A Little Policy, Politics and Culture.

Learning

2012-01-07T10:58:00.001-05:00

We learn more and more
about more things every day if we try.

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Santorum???

2012-01-04T00:52:00.001-05:00

Really?

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How Can We Improve Our Town

2012-01-03T08:52:00.001-05:00

In 2012?

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Live VH Concert Thursday?

2012-01-02T20:59:00.001-05:00

Check out www.vhnd.com for info about a possible small venue live show from the boys on Thursday in New York.

Info at the following Rolling Stone link:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/van-halen-to-perform-at-new-yorks-cafe-wha-this-thursday-20120102

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Music News - Van Halen Press Conference Tomorrow?

2012-01-02T19:57:00.001-05:00

Maybe to announce tour plans and album - stay tuned!

The Van Halen News Desk (VHND.com) has breaking news on all things surrounding the much anticipated new Van Halen album! Here’s the schedule of events leading up to the new album’s release:

JANUARY 3rd:
*CONCERT DATES & CITIES ANNOUNCED for first wave of tour

JANUARY 10th:
*FIRST SINGLE PREMIERE
*FIRST MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE
*CONCERT TICKETS GO ON SALE

FEBRUARY 7th:
NEW ALBUM RELEASE DATE

ALBUM TITLE: “The Future” is not the album title, as rumored. Stay tuned to VHND.com for an update on the actual album and song titles.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-02T18:48:00.001-05:00

Working on blogging more for 2012, politics, as usual - but also with music, movies and sports. First attempt to update is today with the addition of my live twitter feed to the website. Enjoy and pass it along if you like it!

Tough on Blight

2011-08-06T13:42:00.001-04:00

L
By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — Bradley Avenue residents are upset by the overgrown grass and weeds at the former Colonial Funeral Home, and the same goes for neighbors of properties on the town’s Top 12 anti-blight list.

Linda Robertson-Matson has been pulling and sweeping away weeds in the street in front of Colonial at Bradley and Circular avenues. Weeds and tall grass circle the building and grow on lots nearby.

Similar sites can be seen at 1372 Dixwell Ave., 25 and 83 Collins St., 104 Dix St., 55 Merritt St., 17 Dest Drive, 1470 Shepard Ave., 50 Maplewood Terrace, 69 Bradley Ave., and 831 Wintergreen Ave., addresses that are on the radar of the Anti-Blight Task Force, according to Curt Balzano Leng, chief administrative officer to Mayor Scott D. Jackson.

“The town is really tired of dealing with continually blighted properties and is taking a tough stance,” Leng said of the properties. All but the Wintergreen Avenue address are vacant, according to the task force list.

Violators can face notices of violation, citations, fines, liens, foreclosures and arrest, depending on the situation and which town agency has jurisdiction, Leng said.

People on Bradley and Circular avenues have been calling about the former funeral home’s condition. According to town and state records, the property is owned by Twenty-Seven Blake Enterprises LLC, whose agent is Paul Moraski of Country Hills Road.

Leng said the town will be hiring a contractor “as soon as possible” to clean up the funeral home and parking lot. Liens will be taken out to pay for the cleanup, he said.

Moraski didn’t return a phone call seeking comment.

Robertson-Matson on Monday said she and others are concerned that if properties aren’t taken care of, they attract “crime, violence and more of a police presence.”

On July 7, Assistant Zoning Enforcement Officer Adam Zona sent anti-blight and property maintenance violation notices to Moraski, who lost his funeral home license in 2006. Both the Superior and Supreme courts rejected his appeals.

“A citation is going out this afternoon,” Zona said Monday.

Despite the town’s action, Robertson-Matson isn’t satisfied.

“It’s too slow a process. I wrote a letter to the mayor last year. Why do things take so long? You’re tired of driving by that every day.”

The town also has sent violation notices and citations to Leona Rogers Sealy of North Carolina, owner of 50 Maplewood Terrace. She has been fined $100 a day since June 30, according to Zona. Sealy couldn’t be reached.

The Planning and Zoning Department is having the planting strips on the property lines mowed and liens will be put on the property for the cost of mowing, Leng said.

Contact Ann DeMatteo at 203-789-5716. Follow her on Twitter at AnnDDeMatteo. To receive breaking news first, simply text the word nhnews to 22700. Standard msg+data rates may apply.

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Transfer Station Open for Business with Town Employees at a Cost Savings to the Town!

2011-07-07T16:53:00.001-04:00

Transfer Station to Remain Under Town Control; Rink Workers Still in Limbo

The town has come to an agreement that keeps town workers running the transfer station, still dealing with ice rink workers who must return to work by court order.

By Kathleen Ramunni | Email the author | 3:00pm

Efforts to privatize the town's transfer station have been abandoned, Mayor Scott Jackson's Chief Administrative Officer Curt Leng told the Legislative Council this week.

Last year Jackson indicated a desire to bring in an outside company to run the station after problems arose there, and had been trying to strike an agreement with Trash Master, the company that collects residential garbage and recyclables, to run it.

Also at that time the operation of the Lou Astorino Rink was privatized but the State Labor Board recently ruled that was done illegally and the town must bring back the four town employees who lost their jobs because of it.

"The transfer station is coming to a very sound resolution," Leng said. "I want to thank the Public Works Union for working with the town over the last several months crafting this money-saving agreement."

Beginning next year, the new agreement is expected to save the town $150,000, Leng said, and improve service at the station, including added hours two Saturdays a month. The station will be run with three employees rather than the five that have worked there in the past.

"The short term message to the public is the transfer station is open for business and run at a lower cost," he said. "It's a win-win for the town."

But what will happen with the displaced rink workers is still being determined, Leng said. The town is appealing the Labor Board's ruling. Read more about it here.

"Negotiations and discussions with the union are ongoing," Leng said. "The council will get the recommendations which will be submitted in July to [the council]."

Concern Over Potential Loss of State Funds to Hamden

2011-07-07T16:50:00.002-04:00

Town Officials Worried About State Union Vote

If state unions reject concessions, aid to cities and towns could be cut.

By Kathleen Ramunni | Email the author | June 23, 2011

News Wednesday that two major state unions had rejected proposed concessions aimed at closing a $1.6 million state budget gap sent shivers up the spines of local officials who fear the rejected concessions could cost town taxpayers.

Gov. Dannel Malloy crafted his 2011-12 state budget assuming the savings from the state employee unions and has said if those concessions aren't approved, thousands of state employees will receive pink slips.

But layoffs won't fill the entire budget gap, and Malloy also has said that cutting state aid to cities and towns is an option to balance the budget, something town officials said could be disasterous.

"Cuts to Hamden's state promised municipal aid would be extremely harmful toour taxpayers and to the town's financial stability," Mayor Scott Jackson's Chief Administrative Officer Curt Balzano Leng said Wednesday.

"We base our town budget and set a mill rate based on what the state allocates the town," he said. "A major cut after the new fiscal year begins would be a disaster."

The new fiscal year begins a week from Friday -- July 1 --when tax bills carrying a mill rate of 34.66 will go out to taxpayers.

Two state unions have rejected Malloy's proposed concessions, and more will vote Thursday and Friday. The two unions who rejected the agreements represent 8,300 of the 45,000 state workers, according to the Hartford Courant. An outright rejection would leave the governor with $700 million to scrap up for the next fiscal year.

Leng said the town's state delegation -- which includes Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney and state House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey -- will be working overtime to avoid the scenario that includes cuts to municipal aid.

"I am confident that our state delegation, with their leadership positions in both houses of the State Legislature, will work to avoid this and protect our town and our residents," Leng said.

For more information about Hamden and Curt Leng, please follow @townofhamden and @curtleng on twitter of friend/like Curt Leng and Town of Hamden on Facebook.

Union Concessions Approved

2011-06-22T23:18:00.001-04:00

Union Concession Packages Complete
Agreements with municipal unions will save the town almost $1.5 million.
By Kathleen Ramunni | 1:18am
The last of the municipal union concessions for the next fiscal year have been negotiated and approved, saving the town almost $1.5 million for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

At a special meeting Monday and after two executive sessions, the council approved the packages with the unions representing workers in the Government Center, crossing guards, the library and the police and fire departments. It had earlier approved concessions from the Public Works, Recreation and Supervisor's unions.

The Town Hall, crossing guards and library unions agreed to take four unpaid furlough days, as well as postpone their 2 percent raises until Jan. 1, rather than getting them July 1 of this year.

New language in the workman's compensation sections of the agreements also reduces the percentage of pay the town is responsible for, Chief Administrative Officer Curt Leng said, which will save the town money. Rather than paying 100 percent of wages, it will now pay 80 percent, he said.

Workman's comp wages aren't taxable, Leng said, so those receiving it actually received more since the taxes aren't taken out, leaving little incentive for those on it to return to work.

The Fire Department employees won't get a raise this year, Leng said, but will get this year's and next year's raise -- 4.5 percent -- next year. As a guardian service, they can't take furlough days, he said, but have agreed to give up four paid holidays.

The Police Department employees will get their 2.5 percent raises but agreed to give up 13 paid holidays, Leng said, and will have higher medical copays.

Both the police and fire departments also can take part in a sick pay buyback, Leng said. Under their contracts, upon retirement they can cash in up to 97 banked sick days, resulting in large payouts at retirement. Under the buyback, they can exchange those days for pension credits -- 45 days for one year, 90 days for two years and 140 days for three years.

"That reduces the payout of sick time," Leng said, and when they retire those hired to replace them are hired at a lower rate.

The concessions extend the contracts by two years, Leng said, and in September, town officials will begin negotiations with the unions over changes to the medical insurance and pension provisions in the contracts that he said are unsustainable into the future.

"If we don't do some changes, we will be in the same situation next year," Leng said.

"I would like to say thank you to all of the unions for coming to the table and helping out in these tough economic times," council member Kath Schomaker said.

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11-12 Budget Approved - average tax increase $45 for entire year!

2011-05-15T01:15:00.001-04:00

Hamden Patch:

The Legislative Council Thursday approved its 2011-12 town and education budget that sets the mill rate at 34.66 mills but increases taxes only slightly for the average homeowner.

The current 31.16 mill rate will go up 3.6 mills but for most homeowners, that won't translate into a large tax increase because 90 percent of homes decreased in value after last year's revaluation. But for the 10 percent whose values went up, taxes will rise.

They also will rise for business owners whose assessments also increased as a result of revaluation.

"For the first time in recent Hamden history, commercial assessments went up, shifting some of the tax burden from residential to commercial," Chief Administrative Officer Curt Balzano Leng said.

But that won't be the case for most homeowners, he said. The average home in Hamden carries an assessment of $167,510, he said. That homeowner will pay only about $40 more next year, less than $4 a month.

The 34.66 mill rate means that property owners will pay $34.66 for every $1,000 worth of assessment. A property assessed at $200,000 will pay 200 x 34.66, or $6,932.

That same property, assessed at $220,000 before revaluation, paid $6,855 this year. That tax bill will rise by $77 this year.

It was in large part because of concessions made by six of seven town union bargaining units that taxes were able to be kept level, Leng said. The dispatcher's union was the only one not to agree to concessions, he said, and will likely see layoffs as a result.

But the other unions all agreed to accept furlough days except for the police and fire unions, which are by law not able to give back days. Instead the Police Union agreed to give up a number of paid holidays, saving $400,000. That was $40,000 more than Mayor Scott Jackson had requested, Leng said, and that extra savings will be applied to the town's pension fund.

The Fire Department has agreed to operate next year on a zero percent increased budget, Leng said.

Non-union town workers also are taking furlough days, Leng said, saving $189,000. Jackson declined to accept any raise, he said.

The concessions still need union approval, Leng said, which is expected to come soon.

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Hamden Provides Tax Relief to Seniors!

2011-04-14T15:40:00.000-04:00

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor
adematteo@nhregister.com

HAMDEN — The Legislative Council added a new member Wednesday night, and with Republican Raeanne V. Curtis on board, there was a unanimous vote to provide a second year of tax relief for elderly and disabled residents.

The tax relief program would be equivalent to a tax freeze for the 2011-12 fiscal year. Some senior and disabled residents may even see a tax reduction if the value of their houses declined enough during revaluation, officials said.

The council recently tabled the tax relief ordinance, though it was approved in committee, because the town attorney needed to review some wording in the ordinance.

Last year, 752 families participated in the program, producing a revenue loss of about $800,000. The cost to extend the freeze for a second year is $60,430.

Tax relief will be $1,000 to $1,500, depending on income. Single people whose income is less than $16,151 would receive $1,500 in tax relief. The same goes for a married couple earning less than $19,751.

Single applicants whose income is $16,151 to $32,300 will get $1,000, and those who are married and earn $19,751 to $39,500 would get $1,000.

The ordinance has a provision that any eligible applicant whose July 1 tax bill increases by more than $500 will receive a tax credit equal to that increase.

“If tax bills are greater than in 2010, there will be an additional benefit,” said Chief Administrative Officer Curt Balzano Leng.

Council members said they were happy the town was able to provide the relief for another year.

“This is one of the best programs we have in the town,” said council President James Pascarella, D-at large. “I’m please to see it’s utilized. It’s critical to provide this assistance, and I hope those eligible realize it’s there.

People should contact the assessor’s office for more information.

Last week, Republican Craig Cesare resigned his council seat because he is now the town public works director. Also last week, the Republican Town Committee nominated Curtis to fill the vacancy. The council then unanimously certified the selection, and Curtis was sworn in by Judge of Probate Salvatore Diglio.

Curtis first served Hamden as chief aide to the late Mayor John DeNicola Jr. from 1985-87. She later was chief of staff for the state Consumer Protection and Public Works departments; deputy commissioner for the state Department of Transportation; and state Department of Public Works commissioner for three years until December.

Democrats and Republicans said they were impressed with her resume. They also thanked Cesare for his work on the council the last three years. Cesare, who was in the audience, told the council he couldn’t think of a better person to fill his seat. “She has a resume a mile long; lengths beyond most of us.”

“In bipartisan fashion, I would like to welcome her. We met many moons ago when I was a Republican. She’s accumulated an absolutely fabulous resume,” said Councilwoman Carol Noble, D-at large.

“Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to working with all of you because I know we all share and have feelings for what’s good for the town and its people,” Curtis said before taking her seat at the council table.

During a caucus after the meeting, Republicans chose Curtis to be minority leader, a role that belonged to Cesare. Curtis now serves on the Police Commission, but hasn’t decided whether she’ll resign. She will decide in a few months whether she will seek election to the council.

Call Ann DeMatteo at 203-789-5716.

Traffic Calming Safety Initiative Funding Approved

2011-04-09T09:24:00.000-04:00

Article from HamdenPatch.com

Traffic calming has been identified by town officials as being a priority for residents, so on Monday the Legislative Council authorized Mayor Scott Jackson to spend almost $100,000 in LOCIP funds on doing just that.

The council authorized Jackson to "apply for, accept and expend funding up to $99,766 in state of Connecticut Local Capital Improvement Program funds for Traffic Calming Phase I projects."

The money will go towards what have been identified as problem areas -- specifically, areas in and around both private and public schools, as well as at Farmington Canal crosswalks.

"Improvements include additional signage, new reflective bars for increased visibility, in-street message painting, new crosswalk painting, the installation of "in-street" signs (crossing totems), the purchase and installation of permanent speed compliance units, the purchase of traffic humps/pads and other calming tools," Jackson wrote in a memo to the council.

"As traffic calming is a top priority of our residents, I urge your review and approval of this grant allocation so that we can begin implementing these safety improvements immediately," Jackson wrote.

Jackson gauged the public's interest in the project at a community forum held with state Rep. Peter Villano last spring, where "we received excellent reports and testimony from numerous civic associations and other stakeholders," he said.

Jackson said he has created a "citizen's working group" that will oversee the first phase of the project and plan for the second phase.

"Their input has been extremely valuable," Jackson said.

Phase one of the project has two parts: the School Zone and Neighborhood Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Safety Project, and the Farmington Canal Traffic Calming Project.

The school zone portion targets all school zones throughout the town, Jackson said, in order to curb problems with speeding in those areas using several tools including signage, street painting, speed bumps and speed compliance units.

Two permanent speed compliance units, which display the speed of passing vehicles, will be installed in the two areas identified as the most problematic: Hamden Middle School and Helen Street School, according to Jackson's chief administrative officer Curt Balzano Leng.

The units won't initially be equipped with cameras, Leng said, but eventually will.

"In Connecticut you can't enforce with cameras, but it is more of a deterrent," he said. "Whether it is a deterrent or enforceable, we are planning on putting the cameras in as soon as they arrive."

Measures will be taken at all of the town's public schools, as well as at Sacred Heart Academy on Benham Street, St. Rita's School on Gilles Road, St. Stephen's School on Ridge Road, Highville School on Leeder Hill Drive and Wintergreen Magnet on Wintergreen Avenue.

Work also will be done on several town roads where the Farmington Canal crosses, including on Brooksvale Avenue both near Brooksvale Park and by Still Hill Road, and on River Road, Shepard Avenue, Todd Street, Skiff Street, Haig Street, Treadwell and Marne streets, Alling Street, Dudley Street, Morse Street, Goodrich Street and Hamden Parks Drive.

The cost for that work is $17,869 while the work near the schools will total $81,897.

"I like the approach of working around the schools and the linear trail," said council member Kath Schomaker. "It's a hot issue that people talk to me about a lot."

"Traffic calming is a word you will be hearing a lot in 2011," Leng said. "This is going to help us get it going."

PHOTOS (1)

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Budget

2011-03-18T00:01:00.001-04:00

Mayor presented his budget proposal to the Legislative Council tonight.

Budget is strong, responsible, conservative and fair. Details are available at www.hamden.com.

More details tomorrow in most news forums!

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Reval Results

2011-03-17T23:59:00.001-04:00

Printed from www.patch.hamden.com

From Chief Administrative Officer Curt Balzano Leng:

The town's grand list, the total value of all taxable property and motor vehicles, has decreased, following the recently completed town-wide revaluation process. Revaluation of property values is required under state law every four years.

The grand list decreased from $4,310,212,858 to $4,022,853,966, a reduction of $287,358,892, or -6.67 percent. Overall, the revaluation produced a major change, seeing a reduction in the value of residential property and an increase for commercial property.

The following is an overview of the results:

Prior to the revaluation, the median residential single family residential dwelling assessment was $189,000; following the revaluation, that average assessment dropped to $171,600, a 10 percent reduction;
Prior to the revaluation, the median condominium assessment was $122,700; following the revaluation, the average dropped to $109,310, an 11 percent reduction;
Commercial property value increased by approximately 6.5 percent;
Motor vehicle values increased by approximately 3.6 percent.
(These totals and averages were supplied by Chief Assessor Jim Clynes)

“Completing the state-mandated revaluation on-time proved to be the right thing to do for Hamden residents. The results shift some of the tax burden off of residential properties, which were valued high during the last revaluation process due to the housing market bubble,” said Mayor Scott Jackson.

The town’s mill rate is currently 31.16. If the new grand list values were in place for last year’s budget, the mill rate to collect the same amount of taxes would have been 33.39 mills.

This calculation is given as a point of reference for people wondering how the new value of their home will be realized in their tax bill. The majority of residential properties saw a reduction in value.

To ensure that residents are fully aware of their property’s new value, new mill rate and how that change affected their tax bill, Mayor Jackson and Tax Collector Barbara Tito will issue tax bills with additional information in July.

The new information will include the 2010 assessed value, mill rate and total tax due, alongside the 2011 assessed value, mill rate and tax due. This will allow an accurate and transparent comparison of exactly what taxes each resident paid in 2010 and what will be owed in 2011.

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Federal Money Approved for Emergency Snow Grant Funding

2011-03-06T16:51:00.001-05:00

With the stroke of his pen, President Barack Obama's signature became the silver lining to the Jan. 12 winter storm that walloped the state with historic snowfall totals and busted already cash-strapped municipal budgets.

The federal government is going to help cover the multi-million dollar price tag of the cleanup, and Hamden is expected to share in that payout.

It was announced Friday that Obama has approved Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's Feb. 18 request for a major disaster declaration for federal aid in connection with the Jan. 12 snowstorm. This declaration includes Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, New Haven, New London and Tolland counties, including the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nations.

A preliminary cost estimate for storm cleanup in those counties in the 48 hours following the storm’s onslaught tops $14.5 million. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reimburse approximately 75 percent of that cost, said Brenda Bergeron, a spokesperson for Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMH).

“It’s very exciting to be getting this back,” she said.

New Haven County’s cost topped the state charts at $3.5 million. Due to the county’s high cost and the amount of snow that fell there, Bergeron said the area is eligible for reimbursement of costs incurred during the 72-hour period following the storm. That could put the county’s cost above $3.5 million, since that number was based on a 48-hour response time to the storm that dumped upwards of two feet of snow and essentially put the state at standstill.

In Hamden, that storm alone costs in the hundreds of thousands to clean up, adding to a snow removal bill that has topped a million dollars.

The Legislative Council has made several special appropriations from its Emergency and Contingency account to pay the bills, practically exhausting the line item.

Chief Administrative Officer Curt Balzano Leng has said that he anticipates the town receiving as much as $75,000 from the federal government in emergency payments.

"The town is very thankful to have the opportunity to recoup some of the snow removal costs, which for Hamden topped $1.1 million - almost three times our annually budgeted amount," he said. "This will help us to fill the hole this winter season has created in the budget."

The President did not declare a major disaster for Middlesex and Windham counties, so the state will be appealing to have them included. Bergeron is hopeful relief will come to those counties, too.

Snowfall totals in Middlesex and Windham counties were a couple inches short of FEMA’s guidelines, but the costs incurred there more than met requirements, Bergeron said.

“The process to determine what each town will get is just starting,” she said.

The first step is an applicant briefing during which representatives from FEMA and the state’s Department of Emergency Management and Homeland meet with municipal leaders in each of the state’s counties. She said those meetings should be set up within the next three weeks. Then FEMA and state officials will meet with town and city officials to nail down final figures.

All in all, she said, “I think it takes several months.”

“The major disaster declaration that President Obama declared will help our cities and towns with the gaping holes in their budgets left by a brutal, relentless winter,” Malloy said. “I’d like to thank President Obama and FEMA for their quick action in this regard. However, Middlesex and Windham Counties were not spared this winter, and I’m already moving forward with an appeal to this ruling on behalf of those counties.”

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, also weighed in on the news. “This critical aid will help Connecticut residents and businesses get back on their feet after the record-breaking storms we have had this winter. I applaud President Obama’s quick approval of the majority of the state’s applications, but I am concerned that Middlesex and Windham Counties, which each saw a staggering 22 inches of snow during the Jan. 11-12 storm, were left out. I will be working with Governor Malloy and federal officials to ensure that we secure the needed assistance for these counties, and will continue to support the state’s subsequent applications for the addit.

New Police Pics

2011-02-23T23:20:00.001-05:00

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Tax Collection

2011-02-23T23:19:00.001-05:00

Hamden hires firm to collect back tax debt. For more info visit www.hamden.com.

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Budget 2011

2011-02-10T23:17:00.001-05:00

Almost full time work on the Town budget set to begin tomorrow. We are working double time to get our budget to sustain services and keep our taxes stable. It's a tall order, but we can do it with a little help from everyone.

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Snow Reimbursement Grant

2011-01-20T22:38:00.001-05:00

We are hard at work on an excellent grant funding opportunity for serious reimbursement from FEMA for the last blizzard. If successful, Hamdn could see reimbursement of 75% of our expenses!

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Despite difficulties, upbeat audit for Hamden

2011-01-04T13:23:00.000-05:00

Despite difficulties, upbeat audit for Hamden (video)

Published: Tuesday, January 04, 2011

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor
adematteo@nhregister.com

HAMDEN — When it comes to last year’s $8.3 million operating deficit, the town is in recovery mode.

The town had a lot of financial pressures in the fiscal year that ended June 30, but issues are getting resolved, said the town’s auditor of three years, Scott Bassett of McGladrey & Pullen of New Haven. Bassett reviewed the audit report with the Legislative Council Monday night; it was accepted.

Officials noted that it was the first time in years that the town will be submitting its audit to the state on time. It will be delivered today, Bassett said.

The town’s savings account, also known as the fund balance, was at $574,675, a decrease of just over $8 million from the previous fiscal year.

Finance Director Kathleen Etkin said the fund balance will begin to creep up with the addition of $1.7 million as part of the refund the town received from the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority, which no longer operates the trash-to-energy plant in Wallingford. Another $109,000 from CRRA will be added in April, she said.

Council President James Pascarella, D-at large, said there were no surprises in the audit. Responding to a question from Pascarella, Bassett agreed that the town dealt with shortfalls, including shortfalls in building fees of $1.27 million and conveyance taxes, but was able to hold down expenditures, which helped the bottom line. The town also lost $3.39 million in expected educational cost-sharing grant money, for example.

“We’re pleased you recognized the internal service funds were replenished,” Pascarella said, referring to the town’s efforts to cover deficits in medical self-insurance and worker’s compensation accounts.

Pascarella added that facing those deficits, the administration and council tackled them together.

The town refinanced debt service and used savings to fill in an $8.6 million gap in medical self-insurance, which had grown over several years. The 2010-11 budget was funded at about $36 million, he said. The contribution to worker’s compensation jumped from $750,000 to $1.5 million, he said.

“The auditors and the rating agencies recognize the very aggressive moves by the administration, and the council greatly turned the matter around,” Pascarella said.

“They went out of their way to say we took care of a structural imbalance,” said Curt Leng, Mayor Scott D. Jackson’s chief aide. “Last year’s priority was restoring the medical self-insurance deficit. This year’s goal is to get the fund balance back, and that’s already under way.”

Official Town Parking Ban

2010-12-26T11:20:00.001-05:00

Please be advised that as of 11am on Sunday, December 26th, 2010 a parking ban will be in effect until further notice. The parking ban prohibits parking on the ODD SIDE of Hamden streets.

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Drainage Improvement Study

2010-12-11T10:44:00.001-05:00

From www.patch.hamden.com

In addition to contamination fears, residents living in the Newhall and Highwood areas of southern Hamden have had to put up with flooding for years due to an antiquated system of undersized water pipes.

With the state Department of Environmental Protection's remediation project underway, this as an opportunity to address the flooding problem while roads are already being dug up, town officials said.

"The Newhall Street neighborhood has been the victim of severe flooding for many years," said Mayor Scott Jackson's chief administrative officer Curt Leng. "The town of Hamden is working to address this issue by conducting a comprehensive drainage study."

A request for proposals has been sent out for an engineering firm to do studies of both the Newhall and Highwood neighborhoods, Leng said, the cost of which will be paid from the town's capital projects account.

"Once completed, the study will be used by the town to seek Federal and State grant assistance to implement the infrastructure improvements," he said. "The study is timely, as the town will take advantage of the on-going environmental remediation work by the Department of Environmental Protection to allow greater visual access to the town's storm water drainage system."

The DEP commenced the project earlier this year to remediate properties built on an old landfill. Dozens of homes will be remediated under the state DEP project. More than two dozen are completed, and as many as 60 could be done in the next year.

With that work ongoing, it's the perfect time to address the flooding problems, Jackson said.

"The Town will have a rare opportunity to take advantage of the open ground," he said, "and allow the engineers to develop comprehensive solutions to this long standing problem."

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Youth Center and Sidewalks

2010-11-18T22:31:00.000-05:00

Pleased to report that work is underway on phase two of the sidewalk replacement/repair program - northern Hamden and Whitneyville should be seeing sidewalks poured!

Also, our Youth Center has moved to 60 Putnam and were working hard to male improvements that will make us proud!

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Come Visit Hamden Facebook Page

2010-10-09T16:05:00.000-04:00

Come visit and become a fan of the Town of Hamden official Facebook page. Search "Town of Hamden" in Facebook search engine and click "Like". Bringing Hamden info right to your computer!

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Parks Getting Great Upgrades!

2010-10-07T13:07:00.001-04:00

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor
adematteo@newhavenregister.com

HAMDEN — By next week, Bassett Field should have a spiffy new look, just like Legion and Cesare Memorial fields before it.

That’s because the Public Works Department and the mayor’s office have worked together to provide parks maintenance workers the tools and the time they need to get the job done.

The mayor’s office had fielded calls from citizens and sports groups about the disrepair, according to Chief Administrative Officer Curt Leng.

“We had meetings and talked about strategically hitting the fields and bringing them to safer and more playable condition,” he said. “The parks division has done a tremendous job of upgrading the fields.”

As a result, field maintenance work had to be reorganized and prioritized, said acting Public Works Director Jack Kennelly, who took over at the end of August because Director Joseph Velardi is on sick leave.

Now, fields will be fixed one at a time until all the work is finished, Kennelly said. Previously, parks maintenance crews would be sent to the ball fields whenever a complaint arose.

“They were taken in many directions and nothing was completed,” he said.

Kennelly, a Democratic at-large councilman, said at a recent council meeting that the crews are good at their jobs, and the “results speak for themselves.” To fix a field properly takes a minimum of four people two to four days to prepare the field, depending on its size and how many diamonds it has. While some workers are mowing and removing weeds, others are pulverizing, scarifying and belt raking the playing areas. Legion, Cesare and Bassett will also be getting new page fence back stops.

To prepare fields for the fall playing season, a more efficient way of doing things with fewer people had to be figured out, Kennelly said.

Due to budget cuts, nine parks workers who had worked under the Parks and Recreation Department were transferred to Public Works. But, three seasonal employees who spent summers helping to maintain the fields got laid off. Another full-time parks worker was laid off. Fields were in disrepair for some time and didn’t get fully repaired going into the summer season.

When Bassett Field is completed, the workers will move to Rochford Field. Discussions will take place to determine which field to tend to next.

Meanwhile, an enclosed trailer has been delivered to Public Works following Legislative Council approval. Employees are happy because they will no longer have to load and unload equipment onto open trailers on a daily basis, saving time and manpower. The enclosed trailer has been equipped with storage racks and cabinetry for the equipment. The trailer cost $11,284.

It had taken 45 minutes to an hour each morning and at the end of each workday to load and unload the two open trailers that carry the equipment and place it in the garage, a waste of manpower, Kennelly said. Having the trailer will save 18 man-hours a day, 90 hours a week and 360 a month, Kennelly said, for an annual total of $217,000.

“We had to scramble every morning. This way, everything is all there,” said Ken Paecht, a foreman and parks and recreation union president.

Employees had asked for an enclosed trailer previously.

The town also is depending on teams, coaches and parents to work with the town to keep things clean. Boy Scouts recently painted over graffiti of dugouts at Legion Field, Leng said.

Ridge Hill School Renovation Coming Soon

2010-10-04T12:59:00.000-04:00

HAMDEN — For the Board of Education, Ridge Hill School has been No. 1 on the capital improvements list and has been approved to undergo a series of renovations.

The School Building Committee, made up of members of the school board and Legislative Council, Wednesday night approved an architectural services document for interested firms to follow when they submit proposals.

The document will be reviewed by the council and then proposals will be sought.

The council has set aside $1.2 million for renovations to the school on Carew Road, though the list of what needs to be done is estimated at $1.6 million. When firm prices for the work are decided, some of the work would probably be eliminated, officials said Wednesday night.

Repairs include new carpeting, floor and ceiling tiles, bathrooms, replacing hallway dividers with permanent walls and upgrades in various areas such as lighting and the building management system. All restrooms also will be renovated.

Meanwhile, $422,000 in energy improvements are already underway, according to Mark Albanese, director of facilities for the school system. The town’s energy consultant, Power Point, has completed about 95 percent of the lighting upgrades. Miscellaneous fixtures and controls upgrades will be done by mid-October, Albanese reported.

“There is a tremendous difference in the lighting. We’ve reduced the number of fixtures and wattage, but we have more lighting,” he told the committee.

Roughly half of the money for the energy improvements came from a United Illuminating grant, according to mayoral aide Curt Leng. The rest of the money is coming from town resources and a UI financing program, he said.

Albanese said that the goal is to start working on renovations over the Christmas, February and April vacations. Work cannot begin until all of the proposals are back and the best proposal is selected.

Leng said that the repairs for Ridge Hill made it to the front burner because of complaints about the school’s condition.

“Ridge Hill is one of the oldest buildings in the district which hasn’t undergone any type of renovation,” Albanese said.

Ridge Hill was built in 1969 and still contains a lot of original materials, including the bathrooms, water fountains and ceiling and gymnasium tiles. The gym and ceiling tiles contain asbestos and will have to be carefully monitored when removed.

Kimberly Scroggins is a Register intern. Assistant Metro Editor Ann DeMatteo contributed to this report.

Hamden Repairing Sidewalks!

2010-10-04T12:58:00.001-04:00

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor
adematteo@newhavenregister.com

Concrete foreman Mike Donaghy of BIRM-1 of Ansonia prepares to pour fresh concrete while repairing sidewalks damaged by tree roots along Woodlawn Street In Hamden. The town repairs sidewalks year-round, except for winter. (Peter Casolino/Register)

HAMDEN — If you live in Spring Glen or the southwestern section of town, you may see contractors repairing sidewalks.

That’s because the town is using about $775,000 in state grant money and capital funds to pay for repairs to cracked and raised sidewalks damaged by tree roots.

The work is being done to combat a 15-year backlog of residential requests, according to Curt Balzano Leng, chief administrative officer to Mayor Scott D. Jackson.

“One of the mayor’s objectives was to clean the list up. We thought it was an eight-year backlog, but it’s really 15 years,” Leng said.

The goal for 2010 is to clear up complaints made through 1999. While contractors are on those streets, newer complaints on the list also will be handled so that streets can be finished and up to date, Leng said.

In order to determine which areas of town should be done first, the Engineering Department split the town into quadrants and looked at the areas with the largest number of old complaints. Southwestern Hamden and Spring Glen were at the top of the list. Two different companies were hired to tackle the cracks.

BIRM-1 of Ansonia is working in Spring Glen and Blue Ribbon Services Inc. of East Haven is taking care of southwestern Hamden.

The town opened bids May 20 and issued purchase orders for the work July 16, said Purchasing Agent Richard Cumpstone.

BIRM-1’s bid was $199,132.50 for the Spring Glen area. Blue Ribbon’s purchase order was for $54,000, while its bid was $86,010. Town officials said the purchase order will be raised to the higher amount, because more capital funds became available Aug. 25.

According to Town Engineer Robert Brinton, sidewalks in southwest Hamden on Belden and Twin Brook roads; Saint Mihiel and West Side drives and Woodin Street have been repaired.

In Spring Glen, Elihu, Filbert, Greenway, Harmon, Waite and Woodlawn streets and Whitney Avenue have been completed, Brinton said.

Tonight, the Legislative Council will act on the acceptance of $200,000 from the state’s local capital improvement program. The town already accepted $200,000 from the grant program in May. The council approved $275,000 for sidewalk repair in this year’s budget, and there is roughly $100,000 left from previous capital allocations.

The town will also be seeking bids for sidewalk replacement work in the northern, southeastern and Whitneyville sections of town. One or more contractors will be hired, Leng said.

The only areas that won’t be part of the sidewalk repairs this year are Hamden Plains, which had a lower number of complaints that dated from 1995 to 1999, and the Newhall area, where yards are being remediated and sidewalks repaired at the same time, Leng said.

The Engineering Department, rather than the mayor’s office, is now determining which sidewalks will be done. “We work with them to set policy and get funding to do their job,” Leng said.

(QUESTIONS - E-MAIL me at curt.leng@yahoo.com)

Summer Construction

2010-05-31T13:33:00.001-04:00

Three neighborhoods getting major sidewalk reconstruction. Updating the infamous damage list from 1995 to this decade!

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Budget Thoughts

2010-04-02T11:08:00.001-04:00

I would like to encourage residents to give me all of your budget ideas at cleng@Hamden.com. Many ideas have been coming in and it's all been very helpful. I would like to encourage as much discussion as possible. I look forward to our conversations.

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Hamden's Budget Proposal

2010-03-16T10:23:00.001-04:00

We've posted Hamden's proposes budget in full on the Town website at www.Hamden.com. Take a look and I look forward to hearing your feedback. Email me at cleng@Hamden.com.

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Budget Address

2010-03-07T13:10:00.000-05:00

Mayor's budget address is one week away, March 15, at 7:00 pm, Thorton Wilder Hall, at the Miller Library Complex.

Budget Community Meetings Begin

2010-02-26T21:14:00.000-05:00

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — One thing is for certain in next year’s town budget: There will be fewer employees and a reduction of services.

“The question is: What people and what services?”

That was the question Mayor Scott D. Jackson posed to a citizen roundtable Thursday night at the M.L. Keefe Community Center.

It was Jackson’s first budget conversation with the public. Another session will take place 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the Miller Senior Center, 2901 Dixwell Ave.

Because of the difficulties facing the town in the preparation of the 2010-11 budget, Jackson wanted to reach out to the residents to gather their ideas. Jackson explained that the biggest driver in the upcoming budget is rising medical insurance costs.

“If we did nothing to try to reduce medical costs, we’re looking at an increase of $7 (million) to $8 million, roughly 2 mills,” Jackson said.

The current budget is $175 million, $125 million of which is funded through taxes. The tax rate is 29.5 mills. Based on town department requests and recommendations for medical and pension costs, the tax rate would jump to 37 mills.

“That is not doable,” said Jackson, who wants to present a budget to the Legislative Council next month that “doesn’t rip out the essential core of Hamden and its services, but doesn’t tax people out of town.”

Except for a suggestion from resident John Melillo to reduce the number of deputy chiefs in the Police Department from three to one, the session didn’t generate ideas for budget cuts. Instead, the nine residents who attended learned more about what goes into making the budget from Jackson and his chief aide, Curt Balzano Leng.

“I liked it a lot. It was more questions than suggestions,” said resident Michael Lockett.

Residents asked about town operations, and gave Jackson the impression they supported schools and libraries.

The cost to regionalize services and a lack of state funding were also discussed.

Jackson said after the meeting that what he heard from residents is that they support the schools and libraries.

Budget Work Underway

2010-02-26T21:13:00.000-05:00

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — While working to resolve a potential deficit in this year’s budget, Mayor Scott D. Jackson is also seeking public comment for the next budget.

The first public conversation on the 2010-11 budget will be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the M.L. Keefe Community Center, 11 Pine St. Another forum will be held 5-7 p.m. March 4 at the Social Hall of the Miller Senior Center, 2901 Dixwell Ave.

Jackson said he wants to give residents the chance to tell him their priorities for fiscal 2010-11. In previous years, public input hasn’t been taken until after the Legislative Council received the mayor’s budget.

“By cultivating these conversations earlier in the budget season, I can focus my budget based on the service needs of Hamden’s citizens,” Jackson said.

With regard to this year, officials are controlling expenditures and the expense side of the budget should result in a surplus because of the controls according to Jackson’s chief aide Curt Balzano Lang.

Some revenues, especially those from the state, have not yet materialized and that could play a role in a potential deficit. There are also potential shortages in several accounts.

Meanwhile, the town’s medical self-insurance fund could be at least $5 million in the hole this year. The 2009-10 budget listed $22 million for medical self-insurance, but expenses could now be more than $27 million, according to Leng.

The money for medical self-insurance is passed through the operating budget, but is an internal service account that is supplemented with employee contributions. Additional money to cover the deficit does not exist.

“The two driving problems with this year’s budget are a drastically increased medical self-insurance expense. We won’t know until the end of year, but it’s millions more than expected,” Leng said.

Higher medical insurance costs, more employee claims and more prescriptions filled caused the jump. The town switched to medical self-insurance in the 1990s.

“It’s a higher medical year and the trend is showing next year isn’t going to be any better,” Leng said.

There also is an internal deficit in the fund of about $6.5 million because annual contributions have fallen short of needs.

“The mayor is working very hard on ways to reduce the overall cost with a host of different possibilities,” Leng said.

Some of those options may take effect before the end of the fiscal year. The changes will also be reflected in the 2010-11 budget.

The challenges for next year’s budget include maintaining the pension fund and controlling spending as much as possible, Leng said. “The mayor is very hesitant to pass on a significant tax increase to residents who are struggling with the other economic problems that every person is facing,” Leng said.

“But to balance a budget that has such significant commitments is going to require additional revenue and we’re not ready yet to say where that revenue is going to come from.”

The budget has to be presented by mid-March.

Test

2010-02-20T09:40:00.001-05:00

New app for keeping blog updated from iPhone ... Let's see how it works.

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Proposals Will Be Sought for New Fire Station

2009-12-20T01:22:00.001-05:00

Hamden wants plans for fire station site

Published: Thursday, December 17, 2009

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By Ann DeMatteo
Special to the Post-Chronicle

HAMDEN — By year’s end, the town will seek proposals for sites for a new fire headquarters and replacement for the dilapidated Circular Avenue fire station.

“We’re going to be extremely flexible in terms of how the submissions come in,” Mayor Scott Jackson said.

Jackson is interested in hearing from property owners or builders who could provide options, from a long-term lease to building on town-owned land on Putnam Avenue with the town leasing the facility back from the builder.

The Legislative Council in early October gave then Mayor Craig B. Henrici permission to seek proposals for a lease-build arrangement in an effort to save money. The town had bought the former Dadio Farm on Putnam Avenue with the idea that four acres would be used for a fire headquarters, training center, space for administration and a replacement Station 2, Circular Avenue. Then, the Henrici administration floated the lease-build idea, which Jackson is carrying out.

“We’re looking at options for cost-effectiveness and speed of construction,” said Curt Balzano Leng, chief administrative officer.

Jackson, who took over as mayor Nov. 29, said he expects to seek proposals by the end of the year. The council will then review the information, he said.

He is hoping that the information he receives will give the town an idea of what commercial properties are available for development, including space for an animal shelter. Getting an animal shelter is second on Jackson’s list after a new fire headquarters and Station 2.

After the plan to put the animal shelter on Rocky Top Road failed, Henrici suggested the Maselli Farm as a location when the town acquired the 34 acres off Dunbar Hill Road and Gilbert Avenue. Neighbors, however, opposed having barking dogs so close to their homes.

Jackson on Monday said people got ahead of themselves on the idea because the Maselli Farm was bought around the time the Rocky Top plan had dissolved. Maselli Farm now is being considered for various farming alternatives, but there are no plans to put the animal shelter there. Putting an animal shelter at Maselli would be difficult because of neighbors’ opposition, he said.

Dolores Giannini, president of the Hamden Happy Tails Foundation, said that the only plan was at Rocky Top and Shepard Avenue. “From that point on, we were evaluating Maselli and a couple of other places,” she said. She doesn’t want any option taken off the table, because the town desperately needs an animal shelter.

Hamden rents space at the North Haven Animal Shelter, which is getting more unacceptable for a number of reasons. “The animals are being kenneled for longer periods of time than they should be because of lack of accessibility. People don’t want to travel (to adopt an animal),” she said.

Giannini doesn’t think dogs should be housed near fire stations because they will howl when they hear sirens, but a shelter is needed immediately. Cats also need a place where they can stay because they’re “being abandoned and not in the most humane way.”

Return to Full-time Service to the Town

2009-12-20T01:17:00.002-05:00

Leng appointed as Hamden's chief administrative officer

Published: Friday, December 4, 2009 - Post Chronicle

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By Staff

Hamden – Mayor Scott Jackson is pleased to announce the appointment of Curt Balzano Leng as the Town's new Chief Administrative Officer. Leng has served Hamden for the past 14 years as Director of Government Operations, Community Development Manager, Councilman and Councilman-At-Large.

Leng began in Hamden government a 6th District Councilman in 1997 and was selected in 1999 to serve as former Mayor Carl Amento's Director of Government Operations. In 2002, he was hired as the Town's Community Development Manager, working in the Economic and Community Development Department, where he worked for two years until deciding to run for office again as Councilman-At-Large. Since then he has served on the Council and as the Council's Finance Committee Chairman for the past 6 years.

Leng is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, with a Degree in Political Science and has a Master's Degree in Education from the University of New Haven.

Before taking the position of CAO, Leng resigned his seat as the 6th District Councilman to dedicate his efforts to his new role full-time.

“While I have loved serving on the Legislative Council, I know that I can do more for the Town and its citizens by dedicating myself to working full-time on the many important issues facing our Town. Working to help our new Mayor implement his goals of fiscally responsible, effective and transparent government will be my top priorities in the job,” Leng said.

“He has a tremendous amount of experience, having served in the job previously,” said Jackson. Also, Jackson said he believes that Leng’s experience as chairman of the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee will be “invaluable during what will be a very difficult budget year.”

As an individual who has served both in the Mayor's Office, as a Department Manager and on the Legislative Council, Leng will be uniquely suited to be the Town's liaison to the Legislative Council. “I respect the Legislative Council and its members, many of whom I have served with. I look forward to working closely with them, both Democrats and Republicans, and will have an open door to them at all times.”

Leng can be reached via e-mail at cleng@hamden.com or at 203-287-7100.

Re-Election in Full Force

2009-10-23T10:56:00.001-04:00

Hello friends,
Lawn signs are available, walking cards are going around, mailers are being sent. Call or e-mail with questions or if you'd like to help - we'd love to have your assistance. Thanks in advance - councilmancurtleng@yahoo.com or 203-887-4599.

Lawn Signs Coming Soon !

2009-10-16T17:43:00.002-04:00

E-mail if you'd like one at councilmancurtleng@yahoo.com - thanks so much !

Hamden's Democrats Pick Scott Jackson for Mayor 2 to 1

2009-09-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

By: Ann Dematteo HAMDEN — Voters came out in dribs and drabs Tuesday, but in the end, Democrats chose Scott Jackson to be their standard-bearer in November by a margin of almost 2 to 1.

The mood was happy and the temperature was hot at Jackson headquarters on Dixwell Avenue, where the numbers were coming in that gave him and his supporters more good news as each moment passed.

Jackson received 2,986 votes to 1,558 for retired fire chief and Councilman James Leddy, D-9.

At the Whitney Avenue headquarters for Leddy, the mood was somber, and supporters could see by the numbers being posted on the wall that their candidate wasn’t going to make it. By the time unofficial tallies for five of the nine districts had been called in, Leddy conceded that his fight against the Democratic machine didn’t succeed.

“I want to thank everybody who gave it 150 percent,” Leddy said before he went to Jackson’s headquarters.

When Leddy arrived, Jackson said, “We have somebody here you all know. Give him a round of applause.” The revved up crowd did. Standing arm and arm with Jackson, Leddy said: “Congratulations on your win. It was a great campaign. You beat us good.”

Leddy then said that he would soon sit down with the Jackson team and “make sure the party’s united” for the November election, when Jackson will run against Republican mayoral candidate Ronald Gambardella, a former councilman.

Jackson was endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee after Mayor Craig B. Henrici decided not to seek a third term. Leddy took the direct primary route. Jackson is Henrici’s chief administrative officer.

Jackson thanked his supporters for everything they did.

“We get to relax tomorrow, and then we’ve got another race. ... There are no substitutes for hard work. We have to remember to work harder and work smarter,” he said.

The results of the Legislative Council races in districts 1, 2 and 9 patterned the mayoral results. Party-endorsed candidate Michael McGarry won over Kevin Bohan in the 1st District, 218-152.

In the 2nd District, the Rev. Anthony Brown, who was party-endorsed, beat Gina Cahill 219-191. In the 9th District, Don Werner got 341 votes to 229 for challenger Dave Howell.

Twenty-eight percent of the town’s 16,042 registered Democrats turned out.

In 2005, 36 percent of just over 13,000 Democrats voted when then- challenger Henrici defeated the incumbent, Carl Amento, in the September primary.

Democratic Town Chairman Joseph McDonagh attributed Jackson’s landslide win to the “honorable” campaign he ran.

“Jim Leddy was ill-used by his managers. The results are because of negative campaigning. Jim’s a good guy. ... I hope he comes back and continues to work for the Democratic Party and the town.”

Asked to react to McDonagh’s comments, Leddy said Jackson won instead of him because, “It’s what the people wanted.”

Hamden earns low interest rates on bonds

2009-08-18T19:18:00.000-04:00

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — The town has obtained low interest rates on bonds it has sold for various projects.

Acting Finance Director Jennifer Charneski said the town received a 0.60 percent interest rate on a $30 million one-year note, a 3.72 percent rate on a $12.2 million tax-exempt bond issue, and a 5.09 percent rate on a $4 million taxable bond.

“We were really pleased. It’s a sign people are confident with our rating,” Charneski said.

About $20 million of the $30 million note will provide cash flow for the first year of the Memorial Town Hall renovation project. The project also includes a police station addition and the refurbishment of Station 4, the fire house which adjoins the town hall at Whitney and Dixwell avenues. The rest of the notes will cover other approved capital projects, she said.

The tax-exempt bond issue includes $2.2 million in pre-construction expenditures for the town hall project and other capital projects, Charneski said.

The taxable bond of $4 million covers a portion of the purchase of the 11-acre Dadio Farm. Investors are paying the taxable rate had to be applied because the town sold three of the four lots at the Putnam Avenue site to private concerns for the expansion of the adjoining industrial park.

The fourth lot was being reserved for a town fire headquarters.

The bonds and notes were competitively sold last week at Webster Bank in Hartford, under the direction of town financial adviser Barry Bernabe and attorney David Panico of Robinson & Cole, the town’s bond counsel.

Mayor Craig B. Henrici said the good news about the bond sale supplements other financial good news the town has received in recent weeks.

Two New York rating agencies, FitchRatings and Standard & Poors, have given the town bond ratings of A+.

“We’re very proud to be upgraded in the worst economy in 80 years,” Henrici said.

With respect to the town hall renovation, town officials estimate there will be a $1 million savings on financing over 20 years because of the low interest rates the town will be able to attain as a result of its improved bond rating. They estimated more will be saved on the other projects because of the low interest rates.

The town had to obtain new bond ratings because of the bond and note sales for the town hall and other projects.

Economic and Community Development Director Dale Kroop said the rating agencies were interested in brownfields that were being converted to housing and about projects that would result in more tax revenue for the town, such as the expansion of Quinnipiac University and Whitney Center.

Hamden bond rating climbs to a stable A+

2009-08-03T01:13:00.002-04:00

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — Officials were all smiles Thursday when they learned the town’s bond rating went up a step.“It went up from A with a positive outlook to A+ and stable. It’s fantastic. It’s great news in a recession and for going to the bond market,” said Mayor Craig B. Henrici.

Henrici said he learned of the upgrade Thursday afternoon from the town’s financial adviser, Barry Bernabe, vice president of government finance for Webster Bank.Standard & Poor’s delivered the news to Bernabe, the result of a teleconference Henrici, Bernabe and other town officials had Monday with Standard & Poor’s.Bernabe said he worked closely with Henrici, acting Finance Director Jennifer Charneski, Chief Administrative Officer Scott Jackson and Economic and Community Development Director Dale Kroop on the rating presentation.A rating is necessary before a community plans to borrow money, according to Bernabe and Charneski. Another rating agency will hear the presentation Tuesday, he said.

According to Charneski, the town will receive bids on bonds and notes Aug. 12 for the $36.35 million Memorial Town Hall, police station and fire station renovation project. Jackson said 115 vendors have obtained bid packages. The bids were to be opened Thursday, but because the town and agents for the project are in the middle of answering questions from potential bidders, the bid opening was postponed to Aug. 13.Charneski said the town will take out long-term bonding of $2 million for money already spent on preconstruction work involving the Town Hall project. Then, the town will take out $21.5 million in one-year notes for the first year of construction, based on the estimated cash flow.Also in August, the town will seek bonding on some capital improvement projects from fiscal 2006-07 and 2007-08, including purchase of the Dadio farm on Putnam Avenue.

The highest rating given is AAA. There are three AA ratings, followed by an A+ and below.Rating agencies look at demographics, the management team, a municipality’s debt position and financial performance before issuing ratings.Bernabe said Standard & Poor’s said Hamden had a low debt burden with a faster than average debt amortization. The town has $78 million in debt.Hamden had a AAA rating about 15 years ago, but demographics have changed, meaning wealth levels based on per capita income have dropped over the last 20 years, Bernabe said.The rating agency said the town’s fund balance is adequate, but it would like the town to increase its fund balance, which is now at 4.4 percent, or $7.7 million, of a $176 million budget.“They like to see 5 percent or higher,” Bernabe said.Republican mayoral candidate Ron Gambardella welcomed the improvement in Hamden’s bond rating, but disagrees with the method of achievement.“The Henrici-Jackson administration has obtained this rating off the backs of the taxpayers as a result of three consecutive tax increases,” said Gambardella, saying that he fears a “financial tsumani” without a change at the top.

Jackson, who is running for mayor and is being challenged in a September primary by Councilman James Leddy, said that it was “extraordinary” that the town would get a rating increase in such a bad economic climate and that the town will save a lot of money in bonding because of it.Leddy could not be reached late Thursday.

75% of Hamden Democrats Endorse Scott Jackson for Mayor

2009-07-16T21:40:00.002-04:00

Hamden Democratic Elected Officials Overwhelmingly Endorse Scott Jackson for Mayor

Hamden - In an overwhelming sign of support, the Jackson for Hamden campaign is very pleased to announce the endorsement and support of the following Hamden elected officials who are supporting Scott Jackson for Mayor. This list represents a clear majority of elected officials in Hamden.Announcing their support today are the following:

Council-At-Large

Council President Al Gorman
President Pro Tem Carol Noble
Jack Kennelly
Jim Pascarella

District Council Members

Majority Leader, Matt Fitch, 1st District
Ossie Brown, 3rd District
Gretchen Callahan, 4th District
Kathleen Schomaker, 5th District
Curt Balzano Leng, 6th District

Board of Education Members

Chairman, Michael D’Agostino
Secretary, John Keegan
Valarie Stone
Adam Sendroff
Myron Hul

These elected officials joined Mayor Craig Henrici who immediately endorsed Scott at his campaign announcement on May 14th.”I’m very thankful to have the trust and support of so many great public servants,” said Scott Jackson.

“Receiving the endorsement of these 15 elected Democratic leaders is an overwhelming sign of support from,” said Adam Sendroff, Campaign Manager. “It also shows our residents who their elected representatives have confidence in and feel they can best work with on the issues facing our Town.”

“These are challenging times for any municipality and we need a leader who has the experience to effectively and efficiently manage our Town ,” said Councilman Curt Balzano Leng, Finance Committee Chairman. “Without question, Scott Jackson is the most qualified candidate to manage our Town‘s finances in a responsible and fiscally conservative manner.”

For more information about Scott and the Jackson for Hamden campaign, please contact Scott directly at Scott@jacksonforhamden.com or visit www.jacksonforhamden.com or visit Supporters of Scott Jackson on Facebook.###

2008-2009 Budget Projected to Balance - Very Good News !

2009-07-10T00:36:00.002-04:00

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — Despite revenue shortages, town officials believe they will end fiscal 2008-09 in the black.

Acting Finance Director Jennifer Charneski told the Legislative Council Monday night that she was confident that with some transfers, the $174.17 million budget, which ended June 30, would be balanced.Charneski said she doesn’t have exact numbers for any shortfall because revenue is still coming in, and because it will take a few months to reconcile the budget.The town started the last fiscal year in the hole for about $250,000 because the state didn’t provide as much Payment in Lieu of Taxes for colleges and hospitals. But, several other grants brought in more, so the town was short only $181,000 in state grants.So far, the town has a $500,000 surplus on the expense side because of hiring and spending freezes.

But on the revenue side, the town didn’t take in $1.8 million in building permit revenue because of the delay of the Whitney Center expansion. And, building permit revenue from the Quinnipiac University expansion ended up being counted toward fiscal 2007-08.Also, $1 million in anticipated income didn’t come through because the sale of the former Hamden Middle School on Newhall Street didn’t materialize by June 30.And because of the economy, the town took in $550,000 less than planned in interest income.

“It was a difficult year across the board,” Charneski said in a report to the council. “We’re really hoping we break even.”Charneski hopes that shortfalls can be made up by transferring $500,000 to $750,000 from unexpended capital funds into the general fund.The town also will use some of the $6 million it recently received as a result of the transfer of the Wallingford trash-to-energy project from the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority to Covanta Energy. Of the amount, $2.1 million was used as revenue in the current budget. Some of the remaining $3.9 million will help cover the 2008-09 shortfall. If anything is left over, it will become part of the town’s fund balance, which is close to 5 percent of the budget, she said.

Meanwhile, Charneski told the council she is “very optimistic” about the 2009-10 budget because it was developed based on the experiences of 2008-09. Also, about $2 million in insurance savings was recently realized.The town is preparing to go to the bond market in August. It plans to permanently finance $16 million for capital improvement projects in progress, such as the school fire alarm system and the purchase of the Dadio farm on Putnam Avenue. And, the town will be seeking $20 million in temporary notes to cover cash flow for the start of renovating Memorial Town Hall and the adjoining fire station. The project includes the addition of a police station.After the meeting, several council members said they were pleased that it looks like the 2008-09 budget will be flat.

“We did the best we could,” said President Al Gorman, D-at large. “We’re minding our assets. The economy hurt us and we started the year with a deficit.”

Hamden Police Station / Town Hall Renovation Update Article

2009-05-07T14:13:00.000-04:00

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — The cost of the proposed renovation of Memorial Town Hall has increased by $555,000 because its walls, ceilings and concrete floor are mixed with asbestos.

The additional hazardous material abatement increases to $36.4 million the proposed cost to renovate the 1924 edifice and adjoining fire station plus add on a state-of-the art police station. Close to $4 million already has been spent in development and preparatory costs.

A joint meeting of the Legislative Council and the Town Building Committee, made up of council members and residents with experience in the building trades, was held Tuesday night. Construction Manager Tom Walsh of A.P. Construction Co. of Stamford, architect Jeff Bianco and Scott Jackson, the town’s chief administrative officer, explained the most recent revised cost estimate for abatement produced by Fuss & O’Neill of Trumbull.

Walsh explained that 77,000 square feet of plaster work in the old town hall needs to be abated; “virtually all the ceilings and walls,” because there is asbestos in them. “We also found that all the concrete floors in this building are hot,” he said.

Previously, Fuss & O’Neill reported that only 22,000 square feet needed to be remediated. An earlier estimate reserved $515,000 for hazardous materials abatement, but members of the Town Building Committee pressed for a more thorough examination.

Councilman Curt Leng, D-6, asked Jackson for a 20-year bonding analysis, taking into account a 2 percent annual increase in the town’s operating budget.

In the coming weeks, the Legislative Council will be faced with weighing the need for the new police station and other renovations with how much they think Hamden can afford. The town is hoping to bid the project later this month. A town financial adviser has already said that it would cost the average homeowner whose house is assessed at $180,000, $106 more a year in taxes over the life of a 20-year bond issue, if $35 million were to be bonded.

Councilman Matt Fitch, D-1, said he’s not sure the actual cost has gone up because there is a large amount reserved in contingencies. “Realistically, with the economy the way it is and contractors desperate for work, many people feel portions of the job can come in under what’s been budgeted. The one thing I do know is that delay is no longer an option. We have an impending disaster at the existing police station. The longer we wait, costs are only going to escalate.”

But Councilman Craig Cesare, R-At large, said Wednesday that while he believes police need a new building, “this is a horrible time to be spending $40 million.” Councilman James Leddy, D-9, said he would favor an amount “considerably lower” than $40 million.

Councilman Jack Kennelly, D-At large, a former police chief and member of the building committee, said he continues to absorb all the aspects of the project and is undecided. “The building committee has said it’s comfortable with $36.4 million as realistic to bond. The council has to decide if this is an expenditure it’s willing to commit to,” Kennelly said.

New Hamden Police HQ and Memorial Town Hall Restoration

2009-04-20T13:42:00.002-04:00

New information is in on the project, including a lower estimated cost. More information will be coming shortly and you can expect to see more information from the Town Building Committee and the Legislative Council in the weeks to come. Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts!

Still No Word on Police HQ Information

2009-01-28T12:27:00.001-05:00

Still waiting for a response from the Mayor on the memo sent to him about the Police HQ/ Memorial Town Hall project. I'm sending a follow-up memo today. Will keep you posted.

Thanks for Feedback on PD HQ

2009-01-11T14:35:00.002-05:00

A quick thank you to everyone who has e-mailed or called over the last couple of days regarding your thoughts on the new Police HQ/Town Hall Renovation project. I appreciate your opinions and promise to keep you posted as we get more information. For those of you who don't have the information, I can be reached via e-mail at councilmancurtleng@yahoo.com.

Best Regards,

Curt

Hamden Police Headquarters Questions Sent to Mayor

2009-01-08T12:26:00.006-05:00

This is a copy of a memo sent this week to the Mayor regarding our proposed Police HQ/Town Hall Renovation project. The goal of the memo is to get a discussion started about what options we can make to ensure that a project gets started this year if the full $40-$45 Million project doesn't have full support because of the ever growing price tag.

Please e-mail with your thoughts - councilmancurtleng@yahoo.com.

Legislative Council

Memo

TO: Mayor Craig Henrici

FROM: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District;

Finance Committee Chairman

Jack Kennelly, Councilman-at-Large

Town Building Committee (Sub-Chairman)

John DeRosa, Councilman 8^th District

Town Building Committee Member

RE: New Police HQ/Memorial Town Hall Renovation Project

DATE: January 7, 2009

The new Police HQ/Memorial Town Hall Renovation Project, with $5 million Parking Garage, has grown in cost to an estimated $41.8 million project. The most recent estimates presented to the Town Building Committee was brought into question because several of the members considered the project sub-costs to be conservative which could drive the overall project north of $45 million.

We are concerned that a project with such a high price tag may not have the support of the Legislative Council when it comes time to request funding approval. This could risk the timetable set to get the project started this summer.

It is our understanding that a reduction of square footage has been requested and may result in some savings to the overall cost of the project. However, we are still looking at a $40+ million project.

As such, we respectfully request that you consider directing the

Project Team to develop more cost-effective alternatives, should

support for the project in its current form and cost not be there.

Alternatives would ensure that we get a project started this summer

in one form. Spending a small amount of the most recently

approved $1.2 million on alternatives would allow you to

maximize use of these funds.

We believe that there is real universal support for getting our

Police Department out of the inadequate and unhealthy

environment they currently reside in. Without preparing some

alternatives we would risk doing nothing in 2009 should the

current $40-45 million project not be approved. This is

unacceptable.

We hope you can support the preparation of project alternatives and/or project “phasing” options, including but not limited to:

(l) Cost estimates for a “stand alone” facility on-site;

(2) Cost estimates for potential elimination of the parking

garage with the alternative of site acquisition, additional

regular parking and related security.

(3) A plan for “phasing” the project in, with construction and

completion of the Police Department Headquarters

finishing first.

(4) Other alternatives that would ensure a new Police

Headquarters started in 2009.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. Working together we can ensure that Hamden has a shovel in the ground for this most worthwhile project in 2009.

cc: All Council Members

Town Building Committee Members

Police Chief Wydra

Scott Jackson, CAO

Charter Revision ... Hiccup or Back to Basics?

2008-11-24T22:59:00.003-05:00

There was a Special Meeting of the Legislative Council tonight to approve the appointment of a 9-member Charter Revision Commission. Now, after we unanimously approved the establishment of the Commission one would think that this vote would have sailed through, but clearly that would be too simple for Hamden ...

The meeting was a mess of confusion as a majority of Council members didn't know if the make-up of the new Commission was in conformity with state regulations. The main point of confusion centered on the rule that states no more than 1/3 of the commission can be made up of elected or appointed officials of the Town.

5 of the 9 members presented for appointment were in fact Town Commission members. Now, it appears that a couple of them were willing to resign their other commission posts to serve on the Charter Commission, but no one did by the meeting time. We tried to verify the rules with the Town Attorney, but she was trying to make sure that we were in complete compliance and couldn't give a definitive answer until she could research the matter thoroughly.

In the end, the Council tabled the item, in a 7-6 vote (I voted to table). Hopefully we can address the confusion, ensure that we are doing everything legally and appropriately and get Charter Revision back on track. Better to do things right then to push things through incomplete or out of compliance.

If anyone has any questions or comments, please e-mail me at anytime at councilmancurtleng@yahoo.com.

Charter Revision Approved for Hamden

2008-11-15T15:42:00.002-05:00

By: Ann DeMatteo, New Haven Register

HAMDEN — Because of action taken by the Legislative Council, members of Charter Reform Now will not be collecting signatures at the polls Tuesday.

The grassroots group, which wants the town charter amended, had threatened to be out on Election Day to force the Legislative Council to open the charter for examination.

But the council has unanimously voted to appoint a Charter Revision Commission of five to 15 persons. The commission will be appointed in about 30 days.

Councilwoman Carol Noble, D-at large, chairwoman of a charter exploratory committee, said her recommendation is for the charter to be reviewed very carefully and for the commission to seriously think about changes.

Michele Mastropetre of Charter Reform Now urged the council to vote in favor of opening the charter, as it has not been looked at in 25 years.

Councilman Curt Leng, D-6, said he thought having charter revision was a positive step, something he hoped would improve governmental operations and transparency, but he said caution and care had to be taken in making changes.

Council President Al Gorman, D-at large, said that he expects nine members to be appointed. Anyone who wants to serve should call the council office at (203) 287-2577.

Charter Reform Now spokesman Bill Burns said that the council action eliminates the need for petitions on Election Day.

“We thank the Legislative Council for its forward-looking action,” Burns said.

A Little Local ... A Little National

2008-09-30T15:03:00.002-04:00

Did my best to take a principles stand against removing money that was allocated for sidewalk repair last night at committee, but after a lengthy debate the matter did pass with several of us in opposition.

We'll have another chance at full Council next week ... so we shall see.

A bit of bright news on the national front - check this link:

http://news.yahoo.com/election/2008/dashboard

September Council Committee Meeting Agenda

2008-09-25T12:14:00.000-04:00

AGENDA

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS

SEPTEMBER 29, 2008

7:00 P.M. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance Amending an Ordinance appropriating

$5,798,000. for Various Public Improvements for Fiscal

Year 2007-2008 and authorizing the issuance of $5,798,000.

Bonds of the Town to meet said Appropriation and pending

the issuance thereof the making of temporary borrowings

for such purpose

1. Approval of 8-24 Review - 40 Edgecomb Street for purchase

and sale of property to Habitat for Humanity

2. Resolution authorizing the acquisition and sale of

property at 40 Edgecomb Street, Hamden

3. Approval of 8-24 Review - discontinuation/abandonment of

a portion of Kimberly Road

4. Resolution abandoning/discontinuing a portion of Kimberly

Rd. from the Town of Hamden's Highway System

5. Approval of 8-24 Review - sidewalk construction on Town

property at 177 Sherman Avenue

6. Approval of Sidewalk construction at 177 Sherman Avenue

7. Resolution authorizing the Town to make application for

funds to the Ct. Dept. of Economic & Community

Development and to accept and expend funds for the

Highwood Square Project

8. Approval of Transfer of $100,000. within the Capital

Improvement Program for 2007-08 FROM: Sidewalk

Improvements Account TO: Paving Account

9. Approval of Memorandum of Agreement between the Town and

the Hamden Economic Development Corporation (HEDC)

10. Ordinance amending an Ordinance appropriating $5,798,000.

for various public Improvements for fiscal year 2007-2008

and authorizing the issuance of $5,798,000. Bonds of the

Town to meet said appropriation and pending the issuance

thereof the making of temporary borrowings for such purpose

11. Approval of Purchase and Sale Agreement for property on

Gilbert Avenue (Maselli Farm)

12. Resolution approving Explanatory Text related to the

Referendum on the Adoption of the Connecticut City &

Town Development Act

7:05 P.M. PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds- Public Works Dept.- $50,000.(Overtime)

FROM L/C OVERTIME ACCOUNT

2. Transfer of Funds -Engineering Dept.-$2,000.(Special

Projects) INTERNAL TRANSFER

3. Appointment to the Solid Waste & Recycling Commission

(William Sikorsky) for a term ending July 1, 2011

7:10 P.M. PUBLIC SAFETY & PROTECTION COMMITTEE:

1. Approval of Payment of $3,500. to Crossing Guard upon Resignation (Kathrina Kaminskas)

2. Transfer of Funds - Crossing Guards - $500. (Uniform

Purchase) FROM Crossing Guards Salary account

7:15 P.M. ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION COMMITTEE:

1. Re-Appointment to the Energy Use & Climate Change

Commission (Giovanni Zinn) for a term ending July 31,

2011

7:20 P.M. FINANCE COMMITTEE:

BUDGET UPDATE REPORT/ FINANCE DIRECTOR

1. Refund of Property Taxes collected after July 1, 2008

(4) totaling $1,995.56

2. Refund of Property Taxes for Certificates of Correction

issued after July 1, 2008 and before June 30, 2009 (76)

totaling $15,341.63

3. Transfer of Funds -Tax Office -$1,680.(Pay Differential)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Approval of Bid Waiver in favor of Segal Companies to

provide a Claims & Membership Audit

5. Approval of Bid Waiver in favor of Young Audiences of Ct.

$7,000. for After-School workshops

6. Approval of Bid Waiver in favor of RFP for Small Business

Loan Program

7. Approval of Bid Waiver in favor of RFP for Web-site

Upgrades

7:25 P.M. ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:

1. Approval of Retirement Benefits - Larry Gershman

(Fire Dept.) $4,040.88

2. Approval of Retirement Benefits - Daniel Figuenick

(Public Works Dept.) $23,492.86

3. Transfer of Funds - Registrar's Office - $750. (Election

Supplies) FROM E & C ACCOUNT

4. Transfer of Funds - Town Clerk - $11,500. (Fee

Reimbursement) FROM E & C ACCOUNT

5. Appointment to the Retirement Board (Robert Anthony)

for a term ending June 30, 2011

7:30 P.M. RECREATION COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Parks/Recreation - $9,000. (Overtime)

FROM L/C OVERTIME ACCOUNT

2. Transfer of Funds - Parks/Recreation - $19,386.78 (Rink

Overtime) FROM L/C RINK OVERTIME ACCOUNT

3. Re-appointment to the Historic Properties Commission

(Douglas Baker) for a term ending Sept. 30, 2011

4. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept & expend a

Grant in the amount of $5,760. from the State of Ct.

Commission on Culture & Tourism

7:35 P.M. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:

1. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with RSVP of South

Central Connecticut extending its Agreement with the Town

of Hamden for 3 additional years.

2. Appointment to the Fair Rent Commission (Georgia Goldburn)

for a term ending June 30, 2011

September Council Meeting Agenda

2008-08-29T12:27:00.002-04:00

AGENDA

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 2, 2008

7:00. P.M.

1. CALL OF THE MEETING & TAKING OF THE ROLL

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE

3. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION

4. CORRESPONDENCE

5. CONSENT CALENDAR

6. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

7. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

8. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND DEPARTMENTS

9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

10. REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISONS

11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

12. EXECUTIVE SESSION

13. NEW BUSINESS:

CONSENT CALENDAR:

The following items have been addressed in Committee and will be considered in toto by unanimous consent:

1. REFUND OF PROPERTY TAXES COLLECTED PRIOR TO 7/1/08 (1)

TOTALLING $133.10

2. REFUND OF PROPERTY TAXES COLLECTED AFTER 7/1/08 (4) TOTALLING

$562.12

3. REFUND OF PROPERTY TAXES FOR CERTIFICATES OF CORRECTION

ISSUED AFTER JULY 1, 2008 AND BEFORE JUNE 20, 2009 (51

TOTALLING $7,457.24

4. TRANSFER OF FUNDS - PUBLIC WORKS- $13,128.86 (Electricity)

INTERNAL TRANSFER (2007-08 Fiscal Year)

5. TRANSFER OF FUNDS - PUBLIC WORKS- $29,767.20(Overtime)

FROM L/C OVERTIME ACCOUNT (2008-09 Budget)

6. TRANSFER OF FUNDS -L/C Office-$4,102. (Accrued Benefits)

FROM E & C ACCOUNT

7. TRANSFER OF FUNDS - TAX OFFICE -$255.(Binding) INTERNAL

TRANSFER

8. TRANSFER OF FUNDS - TOWN ATTORNEY - $200.(Dues/Subs.)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

9. TRANSFER OF FUNDS - REGISTRAR'S OFFICE - $800.(Overtime)

FROM L/C OVERTIME ACCOUNT)

10. TRANSFER OF FUNDS - LIBRARY - $8,700. (Overtime)FROM L/C

OVERTIME ACCOUNT

11. TRANSFER OF FUNDS - PARKS/RECREATION - $5,000.(Equip.Repairs)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

12. TRANSFER OF FUNDS - COMMUNITY SVCS- $1,000. (Overtime) FROM

L/C OVERTIME ACCOUNT

13. APPOINTMENT TO ENERGY USE & CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION

(Francis P. Gasparro) FOR A TERM ENDING JULY 31, 2011

14. APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS (Martin Lambert)

FOR A TERM ENDING JAN. 31, 2011

15. APPOINTMENT TO THE TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION (Lawrence Salay)

FOR A TERM ENDING JULY 1, 2011

16. RE-APPOINTMENTS TO THE QUINNIPIAC VALLEY HEALTH DISTRICT

(Susan Faris) FOR TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2011

17. RE-APPOINTMENT TO THE SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING COMMISSION

(Amy Ruhlman) FOR TERM ENDING JULY 1,2011

18. APPOINTMENT TO THE FAIR RENT COMMISSION (Margo DeMaio)

FOR TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2011

19. APPOINTMENT TO THE ETHICS BOARD (Paul Cuozzo) FOR TERM

ENDING JAN. 31, 2012

20. APPROVAL OF BID WAIVER IN FAVOR OF NOLAN'S MONUMENT CO.

$5200. (Plaques for Hamden War Memorial)

21. APPROVAL OF BID WAIVER IN FAVOR OF RFP FOR DESIGN/BUILD OF

LOWER LEVEL OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING

22. APPROVAL OF RETIREMENT PAYMENT (Linda Anderson) $24,533.71

TAX OFFICE

23. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF HAMDEN TO ACCEPT & EXPEND

FUNDS FROM THE BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION OPPORTUNITY

ONLINE HARDWARE GRANTS PROGRAM

24. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN TO ACCEPT A DONATION OF A

FLAGPOLE & COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE FROM THE HAMDEN ELKS PAST

EXHALTED RULERS ASSOCIATION

25. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT & EXPEND A GRANT

FROM THE WORKFORCE ALLIANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED

$61,378. FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-09

26. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT & EXPEND A GRANT

FROM THE WORKFORCE ALLIANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED

$104,500. FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-09

27. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT - 2384 WHITNEY AVE.

REGULAR AGENDA:

1. APPROVAL OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS - (Al Savarese) Engineering

Dept. $49,113.90

2. RE-APPOINTMENT TO THE HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION (William

Doheny) FOR A TERM ENDING SEPT. 30, 2013

3. RE-APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE HISTORIC PROPERTIES

COMMISSION (Todd G. Levine) FOR A TERM ENDING SEPT. 30, 2011

4. RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF HAMDEN

CONNECTICUT ADOPTING THE CONNECTICUT CITY AND TOWN DEVELOPMENT

ACT AND AUTORIZING THE TOWN OF HAMDEN TO UNDERTAKE PROGRAMS

AND PROJECTS AUTHORIZED UNDER SAID ACT

5. ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,461,300.

FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROEMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 AND

AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $2,461,300. BONDS OF THE TOWN TO

MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANACE THEREOF

THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE

6. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING A NEW SECTION

33.67a, ESTABLISHING A FEE SCHEDULE FOR AQUIFER PROTECTION

AREA PERMITS

ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS:

1. APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN

THE TOWN AND AREA COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES (ACES)

2. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2008=2009 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET

(ENGINEERING/POLICE DEPT.)

3. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - GRANTS ADMINISTRATOR (Florence

Villano)

4. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT FOR

CONSTRUCTION OF FARMINGTON CANAL GREENWAY PASE III

5. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE NAMING OF 289 PINE ROCK AVE.

IN HONOR OF JOHN CARUSONE

Senior Tax Relief Approved !

2008-06-03T17:03:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, June 3, 2008


Some Hamden seniors to get $1,000 tax rebate
By Ann DeMatteo , Assistant Metro Editor
HAMDEN — When the bills come due July 1, some senior citizens will be getting an extra break on their taxes. Thanks to a unanimous vote of the Legislative Council Monday night, elderly residents who meet certain income guidelines will get a $1,000 rebate. "I am real proud to say this is the highest senior tax rebate in Hamden history," said Councilman Curt Leng, D-6, who was chairman of the committee that worked on tax benefits for senior citizens and veterans. Under the new guidelines, single or married people who earn up to $18,250 will get a $1,000 break. Under the old rebate structure, single senior citizens were getting a $550 rebate and a married couple’s tax bill was cut by $600. For those who earn up to $29,800 if single or $36,500 if married, a $600 rebate will be available as of July 1. Those people had been receiving rebates of $300 to $400. Advertisement <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript"> document.write('<a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/NYF/go/jrnyjsle0290000193nyf/direct/01/" target="_blank"><img src="http://view.atdmt.com/NYF/view/jrnyjsle0290000193nyf/direct/01/"/></a>'); </script><noscript><a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/NYF/go/jrnyjsle0290000193nyf/direct/01/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view.atdmt.com/NYF/view/jrnyjsle0290000193nyf/direct/01/" /></a></noscript> About 450 seniors are part of the program now. People who believe they are now eligible should contact the assessor’s office, Leng said. "The intent for next year is to increase the income eligibility," he said. The council covered the $165,000 expected loss in revenue when it planned for the budget that takes effect July 1. Also Monday night, the council increased the Board of Education’s budget by $821,079 so that a deficit in special education funding can be covered. Of the amount, $432,794 will come from the fund balance. The rest will be reimbursed by the state. Councilwoman Gretchen Callahan, D-4, asked for a breakdown in the number of special education students who have come into the district since the last fiscal year and how many have been placed out of district. School board Finance Committee Chairman Ed Sullivan said he would provide the council with the information by today. Superintendent of Schools Frances M. Rabinowitz told the council that school officials continue to study the move of the district’s central office from 60 Putnam Ave. to Hamden Government Center. She said that she’s not opposed to moving, but needs to ascertain that the town offices have space to accommodate all school officials she needs to have with her on a daily basis. She also warned the council that there will be costs associated with moving special education administrators and two special education programs for secondary students, STEPS and REACH, from 60 Putnam to Alice Peck School.BIZ

Truth Is ... Gambardella is Uniformed

2008-05-14T12:27:00.002-04:00

Truth Is … Gambardella is Uninformed

Last week former Councilman Ron Gambardella wrote a letter regarding various subjects mainly focused on the budget and taxes. I wasn’t surprised by the swipes he took at me and some of my fellow Democrats on the Council - this is common in his rants. What did surprise me was the level of misleading information and uninformed opinions he chose to use and attempt to pass onto Hamden residents as fact.

Differences of opinion are good for politics and they are good for government - misleading taxpayers without plan or informed position is not helpful to anyone.
The truth is that Mr. Gambardella didn’t attend ONE budget session out of the 9 nights that the Legislative Council met to work on the budget, nor did he speak at ONE of the 4 different opportunities the public had to speak to the Council regarding the budget. If you don’t show up, then you probably don’t know the facts.

I think it’s incredibly important for Hamden ’s residents to get real facts regarding next year’s budget that we just passed. The following are some highlights of the 2008-2009 budget.

1) The Council was able to produce a very responsible budget, one that keeps us on sound financial footing, with the LOWEST tax increase in 6 years;

2) We lowered the mill rate over a 1/2 mill lower than what was recommended in the Mayor's budget in March;

3) The actual dollar tax increase on the median single family household next year will be $56 for the entire year;

4) We kept our commitment to the Town's Pension Plan, by increasing the contribution to $12.5 million, despite attempts to lower it to $11 million by the Republicans, which would have been less than last year and a reversal of our promise to the public and our financial managers;

5) We made sure to keep Public Safety a priority by funding our Police and Fire Department budgets to allow for proper equipment and personnel;

6) In the budget, we’ve listened to our Town Auditors and other financial experts and responsibly funded our medical self insurance and worker’s compensation - both of which were in poor financial shape just a few short years ago. When these accounts are in peril, it risks the Town bond rating, which has the potential for incredibly negative effect on the interest rate we receive when bonding projects like the new Middle School or the coming Police Headquarters;

As for his personal attacks on me, if Mr. Gambardella had attended even one of the budget sessions, he would know that this year - like most - I was consistently trying to reduce account after account, line by line, in department after department. It is well known for those involved that I rarely see a budget cut that I don’t like.

I try very hard to bring in the tightest budget possible – to spare taxpayers every penny possible. To call me the “ultimate tax and spender” is absurd and would actually be comical if it weren’t for the fact that it is an out and out lie that Mr. Gambardella is trying to fool our residents with. Save the campaigning for campaign season, Ron, I’ll welcome the debate when it’s time.

Curt Balzano Leng, D-6, a four-term Councilman and is Chairman of the Council’s Finance Committee. He can be reached at councilmancurleng@yahoo.com.

Budget Approved - Lowest Tax Increase in Years !

2008-05-07T12:40:00.003-04:00

Last night the Legislative Council, in a 12-3 vote, approved the new annual budget for Fiscal 08-09. I was very pleased to support the budget this year, as were all 12 of my fellow Democrats on the Council.

The highlights:

1) We were able to produce a very responsible budget, that keeps us on sound financial footing, while still holding the taxes to the lowest increase in years;

2) We lowered the mill rate over a 1/2 mill lower than what was recommended in the Mayor's budget in March;

3) We kept our commitment to the Town's Pension Plan, by increasing the contribution to $12.5 million, despite attempts to lower it to $11 million, which would have been less than last year;

4) We made sure to keep Public Safety a priority by funding our Police and Fire Department budgets to allow for proper equipment and personnel;

I will be writing a column for the news with more detail, but wanted to post some highlights today. As always, please e-mail with comments and questions to councilmancurtleng@yahoo.com.

Sincerely -

CURT

Veteran Tax Relief Enhancement and Budget Update

2008-05-04T15:04:00.002-04:00

Hello friends,

The Veteran Tax Relief Local Program enhancement passed the finance committee unanimously last Monday and is expected to pass through full Council tomorrow night! Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you may have on the program.

On another topic, we will be doing our last "budget session" tomorrow night after the full Council meeting, in anticipation of the final budget vote the following night. I think this year's Council budget is being crafted well and I expect it to be a lower tax rate than the one proposed by the Mayor. More info this week.

Curt

Expanded Veteran Tax Relief Plan Proposed

2008-04-22T11:42:00.001-04:00

Veterans & Elderly Tax Committee
Recommends Enhanced and Expanded Tax Relief Plan

Hamden – Councilman Curt Leng, Chairman of the Veterans & Elderly Tax Team (VETT) Committee, is pleased to announce that the Veterans and Elderly Tax Committee has unanimously recommended both enhancements and an expansion to the Veteran’s Local Option Tax Relief Program.

The recommendations for program improvements include:

1) An increase in the Local Exemption for all low to moderate income Hamden Veterans to S10,000. The income guidelines for this portion of the program is set by the State and adjusted annually.
2) A new program of a $4,000 Local Exemption for Hamden Veterans that don’t currently qualify due to income restrictions. This new group will be allowed into the program by the Town increasing the income eligibility level for Veteran’s by $25,000, as allowed by the State.

The improvements to this program put Hamden in the top tier of Veteran’s Programs in the region.

“I’m really pleased that we could make some substantial improvements to the existing program, as well as expand the program for an entire new group of Veterans. We estimate that we will nearly double the number of Veterans receiving assistance from the Town, while significantly increasing the assistance for those that need it the most.”

The formal recommendation of the program will be before the Legislative Council at the April Committee Meetings for implementation in May.

Residents who have comments or questions regarding this program are encouraged to contact the Assessor’s Office at 287-2500 or Councilman Curt Leng at councilmancurtleng@yahoo.com.

Budget Progress ?

2008-04-18T13:16:00.002-04:00

Three nights of budget deliberations have been completed. I was able to attend the first and second session, but was kept away from night three because of my work schedule at the shop.

So far we've discussed about half of the Town Departments. Most Departments were adjusted slightly, but with little change to the bottom line. There were increases to certain lines that the Council felt were important and deductions where a trim or two could be made.

This "balanced" philosophy changed when the larger Departments arrived - particularly with Public Works.

The Mayor's budget severely underfunded a number of lines in the Public Works Department pertaining to energy - heating oil, gasoline, electricity, etc. - these increases alone amount to almost an additional $150,000+ to the Town side of the budget.

Any Department and any line can be revisited by the Council, and I'm sure a number of them will be, before the process is over.

I remain hopefully that we can come in with a budget that has a lower tax increase than the Mayor proposed. I will keep you posted next week as to the progress.

Feel free to e-mail me at anytime to councilmancurtleng@yahoo.com for questions or suggestions - have a great weekend.

Budget Sessions 2008 Begins Tonight !

2008-04-14T13:01:00.002-04:00

The Legislative Council has listened to 3 public hearings, 2 sessions with Department Heads and we're now ready to begin formal budget deliberations.

Tonight, in the first of approximately 10 sessions, we will review the following Departments:

Assessor
Building
Probate
Animal Control
Board of Ethics
Library
Economic Development

Hope to see you there !

C

March Legislative Council Committee Meeting Agenda

2008-03-28T14:24:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the format, they are working on it.

AGENDA

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING

MARCH 31, 2008

7:00 P.M. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO APPLY FOR,
ACCEPT & EXPEND A PROGRAM YEAR 34 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANNUAL
ACTION PLAN FOR YEAR 2008-2009

1. Transfer of Funds - Building Dept. - $1,363. (Overtime)
FROM L/C OVERTIME ACCOUNT

2. Appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate
member (Steven Walsh) for a term ending 1/31/10

3. Re-appointment to the Community Development Citizens
Advisory Commission (Janet Lyons) for a term ending 3/31/11

4. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for, accept & expend
funding up to $25,000. in State of Ct. LOCIP funds for utility
service installations at Town Center Park

5. Resolution authorizing the Town to accept donations of trees,
shrubs, bushes & plants at Town Center Park

6. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for, accept & expend
a program year 34 Community Development Block Grant for fiscal
year 2008-2009 in accordance with the Annual Action Plan for
year 2008-2009

7:05 P.M. PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING COMMITTEE:

1. Appointment of Joseph Velardi as Public Works Director.

2. Transfer of Funds - Public Works Dept. - $107,000. ($20,000.
Police Protection)($30,000.Heating Fuel)($40,000. Leaf Removal)
($5,000. Parkway Tree Maintenance)($7,000. Bldg.Ground Mainten.)
($2,000. Tire Replacement)($3,000. Vehicle Repair) FROM E & C

7:10 P.M. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Police Dept. - $10,000. (Animal Control-
Land/Bldg.Rental) FRON E & C ACCOUNT

2. Transfer of Funds - Police Dept. - $50,000. (Overtime) INTERNAL
TRANSFER

3. Lease Agreement between the Greater New Haven Transit District
and the Town of Hamden

7:15 P.M. ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION:

1. Appointment to the Clean & Green Commission (Charlene Webb)
to fill a term ending November 1, 2009

2. Appointment to the Energy Use & Climate Change Commission
(Richard Meier) for a term ending July 31, 2010

3. Re-appointment to the Inland Wetlands Commission as an alternate
member (Michael Stone) for a term ending April 30, 2010

4. Resolution authorizing the acceptance & expenditure of donations
made on behalf of the Clean & Green Commission

7:20 P.M. EDUCATION COMMITTEE:

1. Resolution authorizing the Town to accept and expend a donation
in the amount of $500. from the Hamden Education Foundation

2. Amendment to the Lease between the Town and Aces for the
Wintergreen Magnet School

7:25 P.M. FINANCE COMMITTEE:

1. Refund of Property Taxes collected prior to July 1, 2007
(1) totaling $2,147.26

2. Refund of Property Taxes collected after July 1, 2007
(14) totaling $14,028.14

3. Refund of Property Taxes for Certificates of Correction
issued after 7/1/07 (12) totaling $1,674.77

4. Refund of Property Taxes for Court Judgments (2) totaling
$4,129.55

5. Re-appointment to the Board of Tax Review (Bernard Nitkin)
for term ending Jan. 31, 2011

6. Transfer of Funds - Finance Dept. - $4,960. (Water INTERNAL
TRANSFER

7. Revision of the Council Adopted 2007-2008 Five Year Capital
Plan

8. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for, accept &
expend funding up to $7,500. in State of Ct. LOCIP funds
for improvements to the Veterans Memorial area

9. Resolution authorizing the Town to take over the Hamden
Plains Cemetery.

7:30 P.M. ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Registrar's Office - $925. (Contract
Services) INTERNAL TRANSFER

2. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept & expend Grant
Funds and to sign an Agreement with the State of Ct. State Library Board

3. Bid Waiver in favor of Ye Olde Book Bindery for the
preservation of vital public records

4. Resolution amending the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year Budget for
the Registrar's Office

7:30 P.M. RECREATION COMMITTEE:

1. Appointment to the Arts Commission (Peter C. Hereld) for
a term ending May 3l, 2010

2. Transfer of Funds - Parks/Recreation - $5,127.65 (Overtime)
INTERNAL TRANSFER

3. Transfer of Funds - Parks/Recreation - $6,500. (Equipment
Repairs) INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Transfer of Funds - Library - $600. (Shift Differential)
INTERNAL TRANSFER

5. Bid Waiver in favor of V & S Contracting for the bathroom renovation at the Miller Library - $6,855

6. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to Apply for, Accept
and Expend Funds from the State of CT Department of
Environmental Protection in the amount of $3,299.73 for
continued Renovation and Upgrade to the Veterans Memorial
Building at Brooksvale Park

7. Resolution authorizing the Town of Hamden to Donate
the Show Mobile and Staff for the 2008 Relay for Life
of Hamden/North Haven

8. Resolution authorizing the Waiver of Ice Rink Fees -
Skate for Life

9. Resolution authorizing the Waiver of Ice Rink Fees -
Guns & Hoses

7:35 P.M. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Community Services - $8000. (Eviction
Costs) FROM E & C ACCOUNT

2. Appointment of Ronald E. Weil to the Veterans Commission
for a term ending October 26, 2010

3. Re-appointment of Thomas Conway to the Veterans Commission for a term ending April 3, 2011

NEW VETERAN'S LOCAL TAX RELIEF

2008-03-27T12:15:00.003-04:00

Pleased to report that the Veterans and Elderly Tax Committee unanimously voted for a substantial increase to Hamden's Veteran's Local Option Tax Exemption. Great news for Hamden Veterans. More details to come.

Obama's Speech Regarding Unity Today

2008-03-18T15:00:00.000-04:00

“We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.”

Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.

The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation’s original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.

Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution – a Constitution that had at is very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.

And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part – through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk - to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.

This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign – to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together – unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction – towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren.

This belief comes from my unyielding faith in the decency and generosity of the American people. But it also comes from my own American story.

I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton’s Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I’ve gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world’s poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slaveowners – an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.

It’s a story that hasn’t made me the most conventional candidate. But it is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts – that out of many, we are truly one.

Throughout the first year of this campaign, against all predictions to the contrary, we saw how hungry the American people were for this message of unity. Despite the temptation to view my candidacy through a purely racial lens, we won commanding victories in states with some of the whitest populations in the country. In South Carolina, where the Confederate Flag still flies, we built a powerful coalition of African Americans and white Americans.

This is not to say that race has not been an issue in the campaign. At various stages in the campaign, some commentators have deemed me either “too black” or “not black enough.” We saw racial tensions bubble to the surface during the week before the South Carolina primary. The press has scoured every exit poll for the latest evidence of racial polarization, not just in terms of white and black, but black and brown as well.

And yet, it has only been in the last couple of weeks that the discussion of race in this campaign has taken a particularly divisive turn.

On one end of the spectrum, we’ve heard the implication that my candidacy is somehow an exercise in affirmative action; that it’s based solely on the desire of wide-eyed liberals to purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap. On the other end, we’ve heard my former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, use incendiary language to express views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation; that rightly offend white and black alike.

I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy. For some, nagging questions remain. Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely – just as I’m sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed.

But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren’t simply controversial. They weren’t simply a religious leader’s effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country – a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam.

As such, Reverend Wright’s comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems – two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all.

Given my background, my politics, and my professed values and ideals, there will no doubt be those for whom my statements of condemnation are not enough. Why associate myself with Reverend Wright in the first place, they may ask? Why not join another church? And I confess that if all that I knew of Reverend Wright were the snippets of those sermons that have run in an endless loop on the television and You Tube, or if Trinity United Church of Christ conformed to the caricatures being peddled by some commentators, there is no doubt that I would react in much the same way

But the truth is, that isn’t all that I know of the man. The man I met more than twenty years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another; to care for the sick and lift up the poor. He is a man who served his country as a U.S. Marine; who has studied and lectured at some of the finest universities and seminaries in the country, and who for over thirty years led a church that serves the community by doing God’s work here on Earth – by housing the homeless, ministering to the needy, providing day care services and scholarships and prison ministries, and reaching out to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

In my first book, Dreams From My Father, I described the experience of my first service at Trinity:

“People began to shout, to rise from their seats and clap and cry out, a forceful wind carrying the reverend’s voice up into the rafters….And in that single note – hope! – I heard something else; at the foot of that cross, inside the thousands of churches across the city, I imagined the stories of ordinary black people merging with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lion’s den, Ezekiel’s field of dry bones. Those stories – of survival, and freedom, and hope – became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world. Our trials and triumphs became at once unique and universal, black and more than black; in chronicling our journey, the stories and songs gave us a means to reclaim memories tha t we didn’t need to feel shame about…memories that all people might study and cherish – and with which we could start to rebuild.”

That has been my experience at Trinity. Like other predominantly black churches across the country, Trinity embodies the black community in its entirety – the doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the former gang-banger. Like other black churches, Trinity’s services are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor. They are full of dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear. The church contains in full the kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love and yes, the bitterness and bias that make up the black experience in America.

And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Reverend Wright. As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children. Not once in my conversations with him have I heard him talk about any ethnic group in derogatory terms, or treat whites with whom he interacted with anything but courtesy and respect. He contains within him the contradictions – the good and the bad – of the community that he has served diligently for so many years.

I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.

These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love.

Some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable. I can assure you it is not. I suppose the politically safe thing would be to move on from this episode and just hope that it fades into the woodwork. We can dismiss Reverend Wright as a crank or a demagogue, just as some have dismissed Geraldine Ferraro, in the aftermath of her recent statements, as harboring some deep-seated racial bias.

But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America – to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality.

The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we’ve never really worked through – a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American.

Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point. As William Faulkner once wrote, “The past isn’t dead and buried. In fact, it isn’t even past.” We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.

Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven’t fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, and the inferior education they provided, then and now, helps explain the pervasive achievement gap between today’s black and white students.

Legalized discrimination - where blacks were prevented, often through violence, from owning property, or loans were not granted to African-American business owners, or black homeowners could not access FHA mortgages, or blacks were excluded from unions, or the police force, or fire departments – meant that black families could not amass any meaningful wealth to bequeath to future generations. That history helps explain the wealth and income gap between black and white, and the concentrated pockets of poverty that persists in so many of today’s urban and rural communities.

A lack of economic opportunity among black men, and the shame and frustration that came from not being able to provide for one’s family, contributed to the erosion of black families – a problem that welfare policies for many years may have worsened. And the lack of basic services in so many urban black neighborhoods – parks for kids to play in, police walking the beat, regular garbage pick-up and building code enforcement – all helped create a cycle of violence, blight and neglect that continue to haunt us.

This is the reality in which Reverend Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late fifties and early sixties, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted. What’s remarkable is not how many failed in the face of discrimination, but rather how many men and women overcame the odds; how many were able to make a way out of no way for those like me who would come after them.

But for all those who scratched and clawed their way to get a piece of the American Dream, there were many who didn’t make it – those who were ultimately defeated, in one way or another, by discrimination. That legacy of defeat was passed on to future generations – those young men and increasingly young women who we see standing on street corners or languishing in our prisons, without hope or prospects for the future. Even for those blacks who did make it, questions of race, and racism, continue to define their worldview in fundamental ways. For the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicia ns, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician’s own failings.

And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews. The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright’s sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning. That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change. But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races.

In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don’t feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience – as far as they’re concerned, no one’s handed them anything, they’ve built it from scratch. They’ve worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committ ed; when they’re told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time.

Like the anger within the black community, these resentments aren’t always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism.

Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze – a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns – this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.

This is where we are right now. It’s a racial stalemate we’ve been stuck in for years. Contrary to the claims of some of my critics, black and white, I have never been so naïve as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election cycle, or with a single candidacy – particularly a candidacy as imperfect as my own.

But I have asserted a firm conviction – a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people – that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice is we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union.

For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances – for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of all Americans -- the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man whose been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means taking full responsibility for own lives – by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny.

Ironically, this quintessentially American – and yes, conservative – notion of self-help found frequent expression in Reverend Wright’s sermons. But what my former pastor too often failed to understand is that embarking on a program of self-help also requires a belief that society can change.

The profound mistake of Reverend Wright’s sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It’s that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country – a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old -- is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know -- what we have seen – is that America can change. That is true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope – the audacity to hope – for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination - and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past - are real and must be addressed. Not just with words, but with deeds – by investing in our schools and our communities; by enforcing our civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system; by providing this generation with ladders of opportunity that were unavailable for previous generations. It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper.

In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world’s great religions demand – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother’s keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister’s keeper. Let us find that common stake we all have in one another, and let our politics reflect that spirit as well.

For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle – as we did in the OJ trial – or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright’s sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she’s playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies.

We can do that.

But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we’ll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change.

That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, “Not this time.” This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children. This time we want to reject the cynicism that tells us that these kids can’t learn; that those kids who don’t look like us are somebody else’s problem. The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time.

This time we want to talk about how the lines in the Emergency Room are filled with whites and blacks and Hispanics who do not have health care; who don’t have the power on their own to overcome the special interests in Washington, but who can take them on if we do it together.

This time we want to talk about the shuttered mills that once provided a decent life for men and women of every race, and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, every walk of life. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn’t look like you might take your job; it’s that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit.

This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should’ve been authorized and never should’ve been waged, and we want to talk about how we’ll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.

I would not be running for President if I didn’t believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country. This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation – the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election.

There is one story in particularly that I’d like to leave you with today – a story I told when I had the great honor of speaking on Dr. King’s birthday at his home church, Ebenezer Baptist, in Atlanta.

There is a young, twenty-three year old white woman named Ashley Baia who organized for our campaign in Florence, South Carolina. She had been working to organize a mostly African-American community since the beginning of this campaign, and one day she was at a roundtable discussion where everyone went around telling their story and why they were there.

And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that’s when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom.

She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat.

She did this for a year until her mom got better, and she told everyone at the roundtable that the reason she joined our campaign was so that she could help the millions of other children in the country who want and need to help their parents too.

Now Ashley might have made a different choice. Perhaps somebody told her along the way that the source of her mother’s problems were blacks who were on welfare and too lazy to work, or Hispanics who were coming into the country illegally. But she didn’t. She sought out allies in her fight against injustice.

Anyway, Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they’re supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who’s been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he’s there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say health care or the economy. He does not say education or the war. He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room, “I am here because of Ashley.”

“I’m here because of Ashley.” By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. It is not enough to give health care to the sick, or jobs to the jobless, or education to our children.

But it is where we start. It is where our union grows stronger. And as so many generations have come to realize over the course of the two-hundred and twenty one years since a band of patriots signed that document in Philadelphia, that is where the perfection begins.

DOG POLICY CHANGED BACK !!

2008-02-26T16:34:00.000-05:00

Hamden ends dead dog dumping

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — Angry Legislative Council members Monday night grilled the police chief and animal control officers over what they believed was inhumane dumping of dead dogs at the dump.

The council confronted Police Chief Thomas J. Wydra and animal control officers Christopher Smith and Steve Gimler over why Smith and Gimler dumped the unclaimed, untagged dogs over a cliff at the Wintergreen Avenue landfill and transfer station, why they weren’t buried by transfer station employees and what Smith and Gimler did when they saw the dogs weren’t covered up.

Once the news hit that the dead animals were unburied at the landfill, the public became outraged. And Wydra on Monday afternoon said that once again, all domestic animals will be cremated instead of buried at the dump. He said he had hoped to save about $2,000 in cremation costs over the course of a year by dumping unclaimed animals at the already-closed landfill.

Councilwoman Betty Wetmore, R-at large, said she was appalled at the situation and said she got more phone calls on the issue than any other in the last eight years she’s been on the council.

In response to a question from Wetmore, Smith said that the last time he brought dead dogs to the dump was Dec. 12. He said he noticed the dogs had not been buried when he went there last week with a small wild animal that needed to be buried.

“You’re a fall guy,” Wetmore said to Smith. “But I’m going to say I’m really disgusted in the administration and your boss. It’s something that didn’t have to happen.”

“We were appalled by it as well. We believe it was a miscommunication between departments,” Smith said.

Wydra said that he and Mayor Craig B. Henrici changed the policy of cremating all unclaimed dogs to burying unclaimed dogs in the dump in September. Council members were incredulous that the dead animals had to be transported from freezers at the North Haven animal shelter, where they were stored, and were trucked back to Hamden for burial, just to save a few dollars.

Hamden does not have an animal shelter and is spending about $4,000 a month to board animals at the North Haven shelter. Later in the meeting Monday night, a council committee told the mayor to apply for state funds for preconstruction surveys and engineering services for a shelter at Shepard Avenue and Rocky Top Road.

About 40 residents attended the meeting, upset after learning that the animals had been dumped. They held signs that said “Heartless Hamden.”

Later on in the agenda, when a public hearing was held on an ordinance regulating feral cats, speakers said it should be tabled because the public had not seen the ordinance and because the animal control officers shouldn’t have more responsibility when they are having difficulty now.

The ordinance was tabled and will be reviewed next week.

Wydra said that the policy to bury the animals started with “good intentions...clearly a mistake was made. That’s why we’re moving forward” with cremating the animals again.

Councilman Craig Cesare, R-at large, frustrated by the answers he was getting, asked Smith if Public Works was ever notified that the animals needed to be buried.

“When I enter the landfill I talk to the (employee) at the gate.”

“Who deposited them down the cliff?” Cesare asked, adding how could he expect them to be buried if the area in which they were disposed of was too deep. “Why there and not a holding area? This better start making sense. This is outrageous.”

“It’s not a steep cliff. It’s a 15-foot incline, a slope,” Smith said, explaining that he deposited the animals where wild animals such as deer had been brought in the past, and where he was told to dump them by transfer station employees.

Wydra denied he rescinded the dumping policy because of the outrage, but rather that the policy that had been established in September was not being followed.

Henrici said he received about 10 emails from people upset by the practice. “They’re saying they were horrified by the policy. I said I wasn’t aware they were uncovered and that as mayor, I had to take responsibility,” Henrici said.

Henrici said that he wasn’t aware that the dogs weren’t buried until last week. They were buried on Friday.

Gimler said that last week, when he asked whether the dogs would be buried, he was told no by transfer station employees. He said he reported to a police captain that the dogs hadn’t been buried, but Wydra said he didn’t know about it at the time.

The animal control officers said that in the last year, they only euthanized four dogs.

Councilman Curt Leng, D-6, said he thought there should be a policy that outlines a minimum amount of time that a dog can be held before it is euthanized.

New Haven Register Covering Dog Incident

2008-02-23T16:10:00.000-05:00

Hamden dumping dead dogs at landfill
Police chief sets policy to save town from cremation fees
By Ann DeMatteo , Assistant Metro Editor
HAMDEN — A new town practice of burying dead, unclaimed dogs at the already-capped Wintergreen Avenue dump is drawing outrage from some protesters. Late last year, the Police Department opted to begin the practice of dumping dogs at the landfill in an effort to save money. Previously, all dog remains were sent away for cremation, and the town would pay a fee from $10 to $40, depending on the dog’s weight, Police Chief Thomas J. Wydra said. Burying animals in the landfill is within the law, he said. A state Department of Agriculture spokeswoman agreed there was nothing wrong with burying the dogs at the landfill. “For decades, dead animals such as deer were routinely dumped at the landfill,” Wydra said. Advertisement On Thursday, some dogs were found unburied at the dump. Wydra said that was unacceptable and that transfer station employees should be disciplined. But Councilman Curt Leng, D-6, said he is appalled. “I can’t stress enough how much I oppose this new policy,” Leng said in a memo sent Friday to Mayor Craig B. Henrici, demanding that all animals go back to being cremated. “Regardless of it’s legality, the humane thing to do with a deceased dog or cat found by a resident or town staff is to have it cremated, not dumped in a landfill, buried or not.” Quinnipiack Valley Health Director Leslie Balch on Friday differed with Wydra on the interpretation of the law. “I was not aware there was a change … I should have been made aware of the change or involved in the decision of the change,” Balch said. Wydra said the health director must be notified only if another method other than burial or incineration is used. “We either cremate dogs or bury them at the landfill. We’re complying and don’t need approval,” he said. Some unclaimed dogs are still euthanized and cremated when it’s determined that they are no longer adoptable, he said. The public health code states: “The carcass of any dead animal … shall be removed and disposed of within 24 hours after death by burial, incineration or other method approved by the local director of health.” The practice of dumping dead, unclaimed dogs at the landfill began several months ago, and was a decision Wydra said he made with Henrici. Balch said she would like to establish a policy for “appropriate and acceptable disposal of carcasses. I’m not sure it’s an issue from a health point of view, but it may be an issue from a respect point of view.” Wydra said the practice of disposing of dead, untagged dogs at the landfill was not unusual. Dead dogs or cats found on roads are placed in a freezer at the North Haven Animal Shelter because Hamden doesn’t have a facility for animals, Wydra said. The animals are held in the freezers “a reasonable amount of time” so that they can be claimed, before burial takes place, he said. But Officer Stephani Johnson of New Haven animal control, said most communities, including New Haven, cremate. Two well-known dog lovers in town, retired animal control officer Jean Murray and Dolores Giannini, were not pleased to learn the dogs’ bodies were being taken to the landfill. “You’re kidding. You’re kidding,” said Giannini, who is a driving force behind Hamden getting its own animal shelter. “I’m not a happy camper. Dead or alive, it’s somebody’s animal and they should be treated with respect.” “We’d take them to the vet, have them euthanized and then to the crematory,” Murray said. “It’s news to me. Dogs need to be taken care of like humans.” But Wydra said that people are “moralizing,” and that he’s following the law. “Incinerating a dead creature is disturbing to me. Burial is a much more appropriate means of disposing of a life. That’s how I feel,” Wydra said. “What’s the difference between Bambi and Spike?” Murray questioned whether it was a health hazard to have dog carcasses exposed at the landfill where wild animals such as coyotes can eat them. “We’re not aware of any requirements on the health end,” said Diana Lejardi, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Health, referring questions to the waste management bureau of the state Department of Environmental Protection. DEP spokesman Dennis Schain said the department has received “calls and complaints about the disposal of dogs at the landfill transfer station. We will talk to officials next week. We need more information on the means of disposal to make a determination.” Capt. John Karajanis of West Haven animal control said that cats and other small animals that are found dead are placed in trash bins in the back of the animal shelter on Collis Street. If a dog dies while in the city’s care, it is cremated. In Cheshire, a missing or deceased pet is hardly ever unclaimed, according to Animal Control Officer April Leiler. If an animal isn’t claimed after a few days, she makes an effort to find the owner. Otherwise, the animals are cremated and the town pays. But, she said she doesn’t have a problem with a town saving the cremation fee. “Do those people want to pay a $120 cremation fee for a dog not claimed? I get a $1,200 veterinarian budget. I’d much rather pay $125 on a live dog than a dead dog that nobody claims,” Leiler said.

Animal Control Memo - Disgusting Situation

2008-02-22T17:22:00.001-05:00

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMO

to: Mayor Craig Henrici

from: Councilman Curt Balzano Leng, 6^th District

subject: new animal policy regarding deceased domestic animals

date: 2/22/2008

I was honestly shocked and sickened by the photographs published in the Hamden Daily News today regarding the deceased dogs located at the Hamden Landfill. The pictures detailed a gruesome scene, very disturbing to any human being, never mind any animal lover and a terrible portrait of the Town of Hamden.

I spoke with Police Chief Wydra regarding the situation and understand that the new policy was established in late 2007 and that the following are the current standards that are supposed to be followed:

1) Located stray domestic animals are kept in the North Haven Animal Shelter for varying lengths of time as owners are attempted to be located. If euthanized, all of these animals are being cremated, even under the new policy.

2) Domestic animals that are found dead are now being dumped at the Hamden Landfill. Previously, only wild animals were brought to the Hamden Landfill, such as deer or possum. These dogs and cats that are now being disposed of at the landfill are supposed to be buried, according to the Police Chief.

I can’t stress enough how much I oppose this new policy. Regardless of it’s legality, the humane thing to do with a deceased dog or cat found by a resident or town staff is to have it cremated, not dumped in a landfill, buried or not.

Regardless of my opinion of the new policy, the policy is even not being followed, as witnessed in the deeply disturbing photos of animals strewn about at the landfill without proper burial. This action is reprehensible and must be stopped immediately.

In addition, the health concerns raised by dead and decaying animals lying openly on town property is something of great concern and should be reviewed by our health department.

I would formally ask you in your position as Chief Executive Officer to immediately return Hamden’s policy on domestic animals back to the cremation policy of a few months ago. This policy is a far more humane way for Hamden to treat deceased domestic pets.

Further, I would like to also formally request an investigation into this situation to determine which Town employees were responsible for these acts and these violations of Town and Police policy. Appropriate action should then be taken by the Personnel Department.

I know that you not would want Hamden to have the reputation that it is willing to do inhumane acts to domestic animals in order to save a few bucks. I know that you treasure Hamden and its reputation and am confident that you will agree to changing this policy immediately and to getting the investigation underway.

Thank you for your kind and prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing about your progress.

Feb. Committee Meeting Agenda

2008-02-21T13:40:00.001-05:00

AGENDA

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS

FEBRUARY 25, 2008

7:00 P.M. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

1. Appointment to the Community Development Citizens

Advisory Commission (Joyce Blandon) for a term ending

3/31/11

2. Appointment to the Community Development Citizens

Advisory Commission (Peter G. Curtis) to fill a term

ending 3/31/08 and to a full term ending March 31, 2011

3. Transfer of Funds - Economic Development - $150.

(Longevity) INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Amendment to Agreement for Consulting Services for the

design of the Farmington Canal Greenway Phase III

7:05 P.M. PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Public Works Dept. - $32,500.

($30,000.Heating Fuel)($2,500. Water) FROM E & C ACCOUNT

2. Transfer of Funds - Public Works Dept. - $89,250.

(Landfill Materials & Supplies) ($25,000. FROM FINANCE

BUDGET)($64,250.FROM E & C ACCOUNT)

3. Transfer of Funds - Public Works Dept.- $75,000.

($50,000.Snow Removal)($25,000.Overtime) $50,000.

FROM E & C ACCOUNT - $25,000. FROM L/C OVERTIME ACCOUNT

7:10 P.M. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT THE STATUTORY

PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF CERTAIN CATS

1. Transfer of Funds -Police Dept.-$500.(Vehicle Maintenance)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

2. Transfer of Funds - Police Dept. - $500. (Traffic-Radar

Equipment) INTERNAL TRANSFER

3. Transfer of Funds - Police Dept. - $750. (Advertising)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Transfer of Funds -Police Dept. -$25,000.(Overtime/

Administration) INTERNAL TRANSFER

5. Transfer of Funds - Fire Dept. - $200,000. (Sub/Straight

Time) FROM E & C ACCOUNT

6. Transfer of Funds - Fire Dept. - $1,520. (Food Products)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

7. Transfer of Funds - Fire Dept.$5,000. (Overtime) INTERNAL

TRANSFER

8. Ordinance to implement the Statutory provisions concerning

the regulation of certain cats

9. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for, accept &

expend Funding up to $55,000. in State of CT LOCIP funds

for Phase II Preconstruction Surveys and Engineering Services

for the Proposed Animal Control Facility

7:15 P.M. ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION:

1. Appointments to the Clean & Green Commission (Scott Howland)

(Martha Nabstedt)(Jack O'Donnell) for terms ending 11/1/10

2. Re-Appointment to the Clean & Green Commission (Diane Hoffman)

for a term ending November 1, 2010

3. Re-Appointment to the Inland Wetlands Commission (Michael

Milazzo) for a term ending April 30, 2010

4. Appointment to the Natural Resources & Open Space Commission

(Richard Bell) for a term ending Feb. 1, 2010

7:20 P.M. FINANCE COMMITTEE:

1. Refund of Property Taxes collected prior to July 1, 2007

(2) totaling $4,239.74

2. Refund of Property Taxes collected after July 1, 2007

(10) totaling $13,990.36

3. Refund of Property Taxes for Certificates of Correction

issued after 7/1/07 (22) totaling $4,643.40

4. Resolution waiving a percentage of the payment in lieu of

taxes (PILOT) owed by the Hamden Housing Authority

5. Abatement of $171,154.75 for Taxes for the Davenport/Dunbar

Residences at 125 Putnam Ave.

7:25 P.M. ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:

PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance Amending and Restating the

Employees Retirement Plan of the Town of Hamden

1. Appointment to the Ethics Board (Ann M. Pari) for a term

ending January 31, 2012

2. Transfer of Funds - Registrar's Office - $150. (Overtime)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

3. Transfer of Funds - Town Clerk - $2,000. (Advertising)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Ordinance amending and restating the Employees Retirement

Plan of the Town of Hamden

7:30 P.M. RECREATION COMMITTEE:

1. Appointment to the Parks & Recreation Commission

(Ron Treanor) for a term ending January 31, 2013

2. Appointment to the Human Rights & Relations Commission

(Marcia Smith Glasper) to fill a term ending April 30, 2008

and for a full term ending April 30, 2011

3. Appointment to the Library Board(Pamela Mangini)for a term

ending January 31, 2013

4. Transfer of Funds - Parks/Recreation- $l,125.(Recreation/

Spring/Summer) INTERNAL TRANSFER

7:35 P.M. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:

1. Appointment to the Human Services Commission (Lucille J.

Ranciato) for a term ending March 1, 2010

2. Appointment to the Commission on Disability Rights &

Opportunities (Roberta Bonocchi) for a term ending

October 31, 2008

3. Transfer of Funds - Community Services - $500. (Overtime)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Resolution authorizing the Mayor, through Sleeping

Giant Day Care, Inc. to apply for, accept & expend a

Grant in the amount of $240,750. from the State of CT.

Dept. of Social Services and to enter into an Agreement

for a Child Day Care Program for the period January 1,

2008 to December 31, 2008

5. Resolution authorizing the Finance Director to borrow up

to $44,148. from the General Fund for the Advancement of

Operational Expenses to Sleeping Giant Day Care, pending

receipt of State Funding for Calendar Year 2008

Memo - Dadio Farm Sub-Division = Town Revenue

2008-02-11T14:50:00.000-05:00

Memo

To: Leslie Creane, Town Planner

From: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District

CC: Al Gorman, Council President

Carol Noble, President Pro Tem

Matt Fitch, Majority Leader

Dale Kroop, Director, Economic Development

Al Savarese, Town Engineer

Scott Jackson, CAO

Date: 2/11/2008
Re: Dadio Farm Sub-Division

Can you please give us a brief status report, in writing, regarding the progress of the Dadio Farm Sub-Division project.

Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.

Engineering - Sidewalk Update

2008-02-11T14:30:00.001-05:00

Memo

To: Al Savarese, Town Engineer

From: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District

CC: Jack Kennelly, Chair, Public Works & Engineering Committee

Scott Jackson, CAO

Date: 2/11/2008

Re: General Sidewalk Repair List

Can you please give me an updated progress report, in writing, of the current general Town wide sidewalk repair list.

In addition, if you could add some narrative on how much funding is currently in place for the next round of repairs, when this work is scheduled to begin and how much of the back list it should complete.

As always, thank you for your kind assistance with this request.

Memo - State Street Streetscape

2008-02-11T14:24:00.000-05:00

Memo

To: Dale Kroop, Economic Development Director

From: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District

CC: Al Gorman, Council President

Matt Fitch, Majority Leader

Jack Kennelly, Councilman at Large

Scott Jackson, CAO

Date: 2/11/2008
Re: State Street Streetscape Project

Could you please give me a progress report on the plans for completion of the State Street Streetscape Project, in writing, with the latest cost estimates.

Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.

Feb Memos - Econ Development

2008-02-11T14:12:00.001-05:00

Memo

To: Dale Kroop, Economic Development Director

From: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District; Chair, Finance Committee

CC: Al Gorman, Council President

Carol Noble, President Pro Tem

Matt Fitch, Majority Leader

Mike Betz, Finance Director

Scott Jackson, CAO

Date: 2/11/2008

Re: Grant Reimbursement

Due to the tightness of the current Fiscal Year's budget, I wanted to inquire about your potential ability to draft some additional grant dollars for your department's staff.

Any additional grant funds would obviously ease the burden on the general operating budget and would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your consideration.

Council Memo and Related Work Update

2008-02-11T14:08:00.000-05:00

Memo

To: Mike Betz, Finance Director

From: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District; Chair, Finance Committee

CC: Mayor Craig Henrici

Al Gorman, Council President

Carol Noble, President Pro Tem

Matt Fitch, Majority Leader

Betty Wetmore, Minority Leader

Scott Jackson, CAO

Finance Committee Members

Date: 2/11/2008

Re: 2007-2008 Budget Report

In an effort to keep the Finance Committee more informed of the status of the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year budget, I'd like to respectfully request a status report to be presented at the February 25^th Council Committee meeting. The status update should include your professional opinion on the overall status of the expenditures and revenues, general projections and information on any position or negative trends that we should be aware of.

Thank you in advance for your assistance with this report. It is certain to help keep us as informed as possible as we prepare to make our decisions on the Town's financial decisions each month.

Obama Has a Weekend SWEEP !!

2008-02-10T21:21:00.000-05:00

Maine Puts Topper On Obama Weekend Sweep

Obama Takes Delegate Lead With Wins In 4 States; Clinton Manager Steps Down

(AP/CBS) Illinois senator Barack Obama finished a series of weekend primary and caucus contests undefeated as he bested Hillary Clinton in Maine today, according to CBS News estimates.

Obama’s victory in the Maine caucuses follow on the heels of his Saturday sweep in which he won Louisiana’s primary contest as well as caucuses in the states of Washington and Nebraska.

His winning margins ranged from substantial to crushing. In Maine, he led 59 percent to 41 percent with 91 percent of the precints reporting. In Louisiana, Obama defeated Clinton, 57 percent to 36 percent. He won in Nebraska by a 68 percent to 32 percent margin and in Washington 68 percent to 31 percent.

Obama's victory in Maine -- and the ease with which it came -- actually exceeded expectations, even though he swept the caucuses held on Super Tuesday. Clinton had the backing of the state's governor, John Baldacci, and its proximity to New Hamsphire and Massachusetts, both of which Clinton has already won this year, led some analysts to expect a close race.

Even Obama's own campaign said they didn't expect to win Maine, according to a document the campaign said was accidentally leaked earlier in the week.

In the delegate chase, Obama has pulled ahead of Clinton, even when the support of uncommitted super delegates is figured in. According to CBS News estimates, Obama holds a razor-thin lead with 1,134 delegates overall to 1,131 for Clinton.

Town Audit Results in for 2006-2007 Budget

2008-01-30T15:16:00.000-05:00

From the New Haven Register:

Hamden ends year with half-million surplus

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — The town ended the last fiscal year with a surplus of more than a half a million dollars, bringing its fund balance to just over $7 million.

Auditors Robert and David Cappelletti, father and son from the Woodbridge accounting firm of Levitsky & Berney, appeared before the Legislative Council Monday night to review the report, which they completed in December. It covers the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2007.

As of June 30, the fund balance was $6.54 million, an increase of $1.7 million over the previous year. But when the $578,976 surplus from fiscal 2006-07 budget of $163.64 million is added in, the fund balance grows to $7.08 million. The fund balance should be 5 percent to 7 percent of the budget, Finance Director J. Michael Betz said.

Betz said the surplus and increase in fund balance “was driven by expenditure control and favorable variances in every category.”

Mayor Craig B. Henrici said before the meeting that the audit shows the town is on the right track, and is a “testament” to the finance department.

Councilman Curt Leng, D-6, chairman of the council’s audit subcommittee, noted improvements over last year’s audit and said that with a few exceptions, it was “very sound.”

The audit once again said the town has not properly funded the pension fund for several years. With the $15.9 million contribution of 2007, the fund contained 56.4 percent of what it is supposed to have. The long- term liability is $104 million. “I guess you have a plan in place to increase funding each year,” Robert Cappelletti said.

Henrici has said he plans to once again ask the council to consider pension obligation bonds to cover the liability, which the council didn’t go for last year.

The town’s medical self-insurance fund also has a deficit. In 2006, it was $3.39 million. Money was added in 2007 so now the deficit is $1.52 million.

“We’ve shown increases in the self-insurance fund. ... We’re heading in the right direction,” said Councilman James Pascarella, D-at large.

Council President Al Gorman, D-at large, said the Board of Education has responded to the part of the audit that calls for an improvement in how it monitors monthly bank reconciliations on its accounts payable and payroll accounts. “We’re very pleased with the rapid response. It’s the first time they responded on paper,” Gorman said.

David Cappelletti noted that communication has improved between the school board and town finance divisions.

The audit also noted that invoices are being paid in the Department of Parks and Recreation without the assurance that proper documentation is on file, and is recommending that proper information exist before invoices are paid.

Endorsement Letter - Obama for President !

2008-01-29T16:55:00.000-05:00

Obama the Right Choice for our Country

In politics, I’ve long been a supporter of positive change and tangible improvement plans, whether in our Town, our State or our Country.

Soon, we will have a chance to make a choice for the candidate that will represent the Democratic Party in the 2008 election. I proudly support Barack Obama and ask that you give him, his policies and positions and his new brand of unifying politics a careful look as you make your decision on who to support in the February 5^thprimary.

On issues ranging from health care, to foreign policy, education, fiscal and tax policy and on and on – Obama is the candidate of real, demonstrable change. I think he’s the kind of candidate who as President can heal the wounds created by 8-years of the Bush/Cheney Administration.

We need a President who can heal international wounds – make America a leader on the world stage again – not just with military might – but with diplomacy and leading by moral example.

We need a President who can address the countless domestic problems that have been either created or ignored over the last 8-years.

We need a President that can inspire a new generation of Americans to come back to public service, volunteerism and civic involvement.

I truly believe that Barack Obama can be that President.

The usual politics of saying and doing anything to get elected has created the apathy we see today and it’s not what we need in a leader at this critical time in our history.

I ask you today to take a close look at Obama as you prepare to cast your ballot on Feb. 5^th – I think you’ll be impressed with what you see.

Sincerely,

Curt Balzano Leng

Councilman, 6^th District

Council Committee Agenda Jan/Feb Cycle

2008-01-25T16:15:00.000-05:00

AGENDA

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS

JANUARY 28, 2008

7:00 P.M. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance amending the Town's Economic

Development Incentive Policy

1. Re-appointments to the Economic Development Commission

(Nathan Schatz)(Richard DePodesta) for terms ending

Jan. 31, 2013

2. Re-appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission

(Robert Roscow)(Ann Altman) for terms ending Jan. 31, 2011

3. Appointment of Alternate member to the Planning & Zoning

Commission (Gregory Tignor) to fill a term expiring

Jan. 31, 2010

4. Re-appointment of Alternate member to the Planning

& Zoning Commission (Ralph Marottoli) for a term ending

Jan. 31, 2011

5. Appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals (William

Reynolds)for a term ending January 31, 2013

6. Ordinance amending the Town's Economic Development

Incentive Policy

7. Resolution authorizing the Town to enter into a

reimbursable and Maintenance Agreement with the

State of Connecticut

7:05 P.M. PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Public Works Dept. - $100,000.

(Snow Removal Supplies - $65,000)(Overtime - $30,000.)

(Sanitary Cleaning Supplies - $5,000.) $70,000 FROM

E & C ACCOUNT; $30,000. FROM L/C OVERTIME ACCOUNT)

7:10 P.M. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

1. Resolution authorizing the Town to accept a gift of $5,000.

from the Frank P. Cesare Memorial Fund

2. Transfer of Funds - Police Department - $8,500. (General

Supplies/Armory) INTERNAL TRANSFER

3. Transfer of Funds - Police Department - $2,000. (Food

Products) INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Transfer of Funds - Fire Dept. - $104,523. (Sub/Straight

Time) INTERNAL TRANSFER

7:15 P.M. ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION:

1. Re-appointments to the Natural Resources & Open Space

Commission (Marigrace Larke)(Edward Kennedy)(Thomas

{Parlapiano) for terms ending Feb. 1, 2011

2. Appointment to the Inland Wetlands Commission (Andrew

Brand) for term ending April 30, 2010

3. Resolution supporting the Connecticut Clean Energy

Communities Program and authorizing approximately $2,800.

towards the purchase of Clean Energy

4. Amendment to Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept &

expend $20,300. in Grant Funds from the State of Ct. for

a Trail to Link the Farmington Canal with the Town Center

Park

7:20 P.M. FINANCE COMMITTEE:

1. Refund of Property Taxes collected prior to July 1, 2007 (1)

totaling $16.99

2. Refund of Property Taxes collected after July 1, 2007 (7)

totaling $3,676.05

3. Refund of Property Taxes for Certificates of Correction

issued after 7/1/07 (19) totaling $29,798.34

4. Refund of Property Taxes for Court Judgments (1) totaling

$313.04

5. Approval of Bid Waiver in favor of RFP for Insurance/Risk

Management Consulting Services including Agent/Broker of

Record Services

6. Approval of Bid Waiver in favor of RFP for Construction

Manager/Cost Estimator for Hamden Police Station/Memorial

Town Hall

7. Transfer of Funds - L/C Office - $500. (Repairs/Equipment)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

7:25 P.M. ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:

1. Re-appointment to the Board of Ethics (Colin Odell) for a

term ending January 31, 2013

2. Appointment to the Civil Service Commission (Judith Kozak)

for a term ending August 31, 2013

3. Approval of Retirement Benefits (Carole Ireland) $25,869.14

(Elderly Services Dept.)

4. Approval of Retirement Benefits (Kenneth Forsythe) $7,088.52

(Police Department)

7:30 P.M. RECREATION COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Library - $600. (Shift Differential)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

2. Transfer of Funds - Library - $8,750.(Overtime)

$3,016.INTERNAL TRANSFER -$5,734. FROM L/C OVERTIME

ACCOUNT

3. Resolution authorizing the acceptance & expenditure of

Agricultural Viability Grant Funds and authorizing the

Mayor to sign an Assistance Agreement for such funds with

the State of Ct. acting by the Dept. of Agriculture

4. Resolution authorizing the waiver of Ice Rink Fees for

MADD's Annual "Skate for Leah" fund raiser

7:35 P.M. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Community Services - $10,000. (Family

Relocations) FROM E & C ACCOUNT

2. Transfer of Funds - Elderly Services - $250. (Longevity)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

3. Appointment to the Veterans Commission (Edward Schultz)

for a term ending October 26, 2009