Posted by Bob on August 27, 2011 under Daily Blogs | 
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The first day of the new Naugatuck school year for faculty and staff, originally scheduled for Monday, August 29, 2011, has been postponed to Tuesday, August 30, 2011. Additional changes to the school calendar resulting from Hurricane Irene will be made and announced on a day-to-day basis.
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Hurricane Irene forecasts continue to project significant rain and high winds moving into Connecticut late Saturday (8/27/2011) and intensifying early Sunday (8/28/2011) morning. Currently, the hurricane itself is scheduled to reach Southwestern Connecticut sometime mid-to-late morning on Sunday (8/28/2011). Even if Irene is downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it initially reaches Connecticut, extreme high winds are still expected.
While Naugatuck will maintain a shelter-at-home approach as the Borough does not have a large enough facility with back-up power to house residents in mass. The state, however, has advised residents who truly need alternative, short-term living arrangements to use the Infoline system by dialing 211. Callers will be linked to regional shelter facilities organized by the American Red Cross. For those with certain, mobile-computing devices, there is an application for Red Cross shelters available.
I have made a declaration of a state of emergency effective as of 12:00 Noon today (8/27/2011), currently through the end of Monday (8/29/2011). The primary reason for the declaration to this point is to give the Borough flexibility to engage contractors as needed to address weather-related incidents. Any additional actions taken pursuant to the state of emergency will be made on a case-by-case basis if necessary, always in consultation with Naugatuck’s Emergency Management Team.
Information regarding power outages may be viewed on the Connecticut Light and Power website by linking here.
Department of Public Works crews continue to make pre-storm preparations, primarily in the form of clearing and/or vacuuming catch basins. Any assistance residents can provide prior to the storm to keep neighborhood, catch basins free of debris is greatly appreciated. Under no circumstances should residents leave their homes for such purposes once the hurricane itself arrives.
Additional information shall be posted when appropriate. All members of the media are free to quote from this blog. Please make any last minute preparations prior to the arrival of heavy rain this evening (8/27/2011). The Naugatuck Emergency Operations Center will be open at the Naugatuck Police Station beginning at 6:00 AM, Sunday (8/28/2011) morning. Residents with true emergencies are advised to call 911. During the full force of the hurricane, public safety and emergency management personnel will respond only to life-threatening situations.
Be Safe and God Bless.
Posted by Bob on August 26, 2011 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
Borough officials representing all pertinent department met this morning to discuss preparations for Hurricane Irene, which is scheduled to reach Connecticut sometime in late morning or early afternoon on Sunday (8/28/2011). As many of you know, hurricanes are difficult to predict with precise accuracy regarding timing, location and severity. Please continue to monitor the latest weather forecasts as they become available. A good site with forecast information is StormPulse.com, which can be accessed by linking here.
The most important thing all residents can do is to be prepared individually for Hurricane Irene. Governor Dannel P. Malloy has devoted an entire page on the state’s website containing pertinent information regarding hurricane announcements, preparation, resources and forecasts.
Preparations should be made now for Hurricane Irene. Stores are already emptying of basic supplies such as non-perishable foods, bottled water, batteries and other important items that can help residents survive during power outages that are expected to impact the entire state. Residents who may be living alone are urged to make preparations to stay with relatives during the duration of the storm if at all possible. Residents with cell phones and/or mobile computing devices are advised to ensure batteries are charged completely. If possible, regular or “land-line” phone that do not require electricity to function should be kept available.
The Borough does not have facilities with back-up power supplies to shelter large numbers of residents. The best practice is “shelter-at-home” unless there is a true emergency situation. Individual evacuations will be made on a case-by-case basis in life-threatening situations by trained emergency management personnel. Please remember that this weather event will not be isolated to Naugatuck, and other communities will be struggling to respond. Mutual aid from other municipalities will be limited if at all during the brunt of the storm. Regional efforts, many through the Red Cross, will be coordinated for the aftermath. Residents who use life support devices that require electricity may call 911 during power outages if emergency power is needed. Limited space is available at various locations throughout the Borough and decisions and placements will be made by trained emergency management personnel on a case-by-case basis.
Severe flooding is extremely likely regardless of the ultimate direction Irene takes. While Department of Public Works (“DPW”) crews are taking all precautionary measures to lessen the impact of flooding, there will be no way to prevent flooding if we receive the amounts of rain (some forecasts include ten to fifteen inches of rain) predicted. Limited sand bags are available at the Department of Public Works and will be rationed at the discretion of the Borough. The Recycling Center will be open during regular hours on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Residents who have the means to purchase bags privately may fill limited amounts of bags from the available sand at the Recycling Center during such hours, again at the discretion of the Borough. DPW needs to maintain significant amounts of sandbags for public use to respond to incidents during and after the storm. Despite the stressful conditions, we ask residents to be mindful and respectful of others when requesting and ultimately using sandbags.
The Borough will activate our Emergency Operations Center from the Naugatuck Police Department beginning on Sunday (8/28/2011) at 10:00 AM. A state of emergency will be declared effective on 12:00 Noon, Saturday, August 27, 2011. Such a declaration allows the Borough the authority to procure any necessary contractors outside the regular bidding process to respond effectively to storm-related issues. Other powers allowed to the mayor by the declaration would be implemented on an as-needed basis.
At the time Irene reaches the Borough in full impact, it may be impossible for the Borough to respond to all but life-threatening situations. Emergency management recommendations urge municipalities not to place public safety and public works personnel in wind conditions that exceed seventy (70) miles per hour (“mph”). Residents are urged to contact 911 only for true, life-threatening emergencies. Please remember to stay away from all downed power lines.
Additional updates will be posted as they become available.
Posted by Bob on August 25, 2011 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
There is a great article in the Naugatuck Patch that lists basic tips for hurricane preparedness. Borough officials have been monitoring the latest news on Hurricane Irene and will be meeting on Friday (8/26/2011) to ensure that locals officials and departments are as prepared as possible for the weather event currently predicted for Sunday (8/28/2011).
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Bus routes for the upcoming school year have been posted on the Board of Education’s website (www.naugy.net) and can be viewed at the following link:
The bus routes can also be accessed from the Borough’s website at www.naugatuck-ct.gov by clicking the “links” section.
Posted by Bob on August 23, 2011 under Daily Blogs, Naugatuck High School Renovation | Be the First to Comment
On Thursday evening, members of Tri-Boards (Board of Education, Board of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses) will hear a presentation regarding the proposed Renovate-as-New project at Naugatuck High School. For the past several months, local officials and educators have been reviewing options, costs and educational specifications associated with a complete renovation of the Borough’s flagship school.
Naugatuck High School (photo from previous Naugatuck Patch.com article)
Built in 1959, Naugatuck High School has housed generations of Naugatuck students. Since the addition of 1974, the original footprint of the campus has remained relatively the same. Many years of constant use, age and failure to make appropriate investments to maintain the infrastructure over time have taken its toll on the building. This past Winter placed renewed emphasis on a 2007 Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. (“Kaestle Boos”) study which described deficiencies in the core infrastructure at the high school. The study referenced numerous settlement cracks, masonry and joint deficiencies and support issues that were in need of address.
In addition to the items referenced in the Kaestle Boos analysis, several other areas of the high school will need to be repaired in the coming years. Americans with Disability Act (“ADA”) and other code compliance improvements are needed throughout the building, including but not limited to classrooms, corridors, locker rooms and the auditorium. Many windows and frames need to be replaced with the corresponding paint removal. A drainage mess on the athletic and marching band fields and spectators walking on the same pool deck with swimmers have been problems for many years.
Several months ago, the Board of Mayor and Burgesses appointed a Long Term School Facility Planning Committee (“LTSFPC”, a membership list can be viewed here). The purpose of the committee (see the Mission Statement here) is to analyse existing buildings and recommend the implementation of a district-wide facilities plan by 2025. As the LTSFPC began its work, it was becoming increasingly apparent that significant investment would be needed at Naugatuck High School over the next couple years simply to maintain the asset and ensure a safe environment for students and faculty. Members investigated the possibility of a new high school for the distant future, but the cost and the lack of suitable and/or affordable locations were major obstacles. It was unanimously voted at the May 17, 2011, meeting to eliminate the recommendation of building a new high school from the Committee’s future proposals.
Simultaneously, staff members of the LTSFPC began to investigate the “renovate-as-new” concept as a potential alternative for Naugatuck High School. The Watertown School District recently completed renovation projects at several schools, including its high school. Several individuals associated with the LTSFPC and the Naugatuck School District toured Watertown High School on two (2) separate occasions.
Renovations of existing school facilities are discussed in Connecticut General Statutes Sections 10-282 et seq. Rather than construct new buildings, the renovation process in Connecticut allows a school district to completely refurbish an existing educational facility provided the newly-renovated school will have a comparable life expectancy to a newly-constructed campus. School districts receive reimbursement rates of various percentages on school bonds from the State of Connecticut depending on a series of economic indicators. Up until recently, the Borough of Naugatuck’s reimbursement rates for both new construction and renovation was SEVENTY FOUR (74%) PERCENT for eligible costs. Recently, however, Governor Dannel P. Malloy proposed and ultimately obtained legislative approval to reduce state reimbursement rates for new construction, while maintaining the percentages for school renovation projects. The intent behind this legislation was to encourage communities to rehabilitate existing assets rather than construct new school facilities. Essentially, Naugatuck’s reimbursement rate for construction has beed reduced to a percentage in the fifty’s (50′s), while reimbursement for renovate-as-new projects remains at SEVENTY FOUR (74%) PERCENT.
This factor, combined with several others, made the renovate-as-new concept attractive to the LTSFPC. There will be significant costs associated with making all the individual repairs needed at the high school, some of which may not be eligible at such a high reimbursement rate. The Borough’s bond rating was recently upgraded by Standard and Poor’s, and has relatively low bonded-indebtedness compared with other municipalities. In addition, the construction market is at one of its lowest points in recent memory. Given the state’s financial concerns and continued discussions regarding the potential for future reductions in aid to municipalities, it is likely that Naugatuck’s current reimbursement rate of SEVENTY FOUR (74%) PERCENT for renovations will never be higher. Despite the current economic climate, all of these conditions indicate that the renovate-as-new project at the high school is in the best, long-term, financial interest of Borough taxpayers, parents and students. The cost-benefits and value added of completing a comprehensive renovation that will restore our flagship school for a generation far outweigh tackling badly-needed repairs in a piecemeal manner.
The LTSFPC continues to analyze multiple options for the long-term vision of the K-8 grade configurations and facilities for the Naugatuck School District. Multiple concepts continue to be reviewed from a cost, educational and quality of life perspective, including the potential for re-purposing existing assets that would no longer serve as traditional schools. Members realize that preparing for the future of our school district for years to come is not an easy or quick process. While examination and debate regarding the long-term composition of our entire district will continue for many months and involve opportunities for the public to participate, the Naugatuck High School Renovate-as-New project is ready to be presented to the Borough’s decision-makers and our citizens.
As the LTSFPC has been investigating this concept, the Five (5) Year Capital Committee chaired by Burgess Bob Neth allocated previously incurred by unspent school bond dollars (fixed-term bonds on school projects that were completed under-budget) to engage Kaestle Boos for the preparation of the Naugatuck High School Renovate-As-New feasibility study. Finance and educational staff have met over several months to review all the logistics and specifications associated with the process. At the June meeting of the LTSFPC, it was unanimously recommended that the project be referred to the Five (5) Year Capital Committee for review. A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at 5:30 PM, to review the final documents and make a decision whether or not to recommend the project to the appropriate boards.
While no formal statutory or charter authority is given to the Tri-Boards, Thursday’s (8/25/2011, 6:00 PM, Naugatuck High School) meeting will be the first, formal opportunity for most of the members of the respective boards to hear the renovation project proposal in its entirety. The schematic drawings and plans for Naugatuck High School can be viewed here and are currently on the borough’s website (www.naugatuck-ct.gov). The meeting is open to the public, and a tour of Naugatuck High School will proceed the presentation.
The following documents provide detailed financial estimates regarding the project:
Pre-Design Board of Education Location.
There are still issues to further research regarding maximizing the eligible reimbursements for various items. The state uses a reimbursement formula based on square footage and population projections that present certain challenges given the size of the Naugatuck High School buildings. The proposal to relocate the Board of Education offices and meeting space to the high school are intended to take advantage of the highest reimbursement rates possible. Local officials will continue to research the particulars and dynamics of this process with Kaestle Boos and state decision-makers.
Any action to proceed with a project of this scope must follow a specific process outlined by state statute. The Board of Mayor and Burgesses must ultimately approve a bond referendum question, determine a date for referendum and appoint a formal building committee. The Naugatuck Board of Education must approve the educational specifications. While the Borough’s Charter is relatively silent on a specific process, it has always been custom to hold at least one (1) public hearing in advance of a referendum of such significant magnitude. While officials are hoping to prepare the project for a referendum on the statewide, municipal election day of Tuesday, November 8, 2011 (Naugatuck is one of a handful of municipalities that still holds municipal elections in May, and therefore does not currently have an election scheduled for November 8, 2011), there are several steps remaining before such a vote can be scheduled. If approved by voters, it is anticipated that it would take approximately three (3) years from the start of construction to complete the entire renovation project. During the phased construction process, Naugatuck High School would continue to operate as a functioning high school.
We look forward to all questions and comments that residents have regarding the Naugatuck High School Renovate-as-New Project and the process associated with it. Additional information will continue to be made available to provide detailed information and answer various questions. Please feel free to contact me at bob@bobmezzo.com or call the office at 203-720-7009, to discuss the project in greater detail.
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Earthquake tremors have been felt in various parts of Naugatuck and throughout Connecticut. Buildings and dwellings should be inspected for any cracks or loose material before reentering. If there are no visible signs of damage resulting from the tremors, buildings and dwellings may be reoccupied. If there is any notice of new cracks or substantial damage, please call 911 for assistance.
Posted by Bob on August 19, 2011 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
A meeting of the Tri-Boards (Board of Education, Board of Finance and Board of Mayor and Burgesses) has been scheduled for Thursday, August 25, 2011, at 6:00 PM, to discuss the proposed Naugatuck High School (“NHS”) Renovate-as-New proposal. The meeting, which will be held in the NHS Resource Center (Second Floor), will begin with a tour of the facility conducted by the architectural firm of Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. The tour will highlight the numerous issues at NHS which which are in need of repair and will require address in the coming years. After the tour, a presentation of the renovation proposal will be made followed by discussion and questions by Tri-Board members.
Additional information about the Renovate-as-New proposal will be posted in the coming days prior to the meeting. The meeting and tour are open to the public. While there will be no public comment at the meeting, a public hearing soliciting comments and questions would be schedule if the plan would proceed to referendum.
Posted by Bob on August 4, 2011 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
The Board of Mayor and Burgesses (“BMB”) unanimously authorized the execution of a new collection bargaining agreement (“CBA”) between the Borough and the Visiting Nurses Association (“VNA”) collective bargaining unit (“CBU”) on Tuesday, August 2, 2011. The VNA CBU had previously voted to approved the tentative agreement. The CBA, which can be viewed here, runs retroactively from July 1, 2011; through June 30, 2014 (pdf version is available here). A summary of the fiscal analysis completed by Borough Comptroller Wayne McAllister can be viewed here (the pdf version of the fiscal analysis summary is available here). The main components of the CBA are as follows:
Wages:
Members of the CBU will received increases in general wages and beeper rates (“on-call” compensation) for the following years at the following rates:
The total increase in cost for the three (3) year period for wages and beeper rates is FORTY SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FORTY SIX and 76/100THS ($46,546.76) DOLLARS ($45,503.64 for general wage increases and $1,043.12 for beeper rate increases.
Health Care:
The Borough achieved significant cost savings as a result of changes to health benefit packages offered to the members of the CBU. Two choices are offered to members: the traditional preferred provider organization or “PPO”; and the high deductible health plan or “HDHP”, which for the plan offered is a health savings account or “HSA”. Highlights of the changes for each plan are as follows:
PPO
Beginning January 1, 2012, the premium cost share for members in enrolled in the PPO plan will increase from eight (8%) percent to nine (9%) percent. Premium cost shares for members will increase to ten (10%) percent and eleven and 50/100ths (11.5%) percent respectively on July 1, 2012; and July 1, 2013.
HDHP or HSA
The Borough and the VNA CBU agreed to significant changes to members’ HSA plans that will result in savings. Beginning January 1, 2012, the premium cost share for members enrolled in the HSA will increase from zero (0%) percent to two (2%) percent. Premium cost shares for members will increase to four (4%) percent and six (6%) percent respectively July 1, 2012; and July 1, 2013.
More importantly, members enrolled in the HSA will increase the deductible paid toward their respective plan in the following manner over the life of the agreement (plans are managed on the basis of calendar years rather than fiscal years):
In addition, the Borough and the VNA CBU reached agreement to increase costs for plan designs (“co-pays”) for a variety of medical services over the three (3) year period as referenced on page thirteen (13) of the CBA.
The changes to the health benefits contained in the CBA represent significant savings to the Borough over the three (3) year period. If no changes were made to the existing plan, the Borough would have incurred additional expenses (based on projected inflationary increases in health care costs) of approximately FIFTY SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY THREE and 33/100THS ($56,393.67) DOLLARS. Essentially that means, if the Borough did nothing on wages and kept the same health benefit plan, the cost of the overall agreement would increase by said amount, FIFTY SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY THREE and 33/100THS ($56,393.67) DOLLARS. Instead, health benefits will cost approximately FORTY ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SIXTY EIGHT and 86/100THS ($41,268.86) DOLLARS, representing a savings of FIFTEEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FOUR and 81/100THS ($15,124.81) DOLLARS in health care costs over the three (3) years period.
Pensions
No changes were made to the pension as an agreement was reached in a previous extension to provide defined contribution pension plans to new members of the CBU.
Our administration would like to thank the members of the VNA CBU, particularly the representatives on the negotiating team, for respectful and productive sessions. Naugatuck’s visiting nurses provide exceptional service to their patients under often difficult circumstances. I am sure that those many residents who receive services from the VNA can attest to our nurses’ collective professionalism and compassion.
We would also like to thank Borough labor counsel Nick Grello, insurance broker Rob Fitzpatrick and Comptroller Wayne McAllister for their sound advice and diligence during the negotiations. The agreement, which combines modest pay increases with significant health care savings, represents another step toward a more sustainable local government.
Posted by Bob on August 1, 2011 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
Significant electrical storms accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain and hail have resulted in approximately twenty four (24%) percent of Naugatuck homes without power as of 7:30 PM, many in the Southeastern portion of the Borough. Connecticut Light and Power (“CL&P”) crews are being called from surrounding areas to assess and ultimately address the repairs needed to restore power. CL&P’s operations for this area will be coordinated from Waterbury.
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