| 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.” Advertisement  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. |
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Town Audit Results in for 2006-2007 Budget
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Endorsement Letter - Obama for President !
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 5th primary.
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
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. 5th – I think you’ll be impressed with what you see.
Sincerely,
Curt Balzano Leng
Councilman, 6th District
Friday, January 25, 2008
Council Committee Agenda Jan/Feb Cycle
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
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Superintendent Presents Budget
Curt
| Hamden schools seeking 6.95% increase | |
| By Ann DeMatteo , Assistant Metro Editor | |
| HAMDEN — Superintendent of Schools Frances M. Rabinowitz is seeking a 6.95 percent increase in school spending for 2008-09. The proposed budget is $79.28 million, or $5.15 million over the current $74.13 million budget. Of the proposed increase, $4.2 million, or 5.69 percent is nondiscretionary, meaning that it’s eaten up in salary and contractual increases, special education costs, utilities and transportation. The remaining 1.26 percent of the proposed increase, or $934,207, is for discretionary spending, “what I really feel are the basics needed to strengthen reading, language arts and technology and to prepare kids for the 21st century,” Rabinowitz said Tuesday night. Advertisement  Rabinowitz said she originally was hoping for a lower percentage increase, given the town’s fiscal condition, but the numbers didn’t work out that way. School board members said after the meeting they were pleased with the presentation, but didn’t know if the entire amount would be approved by them or later, by Mayor Craig B. Henrici or the Legislative Council. “I think the superintendent put together a real and really necessary budget, but I don’t know how we can possibly fund it,” said board Secretary John Keegan. “The challenge will be to dig in to it and find out where we can make reductions and at the same time preserve the good ideas.” Rabinowitz said the budget proposal, her first since becoming superintendent in September, allows what she wants to do from a curriculum and class size perspective. The proposal calls for 10 new teachers: a technology literacy specialist; three elementary teachers to keep class sizes at 20 in primary grades at Spring Glen, Ridge Hill and Dunbar Hill schools; two special education teachers; a speech pathologist; two elementary math specialists; and an English as a Second Language teacher. The budget called for two more special education aides and three technology support positions. Had she not reduced requests from administrators, the budget would have been $5 million higher, she said. The budget also includes $40,000 to buy “guided reading books” for grades three through six. “I want to encourage grouping in grades,” she said, explaining that at that age, not all children may be on the same level and some need extra help with reading. She also wants to introduce Mandarin Chinese at Hamden High School. The town would share the costs with an outside organization. The budget also calls for a state-funded school readiness program for 15 children ages 3 and 4 at Helen Street School. It also supports unfunded mandates. Rabinowitz said she will use existing staff to cover state law dealing with in-school suspensions. Her goal is to keep class sizes no higher than 20 in kindergarten through grade two and no more than 25 in other grades. If the budget were to be cut, Rabinowitz said she would look to other areas before adding to class sizes. Raises of about 3 percent for the superintendent, assistant superintendent and other nonunion employees are reserved in the budget, but Rabinowitz said not everyone may receive that amount. |
Friday, January 18, 2008
Veteran and Elderly Tax Committee Public Hearing #1
Despite pretty good advertisement from the local press, we only had a small showing of residents, but the ones who came had good stories and were determined to have their voices heard.
Most of the residents who spoke discussed our Veteran Program. Carol Riccio, of the Elderly Services Department, came to speak in favor of Senior assistance, and pointed our that a follow-up meeting during day-time hours would work better for seniors.
I'm in the process of putting together a 2nd Public Hearing, in cooperation with the Elderly Services Department, and should be ready to announce that meeting early next week.
I hope to have as many seniors attend as possible - we want to hear from you !
I'll keep you posted.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Changes Article from Hamden Journal This Week
| Changes in store | ||||||||||||||
|
| A new year dawns with new beginnings on the horizon for several town departments as plans move forward to provide new homes for the town's emergency services. |
And as with every new year, a new budget season looms as town departments prepare their requests that the mayor, and ultimately the Legislative Council, will tackle this spring.
Top on the list of priorities for the coming year are new headquarters for both the police and fire departments. Mayor
Craig Henrici wants to renovate the old Memorial Town Hall into a new police headquarters, while the former D'Addio Farm on Putnam Avenue is slated to house a new fire headquarters.
The Memorial Town Hall for decades was home to the town's municipal offices, but former Mayor Carl Amento moved those offices to the new, more modern Government Center on the corner of Dixwell and Evergreen avenues.
Since then, the old building has sat vacant for the most part, though its auditorium is still used for Legislative Council meetings. The recently displaced Connex Credit Union now occupies space there after fire destroyed its home in the Hamden Plaza.
Henrici said one of his top priorities is moving the police headquarters, currently located next door, into the old Town Hall. The current police department and an old garage on the site would be demolished to make room for parking, and an addition would be constructed to the Town Hall.
Other town department offices could move in to the building once it is renovated, he said. The replacement of the Circular Avenue firehouse has long been in the works, and with the town's purchase of the former D'Addio Farm property, that will happen, along with a new fire headquarters.
To pay for it, a portion of the property would be sold, Henrici said, since all of it is not needed for the project. Those projects, and the new Town Center Park planned for the old Meadowbrook Golf Course, are the most important issues the town is tackling, Councilman Curt Balzano Leng said.
"One of the biggest responsibilities we will have as a council this coming year is making the right choices about such large projects as the new police facility, the new fire facility and Town Center Park," he said. "These are multi-million dollar projects that will impact the town and have a lasting effect for the next 50 years." Leng said he also is hopeful that a new town committee will bear fruit for two important and deserving segments of the population: Seniors and veterans.
"From a finance perspective, I'm looking forward to working with the new members of the Veterans and Elderly Tax Team on some very progressive tax relief programs for senior citizens and veterans," he said. "We have to prove that we can help those residents that most need our assistance. We can take some very positive steps to help people this year." But once again, it's going to be a tough year budget-wise, he said.
"As for the overall financial picture," said Leng, "I think we are on a much more solid footing than we were two years ago. That being said, this coming budget we need to find new approaches to minimize our too-high tax rate. We need to consider a range of unconventional things, such as potentially combining departments for efficiency, making sure that the Board of Education moves its offices into Hamden Government Center for increased communication and shared resources.
"I think we're going to have to take a long, hard look at cutting additional dollars from a number of department budgets," he said. "We have to stabilize our taxes - it's not an option anymore - it's a necessity."
Board of Education Chairman Michael D'Agostino said the board understands the financial restraints the town is under and will take them into consideration when it sends its budget to the mayor.
"We are again committed to sending the mayor and council a responsible budget request - one that appropriately balances our educational needs with the town's fiscal reality," he said. "The new superintendent is already consolidating and revising some administrative positions and evaluating the programs that work and those that do not.
"Our immediate goal, of course, is to make sure that all of our schools make adequate yearly progress as required by state and federal law," he said. "The board will also be forming a new task force in the new year to review our residency requirements."
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Kerry to Endorse Obama
John Kerry to endorse Obama
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Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), the Democratic Party's 2004 presidential nominee, will endorse Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president in South Carolina today, Democratic sources told Politico.
Kerry is flying to South Carolina for an event to be held shortly after 11 a.m. in Charleston, the sources said. Obama is holding a "Rally for Change" at the College of Charleston ahead of the Democrats' South Carolina primary on Jan. 26.
Kerry's endorsement message will focus on Obama's ability to bring the country transformational change, the sources said.
Kerry, who had contemplated another run of his own this year, remains one of the Democratic Party's most popular figures, and gives Obama a big boost as he is trying to regain his momentum after finishing second to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) in the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday.
For Obama, this endorsement fills a particular need: In addition to winning the nomination in 2004, Kerry is considered a strong voice on national security issues and a respected elder of the Democratic establishment.
Neither of those factors would do much for Clinton, who is strong on both.
But Obama needs to show donors, voters and activists that he can attract more traditional support and win over the decision-makers in the party.
Thus far, he has succeeded mostly at bringing young voters and independents into the fold.
Moreover, Kerry maintains a pretty strong fundraising network and impressive e-mail list of potential donors.
Kerry is putting an e-mail list with millions of addresses at Obama's disposal, according to party sources.
The e-mail list will be very helpful for fundraising as well as organizing.
However, endorsements —even one like this, which will get huge news coverage — rarely transform a campaign.
They provide good momentary buzz, and a surrogate with star power for campaign stops. But it is rarely the reason a voter chooses a candidate.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Looking for Resident Volunteers !
Veterans & Elderly Tax Committee
Seeks Resident Participants
The VETT committee will work in advance of the 2008-2009 budget season to develop proposals for improved senior and veteran tax relief and incentive programs. Formal recommendation will be presented to the full Legislative Council for consideration as part of the 2008-2009 budget process.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
New Year Letter
I want to take a quick moment to wish all Hamden residents a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. 2008 has the potential to be a great year for Hamden, with several important decisions on the near horizon concerning significant projects and the town's finances.
I hope that the town can come together to work on these projects -- ranging from new tax-relief programs for seniors and veterans, to funding our new police headquarters, to our new budget -- with open minds and the needs of our constituents at heart.
I sincerely extend wishes of happiness, contentment and health for you and your family in 2008 and beyond.
Curt
