The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Volume 15, Number 1
Thursday, Januar y 6, 2011
Great expectations for 2011 Berlin’s top managers set their No. 1 priorities for the new year
Town Manager Denise McNair
There are many goals on the horizon for 2011. First, is to work with staff and the townspeople on the problems at Berlin High School and McGee Middle School. Should the renovations to
the high school be undertaken, many things need to be worked out to insure that the students’ and residents’ needs are met. The ongoing indoor air quality repairs at McGee and the eventual roof replacement need to be finished as well. The construction of a new police station is another goal for 2011. Finally, adopting a budget that meets the needs of the town — while keeping the taxes as low as possible — is our ultimate goal and, perhaps, the most challenging in light of everything the town needs to accomplish. Happy New Year!
Police Chief Paul Fitzgerald For 2011, I look to work with the citizens of Berlin towards a new police station. A new police station is needed in order to serve the community for the next 20 to 30 years. Thus far, we have been able to identify Farmington Avenue as the potential loca-
tion for the police station. An evaluation of an existing structure (Kensington Furniture warehouse) is currently under way. The evaluation will examine the structural integrity, environmental conditions and overall suitability of using the structure and the potential cost necessary to refurbish it. Understanding that the town’s resources are limited, an opportunity exists to purchase this property, that is now cheaper, due to current economic conditions. I hope to work with the community to secure the funding necessary and then design a police station that will serve the citizens for many years to come.
One dog’s story
The life of Riley; our four-legged miracle By Adam Zangari Special to The Citizen Sometimes, when somebody wants something badly enough, they just have to wait for the right time for things to fall into place. My wife and I were obsessed with getting a Golden Retriever
after reading Dean Koontz’s book Watchers. We fell in love with the dog in that book and how he interacted with the lovable characters the novel contained. We read the book three years ago, when we were dating, and told each other that when we got married, See Riley, page 6
This puppy needed a home.
Petition drive seeks to send $70 million high school project to referendum By Olivia L. Lawrence The Berlin Citizen
A petition to bring the $70 million high school project to a referendum vote was taken out at the Town Clerk’s office Dec. 28. The project
was approved by the Town Council at its Dec. 21 meeting. At the time, Mayor Adam Salina and other councilors said they expected a petition drive to take place. The vote was five to two in favor of the renovate-as-new
plan, with the panel’s two Republican councilors voting against it. The petition, with signatures from three percent of the total of qualified electors, must be returned to the Town Clerk’s office by 4:30
p.m. Jan. 10. John Kilian, a resident, took out the petition papers and Berlin Republican Town Committee Chairman George Millerd said he, and See Petition, page 8
Superintendent of Schools David Erwin
The goal that I’ve set for 2011 is to assist the school community, and the community as a whole, to get the information they need regarding the renovations to Berlin High School. The ultimate goal, that I have, is the passage of the project which would serve Berlin students and their families for years to come. If the project is successful, the citizens of Berlin will be able to review the timeline for the work on the school. Once the actual construction begins, the community would be able to see the progress in pictures and text on our website as well as seeing firsthand proof when they drive by the school. The possibility of this project passing is very exciting and I am willing to answer any questions to assist people in making an informed decision. Happy New Year!
Inside Calendar.........................16 Marketplace....................25 Faith ...............................10 Letters ............................14 Obituaries .......................11 Seniors ...........................12 Sports.............................20