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Sunday, December 26, 2010

FROM WALLINGFORD - Downtown deadlock

This week’s FROM WALLINGFORD is written by my counterpart on the column - Stephen Knight

As Published in the Record Journal Sunday December 26, 2010

Well, for now, the Incentive Housing Zone for downtown Wallingford is off the table. Monday night, the Town Council deadlocked on the issue and the Planning and Zoning Commission postponed a vote on the plan. While support for the plan seemed to be building a year ago, it was clear that that support dissipated in the intervening months. While most of the opposition seemed to center around the need for more information, I think that there are three other factors that also figured into the resultant, lukewarm support.

First of all, major changes to existing regulations have to be driven by either 1) an actual proposal put forth by an entity with means to make the project actually happen, or, 2) a consensus among those most affected that the changes are in their best interest. Neither of those conditions was in evidence. The idea appears to have come to life because some of the social engineers in Hartford passed legislation offering financial incentives to consider development of this sort. Then financial incentives that got the town to the table in the first place were drastically reduced. That left little or no impetus for changes to be made, and what little momentum that did exist died.

Secondly, there are many in Wallingford skeptical of accepting state funds for an entirely local project, and I certainly share such skepticism. When the State of Connecticut offers money to local communities, it does so in order to induce compliance with whatever grand scheme it is that they are promoting. The proverbial “strings attached” to that funding has two results: 1) the town loses control over whatever the project is and 2) the completion of the project slows to a crawl. In this case, the money that the state is offering no doubt came with an enormous set of conditions, restrictions and impediments.

As illustration, I offer you the Christian Street bridge debacle of recent years. Do you recall how long that bridge took to replace? The Town had originally sought to work through the state’s local bridge program, but the project got so bogged down in red tape that the town administration finally threw up its hands, completed its own design and installed the bridge without any state assistance for hundreds of thousands less. In the present Incentive Housing Zone case, the question had to be asked: if we take the money, how much control over the area are we ceding to the bureaucracy in Hartford? Is it really worth it?

Lastly, the linchpin of this whole redevelopment idea is the commuter rail service that is supposed to be built over the next few years. Maybe no one brought this up in Monday’s meeting, but I am beginning to doubt if this operation will ever be built. The state is facing years of multibillion dollar deficits. And, to make the problem far worse, the federal government recently turned down Connecticut’s request for additional hundreds of millions of dollars to finance the project, leaving it for the state to bear the lion’s share of funding. In other words, no one in Hartford will say it, but I think this project is stalled. If that is indeed the case, a huge incentive for creating this special zone is gone.

I take a backseat to nobody in my support for downtown Wallingford and the creation of ways to keep it healthy and attractive. Perhaps sometime in the future, this Incentive Housing Zone will be revisited and the good effort of Town Planner Linda Bush will bring a different result. At present, however, the irony seems to be that the town’s best action was to take no action.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

FROM WALLINGFORD - Let’s celebrate our real heroes

As published in the Record Journal Sunday December 19, 2010

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The VALLEY BELOW American Flag as represented on the http://www.hear2heal.com website.

 

FROM WALLINGFORD - Let’s celebrate our real heroes

by Jason Zandri

A week before Thanksgiving, my neighbor David Gessert called one afternoon and asked me if I was going to be around on Wednesday. He mentioned that he and the neighbors were going to be having a little get together for U.S. Army Sgt. Jeff Sirois who was to be returning to Wallingford after nearly a year in Afghanistan. They were planning to line up along the final leg his travel route and wave the American flag and hold up some signs to welcome him home.

I thanked him for thinking of me and I apologized for being unable to attend. I had recently started a new job which requires me to go into New York City on a daily basis, a change from my previous job which offered me some flexibility for working from home some of the time.

When I think about how much attention in general America pays to which celebrity is cheating on whom and how long Bristol Palin was going to last on “Dancing With the Stars” it made me even more upset that I couldn’t make it that day.

As I was thinking of a topic to put together for this final article of mine before Christmas my thoughts went back to this event, a simple little gesture by family, friends and neighbors to welcome home this member of our armed forces from his recent deployment overseas.

We as a nation simply don’t celebrate our true heroes nearly enough.

We parade the winning World Series team down the main boulevard of whichever city they hail from for tickertape parades (and more times than I’d like to admit, this is the Canyon of Heroes, the lower section Broadway in the Financial District of New York City).

I read a lot of news stories: nearly everything in the Record Journal and a volume more from newspapers across the country online. Over the course of the year I’ve read stories about someone who saved animals from a burning animal rescue or another who heard an elderly woman’s cries for help and called 911.

Many of these stories called these people “heroes.” I absolutely agree that the actions that these people have taken are positively heroic but that is the maximum extent of credit I am willing to give them. You show me a police officer, a firefighter, an EMT, a member of our armed forces that puts their uniform on, pats their children on the head, kisses their spouse good-bye, and who puts themselves in harm’s way in an effort to make us safe and to preserve our way of life here in America for all, and I will show you a real hero.

A message is making its way across Facebook — “This Christmas, when you’re eating your dinner, smiling and laughing, remember that in another house somewhere, there’s an empty chair where a Hero should be sitting. They gave up their life or are presently serving overseas so that you can sit with your family. So light a candle for the Heroes that did not make it home and for those who are still serving.”

To my neighbors, the Siroises, whose house I have walked by dozens of times in nicer weather when I go for my walks downtown, thank you.

Jeff — thank you for serving our country and for protecting it.

Jen — thank you for all the support that you offer to Jeff and to your family while he is away.

To the Sirois’ children — thank you for your sacrifice of time with your father.

When you take the time to stop and consider this on a finite and personal level, it gives so much more meaning to “land of the free and home of the brave.”

To all the heroes — thank you. May you have the best of holidays and may you return home safely.

Monday, December 13, 2010

AGENDA – WALLINGFORD TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

December 14, 2010

6:30 P.M

AGENDA

Opening Prayer – Deacon Eugene Riotte, Most Holy Trinity Church,

1. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

2. Executive Session pursuant to § 1-200 (6)(B) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the matter of Janet Moore v. Town of Wallingford – Personnel

3. Motion to Consider and Approve settlement with respect to the matter of Janet Moore v. Town of Wallingford as discussed in Executive Session - Personnel

4. Consent Agenda

4a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds (#471 - #485) totaling $6,288.95 Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

4b. Acceptance of Donation from Napier Foundation and Approval of Appropriation of $6,000 to Donations Acct # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 – Youth & Social Services

4c. Acceptance of Donation from Operation Fuel and Approval of Appropriation of $210 to Donations Acct # # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 – Youth & Social Services

4d. Acceptance of Donation from Wal-Mart and Approval of Appropriation of $500 to Continuing Education & Training Acct # 001-2030-501-5700 and to Miscellaneous Revenue Acct # 001-1075-070-7040 – Fire Chief

4e. Approve minutes of Special Town Council meeting of May 3, 2010

4f. Approve minutes of Special Town Council meeting of May 5, 2010

4g. Approve minutes of Regular Town Council meeting of September 23, 2010

5. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

6. PUBLIC QUESTION & ANSWER

7. Consider and Approve a Budget Amendment in the Amount of $32,000 to Transmission & Distribution Mains Acct # 433-9012-343 from Power Purchased for Pumping Acct # 431-8620-623 – Water Division

8. Consider and Approve a request for a Bid Waiver for New World Systems Record Management System in the amount of $13,500 – Police Chief

9. Consider and Approve a request for a Bid Waiver for bus transportation service with Durham School Services – Dr. Salvatore Menzo, Superintendent of Schools

10. Consider and Approve Wallingford Regional Solid Waste Project Reserve Agreement - Mayor

11. Discussion with Covanta representatives regarding Resource Recovery Plant, status of combustion unit off-line and environmental issues - Mayor

12. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200 (6) (D) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the purchase, sale and/or leasing of property – Mayor

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Citizen Mike Returns – Episode 6 – Recent Arbitration story

The Citizen Mike Show is on each night at 9PM except Sundays on Comcast channel 18 and on U-Verse channel 99.

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Episode 6 is now available on demand. I have it cross posted here and it is available on the WPAA VideoAlive page on demand.

The episode covers, in layman’s terms, the recent arbitration award that has handed down regarding Local 1326 of the International Association of Fire Fighters and Local 1183 of AFSCME and the process by which all of this was handled.

It is a MUST watch for anyone that would like more information on all of the details on how we have arrived to where we are today and the simple way that this award can easily be paid for and handled within the current budget and without raising any immediate taxes.

As far as the future award for next year and years going forward – that will require planning and forethought and we as a town should get started on that now while we are still a year and a half out.

Again – I HIGHLY recommend the Citizen Mike Show as “must see TV”

Saturday, December 4, 2010

VIDEO - Citizen Mike Show - Funding for the paramedics and the scale-back in paramedic coverage

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This week on WPAA, at 9 p.m. every night except Sunday, the Citizen Mike Show returns with a talk about funding for the paramedics and the scale-back in paramedic coverage by the mayor in order to address an arbitration award.

Please tune in.

Next week, the show will cover the recent events at the Housing Authority.

As soon as this week’s show is available as video on demand I’ll get the link up here. In the meantime if you have Comcast it’ll be on Channel 18 and if you have U-Verse it is on Channel 99.

AGENDA – SPECIAL MEETING – WALLINGFORD TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

5:15 P.M

AGENDA

1. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

2. Consider and Approve an Appropriation from Account 001-7060-801-3230 Contingency- Accrued Expenses in the amount of $327,486 for partial payment of retroactive pay owed employees associated with the 1183 Bargaining Unit - Personnel

Friday, December 3, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Town Council Meeting - NOV 9, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - NOV 9, 2010 - PART 1

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - NOV 9, 2010 - PART 2

Thursday, December 2, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Town Council Meeting - OCT 26, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - OCT 26, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Town Council Meeting - OCT 12, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - OCT 12, 2010 - PART 1

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - OCT 12, 2010 - PART 2

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - OCT 12, 2010 - PART 3

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - OCT 12, 2010 - PART 4

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - OCT 12, 2010 - PART 5

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Town Council Meeting - SEPT 28, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - SEPT 28, 2010 - PART 1

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - SEPT 28, 2010 - PART 2

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - SEPT 28, 2010 - PART 3

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - SEPT 28, 2010 - PART 4

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Town Council Meeting - SEPT 14, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - SEPT 14, 2010 - PART 1

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - SEPT 14, 2010 – PART 2

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - SEPT 14, 2010 - PART 3

Monday, November 29, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Town Council Meeting - AUG 17, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - AUG 17, 2010

Friday, November 26, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Town Council Meeting - JUL 13, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Town Council Meeting - JUL 13, 2010

Monday, November 22, 2010

FROM WALLINGFORD - Managing ability to pay

As published in the Record Journal on Sunday November 21, 2010

Jason Zandri

In last week’s From Wallingford, my counterpart, Steve Knight, reviewed recent election outcomes. He said across the nation’s “free-spending pols were shown the door,” but that here in Connecticut, the “Land of Steady Habits,” it would be more of the same with respect to spending money we don’t have.

I am willing to give the newly elected officials an opportunity to put their best effort forward before I assert that same conclusion.

As long as we’re on this subject — the “Land of Steady Habits” — I’d like to focus on Wallingford, because to claim that only Hartford and Washington are guilty is like the pot calling the kettle black.

Mayor Dickinson, true to his word, carried out his administrative decision to cut services if unions won their arbitration case. He is the Mayor and that is his prerogative.

Judgment in arbitration cases against the town comes as no surprise to most. One factor, for better or worse, when it comes to rendering a decision in these instances is a town’s ability to pay. Wallingford has solid ability to pay with (as of the end of the 2008-09 fiscal year) $20.4 million in its fund balance plus $11.8 million in undesignated funds that are not allocated to any one time capital purchases or expenditures. That doesn’t include an additional $7.2 million payment received from the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority when Covanta took over the trash plant.

Having ability to pay is a double edged sword. It means our reserves are bountiful and we only have gotten there through conservative management which I do appreciate. One consideration of this of course is that in order to build up a reserve like that you need to be overtaxing. Municipalities can build up reserves when they have excess tax dollars remaining at the end of an annual budget cycle. Taxes and mill rates are set to correspond so that money coming in matches money going out to pay for these services. If you overspend you go into an operating deficit which generally becomes a debt that is mortgaged into future tax payments.

Not a good thing.

Building up some reserve makes sense. If there is a small gap from something unexpected it can be covered with savings. If enough money can be put aside then tax payers reap the benefit of excellent interest rates like Wallingford has when it does need to go out and borrow money.

Once you cross a certain threshold of money in the bank all that additional excess is not going to further improve your bond rating. If your largest single contingency without bonding can be covered by the difference then all monies saved past that combined point are of minimal additional positive impact.

When met with a situation of funding a critical service like EMTs I think the last choice which a town with a surplus should be taking is cutting that service back. One percent interest on $20 million dollars is $200,000.00 — twice what is needed to fund the arbitration award. With interest only and as a stop gap measure we could solve this problem; that would keep present levels of EMT service in place and leave the principal balance untouched. When the economy recovers and the grand list grows you can cut that stop gap measure.

If we don’t want to do that for whatever reason then I suggest the choice of cutting other non-critical services back before cutting EMTs.

Coming in as last choice is a resort to raising taxes. The median household tax bill would go up about three dollars to fund the arbitration award. Any of these choices are better than cutting any critical service that could put people at unnecessary risk in times of dire need.

Certain scenarios could place Wallingford at a higher risk of possible liability if it can be shown the reduction of this critical service was directly responsible for additional injury or loss of life.

Juries will find Wallingford has ability to pay out in a lawsuit just as easily.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

It’s official – The Wallingford Fireworks Fund is 501 (C) (3) tax exempt.

Craig Fishbein got the email off to me this week – The Wallingford Fireworks Fund is  501 (C) (3) tax exempt as of May 10, 2010.

Thanks Craig for all the foot work on this behind the scenes – you rock.

If you donated to the cause this past year you CAN take a deduction on your taxes as it IS effective as of this PAST May 10th of 2010.

Thank you for your support in 2010 and we hope you can support us again in 2011

tax exempt

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

School budget talks under way in Wallingford

As published in the Record Journal Tuesday November 9, 2010

By Jaclyn Hirsch
Record-Journal staff

jhirsch@record-journal.com  
(203) 317-2234

WALLINGFORD — The first of many discussions about next school year’s budget started Monday night during the Board of Education Operations Committee’s meeting.

“There’s a lot on our plate. I’m not going to deny that fact,” School Superintendent Salvatore Menzo said.

The board invited Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. and Patrice McCarthy, deputy director and general counsel for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, to talk about budget projections and get an idea of what next fiscal year could look like for the district.

Dickinson and McCarthy had little good news to report, but offered advice on how to look for money in this tough economic climate.

Dickinson said unless the state or federal government pumps money into the economy, town officials are not expecting any new money or increase in existing revenues.

About 85 percent of the town’s money comes from local taxpayers, which surprised many board members.

“We are tremendously dependent on what’s happening to the local tax base,” board member Jay Cei said. “I never realized it was that concentrated in local sources.

”McCarthy urged Board of Education members and educators at Monday’s meeting to continue pushing for state money from the legislature.

“The advocacy role is critical,” she said. “Advocacy does matter.”

She said the government is moving to more competitive grants with strings attached, which are more difficult for smaller school districts to win because of the manpower and time it takes to apply for grants.

“That’s sort of something that every community has to weigh,” she said.

Menzo said administrators still plan to hold onto the $1.2 million in federal money earmarked for job saving or creation, which Dickinson applauded. The money must be used by September 2012.

Menzo said he and his staff have started to look at budget numbers and are in the beginning stages of the conversation. He plans to meet parents in an open forum Wednesday night at Sheehan High School, and see teachers and principals at other schools next week to continue the budget conversation.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

AGENDA – WALLINGFORD TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

November 9, 2010

6:30 P.M

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer – The Reverend Margaret Jay, First Congregational Church

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

2. Consider and Approve Appointment of James D. McManus to Pension Commission for a term effective immediately and expiring December 31, 2011 - Mayor

3. Consider and Approve the Appointment of Debra Buckman to the Wallingford Housing Authority as Tenant Commissioner for a five-year term effective immediately and expiring October 31, 2015 – Robert F. Parisi, Chairman

4. Consent Agenda

4a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds (#428 - #458) totaling $2,422.85 Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

4b. Acceptance of Donation from Jason Michael, Wallingford resident and local businessman, for Disc Gold course, removable targets valued at $2,893 for use at Lufbery Park – Parks and Recreation

4c. Consider and Approve a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to make application to the Department of Social Services in such amounts as may be made available for undertaking a Hispanic Human Resource Development Program – Program Planning

4d. Consider and Approve an Agreement that requires S.C.O.W. as our subcontractor to fulfill all terms and conditions of the Hispanic Human Resources Development Program Grant – Program Planning

4e. Consider and Approve Job Description for Stockperson - Electric Division – Personnel

4f. Consider and Approve Job Description for Drafting Technician - Electric Division – Personnel

4g. Consider and Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to enter into and amend Contractual Instruments in the Name of and on Behalf of the Wallingford Community Day Care Center Inc. with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a Child Day Care Program – Mayor

4h. Consider and Approve an Agreement between the Town of Wallingford and the Wallingford Community Day Care Center, Inc. recognizing that the Town has executed a contract with the State of Connecticut Commissioner of Social Services for Funding Programs to be carried out by said Day Care Center Acting of Behalf of the Town – Mayor

4i. Consider and Approve a Resolution permitting the Wallingford Community Day Care Center Inc. to borrow from the Town of Wallingford amounts necessary to meet the essential operation expenses of said Day Care Center prior to the time its program is approved for funding from the state of Connecticut - Mayor

4j. Consider and approve a Transfer in the Amount of $22,000 to Tools, Shop and Garage Equipment Acct # 394 from Distribution Plant-Station Equipment Acct # 362 - Electric division

4k. Approve minutes of Special Town Council meeting of November 1, 2010

5. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

6. PUBLIC QUESTION & ANSWER

7. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $8,200 to Purchased Professional Services - Negotiations Acct # 001-1300-901-9002-00 from Contingency General Purpose Acct # 001-7060-800-3190-00 - Mayor

8. Report regarding implementation of arbitration awards for IAFF, Local 1326 and AFSCME, Council 4, Local 1183 - Mayor

9. Consider and Approve Bid Waiver to utilize process other than public bidding for consideration and selection of pension portfolio investment managers – Pension Commission

10. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200 (6) (D) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the purchase, sale and/or leasing of property – Mayor

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

VIDEO - 90th Assembly District - Voter Forum - Wallingford

GET INFORMED - GET INVOLVED - VOTE

VIDEO - 103rd Assembly District - Voter Forum - Wallingford

GET INFORMED - GET INVOLVED - VOTE

VIDEO - 85th Assembly District - Voter Forum - Wallingford

GET INFORMED - GET INVOLVED - VOTE

VIDEO - 86th Assembly District - Voter Forum - Wallingford

GET INFORMED - GET INVOLVED - VOTE

VIDEO - 34th State Senate District - Voter Forum - Wallingford

GET INFORMED - GET INVOLVED - VOTE

Secretary Bysiewicz Clarifies Law Prohibiting Campaigning Within 75 Feet of Polling Place on Election Day

- Statement -

Secretary Bysiewicz Clarifies Law Prohibiting Campaigning Within 75 Feet of Polling Place on Election Day

Hartford: Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz today issued the following memo to Registrars of Voters and Town Clerks in Connecticut regarding the Connecticut General Statutes Section 9-236 that prohibits campaigning within 75 feet of any polling place on Election Day.

TO:      All Registrars of Voters and Town Clerks

RE:       STATE LAW PROHIBITING CAMPAIGNING WITHIN 75 FEET OF POLLING PLACE ON ELECTION DAY

Over the past few days, there have been several media reports suggesting that this office issued a directive to local election officials that voters who wear World Wrestling Entertainment (“WWE”)  t-shirts, hats or other apparel to the polls should be turned away from the polls.  These reports misstate the law and misconstrue the statements from this office. 

Section 9-236(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes states: “On the day of any primary, referendum or election, no person shall solicit in behalf of or in opposition to the candidacy of another or himself or in behalf of or in opposition to any question being submitted at the election or referendum, or loiter or peddle or offer any advertising matter, ballot or circular to another person within a radius of seventy-five feet of any outside entrance in use as an entry to any polling place or in any corridor, passageway or other approach leading from any such outside entrance to such polling place or in any room opening upon any such corridor, passageway or approach….”

In applying this statute, this office has never issued a blanket prohibition or declaration prohibiting any particular type of apparel.  The only clothing, items or apparel prohibited by Section 9-236(a) are those that “solicit” for or against a candidate or ballot question.  Each local moderator must assess each situation on a case-by-case basis.  In past elections, this office has consistently recommended that voters wearing t-shirts bearing the likeness or campaign logo of candidates, be asked to button their jackets when other voters have complained. 

In preparing for this election, be advised that it is the position of this office that simply wearing WWE apparel at the polls, including apparel with the trade name or logo of the WWE or the name or photograph of any WWE entertainer that does not display the name or photograph of Linda McMahon, U.S. Senate candidate, or the name or logo of Ms. McMahon’s campaign does not trigger a violation of Section 9-236.   

Further, even when an individual is found to be wearing campaign material in violation of the 75 foot restrictions, they should never be told to leave the polls.  They should be simply asked to remove or cover the item or apparel in question.  Once this is accomplished, the individual should be allowed to vote.  Once the individual leaves the polls and is outside 75 feet, they are free to display their support for the candidate of their choice.

We hope that you find this helpful.  Of course, please call us if you’d like to discuss this further, and as always, we are available for consultation on Election Day.

Av Harris
Communications Director
Connecticut Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz
(860) 509-6255 ofc
(860) 463-5939 cell
av.harris@ct.gov

Vince McMahon Sues Bysiewicz Over WWE Garb At Polls

World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Vince McMahon, the husband of U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon, on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop local election workers from asking WWE fans to cover up their wrestling garb at the polls.

Vince McMahon, also president of the Connecticut-based wrestling empire, said he filed motions for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz from violating voters' free speech rights.

Bysiewicz, concerned the apparel could be considered political advertising because Linda McMahon was the company's CEO until last fall, has advised local registrars that they can ask people wearing WWE items to cover them up or return wearing something else if they feel it has become an issue.

State election law prevents political advertising within 75 feet of the polls.

Bysiewicz's spokesman, Av Harris, said last week that the secretary's directive does not mean voters wearing WWE items will be stopped from voting. He said the clothing issue will be handled on a case-by-case basis

Read the full story online on the Channel 3 Eyewitness News website Vince McMahon Sues Bysiewicz Over WWE Garb At Polls

Sunday, October 24, 2010

FROM WALLINGFORD - November 2 is Election Day

As published in the Record Journal on Sunday October 24, 2010

Jason Zandri

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Faithful readers have come to know that my big slant every election season is to get people out to vote. They know that the times in between I push the message “get informed, get involved.”

Is it enough to at least go out and “just vote”? Some might say that the mostly or totally uninformed should just stay home with those that are unwilling to vote as they cause more harm than good.

While I would much rather have an informed electorate, at the minimum I want an involved and interactive one. If the most you can do is go into the booth and “pull” your party line at least you’ve taken some action for yourself.

Get over the notion that your vote doesn’t matter.

Everything you do matters and that includes casting your vote on Election Day. It’s unfortunate that most of the people running for office for this election have leveraged heavily on the negative advertising tactics. While I cannot say I have seen all the ads, I can say I’ve seen many. I have only seen one to date that was straightforward and spoke of skill, ability, plan and direction and that didn’t tear down the other people running for that office.

I think that is something that most of our candidates misunderstand and it’s a lost opportunity to connect with their constituents.

Especially in times like these, where the economy is still in rough shape and the recovery is slow to take hold across all sectors, an opportunity presents itself to the candidates who wish to serve to reconnect with “Joe the Plummer” and offer some hope and positive direction.

Why did we as children look up to the likes of Superman and Joe DiMaggio? Because they were all we could hope to be and they were positive influences. In many cases they were all that we could never be but they were positive influences all the same.

Why do we as adults fixate on Hollywood and the rich and famous more so than on our neighbors down the street? Some of it is because of the allure of what we can’t have and for the most part could never hope to obtain (but we dream we could anyway). The rest of the reason why is because the rich and famous have prosperity and that is another of those positive things.

It’s true that folks enjoy nothing more than when some famous person of the day is caught up in a divorce, scandal or some other downfall because that makes them as human and every day as everyone else.

Much of what draws us to them in the first place is the potential of being successful and “having it good,” something sorely lacking with the current state of things for most everyday people.

When it comes time for us everyday people to consider our choices of who will govern for us for the next term it’s unfortunate that most of what is presented to us is negative information on the other candidate.

I am foolishly hoping that perhaps next year will be a better year for campaigns and that people running for office would focus their efforts on the positive side of things, things they believe they could accomplish in office rather than deciding how to showcase how their opponent is lacking the ability to do something.

Running for office is like applying for a job; if any of these folks went in to an employer “selling” themselves by saying what the other people for the position cannot do I doubt any of the lot would be hired.

Nothing important is easy and voting is important — we are going to have to wade through all the negative information and try to make informed choices.

We owe it to ourselves and to our families.

Get informed, get involved and vote on Election Day.

So what is the Citizen Mike show?

"Citizen Mike" is a locally produced new news and commentary television show that is available on Wallingford's public access Channel 18.

The show’s host is none other than former Democratic town councilor Michael Brodinsky.

Mike is planning to produce the show on a regular basis – each week at this point – and the show will be repeated each night at 9PM on WPAA on Comcast and on channel 99 on AT&T U-verse.

It is also available on demand, online on the WPAA Video Alive webpage titled - Wallingford Public Access Association
Community Media
for those of you without cable or with satellite TV.

I will also be cross posting links here on the blog as they are made available.

Citizen Mike Show -- Episode 1 – NOW ONLINE

Episode 1 - Citizen Mike Show. A local, public access production covering National, State and local issues. Local topics discussed in the episode include the recap of the September 14th Town Council review of the dioxin release from the Covnata Energy Plant in Wallingford.

There were some additional topics related to the statewide elections here in Connecticut as well as some races around the country. The repeal of "Don't Ask, don't tell" was also commented on.

Special Guests for this episode include Democrat candidate Denise Merrill and Republican Candidate Jerry Ferrell who are both running for Secretary of State in Connecticut . The visits were separately recorded so this was not a debate between the two but individual discussions on the issues as they saw them and their own platforms of how they are looking to address things and carry out their responsibilities to the office if elected.

See Episode 1 - Citizen Mike Show online

Get informed – get involved

Thursday, October 21, 2010

AGENDA – WALLINGFORD TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

October 26, 2010

6:30 P.M

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer – Father Gary Simone, Most Holy Trinity Church

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

2. Consider and Approve Appointment of James D. McManus to Pension Commission for a term effective immediately and expiring 12/31/2011 - Mayor

3. Consider and Approve the Appointment of Debra Buckman to the Wallingford Housing Authority as Tenant Commissioner for a five-year term effective immediately and expiring 10/31/15 – Robert F. Parisi, Chairman

4. Consent Agenda

4a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds (#326 - #427) totaling $16,380.45 Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

4b. Acceptance of Donation to Youth & Social Services Special Fund from Operation Fuel and Appropriation in the Amount of $147 to Donations Acct # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

4c. Consider and Approve a Budget Amendment in the Amount of $188,000 to Outside Contractors Acct # 001-2005-101-1800 and to Charges for Current Services (Revenue) Acct # 001-1065-060-6020 – Police Chief

4d. Acceptance of 2010 Comprehensive DUI Enforcement Program Safety Grant and Appropriation in the Amount of $1,476 to Revenue Highway Safety Acct # 001-1050-050-5883 and to Police Overtime Acct # 001-2005-101-1400 – Police Chief

4e. Consider and Approve adding Hedge & Mattheis Company and W. H. Rose to 2010-2011 Bid Waiver list – Public Works

4f. Approve Adopting the Town Council Calendar of Meetings for 2011

5. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

6. PUBLIC QUESTION & ANSWER

7. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200 (6)(D) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the purchase, sale and/or leasing of property – Mayor

8. Executive Session to discuss strategy and negotiation with respect to Collective Bargaining pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §1-200(2), §1-200(6)(B) and §1-225 (f) regarding Town of Wallingford and Local 1326, IAFF Interest Arbitration Award – Personnel

9. Executive Session to discuss strategy and negotiation with respect to Collective Bargaining pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §1-200(2), §1-200(6)(B) and §1-225 (f) regarding Town of Wallingford and Local AFSCME, Council 4, Local 1183 Interest Arbitration Award - Personnel

10. Discussion and Possible Action with regard to the Town of Wallingford and Local 1326, IAFF Interest Arbitration Award as discussed in Executive Session – Personnel

11. Discussion and Possible Action with regard to the Town of Wallingford and Local AFSCME, Council 4, Local 1183 Interest Arbitration Award as discussed in Executive Session – Personnel

12. Discussion and Possible Action regarding purchase of a site for the North Farms Volunteer Fire Station:

a. Approval of contract to purchase 864-866 North Farms Road

b. Approval of acquisition of the reversionary interest of Barnes Road Firehouse property – Mayor

13. Continuation of Housing Authority Discussion – Councilor Nick Economopoulos

14. Consider and Approve a Budget Amendment in the Amount of $2,120,000 to Structures & Improvements Acct # 433-9012-390 and to Appropriations from Major Capital Replacement Fund – Water Division

Thursday, October 14, 2010

FROM WALLINGFORD - Cost higher but choice is right

As published in the Record Journal on Sunday October 10, 2010

Jason Zandri

IMG_6621

Wallingford hired an architectural firm that specializes in public safety designs to do a feasibility study regarding the volunteer fire station on North Farms Road which is at its maximum functional capacity.

Should Wallingford utilize the property that it already has to address the current capacity issues but not necessarily address additional future growth? The town could do this and it would save some tax dollars currently in a tough economy but is it the best plan overall? Does it make sense to address additional expansion needs someday down the road when property and construction costs will be more expensive?

Should the town purchase the 11.2-acre Cichowski property at 866 North Farms Road and put the volunteer fire station there? This would be more costly but it does address current AND future expansion needs. The Town Council approved purchasing that property last September for $850,000, with an additional $154,000 budgeted for site cleanup. Building on North Farms Road would cost $6.6 million compared to about $5.2 million for building a new station on the current Barnes Road site.

Wallingford should purchase the Cichowski property and use it for this effort. There is plenty of housing stock in town right now for people that desire to buy an established home. I do not think we necessarily need more residential property developed for the type of housing that would go in that area. It would not be affordable housing; it would most likely be larger type homes.

I am not opposed to building more homes or trying to discourage further construction. On the contrary, I think that land owners should be allowed to do what they want with their land within the zoning regulations. I simply feel that as of right now there is adequate supply to meet the current demand.

Specific concerns of the residents in the area regarding this project should be taken into consideration as they will be directly affected. Any decisions then should be made after weighing that input and what is the best thing for the town in total.

Going the North Farms route will cost more. Wallingford is in a very good financial situation with a healthy budget balance and an excellent credit rating to bond out for this if that should be desired. Some people will point out that it makes sense to use the 1.78-acre Barnes Road site or another area in the industrial zone. That requires moving the Fire Department while new building is under construction and it doesn’t allow for future growth. That’s additional cost now and when expansion is again needed it will cost much more as costs will rise and we will not have planned properly for future growth.

Industrial land should be leveraged by private entities rather than the town. We talk about the concerns of taking residential property off the tax rolls for municipal use. Commercial and industrial properties bring in more tax revenue to the town than what residential properties do. They tend not to add additional burden to the tax base in the same ways. As an example, new residential construction tends to add net new families that can add to the costs of the education budget which is two thirds the total town budget.

A new firehouse is needed — the case for this has already been made and has been agreed upon; this will happen.

Decisions and actions on it call for smart planning and should allow for future Fire Department growth.

The Town Council and the administration needs to decide what’s the best total strategy and what is going to be the best return on investment for Wallingford taxpayers in the long run.

We should not be looking to save a dime today to only spend a dollar down the road. We need to make careful decisions that will minimize that future cost as much as possible while balancing the cost burden for today.

Friday, October 8, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals - SEPT 20, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals - SEPT 20, 2010 - PART 1

Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals - SEPT 20, 2010 - PART 2

Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals - SEPT 20, 2010 - PART 3

VIDEO - Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals - AUG 16, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals - AUG 16, 2010

Thursday, October 7, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals - JULY 19, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals - JULY 19, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals - JUNE 21, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals - JUNE 21, 2010

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

AGENDA - TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

October 12, 2010

6:30 P.M

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer – Deacon Eugene Riotte, Most Holy Trinity Church

2. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

3. Consent Agenda

3a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds (#275 - #325) totaling $16,488.71 Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

3b. Consider and Approve Merit Review - Personnel

3c. Acceptance of Donation from the Wallingford Peer Advocates on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association – Connecticut chapter and Appropriation for Youth & Social Services Special Fund in the amount of $651 to Donations Acct # 213-1042- 070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

3d. Acceptance of Donation from the Wallingford Peer Advocates on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association – Connecticut chapter and Appropriation for Youth & Social Services Special Fund in the amount of $40 to Donations Acct # 213-1042- 070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

3e. Acceptance of Donation to Youth & Social Services Special Fund and Appropriation in the Amount of $20 to Donations Acct # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

3f. Acceptance of Year 2 Firefighters Federal Grant 2009 in the amount of $15,000 and Appropriation to Federal Fire Act Grant Acct # 223-1050-050-5000 and to Volunteer Recruitment Acct # 223-2030-605-6000 – Fire Chief

3g. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver in the Amount of $7,800 for Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Service (VFIS) Emergency Vehicle Driver Training Program – Fire Chief

3h. Consider and Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to make application to the State of Connecticut for an Hispanic Human Resources Development Program in the amount of $90,232 – Program Planning

3i. Consider and Approve an Agreement between the Town of Wallingford and the Spanish Community of Wallingford (SCOW) for an Hispanic Human Resources Development Program – Program Planning

3j. Consider and Approve the modification to existing lease between the town of Wallingford and the Community Day Care Center to extend the lease term from 2014 to May 17, 2021 and Authorize the Mayor to sign same – Corporation Counsel

3k. Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Meeting of August 17, 2010

3l. Approve Minutes of Regular Town Council Meeting of September 14, 2010

3m. Consider and approve a Transfer in the amount of $2,000 to Purchase Professional Services –Recycling Contract Acct # 001-5015-901-9021 from Purchase Professional Services – Waste and compost Acct # 001-5015-901-9022 – Public Works

4. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

5. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200(6)(B) of the Connecticut General Statutes regarding strategy and negotiations with respect to the pending matter of Vece v. DeMaio (Town of Wallingford) – Law Department

6. Motion to Consider and Approve the settlement of the pending litigation matter of Vece v. DeMaio (Town of Wallingford) as discussed in Executive Session – Law Department

7. PUBLIC QUESTION & ANSWER

8. Acceptance from the Rotary Club of Wallingford and the Wallingford Foundation of equipment and installation of said equipment for a low ropes training course in Bertini Park valued at $8,500 – Parks & Recreation

9. Discussion and Possible Action regarding choice of a site for the North Farms Fire House pursuant to the Fire House Feasibility Study – Fire Chief

10. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver for AT & T and Authorization for the Mayor to Execute Seven-Year Agreement with AT & T - Mayor

11. Discussion and questions for the Wallingford Housing Authority Commissioners – Councilor Nick Economopoulos

12. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200 (6)(D) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the purchase, sale and/or leasing of property – Mayor

Wallingford Emergency Shelter 2nd Annual Fundraising Banquet

Friday November 19, 2010 from 6PM to 11PM at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn

The cost for the dinner tickets is $40.00 per person and no tickets are going to be sold at the door

The order form for the tickets is below; you can click on the image to open the PDF to print it out.

image

You should make your check out to the Wallingford Emergency Shelter and mail it with the bottom portion of the print out to:

Wallingford Emergency Shelter
PO BOX 1747
Wallingford CT 06492

If there are any questions or additional follow up needed you can call 203 294 0102

Monday, October 4, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Planning and Zoning - SEPT 13, 2010

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved

Wallingford Planning and Zoning - SEPT 13, 2010 - PART 1

Wallingford Planning and Zoning - SEPT 13, 2010 - PART 2

Sunday, October 3, 2010

‘Citizen Mike’ to premiere in Wallingford

Brodinsky TV show takes on local topics

As published in the Record Journal Sunday October 3, 2010

By Eric Heredia
Record-Journal staff
eheredia@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2243

Follow all the news directly on the Record Journal Website for the most up to date information. www.myrecordjournal.com

Write a letter to the editor letters@record-journal.com

WALLINGFORD — A mysterious character runs up and down the streets of Wallingford, in the shadows of the night, searching for answers. He keeps his head in a large, black-hooded jacket, pulls out a flashlight and opens the door, plops down at his desk and finally reveals himself.

It’s ... Michael Brodinsky.

That’s the persona the former Democratic town councilor takes in the opening scene of “Citizen Mike,” his new news and commentary television show on Wallingford’s public access Channel 18.

He said the saxophone song that plays during the intro was supposed to resemble the “Pink Panther” theme song.
Brodinsky was working on the second episode Wednesday night, organizing notes and newspaper clippings for his commentary and copy editing text about next fiscal year’s budget that will go on the screen with the help of WPAA Production Manager Eric Schrader.

“Put the word million on the same line as the $626,” he told Schrader in the control room of the Wallingford Public Access Association’s new studio at 28 S. Orchard St.

WPAA Treasurer Curt Huizenga said the organization spent $215,000 to buy the building and about $35,000 on construction work that he hopes to have wrapped up by Nov. 1. It’s a big step up from the 500-square-foot galley space the station used to have around the corner on Center Street. He said the extra space will allow the board of directors to use the conference room on the first floor as the studio operates on the second floor without being on top of each other.

“It’s nice. It’s like having a brand new job, almost,” Schrader said. “It feels less like a tanning salon.”

Getting back to business, he rolled the black curtain behind Brodinsky’s desk, checked the camera angles and dipped back into the control room to start rolling.

In his opening commentary, Brodinsky addressed developments from the Town Council meeting Tuesday. He was frustrated that the cost study on building a new North Farms Volunteer Fire Department wasn’t available to town councilors before the meeting. Majority Leader Bob Parisi said that the study hadn’t been available until Monday. He added that he looks forward to seeing Brodinsky’s show and he’s sure he’ll do a good job.

Later on in his recording, Brodinsky read articles about Anthem Blue Cross recently seeking 39 percent rate hikes on 800,000 policy holders in California. Later on he interviewed state Rep. Steve Fontana, chairman of the General Assembly’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, who said that independent analysis shows that the costs required by the national health-care reform are much less than the requested increases.

Since the new law will require insurance companies to put 80 to 85 percent of the money they make from premiums directly into the actual care, the companies are pursuing profits by other means, such as excessive rate hikes.

Brodinsky spent several minutes discussing state House bill 5090, which would establish a new rate approval process for individual health insurance companies, HMOs and hospital and medical service corporations. The bill would increase the amount of time required before a new rate can go into effect, require the Insurance Department to post rate filings on its website, provide 30 days for public comment and require a public hearing on a proposed rate filing under certain circumstances. Fontana said the House passed the bill, but it never got a vote in the state Senate, adding that in the next session there might be more pressure to consider the legislation again. “If you’re not in it for that depth, then it’s not the show for you,” Brodinsky said, happy that he’ll get to talk about things that are important to him.

“Citizen Mike” will premiere Thursday at 9 p.m. and replay every night.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

VIDEO - Wallingford Planning and Zoning - August 9, 2010 Meeting

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved.

Wallingford Planning and Zoning - August 9, 2010 - PART 1

Wallingford Planning and Zoning - August 9, 2010 - PART 2

VIDEO - Wallingford Planning and Zoning - July 12, 2010 Meeting

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved.

Wallingford Planning and Zoning – July 12, 2010 - PART 1

Wallingford Planning and Zoning – July 12, 2010 - PART 2

Wallingford Planning and Zoning – July 12, 2010 - PART 3

VIDEO - Wallingford Planning and Zoning - June 14, 2010 Meeting

Since the mayor has given the order to stop providing the Town Council and other meetings online, I have decided that in light of fact that there are other towns coming online to do this that I will provide the meetings as I am able to.

It’s your town – get informed and get involved.

Wallingford Planning and Zoning - June 14, 2010 - PART 1

Wallingford Planning and Zoning - June 14, 2010 - PART 2

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

AGENDA – WALLINGFORD TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

September 28, 2010

6:30 P.M

1. Opening Prayer – Reverend Dean Warburton, First Congregational Church

2. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

3. Consent Agenda

3a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds (#186 - #274) totaling $18,218.11 Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

3b. Acceptance of Federal/State Highway Safety Grant and Appropriation of $4,091 to Revenue Highway Safety Acct # 001-1050-050-5883 and to Police Overtime Acct # 001-2005-101-1400 – Police Chief

3c. Consider and Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Connecticut Association of Directors of Health (CADH), fiduciary for the State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health, Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control, in an amount of $9,095 and designate Eloise Hazelwood, Director of Health, as Administrator of said program for the purpose of conducting education and outreach – Health Director

3d. Consider and approve Appropriation in the Amount of $9,095 to State Grant Revenue Acct # 224-1040-050-5073 and to Lead Poisoning Expenditures 2010- 2011 Acct # 224-3010-6056-6003 – Health Director

3e. Consider and Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, for the purchase of alternative/clean fuel vehicle(s) and to Execute any amendments, rescissions and revisions thereto – Program Planner

3f. Acceptance of Donation from the Wallingford Foundation for Science and Technology After School Club (formerly Young Astronauts Club) and Appropriation in the amount of $2,000 to Donations Acct # 226-1042-701-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 226-3070-611-6500 – Youth & Social Services

3g. Acceptance of Donation from the Wallingford Foundation for the Bebes Activos playgroup and Appropriation for Youth & Social Services Special Fund in the amount of $500 to Donations Acct # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

3h. Acceptance of Donation to Youth & Social Services Special Fund and Appropriation in the Amount of $70 to Donations Acct # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

3i. Acceptance of Donation to Youth & Social Services Special Fund and Appropriation in the Amount of $120 to Donations Acct # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

3j. Acceptance of PPL Corporation Community Grant and Appropriation of $3,500 to Miscellaneous Revenue Acct # 001-1075-070-7040 and to Continuing Education & Training Acct 3 001-2030-501-5700 – Fire Chief

3k. Consider and Approve an Appropriation of Funds in the Amount of $2,100 to Miscellaneous Revenue Acct # 001-1075-070-7040 and to Continuing Education & Training Acct 3 001-2030-501-5700 – Fire Chief

3l. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $6,930 to Electronic Time Recorders Acct # 001-5015-999-9114 from Crew Cab Truck w/Platform Body & Accessories Acct # 001-5015-999-9113 – Public Works

3m. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $71,451 to Uncollectible Accounts Expense Acct # 904 from Customer Records & Collection Acct # 903 – Electric Division

3n. Consider and Approve Third Amendment to Intermunicipal Agreement – 1070 North Farms Road, LLC – Water Division

3o. Approve Amended Minutes of Special Town Council Meeting of April 20, 2010

4. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

5. PUBLIC QUESTION & ANSWER

6. Presentation by David Stein of Silver, Petrucelli and Associates, Inc. regarding the Fire House Feasibility Study – Fire Chief

7. Consider and Approve a Request for Bid Waiver in the range of $8,150 - $11,000 for AECOM – Water Division

8. Conduct a Public Hearing at 7:00 P.M. with respect to Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems, Chapter 177, Article II of the Code of the town of Wallingford– Ordinance Committee

9. Revaluation Update Presentation – Comptroller & Assessor

10. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200 (6)(D) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the purchase, sale and/or leasing of property – Mayor

11. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200(6)(B) of the Connecticut General Statutes regarding strategy and negotiations with respect to the pending matter of Vece v. DeMaio (Town of Wallingford)

12. Motion to Consider and Approve the settlement of the pending litigation matter of Vece v. DeMaio (Town of Wallingford) as discussed in Executive Session.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

AGENDA - TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - September 14, 2010

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

September 14, 2010

6:30 P.M

1. Opening Prayer - Father Gary Simone, Most Holy Trinity Church

2. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

3. Consent Agenda

3a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds (#89 - #185) totaling $13,249.04 Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

3b. Merit Review Anniversary Increase – Mayor

3c. Confirmation of Request from the First Congregational Church for use of Parade Grounds September 12, 2010 from 9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. for annual "Catch the Spirit" event – Chairman Robert F. Parisi

3d. Acceptance and Appropriation of donation from Super Stop and Shop of $2,500 to Professional Services – Entertainment Acct # 001-4001-901-9017 and to Miscellaneous Revenue Acct # 001-1075-070-7040 - Parks and Recreation

3e. Acceptance and Appropriation of $160 from Operation Fuel to Youth & Social Services Special Fund to Donations Acct # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

3f. Consider and Approve the Appointment of Joe Rusczek as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill a vacancy for a term ending January 8, 2011 - Chairman Robert F. Parisi

3g. Set a Public Hearing for September 28, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. regarding Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems, Chapter 177, Article II – Ordinance Committee C-Chairmen

3h. Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Meeting of August 12, 2010

3i. Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Meeting of July 19, 2010

3j. Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Meeting of April 19, 2010

3k. Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Meeting of April 20, 2010

4. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

5. PUBLIC QUESTION & ANSWER

6. Report out from the Town Pension Commission regarding latest performance reports, progress on the creation of a new investment strategy, and update on the activities of the investment - Councilor Vincent F. Testa, Jr.

7. Discussion on recent emissions violations at the Covanta Energy facility, the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection lawsuit and possible Town of Wallingford participation in pending legal action - Councilor Vincent F. Testa, Jr.

8. Presentation by Proton Energy systems regarding the Town’s use of a 2009 Toyota Highlander fuel cell hybrid vehicle - Mayor

9. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200 (6)(D) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the purchase, sale and/or leasing of property – Mayor

Sunday, September 5, 2010

FROM WALLINGFORD - Time for a new game-changer

This week’s FROM WALLINGFORD is written by my counterpart on the column – Stephen Knight

V-Knight_S

Transportation Game-Changers: The Appian Way of ancient Rome, the Erie Canal of the 1820s, the 19th century Clipper ship, the transcontinental railroad completed in 1869, the New York City subway system of the early 20th century, the Interstate Highway System begun in 1956, the Boeing 707 developed in the late ‘50s, and the Sea-Land containership. These are but a few of the transportation projects that have not only transformed how we move about but eventually transformed either national or worldwide society.

With that as a backdrop, I have read with great interest the debate in the Record-Journal about the commuter railroad that the State of Connecticut is committed to building. The letters in the Record-Journal in response to the hyperbole- laden, this-is-the-answer-to-our prayers rhetoric from Speaker Donovan (I ask you: do they teach courses at the capital to write like that?) have been thoughtful and articulate. I especially enjoyed Bud Sielaff of Wallingford’s analysis of the supposed benefits of the project.

I would like to weigh in with these two observations: 1) proponents of this project – and I include myself in their ranks – really should level with the people as to the actual costs, and 2) the benefits of this project will take years if not decades to be realized.

First of all, let’s talk costs: the $800 million price tag is just to build the system. If this system is built, there will have to be an annual subsidy of millions of dollars to operate it. There is not a commuter rail system on the planet that is self-sufficient. I ride Metro North into New York on a fairly regular basis, and the trains are invariably packed, yet the State of Connecticut supplements their operating budget by many millions every year. And the State is buying 300 new railcars to the tune of $760 million to replace the 30 to 40-year old rolling stock now in use. Bottom line: these rail systems are big bucks to build and to operate.

Now that that’s on the table, we had better talk about benefits. And I’m not talking about 4,000 jobs, billions of gallons of gas saved and all the other supposed benefits Speaker Donovan listed that letter writer Sielaff so deftly refuted. I am speaking of the long-term benefits of an attractive, efficient alternative to the motor vehicle, long-term being defined as a period of at least fifty years. Yes, intelligent transportation planning needs to look to that far of a horizon.

Connecticut is one of the most densely populated states in the country, and despite the unattractive economic climate here presently, it probably will remain so for the next century. We have been told that miles driven in Connecticut are up by 30 percent over the past twenty-five years. That rate of increase is unsustainable for the future, given that land for additional lanes of interstate is almost impossible to purchase given current land values — even if the land were available, which it is not. We are built out. And can you imagine the disruption of constructing a fourth lane of I-91 in each direction? We’d all be at each other’s throats by the time we got to work each day. A veritable ten-year road rage epidemic.

So the ultimate benefit this commuter rail line will have is to protect the quality of life we enjoy here — in Wallingford and in Connecticut. It will be expensive. It will take decades for its impact to be realized. It is politically risky for our state leaders to ask Connecticut voters to assume this financial obligation at this precarious time.

All that said, we just have to find a way to avoid the slow, inexorable strangulation we are facing because of our total dependence on the automobile. Our transportation arteries are clogging. We need a bypass. Commuter rail from New Haven to Springfield is one of those “procedures” that will keep our state economy alive.

Friday, August 27, 2010

More bucks for the bang - Efforts to fund 2011 fireworks show start early

As published in the Record Journal Friday August 27, 2010

By Jesse Buchanan
Record-Journal staff
jbuchanan@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2230

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WALLINGFORD — After raising $30,000 in a little over a month to save this year’s July 4 fireworks, organizers Craig Fishbein and Jason Zandri are getting an early start on raising $40,000 for next year’s festivities, an amount they hope will also restore the R Band concert before the fireworks.

“It was a massive rush,” Zandri said of the effort earlier this year.

Fundraising will begin at Celebrate Wallingford, Oct. 2 and 3. The pair, an odd couple politically, will also hold events as often as monthly to raise funds and maintain awareness of the effort.

Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. cut money for the fireworks show from the town’s budget last year, prompting a voluntary effort to fund it.

The Wallingford Fireworks Fund’s new goal could help pay the orchestra, as well as absorb cost increases in town services and fireworks.

Zandri, a Democrat, said the display cost about $18,000 and town services - such as police overtime - totaled $12,000.

“I’m playing a little inflation into both,” he said Thursday. “I figure I better have a little bit of wiggle room.”

Zandri and Fishbein, a Republican Town Councilor and local attorney, will have a booth at Celebrate Wallingford and will be giving mugs, bottles and shirts to people who donate to the fireworks. The goal is to announce that fundraising has begun rather than raise a specific amount of money, according to Zandri.

“It’s more of an awareness thing,” he said.

Fishbein said he is in the process of registering the fund as a non-profit with the IRS, which would allow it to hold a raffle to raise money.

Official nonprofit status would also help the fundraising effort, Fishbein said. Last year, donation pledges totaling at least $6,500 were withdrawn when donors found out that the organization wasn’t a 501(c)3.

“We had people who said they weren’t willing to donate if you’re not a charity recognized by the IRS,” Fishbein said Thursday.

Zandri said he intends to go before the council next spring and request the town donate its services for the show. He’s not banking on acceptance of that proposal, but said the savings could be used to expand the show for next year.

The fireworks display is one of the largest, if not the largest, event in town, Zandri said, and would benefit many of the residents.

Council Chairman Robert Parisi said he wasn’t opposed to donating the services but that he’d judge based on the financial situation the town was in next year.

“It’s worth listening to,” said Parisi, a Republican, Thursday. “They did very well on the fundraising.”

Two fundraisers are already tentatively planned: a dinner in March and a concert in April, both at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, which is owned by Jason Zandri’s uncle Jim.

Jason Zandri hopes to get volunteers to hold events throughout the year to keep momentum going. The big push will be January to May of next year.

“It can’t be just me and Craig all year long,” he said.

Monday, August 16, 2010

FROM WALLINGFORD - People had other things to do

As Published in the Record Journal – Sunday August 15, 2010

Jason Zandri

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So the Primary race has ended. All the money that was spent by candidates seems to have been wasted on an electorate that basically had other things to do than show up and vote.

In Thursday’s Record Journal there was a cartoon depicting an excited TV viewer watching American Idol while clicking away on a phone (presumably to vote for a contestant). The next panel showed the same viewer snoozing in front of the television that was illustrating election information.

Unofficial voter statistics published showed that 2,969 voters came out and cast their vote for the office of Governor in Wallingford. That is the combined totals for the Republicans and the Democrats. The numbers were even lower for other races.

As of 2008, there were nearly 26,000 registered voters in Wallingford. If that number is still correct (or at least close) then the 2,969 voters represent an 11.4 percent turnout.

To be fair, a 26,000 registered voter total includes unaffiliated voters who cannot vote in the primary but despite that fact, the turnout is what I perceive to be unacceptably low for a free democracy. In other countries where the threat of physical harm up to and including death is often realized upon the electorate, the numbers of those that turn out are higher there than what we see here in America on a regular basis.

The primary on Tuesday was to select which people, from those that were nominated and from those that had enough support to force the primary, would be on the ballot for this upcoming November election.

Wallingford’s turnout was very low but they had plenty of company; most towns were in the same area percentagewise.

Secretary of the State Bysiewicz reported an average statewide turnout of about 20 percent around 5 pm on primary day as reported in the Hartford Courant.

Many will give myriad reasons why they “couldn’t” vote. Often it has to do with not having the spare time. These are the same people that leave the line in the coffee shop and head out to go wait an hour in line for fast food. They’ll complain about how bad the economy is too but you’ll see them daily in line buying food and coffee that could be prepared at home for much cheaper. But I digress.
Some will give you the argument of “there was no one running that I liked or cared for enough to be bothered to go.”

Who would you have then? Name me someone you think should have been running and then let’s you and me go and have a conversation with them and see if we can encourage them to run at some future date.

Someone has to run the town/state/country — if not these candidates then who?

If you are not going to help choose them by showing up to vote then the same minority of people that ARE turning out will keep putting THEIR favorites into office.

You don’t get to pick your boss (in most cases) and that person directly affects your ability to make a living. You can’t choose your family either (and that may be a plus or a minus).

What you do have the ability to do is vote your choices for who you want to govern you.

Why the majority chooses not to, year after year, election after election is a mystery to me.

I wonder: if the privilege to vote were to be forever revoked for three occurrences of non participation if it would change attitudes and the apparent lack of participation?

Unfortunately, you can’t claim to be a free society and attempt to compel citizens to vote.

Still, it’s a shame that the will of the electorate from the majority standpoint always seems to be one of non participation and no confidence.

If this were the attitude in 1776 we’d still be an English Colony today.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Is Connecticut too deep in debt for rail project?

As printed in the Record Journal Sunday August 15, 2010

Originally published online at CTMirror.org - “State borrowed from capital program to keep budget afloat” 

CTMirror.org is the Web site of The Connecticut Mirror, an independent, nonprofit news organization covering government, politics and public policy in the state.

 

Nearly $600 million borrowed from future capital projects to help state government pay its bills has thrown a wrench into Gov. M. Jodi Rell's efforts to bond another $260 million for the planned New Haven-to-Springfield commuter rail line.

Rell canceled Wednesday's scheduled State Bond Commission meeting after leaders of the legislature's Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee questioned why the $580 million in short-term borrowing - approved in April 2009 when the state was more than $1 billion in deficit - still hasn't been repaid.

And Rep. Vincent J. Candelora of North Branford, ranking House Republican on the committee, said he was unaware the financing had been sought to keep the state's checkbook in balance, and not to finance capital projects.

"There wasn't any discussion about borrowing for our cash flow at the time," Candelora, whose finance committee leadership post also makes him a member of the bond commission, said Thursday. "I don't want there to be any secrets or surprises out there."

Candelora and his fellow GOP lawmakers already have criticized both Rell, a Republican, and the legislature's Democratic majority for ordering $2 billion in borrowing over the past year to cover government operating costs.

Despite having nearly $1.4 billion in the state's emergency reserve, Rell and the legislature agreed last fall to borrow $1.05 billion to cover the 2008-09 budget deficit. This enabled them to use the entire reserve to support the 2009-10 and 2010-11 budgets.

The governor and legislature then agreed to borrow again this past May, approving another $956 million in financing for the current budget--an amount that has been cut to $700 million by recent surplus projections.

And if the state effectively advanced itself another $580 million in April 2009 that will eventually be used for capital projects, why does Rell need  another $260 million for the rail project now? Candelora asked.

"I believe it is imperative that the commission members have adequate information prior to its vote," Candelora wrote this week to Rell, warning he was prepared to vote against further borrowing at the bond commission's Aug. 11 meeting. The panel, which is being asked to approve $520 million in new general obligation bonding for projects, including $260 million for the commuter line, has been rescheduled to meet Aug. 17.

Rep. Cameron C. Staples, D-New Haven, and Sen. Eileen M. Daily, D-Westbrook, then sent e-mails to Rell, indicating they shared many of Candelora's concerns.

The governor's office issued an statement this week indicating the meeting had been delayed because of lawmakers' concerns about past borrowing. "All of us, including Representative Candelora, the other lawmakers and my administration, deserve to have this extra information before we move ahead," she wrote.

That borrowing was authorized by Rell, and performed by state Treasurer Denise L. Nappier, in accordance with emergency provisions spelled out in state law. The treasurer is empowered, with the governor's approval, to borrow funds when the state coffers are at risk of running dry.

Nappier submitted a plan in early March 2009 to Rell, which the governor subsequently approved. The "first line of defense" in that plan stems from a procedure commonly followed when state government finances road repairs, new building construction or other capital initiatives.

The bond commission routinely allocates a fixed amount of borrowing, to be repaid over 15 or 20 years, for such projects. But in the early stages, a relatively small amount of the funds might be needed for tasks such as architectural designs or engineering studies.

This fraction of the total project budget typically is borrowed, at lower interest rates for short terms such as one or two years, through bond anticipation notes.

When the state is ready to move ahead with the bulk of the project, it issues long-term bonds, and uses the proceeds both to repay the anticipation notes and to pay for the remaining work.

Nappier's plan called for the bond commission to approve $700 million for future capital projects, which it did in April 2009.

The treasurer then used bond anticipation notes to effectively secure an advance of $580 million, to improve the state's cash flow.

"That plan was reviewed by the governor and shared with the General Assembly," Nappier wrote this week in a response to Candelora, adding it allowed Connecticut to borrow at rates ranging from 0.47 percent to 1.15 percent. "Had the BANs not been used in FY 2009, to aid the state's overall cash position, other methods of cash flow borrowing, more than likely at higher interest rates, would have been necessary to ensure our ability to meet the state's obligations."

This system works because of state government's common cash pool, a system that effectively mingles tax revenues, receipts from fees, licenses and penalties, federal grants, and proceeds from borrowing, in one big account.

Originally scheduled to be repaid in June 2010, those notes were extended for another year. Nappier added in her letter that she plans to issue long-term bonds next June to borrow the full $700 million authorized for capital projects back in April 2009, and to use those proceeds to repay the short-term notes.

But what about the $580 million used to shore up state government's operating budget last year as tax receipts ran low? Is all of that funding effectively still available? If so, why does the Rell administration need more borrowing?

"You want to be able to see how this $580 million fits into the whole context," Staples said. "The treasurer's letter provides some information, but it doesn't provide us with all of the context we need."

"If we were going to borrow even more money for (operating costs,) this is something that should have been debated by the legislature," Candelora said.

Staples added committee leaders would be seeking to meet with Nappier in the next few days to better understand the common cash pool.

Candelora and Rep. Craig Miner of Litchfield, ranking House Republican on the Appropriations Committee, questioned during the regular 2010 legislative session whether the state's operating budget effectively was borrowing from its capital projects to stay afloat.

About 27 percent of the funds in the state's cash pool at the end of January 2009 came from bonding, while that ratio had jumped to 52 percent one year later, said Candelora, who sponsored a measure enacted this year that requires the treasurer to issue monthly reports on the state's cash balance starting in October.