the community. Blaire L. Bouchard – Paul G. Belval, Funeral Directors 48 Broad Street Plainville, CT 06062 • 860-747-2295 • Bailey-FuneralHome.com
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By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen