Connecticut Town & City April 2018 by Connecticut Conference of Municipalities

April 2018

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS President, Neil O’Leary Mayor of Waterbury 1st Vice President, John A. Elsesser Town Manager of Coventry

THE BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE OF MUNICIPALITIES

2nd Vice President, Michael Freda First Selectman of North Haven

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DIRECTORS Luke A. Bronin, Mayor of Hartford Tom Banisch, First Selectman of Madison Robert M. Congdon, First Selectman of Preston Joseph P. Ganim, Mayor of Bridgeport Toni N. Harp, Mayor of New Haven Barbara M. Henry, First Selectman of Roxbury Matthew Knickerbocker, First Selectman of Bethel Catherine Iino, First Selectwoman of Killingworth Marcia A. Leclerc, Mayor of East Hartford Curt Leng, Mayor of Hamden W. Kurt Miller, First Selectman of Seymour Rudolph P. Marconi, First Selectman of Ridgefield Leo Paul, First Selectman of Litchfield Scott Shanley, General Manager of Manchester Jayme J. Stevenson, First Selectman of Darien Erin Stewart, Mayor of New Britain Daniel Syme, First Selectman of Scotland Michael C. Tetreau, First Selectman of Fairfield

Inside this issue... 4

Commission Plans Path to Economic Stability

CCM on TV and Mobile

Town Road Repair Funds

Steven R. Werbner, Town Manager of Tolland

Getting Senators to Listen

PAST PRESIDENTS Mark D. Boughton Mayor of Danbury Matthew B. Galligan Town Manager of South Windsor Herbert C. Rosenthal former First Selectman of Newtown Susan S. Bransfield First Selectwoman of Portland

CCM’s Triple Crown a Success

CCM Helps Members Recruit Staff

CIRMA News

News from Member Towns

Mark B. Walter, Town Administrator of Columbia

HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Elizabeth Paterson, former Mayor of Mansfield Stephen Cassano, Selectman of Manchester CCM STAFF Executive Director, Joe DeLong Deputy Director, Ron Thomas Managing Editor, Kevin Maloney Layout & Design, Matthew Ford Editorial Assistant, Christopher Gilson Writer, Jack Kramer Connecticut Town & City © 2018 Connecticut Conference of Municipalities

APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 3

Commission Plans Path To Economic Stability CCM: act now on fiscal stability and economic growth plan

n innovative plan to revitalize Connecticut recommended by the Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth has CCM board’s strong endorsement. CCM is backing the report because it offers long-term benefits for the state and its communities. “Recommendations that centered on new revenue-raising options for cities and towns and collective bargaining changes are vital reforms that restore lasting financial stability to the state budget and to the critical fiscal partnership between the state and communities,” said CCM Executive Director Joe DeLong. The CCM Board emphasized that the 2018 General Assembly needs to take action on the full package and not take up some initiatives and disregard others. Waterbury Mayor and CCM President Neil O’Leary testified in front of the Legislature, imploring the Governor and General Assembly to join CCM in getting to work on finally fixing Connecticut’s fiscal issues. “Providing stability, predictability, and the opportunity to grow will encourage the economic development that will allow our state, our towns and cities, and, most importantly, our residents to thrive,” said O’Leary.

Robert Patricelli

“As leaders we must change the way we have looked at our economic problems. Connecticut is the land of steady habits, and this process has restricted our ability to think outside of the box and address as Secretary Ben Barnes described ‘a state of permanent fiscal crisis,’” O’Leary told legislators. “We cannot hope to address the myriad of problems facing our state if we insist on finding solutions from the perspective of our own ideological comfort zones. We must acknowledge that there are no easy solutions, and that meaningful change will require sacrifice

from all parties, and that sacrifice must truly be shared and not simply allowing the idea of shared sacrifice to mean some will share the sacrifice of others,” the CCM president said. “The precarious fiscal condition that still plagues the state budget demands that Connecticut change key core public policies — now,” added DeLong. “Much like the ‘This Is Different Report’ released by CCM, the commission’s set of recommendations are significantly different and entirely reasonable. We can wait no longer for substantive change that will set

the State on a sustainable economic path that will benefit hardpressed towns,” DeLong added. “The report must be looked at and approved of in its entirety,” said one of the commission’s co-chairs, Jim Smith of Middlebury, chairman and former CEO of Webster Bank. Municipal leaders “must have been appreciative of that, even if some recommendations made them a bit uncomfortable.” “We very much appreciate CCM’s understanding that the package needs to be treated as a whole and not dismembered in the General Assembly,” added the other cochair, Robert Patricelli of Simsbury, a retired heathcare executive. At the April 3 Legislative Committee Meeting, Smith and Patricelli reasserted the need for change. Smith emphasized the importance of “rebalancing the wheel,” but reminded members that it is not an overnight task. “We haven’t done enough to encourage regionalism” and slowing the pace of outmigration, which are goals of the commission’s recommendations. He added the caveat that “you have to

Jim Smith

protect your interests before you can advance them.” Echoing these sentiments, Patricelli said that “you don’t want to have to convince people to take their medicine,” but the only path to fiscal solvency is through economic growth. The commission issued many recommendations which CCM asserts

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will help communities manage their own budgets and programs as the state struggles with its own debts. “They realize with a more competitive environment we can find ways to take care of issues,” DeLong said of the fiscal stability commission. “Sometimes we have to take the good with the bad, but the absolute worst we can do is nothing at all.”

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Predictable Cost Just one annual fee of $100 per covered driver or worker is the only cost for compliance. With no additional costs, our program makes budgeting easier. For more information contact Beth Scanlon, (203)946-3782 | bscanlon@ccm-ct.org. APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 5

Town Road Repair Funds Held hostage or released?

he late winter storms that pounded Connecticut this year have only made a bad situation worse for towns and cities that are already struggling to deal with the continued delay in promised and budgeted state aid for local road repairs.

state aid for local road repairs, does not bode well for the condition of local roads this spring.”

Towns and cities — even before the back-to-backto-back Nor’easters slammed Connecticut in March — were looking at having to shelve critical, planned infrastructure projects without the promised state aid, which will also cut off related work for subcontractors, resulting in yet another adverse economic impact.

CCM notes that stalled roadwork would also be a detriment to the local construction industry in many communities.

Now, factor in the additional cost of snow removal that towns and cities face from the multiple storms, and the situation is dire. The stalled $30 million in Town Aid Road (TAR) grants is just that, stalled, given that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the legislature still have no agreement on the future of the state’s struggling Special Transportation Fund. CCM has been adamant and repetitive in urging officials to hasten the release of funds communities normally would have received in January. “With additional late winter snowfalls, the stress on public works and snow removal budgets will only heighten,” CCM emphasized. “That situation, combined with the continued delay in promised and budgeted 6 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | APRIL 2018

Many communities use the TAR grant not only to fund local road repairs, but also to cover snow removal costs.

The road repair grants have become entangled in a larger dispute over the future of Connecticut’s transportation program. The state budgeted $60 million in TAR grants for the full fiscal year. Normally it delivers half of those funds in July and the remainder in January. Connecticut borrows the funds, financing the grant payments through the sale of bonds on Wall Street. CCM has noted that towns and cities are responsible for maintaining the majority of Connecticut’s roads and bridges. As of 2015, according to the DOT, municipalities own and maintain 17,365 road miles — more than four times the 4,143 road miles owned and maintained by the State. 73 percent of Connecticut’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The Legislature created the Town Aid Road grant way back in 1967 to help municipalities fund the construction, improvement, and maintenance of local roads and bridges. This money can also be used for a variety of programs related to roads, traffic, and parking. Local governments have long depended on TAR grants to fund repair. So, when TAR is cut, local road projects are shelved, meaning jobs are lost and costs of repairs will be even higher when finally undertaken. Shortchanging TAR is pennywise and pound-foolish. The current expenditure level of $60 million has been maintained, despite ongoing state budget difficulties via state bond funds, and towns appreciate this. However, the current allocation “gives towns the same purchasing power they had with $30 million in 1986,” CCM said. “And, it would take $85.7 million to match the fiscal clout of the $13 million first authorized in 1967.” As the fight to adequately fund and maintain the TAR grant continues, the cost of repair and maintenance continues to rise. “According to the state DOT, the costs of diesel fuel and of bituminous liquid asphalt — two crucial materials for road projects — skyrocketed during the years leading up to the last recession. Between 2004 and 2008, the prices for these two items jumped 168 percent and 177 percent, respectively.”

cantly more over time than the cost to maintain those same roads in good condition. For example, after 25 years the cost per lane mile for reconstruction can be more than three times the cost of preservation treatments over the same time period, which can lead to a longer overall life span for the infrastructure.” TAR funding still remains critically short of what towns and cities require to maintain existing and repair deficient and aging roads and bridges. Investments in road repairs will improve the safety of Connecticut’s roadways: • According to the Roadway Safety Foundation, 53 percent of traffic fatalities occur in crashes in which the condition of the road was a contributing factor. • Connecticut’s traffic fatality rate of 0.75 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel is lower than the national average of 1.13. The fatality rate on the state’s rural roads is disproportionately higher than that on all other roads in the state (1.95 fatalities per 100 million miles of travel vs. 0.62). • Motor vehicle crashes cost Connecticut $4 billion per year, or $1,100 for each resident in medical costs, lost productivity, travel delays, workplace costs, insurance costs, and legal costs.

“The ultimate cost of poor road conditions is signifi-

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APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 7

Out Of Bounds

CCM opposes PURA position on broadband services

CM will continue to adamantly oppose the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) position that municipalities are not allowed to utilize the municipal gain to provide broadband services regardless of whether those services are provided by the municipality or through commercial arrangements with third parties. In its decision, PURA reaffirmed its conclusion in last year’s docket, which was terminated due to PURA’s failure to meet the 180 day statutory deadline. In 2013, the municipal gain statute was amended to allow municipalities to use the gain “for any purpose” with the sponsor of that amendment stating in this docket that the intent was to allow municipalities to use the gain to provide broadband services. CCM maintains the draft decision is full of many erroneous legal positions. Despite that, PURA’s conclusion is that municipalities, by providing broadband services to residents “for public hire or for free,” would in effect mean that the gain would be used by the public, and its use would not be limited to those governmental entities specified in the statute. Throughout the docket, CCM argued that, (1) PURA had no statutory authority to rule on the nature of the municipal use of the gain, (2) the plain meaning of the municipal gain statute provided full discretion to municipalities to choose how to use the gain, and (3) the recent FCC decision to overturn the Net Neutrality Order meant that PURA had no jurisdiction over the provision of broadband services, a determination that PURA’s predecessor agency made in 2004 prior to Net Neutrality. CCM submitted a petition to PURA in objection to its draft decision on March 13, 2018. It said, in part: “The “Proposed

Final Decision” (“PFD”) issued on March 6, 2018 is infected by major procedural errors made throughout the proceeding, exceeds beyond bounds the statutory and State Constitutional authority of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA” or “the Authority”), substitutes the Authority’s judgment for that of duly elected municipal and legislative officials, blatantly contorts and violates the plain meaning dictate of General Statutes § 1-2z by holding that the “for any purpose” language inserted into General Statutes § 16-233 (referred to for these purposes as “the municipal gain statute”) does not really mean “for any purpose”, and ultimately upends the Rule of Law that binds the people of our State together. For all of these reasons the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (“CCM”) takes exception to the PFD and will, if adopted as a final decision, seek vindication of the rights of its members in further judicial proceedings.” The CCM petition concludes: “PURA is not statutorily authorized to render the ruling sought by the Petitioners. The legislative change to General Statutes § 16-233 pur-

8 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | APRIL 2018

posefully eliminated PURA as the arbiter of the nature of use of the gain under that statute. “The PURA should either close the Docket without further proceedings or render a ruling that it has no statutory authority to issue the ruling sought by the Petitioners. To do otherwise would violate a myriad of established principles of statutory construction and administrative law, be inconsistent with a prior ruling of the DPUC, and put to the test of judicial review so many procedural infirmities that occurred throughout this Docket. “Moreover, a vote to adopt this PFD as a final decision would constitute a disregard for the plain meaning rule and other statutory provisions that would approve the rendering of a decision that does not comport with the Rule of Law. In short, a governmental decision on how best to use the gain set forth in General Statutes § 16-233 may not be authorized, limited, restricted, or precluded by the Authority. It is a decision left to that governmental entity and, in the case of municipalities, up to their duly elected officials.”

Let’s do right by our first responders. The right way. No one cares more about our first responders than the towns and cities they serve. They are our brothers and sisters, our parents and children, our neighbors and friends. We see first-hand the impact of the trauma they deal with every day. That’s why we’re so committed to ensuring first responders have access to the mental health care and support they need. Unfortunately, the SB-278 bill before our state legislature isn’t the way to do that. It’s big on mandates, but far too short on sustainability. So while it sounds good, it ultimately won’t do good for the people whose service we all count on to keep us safe. We ask that you join us in doing right — the right way.

1. Stop the rush to pass SB-278. Support for our first responders is too important an issue to

shortchange. We can’t let this be reduced to a political push in an election year. We need more specifics about what kinds of support will best supplement what’s currently available — and how those services will be reliably funded over the long term.

2. Don’t let the state push yet another unfunded mandate onto our towns. Our local

property taxpayers are already straining under the burden of so many state cuts in services. Now the state wants to mandate that each town and city bear the sole responsibility for funding this support of their first responders. Not only is that approach inefficient, it’s painfully unrealistic. And when our cash-strapped municipalities struggle to pay for these services, the ones who will ultimately pay the biggest price are the very people we all want to support — our first responders.

3. Work with us to develop a more sustainable solution. Safety for our first responders — as well as for our citizens — isn’t just a local issue. It’s a statewide issue that needs a more strategic, sustainable, statewide approach. Let’s take the time to bring together all the right stakeholders to create a solution that truly protects our first responders — without endangering the security of the towns they serve.

Tell your state legislators to stop the rush to pass SB-278. Join us in finding a sustainable way to ensure our first responders get the support they deserve over the long term. Learn more at CCM-CT.ORG

APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 9

Strengthen Local-Federal Partnership!

CT municipal leaders look to our US Senators for help on key issues

he saying that “all politics is local” is truer than ever when towns and cities are fighting for every last penny to help fund their town and city needs. And the struggle to fund programs, pay their workers, and keep taxes down were the themes that Connecticut’s two United States Senators, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, heard from key municipal leaders during meetings with the senators at the National League of Cities 2018 Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. in March. From concerns about funding for local infrastructure, internet upgrades and upgrades to rail service, among others, the conversation gave the two senators plenty to talk about with their fellow senators. Transportation and infrastructure funding are certainly big issues, as emphasized by Kurt Miller, First Selectman of Seymour and a member of the CCM Board. Miller noted that the country and the state of Connecticut need to find a way to better address transportation, and, specifically, railroad improvements. Miller emphasized to both senators about the need to fight for funding for improvements on the Waterbury branch of the Metro-North Railroad and transportation in general. The line runs from Waterbury to Bridgeport through the Naugatuck Valley. At the same time, the state Department of Transportation is proposing to reduce weekend and weekday off-peak service and raise fares on the branch to mitigate the agency’s budget deficit. Municipal leaders in towns along and nearby the line say improving the service on the Waterbury branch is vital to economic development in the area. The two senators also heard from Leo Paul, First Selectman of Litchfield, another member of the CCM board, about one of northwest

Senator Richard Blumenthal met with municipal leaders and CCM staff.

CT’s biggest concerns — cellphone dead zones and super-slow Internet service that infuriate residents and frustrate businesses. Telecommunications companies say hilly terrain and dense woods are to blame, but angry residents accuse the companies of refusing to wire the region because the investment doesn’t pay in sparsely populated areas. Known for its natural beauty on the doorstep of the Berkshires in Massachusetts and New York’s Hudson Valley, the Litchfield Hills are home to celebrities such as Meryl Streep and Henry Kissinger and are a destination for tourists and many who can afford second homes. But local officials and residents say limited cellphone and highspeed Internet access stall business growth and undermine schools that depend on the web. Heading up the eastern part of the state, the senators heard from New London Mayor Michael Passero about the long-planned Water Street parking garage, which comes with an estimated price tag of $13 million to $15 million.

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Passero said the plans for the garage expansion have been in development for months and that the city is focused on identifying and applying for state and federal grants for the project. The New London Mayor said not only will the garage help accommodate the several hundred thousand visitors anticipated to visit the $100 million Coast Guard museum but also an increasing number of Cross Sound Ferry customers, Electric Boat employees and visitors to the train and bus stations and downtown businesses. The museum is anticipated to open in 2020. “It’s a no-brainer. We need more parking and more alternatives,” Passero said. “We want to make sure we accommodate everybody that drives into New London and needs a place to park their car. It’s a piece of this complex puzzle we’re working on to build out New London as a transit-oriented development district. It all fits together.” Blumenthal and Murphy also heard from Bridgeport council members about concerns over federal aid reductions under CDBG — Community Development Block grants.

Since 1974, the Community Development Block Grant program has been a staple of community development. Its flexibility has made it especially useful to towns and cities for economic development purposes and assisting low- and moderate-income residents. It is viewed by municipal officials as one of the most valuable, useful and user-friendly federal grants to local government. CDBG is one of the few remaining federal programs available to assist Connecticut communities in their efforts to create jobs, stimulate the economy, provide affordable housing, eliminate blight, and generate new economic development. CDBG funds may be used for acquisition of real property; relocation and demolition; rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures; construction of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities, streets, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of school buildings for eligible purposes; public services, within certain limits; activities relating to energy conservation and renewable energy resources; and provision of assistance to profit-motivated businesses to carry

Senator Chris Murphy spoke with a group from Bridgeport about the issues that are important to the towns and cities of Connecticut.

out economic development and job creation/retention activities. Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) made this statement concerning attempts to cut CDBG: “the erosion of spending on CDBG will seriously affect the level of community development activities principally serving low and moderate income residents of Connecticut.” Throughout Connecticut, communities are using CDBG, one of the most flexible and

successful programs used by towns and cities — large and small — to improve their communities. Cuts to HUD, Blumenthal and Murphy were told, would eviscerate critical programs like Community Development Block Grants, which finance projects to revitalize communities, provide affordable housing, and drive the nation’s economy forward. Reps. Courtney, Esty, Hines, and Larson received visits from Connecticut municipal officials.

On Your TVs And Mobile Devices

CCM targets municipal & business commission initiatives with ads

CM launched a new advertising campaign in late March on broadcast television stations and social media to support the collective package of recommendations by the State’s Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth aimed at restoring lasting financial stability to the state budget and to the critical state-local partnership. The campaign is kicking off by targeting efforts on broadcast TV and CCM’s Facebook and Twitter platforms. These ads will be used to drive audiences to the full set of recommendations presented by the commission. “CCM is committed to engaging audiences both inside the Capitol and throughout our communities during this challenging, yet critically important time,” noted Joe DeLong, CCM Executive Director. “We will continue to incorporate various forms of communication to promote the important structural chang-

es called for by the Commission that lay the necessary groundwork for success for the state and its residents and businesses,” DeLong added. “CCM efforts to support the Commission’s recommendations will continue through the conclusion of the 2018 General Assembly session — with messaging and related materials updated as events change at the Capitol,” said DeLong. The ad states: “We’re sorry, there’s no one left in Connecticut to take your call. Please try another state. Local leaders are encouraging the General Assembly to pass the series of reforms put forth by the Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth. It’s time we all answer the call.” “It’s time the General Assembly passes the reforms put forth by the Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth. We’ve got to get Connecticut back in the game.” APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 11

Race To Give Back

CCM’s Triple Crown raises over $30,000 for three worthy CT charities

CM’s first ever philanthropic event benefitting three of the state’s great social-service organizations, The Connecticut Charity Triple Crown gala, was a great night of fun on April 11 at The Hartford Club, while delivering over $30,000 in charitable (and tax deductible) donations. Over 250 municipal, state, business and philanthropic leaders took part in the CCM-sponsored event for Channel 3 Kids Camp, Homes for the Brave, and The Village. The sponsors for the event were: Mohegan Tribe, Mohegan Sun, DeClercq Office Group, Mesirow Financial, O,R&L Commercial, LLC, Markiaris Media, Start Community Bank, Webster Bank, Berchem Moses PC, Eversource, and YouCaring.

In Kind Donations were made by Adams & Knight, Martha Cullina, Thomas Hooker Brewery, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Litchfield Distillery, Spoke & Spy, Stanley Black & Decker, Vazzy’s and CIRMA. The benefiting organizations were: • Channel 3 Kids Camp — providing educational, recreational and child care services in a completely inclusive environment • Homes for the Brave — providing transitional housing, vocational training, and life skills coaching to help veterans and their families leave homelessness behind • The Village — providing foster care and adoption, and a full range of ehavioral health treatment and community support

12 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | APRIL 2018

services for children, families and adults. Attendees bid on a wide array of unique items during silent and live auctions, mingled with others, and enjoyed plenty of Triple Crownthemed activities. The $75 attendee ticket included Triple Crown-themed hors d’oeuvres and drinks, access to the great prizes through both silent and live auctions, entertainment, and networking, all while contributing to the three great local Connecticut organizations. CCM plans for this to be annual event each April to benefit social service causes statewide.

APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 13

Life Savers

Emergency Management Symposium addresses needs of 400 town leaders

he 13th Annual Connecticut Emergency Management Symposium, held on April 4 at the Radisson Hotel in Cromwell, had a little bit of something for every one of the 400-plus CT local government leaders in attendance. Co-sponsored by CCM, the CT Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), and the CT Department of Public Health (DPH), the event grows larger each year and attracted hundreds of local public safety officials and others responsible for responding to mass emergencies. The day’s events were hosted by William Hackett, State Emergency Management Director. Also giving remarks were Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, Department of Public Health Commissioner Raul Pino, and Dora Schriro, Emergency Services Commissioner. Panel discussions were many and informative, as well as resources presented by 40 exhibitors in the daylong trade show. The workshop sessions included a timely discussion on FirstNet (Governance and Implementation), which had as panelists Leonard Welch, Director of Unified Communications; Richard Koehler, AT&T Regional Manager of FirstNet Program, Michael Varney, FirstNet Region 1 Lead, and Joe Sastre of the Connecticut Emergency Management Association. Another timely panel discussion, led by Barbara Bergeron, was held on school security, and emphasized the need for preparedness and collaboration during the day-long event. And an informative panel discussion was also held 14 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | APRIL 2018

during the day on hurricane recovery efforts to help people in need in Puerto Rico — and what was learned from the effort to ensure better communications and response next time. After the lunch break, a timely briefing and discussion was held on cybersecurity and how municipalities can ensure they are best protected. That discussion was led by Connecticut State Police Detective Mike Kowal. Later in the afternoon, Kelsey Opozda, a public health analyst, and Robert Lawlor, Connecticut Drug Intelligence Officer, gave municipal leaders an update on the opioid crisis in Connecticut, complete with tips on how municipal leaders can best respond to the mounting problems the crisis is causing in communities. Additional sessions were held on long term care facilities mutual aid plans; town officials also heard from Connecticut health officials on the latest statistics and information available on the influenza season that has plagued Connecticut and other states across the country this past winter. Officials also heard presentations on Connecticut Citizens Corps Community Emergency Response Team and Medical Reserve Corps Briefings during the afternoon. And the session wrapped up with state officials giving town leaders a look at what the year’s hurricane forecast is shaping up to look like. All in all it was a jam-packed day with informative and useful seminars and tips that town leaders can bring back home to make sure their workers and departments are as prepared as they possibly can be for whatever lies ahead.

APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 15

Helping Members Recruit, And Save Money Watertown, Stamford first to use CCM’s Executive Search

atertown and Stamford were the first CCM members to use the new Municipal Consulting Service’s Executive Search (MCS-ES) to help supplement their workforce.

a leader is recruiting new talent.

Watertown is using MCS-ES for the position of Finance Director/Assistant Town Manager, while Stamford requested assistance in locating a Building Official.

CCM wants its members to think of MCS’ Executive Search as their “Go To” agency for help in filling critical high-level positions.

Through the search process, MCS-ES promotes the best of both municipalities as attractive places to work — and live. The position brochure highlights include the form of local government, information on what makes the community unique, and details the qualities being looked for in the best candidates for the positions. The specific duties and responsibilities of the positions are also outlined in the accompanying job description placed on CCM’s Job Bank, along with directions on how to apply. CCM has set up a dedicated mailbox for receipt of applications and resumes: mcses@ccm-ctorg. We don’t have to tell you that the job of being a municipal or school executive has never been busier. One of the more time intensive — but critical — functions of

That’s why CCM is excited to offer you this new tool and we’re hoping you will follow Watertown’s and Stamford’s lead to take us up on the offer.

We know many of you use search firms to find qualified candidates but we also know in these days of squeezing every dollar that those firms are costly — so think about CCM’s MCS-ES as your best option to find top people at a fraction of your current recruitment cost. An added plus is that with over 50 years of experience, we know you and your town or city. We know municipal government and your needs. The bottom line is this new service is a winner for all of the 168 towns and cities that are CCM members. Contact Andy Merola at (203) 498-3056, amerola@ ccm-ct.org for any questions about MCS-ES and/or to sign up for the service today.

Because experience & integrity count…

MUNICIPAL CONSULTING SERVICE & Executive Search

Recognizing that hiring the best people requires both a significant investment of time and effort as well as a trusted partner, CCM has added executive recruiting to our Municipal Consulting Service

MCS assists CCM members, their school districts and local public agencies with a full complement of essential services, including:

Grant writing and researching • RFP drafting • Project management Operational reviews • Change implementation • Organizational studies Strategic planning • Finance and budgeting • Purchasing Facilities management • Temporary staffing Contact Andy Merola: 203 498-3056, or amerola@ccm-ct.org for additional information.

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Save on Scripts

Big cities and small towns big winners with CCM Drug Card Program

ince the CCM began offering the “CCM Discount Prescription Drug Card” program in September 2012, 136 towns and cities have signed up for the program.

today are still without medical coverage and still more remain underinsured. Our desire to subscribe to this program has obviously given us the kind of results initially hoped for.”

During that time, residents in the participating communities have filled more than 228,896 prescriptions and saved more than $11,000,000 with an average prescription savings of 51%. The program is free to any CCM-member municipality, providing savings on any prescriptions not covered by insurance. There are no costs to either the participating municipalities or their residents.

And in Hamden, the program has saved residents more than $121,932 in prescription costs since joining CCM’s Discount Prescription Drug Card Program in August 2013. That represents a 51% savings over what Hamden’s residents would have paid for the 2,838 prescriptions filled under the program thus far.

A couple of specific, recent examples are below: In Bridgeport, a city of over 147,000 people, more than $243,000 has been saved by the program; in Danbury, a city of more than 83,000 people, $362,000 has been saved. Savings have been seen in smaller towns as well. In Bloomfield, a town of slightly more than 20,000, $143,000 has been saved; and in East Hampton, a town of less than 13,000 people, more than $250,000 has been saved. In East Haven, Mayor Joseph Maturo said, “The savings of almost $130,000 has enabled the card users to receive relief from the continued rising costs of medical care. Many of these dollars have been utilized in other ‘staple’ purchases vital to many of our families. Despite the emergence of the CT Health Insurance Exchange, with the current number of unemployed, many people

Cards can be used by all residents regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage. There are no enrollment forms, membership fees, restrictions or limits on frequency of use for residents. Residents can print out a card easily by visiting www.CTRxDiscountCard. com, and selecting their town from the drop-down menu. Most town halls also have cards available. The discount cards are widely accepted at all national chain pharmacies and most local independent pharmacies. All participating pharmacies in Hamden received a supply of cards when Hamden joined the program as well. Discount cards may also be used to save on human-based medications prescribed for family pets. If the prescription can be filled at participating retail pharmacies, you will receive a discount. Discounts are also offered on other medical services including vision, LASIK, and hearing services. Visit www.CTRxDiscountCard.com for more details, including a pharmacy lookup and drug price comparison tool.

“I am very pleased with the results of this program. Hamden’s collaboration with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities has allowed residents who are uninsured or underinsured to alleviate significant expenses associated with their prescription costs.” -Mayor Curt Balzano Leng. APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 17

CIRMA New Risk Management & Insurance Solutions For CIRMA Members Backed by CIRMA’s financial strength, its consultative approach creates holistic solutions for Connecticut cities and town

IRMA’s growth in financial strength, expanded programs and coverages, and outstanding rate stability, make CIRMA a standout for the value it offers its members. CIRMA’s ability to transform its service and coverage programs into powerful solutions through its consultative, holistic approach allows CIRMA members to focus their energy on what is most important — building safer, better communities to live, learn and work in. CIRMA delivers outstanding rate stability: 0% LAP and –5% WC. “CIRMA takes much of the uncertainty out of the insurance purchasing processes by providing clarity, predictability, and transparency to the associated costs,” said David Demchak, President & CEO.

Guaranteed cost and loss sensitive programs for Workers’ Compensation Whether a municipality requires the premium stability afforded under a traditional Guaranteed Cost program or chooses to retain risk under one of CIRMA’s large deductible options or loss sensitive programs. CIRMA’s options provide its members the flexibility to better manage their insurance costs and mitigate risk. Its loss sensitive programs are tailored for larger cities and towns that are looking to lower their upfront premium costs and that are able to manage their losses effectively by implementing strong risk management techniques.

CIRMA’s rate stabilization programs provide its members the flexibility to better manage their insurance costs and mitigate risk.

One of the biggest challenges facing Connecticut communities is funding, and the volatility that changes in funding bring to the municipal budgeting process. “CIRMA has been able to provide outstanding rate stability to our members over the past ten years, and we’re delivering on that mission again this year,” said David Demchak, President and CEO of CIRMA. CIRMA’s Liability-Auto-Property (LAP) pool rate need for 2018-19 is flat, 0%. And its Workers’ Compensation pool rate need is –5%! Rate stabilization programs for the Liability-Auto-Property pool More municipalities than ever — about 80% of its LAP members — will be participating in the CIRMA LAP Rate Stabilization program in 2018-19. These members benefit by being able to confidently budget for their property and casualty insurance costs over the length of the three year agreement.

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For those municipalities who are confident that they can manage their exposures effectively, loss sensitive programs are a effective way to lower their upfront premium costs by retaining risk.

Value-added coverages, risk management, and claims solutions “The municipal environment changes everyday, and CIRMA is changing with it. We’re developing innovative solutions to meet our members’ needs for 2018-19 and beyond,” said Demchak. CIRMA’s tailored coverage programs, including its newly enhanced K-9 officer, pollution, drone, and cyber coverages, financially protect municipalities and public schools against their unique exposures. Several years ago, CIRMA members indicated interest in the scheduling flexibility and convenience of on-line learning. CIRMA responded by developing its E-Learning Center, which expands on CIRMA’s already extensive instructor-led training and education program.

CIRMA

Expert Risk Management & Insurance Solutions - Enterprise Risk Management Training & Consulting - Tailored Coverages

- Innovative Claims Management Solutions - Business Analytics for better decisions

CIRMA empowers municipal and school leaders to better manage risk and control their budgets. Visit www.CIRMA.org to learn more about the value of CIRMA membership. To request a Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation or Liability-Auto-Property quote, please contact the CIRMA Underwriting Team today! www.CIRMA.org/Contact Us.

Member Owned Member Governed

CIRMA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

“CIRMA offers over 150 topics tailored for municipal and school operations. Municipalities, school districts, and local public agencies across the state have built our E-Learning Center into their employee training and on-boarding programs, and over 10,000 employees have been trained,” said Demchak. The program is included free with CIRMA membership.

employees’ time-off and speed recovery.

Claims management is an important touch point for CIRMA members. CIRMA’s claims management systems have reduced claims costs through bill and provider review programs.

Through its enterprise approach, outstanding rate stability, and value-added programs, CIRMA delivers outstanding value to its members.

“We are exploring tele-medicine and other claims management services with our business partners to deliver high-quality, convenient care and follow up services,” said Demchak. These programs aim to reduce injured

New CIRMA Staff

Central to CIRMA’s success is its employees. “It is CIRMA staff who help create our innovative solutions and deliver on the promises we make to our members. Their expertise, professionalism, and experience are crucial to making our members’ organizations safer and more cost effective,” said David Demchak, president and CEO of CIRMA.

Myles Morrison

Myles Morrison joins CIRMA as a Risk Management Consultant Trainee, working with George Tammaro and Pamela Keyes in the Risk Management Services. Myles is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Myles was previously with Cigna Insurance and is a Chemical Specialist in the U.S. Army Reserves. Myles is currently studying to acquire his Associate in Risk Management designation.

CIRMA welcomes Alexander Sarni, who will work with Fiona Porto, Underwriting Administrative Supervisor and Steve Bixler, Vice President For Underwriting, Marketing, and Member Relations, as an Underwriting Technical Assistant. Alex, a resident of Shelton, is a recent graduate of UCONN with a Masters Degree in Economics.

CIRMA’s no-charge Contract Review service has reviewed hundreds of contracts for CIRMA members to identify language that contracts for language that may transfer risk to the town or school. A brighter future

For more information about the benefits of CIRMA Membership, please visit www.CIRMA.org.

CIRMA’s Emotional & Social Intelligence Awareness month

Positive school climate and culture play an important role in reducing bullying and physical assaults in public schools and other municipal operations. Please visit the CIRMA website for more information on CIRMA’s new Emotional Safety and Social Intelligence Awareness Initiative for April.

K-9 Officer Coverage benefits enhanced

CIRMA’s K-9 coverage assures municipalities that, even when the worst happens in law enforcement activities, the K-9 unit can continue operation. Coverage includes emergency veterinary care and, when necessary, the cost of replacing the K-9, travel costs to acquire the K-9, and training for the dog. CIRMA’s increased benefits helps assure that these loyal members of the law enforcement team are protected. Alexander Sarni

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For more information, please contact your CIRMA Underwriter.

CIVIC AMENITIES Passport To Parks No more fees at State Parks

he state has launched the Passport to Parks program, a new system that supports services at the state parks system while allowing Connecticut residents who have valid state license plates to access all state parks for free. Created by the bipartisan state budget that was adopted late last year, Passport to Parks is supported through a $10 fee that is being applied through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to non-commercial vehicles that have new registrations, renewals, and plate transfers registered. These include passenger cars and vehicles with combination plates, as well as motorcycles, campers/motor homes, and vehicles with antique car plates. Funds generated through this system will provide the Connecticut State Park system — a division of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) — with greater financial support, allowing a number of services at the parks that had been previously reduced to be restored, such as the reopening of several closed campgrounds, increased staffing of state beaches during the summer, and the restoration of regular hours of operation at certain nature centers and museums. Launching the program now will allow DEEP adequate time to begin restoring these services for the upcoming 2018 spring and summer season, and give time for visitors to make reservations at several campgrounds, including those that had previously been closed. Out-of-state vehicles will still be charged parking fees ranging from $7 to $22 depending on the park and time of day. Fees to reserve overnight campgrounds for both in-state and out-of-state visitors will still apply. “Our state parks are one of our most valuable resources, providing recreation and enjoyment to families across our state and serving as an important economic engine,” Governor Dannel P. Malloy said. “Adopting the Passport to Parks system will help ensure that our state parks remain an attractive destination and continue adding to the quality of life and natural beauty we enjoy in our state.” “We are incredibly grateful to Governor Malloy, members of the General Assembly, stakeholders, and residents of Connecticut who advocated for this program to help fund our state parks,” DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said. “Each year, nine million people visit our 110 Connecticut State Parks, providing enjoyment to all who visit. It is important that we provide adequate funding to ensure a safe and positive visitor experience. With this dedicated source of funding, we

are able to restore many of the services that had been previously cut as a result of fiscal constraints.” “We are happy to help with providing access to many of Connecticut’s tremendous natural resources and give everyone an opportunity to visit and enjoy them,” DMV Commissioner Michael Bzdyra said. “Passport to Parks is a great idea launched at the right time,” Eric Hammerling, Executive Director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, said. “Without the revenues generated by the program, there would be further cuts to the state park budget, further closures of campgrounds, and further reductions of full-time and seasonal workers like lifeguards who hold the park system together. We are hopeful that this is a huge leap forward toward both sustainably funding Connecticut’s state parks and opening opportunities for all Connecticut residents to experience them.” Implementation of the Passport to Parks program will support the restoration of a number of services throughout the state park system, including: All of the state’s eight lifeguarded state park beaches are anticipated to be fully staffed for the summer, including at Hammonasset, Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island, Silver Sands, Black Rock, Burr Pond, Indian Well, and Squantz Pond. (Staffing is contingent upon adequate levels of lifeguards being available each season and adjustments may be made toward the end of the season when many of the lifeguards begin school.) Hours of operation at the state’s museums and nature centers will be restored from Memorial Day to Labor Day, including at Dinosaur, Gillette Castle, Meigs Point Nature Center, and Fort Trumbull. APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 21

CIVIC AMENITIES Walking “The Walk” in Norwalk Walk Bridge Welcome Center opens to public

n February 27, 2018, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) opened the Walk Bridge Welcome Center.

The Welcome Center, located on the first floor of the Lock Building at 20 Marshall Street in South Norwalk, will serve as a central location for the Norwalk community to engage with the Walk Bridge Program: The Walk Railroad Bridge Replacement, CP243 Interlocking, and Danbury Branch Dockyard Projects. The Welcome Center will host a variety of public and stakeholder meetings, community events, and provide the public the opportunity to visit one-on-one with Program representatives. Visitors will find informational displays, fact sheets, and brochures about the Program. A children’s corner and an area designated for local artists to showcase their work are planned. The Walk Bridge Welcome Center is open the following days and times: • Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Once a month, and as needed, the center will open for evening hours. A grand opening event is anticipated for Summer 2018. The Walk Bridge Replacement Project is anticipated to start construction in 2019. The Project will replace the deteriorating 122-year-old swing-span railroad bridge that crosses the Norwalk River. The bridge is a critical transportation link on the Northeast Corridor and car-

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ries Metro-North’s New Haven Line, Amtrak and freight services daily. The replacement of the Walk Bridge will provide safe and reliable rail transportation services and will improve navigational capacity and dependability for waterway users. The CP243 Interlocking and Danbury Branch Dockyard Projects began construction in Fall 2017. These advanced projects will improve the dependability of operations on the New Haven Line during construction of the new Walk Bridge. During the Walk Bridge construction, the normal four-track service will need to operate on two tracks to allow work to progress on one half of the bridge at a time. The CP243 Interlocking Project allows trains to switch tracks and maintain service through the area during the two-track service. The Danbury Branch Dockyard Project will electrify the southern portion of the Danbury Line to Jennings Place. The electrification of the line allows for eastbound trains ending at South Norwalk Station to change direction of service for the return westbound trip to Grand Central Terminal, also during the two-track service. The Walk Bridge Program is committed to ongoing coordination and communication with the City of Norwalk, the business community, and commuters and residents throughout construction to address any community concerns. More detailed information on the Walk Bridge Program is available online at www.walkbridgect.com.

CIVIC AMENITIES New Haven Launches Bike Share Program Mayor hopes that benefits will be long reaching

he launch featured 10 bike stations, with a total of 100 available bicycles. Eventually, at least 300 bikes are expected to be available at 30 stations throughout the city under the oversight of New Haven Smart Mobility and its operating partner P3 Global Management. In May 2017, the Board of Alders unanimously authorized a contract with New Haven Smart Mobility to implement the bike share program. P3 Global Management, Smart Mobility’s managing partner, has a long track record of implementing bike-share programs sponsored by advertising. The company has already played a role in establishing programs in cities similar in size to New Haven, such as West Palm Beach, Florida; Hoboken, New Jersey; and New Rochelle, New York.

general bicycle usage, the program charges an extra $2 for each additional 45-minute period over the initial 45-minute ride. Rates are set to be lower for low-income residents and those over 65 years of age. The push to increase bike usage in the city dates back to Harp’s transition plan in December 2013, according to New Haven Transportation, Traffic and Parking Director Doug Hausladen. Over the past few years, New Haven has added bike lanes, two-way cycle tracks, and bike signals to encourage the use of bipedal vehicles, Hausladen said. He added that he hopes the bike-share program will encourage residents to use larger transit systems if they have a bicycle to take them there more quickly.

Mayor Toni Harp praised the program as a way to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon emission, and encourage exercise among citizens. Since the system will pay for itself through advertisements and user fees, Harp said, the city will not have to use government revenue to fund it.

“We’re proud to be providing a sustainable transportation option to the public, this program will provide a last mile transportation solution for many people in our community,” Hausladen said. “We’re excited to see how it entwines with the existing bike infrastructure in New Haven.”

“We’re thrilled that Bike New Haven will soon be available to enhance mobility and connectivity for city residents,” Harp said in the statement. “At no cost to the city or taxpayers, it’s exciting to see progress […] with this new public transportation option.”

Hausladen said that to be a “21st-century city,” it is important to launch a bike-share program that is dynamic and flexible, adding that the soft launch will generate user data that can help the city improve its overall transportation system before the full launch in April or May.

After downloading the Bike New Haven app — which tells users the location of bicycle stations, as well as the number of available bikes — residents will be given several pricing options. A one-time ride costs $1.75, a day pass costs $8, a one-month pass costs $20, and a year pass costs $90. Although these fixed costs pay for

The 10 soft-launch locations include many close to Yale’s central campus, such as at the intersections of Church and Grove streets and Chapel and York streets.

Cheshire Considers Pedestrian Bridge Project would connect neighborhoods

heshire leaders are considering a plan for a pedestrian bridge over Willow Creek to connect nearby neighborhoods and the rails trail with the sidewalk network near Cheshire High School. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, which will likely be complete through town this fall, runs along the east side of Willow Creek. Between Higgins Road and Cornwall Avenue there are no crossing points. Cost estimates prepared last year by Public Works Director George Noewatne for a bridge over Willow Creek to town-owned land behind the high school

totaled $430,000, prompting some councilors to balk at the idea. The actual bridge surface is the least expensive part of the job. Noewatne said piles would have to be driven to support the bridge since the area is wetlands. Working in wetlands also requires a host of permits, a process that would be complicated since the bridge would sit on both state and town land. Those who support the bridge said it could help events, such as the Cheshire half marathon in April, as well as provide more walking opportunities. APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 23

EN TE AV

A MIN L R

NEW HAVEN TERMINAL, INC.

The Economic Development section of CT&C is sponsored by New Haven Terminal, Inc. Learn more at: www.nhterminal.com

NEW H

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORPORATE

Raymark Makes List For Development Cleanup of contaminants can catalyze economic growth

he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its initial list of Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) sites with the greatest expected redevelopment and commercial potential including only two sites in all of New England; one of which is Raymark Industries Inc. in Stratford, town officials announced in January. “Bringing a positive conclusion to the ongoing effort to clean the sites in Stratford associated with Raymark contamination is one of my top priorities as mayor,” Mayor Laura Hoydick said. “I am very pleased that out of all of the Superfund sites across New England, this site in Stratford was one of only two that have made the short list for EPA to place as a high priority. I am also encouraged that the EPA is recognizing the enormous redevelopment potential of this Superfund Site in its assessment going forward.” For decades, Raymark Industries, Inc. operated in Stratford as a manufacturer of friction automobile parts including brakes, brake linings, and clutches until the late 1980s. The manufacturing process utilized many hazardous substances including asbestos, heavy metals (for example, lead), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Waste materials from the facility were offered and distributed to residents as free “fill” and were also placed in dozens of low-lying municipal and commercial locations. The remedy for the former Raymark facility was completed in 1999 and that property has since been redeveloped; however, many other locations are still in need of cleanup. “EPA is more than a collaborative partner to remediate the nation’s most contaminated sites, we’re also working to successfully integrate Superfund sites back into communities across the country,” EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said. “Today’s redevelopment list incorporates Superfund sites ready to become catalysts for economic growth and revitalization.” “EPA plays a very important role coordinating closely with local and state partners to help New England communities pursue redevelopment opportunities at superfund sites that can spur both improved community health and economic revitalization,” said EPA Regional Administrator Alexandra Dapolito Dunn. The Town of Stratford continues to work closely with

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A warning sign cautions people can be exposed to site-related contaminants at Tidal Ferry Creek.

EPA, the State (CT DEEP), and residents to solicit their input on the least disruptive way to implement the Consolidation Remedy as well as to identify potential redevelopment opportunities to incorporate reuse planning into the remedies. In July 2017, the Superfund Task Force released its recommendations to streamline and improve the Superfund program including a focus on redevelopment training, tools and resources towards sites on the NPL. EPA will work diligently with developers interested in reusing these and other Superfund sites; will identify potentially interested businesses and industries to keep them apprised of redevelopment opportunities; and will continue to engage with community groups in cleanup and redevelopment activities to ensure the successful redevelopment and revitalization of their communities. Superfund redevelopment has helped countless communities reclaim and reuse thousands of acres of formerly contaminated land. Superfund sites on the list have significant redevelopment potential based on previous outside interest, access to transportation corridors, land values, and other critical development drivers. The EPA has set the expectation that there will be a renewed focus on accelerating work and progress in Stratford, and at all Superfund sites across the country. The Superfund program remains dedicated to addressing risk and accelerating progress at all of its sites, not just those on the list.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Brookfield Joins “Sustainable” List Steers towards a roadmap of best practices

rookfield is one of the first municipalities in the Danbury area to commit to Sustainable CT, an initiative that aims to promote economic development and encourage collaboration between communities.

meeting with about 20 Brookfield representatives from various town departments.

Participating towns are rewarded through a point system for achieving certain goals and earn recognition meant to make the community more attractive to prospective residents and developers.

Sustainable CT has created what Stoddard called a “road map” of best practices, with nine categories that focus on developing thriving local economies, natural resources, clean transportation systems, healthy housing, and more. Within the categories are goals towns can work toward to earn points and then bronze and silver awards.

The program, which was spearheaded by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, is free to join. Sustainable CT launched in November with financial support from three Connecticut foundations — the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Common Sense Fund and the Hampshire Foundation. First Selectman Steve Dunn said a town’s commitment to sustainability, like a good school system, has become an important factor for prospective residents. “If you look at these programs, they make your town more attractive to residents, to developers, and improve your community,” he said. More than 35 municipalities, including Roxbury, Milford, Greenwich and Hartford, have already joined. The long-term goal is for every community in the state to be involved, said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy, who attended a

The group is working with other states, including Massachusetts and New York, who have similar programs, to promote the initiative and share data.

“It’s really like bragging rights and recognition,” Stoddard said, of the award system. The town plans to form a committee to examine what Brookfield has already done and what it could do to achieve the initiative’s action goals. Officials said Brookfield’s streetscape project, the zoning regulations rewrite, and the redevelopment of a brownfield at 20 Station Road could already earn the town points. Participating communities can also see what others have done and share their own work. “There’s this really robust element of peer learning and sharing and where you can showcase the great things you’re doing so other towns can learn from you,” Stoddard told town leaders. For information on joining or supporting Sustainable CT, visit Sustainablect.org.

Brookfield joins 37 other paticipating communities (as of 4/11/18)including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Barkhamsted Bethany Bristol Burlington Canterbury Clinton Cornwall Coventry Durham Fairfield Greenwich Hamden Hartford Hebron Killingly Madison Mansfield Middletown Milford

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

New Haven New London Newtown North Haven Old Lyme Old Saybrook Pomfret Portland Putnam Ridgefield Roxbury South Windsor Torrington Trumbull West Hartford Westport Windham Woodbridge

APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 25

EDUCATION The Education section of CT&C is sponsored by Gateway Community College’s GREAT Center. Learn more at: www.gatewayct.edu/Great-Center

Preparing The Next Generation For The Workforce Apprenticeships and other career training opportunitie for CT youth

n a few short months, high schools all over the state will graduate the Class of 2018. Some graduates will continue their studies, and some will expect to enter the workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the youth labor force — 16 to 24-year-olds, working or actively looking for work — grows sharply between April and July each year. During these months, large numbers of high school and college students search for or take summer jobs, and many graduates enter the labor market to look for or begin permanent employment. In 2017, the youth labor force grew by 2.4 million, or 11.6 percent, to a total of 23.1 million, with an unemployment rate of about 9.6%. At last count, 10.5% of Connecticut’s 16 to 24-year-olds were unemployed, with 7.9% of 20 to 24 willing year olds out of work, and 15.6% of 16 to 19-year-olds still looking. In response, the Connecticut Department of Labor partners with industry and education to create pathways to employment. One of these is the Apprenticeship Training program. Apprenticeship is a paid training program of earning while learning. This on-the-job training, combined with

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classroom instruction, ensures a well-qualified, jobready employee. Apprenticeships generally range from one to four years and at completion, the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training provides a portable training credential. A Registered Apprenticeship program can help employers develop a world-class workforce, and enhance productivity, profitability, and the bottom line For short-term training, youth career training programs are offered throughout the state at community colleges and community service agencies, and are free for low-income high school graduates who are unemployed. One such program, Today’s Youth, Tomorrows Careers, is housed in the GREAT Center at Gateway Community College. The program provides career training that prepares young people to work as medical office assistants, bookkeepers, and transportation, distribution, and logistics technicians. As many industries expect an increase in retirements over the next few years, it becomes crucial that municipalities focus on preparing the next generation for the workforce.

EDUCATION Vote To Modernize School Passes Test North Stonington residents back new school

here will soon be a new $38 million building for the town’s middle and high school students in North Stonington.

Recently residents voted on a referendum asking if the town should continue with the plans to build and renovate its school buildings. According to the plans, a brand new middle school/ high school building will be built and attached to the current gymnatorium. It will also end the use of the tunnel under Norwich Westerly Road, renovate the elementary school, and address issues with the roof at the Board of Education’s central office. This time around, the vote overwhelmingly passed, 1,352–611, unlike the first vote in May of 2016 which only passed by three votes. First Selectman Mike Urgo released the following statement: “North Stonington School Modernization Committee would like to announce the groundbreaking for the school modernization project.

Rendering of Wheeler Middle/High School

“This groundbreaking was tentatively scheduled based on the construction timeframe we were working towards. “Thank you to everyone who voted today in what was a record turnout for the town.”

State Education Ranking Released New Canaan students tested best

he state recently released grades for each school and district.

Many school districts saw a decrease in their 2016-2017 scores from the year before, but New Canaan wasn’t one of them. In fact, its students were tops in the state! The highest ranking in the state was achieved by the New Canaan school system with a 89.1 ranking, an improvement from the year before which was 87.3. The lowest ranking was New Britain at 55.7. Of the 201 school districts ranked in the state, 146 or 73 percent saw a decline in their test scores. The state’s 0 to 100 grading system takes into account more than a dozen measures, including test scores, advanced placement courses, high school graduation rates, college enrollees, and absentee rates. But the majority of the grade — more than three-quarters — is still how well students did on test scores. And nobody did better than New Canaan. APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 27

EDUCATION Schools of “Distinction”

Across the state, schools have their achievements recognized

ver 100 schools statewide were recognized by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) as ‘Schools of Distinction’ for the 2016-2017 school year when the state released its Next Generation Accountability System results on Feb. 28. The state recognized 116 schools for high academic achievement and high growth, including 15 schools within the state’s Alliance District program. To qualify for the distinction, schools cannot have high achievement or high graduation rate gaps, and must also meet participation rate requirements.

Nancy Wyman said in a statement. ‘Schools of Distinction’ are schools that meet the following criteria, according to the CSDE: 1. The top ten percent of schools using the Accountability Index score; 2. The top ten percent of schools with the highest growth for all students or for the high-needs group (free or reduced price lunch, English language learners, and students in special education); or

The state’s Alliance District program is a targeted investment in Connecticut’s 30 lowest-performing.

3. The top ten percent of schools (among those without growth) with improvement in Accountability Index.

“Connecticut students are making good progress. I applaud their work, and our teachers and educators for their commitment to our young people,” Lt. Governor

Danbury, Greenwich, and Ridgefield have six schools each on the list, the most of any district in the state. Listed below are schools recognized for 2016-2017.

Schools of Distinction • Anna H. Rockwell School, Bethel

• Burr Elementary School, Fairfield

• Frank A. Berry School, Bethel

• Timothy Dwight Elementary School, Fairfield

• Bolton High School, Bolton

• Jennings School, Fairfield

• Mary R. Tisko School, Branford

• Riverfield School, Fairfield

• Brass City Charter School, Waterbury

• East Farms School, Farmington

• Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary School,

• Noah Wallace School, Farmington

Avon

• Union School, Farmington

• University of Hartford Magnet School, West Hartford

• West District School, Farmington

• Chapman School, Cheshire

• Eastbury School, Glastonbury

• Norton School, Cheshire

• Hopewell School, Glastonbury

• Lewin G. Joel Jr. School, Clinton

• Nayaug Elementary School, Glastonbury

• J. M. Wright Technical High School, Stamford

• Wells Road Intermediate School, Granby

• Ellsworth Avenue School, Danbury

• International School at Dundee, Greenwich

• Hayestown Avenue School, Danbury

• North Mianus School, Greenwich

• Mill Ridge Primary School, Danbury

• North Street School, Greenwich

• Morris Street School, Danbury

• Old Greenwich School, Greenwich

• Park Avenue School, Danbury

• Parkway School, Greenwich

• South Street School, Danbury

• Riverside School, Greenwich

• Ox Ridge Elementary School, Darien

• Northeast Academy Elementary School, Groton

• Royle Elementary School, Darien

• S. B. Butler School, Groton

• Tokeneke Elementary School, Darien

• Guilford Lakes School, Guilford

• East Haddam Elementary School, East Haddam

• Regional Multicultural Magnet School, New London

• Dominick H. Ferrara School, East Haven

• Litchfield Intermediate School, Litchfield

• East Lyme High School, East Lyme

• Southeast Elementary School, Mansfield

• Lillie B. Haynes School, East Lyme

• Casimir Pulaski School, Meriden

• Niantic Center School, East Lyme

• Thomas Hooker School, Meriden

• Windermere School, Ellington

• Orange Avenue School, Milford

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EDUCATION • Pumpkin Delight School, Milford

• Stratford Academy - Johnson House, Stratford

• Oakdale School, Montville

• Booth Hill School, Trumbull

• Western School, Naugatuck

• Jane Ryan School, Trumbull

• East School, New Canaan

• Middlebrook School, Trumbull

• New Canaan High School, New Canaan

• Tashua School, Trumbull

• West School, New Canaan

• Yalesville School, Wallingford

• Conte/West Hills Magnet School, New Haven

• Braeburn School, West Hartford

• Anna Reynolds School, Newington

• Bugbee School, West Hartford

• Hawley Elementary School, Newtown

• Whiting Lane School, West Hartford

• Green Acres Elementary School, North Haven

• Edith E. Mackrille School, West Haven

• Ridge Road Elementary School, North Haven

• Seth G. Haley School, West Haven

• North Stonington Elementary School, North Stonington

• Daisy Ingraham School, Westbrook

• Wheeler High School, North Stonington

• Coleytown Elementary School, Westport

• Samuel Huntington School, Norwich

• Green’s Farms School, Westport

• Thomas W. Mahan School, Norwich

• Alfred W. Hammer School, Wethersfield

• Kathleen E. Goodwin School, Old Saybrook

• Wilton High School, Wilton

• Moosup Elementary School, Plainfield

• W. B. Sweeney School, Windham

• Plainfield Central School, Plainfield

• Frisbie School, Wolcott

• Plymouth Center School, Plymouth • Brownstone Intermediate School, Portland • Redding Elementary School, Redding • Harwinton Consolidated School, Harwinton • Booth Free School, Roxbury • The Burnham School, Bridgewater • Washington Primary School, Washington Depot • Burr District Elementary School, Higganum • Haddam Elementary School, Higganum • Lyme Consolidated School, Lyme • Mile Creek School, Old Lyme • Barlow Mountain Elementary School, Ridgefield • Branchville Elementary School, Ridgefield • Farmingville Elementary School, Ridgefield

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• Ridgebury Elementary School, Ridgefield • Scotland Elementary School, Ridgefield • Veterans Park Elementary School, Ridgefield • West Hill School, Rocky Hill • Chatfield-LoPresti School, Seymour • Booth Hill School, Shelton • Elizabeth Shelton School, Shelton • Long Hill School, Shelton • Sunnyside School, Shelton • South Windsor School District, Pleasant Valley School • Eli Whitney School, Stratford • Nichols School, Stratford

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Contact CIRMA’s Underwriting team to request your Liability-Auto-Property and Workers’ Compensation quote for 2018-19!

• Second Hill Lane School, Stratford APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 29

GOVERNANCE The Governance section of CT&C is sponsored by Kemp Consulting, LLC, a National Speaker Service. Learn more at: www.rogerkemp.org

Roger L. Kemp, MPA, MBA, PhD

National Speaker

America’s Local Governments: Their Annual Budget Process by Roger L. Kemp, PhD

he Annual Budget Process — The best way to understand a local government’s annual budget process in America is by using the systems approach to management. This approach recognizes the inter-dependence of all major activities within an organization, especially public ones. A public organization is viewed as an open system that includes five (5) basic sub-systems, which are highlighted and explained below as they relate to the annual budget process in municipal governments.

The Input This includes available revenues to finance public services for the coming fiscal year. A local government’s revenues typically include non-restricted funds, restricted funds, and other possible funding sources as allocated and approved by its elected officials. The services provided by a public agency are based on the available revenues from all sources as approved in its annual budget, which is a result of the annual budget development process, that is explained below.

common types of public budgets include line-item budgets, program budgets, performance budgets, zero-based budgets, and other evolving budget formats. Most local government budgets use a line-item format, with possible program performance measurements, where they have been developed.

The Process

The Feedback

The budget preparation process includes four typical steps followed by public officials, both elected and appointed. These steps include the administrative preparation of the budget, the legislative approval of the budget, the financial implementation of the budget, and the annual year-end accounting and financial reporting, which is usually performed by an independent outside auditor. This process is in the best interest of everyone — the citizens, their elected officials, as well as the employees of a public organization.

The Output The output of the budget process is determined based on the available revenues and approved allocation of these revenues to pay for projected departmental services for the coming fiscal year. Available funds are allocated to finance the public services provided by the departments in a local government, as well as its approved capital projects, for the coming fiscal year. The 30 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | APRIL 2018

The financial feedback on the adopted budget is provided to both the elected officials, and their administrators, based on an annual audit that is typically conducted by an outside independent auditor. This is usually required by a city’s charter, which is approved by its voters. This financially objective feedback is provided to the organization’s major stakeholders for both the operating and capital budgets, including its elected officials, management staff, and citizens. It is typically placed on-line on a city’s public website, as well as copies placed in its public library to accommodate those citizens that wish to review a hard-copy of this annual report.

The Environment The annual budget process is influenced by several factors that comprise a public organization’s operating, or organizational, environment. These factors include its political environment, its economic environ-

GOVERNANCE ment, its social environment, and its legal environment. All of these factors are interrelated and greatly influence all phases of a public organization’s annual budget process. While elected officials and their administrators have an influence on their internal environment, they have little control over their external environment.

The Future Elected officials typically create the political orientation of their organization, its political environment. While some local governments are liberal, others are conservative, many represent both political perspectives, and yet others change their political perspective over time. While the political portion of a local government’s environment may change, the other components of a local government’s budget process generally remain the same, and unfolds annually and continually influence the organization’s political, economic, social, and legal sub-systems, all of which influence its annual budget process. Most of these other, primarily external, sub-systems change slowly over time.

Many aspects of a local government’s environment are influenced by higher levels of government too, primarily their state government and the federal government. Local public officials, both elected and appointed, generally have little influence over these levels of government, and usually only react and adapt to their respective mandates, available grants, and legal requirements. Roger L. Kemp, PhD, ICMA-CM, has been a career city manager in CA, CT, and NJ. He’s worked in and managed the largest council-manager government cities in these states. He is presently a Distinguished Adjunct Professor, Department of Public Management, at Golden Gate University; and a Practitioner in Residence, Department of Public Management, University of New Haven. Roger can be reached via email at <rlkbsr@ snet.net>.

Help For Those In Need

Tax Breaks for Elderly, Disabled in Prospect

rospect is one of the many Connecticut towns that has special tax credit programs for the elderly and disabled. The filing period for local tax credits for Elderly and Totally Disabled Homeowners for the 2017 Grand List is from February 1, 2018 through May 15, 2018 in Prospect. To apply, the applicant must meet age, income limits, and own and occupy the home. He or she must have been 65 years of age by December 31, 2017 or be totally and permanently disabled before reaching the age of 65. All income must be documented. The maximum income on the local program for single applicants is $52,950.00 and the maximum for married applicants is $64,500.00. Applicants must show proof of all income received for the 2017 calendar year by supplying a copy of their Federal Income Tax Return. If you do not need to file a return, bring all year end statements and the 2017 Social Security Benefit

Statement (Form SSA-1099). Totally disabled applicants must submit current written proof of their disability and income. Proof of disability can include Social Security, Federal, State or Local government retirement or disability plan, Railroad Retirement Act, or government-related teacher’s retirement plan. The maximum credit under the

Town program is $400. It is also based upon percentage of ownership and years as a resident of Prospect. An applicant that meets all requirements and has resided in Prospect for 1 – 5 years is eligible for $200; if an applicant meets the requirements and has lived in Prospect for 6 or more years, they would be eligible for the $400.

APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 31

GRANTS Wide Open Spaces 23 towns get open space grants

overnor Dannel P. Malloy announced that $6.05 million in state grants are being awarded to 23 municipalities across Connecticut to support the purchase of 2,005 acres of land that will be preserved as open space.

of the land. Currently, the state has over 500,000 acres designated as state or local open space lands — close to 75 percent of the goal.

“Connecticut’s tradition of preserving open space has helped define our landscape and preserve its important natural resources and geographical beauty,” Governor Malloy said. “These grants continue our open space preservation legacy and will increase the availability of open space for our residents across our state.”

Town: Colebrook Project Title: Deer Hill 87 Property Sponsor: Colebrook Land Conservancy, Inc. Grant: $81,000 Acreage: 87 acres Description: This undeveloped, transitional hardwoods forested property is located in southeastern Colebrook in the southern Berkshire Range. The topographic variations (12’ – 1,400’ ASL) include ridgeline, summit, escarpment, bottomland, hemlock ravine, and headwater stream habitats similar to that of Algonquin State Forest, located to the north. There are at least two threatened or endangered species locales that intersect this property.

The grants are being awarded through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and assists local governments, land trusts, and water companies in purchasing open space using funding from the Community Investment Act and state bond funds. This grant program requires match by the grant recipient and requires the open space land be protected by a conservation and public recreation easement, ensuring that the property is forever protected for public use and enjoyment. “Since this program began in 1998, more than $125 million in state funding has been awarded to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies to assist in the purchase of more than 33,300 acres of land, including farmlands, in 137 cities and towns,” DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said. “These important open space properties protect natural resources and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.” Open space projects help the State of Connecticut achieve its goal of protecting 673,210 acres of land by 2023 – approximately 21 percent

The 2018 Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition grant awards include:

Town: Cornwall Project Title: Matland Tarradiddle Sponsor: Cornwall Conservation Trust, Inc. Grant: $180,000 Acreage: 72 acres Description: This property includes former farmland located just northeast of West Cornwall. Having a varied topography, the diversity of this parcel includes mesic upland forest, dry upland forest, former pastureland, bedrock ledges, a spring and a stream. The property is the southern section of Tarradiddle Mountain and is part of the Housatonic River Greenway. Town: East Haddam Project Title: Sakolsky Property Sponsor: East Haddam Land Trust, Inc. Grant: $17,550 Acreage: 19.52 acres Description: This is the second parcel submitted under this program to develop a 100-acre interconnect-

32 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | APRIL 2018

ing greenway, connecting resources within the Moodus Village. This property contains a wetland and associated habitat that drains into Wigwam Brook and then to Salmon River. It also contains an upland hardwood forest habitat. Town: Ellington Project Title: Bellante Preserve Sponsor: Northern Conn. Land Trust, Inc. Grant: $36,000 Acreage: 35 acres Description: This 35-acre undeveloped upland forest is located in the eastern panhandle off Rt. 140 (Tolland Turnpike) in the Town of Ellington. The parcel abuts Erni Boothroyd Nature Preserve (NCLT), which is also in close proximity to Nye-Holman State Forest. Within a Conservation Corridor established by Capitol Region COG along the Willimantic River, the current owner has witnessed a plethora of wildlife including: turkey, fisher cats, coyotes, rabbits, and various species of birds and bear. Town: Essex Project Title: Doane Property Sponsor: The Essex Land Trust, Inc. Grant: $166,950 Acreage: 18.54 acres Description: The main purpose of this ridge property overlooking the Connecticut River is to connect or link three protected parcels: James Glen, and Doane’s Woods (ELT) with Lyons Meadow (DRLT) for a total of a 50-acre greenway. The varied wildlife habitats include open field, upland forest, forested wetland, and a beaver pond. Town: Hebron Project Title: Calvin Fish Parcel Sponsor: Town of Hebron Grant: $102,000 Acreage: 48 acres Description: This parcel, with a terminal boundary on Fawn Brook (950 feet), abuts Gilead Hill School (Rt. 85) and is part of a long-term preservation effort to protect the

GRANTS

Near the Green Falls River in North Stonington

Fawn Brook, a tributary to Salmon River. This undeveloped forested lot contains farmland that includes prime farmland soils, inland wetlands soils, access to a fishing opportunity that was not previously available and recreational/educational opportunity through the expansion of trails associated with Gilead Hill School.

Description: Located in Madison off Rt. 79 (Rockland), this undeveloped parcel (rear) contains 29 acres of Class I and 15 acres of Class II watershed land in the Hammonasset River Watershed. The acquisition is designed to eliminate the fragmentation of the watershed lands and improve protection of a drinking water supply.

Town: Lyme Project Title: Johnson Preserve Sponsor: Town of Lyme Grant: $870,000 Acreage: 250 acres Description: Falling within the River to Ridge greenway, this acquisition has for decades been a priority for the Town to permanently protect. Located in north-central Lyme almost abutting East Haddam, this property has over a 1/2 mile of road frontage (Rt. 82) and abuts over 1,700 acres of protected open space. It has a rugged landscape with elevation from 200 to 465 feet above sea level. This parcel is in the Eightmile River watershed and is now designated by Audubon as an Important Bird Area.

Town: Mansfield Project Title: Simpson Family Property Sponsor: Town of Mansfield Grant: $207,000 Acreage: 114 acres Description: Located in the central eastern portion of the town on Warrenville Road, this parcel is characterized as an undeveloped woodlot with limited development potential based on soils, its stony nature, presences of wetlands, and steep slopes. This property is located across the street from the Mt. Hope Property protected with the assistance of a grant from this program in 1999. A portion of this property is identified in the Natural Diversity Database. This is a large parcel with natural and archeological assets along with the potential to provide quality passive recreational and educational opportunities.

Town: Madison Project Title: Luft Property Sponsor: South Central Conn. Regional Water Authority Grant: $184,800 Acreage: 44 acres

Town: North Haven Project Title: 182 Kings Highway

Sponsor: Town of North Haven Grant: $200,250 Acreage: 29.55 acres Description: Existing between Kings Highway and Hartford Turnpike in the northwest quadrant of the town, this 29.55-acre parcel is sandwiched among residential house lots. A former orchard, the lot contains 6.9 acres of land that can be classified wetland, intermittent watercourses and a vernal pool. The property does slope from the northwest to the southeast from 56 to over 500 feet ASL. The parcel is undeveloped with only remnants of the former farm existing. Town: North Stonington Project Title: Green Falls River Glen Sponsor: Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc. Grant: $195,000 Acreage: 86.5 acres Description: With over a half-mile of river frontage on the Green Falls River, this property is located off Puttker Road in the northeastern portion of North Stonington, 1/2 mile from Pachaug State Forest. This river is stocked by DEEP. The property is composed of 33 acres of wetland, vernal pools, prime farmland soils and home to a historic woolen mill area. It is part of an Aquifer Protection Area of the Pawcatuck River basin.

APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 33

GRANTS The Naromi Land Trust in Sherman

Town: North Stonington, Griswold and Preston Project Title: Tri-Town Ridgeline Forest Sponsor: Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc. Grant: $555,000 Acreage: 409 acres Description: This property is located in the towns of North Stonington, Griswold, and Preston. The parcels link about 1,400 acres of protected land owned by Avalonia (76 ac.), The Nature Conservancy (Cons. Easement), State DEEP (Pachaug State Forest, 213 ac.), and conservation restricted land held by the Town of North Stonington (133 ac.). This property is an unfragmented forest (currently under PA490, chestnut oak upland forest), with over 4 miles of trails (stone-walled), 100-foot cliffs, three mountains (240’ to 506’ ASL, Lambert Mountain), and with vast and varied wildlife habitat. Town: Old Lyme Project Title: Denison Parcel Sponsor: Old Lyme Land Trust. Inc. Grant: $36,113 Acreage: 10.7 acres Description: Located in Old Lyme central and very close to the East Lyme Town line, this forested parcel would accomplish three major objectives: 1. contribute toward protecting an important watershed (Three Mile River), 2. enlarge an area of protected open space, and 3. expand upon a growing and valu-

able recreational resource. Town: Preston Project Title: Kendall/Thoma Preserve Sponsor: Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc. Grant: $195,750 Acreage: 177 acres Description: Located in northeastern Preston, this property is primarily an undeveloped forested lot (currently in PA490) transected by Rattlesnake Brook, Folly Works Brook, and Broad Brook. The property contains wide and diverse habitats including open fields (still being hayed), shrub swamp, red maple swamp, riparian and upland woodland, and a sand barren. Town: Sherman Project Title: Eastman Parcel Sponsor: Naromi Land Trust, Inc. Grant: $76,500 Acreage: 37.83 acres Description: Located in northern Sherman south of Ten Mile River, this undeveloped forested property abuts land currently protected by Naromi Land Trust (142 ac.) and Federal Land associated with the Appalachian Trail (255 ac.). The property is a mix of hardwood/ hemlock forest, steep slopes, stone walls, wooded wetland (3 ac.), vernal pool, rock outcroppings, and vistas of the Housatonic River. Town: Sprague Project Title: Tenenbaum-Morehouse Sponsor: Town of Sprague

34 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | APRIL 2018

Grant: $96,600 Acreage: 28.9 acres Description: Located off Scotland Road (Rt. 97) in Sprague, the property is principally a forested wood lot with some open fields that are being used for silage (listed as 13ac. farmland), wetlands, swamp grasses, and two ponds for irrigation. The property is bisected by a rail line leaving a small section of the property (1.9 ac.) separated for the main parcel but having frontage on the Shetucket River. This parcel also abuts state DEEP land to the north. Town: Sprague, Franklin Project Title: Peltier Property Sponsor: Town of Sprague Grant: $158,200 Acreage: 51.40 acres Description: This property will become part of the Sprague Land Preserve, which is located in both Sprague and Franklin and totals over 330 acres of open space that has received three grants under this program (includes the Mukluk Property). Acquisition of this parcel would secure the main access to this preserve off Holton Road in Franklin. It is an undeveloped forested woodlot with 7 percent wetland, mapped farmland soils, and about 25 percent steeply sloping. Town: Stratford Project Title: Roosevelt Forest Sponsor: Town of Stratford Grant: $261,240 Acreage: 19 acres

GRANTS Description: This proposal is the acquisition of two separate parcels (15 ac. and 3.9 ac.), both to be acquired by the Town of Stratford and added to Roosevelt Forest (approx. 400 ac.). The property is located in the Town of Stratford and in the City of Shelton. Both properties are undeveloped upland woodlots with some associated wetland and the typical New England forest wildlife habitat. Town: Thompson Project Title: Bull Hill Sponsor: Wyndham Land Trust, Inc. Grant: $172,500 Acreage: 254 acres Description: The 254 acres of this proposal is part of a 3,000 acre undeveloped forest located in the towns of Thompson and Woodstock. It is principally an inholding with the best access being Bull Hill Road. The property has developed trails, with areas undergoing timber harvesting and other areas of the forest being regenerating. About 1/2 of this property is within the Little River Watershed and is close to the Army Corps of Engineer’s West Thompson Dam. Town: Washington Project Title: Johnson Farm Sponsor: Steep Rock Association, Inc. Grant: $886,500 Acreage: 50.53 acres Description: Johnson Farm is locat-

ed in the southeastern part of Washington. It is composed of 38 acres of farmland (hayfields), 12 acres of forestland, and 10 acres of wetland, which drain to Sprain Brook. The fields will continue to be hayed, thus protecting a grassland habitat. While not directly abutting West Mountain Preserve (Steep Rock), it is only a 300 yard walk, which combined with the 0.8 mile of possible trail on the Farm provides recreational and educational opportunities. Town: Watertown Project Title: Franson Farmland Sponsor: Watertown Land Trust, Inc. Grant: $119,250 Acreage: 26.3 acres Description: Located in north central Watertown, this property is principally characterized as being 50 percent wetland (Peck’s Swamp) that drains into Waterbury’s Wigwam Reservoir, and provides excellent habitat for amphibians, birds, and water dependent mammals. The other half of the property is a meadow, which is currently being hayed (16 percent prime agricultural soils). This property is abutting a 300-acre farm currently being considered by the Department of Agriculture for preservation. Town: Weston Project Title: Belknap Property Sponsor: Aspetuck Land Trust, Inc.

Grant: $165,497 Acreage: 38.35 acres Description: This project is the acquisition, in-fee, of 27.85 acres and the purchase of an easement over 10.5 acres of an undeveloped interior woodland. The parcel is adjacent to Asputuck’s 81-acre Honey Hill Preserve and is part of a greenway of 2,600 acres of land owned by Wilton Land Conservation Trust, Asputuck, The Nature Conservancy, and the Towns of Wilton and Weston. The proposal serves to create trail linkages and enhance habitat preservation. Town: Windsor Project Title: Mill Brook Open Space Sponsor: Town of Windsor Grant: $1,086,000 Acreage: 94 acres Description: This parcel was previously a privately-operated golf course and is currently undergoing reclamation into a varied mix of wet and upland meadow with high grass and low shrubs along with an early successional forest. The parcel lends itself for development and linkages for passive recreation areas and trails. Located off Pigeon Hill Road in Windsor, the parcel is part of the Mill Brook Greenway (4,000 feet of Mill Brook) corridor and connects with Fitch Park, less than a half mile from downtown Windsor.

Like most municipalities, you want grants, you need grants, but you’re not sure how to get grants. Let us help.

For additional information, contact Andy Merola, (203) 498-3056 | amerola@ccm-ct.org.

APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 35

GRANTS Five CCM Municipalities Win Grants

State, private businesses, and non-profits come together for support

ederal Reserve Bank of Boston President Eric Rosengren, along with Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut’s Commissioner for Economic and Community Development Catherine Smith, announced that Danbury, East Hartford, Hartford, Middletown, and Waterbury have won the Reserve Bank’s Working Cities Challenge, a competition for Connecticut communities to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income residents. The program officially launched in Connecticut in 2016 with state, private sector, and not-for-profit support. The five cities will each receive multiyear grants of $450,000 to support programs designed to bolster economic equality and workforce development in the cities. Danbury seeks to reduce the number of immigrants and people of color who are in poverty by 30 percent within 10 years. East Hartford looks to improve the quality of life in the Silver Lane neighborhood by improving access to workforce development and educational resources. Hartford plans to tackle poverty and workforce education, and seeks to attract and retain employers to the city. Middletown aims to reduce the percentage of single-parent families living at or below the federal poverty level from 35 percent to 20 percent over a ten-year period. Waterbury will address the economic and racial inequalities that have deval-

ued the once-vibrant River Baldwin neighborhood. “Congratulations to these five cities for putting together proposals designed to address significant needs in their communities,” said Rosengren. “This is just the start of a lot of hard work on behalf of these cities’ residents. I’m looking forward to working with these communities and following their progress over the coming years.” “Bringing greater vibrancy and opportunities to our cities has been one of the key goals of my administration, and thanks to tremendous partners such as the Boston Fed, we have reason to be hopeful,” said Governor Malloy. “These five Connecticut cities deserve this recognition for their innovative and forward-thinking proposals to spur additional economic development and growth in our communities. We’d like to thank the Boston Fed for supporting this challenge and to all those who participated for their hard work. And we look forward to the tremendous benefits that these projects will bring to our communities in the years to come.” Funding for the Working Cities Challenge is not provided by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, but by a collaboration of the state of Connecticut including the Malloy administration, private businesses, and charitable organizations.

Torrington Seeks Housing Funds

Money would go to lower income homes in need of repair

ayor Elinor Carbone has announced that the City of Torrington is applying for a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) under the housing rehabilitation category for townwide housing rehabilitation. As part of the award, Torrington is seeking low and moderate income property owners interested in participating in the program. The grant, if awarded, will serve approximately twelve households on a first come, first serve basis. The purpose of the grant is to provide funds for low and moderate income homeowners to make needed repairs to their homes. To be eligible, an applicant must meet three requirements: (1) homeowners must have an annual income that does not exceed $46,000 for a single household or $65,700 for a household of four; (2) have 10% equity in the home; and, (3) be upto-date on municipal taxes.

36 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | APRIL 2018

One of the benefits of this grant is that the money goes out as 0% interest loans. It is not due and payable until the house changes title. For homeowners who cannot obtain funds through bank loans this program is a wonderful option that requires no out of pocket costs. The grant also allows the Town to establish a revolving loan fund in perpetuity to provide assistance to additional residents who need home repairs. Some possible uses that have been identified include replacing failed furnaces, roofs, windows, and repairing septic systems. These funds can provide for ADA modifications to homes as well, such as entrance ramps and bathroom modifications. To be eligible for this grant, the town must demonstrate that there is a demand and need for this program, and that residents would welcome this assistance and take advantage of the program to rehabilitate their homes.

PUBLIC SAFETY The Public Safety section of CT&C is sponsored by Emergency Resource Management. Learn more at: http://ermanagement.com

Taking ACTION

Hartford’s ShotSpotter plan recognized

he City of Hartford was one of 35 Champion Cities selected as a finalist in the 2018 U.S. Mayors Challenge, a nationwide competition by Bloomberg Philanthropies that encourages city leaders to pursue bold, inventive ideas that confront the toughest problems cities face. Hartford’s proposal, Alleviating Child Trauma in Our Neighborhoods (ACTION), uses the City’s ShotSpotter technology to ensure that educators, early childhood professionals, and youth support organizations are able to recognize and respond in real time when a child has been exposed to the trauma of gun violence. “In too many communities around the country, young people who are exposed to the trauma of gun violence in their neighborhoods never get the support, treatment, or even the acknowledgement that they need,” said Mayor Luke Bronin. “Our proposal was designed to help provide timely support and assistance to kids exposed to gun violence in our own community. I’m proud of our team’s innovative proposal, and I’m thankful to Bloomberg Philanthropies for selecting Hartford as a Champion City. Our team is looking forward to developing the proposal further, in partnership with all of our stakeholders, including Hartford Public Schools, the Hartford Police Department, and the Village for Families and Children.” Research shows that more than 76% of youth who are exposed to gun violence nationally are never referred to care, and traumatic stress from that exposure can result in persistent emotional and cognitive damage. The City’s proposal was selected from a pool of more than 320 applications. Hartford now advances to the six-month “Test, Learn, and Adapt” phase of the competition. Cities will refine their ideas during this process with up to $100,000, as well as personalized support from innovation experts, to test and begin building support for their urban innovations and submit a new application in August 2018. In October, four cities will receive $1 million awards and one will receive a grand prize of $5 million to bring their ideas to life. “We received hundreds of bold and creative ideas from cities around the country in response to the 2018 Mayors Challenge, and these 35 really stood out

for their potential to improve people’s lives. The next six months are a great opportunity for the cities to test their ideas and make them even more innovative and effective,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term Mayor of New York City. The 35 Champion Cities performed the best against four key criteria: vision, potential for impact, implementation plan, and potential to spread to other cities. A selection committee co-chaired by Former Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and Former Xerox Chairman & CEO Ursula Burns and comprising distinguished policy experts, artists, academics, business executives, and social innovation leaders assessed the applications. “Gun violence and mental health go hand in hand,” said City Council President Glendowlyn L.H. Thames. “The Bloomberg Philanthropies’ 2018 Mayor’s Challenge continues on page 38

APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 37

PUBLIC SAFETY grant provides the City of Hartford with an opportunity to develop creative approaches to better identify and deploy resources in order to support residents who are experiencing trauma from gun violence. I am thankful for grant-making organizations like Bloomberg Philanthropies who help build capacity within communities and support problem solving to their unique challenges.” “Meeting the needs of the whole child is a focus area at Hartford Public Schools,” said Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools. “This generous grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies will support our efforts to address social, emotional, and trauma-based needs as we continue to remove learning barriers. Many thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies and the City of Hartford for partnering with us in the public school district to further develop this important work.” “Hartford police officers see the damage gun violence does in our City almost every day,” said Hartford Police Chief David Rosado. “We are glad to be part of this City-wide effort to develop a plan to address the often unseen trauma innocent children experience long after shootings. Our Capital City Command Center is primarily used to prevent or respond to crime, and I’m proud of our team for finding a way to leverage ShotSpotter technology to help identify young people who need the support that our partners at Hartford Public Schools and so many community groups provide.”

Safety First

“Hartford police officers see the damage gun violence does in our City almost every day,” - Police Chief David Rosado

The 2018 Mayors Challenge returns to the U.S. as the first investment in the American Cities Initiative, a $200 million suite of new and expanded programs that will empower cities to generate innovation and advance policy that moves the nation forward. The Challenge builds on the success of previous Bloomberg-sponsored Challenges in the U.S. (2013), Europe (2014), and Latin America and the Caribbean (2016). For more information, visit mayorschallenge. bloomberg.org and @BloombergCities on Twitter and Instagram.

Top child-safe Connecticut towns listed

f you live in Greenwich, Fairfield, West Hartford, Milford, or Wallingford then you reside in one of the safest areas in the state to raise a child, according to an independent agency that does such rankings. Safewise, a website that ranks home security systems, has ranked the 30 safest places to raise a child in the United States and five Connecticut towns made the list: Greenwich, Fairfield, West Hartford, Milford and Wallingford. Safewise analyzed violent crime data from the most recent FBI Crime Report, along with sex offender populations, state graduation rates, and school rankings. The agency also looked for unique programs that were kid-friendly. Cities with fewer than 10,000 residents were eliminated as well as any cities that failed to submit a complete crime report to the FBI. 38 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | APRIL 2018

Eversource Installing New Lines

TECH

Bethel, Danbury, Brookfield Getting Power Upgrade

versource is working on installing a new 3.4 mile 115-kilovolt (kV) overhead electric transmission line crossing through portions of the towns of Bethel, Danbury, and Brookfield. The project, called the Southwest Connecticut Reliability Project, is designed to enhance Eversource’s ability to reliably serve the electric demand in the southwest Connecticut area, both today, and in the future. In November 2016, Eversource received approval from the Connecticut Siting Council to construct the Project. The new line will be located entirely within Eversource’s existing transmission line right of way (power line corridor) from Plumtree Substation (near Walnut Hill Road in Bethel) to an area near Park Ridge Road in Brookfield. The project also includes related modifications to the Plumtree Substation in Bethel and the Stony Hill Substation in Brookfield. Construction was planned to begin in November 2017 and be completed by the end of 2018, with restoration of disturbed areas expected in spring 2019. The work is not expected to interrupt electric service in any of the affected towns. In Bethel, the project will be constructed along approximately 2.2 miles of right of way, crossing the following streets: Shelter Rock Road, Old Sherman Turnpike, Payne Road, Hearthstone Drive, Chimney Drive, Sky Edge Lane, Stony Hill Road (US–6), Berkshire Boulevard and Park Lawn Drive. Hours of construction will typically be 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Saturday.

MUNICIPAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATE GOLD

BL Companies • CDM Smith Inc. Celtic Energy • The ECG Group Fuss & O’Neill • GZA Associates Menefee Associates Consulting, LLC PowerSecure, Inc. • RealTerm Energy Sertex LLC • Tanko Lighting

CCM appreciates their support and commitment to CCM and its members. APRIL 2018 | CONNECTICUT TOWN & CITY | 39

NARCAN ® Nasal Spray Use: NARCAN® (naloxone hydrochloride) Nasal Spray is an opioid antagonist indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system depression. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is intended for immediate administration as emergency therapy in settings where opioids may be present. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care. For more information on Narcan call 844-4NARCAN or visit narcannasalspray.com Contracted Products NDC #

Description

69547-035302

NARCAN Nasal Spray

Manufacture

UOM / Package

Qty / UOM

Contract Price

Adapt Pharma

4mg Nasal Spray

$75 per pack

Program & Pricing Eligibility: The $75.00 Public Interest Contract Price is being made available by Adapt Pharma in an effort to provide affordable access to Narcan for entities that serve the public interest with limited funding. Public Interest Pricing is available to U.S. Communities participating agencies that have signed participation documents for Premier’s Medical Surgical and Pharmaceutical Group Purchasing Program and by purchasing Narcan directly from Adapt Pharma. Purchasing direct from Adapt is subject to terms and conditions including but not limited to credit evaluation, product returns limitations and no recourse to 3rd party public or private insurance. No freight charge when purchasing a minimum of 48 units. Narcan is just one product in a comprehensive program to reduce the costs of medical products used by participating agencies. If you cannot meet the minimum order requirements, Narcan will be available through certain Premier authorized pharmacy distributors, at a higher price point. Premier customer service representatives can put you in touch with the appropriate representative. Accessing the Agreement: The following steps are required to gain access to the Adapt Pharma agreement. • Participating agency must be registered with U.S. Communities Cooperative Purchasing Program. • Participating agency must also be a member of Premier’s group purchasing program for Medical Surgical and Pharmaceutical products. For more information, click here. o To join, access the Premier website on the U.S. Communities website or go directly to the Premier registration site. o Once the electronic registration is completed you must download, complete, sign, and submit a Facility Authorization & Vendor Fee Agreement ("Exhibit A") to premierreach@premierinc.com to become a member. • To purchase directly from Adapt Pharma exclusive distribution partner, Smith Medical Partners, the following is required: • Set up an account by calling 855-798-6483. Provide the following information to the representative: o Name of Buying Entity o Email Address and Phone Number o State Medical/Pharmacy License • Logistics Information: o Orders ship the same day o Packages are sent via UPS (no freight charge with a minimum purchase of 48 units) o Order cut-off time is 5 p.m. Central Time Zone. • Setting up pricing and establishing accounts with all entities should take less than 14 days.

For Further Questions: Call 877.981.3312 or email uscommunities@premierinc.com