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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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Saturday, August 06, 2011
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Transfer Station Open for Business with Town Employees at a Cost Savings to the Town!
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]."
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Union Concessions Approved
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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Sunday, May 15, 2011
11-12 Budget Approved - average tax increase $45 for entire year!
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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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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Thursday, April 14, 2011
Hamden Provides Tax Relief to Seniors!
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.
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.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Traffic Calming Safety Initiative Funding Approved
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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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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Friday, March 18, 2011
Budget
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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Budget is strong, responsible, conservative and fair. Details are available at www.hamden.com.
More details tomorrow in most news forums!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Reval Results
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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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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Sunday, March 06, 2011
Federal Money Approved for Emergency Snow Grant Funding
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tax Collection
Hamden hires firm to collect back tax debt. For more info visit www.hamden.com.
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Thursday, February 10, 2011
Budget 2011
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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Thursday, January 20, 2011
Snow Reimbursement Grant
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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Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Despite difficulties, upbeat audit for Hamden
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.”
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.”
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