Posted by Bob on July 7, 2010 under Daily Blogs | 
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My blog and personal email has been down for approximately the past twenty four (24) hours. If you sent me an email to bob@bobmezzo.com in the past day, please resend as I have not received any emails to that address since yesterday (7/6/2010). My apologies for any inconvenience.
Posted by Bob on July 2, 2010 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
Naugatuck’s annual Independence Day fireworks display will take place at dusk on Sunday, July 4, 
2010, at Naugatuck High School. Opening ceremonies organized by the Naugatuck Veteran’s Council will begin at 6:45 PM. Entertainment and food vendors will be available prior to the fireworks.
As a result of the holiday falling on a Sunday, all Borough departments will be closed on Monday, July 5, 2010. Trash collection, however, will occur on its regular day.
Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day Weekend.
Posted by Bob on July 1, 2010 under Daily Blogs | 3 Comments to Read
After many months of research, discussion and hard work, the Blight and Beautification Committee will present a proposed blight ordinance to the Board of Mayor and Burgesses on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. The draft may be viewed here.
Last July, we had the initial meeting of our Blight and Beautification Council. Numerous volunteers, many of whom had little to no private experience in Borough government, came together to take a stand against the problem of blight in Naugatuck. While simply passing a law would have been the easy path, the members of the new council agreed to attack the problem in a comprehensive manner. Rather than simply looking to penalize owners of blighted property, the group dedicated itself to crafting a workable and feasible ordinance, educating residents about the importance of keeping the Borough clean, and establishing a plan to promote beautification efforts.
While, multiple positive and creative endeavors are ongoing with regard to education and beautification, Tuesday’s (7/6/2010) Borough Board meeting will focus on the proposed new blight ordinance. The goal over the past several months has been to create a document that is comprehensive, logistically enforceable and prevents overlap with existing local and/or regional departments as much as possible. This will be the first opportunity for Burgesses to review the proposal as a collective body.
Committee members Linda Ramos and BJ Forlenzo have been instrumental in leading this effort. Ms. Ramos and Ms. Forlenzo have energized and driven this process by combining a tireless work ethic, thoughtful approach and deep love of a Naugatuck. We would not be at this stage with them. They have been assisted by a fantastic group of volunteers who continue to work constructively to make Naugatuck an attractive and inviting community.
Deputy Mayor Tamath Rossi has also devoted numerous hours researching and helping to draft the proposed ordinance and providing guidance to committee members. Second Deputy Mayor Mike Ciacciarella, Burgess Mindy Fragoso, Burgess Pat Scully and Mayoral Aide Ed Carter have also contributed to the overall process.
Please provide your thoughts on the proposed ordinance by commenting here and/or attending the meeting of the Board of Mayor and Burgesses this coming Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 7:00 PM on the fourth (4th) floor of Town Hall.
Posted by Bob on June 25, 2010 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
Demolition of the recently collapsed portion of the Salem (Route 63) Bridge will be completed soon. A schedule to renew reconstruction of the bridge is being determined by Connecticut Department of Transportation (”DOT”) officials, who are in charge of the state project. Safe travel in both directions continues to occur on the eastbound lane, which was recently reconstructed and is structurally independent of the westbound portion.
It is likely that the recreational fields on the south side of the Breen/Rotary complex will be opened for use early next week. Play resumed on the Breen North side last week. Utilities on the south side will be reconnected in the coming days as well.
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For the better part of fifteen (15) years, numerous Naugatuck administrations have sought to remediate the former Uniroyal Rubber property known as Parcel C. Two (2) unsuccessful attempts over the past fifteen (15) years have left many longtime Naugatuck residents skeptical about the current effort to finally clean Parcel C and prepare it for redevelopment. Remediation began this spring in what everyone plans will be the last time.
The current remediation effort is being undertaken pursuant to an agreement between the Borough and Manafort Brothers, Inc., a site development with a primary office in Plainville, CT. Manafort Brothers, Inc., was the successful bidder for the clean-up and the agreement was approved by the Board of Mayor and Burgesses.
The project is operating under a demonstration permit authorized by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (”DEP”) which allows contaminated soil to be treated on-site and reused. While the traditional and more expensive method of soil remediation requires contaminated soil to be removed and replace by clean fill, the current process cleans the soil by injecting an oxidizing agent into the soil. Once the agent reacts, the soil is cleaned and can be replaced on the property.
Like a bad weed that refuses to leave the garden, Parcel C continues to present challenges. The current obstacle is that certain particles in the soil, particularly in the form of coal and coal ash, have not responded to the cleaning agent. The delay in activity at the site is due to the time required to test and re-test the samples and adjust the mixture of chemicals being injected into the soil. While there are certain challenges we are facing, the project has by no means stopped and preparing the property for redevelopment is still the ultimate goal.
Different standards and degrees of remediation exist in each state. Connecticut requires different standards depending upon what the intended reuse of the property will be. Simply encapsulating certain contaminants may be all that is required if a parcel will serve as a parking lot or be used commercially with on-grade or slab construction. The highest standard would be required for residential purposes.
It has always been the Borough’s goal to remediate Parcel C to the highest standard possible. This increases the market value of the property as no environmental land use restrictions (known as “ELUR’s”) would be filed on the land records. Such an objective is also consistent with the “green” nature of the Renaissance Place Project. We must balance such an ambitious goal, however, with the reality of limited resources and the long-term plan for the property’s redevelopment.
While we all hope that such a project would be completed without any complications, most such undertakings inherently present obstacles. To think that there would be no issues cleaning a former rubber-producing, industrial site that was demolished years before modern remediation standards were enacted would be wishful at best. That being said, we need to complete the remediation process in the most sensible and cost-effective manner possible and ensure that the property is able to generate badly-needed tax revenue in the very near future. Calling it quits and using the property one (1) day a year as a staging area for the Duck Race is not an option.
All stakeholders have met this week to discuss the various options. They include myself, Director of Public Works Jim Stewart; Borough Engineer Wayne Zirolli; Borough consultant Al Kovalik from GeoDesign, Inc.; President and CEO Dave Prendergast from the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation; as well as representatives from Manafort Brothers, Inc., and our Renaissance partner Conroy Development Company. The contractor will return next week to perform additional tests to determine whether or not it is likely that the composition of soil already excavated is likely to be found in other locations on the parcel. Other industrial by-products not able to be treated on-site will be properly removed. Options will be discussed to integrate site-specific plans for Parcel C’s reuse with alternative remediation options. While nothing will happen has quickly as anyone would like, this is the nature of such a project where much time is required to test and re-test soil samples at laboratories and wait for results. The recent inactivity at the site is largely due to this.
The remediation of Parcel C is a significant priority for the Borough, and time and diligence is being devoted to that effort accordingly. Updates will be presented here when information becomes available.
Posted by Bob on June 15, 2010 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
A section of the Route 63 bridge spanning the Naugatuck River collapsed early this morning
(6/15/2010). The collapsed portion was on the westbound lane. The entire bridge has been under reconstruction for the past several months.
One worker has been reported injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with that individual and his family.
Our fire, police and emergency rescue crews were on the scene immediately after the collapse and secured the site. Fire Chief Charles Doback, Police Chief Christopher Edson and Emergency Management Director Francis Dambowsky led an outstanding effort by all Naugatuck’s public safety personnel to ensure the safety of all present and the public at large.
Investigation of the accident is under the control of the state police. Officials from the Connecticut Department of Transportation are also present to determine a further course of action with regard to clean-up and repair.
Currently (approximately 2:00 PM EDT) no traffic is being allowed across the Route 63 bridge from either the eastern or western directions. While the recently completed eastbound lane suffered no apparent damage, no traffic will be allowed until safe passage is affirmatively determined.
Metro North rail service through Naugatuck is currently suspended. Bus service is currently being substituted while train passage is halted. Please see the Metro North home page for further updates with regard to train service.
All tractor trailer traffic should be re-routed across the Route 68 bridge off Exit 28 on Route 8. Tractor trailers are asked to completely refrain from attempting to cross the Naugatuck via the Whittemore/Maple Street bridge ( off Exit 27 on Route 8 ) due to clearance issues associated with the train overpass. All businesses served by tractor trailer deliveries should advise their vendors accordingly.
Traffic underneath the Route 63 bridge is currently restricted along Elm Street and near the Ward Street intersection. Decisions to reopen said areas will be made only after it is determined that passage is safe.
All usage of fields at the Breen/Rotary athletic complex is suspended until further notice. Please contact the appropriate coaches and/or officials of our respective sports leagues for postponement, relocation and/or cancellation information.
Please support all Naugatuck’s public safety personnel by following all detour routes and leaving enough time to accommodate increases in travel time. All efforts are being made to reduce the impact and inconvenience to residents, but public safety is our first priority.
Posted by Bob on June 3, 2010 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
The 2010-2011 Borough budget will take effect on July 1, 2010, as the time period during which a referendum could be initiated has passed. The 2010-2011 budget includes an increase in spending of seventy four one hundredths (0.74%) percent over 2009-2010 levels. Pension obligations, which rose by over ONE MILLION and 00/100THS ($1,000,000.00) DOLLARS, represented the line items with the most significant increase (approximately 16.64% over 2009-2010 levels).
As a result of the Great Recession facing our county, Borough spending increases have been kept to bare minimums since the 2008-2009 budget year. Spending over that three (3) budget-year period rose thirty two one hundredths (0.32%) percent; with educational spending increasing by fifty three one hundredths (0.53%) percent, and municipal spending increasing only seven one hundredths (0.07%) percent during that time period.
I have very mixed thoughts about the implementation of our administration’s first Borough budget. Our goal was to have a complete zero (0%) percent budget increase for the 2010-2011 budget. Instructions were given to department heads to prepare their budgets in a legitimate manner to reflect needs, but to assume no increase of 2009-2010 levels. Our overall efforts to prevent any tax increase were hampered by the loss of approximately SIX HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($650,000.00) DOLLARS of state revenue before a single dime was allocated.
Significant actions were taken to reduce the ultimate cost to Borough taxpayers. Such actions included but were not limited to eliminating and/or reducing positions through attrition and early retirements, refinancing the Borough’s debt obligations, changing health care providers, reorganizing our public works departments and responsibly eliminating all discretionary spending in all departments.
The Board of Education (”BoE”) faced a similar task. To replicate the educational services offered during the 2009-2010 school year on July 1 ,2010, the BoE faced an increase of approximately SEVEN MILLION and 00/100THS ($7,000,000.00) DOLLARS. The adopted budget removes all but THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($300,000.00) DOLLARS of that amount. Reductions to reach an amount slightly above that figure include but are not limited to an early retirement package offered to educators (teachers and administrators), elimination of approximately twenty (20) additional educator positions, reconfiguration of the school district, changing health insurance providers, renegotiating certain service contracts and eliminating discretionary spending in all sections of the BoE budget. I applaud my colleagues on the BoE for making some very difficult decisions without resorting to the “eliminate school specials and sports” tactics employed in other districts.
The end result is a tax increase of one half (1/2) mill for the 2010-2011 year. A mill represents ONE and 00/100THS ($1.00) DOLLAR of tax for every ONE THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($1,000.00) DOLLARS of taxable property. Naugatuck’s mill rate for the 2010-2011 fiscal year will be thirty one and two one hundredths (32.02) mills. An average home appraised at TWO HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($225,000.00) DOLLARS (assessed value for taxation is 70% of appraised value) would see an approximate SEVENTY NINE and 00/100THS ($79.00) DOLLAR tax increase over 2009-2010 levels.
Any tax increase is significant in these drastic economic times. Members of the Joint Boards of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses (”Joint Boards”) were tasked, however, to create an honest budget that reduced spending to the minimum levels necessary to provide the level of services expected by our local government. I firmly believe we have done so. While all government should incorporate the best business practices from private industry, the reality is that government is in many ways different from the corporate world. Unlike the private sector, local government can not simply eliminate certain services it is obligated and/or mandated to provide or allow such services to be performed by a competitor. Our administration will continue to encourage and promote the incorporation of more common-sense, cost-savings measures common in private industry into our local government. We would be shortsighted, however, not to recognize the inherent differences.
The Joint Boards also withstood the temptation to enact unsound financial practices for politically popular gimmicks. Maintaining the integrity of the Borough’s fund balance, pension obligations and revenue protections will ensure that Naugatuck is financially sound in future years. I am honored to be apart of a culture on the Finance Board that refuses to allow questionable and/or irresponsible business practices to impact the overall and long-term health of the Borough.
An argument could be made that the level of cuts made during the budget process the past two (2) year go beyond levels necessary to meet the needs of our citizens. There is no denying that the Borough’s 2010-2011 spending increase will be well below the increase in the consumer price index over the past twelve (12) months. While school districts throughout the state have been forced to make difficult choices, cuts to Naugatuck’s education budget present significant challenges to providing the best education possible for our children. The early retirement package alone removes approximately one thousand four (1,004) years of collective, educator experience from the Borough’s schools.
The past two (2) years in Naugatuck can best be categorized as an attempt to withstand the effects of the Great Recession. Like most families, businesses and other governments, Naugatuck has trimmed its budget to the lowest levels in the hopes of surviving for a better day. Times may seem bleak now, but certain economic benchmarks indicate the beginnings of national recovery. While unemployment is still alarmingly high, many economists believe that the worst of the Great Recession may have passed. Our long-term efforts to increase our economic tax base must continue, as this is the only way we will be able to provide a quality level of service without increasing the burden placed on residential taxpayers. We, as a community, will make it through these difficult times; and our local government will be stronger and leaner because of the decisions we have made.
Posted by Bob on May 14, 2010 under Daily Blogs | 4 Comments to Read
The 2010-2011 budget adopted by the Joint Boards of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses on Thursday evening (5/14/2010) can be viewed here. More information and comment will follow.
The executive summary presented at Monday’s (5/10/2010) public hearing can be viewed here.
Posted by Bob on May 6, 2010 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
The Naugatuck River entering the state forest along the Naugatuck-Beacon Falls border.
The annual Naugatuck Valley River Race will take place this Saturday, May 8, 2010, beginning at 11:00 AM. Participants are asked to register between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM at 180 Platts Mill Road, in Naugatuck. The registration form can be downloaded here. The registration form also includes the rules and logistics of the race. The event website can be accessed here.
Naugatuck residents can view racers along the banks of the river at Linden Park, or from the Whittemore Bridge in Downtown Naugatuck. The race begins at Platts Mills along the Waterbury-Naugatuck border, and concludes in downtown Beacon Falls near the fire station.
In addition to the river race, there will be a five (5) kilometer road race in Beacon Falls which will benefit the Laurel Ledge School Parent Teacher Organization and the Nicholas Anthony Bielik Memorial Scholarship Fund. Events will conclude with a festival in downtown Beacon Falls including music, food and craft booths.
The river race has become an annual event attracting canoe and kayak racers from throughout Connecticut and beyond. As a lifelong resident of Naugatuck, I find it amazing that we are now using the river for recreational purposes. After years of neglect and abuse, numerous people are now realizing the beauty and potential of the Naugatuck. The river has made a remarkable comeback from its days as one of the nation’s most polluted waterways. We look forward to the next big day for the river: the Naugatuck Duck Day festival which will take place on Sunday, June 6, 2010.
Good luck to all racers for a fun day on the Naugatuck!
Posted by Bob on May 4, 2010 under Daily Blogs | Read the First Comment
The Finance Board made additional reductions to the Borough budget on Monday (5/3/2010) night. The proposed budget, which can be viewed here, will be presented to the Joint Boards of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses on Thursday, May 6, 2010, 6:30 PM, at Town Hall. It is likely that the public hearing on the budget will take place on Monday, May 10, 2010, at a time and place to be determined. All meetings are open to the public.
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