Posted by Bob on January 28, 2010 under Daily Blogs | 
It was with extreme sadness that we learned Monday of the passing of one of Naugatuck finest citizens, Franklin E. Johnson, Sr. I, like so many Borough residents, had the honor and privilege to know Mr. Johnson personally. He had a remarkable way of touching every life he met through his kind and humble demeanor and fantastic sense of humor.
Mr. Johnson will forever be remembered as a proud World War II Veteran and tireless advocate for all those who wore the uniform of the United States Armed Services and their families. A member of the “Greatest Generation”, Mr. Johnson stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day with many other young men of similar age. Through my numerous conversation with Mr. Johnson over the years, we never once discussed the horrors he must have witnessed that day. I was too fearful to approach the topic and Mr. Johnson always too humble to discuss it. While movies have attempted to depict the scenes, it is impossible for all of us not there to truly imagine what it must have been like. Mr. Johnson lost many friends that day and in those days that followed.
For most of us, surviving such turmoil and hardship and helping to achieve global freedom would be enough service for a lifetime. Not for Mr. Johnson. Like many World War II Veterans, Mr. Johnson took advantage of the opportunity to further his education and became a teacher. Thousand of students, including myself, were fortunate to have Mr. Johnson as a teacher and eventually a Freshman Guidance Counselor at Naugatuck High School. His quiet, dignified manner helped girls and boys grow into fine women and men.
Mr. Johnson never forgot those with whom he served in World War II, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice on the beaches and forests of Western Europe. While his profession was education, his lifelong passion was the support of Veterans of our Armed Services; past, present and future. While he is often and deservedly credited for making Naugatuck’s Memorial Day Parade one of the largest this side of the Mississippi, his devotion to Veterans was often evident in far less visible ways. Organizing support systems for Veterans returning home, educating citizens of the importance of honoring Veterans regardless of their support for a particular war, and working tirelessly in support of legislative efforts to benefit Veterans were the works that brought Mr. Johnson the most satisfaction.
Having served in leadership roles in numerous Veterans organizations throughout his life, Mr. Johnson was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. In his “spare” time, Mr. Johnson volunteered in numerous civic organizations such as Rotary, the Exchange Club, the Naugatuck Sports Hall of Fame and the high school Alumni Association. Locally, he was the first recipient of the Naugatuck Citizenship Award in 2001. It was soon realized that despite the many worthy individuals who would be recognized in the following years, none could equal Mr. Johnson. Ultimately the award was renamed the Franklin Johnson Citizenship Award.
Many words can describe Mr. Johnson: Veteran, Patriot, Public Servant, Advocate, “Mr. Naugatuck”, Friend and Hero. What Mr. Johnson valued most, however, was the role of Husband and Father. He was married to his Beloved Wife Jeanne for over fifty eight years. His love for Mrs. Johnson was evident every time they were together and every time he spoke of her. After all the triumphs and tribulations of fifty eight years of marriage, he still referred to her as his “buddy”.
Jeanne and Franklin Johnson’s marriage was blessed with four, outstanding children: Lori, Lisa, Lynn and Frank, Jr. I have had the pleasure to know Frank, Jr. and work with him on several community endeavors. Frank, Jr. has inherited his Dad’s love of Naugatuck and commitment to public service.
Mr. Johnson’s passing leaves a void in our Naugatuck community that will not soon be filled. While we extend our deepest sympathies to the Johnson family, we also extend our gratitude for sharing Mr. Johnson’s wonderful life with the so many people whose lives he touched. In a world that too often casually applies the word “hero” to sports figures, artists or other celebrities, Franklin E. Johnson, Sr., stands as the best example of that word. May he rest in peace and continue to watch over us from above.
Posted by Bob on January 22, 2010 under Daily Blogs |
After months of uncertainty and heated debate, a proposal will be presented to the Joint Boards of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses (”Joint Boards”) to resolve the 2009-2010 Board of Education budget crisis. A special meeting of the Joint Boards will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 7:00 P.M., currently scheduled for the Commissioner’s Corner (fourth floor) at Town Hall.
Since firm details of the Board of Education deficit were first revealed at the November 11, 2009, special meeting, approximately FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($500,000.00) DOLLARS were cut from the budget primarily from mid-year personnel departures not being replaced and reductions to special tuition trending much better than expected. The budget status as of January 14, 2010 can be viewed here. The deficit verified by the business manager after such reductions is ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FORTY EIGHT THOUSAND THIRTY TWO and 00/100THS ($1,548,032.00) DOLLARS.
A budget subcommittee of our Joint Boards has discussed and proposed the following to address the remaining deficit:
- Concessions from members of the Naugatuck Teacher’s League (”NTL”) equivalent to approximately FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($500,000.00) DOLLARS;
- Concessions from members of the administrators union equivalent to approximately TWENTY SEVEN THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($27,000.00) DOLLARS;
- An agreement by the Board of Education to (i) ensure the temporary business manager, Wayne McAllister, to remain in that capacity through June 30, 2011; and (ii) change the health insurance agent of record to the Borough’s municipal agent of record, CBC Kane Partners.
- An agreement by the Joint Boards to cover the remaining difference with funds from the municipal budget at the end of the fiscal year.
The proposal, while far from perfect, presented the only responsible answer to resolve the current year’s crisis at this point of the school year and begin addressing the far more difficult issues we will face in the upcoming 2010-2011 budget. The only alternatives were mass layoffs of over one hundred (100) teachers or doing nothing and hoping the Joint Boards cover the deficit at the end of the fiscal year. Both such options would have resulted in drastic consequences to our entire community.
Last night the Board of Education met to discuss and act on various deficit resolution measures. Actions taken were as follows:
- The Board of Education voted seven (7) in favor to one (1) opposed to accept concessions from NTL totaling approximately FIVE HUNDRED THREE THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($503,000.00) DOLLARS of concession. Said amount represents:
- Two (2) Furlough days to be taken around the Memorial Day holiday representing approximately ONE HUNDRED FORTY THREE THOUSAND and 00/100THS (143,000.00) DOLLARS per day;
- One (1) Deferred Payment day representing approximately ONE HUNDRED FORTY THREE and 00/100THS ($143,000.00) DOLLARS to be paid without interest in December 2011; and
- Elimination of five (5) hours of common planning time representing approximately SEVENTY FOUR THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($74,000.00) DOLLARS.
- The Board of Education voted seven (7) in favor, zero (0) opposed and one (1) abstaining (myself due to conflict) to accept concessions from the administrators union totaling approximately THIRTY FOUR THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($34,000.00) DOLLARS. Said amount is equivalent to approximately four (4) days of pay, which will be worked without compensation.
- The Board of Education voted unanimously (8-0) to make a supplemental funding request to the Joint Boards in the amount of NINE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED SIX and 00/100THS ($955,906.00) DOLLARS. The difference between the total deficit less the request and the concessions would be additional concessions from non-union personnel.
- The Board of Education voted five (5) in favor and three (3) opposed to accept the proposal of the Joint Boards budget subcommittee ensuring Mr. McAllister remain the business manager through June 30, 2011, and a change to the Borough’s health care consultant agent of record; subject to approval of the funding request by the Joint Boards.
The Joint Boards budget subcommittee has reviewed, discussed and determined that it has the ability to cover an amount up to the deficit within the confines of the existing budget without any reduction in undesignated fund balance or any additional assessment. The proposal will be discussed with the entire Joint Boards on Tuesday (1/26/2010) with possible action to be taken.
This solution provides sacrifice by all parties involved. I will also share in the sacrifice by working five (5) days without pay as well.
Should the Joint Boards approve the resolution, this will end a long, frustrating and disappointing process. Lessons must be learned to prevent this from occurring again. This has been said before, but never with the unification of the Borough’s financial department and the Board of Education business office through Mr. McAllister. We must have the most accurate, financial information available to provide quality education in difficult and uncertain economic times without overburdening taxpayers. In addition, the cost of health care and pace of change within the industry requires the highest level of expertise available and the ability to be proactive rather than reactive. The assurances contained within the proposal provide us with the best chance of success moving forward.
I would like to thank the teachers and administrators for agreeing to make financial sacrifice to the benefit of our students and taxpayers. While we face more difficult decisions moving forward with regard to the 2010-2011 budget, it is reassuring to know that we have established a respectful relationship to achieve our common goal of a quality education.
In addition, Board of Education members Marya DiPerna, Dave Heller, James Scully and Rocky Vitale should be commended for choosing to support a solution that prevents mass layoffs, allows the Borough the opportunity to address the deficit in a responsible manner, and provides tangible assurances of sound financial management moving forward. I realize that their individual votes are not representative of their complete endorsement of every aspect of the plan, but it shows a thoughtful willingness to resolve this situation in a cooperative manner.
I would also like to thank the members of our Joint Boards budget subcommitee: Deputy Mayor Tamath Rossi, Finance Board Chair Ray Lennon, Burgess and Finance Board Liaison Bob Neth and Finance Board Vice Chair Jack Tavares. Given the heightened level of partisan bickering occurring in Washington, it is refreshing to work with such talented individuals who put the betterment of their community ahead of their political affiliation. Their collective wisdom is a great service to Naugatuck during these trying economic times.
Posted by Bob on January 21, 2010 under Daily Blogs |
Tonight’s (Thursday, January 21, 2010) Board of Education meeting has been moved to Central Avenue Elementary School. The meeting will begin at 8:00 A.M.
Posted by Bob on January 13, 2010 under Daily Blogs |
Americans will celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this Monday, January 18, 2010.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Since 1994, Congress has designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as a national day of service. All across America groups and individuals will perform public service in a variety of ways to benefit others.
Helpers from our 2009 Food Drive
Last year our campaign opened our Church Street headquarters on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day in conjunction with a food drive to benefit the Naugatuck Ecumenical Food Bank. Through the generosity of the many individuals, our campaign was able to collect non-perishable foods items which were donated to the Food Bank.
This Monday, January 18, 2010, our administration will host another Food Drive and Can and Bottle Drive on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This year’s event will be take place at the Naugatuck Senior Center, 300 Meadow Street, Naugatuck, CT, from 12 Noon until 2:00 PM. Complimentary coffee and pastry will be served.
We will be collecting non-perishable food items as well as recyclable bottles and cans, the proceeds of which will also be donated to the Ecumenical Food Bank. Please join us in friendship and service as we honor the life of one of our greatest Americans by helping to serve those most in need in the Naugatuck community.
For more details, please contact Ed Carter at 203-720-7208 or ecarter@naugatuck-ct.gov.
Posted by Bob on January 5, 2010 under Daily Blogs |
The first controversy of the New Year in the Borough involves something many of us take for granted: trash collection. Last year the Borough’s Street Commission voted to enforce an existing policy which requires property owners of residential dwellings containing more than four (4) units to provide private refuse pick-up for their tenants. The Borough Charter authorizes the Street Commission to make such decisions.
Budgetary constraints have forced the Borough to make similar, difficult decisions in recent years. The termination of bulk trash pick-up is a service missed by many residents. While Naugatuck’s leaders would like to provide as many services as possible to citizens, a balance needs to be struck between such services and the cost to taxpayers to provide them. Many neighboring communities offer no refuse collection to their residents, who are forced to contract with private entities for trash and recycling pick-up.
Our administration respects the right of boards and commissions to make policy decisions that effect the day-to-day operation of the Borough. Members of the Street Commission are intelligent, community-oriented volunteers who make decisions in the best interest of Naugatuck and its citizens. Undoubtedly not everyone will support all decisions. While our administration frequently advocates for particular policies and/or proposals, we have no intention of micro-managing the conclusions of those in place to research, debate and enact/reject such initiatives.
The current decision in question to limit trash collection to residential properties of four (4) units or less has effected approximately forty (40) landlords who will be required to obtain a private source to collect and dispose of trash at their respective properties. While many have expressed their opposition to this policy, the overwhelming majority of such property owners have acted responsibly and complied with the policy.
Some consider the cut-off at four (4) units as arbitrary. It is understandable that some property owners may believe this. The reality is that the same could be said about many laws and/or policies that set limits and/or restrictions to government services. The closer one is to the outside limits of such policies, the more likely one is to believe the policy is arbitrary. If the Street Commission has set the limit at six (6) unit or eight (8) unit properties, those with seven (7) units or nine (9) units would likely feel harmed. The Borough has to establish the limit at some level, and, unfortunately for property owners with five (5) or more units, the limit determined was four (4). Members of the Street Commission investigated, discussed and voted for this policy in accordance with Charter authority.
- Trash Piled on Carroll Street – Photo Courtesy of Waterbury Republican-American
Regretfully, one landlord in the Maple Street/Carroll Street area has chosen to make an irresponsible statement with regard to the Borough’s policy. Rather than comply with the policy as the overwhelming majority of other property owners have, this landlord has chosen to pile his tenants’ trash along the street in protest. In addition to creating an unsightly mess and potential health hazard, this particular landlord has chosen to disrespect those most responsible for his profits: his tenants.
This individual is alleging that the Borough is discriminating against him and that he has no intention of cleaning the mess and complying with the policy. This allegation misuses a word and attempts to apply a legal meaning to it. The Borough is not illegally discriminating against any property owner on the basis of their race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, military status, sexual orientation or any other protected class. The discrimination involves the fact that the landlord owns a more than a four (4) family residential property. There is nothing illegal about that.
Another strategy used by certain landlords to maximize profit is to include multiple two (2) or three (3) family homes on the same tax deed. This allows the property owner to pay less taxes than if the properties were split and had separate tax bills. There is absolutely nothing illegal about such a tactic, but such property owners should be willing to comply with the laws and/or policies governing such multi-family properties. If property owners wish to legally split their properties into separate tax deeds and tax bills, the Borough would be more than happy to collect the trash on their one (1), two (2), three (3) and/or four (4) family dwellings in accordance with current policy. Attempting to deprive the Borough of tax revenue while obtaining the most services to maximize profit may be advantageous for the landlord, but not good business for Naugatuck.
Naugatuck Valley Health District (”NVHD”) has authority to enforce health regulations and initiate prosecution of this individual. Our administration encourages NVHD to pursue this matter with the housing court, and we intend to seek restitution for Naugatuck for any financial harm caused and/or expense incurred as a result of this reckless behavior. NVHD possesses the best authority to resolve the matter.
While unsightly, picking-up the trash could cause NVHD to cease its action to regulate this matter. Since the process takes time, we will not risk re-starting the “clock” and allow the landlord the opportunity to start the irresponsible behavior anew. The Borough has no intention of collecting the trash until ordered to do so and having taxpayers’ rights protected in the process.
Regardless of what landlords tell their tenants, it is the property owner’s responsibility to make arrangements for the proper disposal of refuse on their property. Our administration urges all tenants subjected to these irresponsible actions to investigate their respective rights in accordance with applicable law.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs |
The agenda for tonight’s (Tuesday – 1/5/2010) meeting of the Board of Mayor and Burgesses is available here. The public portion of the meeting will begin at 7:00 PM, with an executive session beginning at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Hall of Burgesses at Town Hall.
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