Posted by Bob on October 30, 2009 under Daily Blogs | 
Current condition of NHS soccer field in front of goal.
For anyone who doubts the severity of the condition of the Naugatuck High School athletic fields, please take a drive along Rubber Avenue and take a look at the soccer field. While both the boys and girls varsity programs will strongly contend for Naugatuck Valley League and state championships, the quality of their playing surface does not come close to their outstanding caliber of play. The condition of our fields not only limits our athletes, but our fantastic band members and color guard as well.
Lots of mud at NHS soccer field.
Many stakeholders have met as part of our Turf 2015 efforts over recent months to investigate the installation of synthetic grass at both the soccer and football/baseball/softball fields. Much discussion and due diligence has yielded ideas, plans and an engineering cost analysis. While state of the art synthetic grass can be installed within a matter of months, the Borough has no local dollars available during these difficult economic times. While the maintenance cost benefits are significant over time, the initial investment is expensive.
Snyder Field at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury with a synthetic grass surface paid for with state funds.
Naugatuck needs the assistance of state and/or federal dollars to make the badly needed repairs. If you are a coach, parent or student who believes we deserve better, I ask you to write your state and federal legislators for assistance. Our administration has made it clear that improving our high school’s athletic complex is a priority, but it helps to have the many voices of those who use the fields on a daily basis speak as one. Naugatuck has one of the best high schools in the state to watch a game or band competition, but our ability to host championship quality events is limited. Inclement weather only worsens the situation. Contact information for our fantastic legislative delegation can be obtained here.
Please feel free to contact our office ( bob@bobmezzo.com or 203-720-7009) if you would like to obtain facts and figures about the proposed project.
Posted by Bob on October 23, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
The Naugatuck Sports and Support Group (”NSSG”) discussed detailed proposals for new natural grass fields at our October meeting held this past Wednesday evening (10/21/2009). The Borough’s Engineering department was asked to present a review of all possible publicly and privately owned sites which may be suitable for recreational fields at the September NSSG meeting.
Those sites were narrowed to five (5), and a detailed cost estimate and rough field overlay maps were prepared and reviewed by NSSG members. The sites discussed were Fawn Meadow, Apple Hill Estates, Country Hollow, Cross Street Intermediate School and City Hill Middle School. Rough financial costs for field construction can be viewed here. Special thanks to Borough Director of Public Works Jim Stewart, Engineer Wayne Zirolli, and the entire Engineering Department for their time and professional assistance with this ongoing effort.
A discussion of each field follows below. Please click-on the link of each field to view the aerial maps with field overlays.
Fawn Meadow - This field presents the quickest and most cost effective option to add active recreational space. While the field may not be large enough and the neighborhood impact too great to host actual games, opportunity exists for a great practice field for football and/or soccer. Fencing and tree planting would be required to shield neighbors from activity. Fawn Meadow has easy access to water and electricity, but lights are not likely an option. Parking should be sufficient on-site for practices.
Apple Hill Estates - While two (2) potential fields will be deeded to the Borough per subdivision regulations, development of one (1) of said fields is likely a better short-term option. Progress on the subdivision has not advanced enough to require transfer from the developer to the Borough, but the upper field is not far from being ready for construction. Lights could be an option, but at significant expense. While one (1) field at Apple Hill Estates could potentially be a site for soccer and/or football games, it certainly would make for an excellent practice field. Development of a second (2nd) field is a possibility, but at a higher cost. Parking should be sufficient for a practice facility, but a second (2nd) means of ingress and/or egress would be preferred.
Country Hollow - This a very small site located in a residential area. Its highest use would probably be a small practice field for soccer at the five (5)/six (6) or seven (7) / eight (8) age groups at best. Fencing would be required to shield neighbors from activity. Lights are definitely not an option, and parking would be limited to use for small practices.
City Hill - The Engineering Department analyzed whether or not the existing full size field could be turned to allow for two (2) full size fields. It was determined that this could not be accomplished. Lighting at City Hill is a viable but expensive option. Any such installation of lighting would need to be discussed with neighbors and designed in location and use to minimize disruption.
Cross Street - This complex presented the most intriguing opportunity for development of a significant natural grass, multi-use complex with lights. Cross Street is currently used for seven (7) / eight (8) and nine (9) / ten (10) soccer practices. Those of us who have coached there over the years can attest that the field is not in great shape. The fields converge along a slope that contains two (2) large storage sheds and a utility pole. At the south end is an approximately fifteen (15) year old play scape and the remnants of the old Cross Street Pool. While the pool has been filled, the pool house is a permanent structure that remains. Removing the slope and the storage shed and relocating the utility pole would allow for a full-size football and/or soccer field along the area bordering the Crosspoint Shopping Plaza and the hill abutting the old Hershey property. Basketball and tennis courts could be installed and the play scape could be pushed slightly back from its current location. The old pool house has the possibility to be a concession stand. Lighting the field would have minimal impact as any installation would be farthest from the Meadowbrook neighborhood, and be relatively enclosed by the school, the plaza and the hill. Parking is present at the site, but could be increased using existing space. Access to water, sewer and electricity already exist. While the creation of the complex would be expensive, it represents the most cost effective investment if funding was available given the sites inherent strengths. Discussions with the Board of Education would be necessary to determine if any plans for expansion of the school itself would conflict with a sports complex.
Overall, the discussions were lively and optimistic. While there is recognition by most NSSG members in attendance that current resources are limited, consensus exists that the time to plan is now. The Borough Engineering Department will begin to analyse the specific costs for phasing-in field construction from basic to more elective choices. Results will be presented at the next meeting.
For more information about the NSSG, please view our new website at www.naugatucksportsandsupportgroup.com.
Posted by Bob on October 22, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
Naugatuck’s Police Department hosted a Promotion and Swearing-In Ceremony this morning for Naugatuck’s newest sergeant and police officers. Special thanks to Chief Christopher Edson and Commission Chairperson Steven Smith for a classy and well-organized program.
Mark Pettinicchi was promoted as the department’s newest sergeant, having served the Borough as a Motor Officer, Field Training Officer and Regional Traffic Unit member since joining the force in 2002. Sergeant Pettinicchi has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Businss Management from Central Connecticut State University. He was honored by the Naugatuck Police Department in 2007 with the Medal for Meritorious Service for his role in a violent home invasion investigation in Berlin, Connecticut. Mark is a loving husband, father and son who is a credit to our department and our community.
Naugatuck’s three (3) newest police officers are Danielle Bailey, Andrew Katrenya and Andre Moutela. After their successful completion of their training at the police academy, Danielle, Andrew and Andre will join the force.
Officer Bailey holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement Administration from the University of New Haven; and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University. She is originally from Seymour, Connecticut.
Officer Katrenya also achieved his Bacholer of Science Degree in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement Administration from the University of New Haven. A lifelong resident of Naugatuck, Andrew interned with the Naugatuck Police Department in 2009.
Officer Moutela is a graduate of the University of New Haven as well, earning a Bacholer of Science Degree in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement Administration. Like Officer Katrenya, Andre interned with the Naugatuck Police Department in 2009 and is also a lifelong, Naugatuck resident.
Congratulations to all those honored at the ceremony and their families who support them. I am sure that they will make Naugatuck proud and exceed the high expectations demanded by the department. Naugatuck is fortunate to have such a professional police force that, in my opinion, succeeds at doing more with less better than any department in the state.
Posted by Bob on October 20, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
A major hurdle in the remediation and redevelopment of former Rubber Company Parcel C was cleared this week as the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (”DEP”) approved the Borough’s soil treatment demonstration permit. This is good news for Naugatuck, particularly in light of interest in Saint Mary’s Health Systems, Inc., to become part of Renaissance Place.
While two (2 ) other permits pertaining to treatment of groundwater and stock piles are awaiting final approval, the DEP’s acceptance of the Borough’s soil treatment permit was the major area of concern over the past several weeks. Special thanks to Senators Crisco and Hartley and Representatives Labriola and Rebimbas for their advocacy throughout this process. We are also grateful to DEP for working with local officials and our consultant GeoDesign, Inc., to resolve some complex issues associated with the permit.
Work will begin to stage Parcel C for the clean-up and complete information gathering in the coming weeks. While Winter weather will prevent completion this year, the property will be ready for complete remediation when the ground thaws in the spring.
Posted by Bob on October 16, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
The meeting between the Finance Board, Board of Education and Board of Mayor and Burgesses scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2009, will be postponed. While a new date has not been finalized, it is expected the “Tri-Boards” meeting will be held in approximately two (2) weeks.
Several initiatives are proceeding simultaneously to address the education budget shortfall. Controller/Business Manager Wayne McAllister is investigating options with regard to health care costs and other long-term obligations. In addition, negotiations with various bargaining units are still in progress. It is not expected that such matters will be concluded in time for next Tuesday (10/20/2009).
The purpose of the Tri-Boards meeting concept is to faciliate productive dialogue between members of municipal and education boards. This goal will be better achieved once firm plans to address current concerns are finalized. As such time, such plans and corresponding financial analysis will be presented to members of all boards and the public.
Posted by Bob on October 15, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
New Board of Education accounting software is fully operational and will provide much-improved capabilities for providing information in a timely and transparent manner. While we are obviously still in the process of determining necessary reductions to address the 2009-2010 shortfall, current numbers through October 7, 2009, can be viewed here.
I would like to thank Superintendent John Tindall-Gibson, Business Manager Wayne McAllister and Accountant Joe Tyson for this welcome change and improvement. The new software will provide access to updated budgetary figures to the day.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs |
Waterbury Republican-American opinion writer John Crowell’s editorial in Wednesday’s (10/14/2009) edition criticizes our administration for not assigning blame in the tenuous and frustrating budget crisis surrounding Naugatuck’s Board of Education. Certainly this is a sentiment expressed by many seeking answers to what happened, why it happened and what is being done to solve the problem this fiscal year and prevent it from happening in the future. Assigning blame makes for great sound bites and quenches our inherent human instinct for revenge, but offers little in the way of tangible relief to struggling taxpayers, concerned parents and students and frightened educators.
I have always believed that accepting responsibility for mistakes is the first step in preventing their repeat. Learning from mistakes and poor choices is a valuable tool for human growth. Those who ignore them, pretend mistakes do not exist and/or attempt to place culpability for one’s actions and/or omissions on others are likely to continue to experience more of the same. As parents we teach our children this valuable lesson on a daily basis, and quality educators reinforce and stress such timeless lessons to our students. Unfortunately certain members of our Board of Education have been reluctant to confront the realities of this situation.
Mr. Crowell states that my fellow Burgesses have only “grumbled some but have done nothing meaningful to hold school officials’ feet to the fire.” Again, a legitimate sentiment that makes for good press, but fails to explain the complexities of the situation facing the Borough. While my diverse-thinking colleagues on the Board of Mayor and Burgesses have almost all publicly criticized the Board of Education and Tuttle leadership for failing to exercise proper financial oversight, Mr. Crowell subtly suggests that we need to terminate our superintendent, John Tindall-Gibson.
While many residents have publicly agreed with Mr. Crowell’s unstated suggestions, there are educational, legal and economic consequences to such an action. Neither the Borough Board nor the Finance Board possess the statutory authority to enact such a personnel move. Failure to resolve this matter in a responsible manner may leave local officials believing there are no other options but to advocate for a change in administrative and/or Board of Education leadership. The tone, discussion and most importantly, substance, which result in the coming days are crucial to not only resolving this crisis, but providing a better structure in the future. Acting without a plan and frank discussion of the consequences, however, is a disservice to taxpayers, despite the well-intentioned but inaccurate comparisons to private industry.
Reasonable minds can argue over semantics, but assigning blame in a reactive manner rather than requiring responsibility will only serve to heighten already tense emotions. Our administration chooses to get to the root of this problem, fix it and not only prevent it from happening in the future, but improve our overall operations in the process.
The appointment of Borough Controller Wayne McAllister as the Board of Education business manager is a vital means to that end. While many have suggested this arrangement over the years, our administration and the majority of Board of Education members unafraid of change actually made this happen. Mr. Crowell can pontificate about how foolish we all are here in Naugatuck behind a Waterbury Republican-American editorial under which he does not list his name, but those of us who value all that Naugatuck can be as a community are fighting to change the way we do business on a daily basis. Our administration and many Burgesses and Finance Board members are working tirelessly in a bi-partisan manner to responsibly address the financial problems of this fiscal year and plan for long-term stability and transparency. If displaying anger and assigning absolute blame would protect taxpayers, care for the needs of our students and save educators’ jobs, such actions would have been taken long ago.
Mr. Crowell sarcastically suggests that I am unwilling to lay blame on education officials because my wife, Eileen, is an administrator in our district. Such an assertion will likely appease those who pay Mr. Crowell’s salary and cynics who believe public officials are unable to possess core beliefs without self interest. Some pessimistic minds may never change. What I can assure those for whom I work, however, is that my life’s actions speak louder about my love for the Borough than my words can ever do. As for Eileen, she earned her employment in our district long before I met her, has worked for Naugatuck schools here entire professional career, has been recognized statewide as a Connecticut Association of Schools teacher of the year, lives and pays taxes in the Borough and has and always will educate our children in Naugatuck public schools. If career advancement was Eileen’s ultimate goal, she certainly would not need me to achieve it.
The Waterbury Republican-American’s urging of local officials to assign blame in this instance is a significant departure from its tone during the embarrassing spectacle that occurred during the not-so-distant Giordano administration in Waterbury. The July 27, 2001, Republican-American editorial entitled “Life Goes On” urges Waterbury residents not to point fingers at those who supported the disgraced mayor over his many years at the helm of the Brass City.
“Nor is this a time,” opined the editorial staff that had endorsed Phil Giordano numerous times, “for I-told-you-so’s or declarations of vindication by the mayor’s past foes.” (Waterbury Republican-American editorial page, July 27, 2001). The editorial continued in its defense of its poor decisions by stating the supporters of Giordano and “this newspaper have soul-searching of their own to do”. Id. When you own a newspaper, you get to selectively determine when assigning and/or accepting blame is responsible and when “soul searching” is more appropriate.
I do not complain about the political biases of the media. They exist in all markets and benefit some at the expense of others depending on geography. That is part of our American system and makes our democracy stronger. The free market and competition offer the only checks and balances available. Fortunately we now have other options of communicating the gray areas of public issues rather than simply relying on traditional mediums which still deal in black and white ink.
Posted by Bob on October 14, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
The October 2009, Controller’s Report was presented at the Joint Board of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses on Tuesday (10/13/2009) night and can be viewed here. The report represents an itemized accounting of all Borough accounts through September 30, 2009; or one quarter (1/4) of the fiscal year.
Posted by Bob on October 7, 2009 under Daily Blogs |
The regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held this Thursday, October 8, 2009, 6:30 PM, at Hillside Middle School. Regular meetings include a public comment portion of the agenda. Given the current situation we are all facing, I am sure many people have much to say.
I do not know nor have any control over the Board’s policy with regard to allowing students to speak, but I would strongly encourage allowing high school students the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns to the Board. I have spoke with several bright, articulate and caring students over the past few weeks who wish to be heard. It is their future that our decisions will effect. The decisions that we make now will have considerable impact on whether or not our students one day decide to raise their families and educate their children here in Naugatuck. We should do the right thing and allow them a say in their government.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs |
Heavy winds caused power outages throughout the Borough this afternoon (10/7/2009). Approximately six thousand eight hundred (6,800) homes and businesses lost power at various times during the day. Fortunately power has been restored in most parts of Naugatuck as of 5:30 PM. I would like to commend our Fire, Police and Public Works Departments for responding in their usual timely and professional manner. Special thanks also to Connecticut Light and Power for their quick response. Apparently Naugatuck and Waterbury were hit very hard by afternoon winds.
Hopefully future outages are avoided this evening.
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