Thank you for your thoughts and support for a potential dog park in Naugatuck. I agree with the sentiments expressed in your email. As an owner of an adopted racing greyhound (Casey), I share your love of animals and the joy they bring to so many lives. While Casey is not very social, I realize that many dogs and their owners would benefit from an active park.

We will certainly seek funding opportunities, but please realize that the economic climates in Hartford and Washington provide limited avenues for such dollars. I will speak with Mr. Vitale and gladly discuss some thoughts on the best way to approach this issue.

Thanks again for writing and all the work you and the other committee members have contributed to this project. Have a great day.

Bob

In reading the July 9th, 2010 article in the Citizen’s News entitled, “Officials weigh pros and cons of proposed dog park,” I believe that this is a cause that the town of Naugatuck should adamantly support. I regularly drive from Naugatuck to Southbury to enjoy the excitement and activity of their dog park where well-behaved dogs are able to socialize and play in a relatively enclosed field while being monitored by owners since our town does not presently have such a facility. I have traveled to dog parks in several states and believe that Naugatuck can benefit from this type of recreation area for a multitude of reasons too many to list here. Just to provide a couple, citizens of all ages would enjoy a cost-free and drug-free venue while theoretically engaging themselves and their dogs in physical activity while also socializing with neighbors and friends. Additionally, the town could receive increased revenue from park participants who would be likely to spend time and money in Naugatuck while using the dog park’s facilities. The park could also be an additional attraction to accompany many of the proposed renovations or additions such as Renaissance Place and other area ideas related to economic development. Please strongly consider investing time in finding grants or financial sources of support to make this wonderful community-based idea a reality for generations to come to enjoy. Best, K. Baruth

Sorry for the late posting of your comments and my reply. You make some good and logical points that I will address in order.

Much of the staffing levels for public safety are the result of industry standards and/or language in collective bargaining agreements. From my understanding, Naugatuck’s fire and police departments are below recommended guidelines for a municipality of our size and population. The practice of the Joint Boards of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses (”Joint Boards”) for many years has been that it is cheaper to pay the overtime than hire additional employees. Contract language and safety standards restrict managements ability to reduce the overall cost of overtime. We will certainly continue to analyze options to reduce overtime moving forward.

There has been no active volunteer firefighter force in Naugatuck for many years. In years past, volunteers supported professional firefighters. Changes in work patterns and obligations and increases in professional training and expertise resulted in the end of volunteer firefighters in Naugatuck years ago. I often wonder how other communities with significant development like Naugatuck are able to professionally protect their property using volunteers. Uncompensated mutual aide from professional departments like Naugatuck, Waterbury, New Haven and Bridgeport often assists towns without professional departments in the area. I believe the long-term solution to reducing costs of fire protection is a formal regional structure. Given Connecticut’s history, however, this is likely years away.

I will research your question about postage as I do not know the answer. It certainly makes sense to presort and achieve the discounted cost if that is practical for the Borough.

Sanitation overtime is often the result of the rigors of the job. The sanitation function of our public works operation is often the most rigorous and stressful to the human body. Time missed due to sickness and/or injury is high for the sanitation department, often resulting in an increase in overtime. Contractual obligations for holiday pay also increase this cost. The Borough will be beginning partial automated refuse and recycling collection in the fall of this year. Once the kinks in the new automated system are resolved, this should help to reduce overtime and workers compensation costs for sanitation.

Thanks again for your thoughts and ideas. Please feel free to leave more on the site and I will address in a more timely fashion.

Have a great day.

Bob

Is Naugatuck paying 44 cents postage? If we have not switched to a presort system there is a possibility of savings by doing so.

The business I work for pays 33.5 cents by mailing presort.

I believe Naugatuck could save tax dollars by reducing the overtime of each department by either hiring more employees, investing in volunteers for the fire department, and/or better hours management.

Thank you.