Posted by Bob on April 17, 2012 under Daily Blogs | 
The Naugatuck Cultural Council (“NCC”) is pleased to announce the selection of Vaneza Gouveia as the 2012 Earth Day Mayor of the Day. In honor of Earth Day, which is officially this Sunday (4/22/2012), the NCC will host a brief ceremony at Town Hall this Friday (April 20, 2012) morning beginning at 11:00 AM. The ceremony is open to the public and will take place on the patio facing the Naugatuck Green.
Ms. Gouveia was raised and educated in Naugatuck schools. As a member of Girl Scout Troop Number 4043, Ms. Gouveia became involved with the Committee for A Cultural/Environmental Center – Gunntown Road (“CCEC”). Ms. Gouveia led the members of her troop to create a series of trails at the Gunntown Property, and eventually assumed the role of Chairperson for the CCEC. Over many years, Ms. Gouveia advocated and worked tirelessly for the preservation of Gunntown as passive open space due to the unique ecosystem and historical significance of the property. As a student at Saint Joseph’s College in West Hartford, Vaneza helped to coordinate and star in a production of The Stolen Boy at the Gunntown Property. The play depicted the struggle and escape of Chauncey Judd from his Tory captors during the American Revolution, a portion of which occurred at Gunntown.
As the Gunntown Property was recently opened as a passive park and nature preserve, many in the CCEC and Naugatuck environmental community recognize Ms. Gouveia for playing a crucial role in the process. Ms. Gouveia currently resides in Hamden, CT with her husband Charles Clarke and their newborn son Dean. After several years as an educator, Ms. Gouveia now serves as a homemaker for her family, maintaining her lifelong passion for the outdoors and involvement with the CCEC.
After the ceremony, guests are invited to travel to the Gunntown Passive Park and Nature Preserve (60 Gunntown Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770) for a program entitled “Telling Our Stories“, which will begin at 11:30 AM. Those in attendance will be offered the opportunity to hear the unique experiences that brought people from difference backgrounds to the Borough. Anyone interested in being a participant should contact Mayoral Aide Ed Carter at ecarter@naugatuck-ct.gov or 203-720-7208.
Posted by Bob on April 16, 2012 under Daily Blogs |
The Board of Finance budget hearing scheduled for tonight (4/16/2012) has been postponed until next Monday, April 23, 2012, which had been an open date on the revised schedule. All budget hearings are held at Town Hall and are open to the public.
Posted by Bob on April 13, 2012 under Daily Blogs |
The Connecticut Water Company has just issued a statement announcing that Naugatuck water mains will be flushed and hydrants tested beginning this coming Monday (4/16/2012). The procedure will continue through Friday, April 20, 2012. The announcement can be viewed here. As stated in the announcement, residents are advised to store an adequate supply of drinking, cooking and washing water on the mornings that their particular streets will be flushed.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs |
The Naugatuck Board of Education (“BoE”) approved the appointment of John Lawlor as the new Director of Human Resources (“HR”) for both the BoE and the municipal government at Thursday’s (4/12/2012) regular meeting. Mr. Lawlor, a long-time resident of Ansonia, CT, has extensive private sector experience serving in human resources with Baldwin Technology Company, Inc., of Shelton, CT, for the past fourteen (14) years, the past eleven (11) of which acting as Director of Human Resources. He has served in previous human resource capacities in the private sector since 1988. In addition, Mr. Lawlor has been the Chairperson of the Ansonia Board of Education since December, 2006. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Decree from the University of Connecticut and maintains a 085 school business administrator certification. Mr. Lawlor was selected from a highly competitive group of applicants. He participated in two (2) rounds of interviews conducted by representatives from the municipal government and BoE.
Previously, the Borough had a Director of HR who coordinated employment matters for the municipal government only. The BoE has various employees who perform human resource functions on a daily basis, but has never had a director. The need has been identified for years, but funding did not allow for the creation of the position. The new HR position is a collaboration between the municipal government and the BoE, similar to the shared arrangement that allows Borough Comptroller Wayne McAllister to act as the BoE’s Business Manager. Mr. McAllister is paid as a municipal employee, and the BoE transfers a stipend to the Borough for his services supervising its business office. The new Director of HR will be a BoE employee, and the Borough will transfer a stipend to the BoE. More importantly for taxpayers who do not submit separate payments to the municipal government and the BoE when paying there tax bills, the arrangement will provide increased productivity for approximately the same cost. The Board of Mayor and Burgesses (“BMB”) has been advised of this proposed arrangement for the past several months. The Borough’s previous Director of HR recently retired. The BMB will be asked to formalize the arrangement with the BoE at its next regular meeting on May 1, 2012. A copy of the proposed employment agreement, for which there is an agreement in principle, can be viewed here.
Mr. Lawlor, who will begin his tenure in the Borough later this Spring (2012), will answer directly to the Superintendent on education matters, and the mayor on municipal matters. His office will be in the Tuttle Building, and ultimately at Naugatuck High School when the BoE offices are relocated as part of the renovation. The Borough will retain is HR Associate, who works from Town Hall.
This collaboration would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of BoE Chairperson David Heller, Superintendent Dr. John Tindall-Gibson, and all the members of the BoE and BMB. While there are isolated examples of shared arrangements between boards of education and municipal governments in Connecticut, this is certainly a newer concept in the land of steady habits. Naugatuck officials are attempting to maximize limited resources in difficult economic times by working together on common business functions. While there is much work left to do to ensure that this structure succeeds, we are confident Mr. Lawlor has the experience and expertise to lead such efforts.
Posted by Bob on April 10, 2012 under Daily Blogs |
As many are already aware, Naugatuck is in the process of changing trash and recycling collection to an automated system. Residents currently receiving curbside collection from the Borough on either Tuesday’s or Thursday’s will receive a garnet colored recycling cart for their home, delivered later this week. The Naugatuck Patch posted an article listing the streets on its website.
We are able to supply the garnet recycling carts approximately one (1) to two (2) years ahead of schedule as a result of an additional American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”) energy block grant from the Federal government, which was administered to Connecticut communities through the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”). Residents receiving garnet recycling carts this week will not receive the gray trash carts at this time. Residents should continue to use their existing trash cans until further notice. Collection days will remain the same. It is anticipated that automated trash collection (gray carts) will be expanded later this Fall (2012).
There will be an information package delivered with the garnet recycling carts. Residents are asked to please read it carefully and retain it for future reference. We also have information posted on our website at www.naugatuck-ct.gov. Any resident with questions may also call the Department of Public Works at 203-720-7071.
We would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding during this transition period.
Posted by Bob on April 4, 2012 under Daily Blogs |
The Naugatuck Board of Finance reviewed additional budget proposals this past Monday (4/2/2012) for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Various community service agencies, buildings, event-related activities, and non-departmental budgets were presented before the Board. The following budgets can be viewed below in Microsoft Excel format. The last column on the far right (Column I) represents the initial funding recommendations made by the Board of Finance after the presentation. The initial, departmental request is listed in the preceding column to the left (Column H).
Supporting documentation can be viewed by clicking the various sheet pages at the bottom of the spreadsheet.
For those without access to Microsoft Excel or applicable conversion software, the summary page of each budget can be viewed below in .pdf format.
Several of the above referenced budgets are community programs, or event related. The Arts Commission coordinates local art and music programs including the Summer Concert Series. The Elderly Program is a tax abatement incentive for eligible seniors who perform volunteer services in the community in exchange for relief on a portion of their tax bills. The Borough owns the properties currently occupied by Jesse Camille’s Restaurant and the Naugatuck Railroad Station. The Borough is a member community of the Naugatuck Valley Health District (with Beacon Falls, Seymour, Ansonia, Derby and Shelton) and is assessed on a per capita basis. The Street Lighting budget is comprised of the contractual utility cost to TransCanada and the transmission line assessment from Connecticut Light and Power. The Settlement of Legal Claims budget is appropriated annually to fund claims associated with litigation not covered by insurance. Most of the funding for the Veterans Council is spent toward the Naugatuck Memorial Day Parade.
All budgets at this point in the process are preliminary and subject to change as the process continues. It is very likely that additional cuts will be made before a proposed budget is presented at public hearing, currently scheduled for Monday, May 21, 2012. The current budget calendar, which is always subject to change, can be viewed here.
Posted by Bob on April 2, 2012 under Daily Blogs |
Naugatuck’s Board of Ethics has been working for several months to revise the Borough’s Code of Ethics ordinance. Tonight (Monday, April 2, 2012), the Board of Mayor and Burgesses will hold a public hearing on the proposed revisions at 6:00 PM in the Hall of Burgesses, Fourth Floor, Town Hall (229 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770). Board of Ethics Chair Fred Valente will be in attendance to answer any questions about the proposal and/or the process. The most recent draft of the revised code can be viewed here. Ultimately, the Board of Mayor and Burgesses has the authority to revise the ordinance.
For those unable to attend the public hearing, please feel free to email comments to me about the proposed revisions at bob@bobmezzo.com.
Posted by Bob on March 28, 2012 under Daily Blogs |
The Cultural Council will host its first Community Conversation this Satruday, March 31, 2012, from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 PM, at Naugatuck High School. The Community Conversation will encourage participants to engage one another in small discussion groups led by trained facilitators. The guided discussions will encourage stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to speak in a respectful and thought-provoking manner on issues related to cultural diversity in Naugatuck. Through this process, the NCC hopes to:
- Build education and awareness by creating a place for people to tell their stories and to find commonalities, making sure that everyone knows their voice can be heard in some way;
- Create cross-cultural communication strategies that encourage opportunities for sharing cultural views, experiences, needs and desires to enhance community participation; and
- Welcome and support new populations to participate in local activities and events by breaking down barriers that prevent people from participation in community life.
The study guide that will be used at the Community Conversation
can be viewed here. The study guide provides an explanation of what participants should expect at the Community Conversation, and the types of topics that will be discussed.
The Community Conversation is open to anyone. Participation is free, and light refreshments and child care will be provided. The Nauguatuck Cultural Council will attempt to accommodate English-language learners with translation services if possible. Anyone interested in registering can contact Ed Carter at 203-720-7208 or
ecarter@naugatuck-ct.gov. The Community Conversation registration form can also be downloaded from this post in
Microsoft Word format or as
.pdf file.
Please take a few hours of your busy life to participate in this unique and free opportunity that will help to bring our community together through cultural appreciation and conversation. Your participation will assist the Naugatuck Cultural Council to identify and access cultural views, learn about Naugatuck’s diversity and create relationships, and develop leadership at all levels of our community. Please help us to make the initial Community Conversation a success.
Posted by Bob on March 20, 2012 under Daily Blogs |
The Naugatuck Board of Finance reviewed additional budget proposals last evening (3/19/2012) for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. The focus of last night’s discussions was various budgets associated with the Department of Public Works. The following department budgets can be viewed below in Microsoft Excel format. The highlighted (yellow) column on the far right (Column I) represents cuts made by the Board of Finance after the presentation. The initial, departmental request is listed in the preceding column to the left (Column H).
Supporting documentation can be viewed by clicking the various sheet pages at the bottom of the spreadsheet.
For those without access to Microsoft Excel or applicable conversion software, the summary page of each budget can be viewed below in .pdf format.
All of the above departments are directly managed by Borough staff, except for the Water Pollution Control Board (“WPCB”) budget. The WPCB is administered by Director of Public Works, James Stewart; but the Borough contracts with Veolia Water to operate the Naugatuck Treatment Plant. The Recreation – Fourth of July budget pertains to the annual Fourth of July celebration. Private funding contributes to the Fourth of July event, but is not reflected in the annual budget. All of the departmental budgets discussed last evening (3/19/2012) pertain to the Department of Public Works, which was reorganized and consolidated in 2009.
All budgets at this point in the process are preliminary and subject to change as the process continues. It is very likely that additional cuts will be made before a proposed budget is presented at public hearing, currently scheduled for Monday, May 21, 2012. The current budget calendar, which is always subject to change, can be viewed here.
Posted by Bob on March 19, 2012 under Daily Blogs |
The Board of Mayor and Burgesses (“BMB”) voted unanimously tonight (3/19/2012) to authorize the purchase of a large tract of undeveloped land located along Andrew Mountain Road. The vote is a culmination of months of discussions between Borough Attorney Edward Fitzpatrick and counsel for the property owners. I would like to thank the members of the BMB for working together in a bi-partisan manner. This proposed purchase is a proactive decision that will provide benefits to the Borough for many years into the future.
Several months ago, the attorney representing the owners of the land approached Attorney Fitzpatrick to inquire if the Borough would be interested in purchasing approximately one hundred forty six (146) acres of land. The particular property is comprised of four (4) different parcels of land that had been discussed as part of large residential subdivision proposed for Andrew Mountain. The area encompasses undeveloped land that includes what long-time Borough residents will remember as being referred to as the “Pig Farm”.
For the past few months, the BMB has discussed this proposal in executive session, due to the sensitive nature of real estate negotiations. The Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) allows municipalities to discuss very limited items such as real estate negotiations behind closed doors. BMB members have directed Attorney Fitzpatrick to discuss a potential purchase price for the land as well as possible financing. Borough Comptroller Wayne McAllister was also included in the discussions pertaining to the fiscal impact.
After several communications between the attorneys, a written offer was submitted to the Borough by the seller for the purchase of the property at a price of SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($750,000.00) DOLLARS. The owner would finance the Borough’s purchase of the property at ZERO (0%) PERCENT interest over five (5) years. This would mean that the Borough would have to allocate ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($150,000.00) DOLLARS in its non-recurring capital account for five (5) years. Prior to the BMB meeting this evening (3/19/2012), the Joint Boards of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses convened in executive session to discuss the commitment necessary to purchase the property.
The acquisition presents tremendous opportunity for the Borough on multiple levels. The property, which has been appraised at NINE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($950,000.00) DOLLARS, is in pristine condition. Director of Public Works James Stewart has indicated that the Borough could locate athletic fields or other public uses on the relatively level area near the entrance of the property along Andrew Mountain Road and a large portion of the back of the property.
As stated above, the property was proposed as part of a much larger, residential subdivision along Andrew Mountain Road. On the particular parcels that the Borough will purchase, it is estimated conservatively that about seventy five (75) homes could be built. Utilities and Borough sewers would likely be required as a condition of any approval. More significantly, the construction of residential housing to this magnitude would strain Borough schools with the potential for a dramatic increase in student population. Removing this possibility alone justifies the Borough’s decision to purchase the property from a cost-benefit analysis. According to 2009-2010 figures, Naugatuck spent TWELVE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN and 00/100THS ($12,111.00) DOLLARS to educate each of its students, inclusive of state funding.
Over many years, previous boards have passed on the purchase of various properties that could have benefitted the Borough. Areas such as Meadowbrook Place, Fawn Meadow were ultimately developed into residential subdivisions when the Borough chose not to pursue the option to purchase the properties. A similar proposal is pending for the former Wilmot Farms property near our Oxford border. While purchasing land often results in upfront costs, the long-term expenses associated with the residential development of such properties pales in comparison. I applaud my colleagues on the BMB for having the foresight to authorize this purchase.
After review by Attorney Fitzpatrick, I will execute a sales agreement to purchase the property by July 1, 2012 for the price of SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY and 00/100THS ($750,000.00) DOLLARS. As stated above, the Borough will finance the purchase over five (5) years without interest. Said agreement shall be subject to appropriate contingencies so that the Borough can perform customary due diligence prior to closing, expressly including a favorable environmental evaluation. A copy of the sales agreement shall be made available upon execution of the same.
Recently, a new open space grant was announced by the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”). Mr. Stewart has already initiated communication with officials from DEEP, and will investigate, in consultation with Attorney Fitzpatrick, the potential benefits of an application relative to this property. Further details of this program will be made available as the same become more defined.
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