My thought for the day after attending a wake

Yesterday ( Thursday September 8 ) I stopped by to pay my last respects to Philip A. Wright, Sr. who passed on September 4th.

In the receiving line there was a table next to where the condolence cards were being kept. On this table was a small plaque that read:

“Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!”

Yeah Mr. Wright, that is EXACTLY how I am going to remember you.

Hopefully someone will come along to pick up in place of you but you’ll never be fully replaced.

Rest in peace sir.

Arbitration may cost jobs in Wallingford

As published in the Record Journal Friday September 9, 2011

By Robert Cyr

Record-Journal staff
rcyr@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2224

WALLINGFORD — In most of the town’s labor negotiations in the past year, unions have emerged the winners in costly arbitration, which has some blaming the mayor’s demand for pay freezes.

Last week, a payment of $230,000 was awarded to the 55 members of United Public Service Employees Union Local 424, a management union with positions that include town planner, public works superintendent and tax collector. The town won’t be able to cover that solely by leaving vacant positions unfilled, so officials have pointed to layoffs as a potential solution.

Mediating attorney J. Larry Foy billed both the town and the union $10,812 each for his arbitration services. But in reality, other costs associated with arbitration pushed that figure to $17,338, said Terrence Sullivan, personnel director.

In every case the town is involved with binding arbitration, each side hires its own lawyer and pays half the fee for a third-party, neutral arbitrator. Along with court reporting fees and document copying, the arbitrators account for a large portion of the process, win or lose, he said.

“It’s a small price to pay to avoid wage increases; it isn’t wasteful and isn’t wrong,” Sullivan said. “Many times the union brings the town into the process, but now the town is driving arbitration and we’re being vilified for wasting the town’s resources. Sometimes it takes a fight to get the savings and language that we need.”

In the past 12 months the town has spent $42,300 on arbitration proceedings, including processes that awarded pay raises and other contract details to three unions, including the manager’s union. Arbitration with Local 1183 of the Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees cost the town $12,346 last year, and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1326 cost taxpayers $12,566, Sullivan said. Those arbitration awards totaled more than $100,000.

The town avoided arbitration costs with school unions in February, when three chapters of the United Public Service Employees Union representing more than 60 workers in the school district were awarded four-year contracts by the Town Council.

Pay raises for the three unions amounted to $133,240.80, far less than the cost of arbitration, according to School Superintendent Salvatore Menzo. Menzo estimated the cost to arbitrate all three contracts between $42,000 and $45,000.

In late November, the council approved several internal transfers for the Public Utilities Department to cover an arbitration award for Local 1183 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents about 130 employees in the sewer, public works, clerical and emergency dispatch departments. Public Utilities Director George Adair has said there is no money to cover possible pay raises for one union still negotiating a contract with the mayor.

With the highest bond rating possible and millions of dollars in its reserve account, the town’s financial success and the conservative approach of its mayor, William W. Dickinson Jr., may make it an easy target for unions wanting more, some town officials have said. Dickinson’s $141.5 million budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year, however, did not contain funding for wage increases in any department.

He stressed that the town is facing a decrease in its Grand List for the first time in more than 25 years, resulting in a revenue loss of more than $3 million.

“I don’t know how you tell the public that you’re agreeing to increases with the economy the way it is — with 9 percent unemployment,” he said. “Given the very challenging distress in the economy, there’s got to be recognition that government can’t continue as it did in the good times.”

Dickinson’s stance in union negotiations has been publicly challenged by his mayoral opponent, Democratic Town Councilor Vincent Testa Jr. Testa said the town takes a one-size-fits-all approach with collective bargaining, and that just hasn’t worked well so far.

“None of us want to see large raises when the economy is tough and we’re struggling with the tax dollars we have — but the simple fact is that, if you’re going into negotiations and you offer no pay raises for three years, you’re going to lose,” he said.

Local UPSEU Director Wayne Gilbert said the town’s stance is far too rigid with unions and more than half the negotiations end up in arbitration. He said the process put a strain on professional relationships and made it hard for things to get back to normal after the binding arbitration is finished and the awards announced.

“It’s absolutely ludicrous. It means you have to work extremely hard to present the case,” he said. “That kind of litigious nature doesn’t foster good relations between the parties. These are the employees who get water to your house, bring electricity to your house, plow your streets. They take care of the education of your children and grandchildren.”

AGENDA - WALLINGFORD TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2011 6:30 P.M

AGENDA

Opening Prayer –  Reverend Dean Warburton, First Congregational Church of Wallingford, Connecticut

1. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

2. Correspondence

3. Consent Agenda

3a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds (#86 - #186) totaling $23,764.94 Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

3b. Acceptance of Grant and Appropriation in the Amount of $2,897 to Police Overtime Acct 10020050-51400 and to Revenue Highway Safety Acct # 1002001-45208 – Police Chief

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

3d. Acceptance of Historic Documents Preservation Grant and Appropriation in the Amount of $6,000 to State Grant 2012 – Revenue Acct # 2281002-45114 and to Program Expenditures Acct # 22810650-58830 – Town Clerk

3e. Consider and Approve a Appropriation in the Amount of $6,000 to Revenue Preservation – Town Revenue Acct # 2281002-42030 and to 2011-2012 Fund Expenditures Acct # 22810650-58830 – Town Clerk

3f. Consider and Approve Removal of an Easement from Town’s Land Records for the Property at 8 Catlin Road (temporary cul-de-sac) - Engineering

3g. Consider and Approve Transfer of Town-owned land (former cul-de-sac) to property owners at 45 Old Lane - Engineering

3h. Consider and approve change in name of Poppy Road (previously approved on 6/21/11) to Poppy Lane – Chairman Robert F. Parisi

3i. Approve minutes of Special Town Council Meeting of August 30, 2011

4. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

5. Presentation by DOT with regard to the Railroad Project - Mayor

6. PUBLIC QUESTION and ANSWER

7. Conduct a Public Hearing for September 13, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. to consider Repeal of existing Ordinance and enactment of revised Ordinance regarding Open Burning, Chapter 93 of the Code of the Town of Wallingford - Co-Chairmen Cervoni and Farrell, Ordinance Committee

8. Conduct a Public Hearing for September 13, 2011 at 7:15 p.m. for Repeal of Ordinance #513, dated 2003, leaving in its place the new Private Sewage Disposal Systems Ordinance #566 adopted on September 28, 2010 – Town Attorney

9. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver for Public Bid 10-176 Single-Phase Kilowatt-Hours Meters to other low bid – Electric Division

10. Discussion and Possible Action on the Repeal of the Town Council’s resolution of  August 9, 2011, approving Lease Agreements of the parking lots at 2-26 North Main Street, 36-40 North Main Street, 60 North Main Street and 48-50 North Main Street - Councilor Nick Economopoulos

11. Discussion and Possible Action on setting a date for a referendum vote on the repeal of the Town Council’s resolution of August 9, 2011, approving Lease Agreements of the parking lots at 2-26 North Main Street, 36-40 North Main Street, 60 North Main Street and 48-50 North Main Street – 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

Emails illustrate tense relationship between WHA board and Nere

As published in the Record Journal, Tuesday September 6, 2011

By Robert Cyr
Record-Journal staff
rcyr@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2224

WALLINGFORD — Hundreds of emails between the Wallingford Housing Authority’s director and members of its board of commissioners shows a pattern of tension and apprehension.

By any account, it’s been a contentious stretch at the housing authority for its director, Stephen Nere, and the board, which has seen about a half dozen configurations in the past 10 months. In fact, the five-member board is still without a tenant representative, who will be chosen in a first-of-its-kind election on Thursday.

In an enormous cache of emails between Nere and officials tied to the authority, Nere expresses concern more than once to the board’s latest chairman, Michael Misiti, that his job may be on the line in the face of requests for documentation.

“I am beyond baffled about your true agenda and how I can respond without being fired?” Nere writes in one message. Another request elicited this response from Nere: “I think your request borders on suggesting that some impropriety occurred. I am insulted,” he wrote in late July.

Neither Misiti nor Nere was available for comment Monday.

The emails, dating from April to August, were requested from unspecified housing officials by a local man who says he wants to remain anonymous. He would not say which housing officials had released the materials as part of a request.

The messages bring to light a very stressful time for Nere amid state, federal and local scrutiny of the authority and its policies and procedures, while he is inundated with requests for documents.

Earlier this year, Nere requested early retirement from the board, which it subsequently denied. Nere retracted the request via email, but it is unclear whether the retraction was submitted before or after the board’s decision.

Nere, 60, has worked for the authority for 26 years and earns about $100,000 a year. The WHA operates 317 low and moderate-income rental units and has an annual operating budget of about $1.5 million.

The board, through Misiti, has said it is going in a “new direction” after two recent high-profile changes in longstanding personnel at the authority. Two months ago the board replaced its attorney, Jim Laughlin, after 15 years, and on Friday it eliminated the maintenance supervisor position, which was held for 10 years by Paul Inserra.

At the end of July, Misiti asked Nere for a list of all authority staff, how long they’ve worked there, what their titles and duties are, how much they are paid, when and how much their last raises were and when their last evaluations occurred.

The board’s longest-serving member, at seven years, is 81year-old Thomas Mezzei, an outspoken former bank manager who has called for more strict policies and adherence to bylaws. The other members, all appointed by the Town Council this year, are Misiti, a building and grounds supervisor for Quinnipiac University; and local developers Robert Wiedenmann Jr. and Joseph DiNatale.

Mezzei said he felt the present membership of the board was “a bit aggressive,” but noted that previous members, including former Chairman William Fischer, put through measures such as a comprehensive forensic evaluation late last year and a forensic audit that is expected to be completed sometime next month.

“They’re doing a great job,” he said. “A lot of things were in the works but it took time to get things going. They’re holding him (Nere) to do his job. We’re there for the tenants.”

Three of the four commissioners were appointed this year, after the resignations of long timers Fredrick Monahan and Robert Prentice, who left just days apart. Shortly thereafter, Tenant Commissioner Debra Buckman resigned, just months into her five-year appointment.

Town Councilor Nicholas Economopoulos praised the new configuration of the board at last month’s council meeting and has publicly questioned the authority’s competence and its financial practices.

Lot owner won’t charge school for parking - But McGuire could limit public access

As published in the Record Journal, Thursday September 8, 2011

By Robert Cyr
Record-Journal staff
rcyr@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2224


WALLINGFORD — The owner of a property tied to a group parking lot uptown who has vowed to pull out of a lease agreement with the town if a referendum goes through to reverse the lease said he will not charge a church school to use his parking space if the lot is no longer public.
 
John McGuire owns 2 N. Main St, home to TD Bank and part of a large four-building parking lot that is part of a 30-year public parking agreement approved by the Town Council last month. Two town councilors and members of the public opposed the decision, calling the agreement’s stipulation that the town maintain the space a foolish use of public funds on private land.
 
McGuire was part of a previous yearto- year lease agreement with the town that began in 1961 and gave the town the same privileges. However, when he felt the town was not keeping up with paving and other maintenance of his space, he gave his one-year notice to quit the arrangement.
 
Shortly after, he verbally withdrew his notice, but not officially. He worked on a more detailed agreement with the town and other property owners instead, hammering out the deal that was approved by the council last month. The deal says the town “may” spend up to $500,000 to pave the lot, install lights, and reconstruct a cement wall

In McGuire’s 2009 letter to the town’s law department, he said that his decision to leave the agreement “will obviously impact Holy Trinity School, who uses our parking lot on a regular basis. We will have to work out a payment plan for them going forward.”

That never came to pass, however, andMcGuire said his lot remained for public use, and that he had no plans to charge the school to park in his space if the council’s decision is overturned by the referendum.

“I’m waiting for the referendum to go through, and go all the way through, but I will not charge the school,” he said. “But if it’s not going to be a municipal parking lot, then you can’t just allow everybody to park in your parking lot.”

Holy Trinity School Principal Katie Kelly said the school has never had a formal parking arrangement with McGuire or with any of the previous owners of the parking space. The school, with students up to eighth grade, only has about 10 parking spaces on its property, and uses half a dozen spaces in McGuire’s lot and a few on the street.

“If we had to pay to park on his property, we would be making other arrangements,” she said. “We’ve been here 100 years, and his decisions are not going to impact the future of Holy Trinity School. We are going to adjust, if need be.”

Housing authority cuts maintenance supervisor position

As published in the Record Journal, Saturday September 3, 2011

By Robert Cyr
Record-Journal staff
rcyr@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2224

WALLINGFORD -

The Wallingford Housing Authority board voted Friday to cut its maintenance supervisor position effective immediately, but denied the decision was spurred by allegations brought against the current supervisor by his staff, who said they were instructed to handle and dispose of asbestos.

The position held by Paul Inserra was cut completely and his duties will be taken up by remaining maintenance staff, said housing board Chairman Michael Misiti. Inserra was not a member of a union and the board’s attorney will be looking at possible severance packages for him, Misiti said. Inserra was told by housing officials that his last day of work was Friday.

“We just decided as a board we need to move in a direction to try and make it run differently,” he said. Misiti said the board’s decision was not a reflection of Inserra’s job performance.

Inserra had no contract and served at the will of the commission, Misiti said. Board members and Director Stephen Nere said they did not immediately know how much the position paid.

Inserra was not available for comment.

Misiti denied the decision was tied in any way to the recent testimony of three maintenance workers who claimed Inserra told them to remove and dispose of asbestos debris and floor mastic in 2009, shortly before and during state inspection of the maintenance garage.

“This was being talked about well before that got brought to the newspapers,” he said. “We are not investigating any further.”\

While state environmental health officials received and investigated complaints of the asbestos removal, no charges were ever filed for the alleged illegal removal and disposal of the carcinogen. State health officials said nothing more was done about the issue because they were satisfied with the removal of the material by an abatement firm in September that year.

Nere said he was not in favor of the decision, and that Inserra had worked at the authority for 10 years.

“We’re not really going to get into all the ramifications, but I really don’t think it was the appropriate thing to do. The board is moving in a different direction and they felt it was best for the authority,” he said.

Town must pay managers union $230,000

As published in the Record Journal, Saturday September 3, 2011

By Robert Cyr
Record-Journal staff
rcyr@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2224

WALLINGFORD

— The town will have to come up with more than $200,000 after the Town Council decided this week it would not contest an arbitration award in favor of a local managers’ union asking for retroactive pay increases.

A payment of $230,000 was awarded to the 55 members of United Public Service Employees Union Local 424, a management union with positions that include town planner, public works superintendent and tax collector, said Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.

The amount reflects a 2.5 percent annual salary increase for 2011, he said. The first two years of the contract starting in 2009 involved a wage increase. A 2 percent increase is set for 2012, according to award documents.

Dickinson said he was not pleased with the decision, but the amount has to be found somewhere — and town officials will be meeting soon to examine municipal finances to meet the award.

“I certainly don’t agree with the philosophy that goes into it; I don’t think it recognizes in any way that our primary source of revenue is taxes,” he said. “It ignores the fact that taxes have to go up for increased costs, and that never seems to be included in the decision making. Clearly vacant positions wouldn’t be filled, unless there’s other money available.”

Dickinson said it was too soon to say whether layoffs were imminent. In a controversial move late last year, he laid off paramedic staff to meet arbitration awards with another town union. Mediating attorney J. Larry Foy billed both the Town of Wallingford and the union $10,812 each for his arbitration services.

Personnel Director Terrence Sullivan said the first area of savings that is looked at is vacant positions, and the salaries and other benefits associated with those positions are added up. But leaving those positions vacant will not be enough to pay the award.

“Then we get into the tougher area — whether or not there has to be reduction in staff because we have to pay that money no matter what,” he said.

Local UPSEU Director Wayne Gilbert was not available for comment.

‘Citizen Mike’ talks Simpson Court at 9PM

WALLINGFORD — Former City Councilor Mike Brodinsky discusses the Simpson Court parking plan on the latest edition of his public access show “Citizen Mike.” In studio guests include Town Councilors Nick Economopoulos and Craig Fishbein.

The show airs on cable Channel 18 at 9 p.m. every night, except Sunday. It can also be viewed on demand at wpaa.tv. Comments or suggestions can be sent to citizenmiketv@gmail.com. Record-Journal Executive Editor Ralph Tomaselli is regular contributor to the show.

If you can’t catch the show on TV you can catch it online on their Video On Demand page.

REMINDER - ‘Party for a Cure’ scheduled Sept. 4

What : “Party For A Cure” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Where : Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, 1074 S. Colony Road.
When : 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4.
Cost : $50 donation to MDA.
Information, tickets, donations : Call Zandri’s at (203) 269-6695.

WALLINGFORD — The Labor Day Telethon’s annual “Party for a Cure” will take place at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, 1074 S. Colony Road.

The admission charge will include a buffet dinner, open bar, entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

WTIC-TV will broadcast live from Zandri’s during the telethon. For information or a reservation, call (203) 269-6695.

Parking lot vote could be a deal breaker

Simpson Court business owner says he’ll opt out if referendum overturns deal

As published in the Record Journal, Wednesday August 31, 2011

By Robert Cyr
Record-Journal staff
rcyr@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2224

WALLINGFORD — If a long-term lease allowing municipal parking to continue behind the buildings on Simpson Court is overturned by a potential town-wide referendum, the owner of a portion of the parking lot says he’ll back out of a previous short-term lease providing public access to his land.

The Town Council recently approved a 30-year agreement with three property owners allowing the town to make repairs as needed to the group lot behind four uptown businesses on Simpson Court and North Main Street in exchange for the lot remaining open for free public parking.

The agreement, written by former Corporation Counsel Adam Mantzaris, essentially updates and amends a year-to-year lease the town has had with varying configurations of property owners since 1961.

The owner of 2 N. Main St., John M. McGuire, had sent the town notice on Aug. 18, 2009, that he was withdrawing from that earlier year-to-year agreement a day after the Zoning Board of Appeals rejected his application to add a third story to his building, home to TD Bank.

McGuire said Tuesday that the ZBA’s decision had nothing to do with his letter informing the town of his one-year notice to exit the agreement, but that he would keep his notice pending due to the upcoming possibility of a town-wide referendum that threatens to overturn the council’s decision to approve the new long-term lease.

The council approved spending up to $500,000 on improvements to the lot, including paving and lighting, as part of Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.’s 2011-12 budget, passed earlier this year. The money would come out of the capital non-recurring fund made up of revenue from the Electric Division.

A group of local residents including Town Councilor Nicholas Economopoulos have so far collected more than half of the 2,491 signatures required by Sept. 8 to hold a town-wide referendum to reverse the council’s decision.

“My response,” McGuire said, “would be to treat my property as private property and restrict it to people who use my buildings, period. Why should I be maintaining the property for other people? If the town is not going to come in and maintain it as a public parking lot, then I’m going to treat it as a private parking lot.”

McGuire said he had been working to establish the recently approved lease for the past six years and is still strongly in favor of it remaining in place. He has owned his North Main Street property for 11 years, he said.

Town Attorney Janis Small said McGuire was one of the most influential property owners in getting the 30-year agreement with the town to go through, but never submitted a written retraction of his one year notice to exit the prior year-to-year lease.

“He’s always been in favor of the agreement as it is now,” she said. “He continuously negotiated the deal, and I don’t know that he’s told people to stay off the property.”

Wallingford Public Schools will be closed tomorrow Wednesday August 31, 2011

According to the Wallingford Public School channel (99 on AT&T U-verse)  school has been cancelled for Wednesday August 31st.

Unfortunately buses still cannot travel down many roads in town. Wallingford Public Schools will not be open on Wednesday, August 31, 2011.

Only administrators, clerical staff and custodial staff report to work.

There is now an update on http://www.wallingford.k12.ct.us/

WALLINGFORD - Hurricane Recovery - Parking Ban is still in effect

This is not so much “are they enforcing it” (because we all know historically they do not) but rather “if you ARE actually towed – here’s why”

As posted on the Town’s Website (as of noon on 8/30):

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

A parking ban remains in effect in the Town of Wallingford on Tuesday, August 30, 2011.

The ban is necessary to facilitate the efficient and safe restoration of public utilities.

No vehicle shall be parked or allowed to remain on any public street while the ban is in effect.

Vehicles found to be in violation of the ban will be tagged and towed at the owner's expense. The parking ban will remain in effect until further notice.

WALLINGFORD - Hurricane Recovery - Electric Division - Updated Information

As posted on the Town of Wallingford website as of 2PM 8/30:

The Wallingford Electric Division (WED) continues its efforts to restore power to all of its customers. The WED system sustained substantial damage from Hurricane Irene, with power lines down in a number of locations.

Safety remains our primary concern and our first priority has been to secure all downed wires and hazardous sites. In addition, beginning yesterday, we deployed our line crews and Engineering personnel to perform damage assessment and to begin making system repairs. The assessment phase is nearly complete. Restoration work began Sunday afternoon and is ongoing.

The first priority in the restoration process is to repair the distribution feeders that make up our system backbone. This approach enables us to provide power to the greatest number of customers in the most efficient manner. As we get the primary system conductors back in service our crews will begin repairing damaged service wires to customers. This process will continue after the completion of system backbone repairs until all customers are connected.

The WED provides electrical service to the Town of Wallingford and to the Northford section of the Town of North Branford. We estimate that approximately 9,500 WED customers were without power immediately following Irene. Since that time, we have restored power to approximately 8,500 of these customers.

Based on our assessment of the work remaining to be done, we anticipate that there will be less than 500 customers without electric service by the end of today, Tuesday, August 30. Due to the variety of problems that may affect individual customers’ service wires, we are unable to provide a precise time frame at this point for restoration of service to all customers.

The WED has called upon outside resources to supplement its regular work force in order to restore service in the shortest time feasible.

The work force engaged in the field with the restoration effort:

• 7 WED line crews

• 6 line crews from Thirau, LLC, the WED’s line emergency line restoration contractor (3 crews are on site and 2 crews are in-bound).

• Line crews from neighboring municipal electric systems, through the WED’s Mutual Aid Agreement with the Northeast Public Power Association

• 2 from Chicopee MA Municipal Light

• 1 from South Hadley MA Electric Light Dept.

• 1 from Westfield Gas and electric Light Dept.

• 3 tree clearing crews from Asplundh Tree Expert Company

We ask our customers to remember that they are responsible for certain components of the facilities to which the WED delivers service. If any customer-owned facilities are damaged due to a storm or accident these facilities must be repaired by a licensed electrician before the WED can safely restore power. WED crews can only work on WED equipment.

Customers who have questions regarding which components of their electrical service are their responsibility should contact the WED Customer Service Group at 203-265-5055 or 203-294-2020.

To aid in the restoration of power, the WED has prepared a helpful diagram, entitled, What You Need to Know About Your Electric Service Connection.

Customers who use or plan to use a portable electric generator should follow basic safety guidelines detailed in the WED Home Generator Safety Checklist.

WALLINGFORD - Hurricane Recovery - Compost Center Expands Hours

As posted on the Town of Wallingford website:

The Wallingford Compost Center on John Street will observe expanded hours this week to accommodate residents who wish to compost yard debris generated by the recent storm.

The expanded schedule is as follows:
Monday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

PRESS RELEASE - Town of Wallingford Hurricane Irene Recovery

Town of Wallingford - Hurricane Irene Recovery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lieutenant Marc Mikulski
Wallingford Police Department
135 North Main Street
Wallingford, CT
(203) 294-2814

 

Wallingford Electric Division (WED)

The WED continues its efforts to restore power to all of its customers. The WED system sustained substantial damage from Hurricane Irene, with power lines down in a number of locations.

Safety remains our primary concern and our first priority has been to secure all downed wires and hazardous sites. In addition, beginning yesterday, we deployed our line crews and Engineering personnel to perform damage assessment and to begin making system repairs. The assessment phase is nearly complete. Restoration work began yesterday afternoon, continued through the night and is ongoing.

The first priority in the restoration process is to repair the distribution feeders that make up our system backbone. This approach enables us to provide power to the greatest number of customers in the most efficient manner. As we get the primary system conductors back in service our crews will begin repairing damaged service wires to customers. This process will continue after the completion of system backbone repairs until all customers are connected.

The WED provides electrical service to the Town of Wallingford and to the Northford section of the Town of North Branford. We estimate that approximately 9,500 WED customers were without power immediately following Irene. Since that time, we have restored power to approximately 5,000 of these customers.

Based on our assessment of the work remaining to be done, we anticipate that we will restore power to at least 85% of the remaining out-of-power customers by the end of the day, Wednesday, August 31st. Due to the variety of problems that may affect individual customers’ service wires we are unable to provide a precise time frame at this point for restoration of service to all customers.

The WED has called upon outside resources to supplement its regular work force in order to restore service in the shortest time feasible.

The work force engaged in the field with the restoration effort:

- 6 WED line crews
- 5 line crews from Thirau LLC, the WED’s line emergency line restoration contractor (3 crews are on site and 2 crews are in-bound).
- Line crews from neighboring municipal electric systems, through the WED’s Mutual Aid Agreement with the Northeast Public Power Association
- 2 from Chicopee MA Municipal Light
- 1 from South Hadley MA Electric Light Dept.
- 1 from Westfield Gas and Electric Light Dept.
- 3 tree clearing crews from Asplundh Tree Expert Company

We ask our customers to remember that they are responsible for certain components of the facilities to which the WED delivers service. If any customer-owned facilities are damaged due to a storm or accident these facilities must be repaired by a licensed electrician before the WED can safely restore power. WED crews can only work on WED equipment. Customers who have questions regarding which components of their electrical service are their responsibility should contact the WED Customer Service Group at (203) 265-5055 or (203) 294-2020.

We would all like to ask our customers to help keep our linemen safe as they work to restore power with the proper use of emergency generators. Please do not connect your home generator directly to your home or business’ wiring. The generator should be connected through an approved cut-off switch that will automatically disconnect the home or business from the power grid when the generator is being used. This work must be done by a licensed electrician.

 

Wallingford Police Department

The Wallingford Police Department received 205 calls for service between Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 8AM and Monday, August 29, 2011 at 8AM. The majority of the 205 calls for service were 71 calls for Public Hazards and 54 calls for residential and commercial alarm activations.

 

Wallingford Fire Department

The Wallingford Fire Department during the same operational time period responded to 60 calls for service. No one was transported by Wallingford Fire Department Town Ambulance for storm related injuries. Currently the fire department is experiencing normal call volume.

 

Wallingford Department of Public Health

Any Wallingford restaurant that has lost power is required by state statute to notify the Health Department at 203-294-2065. Residents are also encouraged to throw all refrigerated foods if there has been no power for more than four hours. “When in doubt, throw it out!” Residents that are served by well water who do not have electrical power are encouraged to use bottled water. When power is restored to well pumps the water lines should be flushed for five minutes prior to use. At this point water is not available from the American Red Cross

The Wallingford Health Department has made arrangements with the YMCA to allow Wallingford residents impacted by Hurricane Irene (those without water) to use the YMCA shower facilities. Facilities will be available from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.  This is a temporary agreement related to the storm.

The Wallingford Emergency Shelter closed at 9pm on Sunday August 28, 2011. Residents are encouraged to seek overnight accommodations, if needed with, family/friend who are not impacted by current electrical outages.

 

Wallingford Public Works

Wallingford Public Works continues to clear trees limbs and debris from the roadways.

Public Works Department will be conducting a town wide brush only pick-up, the week of September 6, 2011. Brush to be collected must meet the following conditions; brush must be no longer than 4’ long and 6” in diameter. It must be tied in bundles so that one person can pick it up.

This week the Town of Wallingford Compost Center will remain open every day from 8AM to 4PM through Saturday September 3, 2011.

 

Wallingford Superintendent of Schools

Wallingford Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, August 30, 2011.

*This will be the last press release from the Wallingford Emergency Operations Center regarding Hurricane Irene

Please visit www.town.wallingford.ct.us as well as Wallingford Government Access Television, Comcast Xfinity - Channel 20 and AT&T U-verse - Position 99 for up-to-date local Wallingford information.

Wallingford Public Schools will be closed tomorrow - August 30, 2011.

Wallingford Public Schools will be closed tomorrow - August 30, 2011.

All teachers, secretaries, and custodians should report at their regular times.

Professional development will be conducted for all teaching staff.

All staff should check their district email for more information.

Please check back to this site for any changes.

Wallingford Police Department Hurricane Information

I had this forwarded to me from Town Councilor Vincent Cervoni (thanks Vinny) and I thought it made sense to get it out to everyone so I am cross posting it to my blogs, Facebook and the Record Journal forums.

The full details of this can be downloaded HERE

What is important to note immediately is that there will be a parking ban in effect as of 11PM Saturday the 27th.

There is additional information within the PDF so I would suggest that everyone read through it in detail.

WALLINGFORD – Updated Hurricane Irene information via the town website - Hurricane Preparation Recommendations

Credit where credit is due – the town has done a good job of providing information regarding the upcoming storm.

Here are the links as provided by the Wallingford Municipal Website.

As originally published - Hurricane Preparation Recommendations

Hurricane Watch

Hurricane conditions are a threat within 36 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.

Hurricane Warning

Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

Preparations

Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service.

Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).

Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.

Fill your car’s gas tank

Create an evacuation plan

Plan routes to local shelters

Clear catch basins near your home to prevent flooding

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking tools / fuel, paper plates / plastic utensils

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc).

Pet care items for home and evacuation to a shelter. Proper identification / immunization records / medications, ample supply of food and water, a carrier or cage, muzzle and leash

WALLINGFORD – Updated Hurricane Irene information via the town website - Huracán Irene - Recomendaciones para Prepararse para el Huracán

Credit where credit is due – the town has done a good job of providing information regarding the upcoming storm.

Here are the links as provided by the Wallingford Municipal Website.

As originally published - Recomendaciones para Prepararse para el Huracán

FYI – I don’t know Spanish so I am taking this off the website as is; if there are any clarifications or anything needs to be appended I am sure one of my friends that knows Spanish will help me out. (Where are Dora and Boots when you really need them?)

Departamento de Policía de Wallingford

Información sobre refugio

Llamadas de Emergencia 9-1-1

Para reportar pérdida de energía eléctrica 203-265-5055

Servicios Rutinarios de los Departamentos de Policía y Bomberos 203-294-2800

El refugio para el Huracán Irene, en caso de y cuando se declare la emergencia será
Mark T. Sheehan High School
142 Hope Hill Road, Wallingford, CT. 06492.

QUE DEBE TRAER AL REFUGIO

• Documento de identificación con foto (Licencia de conducir)

• Comida para bebés/formula, pañales, pañitos húmedos, gel para las encías, pomada

• Mudas de ropa

• Cobijas

• Alimentos & refrigerios, no perecederos con suministro para 3 días

• Sleeping bags

• Teléfono celular

• Almohadas

• Linternas y pilas adicionales

• Productos de limpieza sanitaria

• Radio de pilas con pilas adicionales

• Medicinas recetadas y sin receta médica

• Anteojos

• Objetos para entretenerse (juguetes, libros, juegos, etc.)

• Dentadura postiza

• Dinero en efectivo, chequera, tarjetas de crédito

Documentos Importantes:

• Tarjeta de Seguro Social

• Prueba de Residencia (escritura o contrato de arriendo)

• Pólizas de Seguro

• Certificado de Nacimiento

• Certificado de Matrimonio

• Acciones, bonos y otros certificados negociables

•Testamentos, escrituras, copias recientes de formularios de impuestos.

Consejos/Recomendaciones Para Prepararse Para el Huracán

Conozca la Diferencia

Estar Pendiente de la Tormenta (Hurricane Watch)

Las condiciones del huracán representan una amenaza en 36 horas. Revise sus planes para el huracán, manténgase informado y esté listo para reaccionar si se emite una advertencia.

Advertencia de Huracán (Hurricane Warning)

Las condiciones del huracán se esperan dentro de 24 horas. Complete sus preparaciones para la tormenta y salga del área si las autoridades así lo indican.

Recomendaciones para Prepararse para el Huracán

• Escuche la estación de radio “NOAA Weather” para recibir importante información del Servicio Nacional del Estado del Tiempo.

• Guarde adentro de la casa todo lo que pueda ser levantado por el viento (Bicicletas, muebles del patio etc.)

• Ponga el termostato de la nevera en el punto más frío y manténgalo cerrado lo máximo posible, de esa manera los alimentos durarán más tiempo si se pierde la energía eléctrica

• Llene el tanque de gasolina de su vehículo

• Prepare un plan de evacuación

• Planee rutas al refugio local

• Agua – Por lo menos un gallón diario por persona de 3 a 7 días

• Alimentos – suficiente para por lo menos de 3 a 7 días empacado de manera no perecedera o enlatada/jugos, alimentos para bebés o ancianos, refrigerios, abridor de lata no eléctrico, materiales para cocinar/combustible, platos/cubiertos de plástico

• Botiquín de Primeros Auxilios / Medicinas / Medicinas con Receta Médica

• Linterna / Pilas

• Radio – de pilas y en la estación de “NOAA Weather”

• Teléfonos – completamente cargados y con batería adicional

• Dinero en Efectivo (con billetes de cantidades pequeñas) y tarjetas de crédito- Bancos y cajeros automáticos no estarán disponibles por algún tiempo

• LLaves

• Documentos – en un contenedor o paquete a prueba de agua o (seguros, documentos médicos, número de cuentas bancarias, tarjeta del seguro social, etc.).

• Objetos para el cuidado de las mascotas para el hogar y para la evacuación hacia un refugio. Identificaciónadecuada / información sobre inmunizaciones / medicamentos / gran cantidad de alimentos y agua, una caja o cargador de mascotas o jaula, bozal y correa

Areas Propensas a Inundaciones

Esta tormenta pronostica producir una cantidad aproximada de 10 pulgadas de agua de lluvia, en algunas aéreas puede llegar a 14 pulgadas. Esto ocasionará enormes crecimientos en las quebradas y los ríos que pronto ocasionarán inundaciones en sus riberas. Esto pone a los residentes en el área en una situación muy peligrosa al igual que a los trabajadores de la seguridad pública. Las personas que viven en estas áreas más propensas a las inundaciones deberían hacer planes de evacuación de manera voluntaria.

Vehículos Cruzando en Agua en Movimiento

La mayoría de los carros flotarán (y se irán arrastrados) en niveles de de 18 a 24 pulgadas de agua en movimiento.Camiones y camionetas no resisten más de 6 a 12 pulgadas adicionales. Quebradas y ríos pueden crecer rápidamente y el fondo de las vías también puede desaparecer haciendo el agua más profunda de lo que parece.

Control del Tráfico

¡Suspensiones en el servicio de energía eléctrica significan que los semáforos no estarán funcionando!

Los oficiales de la policía no podrán estar presentes en todas las intersecciones. Los conductores deben parar en todas las intersecciones que tengan semáforos que no estén funcionando, para cerciorarse que es seguro seguir adelante.

WALLINGFORD – Updated Hurricane Irene information via the town website - Precautions During Storm Conditions

Credit where credit is due – the town has done a good job of providing information regarding the upcoming storm.

Here are the links as provided by the Wallingford Municipal Website.

As originally published - Precautions During Storm Conditions

Power Outages

This storm is expected to arrive this weekend with the strongest winds forecast between Sunday, 4:00 a.m., through midnight. Power outages will occur. Prepare to be without power for 3 - 5 day, perhaps longer.

To report an outage, please call the Wallingford Electric Division at: 203-265-5055. If busy, please wait a few minutes and try again. Only call if your power is out.

If you encounter any downed wires, assume that they are live and stay away at 25 feet.

 

Flooding Prone Areas

This storm is forecast to produce an average of 10 inches of rainfall. In some areas more the 14 inches will fall. This will cause extensive flooding of streams and rivers that will quickly overrun their banks. This causes an extremely dangerous situation for residents as well as public safety workers. Plans should be made to voluntarily evacuate these flood prone areas.

Vehicles Crossing Moving Water

Most cars will float (and be swept away) in 18-24 inches of moving water. Trucks and SUVs are not much better with only 6 - 12 more inches of clearance. Creeks and rivers can rise very rapidly and the road bottoms can also wash away making the water much deeper than it appears.

Traffic Control

Power outages mean traffic lights will be out of order.

Police officers will not be able to respond to every intersection.

Motorist must stop at all intersections that have inoperable traffic lights to make sure that it is safe to proceed.