Wallingford Housing Authority’s biggest critic is ready to focus on its future

As published in the Record Journal on Friday March 16, 2012

By Dan Ivers
Record-Journal staff
divers@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2275

WALLINGFORD – Despite another audit finding significant issues with the Wallingford Housing Authority’s management and accounting practices, the agency’s most vocal critic is finally ready to focus on its future rather than its questionable past.

On Wednesday night, Michael Guyder, of Quincy, Mass.-based auditing firm Hurley, O’Neill & Company, P.C., presented his findings to the Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners. An annual audit of the agency’s finances and procedures is required because it receives more than $500,000 annually from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Guyder found that the Housing Authority’s records exposed it to significant risk, but he attributed most of the errors to a lack of understanding of state laws and accounting principles, rather than any calculated attempts to mislead or cover up wrongdoing.

“There was no reason to believe there was any misappropriation of funds, or theft,” he said. “This is an accounting issue and a control issue, and not necessarily something that where there’s malicious intent.”

Among the issues pointed out by Guyder was a pair of bank accounts maintained “off the books.” Records were found indicating balances for the accounts — one for administrative expenses related to the federal Section 8 program and another for proceeds from the sale of the former Ridgeland property — but no related accounting records.

The agency also lacked property records for its Housing Choice Voucher Program (it had been presenting auditors with records provided by Hamden’s housing authority, which administers the program), as well as a system for tracking inventory. Several accounting errors were also uncovered, including $4,400 in security deposit collections that could not be traced to Housing Authority bank accounts and a lack of any record keeping track of extra deposits from tenants who have pets.

The most recent look at the agency’s finances and recordkeeping only adds to a litany of questionable agreements and practices it engaged in under the leadership of former Executive Director Stephen Nere, whose 26-year tenure ended after he accepted a $130,000 buyout in December.

He has admitted that mistakes were made during his time as executive director, but Nere has strongly denied allegations that he intentionally averted state or federal laws and regulations.

Town Councilor Nicholas Economopoulos, who initiated calls to look into the Housing Authority’s practices in 2007, said the audit was not surprising given the various gaps in accounting and questionable procedures uncovered by past probes. All previous audits, including one designed to detect signs of potential embezzlement or theft, have not uncovered any evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

After previous audits, Economopoulos has suggested the board should delve deeper into the agency’s books to uncover the full extent of any potential wrongdoing. However, after Wednesday’s meeting, he said he was ready to join various commissioners in their commitment to focusing on the agency’s future.

“I’m just vindicated. I said that at the least, it would be shoddy record-keeping and bad management. We don’t have the at most, we have the at least,” he said. “The bottom line is we have it, and that’s it. I feel good about what we’ve accomplished.”

Commissioners recently opted not to replace Nere with another full-time director, and hired a full-time property management firm, DeMarco Management Corp., to oversee its finances and 317 units across town. The company has begun reforming many of the agency’s records and procedures, including compiling a master waiting list and implementing specific purchasing policies in line with state and federal laws.

“They instilled a little bit of faith in me, with the way they were running things,” said Economopoulos. “I feel like we’re going in the right direction.”

Wallingford Officials to discuss necessity of uptown police officer post

As published in the Record Journal, Tuesday April 10, 2012

By Russell Blair
Record-Journal staff
rblair@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2225

WALLINGFORD — Republican Town Councilor Craig Fishbein believes stationing a police officer at the corner of Center and North Main streets is a waste of taxpayer dollars, and says he will raise the issue at Wednesday’s public hearing on the 2012-13 budget.

Last month, Fishbein requested under the Freedom of Information Act the duties, hours and compensation paid to officers who work at the uptown intersection. Police Chief Douglas Dortenzio said at the time he believed the position was covered under the police union contract, but a letter from Lt. Marc Mikulski to Fishbein says it is not.

“The specifics of this post are not mentioned in the current Wallingford Police Union Local 1570 Collective Bargaining Agreement,” Mikulski wrote in his response to Fishbein’s request.

Dortenzio, chief since 1990, declined to comment on the position Monday, but said last month that an officer working at the corner predated his time on the job and the primary responsibility of the post was to assist school children in crossing the street. The officer is also available to handle service calls.

Dortenzio said he would address the matter further on Wednesday.

Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. said Monday that he believed the settlement of a grievance filed by the union many years ago led to an officer maintaining the post. He said the decision to assign an officer there was a judgment for the chief to make, and he heard people say they like seeing an officer uptown.

Fishbein said he thinks that the electronic crossing signs at the intersection are enough, and he didn’t think anybody is needed at the intersection to assist the schoolchildren. He would like to see the officer reassigned until the need for someone at the intersection is established. But Republican Councilor John LeTourneau disagreed.

“I like having the officer there, especially when the kids are crossing,” LeTourneau said. “I think it’s too big for a crossing guard. It’s a main intersection; there’s always a lot going on.”

LeTourneau, who owns Wallingford Lamp and Shade on Center Street, said having an officer there helps keep an eye on what’s happening uptown and downtown.

Democratic Councilor Jason Zandri, who has several young children, said he doesn’t think the “walk/don’t walk” signs are enough.

“I don’t think it’s enough for small children,” he said. “They look both ways, but then they walk out into the street.”

But Zandri that he believes a crossing guard could do the same job for less money. Of the people he’s talked to, he says about half support the officer on the corner and half think it’s a waste of money.

“I think if people understand the cost, we should leave it,” he said.

According to Mikulski’s letter, an officer is at the corner from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The post is filled Monday through Friday, but not during the summer or school holidays. Officers rotate to cover the intersection.

Wednesday’s public hearing on Dickinson’s proposed budget is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the auditorium of Town Hall, 45 S. Main St.

Councilors want say on fireworks, but they’ll have to meet with mayor

As published in the Record Journal Tuesday April 11, 2012

By Mary Ellen Godin
Record-Journal staff
mgodin@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2255

WALLINGFORD — They might be from different political parties, but the town councilors who founded the Wallingford Fireworks Fund joined Tuesday in the hopes of getting more say in choosing vendors for the annual Fourth of July display.

Democrat Jason Zandri and Republican Craig Fishbein wouldn’t accept the explanation by Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. that only the Parks and Recreation Department could handle vendor negotiation and the purchasing process.

“Without a formal process it could unravel as quickly as it came together,” Dickinson said. “You can’t have multiple people representing the town.”

Dickinson added that he knew of no other organization that allows event planners to negotiate contracts on behalf of the town. Town Council Chairman Robert Parisi, a Republican, said he understood the liability and logistical reasons behind Dickinson’s stand, but he said he could see Zandri’s and Fishbein’s point. Parisi even agreed with Democrat John Sullivan that the interested parties need to meet in the mayor’s office and settle the matter.

“The fund would like to have some input,” Parisi said. “They want to hear the final negotiation and bless it. When you’re into it, you’re taking ownership. You want to have a little bit of yourself in it. I share their passion.”

Zandri and Fishbein started the Wallingford Fireworks Fund in 2010, the year the town dropped funding for the $30,000 celebration from its budget. The nonprofit organization has raised enough money to pay for the show in each of the last two years.

Until this year, Zandri has negotiated quotes with vendors. He said the arrangement allowed certain flexibility on costs, through discounts from the vendor, and room to accommodate last-minute donations that could improve the show.

This year, the town has been seeking quotes without Zandri, who said the price and the quality of the show could suffer if he can’t be at the negotiating table.

“I’m looking for that flexibility,” Zandri said. “I want to try to figure out how to do that.”

Fishbein disagreed with Dickinson that other groups don’t hire vendors, and he pointed to Celebrate Wallingford. He also asked when the town would ever contribute to a fireworks display that draws 10,000 people versus a symphony concert and other events that bring in fewer people.

Zandri also said he wanted to extend the fundraising deadline to allow more contributions to make a better show, but was told by Dickinson that a range on costs could be written into the contract, and that the need for police and fire service demanded a deadline.

Other councilors, including Republican Thomas Laffin and Sullivan, said the Town Council isn’t the proper place for airing the grievances. They said the parties should meet in the mayor’s office to reach a partnership agreement with the Parks and Recreation Department.

In other business, the Town Council approved several appointments to boards and commissions and set a public hearing for April 24 on a 2012 Small Cities Community Block Grant, an ordinance concerning food service establishments, changes to sewer and drain ordinances, and a restriction on employees contracting with the town.

Dickinson

Zandri

Fishbein

Photos courtesy of the Record Journal

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Santorum Remains on the Ballot for April 24th Republican Presidential Preference Primary

Denise Merrill

Secretary of the State

Connecticut

- Press Release -

Merrill: Despite Exit from the Race, Santorum Remains on the Ballot for April 24^th Republican Presidential Preference Primary

Secretary of the State Reminds Republicans and Unaffiliated Voters that Deadlines to Register to Vote for Presidential Primary are Approaching Soon

Hartford:  Secretary of the State Denise Merrill today informed Connecticut Republican and unaffiliated voters that despite the suspension of his campaign, Republican Rick Santorum will remain on the ballot for the Republican Presidential Preference Primary to take place in Connecticut on Tuesday April 24, 2012 (Santorum can also still receive votes).  Since the deadline to withdraw from the race was March 19^th, ballots for the primary have already been printed for every town and there is no legal way to remove any one of the four candidates previously selected for the ballot by Secretary Merrill.  Secretary Merrill is also reminding Republican and unaffiliated voters that the deadlines to register to vote in time for the presidential preference primary are fast approaching, starting with next Thursday April 18, 2012, the deadline to register to vote for the primary by mail.  The final, in-person deadline to register to vote for the presidential preference primary is Monday April 23^rd at 12:00 p.m. noon at town or city hall. 

“We are closing in on the day Republicans in Connecticut get to decide who they want to be their presidential candidate,” said Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s chief elections official.  “Republican voters will be going to the polls in a regional primary on April 24^th, along with voters in New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Rhode Island.  Unaffiliated voters can also participate in this primary if enroll with the Republican party by April 23^rd at noon.”

Polls will be open on April 24, 2012 from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. for registered Republicans in Connecticut for the Presidential Preference Primary.  Voters can go online at www.sots.ct.gov to download voter registration forms, absentee ballot applications, and find out where their polling place is located.  The four candidates to appear on the Republican Presidential Preference Primary ballot are: Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum.

Av Harris
Director of Communications
Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill
(860) 509-6255 ofc
(860) 463-5939 cell
av.harris@ct.gov
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Wallingford Councilors start getting through to mayor on Web’s benefits

As published in the Record Journal on Thursday March 15, 2012

By Dan Ivers
Record-Journal staff
divers@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2275

WALLINGFORD - An influx of technologically-savvy town councilors may be pushing the town closer to embracing the Internet and other advancements.

Last week, Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. broke from his usual stance on technology when he allowed the town’s current operating budget to be posted on its website. The move came after public pressure from councilors, including Republican Craig Fishbein, who has advocated for greater transparency in the budget and tax collection processes.

At a Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Fishbein and a bipartisan group of councilors continued the push by asking Dickinson to make his upcoming budget proposal available online after it is released April 1. Dickinson resisted, but promised to weigh the benefits of the posting against the lost time it might create for town employees.

Technology Director Donald Rowe, summoned by the council to explain what posting the budget might require, said it would take about 10 minutes uploading an existing electronic copy.

The embrace of technology, or lack thereof, has long been an issue in town. Dickinson, a Republican in the midst of his 15th term, prefers to keep access to technology at a minimum in Town Hall, where internet access is available in offices only if required by state or federal law.

Dickinson could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but admitted at Tuesday’s meeting that he is in the minority on the issue.

“It’s got to meet a useful process. It’s got to meet a useful endeavor for the people,” he said. “I obviously do not march to the step of perhaps the rest of the world on this issue ... We don’t jump just because someone else does it. We take our time and think it through.”

Historically, his position has been divisive in town and on the council, but many current officials agree that support for advancements may be at an all time high, partially due to a group of councilors that openly questions the mayor’s resistance.

Democrat John Sullivan, who joined the council in 2009, said he believes the change is partially due to the addition of Fishbein and other Republicans, who may be more willing to challenge Dickinson than some of their fellow party members.

“I think we’re witnessing a real change in the so-called Republican paradigm,” he said. “We just have some people who are now used to working with technology either at home or through their jobs.”

The current group of Republicans also includes newly elected Thomas Laffin, who is the youngest member of the council at 32 and described himself as in favor of incorporating more technology into the town’s operations. He and Democrat Jason Zandri, a 42year-old information technology worker, replaced veteran councilors Vincent Testa and Jerry Farrell Jr. last year.

“I think there’s a way to advance everything,” said Laffin. “But it’s not going to ever happen at a council meeting. That (discussion) was a waste of time. It has to be done through education of the administration.”

While many councilors agreed that the town should go further with its use of the internet, they praised Dickinson for his willingness to post the operating budget to the town website. While councilors can look to pressure him, the decision is ultimately his, and some believe his cautious approach will be an asset moving forward.

“He’s the mayor, and the town is in great shape,” said Laffin.

Sullivan also praised Dickinson for his relatively favorable response to the latest calls for a change in philosophy.

“We’ve moved the rock up the hill farther than we’ve ever moved it before at this point. At some point we’ve got to be satisfied with the direction we’re moving in,” he said.

Republican John Le-Tourneau said he did not believe that more support for advancements among Republicans would have any major influence over Dickinson’s approach.

“I see this as a bipartisan effort to do what we can to get the information out to the public,” he said. “It really is not politically driven.”

“We’ve moved the rock up the hill farther than we’ve ever moved it before at this point.”
—Town Councilor John Sullivan

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Sullivan

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Fishbein

AGENDA - TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING: TUESDAY APRIL 10, 2012

Town Council Chambers

TUESDAY

APRIL 10, 2012

6:30 P.M

AGENDA

Prayer by the Reverend Dee Ann Dodd, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

1. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

2. Correspondence

3. Consent Agenda

3a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds (#553 - #562) totaling $3,252.43 Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

3b. Set a Public Hearing for April 24, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. for a 2012 Small Cities Community Block Grant – Grants Administrator

3c. Set a Public Hearing for April 24, 2012 at 7:15 P.M. to act on the repeal and replacement of  Chapter 122, Food Service Establishments, of the Code of the Town of Wallingford - Ordinance Committee Co-Chairmen

3d. Set a Public Hearing for April 24, 2012 at 7:30 P.M. to act the Repeal of Article I. “Drains” of Chapter 177, “Sewers” of the Code of the Town of Wallingford and to act on the adoption of an Ordinance concerning Sources of Inflow and Infiltration into the Sanitary Sewer System - Ordinance Committee Co-Chairmen

3e. Set a Public Hearing for April 24, 2012 at 7:45 P.M. to amend Chapter 43, Purchasing, of the Code of the Town of Wallingford by adding Section H(2)(j) to the Ordinance to address restrictions on employees contracting with the town to provide services - Ordinance Committee Co-Chairmen

3f. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $4,725 to Miscellaneous General Expense Acct # 46100930 from Maintenance of Transmission and Collection Mains Acct # 46100673 – Sewer Division

3g. Consider and Approve an Appropriation in the Amount of $2,000 to Revenue- Recovery of Legal Fees – Miscellaneous Acct # 1009052-46300 and to Professional Services-Specialists–Corporation Counsel

3h. Approve Reappointments of John Smith as a Regular Member and Reverend Karen Cook as an Alternate Member to the Board of Ethics for three-year terms, effective immediately, expiring March 1, 2015 - Mayor

3i. Consider and Approve the Appointment of Robert Avery to the Board of Assessment Appeals, effective immediately, for a Term Expiring January 2015 – Robert F. Parisi, Chairman

3j. Consider and Approve the Appointment of Jeffrey Kohan to the Zoning Board of Appeals, effective immediately, for a Term Expiring January 8, 2015 – Robert F. Parisi, Chairman

3k. Consider and Approve the Reappointments of Joseph DaCunto, William Nolan and Timothy Wall as Constables for two-year terms Expiring January 8, 2014 – Robert F. Parisi, Chairman

3l. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $1,395 to Promotional Expenses Acct # 10011050-55405from Office Expenses & Supplies Acct # 10011050-56100 - Economic Development Commission

3m. Consider and Approve minutes of Regular Town Council Meeting of February 28, 2012, 2012

4. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

5. PUBLIC QUESTION & ANSWER

6. Discussion and Possible Action to establish and adopt a formal process for the selection of a vendor for the Wallingford Fireworks Celebration - Councilor Jason Zandri

7. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver in the Amount of $12,000 for Preservation Grant with Adkins Printing – Town clerk

8. 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

9. Executive Session pursuant to the Connecticut General Statutes §1-225 (f) and §1-200 (6)(B) to discuss the following cases:

1. Jacobowicz v. Scrubbin Bubbles, LLC, et al

2. Bear Industries, LLC v. Town of Wallingford

3. Saldamarco v. Town of Wallingford

10. Possible Action on Jacobowicz v. Scrubbin Bubbles, LLC, et al

11. Possible Action on Bear Industries, LLC v. Town of Wallingford

12. Possible Action on Saldamarco v. Town of Wallingford

 

Wallingford Housing Authority’s property manager tackles no-contract bill, waiting lists

As published in the Record Journal on Thursday March 15, 2012

By Dan Ivers
Record-Journal staff
divers@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2275

WALLINGFORD — The Wallingford Housing Authority will move to settle an outstanding bill with an architectural firm for work done last year without a written contract.

Maria DeMarco, whose property management firm, DeMarco Management Corp., took over supervision of the Housing Authority’s 317 units last month, updated the agency’s board of commissioners on her work at a meeting Wednesday night. Among the items discussed was $32,000 owed to Newington based J.A. Associates, which De-Marco said was related to repaving work at a WHA complex last year.

DeMarco said representatives of the company recently told her that the design work was performed without a written contract. The WHA’s former executive director, Stephen Nere, reportedly struck an informal agreement to pay the firm $600 a month for the work. There was no competitive bidding.

“I was told it was done at the last minute, all on a handshake. There was no contract, no specifications,” DeMarco said. “He said he was begged to do it quickly because the grant was going to be lost if these plans were not completed.”

DeMarco said that because of the lack of a contract, she was unsure whether the $32,000 bill accurately represented the work that was performed. However, she said that because J.A. Associates is suing another housing authority for back payments, she negotiated to pay a lump sum to settle the bill. The amount of that payment has yet to be determined.

Michael Misiti, chairman of the WHA board of commissioners, said a settlement would avoid a lengthy process of paying for the work at $600 a month.

“It would take over 50 months to pay him off at the rate we’re going,” he said.

DeMarco said she has found no clear policies for purchasing or hiring outside firms since taking over the agency’s operations.

Reached for comment Wednesday night, Nere said he hired J.A. Associates to design projects that would have been covered by a federal Small Cities grant. He admitted that the agency was “very pressed” to meet the deadline and he “may have asked them to do some additional work above and beyond their original contract.”

He denied that the arrangement with the firm was unusual or problematic. “There’s nothing of significance there,” he said.

Nere, who served as executive director for 26 years, retired last year amid persistent questions about the WHA’s accounting and management practices.

Later in Wednesday night’s meeting, DeMarco described her work to compile a waiting list for the Housing Authority, which she described as being “disjointed to say the least” before her arrival. She said many of the lists, such as those for elderly or handicapped housing, had not been updated in years, and she was working to create a master list that could be placed online and monitored by prospective tenants.

The agency has 15 units that will remain vacant until the waiting list problems can be resolved.

“I don’t want to offer an available unit to someone that isn’t next in line,” she said. “I’d love to fill all the units tomorrow, because I know people need them. But I have to follow the process.”

Nere has denied any problems with the waiting lists, saying they would have been detected by annual audits required by the federal government.

Rate hikes in electricity, water and sewer bills on tap in Wallingford

As published online at MyRecordJournal.com

By Mary Ellen Godin
Record-Journal staff
mgodin@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2255

WALLINGFORD — Property owners can expect rate hikes in their electricity, water and sewer bills this summer to help pay for operational costs, wages and system improvements.

“We cannot continue to provide the level of services without this increase,” Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. said Monday when revealing the town’s 2012-2013 budget.

Electric Division customers will see a 0.6 percent rate increase, which translates into about $1.63 per month for a homeowner using 750 kilowatt hours. The division is also hiring an energy conservation specialist and maintenance electrician.

The Electric Division’s operation expenses increased 0.9 percent. Capital expenses increased 3.9 percent to spend $3.5 million toward a five-year capital improvement plan.

Water customers can expect to see a 3.5 percent rate increase, from $3.21 to $3.34 per 100 cubic feet, that is expected to raise revenues by 6 percent. For the average customer who uses about 5,500 gallons per month, that’s a change of 95 cents per month or $2.86 per quarter, said George Adair, director of public utilities.

According to Dickinson, the increases include some contractual wage increases. The bulk of the $1.6 million capital improvement budget includes $849,306 for transmission and distribution, and water main work on five streets.

Sewer rates will climb 10.3 percent and are expected to increase revenues by 14.2 percent. For an average user of about 5,500 gallons of water per month, that translates to $4.29 per month or $12.87 per quarter. Operating expenses increased 4.1 percent but employee pay raises are not included in this year’s budget.

Roughly half of the increase, or $6.44 per quarter, is the first installment of three to help pay for a $350,000 study that looks at sources of inflow and infiltration into the wastewater treatment plant. If the town reaches more than 90 percent of the 8 million gallon capacity, it is required to do a facility study and the implied purpose is to upgrade or increase the capacity.

“Obviously that’s not good economy,” Adair said. “This is a series of rate changes approved last summer. This is the third in a series of four.”

A preliminary study done three years ago revealed problems with private hookups from a home tap, roof, foundation drain and/or sump pump.

“That’s the sort of unwanted extra flow,” Adair said. “The problem is coming from the private side. We want to address this, we’ve made some investment, sampled some typical basins to characterize the problem. We have a good knowledge of where they are. It’s a proactive approach. But we’re not unique at all.”

Electric users will see the increase in their July bills. Water and sewer increases will show up in June.

Town utilities are user-supported, not taxpayer subsidized, and any rate increase hurts residents during an anemic economy that has seen lost jobs, stagnant wages and rising costs, according to town councilors. But most of them agree they’re justified.

“We can say we don’t like them but if the increase is due to expenditures, there isn’t a lot we can do,” said Town Councilor Jason Zandri, a Democrat. “I did notice they made upgrades to the plants.”

Town Councilor Nicholas Economopoulos, also a Democrat, said rate increases hurt those in the community still facing uncertain times and those living on fixed incomes.

“This is a bad time to have one, with mill rate increases, utility increases,” Economopoulos said. “There are people who are really concerned about this.”

Town Councilor Craig Fishbein said that while the increases are unpleasant, they are necessary.

“We have stuff coming down the pike and they’re looking to boost reserves,” Fishbein said.

To balance Wallingford budget, mayor had to dip into rainy day fund

As published online at MyRecordJournal.com

By Mary Ellen Godin
Record-Journal staff
mgodin@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2255

WALLINGFORD — The mayor’s proposed budget for 2012-2013 includes adding $4.3 million from the rainy day fund to maintain services without costing taxpayers more.

“It helps balance the budget,” said Finance Director James Bowes. “It’s considered a tax savings while helping provide services.”

It’s not unusual for Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. to use surplus funds to cover shortfalls in other areas. This year those shortfalls are created by a $5.2-million increase in department requests, fewer state and federal grants and unfunded mandates, Dickinson said at a budget presentation Monday.

Had he not dipped into the fund, it would have meant another 1-mill increase for taxpayers or drastic cuts in services. As proposed, the budget comes with a .76-mill increase to 25.98 mills.

The rainy day or surplus fund now has $14.8 million, or $10.5 million if the budget is approved, Bowes said. The town works to keep more than $9.8 million in reserve to maintain its AAA credit rating, Bowes said.

But town councilors are worried about rebuilding the rainy day fund in 2013-2014 when town employees who did not get raises this year have wage increases negotiated for next year. A large concern is teachers, who are set to receive close to $2 million over the next two years. Three other unions representing managers, clerical staff and police and fire department employees are also in negotiations and could be in line for two-percent wage hikes.

“With eight, nine percent unemployment, you have everyone functioning like everything is normal,” Dickinson said. “Wages should be tied to the private sector.”

Town Councilor Jason Zandri said the rainy day fund can be likened to a personal savings account. If mortgages and utilities increase and a person continues to dip into it, it’s going to wither.

”You’re taking more out of the bank and eventually run out of that savings,” said Zandri, a Democrat. “You need to put it in every day.”

Town Councilor Nicholas Economopoulos said the fact that the rainy day fund had to be used to pay for existing services shows that this budget challenged Dickinson, a Republican.

“He’s definitely aware of it,” said Economopoulos, a Democrat. “He has his back against the wall. He has a challenge to make it more efficient and accountable. We may have to turn to fire and say, we can’t do it for you,” he said referring to plans to build a new firehouse.

Town Councilor Craig Fishbein, a Republican, said the rainy day fund is designed to cover shortfalls in the budget and prevent tax increases, but he’s more worried now.

“As I pointed out last year, that money is dwindling,” Fishbein said. “You don’t have that money next year to pad the budget.”

The most effective way to replenish the rainy day fund is through the town’s grand list, Bowes said. This year’s grand list growth generated $900,000 at the current tax rate. A residential and commercial real estate market that’s slowly stirring back to life could boost revenue, he said. But there is no magic bullet.

“It’s a multi-faceted question and there is no one answer,” Bowes said.

The town’s residential and commercial tax burden doesn’t fluctuate wildly even after revaluations, he said. In 2010 commercial property values dropped from 65.1 percent of the town’s tax burden several years earlier to 64.18 percent. In 2011, it was 64.05. Commercial and industrial property owners picked up slightly more of the burden in 2010 and 2011, but personal property or equipment taxes declined due to depreciation.

“Businesses have to replace those assets with newer assets at a faster clip,” Bowes said. “That’s a large component.”

Businesses moving in and moving up also help that number grow. The town also has to see some return of state and federal grants, instead of one- or two-year programs that evaporate leaving the town to support new hires, or new programs, Dickinson said Monday.

Fishbein said the town needs to take another look at agencies and programs it’s sending checks to and stop paying the state $70,000 a year for bus service, among other changes.

Economopolous said it might be time to say no to large projects such as the fire station, while Zandri said it’s time to review agreements with local non-profits for payments in lieu of taxes.

FONTANA FOR STATE SENATE CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FINANCE GRANT

Steve Fontana announced today (Tuesday April 3, 2012) that his State Senate campaign has met the eligibility thresholds for a public campaign finance grant, and that he will be submitting his prequalifying paperwork to the State Elections Enforcement Commission this week.

Under public campaign finance rules, State Senate candidates must raise $15,000 overall, and collect at least 300 contributions from people who live in one of the towns of the district, to qualify for a public campaign finance grant.  The Fontana for State Senate campaign has exceeded both of those thresholds: as of Saturday, March 31, the campaign had raised more than $18,000 overall, and collected more than 340 in-district contributions.

“As a believer in the power of grassroots democracy, I’m really pleased that we’ve met the earliest possible deadline to submit our paperwork for the public campaign finance program,” Fontana added. “When I announced my candidacy a little more than two months ago, I didn’t know whether we could do it.

“I’m heartened and humbled by the outpouring of support we’ve received from people who not only want a greater say in our political process, but a better State Senator than they’ve been getting for the last ten years.  The people of all backgrounds and financial means who helped me to reach this goal want a real fighter for the middle class.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported my campaign so generously,” Fontana concluded.  “I’d also like to thank my campaign treasurer, Sarah Aziz, and her deputies – Tessa Marquis, Pat Brown, and Judith Meyers – for all of the hard work that they put into making this early filing possible.”

Fontana is running for State Senator for the 34th District, which includes all or part of the towns of Wallingford, East Haven, North Haven, and Durham.  He served as North Haven’s State Representative from 1997 to 2011, and is a former member of North Haven’s Conservation Commission, Board of Finance, and Board of Selectmen.  He has a B.A. from Oberlin College, an M.B.A. from Cornell University, and a J.D. from the University of Connecticut.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT STEVE FONTANA (203) 234-2240

Paid for by Fontana for State Senate, Sarah Aziz, Treasurer.  Approved by Steve Fontana.


NOTE FROM JASON ZANDRI - As this is a public site and I freely offer the space to all things dealing directly or indirectly with Wallingford and politics that affect Wallingford, no fees were charged or exchanged. I have used the text above in it's original format which included the "paid for by" information.

Budget proposal will be posted online

This story was published in the Record Journal on Tuesday April 3, 2012. The Record Journal already has the budget online and I have a link to it in a prior post. As you can see from the expedited way the newspaper was able to get their hands on a printed copy, scan it in, and post it online inside of six hours that it would take the town no time at all to do the same with the digital copies of the segments of the budget book that they already have. 

By Mary Ellen Godin
Record-Journal staff
mgodin@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2255

WALLINGFORD — After announcing his $145.1 million 2012-2013 budget proposal, Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. announced that the 150page document will be available online.

The decision is a reversal of Dickinson’s earlier opposition to the idea, when he doubted many residents would view the document and questioned whether it might occupy technical staff’s time.

Dickinson said Monday that making the document available on the town’s website was the least of the town’s concerns. Despite his recognition that more people are gaining access to information online, he still feels it is one more burden on the town.

“We’re dealing with another thing that absorbs staff and time,” Dickinson said. “There are still people without the Internet.”

Dickinson did not say when the document would be posted online. The budget proposal was not online Monday evening.

The longtime debate over the use of Internet technology has heated up in recent years as Town Councilors and former employees have made it public that only two computers in Town Hall have Internet access, putting a strain on some employee functions. Town Council members are split on Dickinson’s hard line against technology in Town Hall.

Democratic Town Councilor Jason Zandri was incensed to learn Monday morning that Dickinson would be announcing the budget Monday afternoon. Zandri, who works in Manhattan, had no way to get to the announcement in time.

“Due to this situation, I will not be able to attend the press conference,” Zandri stated in an email to Dickinson’s office.

In a later phone interview, Zandri said putting the budget online would allow him to review the document from his computer. Instead, he has to send someone to pick it up. An online budget proposal could help bring people to the upcoming public hearings and save money in printing costs.

“If this was posted now, people could open it up and start looking it up,” Zandri said. “Here’s an example of technology in the office that’s a cost savings.”

According to officials in the Finance Department, the town spent $1,500 to print 200 copies of last year’s budget. The office provides copies to the Wallingford Public Library and the town clerk’s office for the general public. It also mails about a half-dozen copies to those who can’t get to Town Hall.

Finance Director James Bowes said he still has to send out the printed budgets and make them available to the public. He hasn’t determined how many he will print. But when it comes to allowing technology, if a department can prove a need, Dickinson will approve it.

“It’s absolutely a good thing,” Zandri said when he heard the mayor was going to upload the spending plan. “It gives the appearance of transparency. Now the public can look that up and ask informed questions at the public hearings.”

Wallingford Mayor William Dickinson's 2012-13 budget

As provided by the Record Journal

DIRECT PDF DOWNLOAD

Wallingford school officials happy with budget proposal

As published in the Record Journal Tuesday April 3, 2012

By Russell Blair
Record-Journal staff
rblair@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2225

WALLINGFORD — The Board of Education received $614,132 less than what it asked for in Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.’s proposed 2012-13 budget that was unveiled Monday, but school officials were pleased that the bulk of their requested increase remained intact.

“It’s very good news for us,” School Superintendent Salvatore Menzo said. “While we cannot fund everything, that’s a significant portion of what we had requested. We should be pleased with the percentage that we got.”

After a number of budget workshops, the school board sent Dickinson a proposed budget of $90,188,048, an increase of 3.91 percent, or an additional $3.4 million. Dickinson countered with $89,573,916, a 3.2 percent increase and $2.8 million in additional funds.“Their requested increase was lower than typically requested,” Dickinson said Monday afternoon, adding that the school board usually seeks a 5 percent to 6 percent increase. “We try to look at what the reality is.”

Menzo said staff members were planning for the worst, and were preparing figures on what would need to be cut if the increase came back at 1 percent or 2 percent.

“We were looking at catastrophic loss,” he said.

During Monday night’s meeting of the Operations Committee Menzo shared with board members areas that his staff had identified for reductions to reach Dickinson’s figure. Among the cuts Menzo proposed were reducing one teacher at each high school and cutting a K-12 world language coordinator. A foreign language teacher and an English Language Learners instructor are also proposed to be cut due to declining enrollment in those classes.

To help make up the gap,Menzo also has proposed using $84,000 from the district’s unencumbered fund balance, money left over from the current budget. The district is running a surplus of about $480,000 for the fiscal year that ends on June 30, but school officials have been cautious about using that money to fund recurring expenses. Menzo said Monday he’d like to use about $300,000 from that account to replace the track at Lyman Hall.

Generally, board members were optimistic that the budget could be reduced without a significant impact on student learning.

“It’s an indication that we can get there,” said Republican school board member Chet Miller.

“It’s going to be a lot easier than last year,” said Democrat Jay Cei.

Republican Christine Mansfield said the budget represents both “fiscal conservatism and doing what’s best for the kids.” She said Menzo’s proposed cuts weren’t about frivolous spending.

“This is all muscle, but we’re protecting what we committed to,” she said.

Some board members had reservations about the reduction in staff at the high school, but Menzo stressed that none of the proposals offered Monday night was set in stone. He said he only wanted to begin the discussion about bringing education costs down.

“I’m not saying this is what we’re going to do,” he said.

Though board members were upbeat about the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the financial forecast for the following years isn’t as bright. There were no wage increases for teachers or administrators in the first year of three-year contracts negotiated last fall, but raises of more than $2.8 million are due in the next two budgets.

“That’s going to come back next year,” Bowes said.

Major items in the school board’s requested increase included $1.2 million to replenish a one-time federal grant received last year, $1.5 million to cover rising costs for insurance and severance pay, and $655,700 to move the district toward the Common Core State Standards, a nationwide initiative that revises curriculum to focus on math and language arts. The school board will continue its conversation about reductions at its Instructional Committee meeting next Monday. Menzo and Board of Education Chairwoman Roxane McKay will discuss the budget and the ramifications of any cuts before the Town Council on April 12.

Mayor pitches $145.1 million budget; Dickinson’s plan would divide firefighting, EMS duties at Fire Department

As published in the Record Journal Tuesday April 3, 2012

By Mary Ellen Godin
Record-Journal staff
mgodin@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2255

WALLINGFORD — On Monday Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. proposed a $145.1 million budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year that reflects a 2.59-percent increase over current year spending and reductions in state and federal grants.

The budget, if approved, would mean a tax hike of 0.76 mills or 3 percent over the current budget, bringing the tax rate to 25.98 mills. The owner of a home with an assessed value of $191,000 would pay an increase of $145 annually, according to Dickinson and Finance Director James Bowes.

“The realities of high unemployment, less revenue, new unfunded governmental mandates, unrealistic collective bargaining arbitration decisions and serious budgetary difficulties at state and federal government levels, render local budget decision-making extremely difficult,” Dickinson read in a prepared statement.

Growth in the town’s grand list will generate about $900,000 in additional revenue at the current tax rate, but the town had to contend with a $258,000 reduction in state and federal aid. This left only $642,000 in revenue to pay for $5.2 million in departmental requests. In addition to the tax hike, taking $4 million out of the town’s rainy day fund also helped cover spending.

Department heads asked for a 3.7-percent increase in spending. Dickinson said, had he not shaved $1.6 million off department requests, the budget increase would have been 3.7 percent, instead of 2.59. School spending increased 3.20 percent for a total of $89.6 million in spending. Schools lost $1.3 million when a federal grant was eliminated.

Dickinson said the spending plan effectively balances the need to provide a level of service that residents can afford.

In a bold move to possibly generate more revenue and provide greater accountability, the mayor proposes splitting the Fire Department into two divisions: the Fire Rescue Division and the Emergency Medical Service Transport Division.

The EMS or ambulance service, which now has one ambulance running full time, would add another ambulance during peak hours instead of allowing outside vendors such as Hunter’s, AMR or Nelson Ambulance to pick up the added calls and increased revenue.

Fire Department records show an increasing number of medical response calls in the past three years, a trend that’s expected to continue.

The EMS division would be funded by the adoption of a proposed ambulance enterprise fund ordinance. Revenues will come from user and insurance fees to cover the cost of ambulance transports. The town’s contract with an outside billing company is set to expire. But it would also add a collection agency to help it collect delinquent user fees under the proposal. The goal is to make the EMS division as self sufficient as the town’s water and sewer utilities. The mayor’s budget calls for spending $2 million on the EMS division and $5.6 million on the Fire Rescue Division.

Government spending — which includes some education costs — totals $55.5 million, $889,018 million more than last year or 1.53 percent. Increases included $225,000 for health insurance and $70,000 for the next revaluation.

Dickinson criticized the federal government for grant programs that gave municipalities money last year, to protect teacher jobs, but withheld it this year.

“They should make it for capital improvement,” Dickinson said. “Not do it for one year and not do it for another. The feds are out of touch. They’re raising financial havoc at the local level.”

The town’s Water Division budget includes a rate increase of 3.5 percent to increase revenues and help pay the cost of some major projects at crossings of Interstate 91, engineering services and storage and wage agreements.

The sewer division will also increase its revenues 10.3 percent through a rate increase. The department’s expenses have increased 4.1 percent due to wage increases, a siphon project and equipment replacement.

The budget also allows for funding the assistant town planner position in the Planning Department. There had been some concern that the economic downturn had eliminated the need for two people in the office. But after interviewing acting Town Planner Kacie Castello, Dickinson decided to keep the assistant planner spot, while filling the vacant town planner position. The office handles all Planning & Zoning Commission staff work, regulations and meetings, in addition to Zoning Board of Appeals and zoning enforcement matters.

“I do not believe one person can handle the nature and issues that surround ZBA and planning,” Dickinson said. “We will have times when there is no one there.”

Republican Town Councilor John LeTourneau said that, at first glance, he was satisfied with the mayor’s budget.

“I like what I see but I want to dig deeper,” LeTourneau said. “The EMT and having that extra ambulance available is something the Town Council has discussed.

Democratic Town Councilor Jason Zandri said he’s anxious to see what was cut from the education budget and also wants to take a closer look at the spending plan before commenting.

Sarah Nathan / Record-Journal – Photo courtesy of the Record Journal.

Wallingford Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr., center, answers questions about his 2012-13 budget while Finance Director John Le-Tourneau, left, Council Chairman Robert Parisi, second from right, and Comptroller James Bowes, right, skim through the budget overview in a conference room at Town Hall on Monday.

Councilors, mayor spar over online technology

As published in the Record Journal, Wednesday March 14, 2012

By Dan Ivers
Record-Journal staff
divers@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2275

WALLINGFORD — Town councilors sparred with Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. Tuesday night over whether to post information about the town budget and local properties on the town’s website.

Councilors Craig Fishbein, Jason Zandri, John LeTourneau and John Sullivan criticized Dickinson’s resistance to posting his budget proposal, which is due April 1. Dickinson argued that the document would be available on paper, and a lack of demand for it over the years proves there is no justification for the time that employees would need to post an electronic copy on the website.

“I don’t understand where the need is. Who is calling for this?” Dickinson said. “The information is available to people if they want it. Every duty, everything that each department is involved with, takes time. We have less staff — any addition of duties comes with the burden of justification.”

Technology Director Donald Rowe was summoned by the council to explain what posting the budget might require, and he estimated his office would spend about 10 minutes uploading an existing electronic copy.

Last week, Dickinson agreed to post an electronic copy of the current operating budget online, but he repeated his opposition to the posting of his proposal for 2012-13. He said that compiling the documents places additional responsibilities on the town’s finance department and he is concerned about setting a precedent.

The bipartisan group of councilors, however, pushed back, saying the move would show taxpayers that the town is committed to transparency.

“This is an opportunity for people who care about their town, and pay their taxes on time, to get an idea of where their money is going,” said Sullivan, a Democrat.

Dickinson is the town’s executive officer and is not obligated to follow recommendations of the Town Council. He said he intends to weigh the benefits of posting the document against the burdens on town employees, but he reiterated his opposition to furthering technology simply to “keep up with the Joneses.”

“It’s got to meet a useful process. It’s got to meet a useful endeavor for the people,” he said. “I obviously do not march to the step of perhaps the rest of the world on this issue ... We don’t jump just because someone else does it. We take our time and think it through.”

Earlier in the meeting, councilors sparred with Dickinson over his recommendation to endorse an application by the South Central Council of Governments for a grant to help establish a regional property database among its 15 member towns. The database would include information on individual properties in each town, as well as general information on local highways, zoning, demographics and economic development.

Dickinson said the town would not release information on individual properties, mostly out of concern for citizens whose addresses are protected, such as police officers, judges and Department of Correction employees.

Some councilors objected to the limited participation, saying much of the same information is already available through non-government websites, and that spending money to publicize such a limited amount of data is not worthwhile.

“Either the Internet is evil or it is not,” said Fishbein, a Republican. “This seems like something that, at least in its limited form, is of no benefit.” Zandri, a Democrat, criticized Dickinson’s position as a stand against technology, and said the town would be missing out on a rare opportunity.

“I presume that you are probably as resistant to a keyboard as somebody with a bag of peanuts that has a peanut allergy,” he said. “I think to not take the opportunity to expand on and add to a service when it costs us nothing is a shame.”

The council ultimately voted 5-4 not to endorse the grant application, with Nicholas Economopoulos, Robert Parisi, Rosemary Rascati and Vincent Cervoni casting votes in favor.

Councilors, mayor spar over online technology

As published in the Record Journal, Wednesday March 14, 2012

By Dan Ivers
Record-Journalstaff
divers@record-journal.com 
(203) 317-2275
WALLINGFORD — Town councilors sparred with Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. Tuesday night over whether to post information about the town budget and local properties on the town’s website.

Councilors Craig Fishbein, Jason Zandri, John LeTourneau and John Sullivan criticized Dickinson’s resistance to posting his budget proposal, which is due April 1. Dickinson argued that the document would be available on paper, and a lack of demand for it over the years proves there is no justification for the time that employees would need to post an electronic copy on the website.

“I don’t understand where the need is. Who is calling for this?” Dickinson said. “The information is available to people if they want it. Every duty, everything that each department is involved with, takes time. We have less staff — any addition of duties comes with the burden of justification.”

Technology Director Donald Rowe was summoned by the council to explain what posting the budget might require, and he estimated his office would spend about 10 minutes uploading an existing electronic copy.

Last week, Dickinson agreed to post an electronic copy of the current operating budget online, but he repeated his opposition to the posting of his proposal for 2012-13. He said that compiling the documents places additional responsibilities on the town’s finance department and he is concerned about setting a precedent.

The bipartisan group of councilors, however, pushed back, saying the move would show taxpayers that the town is committed to transparency.

“This is an opportunity for people who care about their town, and pay their taxes on time, to get an idea of where their money is going,” said Sullivan, a Democrat.

Dickinson is the town’s executive officer and is not obligated to follow recommendations of the Town Council. He said he intends to weigh the benefits of posting the document against the burdens on town employees, but he reiterated his opposition to furthering technology simply to “keep up with the Joneses.”

“It’s got to meet a useful process. It’s got to meet a useful endeavor for the people,” he said. “I obviously do not march to the step of perhaps the rest of the world on this issue ... We don’t jump just because someone else does it. We take our time and think it through.”

Earlier in the meeting, councilors sparred with Dickinson over his recommendation to endorse an application by the South Central Council of Governments for a grant to help establish a regional property database among its 15 member towns. The database would include information on individual properties in each town, as well as general information on local highways, zoning, demographics and economic development.

Dickinson said the town would not release information on individual properties, mostly out of concern for citizens whose addresses are protected, such as police officers, judges and Department of Correction employees.

Some councilors objected to the limited participation, saying much of the same information is already available through non-government websites, and that spending money to publicize such a limited amount of data is not worthwhile.

“Either the Internet is evil or it is not,” said Fishbein, a Republican. “This seems like something that, at least in its limited form, is of no benefit.” Zandri, a Democrat, criticized Dickinson’s position as a stand against technology, and said the town would be missing out on a rare opportunity.

“I presume that you are probably as resistant to a keyboard as somebody with a bag of peanuts that has a peanut allergy,” he said. “I think to not take the opportunity to expand on and add to a service when it costs us nothing is a shame.”

The council ultimately voted 5-4 not to endorse the grant application, with Nicholas Economopoulos, Robert Parisi, Rosemary Rascati and Vincent Cervoni casting votes in favor.

District to study use of student-owned technology

A reminder of what is missing from Wallingford. I am not suggesting, necessarily, that we have to keep up with the Smiths and the Joneses but we should be doing what we can to keep ahead of the Flintstones

As published in the Record Journal, Tuesday March 13, 2012

By Kimberly Primicerio
Record-Journal staff
kprimicerio@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2279

SOUTHINGTON — Over the next six weeks, parents, students and educators serving on the school district’s technology advisory committee will research the use of student- owned technology in classrooms.

The committee found out on Monday the work it faces. The group will look into the district’s current technology policy and will decide if anything needs to be changed regarding student use of cellphones, e-readers and computer tablets in the classroom.

The school system is trying to determine if any of this increasingly popular technology should be embraced in the classroom as an aid to the education process. By April 20, School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. hopes to have the group present its findings and recommendations.

“We’ll have some deep conversations,” Erardi said at the committee’s first meeting, at Plantsville School. “It’s a simple task, but it’s complicated.”

He said it’s possible the committee could establish no new practices, but he doesn’t think that would be a good outcome. Taking controversial positions on technology is OK, Erardi said.

Before research tasks were divided among committee members, the group looked at school technology protocol and shared opinions.

Suzanne Hodges, a science teacher at the high school, said student-owned electronics are stored in lockers and are not to be used during the school day. Exceptions are made in some classes for tablets and e-readers.

Debbie Miller, a technology analyst at the elementary schools, called the existing policies antiquated.

“The cellphone policy is unrealistic,” said Cheryl Hilton-Campbell, a committee member who is PTO president at Kelley School.

Hilton-Campbell said that while the cellphones shouldn’t be on and should be stored in lockers, that’s not what’s really going on in the schools.

“I think we need to establish ethics on how to use the technology responsibly,” she said. “The technology needs to be used, but it’s vital to use it the right way.”

Spencer Richards, PTO co-president at Kennedy Middle School, agreed and said children need to be learning and using the technology.

As the conversation continued, it came out that schools prohibit the use of cellphones but many allow e-readers. Teachers are finding out that many students, even children in elementary school, have their own e-readers.

Pam Aldi, assistant principal at Kennedy Middle School, said that as long as teachers are monitoring students, the e-readers help students with reading. It makes them feel comfortable at their reading level since other students can’t see what they’re reading. Text can also be enlarged and sentences can be highlighted, she said.

Abigail Harris, a sophomore at Southington High School, said technology use is inevitable, and students, faculty and administrators need to move on together.

After the exchange of opinions, committee members were assigned jobs. One group will talk with personnel in other school districts to find out how they embrace technology and what works for them.

Another group, including students from the high school, was tasked with coming up with survey questions. Such questions will ask teachers and students if they have certain devices and what they use them for. The surveys will give the committee numbers to work with and a good idea of how ubiquitous technology has become.

Erardi said the group’s mission is not to create a new policy through its findings and suggestions, but to come up with practices. The practices will be presented to the Board of Education and, if the board finds them appropriate, a new policy on technology will be crafted.

The committee will meet again on April 2.

Wallingford Fireworks 2012 campaign: Week three collections net another $1,194.68; the 2012 campaign total stands at $4,567.07

Good morning everyone.

This week is going to be an exciting week for the Wallingford Fireworks Fund and all her supporters. Please keep an eye out on the blog this week for additional announcements.

Until then, totals are in from our week three collections are in and we collected an additional $1,194.68.

Our full 2012 campaign is to collect $30,000.00 before the Mayor’s deadline of 5PM on Friday May 25th 2012.

Our current totals for the event stand at $4,567.07 (oh for the want of an additional eighty two cents to make that a sequential total; had I known that was going to be the remaining balance ahead of time I would have thrown it in).

I am still waiting on Mr. Bowes, Wallingford’s Comptroller, to let me know what the costs to the town services are as that is the first of the totals we need to take care of before we can even consider paying for the fireworks themselves.
In 2011 those costs were:

Police Dept. Overtime $7,750.00
Fire Dept. Overtime $1,900.00
Port-o-lets $990.00
Fire Marshall $850.00
Public Works $330.00
Board of Ed $330.00

Town Services 2011 total $12,150.00

I am sure that amount is probably 2 to 5 percent higher this year so I am planning for about $13,000.00

So that is where we are right now.

Today is Tuesday the 20th and my father is supposed to be out at the Yalesville Dunkin Donuts on Main Street (Route 150) to collect for us. Stop by and see him.

I am working all this week in New York City (I am on the train as I write this) so I am unavailable to help until the weekend. Over the weekend we are again planning to be at the Wallingford Landfill and the Wallingford Recycling Center.

We are always looking for additional volunteers to stand out and collect donations.

We have slots available at the Dunkin Donuts here in town on most mornings. While we like to cover a full morning rush hour shift from 6:30AM to 9:30AM if all you have is an hour to spare and want to help we’ll take it.

We’ve also sent out the letters to all the donors from the past two years and we have gotten a few checks to date (they are already deposited and in our running total).

If you’re a newcomer and want to donate you can by sending your tax deductible donation to:

Wallingford Fireworks Fund
c/o Jason Zandri
35 Lincoln Drive EXT
Wallingford, CT 06492

As always, if anyone has any questions of me please feel free to reach out by calling 860 614 6069 or via email at Jason@Zandri.net. (Generally speaking, I can answer email faster than a phone call because of my work schedule).

 

PLEASE – stay tuned this week for a major announcement here on the blog and I would expect in the Record Journal as well.

More thoughts on the regional property database and State Supreme Court case, Commissioner of Public Safety v. Freedom of Information Commission.

As a follow up to the Record Journal story Mayor backs regional database, but without property data (cross posted to my blog) and my response follow up on my Town Council page where I offered my own take on the subject and just how much information is already out there, I have been discussing this with a number of people to get their thoughts, feedback and input.

On person I had an email exchange with offered to me a link to the SUMMARY OF COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY VS. FOIC which I am going to review. (A quick “thank you” to them for their thoughts and these points of reference; we have different mindsets here but I need that to remain as objective as possible).

The full majority opinion is available at the following link: http://www.jud.ct.gov/external/supapp/Cases/AROcr/CR301/301CR37.pdf. The concurrence is available here: http://www.jud.ct.gov/external/supapp/Cases/AROcr/CR301/301CR37A.pdf

One point that was made to me was “suppose you're a member of a protected class under the statute (also referenced in the Supreme Court decision I sent you). If I, as a private citizen or corporation, make your home address public, nobody can do anything to me as far as I know. If, however, I am the town assessor and make your address public, I'm violating state law.”

So I am going to see where my thoughts are to issues like that after I read the ruling. The bottom line here – I believe that currently I could walk into the town assessor's office right now and get data relative to those individuals that are part protected class under the statute (I might be mistaken – I am going to review and I will let you know). The town assessor is already making that information public if I walk in – if my thought process is correct, how is he or she suddenly in violation if that information is available online?

I suppose this is one of those situation where “the devil is in the details.”

I’ll have to look at it and follow up.

Mayor backs regional database, but without property data

As published in the Record Journal Saturday March 10, 2012

By Dan Ivers
Record-Journal staff
divers@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2275

WALLINGFORD — Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. is recommending that the town endorse a grant application that would help create a regional property database, but he will not allow the release of the town’s records.

The South Central Regional Council of Governments is applying for the $591,028 grant from the state’s Office of Policy and Management, with the intention of creating a central database for property information in its 15 member towns.

Dickinson has recommended that the Town Council endorse the agency’s proposal, but said Friday he objects to the posting of information on individual properties in town.

“I’m not sure why people in Russia or China should be able to look up what your property looks like. I just don’t see the benefit,” he said.

Town Councilor John Le-Tourneau, who co-chaired the council’s Information Technology Committee, said he wanted to hear more about Dickinson’s reasoning, but doesn’t understand his reluctance to take full advantage of the grant.

“We’re not plowing new ground. Other towns do it and they’ve done it successfully for a number of years,” he said. “On the surface, I don’t see the problem.”

Eight of the regional council’s 15 member towns, including Meriden, already provide online access to property records through technology called Geographic Information Systems. The systems have details on each property, including photos, assessed value, owner information and year of construction. In Wallingford, however, people have to go to the tax assessor’s office to get the same information.

If the grant is awarded, the regional council would create a database for Wallingford, North Haven, New Haven, Madison, Orange, East Haven and Woodbridge, and expand existing programs in the other eight towns to include information on demographics, economic development, environmental features and transportation. All the improvements would come at no cost to the towns.

“Those municipalities without a web-based GIS program will have access to a dynamic regional system, while municipalities with a web-based GIS program will gain access to new data layers,” the grant application reads.

Dickinson said he recommended that the council endorse the grant so the additional information on demographics, transportation and economic development could be included, but he said he will not release any data on individual properties for inclusion.

He cited concern over a recent Supreme Court decision that barred towns from posting information that includes the addresses of public safety officials, such as police officers, judges and correction officers.

“If someone can tell me how we can guarantee there won’t be privacy issues, that’s fine. But no one’s been able to tell me that,” he said.

Last year, Dickinson rejected a recommendation from the Information Technology Committee to make property records available online for an estimated cost of $6,000. He cited many of the same concerns, including the Supreme Court decision, as his reasoning.

Should the grant be approved, it would take about two years for the database to be launched.