The Town offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd for the 4th of July weekend. We will be open next week 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday due to the holiday closing.
Upcoming Events
A Farewell Celebration for Jane Rosendahl, retiring Executive Director of the Wethersfield Housing Authority, and a Welcoming Celebration for the new Executive Director, Kate Forcier, will be held at the Housing Authority in the Community Room on Monday, June 29th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, June 30th, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Registered Sanitarian Rebecca Drew, and Fire Marshal Anthony Dignoti will be at the Wethersfield Housing Authority in the Lancaster Road Community Room to discuss "Safe and Healthy Homes," and answer questions.
The 4th Annual Roaring Thunder Motorcycle Ride to benefit Special Olympics in Wethersfield will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2009. Please contact Natalie Morrison at 721-2952 to pre-register or receive more information.
Council and Board/Committee Dates
The following are tentative dates: Shared Services - June 29th Town Manager's Conference Room; Special Council Meeting - June 29th - 7:30 p.m. - Council Chambers; Budget Committee - July 20th; Infrastructure Committee - July 7th - 6 p.m. - All subcommittee meetings are to begin at 6 p.m.
Board/Commission News
Zoning Board of Appeals: The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the August 22nd (raindate - August 29th) Fireworks display at Cove Park for the 375th Anniversary with the following stipulations: that all required permits be obtained and reviewed and that a reputable vendor with a good track record be used for the shoot.
Department/Division News
Central CT Health District:
Attached is a press release from CCHD relative to new guidelines for pneumococcal vaccinations. It is being recommended that due to the outbreak of the novel K1N1 influenza, all adults aged 65 and older should be vaccinated.
Attached is a letter from the State Health Department relative to the swine flu and youth youth camps. The information is being provided in an attempt to anticipate issues that may be related to this virus. Suggestions for consideration are listed in the letter.
Engineering: Mr. and Mrs. Larry Smith would like to commend Chris Zibbideo on his excellent customer service. They noted that Chris was very courteous and knowledgeable and answered all questions in a highly professional and competent manner. Wethersfield is fortunate to have such a knowledgeable employee and we thank Chris for his customer service..
Physical Services: The new 18 gallon blue recycle bins are now available. They can be purchased at the Transfer Station Monday 9:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. or at the Building Department, 2nd Floor, Town Hall. As of July 1, 2009 the bins will be $8.10. The bins are an optional purchase. Residents can bring recycling out to the curb in any comparable container they already own e.g. a laundry basket. The following items can go in your bin: newspapers, magazines, and #1 & #2 plastic containers, flattened cardboard boxes, glass, egg cartons, cereal boxes, aluminum foil, mail, paper, catalogs, juice boxes, gabled mild and juice containers. For more detailed recycling information, please visit the Town web site.
Social & Youth Services:
The Department is in need of volunteers who would be willing to act as translators for some of our non-English speaking clients. The Department will work with you regarding your availability during work hours. The languages most in need are of Bosnian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you can translate in other languages and would like to offer your services, please contact the Department. Appointments with clients generally last 1/2 hour to 1 hour. You would be given a week or two notice for specific dates and times. Please call Marita Eppler at 721-2977 or e-mail marita.eppler@wethersfieldct.com.
I have attached information on a Homelessness/Rapid Rehousing program that the Department may become involved with to help for referrals for our residents. Memo attached.
Tax Department: Tax bills are being mailed this weekend.
Council Questions/Answers:
If the DEP permit is issued for the new, proposed docks at the Cove, the permit will last for 6 years.
COST
Town Leaders' E-Bulletin
CRCOG
In August, CRCOG will be issuing a request for proposal for the building of builders for the regional bus shelters. The contractor will be selected in the fall with the start of construction in the spring of 2010.
CRRA: In light of the current economic crisis, the CRRA Board voted to use certain specified reserved funds to provide a subsidy of approximately $6.00 per ton in fiscal year 2010 or 2011 for all customers. The resolution gives each municipality the option to take the subsidy in FY 10 or to postpone it to FY 11. A copy of the Board resolution is attached. I will be bringing this to you at your July 20th meeting. I would like to recommend you take this subsidy for next year's budget.
Old Wethersfield has been voted as one of the "Best Places to Buy an Old House" 2009: Best place for retirees, families, walking and bedroom communities. The article is attached.
The Hartford Medical Group and Easter Rehabilitation Network is building a state-of-the-art medical building at 1025 Silas Deane Highway. This delivery of comprehensive health care will expand current medical services to meet the growing needs of the community. The article is attached along with pictures of the ground breaking..
Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce: There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their new location on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, 200 Main Street, Wethersfield. RSVP by July 8, 2009 to (860) 721-6200 or www.wethersfieldchamber.com.
Brainard Airport Committee: Last night, the quarterly meeting of the Brainard Airport Committee met. Attached is the breakdown of noise complaints, along with the yearly numbers for operations. The State will begin looking for consultants to work on updating the Airport's Master Plan. The State hopes to select a consultant by the end of 2009, and the work will begin in 2010. The process would include public hearings.
PROJECT UPDATES
Cottone Field Light Account: As of June 15, 2009, the balance was $8,511.59.
State of Connecticut DOT: The DOT is developing plans to resurface both northbound and southbound travel lanes of a section of I-91 through the Towns of Rocky Hill and Wethersfield. The specific paving limits for this section begin at Exit 23 (West Street, Service Route 411) in the Town of Rocky Hill and extend northerly approximately 4 miles to a point 1000 feet south of Route 3 in the Town of Wethersfield. The purpose of this project is to extend the service life of the travel lane pavement. Letter attached.
ATTACHMENTS
CCHD press release of new guidelines for pneumococcal vaccinations and the State Department of Public Health's letter
Homelessness/Rapid Rehousing Program letter
Town Leader's E-Bulletin
CRRA's resolution relative to reserved funds to provide FY tip fee subsidy
Old Wethersfield's "This Old House" article
The Hartford Medical Group and Easter Rehabilitation Network article announcing their new state-of-the-art building