1st Vice President Michael Passero, Mayor of New London
2nd Vice President W. Kurt Miller, Chief Administrative Officer of Seymour
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Arunan Arulampalam, Mayor of Hartford
Jason Bowsza, First Selectman of East Windsor
Jeff Caggiano, Mayor of Bristol
Mary Calorio, Town Manager of Killingly
Fred Camillo, First Selectman of Greenwich
Elinor Carbone, Mayor of Torrington
Paula Cofrancesco, First Selectman of Bethany
Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven
Carl Fortuna, Jr., First Selectman of Old Saybrook
Joseph P. Ganim, Mayor of Bridgeport
Matthew Hoey, First Selectman of Guilford
Matthew Knickerbocker, Town Administrator of Wilton
Rudolph P. Marconi, First Selectman of Ridgefield
Edmond V. Mone, First Selectman of Thomaston
Maureen Nicholson, First Selectman of Pomfret
Brandon Robertson, Town Manager of Avon
John L. Salomone, City Manager of Norwich
Caroline Simmons, Mayor of Stamford
Gerard Smith, First Selectman of Beacon Falls
Lori Spielman, First Selectman of Ellington
Erin E. Stewart, Mayor of New Britain
Mark B. Walter, Town Administrator of Columbia
PAST PRESIDENTS
Thomas Dunn, Mayor of Wolcott
Michael Freda, First Selectman of North Haven
Herbert Rosenthal, Former First Selectman of Newtown
Executive Director & CEO, Joe DeLong
Deputy Director & COO, Ron Thomas
Managing Editor, Joseph Thornton
Writer, Christopher Gilson
Layout & Design, Matthew Ford
Letter From The Executive Director & CEO
There are 119,000 at-risk and disconnected youth in the State of Connecticut. I want to say that again, there are 119,000 at-risk and disconnected youth in the State of Connecticut. That number has been at the forefront of my mind for the past year. When Dalio Education gave us their report “Connecticut’s Unspoken Crisis,” we had to decide whether we as leaders in this state were going to simply bemoan this crisis or act. You all, our brave municipal leaders decided to act, and thanks to you we have “Young People First,” a bold plan that won’t just help young people, but will help every single person in our stateLet me tell you how.
Right now, with 119,000 young people at-risk or disconnected from school and from employment, we are in a vicious cycle. My friend Andrew Ferguson at Dalio Education often talks about the economic impact of this crisis. We have about 90,000 open jobs in Connecticut and while it’s not a one-to-one match, filling those positions will have a great economic impact on our state. And what about reconnecting those students to education - getting degrees, certifications, apprenticeships. They could be our next architects, nurses, and plumbers. We simply cannot have a community without any of them. Reconnecting these young people will create a virtuous cycle.
But there are also other benefits. Implementing many of the report’s recommendations is what you can call “targeted universalism.” Think about how sidewalks have curb cutouts at corner - those were targeted at helping people with disabilities access public infrastructure, but it helped people on bicycles, people carrying groceries in carts, and parents pushing strollers. In the same way, we hope that by taking the bold actions we propose in “Young People First,” we can make public education better for the at-risk and dis-
connected, and along the way, every young person in this state - in an urban city, rural town, and the suburbs in between.
Public education is a right - but for too long we have not lived up to the ideal of a good public education. In fact, Connecticut has reduced in real-dollars the commitment to students by an average of $400. And in 2024, graduation rates are declining, youth homelessness is on the rise, and more and more young people are telling us that they are not getting anything out of school.
In his write-up of our report release, Dan Haar of CT Insider said we are calling for “Transformational Change.” And I like to close with one of his observations: “We all love change as long as it doesn’t require us to do anything differently.” “Young People First” doesn’t just require us to do things differently, it declares in the clearest terms what will happen if we don’t do things differently.
As with so many bold plans, convincing people to make these changes will not be easy. The non-partisan, bi-partisan 119K Commission knew that as testimony from experts, the public and young people themselves came pouring in. And what “Young People First” does is distills those voices into a message: Act. Act Now. I hope you join us in support of this cause. Together we can help see our State’s full potential.
Joe DeLong CCM Executive Director & CEO
New Comms Director Hired
Join us in welcoming Joe Thornton to CCM
Anative West Virginian, Joe served 10 years in the United States Air Force, receiving an honorable discharge in August 1994. During his Air Force career, Joe was stationed in San Antonio, Texas; Minot, North Dakota and Pirinclik Air Station, Turkey: where he served in direct support of the nation’s first Gulf War efforts.
Joe is a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, WV where he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and his Master’s Degree in Public Relations. Prior to his public service career, he worked for three years for the local NBC affiliate: WSAZ NewsChannel 3, Huntington/Charleston, WV.
Joe started his public service career as a public information specialist with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WV DHHR); where he also served as Director of the Division of Rural Health, Bureau for Public Health, WV DHHR.
In 2005, Joe was hired as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Operations and Communications for the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety (DMAPS): now formally known as the Department of Homeland Security.
Joe was subsequently appointed Cabinet Secretary of DMAPS by Governor Joe Manchin and again by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.
Upon the administration change to Governor Jim Justice in 2017, Joe took on the role as Director of Correctional Operations. In 2018, he was appointed to the position of Director of Justice and Community Services and the Director of the Division of Administrative Ser-
While bringing on new talent is something we like to celebrate, CCM has a rich heritage of stability in all of our departments that every year another employee hits a milestone anniversary. In this quarter, we want to celebrate two individuals, Faith Brooks and Andrea Farrell, who have reached anniversaries that are becoming rarer in today’s job market. Faith Brooks, our Director of Human Resources has been with the organization for 25 years, who in 2001 had the title of “HR Administrator.” And Andrea Farrell has been with the organization for 35 years. She started as a member of the finance team, and now holds the position of Budget Director, leading the finances for CCM. It’s hard to believe but the average tenure for a person working with an employer is just around 4 years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. So CCM is proud of its ability to attract and retain talented individuals like Faith and Andrea. Join us in celebrating their milestone anniversaries and thank them for their years of excellence.
vices; where he also served in the capacity of Criminal Justice Policy Advisor until retiring in July of this year. Joe is married to Karen O’Sullivan Thornton, retired Assistant Attorney General for the State of West Virginia. Joe and Karen have one daughter Jorden who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, practicing and residing in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Empowering Connecticut Communities
Celebrating Five Years of the Sustainable CT Community Match Fund
Sustainable CT proudly announces the five-year anniversary of the Community Match Fund, a pioneering initiative that has empowered communities across Connecticut to take meaningful action on sustainability projects that matter most to them. Since its inception in 2019, the Community Match Fund has become a driving force in fostering local resilience, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
A Record of Community-Led Success
Over the past five years, the Community Match Fund (CMF) has supported more than 340 projects that have attracted over 22,370 individual donors. The program’s unique model, which combines small-dollar donations through its crowdfunding partner, Patronicity , with a dollar-for-dollar match from Sustainable CT, has leveraged over $2,236,000 in community investments, resulting in more than $4 million in total impact. This model has not only provided crucial funding but has also galvanized community members to actively participate in the design, implementation, and success of local projects.
aspirations of the community members themselves. Jessica Miller, executive director of the Ashford Housing Authority and project leader of the recently completed Pompey Hollow Senior Housing Native Garden project said, “We in the Ashford community have really enjoyed working with Sustainable CT and Patronicity. Creating our pollinator garden simply wouldn’t have been possible without the Community Match Fund program.”
“We are grateful to all the partners, donors, and, most importantly, the community members who have made this program a success,” said Jessica LeClair, executive director of Sustainable CT.
“As we look to the next five years, we are committed to expanding our reach and impact, ensuring that every community in CT has the opportunity to participate in building a sustainable future.”
“The success of the Community Match Fund is a testament to the power of community-led action,” said Inez Ortiz, the CMF’s program coordinator. “We are incredibly proud of the work that communities across the state have accomplished. These projects not only enhance the sustainability of our cities and towns, but also empower neighborhoods and bring people together around common goals.”
The CMF is currently supporting composting and food scraps collection efforts in Branford, East Lyme, Manchester and Marlborough; arts programs in Litchfield, Hartford and West Haven; a Hartford cooperative economic conference; a Farmington solar installation; a botanical garden in Hamden; and a clean rivers initiative affecting eight Connecticut rivers. A complete list of Community Match Fund projects is availableat patronicity.com/sustainablect. Anyone in a Sustainable CT-registered town can propose a project that aligns with Sustainable CT’s actions at any time by contacting funding@ sustainablect.org
Looking
Forward
The Sustainable CT Community Match Fund is unique in its approach, putting decision-making power directly in the hands of local residents. Whether it’s transforming vacant lots into community gardens, installing solar panels on public buildings, or launching local recycling programs, these projects are driven by the needs and
As we celebrate this milestone, Sustainable CT is excited to continue supporting community-driven sustainability initiatives. The Community Match Fund will continue to evolve,
incorporating feedback from participants and exploring new ways to support innovative ideas that contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for all Connecticut residents.
Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund would not be possible without the generous support the Hampshire Foundation, the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Connecticutn Green Bank, and Supporting Organizing Work CT.
Debate Over Elected vs Appointed
CCM intern walks us through two ways of selecting local officials
By Matt Labanara
In Connecticut towns and cities, there are two ways of selecting our local officials: either by electing them or through appointment by a municipality’s CEO (chief elected official). In reviewing local charters throughout Connecticut, I looked into which municipalities hold elections for town clerks, treasurers, and tax collectors, and which ones are appointed. There has been some debate over whether some cities and towns should move their local officials to become either elected or appointed. There
are certain benefits and disadvantages to each selection method.
Currently, there are 119 municipalities with elected town clerks, while 50 appoint theirs. 87 towns and cities hold elections for their tax collectors and 82 have systems of appointment. For the position of treasurer, 102 are elected while 67 are appointed. A majority of municipalities in Hartford County opt to appoint all three of these officials rather than electing them. Many coastline cities and towns in Fairfield County also have appointed treasurers and tax collectors. Municipalities that do not operate under a local charter follow Connecticut state law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-189) which calls for all three of these positions to be elected.
Those who believe that their local officials should be elected argue that it is a natural element of democracy for the people of a town
or city to have a say in who runs their government. They are also concerned about the potential for a conflict of interest, as appointed officials may feel obligated to interests of their CEO rather than their constituency. The Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College notes that electing local officials discourages “bureaucratic cronyism” while also ensuring that elected officials are adapting to the needs and concerns of voters. Even though there are no formal qualification requirements for elected officials, voters are still likely to consider experience and expertise in a particular area when voting for these positions.
There are also strong arguments for keeping town clerks, tax collectors, and treasurers appointed by their CEO’s. Some feel that it is unnecessary to politicize a non-representational position. Unlike elected positions, appointed roles require some form of experience and skills in order to be selected. In addition, a study from the National Bureau of Economic Research analyzed the effectiveness of city treasurers regarding debt management. They found that appointed treasurers were able to reduce their cities’ borrowing costs by about 13% as compared to elected treasurers. The study concludes that “appointed officials conducting the more-technical monetary and regulatory policy, and elected officials conducting the less- technical fiscal policy, is appropriate.”
While the majority of Connecticut municipalities use elections to decide their local officials, some are revising their charters to change the selection process. New Britain recently switched the positions of revenue collector and town clerk to both become appointed rather than elected. It is unclear whether this change will be replicated across other Connecticut cities and towns. The debate over elected versus appointed officials will likely continue for years to come as local politicians work to determine the best selection methods for their municipalities.
Tax Collectors in CT Red: Appointed, Blue: Elected
Town Clerks in CT Red: Appointed, Blue: Elected
2024 CCM Convention will be full of learning, connecting and growing!
The hamburger, the lollipop, the can opener, the submarine, the wiffle ball – what do all of these things have in common? They were all made in Connecticut.
The 2024 CCM Convention at Mohegan Sun will honor the long legacy of Yankee ingenuity that has made our towns and cities what they are today. Join us on December 3 and 4 to be part of that long tradition!
New Schedule
Thinking about staying over the night before the busy day? If so, feel free to join us at our exhibitor appreciation reception on December 2nd from 5:30-6:30pm. All member registered for convention are welcome to attend and update their registration if they have not done so already.
This year’s convention will have a few changes, our CCMO graduation and Sustainable CT highlights will take place during breakfast in the expo hall. Our awards luncheon will cover the Municipal Excellence & Champion Awards as well as our LoCool Awards. After the day is through, you have a plethora of restaurants to choose from as dinner will be on your own on Day 1 – December 3,2024.
Workshops remain one of the highlights of our convention, and this year we are covering interesting and new hot topics. From AI to Safer Streets we have your municipality covered. Learn, connect and grow any of our 15 available workshops.
Think the convention is over? Not yet, join us for a half day on Day 2 (December 4th) for this year’s Hot Topic presentation/panel on the Post 2024 Presidential Election and learn what that means for CT’s economy
from a federal, state and local level. There will be an hour of connecting over a delicious full breakfast with your colleagues and exhibitors. As well as 3 additional CCMO credits to boost your credit accumulation!
Sponsors & Exhibitors
We are happy to announce some special sponsors early this year. So far we have, Halloran & Sage sponsoring the Municipal Excellence Awards, Bank of America sponsoring floral arrangements, Murtha Cullina sponsoring breakfast, and Titan Energy sponsoring our charging stations. A special thanks to Verra Mobility who is a Platinum MBA sponsor.
And CCM has got an exciting head start on exhibitors this year:
Be sure to continue to check our website for more sponsors (and other exhibitors) as they come in.
Municipal Excellence Awards
The 2024 Municipal Excellence Awards will be awarded in four categories, two for cities and two for individuals.
Three General Entry Awards by Population Size
• Innovation In Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• The Joel Cogen Lifetime Achievement Award
• The Richard C. Lee Innovators Award
The award recipients will be honored at the Convention, as well as featured in a future issue of CT&C.
#LoCoolGov Youth Scholarship
A $1,000 scholarship will be handed out in two age groups to a Connecticut student in a public middle school or high school.
Participants must create their own original work them selves, but may get help from teachers, parents, or friends in the form of ideas. They may also collaborate on projects of no more than three people. All entries are due by Friday October 18, 2024.
Connecticut Certified Municipal Officials
The Convention remains a place where municipal officials are recognized for their hard work. Those who have completed their CCMO credits will receive their certificates. The deadline complete your program re quirements and graduate at this year’s Convention was Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Hotel Room Block - Earth Tower
CCM has negotiated a room rate of $149.00 plus appli cable state/local taxes. This rate was only guaranteed if you reserve your room by Friday, October 25, 2024 (rate not guaranteed - market rate may apply after this deadline). You will receive the room reservation link in your Convention registration confirmation email.
Safety Precautions
Help Others/Toy Drive
This year, we are excited to partner with United Way of Southeastern Connecticut/ Tommy Toy Fund. Please help us help those less fortunate than us by bringing a new, unwrapped toy with you. Help make a child’s holiday a little brighter this year!
Your safety is our priority! At this time, neither masks nor proof of vaccination will be required to attend.
To be a part of this fun and informative experience, you can go to www.ccm-ct.org and follow the links to the 2024 CCM Convention Registration Page
MUNICIPAL LAW GROUP
Kari L. Olson Chair kolson@murthalaw.com 860.240.6085
Nan M. Birdwhistell nbirdwhistell@murthalaw.com
Patricia L. Boye-Williams pboyewilliams@murthalaw.com
Proloy K. Das pdas@murthalaw.com
Michael J. Donnelly mdonnelly@murthalaw.com
Jodie L. Driscoll jdriscoll@murthalaw.com
Salvatore G. Gangemi sgangemi@murthalaw.com
Julie A. Lavoie jlavoie@murthalaw.com
Alfred E. Smith, Jr. asmith@murthalaw.com
Joseph D. Szerejko jszerejko@murthalaw.com
Nicholas W. Vitti, Jr. nvitti@murthalaw.com
Love Your Town; Work For It
Everyone has a good reason to join the municipal workforce
One of the goals of the Municipal Career Center is to not just encourage folks to apply to municipal careers, but to remind them that their hometown is full of people who work good-paying jobs that keep the proverbial lights on. The big struggle is getting young people tuned-in and into that pipeline. It’s a topic that has come up in municipal circles across the country, meaning that this is not an isolated problem.
The Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, or ACIR, has put together a workforce development subcommittee that includes CCM as a member. In a recent meeting, CCM had the opportunity to discuss the Municipal Career Center, leading the discussion to how are we going to get young people into internships and apprenticeships to take on jobs as people age out of their roles. Or, alternatively, what happens if roles change due to increasing use of technology?
This comes just as Gen Z is getting engaged with local government. The generation, typically thought of as those born 1997 to 2012 (12- to 27-year-olds in 2024), is coming of age in a time of great upheaval, centered around an internet-first era, which was solidified during the COVID lockdowns. Unlike many Millennials who spent most of their childhood without constant access to the internet, Gen Z doesn’t really know a world
without the internet readily available at their fingertips. It’s isn’t hard to argue that their relationship to society and culture is vastly different than any generation before them.
In an article on Communityplaymaker.com, they argue that this is going to effect the employer/employee relationship: “Just as Gen X pushed for a better worklife balance and Millennials demanded conversations about flexible work schedules and improved communications, Gen Z is also sure to usher in a new vision for the future of work.”
This includes, according to the online article, offering inclusive spaces, public art, housing – all of which equal to vibrant spaces. But fret not, this generation believes in government to be a problem-solver – owed somewhat to their progressive politics as a cohort, but also due to a strong desire for community that was lacking during the pandemic.
Getting Gen-Z into the pipelines might be as simple as letting them know the positions are available – and that they can make a difference with their careers if they are as invested in government as people are suggesting. The CCM Municipal Career Center aims to do just that, through our videos and resources.
Find out more at CTMunicipalCareers.Com
Young People First A bold plan to address Connecticut’s statewide crisis
Envision a Connecticut where every young person has an equal opportunity to achieve their greatest potential; families, schools, employers, public institutions, and communities support them along the way; people and systems help them get back on track when they struggle. Imagine what Connecticut would be like for your child, their friends, and young people in your community if this were true. Imagine what it would feel like as a parent and resident. Imagine the benefits for children and taxpayers alike, and the example Connecticut would set for the nation. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Connecticut to achieve this vision, positively impacting every town across the state and helping tens of thousands of young people and their families. To do so, we must confront the statewide crisis affecting our young people and communities. One in five young people –119,000 in total – between the ages of 14 to 26 years old are at-risk of not graduating high school or have already disconnected from education and the workforce. This is a crisis that started before the pandemic, and that the pandemic accelerated1. Young people are struggling to navigate trauma and mental health challenges, overcome significant learning loss, and conquer persistent barriers to opportunity, including inequitable resourcing, housing, and transportation. Young people commonly share their feelings of boredom and loneliness.
As adults, we are missing opportunities to collaborate with and in support of young people. The systems we lead are not serving them well. Our education system does not always provide young people the necessary skills to succeed in life and work. Our hyper-localized town governance systems too often allow young people to become functionally invisible as they move between agencies or across town boundaries. Decisions made over resources too often incentivize competition as opposed to coordination between organizations working to help young people. Too often, we do not hold ourselves accountable for making the necessary choices to help all young people thrive in Connecticut.
The crisis we are facing affects every town and has enormous costs for Connecticut taxpayers. Connecticut is leaving $750 million on the table every year by not confronting this statewide crisis, including $350 million in lost tax revenue plus $400 million in government spending. Conversely, addressing this crisis offers a substantial opportunity for economic self-sufficiency and family stability as well as economic growth and community revitalization, benefiting everyone in Connecticut.
We believe it is imperative to address this crisis and that is why the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities launched the 119k Commission in March 2024. We’ve developed a strategy that cuts this crisis in half – getting 60,000 young people back on track –
over the next 10 years, and helps local municipalities proactively serve this population. The Commission has highlighted this number as a bold yet achievable goal with the right leadership and resourcing.
After eight months of listening and learning, we offer a strategy that emphasizes building and sustaining coalitions, establishing robust service coordination, increasing capacity in schools, non-profits, and public institutions, and finding ways to fund these efforts. This strategy covers 10 years, but leadership and action are required now.
As Commissioners, including 12 bipartisan municipal leaders who represent cities and rural and suburban towns, we present this strategy to Connecticut residents because success will require everyone working together across communities in a sustained, collaborative manner. In Connecticut, we have the means to realize this generational opportunity; the question is whether we have the will. And that starts with all of us. Join us in building a Connecticut where every young person has the chance to reach their full potential.
Each year, the Public Policy and Advocacy team at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) passionately represents state municipalities regarding a variety of pressing legislative issues. Of particular note is the issue of special education funding, which will most likely be a part of CCM’s legislative agenda in 2025.
CCM has and will continue to dedicate a significant amount of resources and energy towards special education primarily because it has become an exorbitant cost for towns and cities to endure and it is inadequately funded. Currently, municipalities are bearing the burden of the consequences that have resulted from the lack of state funding. The main source of funding for special education, known as the Excess Cost Grant, is “provided by the State to school districts to assist them in paying for special education expenses for students with extraordinary needs” (School and State Finance Project, 2024) and is currently capped and not fully funded; however, the cost of special education across Connecticut continues to rise exponentially and is dramatically outpacing available funding. The Governor’s FY 2025 proposed budget funds the Excess Cost Grant at the FY 2024 level of $181 million, which falls approximately $70 million short of the total financial resources it would take to meet special education program needs in the state.
Since towns and cities are largely responsible for the financial costs of providing education and delivering special education services for their students, unforeseen demands for special education services, often due to a mid-year enrollment, too often result in budget adjustments, supplementary appropriations, and other extraordinary measures to fulfill the local or regional school districts obligations. This is particularly problematic in smaller towns, where the addition of just one special-needs student can decimate a budget. Moreover, as special education costs continue to skyrocket, it is important to note the issues that outplacement poses to school districts. Since many towns lack the adequate resources to address the needs of special education children that may require a lot of individualized attention in the district, they often outsource such children to other districts which proves to be incredibly costly. This is an opportunity for the state to help facilitate the establishment of regional special education district centers of excellence, which will help mitigate the rising costs of special education, deliver more robust services and leverage school district resources.
CCM has long supported efforts to reform and adjust special education funding in Connecticut. Municipalities cannot continue to absorb these excess costs without further financial support from the state. To
education funding
address this growing problem, two different task forces have been assembled that are currently looking at ways to streamline and improve special education throughout the state, which include the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR) Education Governance Task Force and the legislature’s Task Force to Study Special Education Services and Funding. CCM is actively engaged in working with the ACIR Education Task Force and monitoring the progress of Task Force to Study Special Education Services and Funding. A variety of solutions have and will continue to be discussed including, but not limited to:
• Fully fund the Excess Cost Grant based on need as opposed to an arbitrary statutory capped formula.
• Increase the current level of state funding for special education, which is currently inadequate.
• Modify the Minimum Budget Requirement (MBR) related to special education costs so that expenditures above base student costs are not included in the calculation of the MBR if a student or students with special needs either move coverage out of the local or regional school district.
• Financial assistance to towns and cities to address non-budgeted mid-year expenditures related to special education costs.
• Lower the threshold for reimbursement from the state for students that require special education services from 4.5 times the cost of the average expenditure per student to 2 times the cost of the average expenditure per student.
• Reimburse towns at 100% and do away with town reimbursement based on town wealth factor.
• Establish Regional Centers of Excellence for special education.
The legislative process, both locally and at the state level, is vital to the effective engagement by municipalities. Their collective voice, through its facilitation of informed decision-making on pressing issues such as special education and the efficient delivery of services, serves as a unique and readily available way for members to engage with their communities and representatives. Thus, as discourse revolving around a solution to the special education funding problem in Connecticut persists, it is vital to remind our members to communicate their concerns and ideas to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the legislative process. At CCM, we look forward to continuing to advocate for our members and to be on the legislative front lines as these policy needs and issues are debated.
Source:
School and State Finance Project. (2024). Excess Cost Funding Shortfalls for FYs 2024 and 2025 and the Impact to Reimbursements. Hamden, CT: Author. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/3hpywjsn
Insurance on a Mission: CIRMA Returns $2M Equity Distribution to Members
Demonstrating its long-standing community-centric governance principles, Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency, CIRMA, returned a sustantial $2M of members’ equity to its municipal, public school, and local public agency members. This move underlines CIRMA’s long-standing commitment to prioritize the interests and prosperity of Connecticut’s local communities over profit margins.
This decision marks nearly $44M in equity returned to its members over the past fourteen years, a testament to CIRMA’s dedication to its community.
Established in 1980, CIRMA emerged with a vital mission: to address Connecticut’s public sector’s risk management and risk financing needs at a time when the commercial insurance market had largely abandoned its municipal customers. Guided by this mission, CIRMA has built substantial financial strength and resources over the years, enabling the organization to provide stable and consistent rates and world-class insurance protections and services to its members over the long term.
“The decision to return equity to our members is not merely a symbolic gesture; it reflects a fundamental
commitment to shared prosperity and social responsibility. We recognize the interconnectedness of our success with the prosperity of the communities we operate within. By reinvesting in the community, CIRMA further reinforces our commitment to our members. Profitability and social impact are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary objectives,” commented David Demchak, ARM, CIRMA President and CEO.
Members utilize their equity distributions in various ways—and at their discretion. Many reinvest funds back into their risk management programs. For example, members may use their funds to build more robust networks, bolster cyber security within their communities, and augment critical safeguards.
“The response from municipality members has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for CIRMA’s commitment to its members. Returning members’ equity fosters goodwill and reinforces CIRMA’s established reputation as a trusted advocate and responsible corporate citizen,” said Carl P. Fortuna, Jr., First Selectman, Old Saybrook, and Chairman, CIRMA Board of Directors.
CIRMA Welcomes New Employees
Meet the New Faces of Our Team
We’re excited to welcome the addition of several new members to our team, each bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to our organization. Their expertise and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we continue to drive
Kai Davis recently joined CIRMA’s Liability-Auto-Property Claim Department in the position of Liability Claims Specialist. In her new role, Kai provides timely and thorough investigation of complex general liability and professional lines claims to establish and document the material facts with respect to each claim. Kai joins CIRMA with over 10 years of claims adjusting experience.
innovation and excellence in our work. We are excited to have them on board and look forward to their positive impact,” said David Demchak, ARM, President and Chief Executive Officer of CIRMA.
Chataignier
Chataignier “Tanya” Red recently joined CIRMA’s Risk Management team as a Senior Risk Management Consultant position. In this role, Tanya provides risk management consulting services while developing and assisting CIRMA members in implementing targeted risk management programs. Tanya will collaborate with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to develop training programs and coordinate other member-related services and activities
Kevin Rooney recently began working as a Senior Workers’ Compensation Claim Representative with Mike Gillon and the Workers’ Compensation Claim Team. In this role, Kevin provides prompt and courteous service to CIRMA members and their injured employees by conducting timely and thorough claim investigations to establish and document material claim facts.
Justin Stanko, Esq. joined CIRMA’s Risk Management Services team as a Law Enforcement Program Specialist. In his new role, Justin provides high-level risk management consultative services geared explicitly toward CIRMA’s law enforcement members and external strategic alliances in this newly formed role. He will work closely with CIRMA’s leadership to identify loss drivers and emerging exposures and develop critical member-centric resources that address and mitigate members’ unique law-enforcement-related risks and exposures.
Natalie Wilson is the newest addition to CIRMA’s Liability Claims Department holding the position of Senior Subrogation Specialist. In this role, Natalie provides prompt and courteous subrogation claim service to CIRMA members and facilitates the timely recovery of all monies owed to CIRMA on claim-related issues.
Matthew Wright joined the Workers’ Compensation Claim Department as a Workers’ Compensation Claim Representative. In this role, Matthew provides prompt and courteous service to the CIRMA members and their injured employees by conducting thorough claim investigations to document material facts. Matthew will also determine compensability and the probable payout of each claim.
“Tanya” Red
Kevin Rooney
Natalie Wilson
Matthew Wright
Justin Stanko, Esq.
Kai Davis
New Canaan’s History of Change
by Kit Colson
Knowing the history of your town may seem only useful for trivia nights, but it can help one become more connected and understanding of their community. The issue is, there are few opportunities to learn about the history of our towns and its people. To amend such deficiencies, the New Canaan Library has partnered with one of the town’s most important nonprofit organizations: The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. Together, they are launching the “Changemakers” exhibition to illuminate the contributions of 50 New Canaan residents who made a big impact on the town.
The theme of the exhibit is “Making a Difference”, aiming at the important people and moments in the town’s history. To highlight the exhibit, the New Canaan library plans on setting up six banners which display important New Canaan figures on the side of the library. The banners exude vibrant colors, spicing up the historic design of the 1912 library and catching more than a few eyes.
The six banners display William Attwood, Alice King, Philip Johnson, Max Perkins, Ruth Lapham Lloyd, and Eliot Noyes. These six represent important figures from throughout the town’s history. The earliest of them was born in 1885, and the latest died in 2005. They are comprised of authors, actors, architects, reporters, politicians, and more. But what connects each of them was their commitment to New Canaan and outstanding achievements.
While there is a display inside the library, Changemakers offered a second, more accessible option for those
without the time to browse it. A QR code was set up at the library, so that onlookers could quickly scan and learn about the important historical figures without taking the time to stop by.
While the exhibit focuses on the town’s history, it also resurrects a historical partnership between the New Canaan library and the Museum & Historical Society. According to a quote from New Canaanite, the Museum & Historical Society used to be stationed together in the library, with the Salant Room being NCM&HS’s previous space. The Changemakers exhibit brings back this partnership, highlighting the shared commitments of both organizations.
In regard to future collaborations, Ellen Crovatto, the library’s vice president of external affairs and philanthropy, was quoted in New Canaanite, saying:
“Our goal is to be very transparent and very inclusive in terms of thinking about its (the library’s) use… And making sure that it’s obviously a library function, but something that the community can enjoy, as well. And so our goal is to try within the next year to make sure that we put in place an opportunity for people to voice their ideas and concerns and their interests, as well as putting together a team of people- leadership at the library and our Board- to just try to come up with something that makes sense”.
Through this exhibit, the New Canaan library is continuing to show how libraries can be so much more than just places to find books. This is just one more example of the community building power that libraries can have.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Food For The Road
New Haven and Stamford invest in food truck future
Each year, NLC holds a State League Workshop for employees, and several CCM employees traveled down to Austin, Texas to learn and share with peers from the 48 other leagues (Hawaii does not have a municipal league). And one thing that stands out about Austin is the proliferation of food trucks – they are everywhere. In Connecticut, one may look towards Food Truck Paradise down near the CCM offices on Long Wharf in New Haven, but is this the future or just a passing trend? In Stamford and New Haven, they are betting on a long road for food trucks.
The city was recently awarded three million dollars in grants to go towards pedestrian improvements and food truck parking at Government Center where city offices are located. Though no plans are currently set in place, Stamford has a food truck committee that has been regularly meeting for seven years about these mobile restaurants.
Food trucks are not necessarily a new concept, dating back to roving “chuck wagons,” they are a sort of lifeline or middleman to burgeoning restauranteurs. Like so many residents, businesses are struggling in this strange economic environment, and a simple google search for “Connecticut Restaurant Closing” will bring in dozens of reports of beloved staples and new eater-
ies closing for a variety of reasons. Budgets in the food business are razor thin and where COVID shutdowns didn’t knock them out, rising food costs due to inflation are dealing a punishing second blow.
But for food truck owners, the cost of owning their own business location is typically much lower than if they were to purchase a brick-and-mortar location. And, most obviously, being on wheels allows the owners the flexibility of moving to where the needs are.
In New Haven, Frank Pepe sold his pizzas from a push cart to workers on Long Wharf, a stone’s throw to where the Food Truck Paradise is now. Like Pepe’s, the popular Jitter Bus in New Haven made the same mobile to brick-and-mortar path, showing that the dream of opening up a physical location is not out of the realm of possibility for those that want to follow that path.
It would be hard to say if New Haven or Stamford will end up looking like Austin, TX, where the food truck is embedded in the culture and you can hardly walk a city block downtown without seeing one or six. But both New Haven and Stamford are carving out spaces for food trucks to park it up and see what tomorrow brings.
New Haven Food Trucks at Long Wharf/Food Truck Paradise
HVAC UPGRADES
LED LIGHTING
CONTACT US FOR A NO-COST CONSULTATION
Write Me A Letter
By Kit Colson, CCM Communications Intern EDUCATION
The simultaneity of the 2020 lockdown and rising usage of social media has left many wondering how our children will be affected. From an outsider’s perspective, it looks as though generation Alpha lives in a world completely different from previous generations, with challenges that have to be overcome in new and innovative ways. An article by EdSurge points out the lack of engagement in middle school as a further issue, along with learning loss, behavioral challenges, and developmental stagnation, resulting from the pandemic. Given the downwards trajectory of gen alpha’s education, educators are scrambling to find solutions.
It turns out, despite the current technological revolution, that one answer is by returning to old, forgotten methods. In Branford, schools have begun restating pen pal programs between students and seniors. Throughout the school year, students and seniors exchange handwritten letters on a monthly basis. This writing offers a change of pace for students who are used to typing essays on computers. According to an article by News8, the students expressed their satisfaction with the writing because it requires more “brain power” than typing.
By the end of the year, students met for the first time with their pen pals at Walsh Intermediate School. Whilst this meeting offered a chance for students to develop new relationships and sharpen their in-person social skills, there were other practical skills being taught. One of these was the art of cursive handwriting, an often-forgotten skill that adults might be pleasantly surprised is still being taught. The seniors worked in person with the students to teach this classic skill. Not only is this exercise developing new relationships for the students,
but it is also helping strengthen their familial relationships. One senior interviewed by News8 was proud to say that her student got her mom involved in helping teach cursive. The teaching of cursive offers a bridge between the education of gen Alpha and adults.
Outside of just education, the meeting between students and seniors led to further social interaction. Students exchanged gifts such as journals with seniors, emphasizing kindness and instilling a love of writing.
The success of the program goes to show the importance of getting students involved with real individuals rather than just sitting in a classroom all day. But none of this would be as successful if it was not fun for the students. One student
interviewed by News8 emphasized how fun writing could be compared to typing, and another student emphasized how cool the senior he was matched with is. Both cases show how a focus on fun and social interaction lead to higher engagement by students.
While the educational challenges presented by the aftermath of the pandemic and technology absorption require unique solutions, it is clear that Connecticut schools are doing their best to get students up to speed, and have done so by including multiple generations as well. Innovative solutions such as this pen-pal program are bringing back much needed social interaction and writing skills that students lack, positively shaping these students’ futures.
Watts The Deal With Energy Costs?
Fairfield wonders if Community Energy is the right path
It seems as if all anyone can talk about right now are energy costs. Ask around and there will be a myriad of answers as to why costs have risen – with no clear-cut solutions on how to fix the problem. Fairfield, for its part, is looking to get out of the blame game, and into the business of finding solutions. One example it has recently began looking at is something called “community power,” which is an enhanced model of something it’s already doing.
The town voted recently to approve a “Sense of the Body” resolution, according to a report on Patch.com, “To explore a local energy model called Community Power, in which the town would buy its power needs from utilities.” Simply put, the town itself buys electricity and sells it to residents and businesses at a competitive rate. While it may be more complicated than buying candy from a wholesaler and selling it at a small markup to customers, it is cutting out the middleman.
“It is a way for the town to act as the purchaser for all of the resident taxpayers, business taxpayers in terms of being the intermediary for purchasing their generation needs with the utilities,” RTM member John Kuhn, one of the RTM members spearheading the effort, told the local legislative body on Monday.
And this would not have the town endeavoring down a completely new path – according to the article, Fairfield already purchases power generation for it’s municipal needs, this would only be an additional purchase for residents and businesses. If the town embarks on this plan, it would be the first in the state to undertake such an effort.
According to the organization People’s Action for Clean Energy who support efforts such as these, our counterparts in New York – the Association of Towns of the State of New York (AOT) and the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) – have put together a program showing municipal leaders how they can reduce energy costs, putting a stamp of approval on Community Power.
Naturally, this would not solve all arguments around the delivery of energy to residents and businesses. How that energy is sourced, how it is set up, and who would benefit would need to be resolved. But Fairfield is taking a step towards finding out if this could be a game changer for their residents. In a time when energy is so costly, it’s an idea that will make a lightbulb go off in anyone’s head.
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Too Hot To Handle
Southington drafts heat policy in wake of record temps
2024 is likely to go on the record books as the hottest year on Planet Earth since record keeping began. Temperatures hit three digits with more regularity than every before, and wet bulb globe temperatures hit dangerous levels. While many of us are able to beat the heat in air-conditioned rooms, not everyone has that luxury. For those employees, it is not only smart to have a policy in place. Southington is one such town that is drafting a heat policy, one that could potentially save lives.
The policy idea was sparked when Councilperson Valerie DePaolo asked a simple question at a Town Council Meeting – do we have a policy? According to a Patch.Com article, the next step seemed obvious, and Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone said the town had begun working on one.
For the time being, the article states, the town’s department
heads were advised to utilize the current U.S. military protocols, a color flag system that tells people just how hard they should be working. Cool working conditions are 84.9 degrees Fahrenheit and below, yellow flag conditions are between 85 and 87.9, red flag conditions are between 88 and 89.9, and black flag conditions are over 90 degrees.
These temperatures are not simple thermometer temperatures, though. They are the wet bulb globe temperatures, something that has been discussed in the pages of CT&C before. Unlike common heat temperatures – or dry bulb temperatures – wet bulb globe temperatures takes into account the air temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and air movement in its calculation, giving a much more accurate sense of the temperature as humans would feel it. Human’s as we all know cool off by sweat-
ing, the higher the humidity and in still conditions with no breeze, that humidity prevents us from cooling off. If wet bulb globe temperatures are sustained, it can be deadly, and there is thought to be a human limit for survival.
What that means for town employees is that in red flag conditions, strenuous outdoor work can only happen at 20 to 30 minutes at a time with 30 to 40 minutes of rest in between. In black flag conditions, all outdoor activities are to be suspended.
Towns and cities across the state are going to need to follow Southington’s lead. Each summer is getting hotter and the list of places around the world that are hitting black flag conditions is growing. The priority is to keep people safe, especially in summertime when people are going to want to be outdoors.
Towns and cities around the world are hitting black flag conditions - meaning it is unsafe to be active outside for any amount of time.
ENVIRONMENT
Before The Next Flood
Here’s how to help your municipality’s residents should a flood strike
The floods that hit the Naugatuck River valley in mid-August are thought to be thousand-year floods, meaning that there was a less than 1% chance that flooding of this magnitude would have taken place. Despite this low chance that this could happen, does not mean that flooding this severe could not happen again, the United States Geological Survey states that “The 100-year recurrence interval means that a flood of that magnitude has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year. In other words, the chances that a river will flow as high as the 100year flood stage this year is 1 in 100. Statistically, each year begins with the same 1-percent chance that a 100-year event will occur.”
A statement issued by Governor Lamont compiled a quick and useful list of guidelines in case of flooding this severe.
Public Drinking Water Systems
• DPH monitors for potential impacts to public drinking water systems during storm responses.
• Residents that experience any changes to the color or pressure of their water should contact their water system.
Food Safety
• DPH assists local health departments by providing them with information for food service establishments.
• Food establishments that have lost power or have been flooded should contact their local health department. The local health department will provide guidance on practices to follow to ensure the safety of foods and food contact surfaces. They will also work with them on what steps need to be taken to reopen, once safe to do so. Food service establishments should not reopen without approval from the local health department.
• Throw out any food, including emergency supplies, that may have come into contact with floodwater. Discard canned foods that are bulging open, or damaged. Food in undamaged cans can be saved if properly cleaned.
For information regarding food safety during power outages and floods please see:
• Visit the FDA site and search for “Food FactsFood and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods” (fda.gov)
• For the Public visit the USDA site and search for: “A Consumer’s Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes | Food Safety and Inspection Service” (usda.gov)
Resources
General Safety Advice during Floods
• Floodwater can be dangerous and can contain contaminants that can harm health, so they should be avoided.
• If you must enter floodwater, wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
• Exposure to contaminated floodwater can cause wound infections, skin rash, gastrointestinal illness, tetanus, and other health problems.
• If you happen to have an open wound during a flood, make sure to avoid floodwater by keeping wounds clean and covered.
Tips for reducing standing water and mosquitos around homes
• Eliminate standing water suitable for mosquitoes. Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.
• Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
• Clean clogged roof gutters.
• Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain when necessary.
Mold Prevention
• Homes or businesses that have significant water damage are likely to experience mold growth. Expo-
sure to mold can trigger asthma and cause respiratory symptoms. To prevent mold growth, residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
• Dry out the affected area quickly, as the sooner you do so, the easier it will be to manage the mold.
• Discard all porous items that are saturated with water as they cannot be salvaged.
• Once standing water has been removed, use a dehumidifier and fans to dry out wet items.
• Mold can be a health risk. If possible, air out the building by opening doors and windows. Position fans to blow air outdoors or windows.
• Use proper protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and N95 respirator when removing mold.
Private Wells
Private wells in areas where flooding has occurred can become contaminated. Changes in water taste, color, or
odor can be an indication of contamination from flooding. Your well may be at high risk of contamination if there is standing water over the location of your well.
If you are concerned that your well has been contaminated, get the water tested and use bottled water for drinking and cooking until the test results have been returned and any issues have been corrected by a professional.
Once in a lifetime events can and do happen more than once in a lifetime. Experiencing floods is a risk for nearly all of our state, whether it be from river or ocean, and it is important to remind residents how to be safe both during and after. Staying up-to-date is no small task, but you can do so by visiting federal websites regularly, attending programs like CCM’s Emergency Management Symposium, and making sure to stay in contact with the necessary partners.
GOVERNANCE
How Cities Are Benefitting
Celebrating the 2 Year Anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act
By: Carolyn Berndt
Co-Authored by Emma O’Reilly, Federal Advocacy & Sustainability Intern at NLC
Two years ago, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provided the largest-ever federal investment for combatting the climate crisis, creating economic opportunity to build an inclusive, clean energy economy. The IRA provides new and expanded tax incentives and direct funding for 119 programs for various entities —including state and local governments —to advance and accelerate climate action.
While the IRA allocated $369 billion towards environmental and energy initiatives, only $37 billion are for grants targeting tribal, state and local governments.
The bulk of the IRA’s funding is through tax credits and deductions for clean energy production and low-carbon technology adoption, for both residential and commercial settings—known as elective pay or direct pay.
Municipalities have taken advantage of these programs, benefiting from grants that enhance community connectivity and mobility, address pollution remediation and create green employment opportunities for disadvantaged communities, among others.
NLC celebrates the cities, towns and villages that are utilizing IRA funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean and renewable energy and build community resilience. NLC is also tracking discretionary grant winners of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) on our Rebuilding America Dashboard where some IRA program winners will be featured.
Neighborhood Access and Equity Program/Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program
The IRA allocated $1.9 billion in competitive grants for the Neighborhood Access and Equity program specifically targeting disadvantaged communities and projects that enhance connectivity and low-carbon mobility. In Fiscal Year 2023, the IRA funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access grant was combined with the Reconnecting Communities Pilot program, which was created and funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, forming the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) program. Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the RCN program awarded $3.3 billion to 132 projects. Highlighted below are projects that exemplify the program’s broad scope and impact across communities:
City of Stamford, Connecticut –West Side Neighborhood Connector Project: The City of Stamford was awarded $17 million to enhance connectivity between its West Side, Downtown and South End neighborhoods and the Stamford Transportation Center. This grant will support the creation of a walkable greenway from Mill River Park to the transportation hub, establishing a safer, more accessible route for pedestrians. Given that the West Side has the one of the highest crash rates in the city, this funding is crucial for prioritizing pedestrian safety. The project also aims to improve access across major barriers such as Interstate 95 and the Metro-North railroad.
City of Birmingham, Alabama –Reconnecting 4th Ave N: A TwoWay Vision for Reviving Legacy and Inspiring Progress: With a $14.6 million grant, the City of Birming-
ham will revitalize the Historic 4th Avenue Business District, a once bustling hub of Black businesses and community life before it was divided by the construction of Interstate 65 in the 1960s. Now, there will be a 15-block complete streets redesign, transforming Birmingham’s Black Main Street from oneway to two-way traffic and reconnecting neighborhoods split by the interstate. This funding will improve community access with new transit options, on-street parking, bicycle facilities and ADA-compliant pedestrian infrastructure.
Urban and Community Forestry Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Urban and Community Forestry Program, which received $1.5 billion from the IRA, promotes forestation efforts to improve tree equity and expand access to green spaces in overburdened and underserved communities.
Enhancing urban tree canopies offers numerous benefits, including improved air and water quality, increased property values, reduced energy bills, enhanced quality of life and boosted economic development opportunities.
Cities have responded accordingly to the urgency of addressing extreme heat, with USDA receiving over $6.4 billion in applications. The Department announced FY23 awards, selecting 385 grant winners across all 50 states and some territories.
City of Hailey, Idaho – Growing Our Equitable Urban Forest – Kiwanis Park Tree Planting Project: The City of Hailey secured full funding for a tree planting initiative at Kiwanis Park, with a grant of $139,390. Given the park’s sparse tree canopy, its proximity to State Highway 75 and the Friedman Memorial Airport, and its classification as an over-
burdened and underserved area, expanding the tree canopy and boosting community engagement in forestry are key components of Hailey’s sustainability strategy. The City of Hailey plans to remediate soil, plant trees, and conduct outreach and education at Kiwanis Park, one of the city’s most diverse and densely populated areas.
City of Dubuque, Iowa – Branching out Dubuque: With nearly $1.5 million in grant funding, the City of Dubuque will launch a targeted tree planting effort in disadvantaged Census Tracts, and plant 6,600 trees on public, semi-public and private properties. This project will reduce identified urban heat islands, reduce stormwater runoff and improve air quality. Additionally, the city will recruit disadvantaged youth for workforce development opportunities to support the projects.
Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program is a two-phase initiative designed to support states, local governments, tribes and territories in developing and implementing greenhouse gas reduction projects. The program offered $250 million in noncompetitive regional planning grants and $4.6 billion in competitive implementation grants. Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of 25 applications under the implementation grant program. These funds will support community-driven solutions to the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice and accelerate America’s clean energy transition.
City of New Orleans, Louisiana –New Orleans Climate Action and Resilience Benefitting Our Neighborhoods (NO CARBON): The City of New Orleans recently received a $49.9 million grant that will propel
their climate action plans forward. Over the next five years, the funding will support subsidies for 1,400 solar installations, expansion of bike share services to historically underserved areas, energy benchmarking for commercial buildings, e-bike rebates, reforestation efforts and the construction of protected bikeways. Earlier this year, the city participated in the Local Infrastructure Hub CPRG bootcamp to support their grant application.
Cuyahoga County, Ohio – Municipal Empowerment for Clean Energy and Conservation): Cuyahoga County, the City of Cleveland and the City of Painesville aim to advance clean energy initiatives and conservation efforts in Northeast
Ohio. With $129 million awarded, the regional coalition will transition away from coal power through the installation of solar power and battery storage on brownfield and former landfill sites. Additionally, the grant will enhance natural habitats by expanding tree coverage, developing native meadows and pollinator habitats, and revitalizing contaminated brownfield sites through reforestation and conservation projects. In addition to environmental benefits, the program aims to create over 200 new jobs and provide job retraining for workers from the local coal-fired power plant. These projects will also improve the water quality of Lake Erie.
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Summary from the Biden Administration.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Ride The Magic Bus
CTfastrak isn’t really magic, but it’s the best in the country
Everyone knows that Connecticut has the best pizza and college basketball program in the country, but if you were to go around saying that we had the best rapid transit bus in the country, a lot of people would give you a puzzled look. But according to the Institute of Transportation and Development Policy, the CTfastrak system is the top bus system in country and one of the better systems in the world, earning a silver medal for the bus rapid transit (BRT) system.
A BRT system is not like a typical bus route, but more like a light rail system without the rails. Not only are buses given priority, but a feature in nearly all systems like fastrak is portions of road that are meant for buses only. Fastrak connects 10 municipalities in the northern part of the state, including Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, Bristol, Plainville, New Britain, Newington, West Hartford, Hartford, and Manchester.
Several things set this system apart – primarily that it exists at all in the United States gives it a leg up. Most other top systems exist in Europe and South America. But it also works because people use it for its quality.
Quoted in a CT Insider article, Hartford City Councilman Josh Michtom says he uses the service often because of it’s dependability: it’s “a train, but it’s a
bus.” DOT spokesperson Joe Cooper also said it had “spurred new housing, shopping, and employment destinations” on the route. Essentially, people wouldn’t use the system if the system wasn’t taking people where they needed to go – our municipalities – if it didn’t do it with ease.
And it’s getting better.
Per a press release from the Department of Transportation, CT fastrak received a federal grant to electrify the bus line: “The grant will aid in CTDOT’s project of converting CTfastrak to an all-electric bus fleet. It is being awarded through the FTA’s Low or No Emission Grant Program, which provides funding through a competitive process to states and transit agencies to purchase or lease low or no emission transit buses and related facility upgrades.”
While you might not think about a bus line as something to bring up in conversation when talking about bests, it’s clear that CTfastrak has something going for it that no other line in the country does. So, when you’re talking about Connecticut, and you’re bragging about the pizza and the Huskies, you can brag about the best in the country CTfastrak
Connections Through Challenges
Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future
In the realm of modern infrastructure, bridges serve as lifelines, connecting communities and fostering economic growth. As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, the construction industry is under pressure to adopt sustainable practices without compromising on performance and resilience. In this context, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) emerges as a game-changer, offering unparalleled durability and sustainability in bridge applications.
One recent project exemplifying the practical application of UHPC in bridge construction involved a successful collaboration between M&J Engineering, Mohawk Northeast, Inc., Close, Jensen, & Miller, P.C. (CJM), and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). Stretching an impressive 876 feet over the Housatonic River, the Devon Bridge required comprehensive rehabilitation. This project scope presented the opportunity to use UHPC as a roadway wearing surface, a first in the State of Connecticut. Typically, UHPC on bridge decks is covered by Hot Mix Asphalt, so the workability and final appearance are not prioritized. However, for this project, the flow of material and aesthetics were of vital importance.
Collaboratively, the team revised the mix design to enhance field installation, focusing on increasing viscosity and reducing steel micro-fibers by 1%. Following the finalization of the optimized mix design, a series of trial batches were formulated and tested at Mohawk’s facility. These trials ensured not only the viability but also the exceptional quality of the revised mix for seamless field installation.
“The contractor performed the concrete work locally in their shop, and experienced issues with the initial trial mix,” said John H. Miller II, P.E. L.S. from CJM. “They experimented with unique constructability techniques and worked closely with their vendor to modify the working drawing design mix. A more thixotropic mix was developed, and together, the team was able to successfully achieve a partially filled UHPC, partially filled steel grid deck with low permeability and anticipated exceptional long-term durability, consistent with the goals for this project.”
The project’s success showcases how UHPC can make a big difference in bridge construction. Here’s why it matters:
• UHPC boasts exceptional resilience against corrosion, abrasion, and seismic events, with compressive strengths exceeding 21,000 psi and tensile strengths surpassing 1,700 psi
• Its durability leads to extended service life and reduced maintenance requirements, conserving resources through efficient design and longevity
• UHPC’s reduced carbon footprint, due to less cement usage, contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption
• Its high strength-to-weight ratio enables the fabrication of precast components, minimizing construction waste and facilitating off-site manufacturing
• UHPC supports innovative bridge designs, allowing for longer spans, slimmer profiles, and compatibility with advanced construction techniques, ultimately enhancing resilience and sustainability while offering community benefits such as reduced noise pollution By embracing innovative materials like UHPC, Connecticut municipalities can set new benchmarks in sustainable infrastructure development. The lessons learned from the Devon Bridge project can inspire others to consider alternative materials that offer superior durability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced environmental benefits.
Stacey Epps, Vice President of the New England Bridge & Highway Division, leads M&J’s CE&I teams through bridge, heavy highway, and civil construction projects
There Are Rules, Sparky
Legalized marijuana market is threatened by illicit operations
The legalization of marijuana is a settled debate in Connecticut, but that does not mean that this state enacted a laissez-faire attitude towards enforcement – there are still rules that need to be followed, and ones that were put in place for a good reason. That was the message Attorney General William Tong delivered at a recent Legislative Committee meeting. And through the Department of Consumer Protection, Atty Gen. Tong was looking to work with towns and cities to help keep this industry operating within the law, and our streets safe.
For our municipalities, the issue is two-fold. One is that the proliferation of smoke shops are seizing opportunities to work outside the heavily regulated and controlled market that was set up when cannabis was legalized. And two, the products they are selling are targeted at children. Legally, product packaging must be legible and plain with child-proof lids, and the product itself must be within a certain limit. Illicit products – especially gummies - are often mislabeled, or are meant to look like common candies and junk food such as Cheetos or Lifesavers. For the former, it would be easy enough for a child to recognize that the package didn’t contain Cheetos, but the latter are indistinguishable from Lifesavers gummies. In a child’s hands, this can lead to hospitalization.
Because of this, towns and cities are being asked to partner with the DCP in tackling these illicit markets.
“Cannabis is legal for adults in Connecticut, but it’s not a free-for-all—retailers must be licensed and legal cannabis products must comply with strict safety standards.”
-Attorney General William Tong
The first step is to checking with the department if the business has a credential to sell cannabis products. The next step after confirming the illicit nature of the business, is to contact DCP and see what paths are available to your town or city. Norwalk’s Police Department recently seized hundreds of illegal THC products during a raid that was a collaboration with the DCP Drug Control Division.
According to a report in the Hartford Courant, “police said they received information that the location was selling marijuana and products that were well above the legal THC level,” and that several hundred products were seized. According to Tong, landlords who rent out these storefronts are not exempt from action, and could be fined.
Unfortunately, this is not the only location in the state that has decided to skirt the well-regulated legal market for cannabis products. It seems as if new smoke shops are popping up in towns and cities across the state. Certainly, many of them will sell only legal items, but the risk of children being sent to the hospital for taking a large dose after eating what they thought were regular gummies is too great to just let them coast. Attorney General Tong’s message is right, Connecticut’s legal cannabis laws are not a carte blanche for residents to do as they please. The rules are there for a reason.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Going the Wrong Way
Connecticut Municipalities adapt Wrong-Way Detection Units
Every driver remembers the difficulty of learning to drive and obtaining a driver’s license. Staying in the right lane, driving at the speed limit, and, of course, parallel parking are just a few of these perennial challenges. Despite eventually earning their licenses, drivers are never fully clear of such challenges. For example, they may find at times that they accidentally turned onto a one-way street. Even the best of drivers can occasionally make mistakes, and even the smallest mistake might lead to disaster. Such a mistake is far more common than expected, and it can be quite dangerous. According to an NBC Connecticut article, Connecticut had a record high 13 crashes and 23 wrong-way fatalities in 2022. In the first half of 2024, there have been 11 deaths and four crashes that resulted from wrong-way driving alone. While driving in the wrong direction is dangerous by itself, its lethality multiplies when combined with a variety of other factors: lowered visibility at night, speeding, alcohol, and drowsiness to name a few. Furthermore, the same NBC article points out that neighboring states, in this case Rhode Island, have had sophisticated wrong-way warning systems in place for eight years. Connecticut has just started addressing these issues. To catch up, Connecticut has been working fast in testing and implementing new systems.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has started an initiative, called Project 170-3608, to set up these systems and minimize the damage from wrong-way driving. CDOT has focused on implementing wrong-way detection units and signs to alert unaware drivers. The bright signs and flashing lights are hard not to notice, preventing future crashes. These warnings for the drivers are complemented by motion-activated video systems which alert the state police and
In 2024, 11 people have died in wrong-way driving crashes on Connecticut highways. That’s 11 too many. Remain focused on the road every time you drive, because one wrong move can cost everything.
Departments of Transportation dispatch centers of wrong-way driving, as well as whether such vehicles turned back around. These systems have helped minimize the chances of crashes in other states, so their implementation in Connecticut should have great effects.
Manchester and East Hartford are the homes of the latest of such implementations. Wrong-way detection systems were recently built and tested on I-384 and I-84 in July. Hamden and North Haven are also primed to receive new wrongway detection systems on Route 15 Southbound and I-91.
With the two-year project being set to finish this August, there is hope that the trend of wrong-way accidents will fade away. The dangers of wrong-way accidents can never fully be countered by technology. It is important to stay alert and follow recommended driving procedures. In the end, there is a reason drivers had to go through challenges to earn their licenses. No matter how much drivers want to forget those tough days, it is best for them to recall the lessons they learned when learning to drive.
SOCIAL WELFARE
Treating The Illness
Bristol uses compassion to help with homelessness
Recent reports from the 2024 Point In Time Count have suggested that homelessness in Connecticut is rising. For a state that was once on the cusp of eliminating chronic homelessness, it is a major setback. With Supreme Court case Grants Pass v. Johnson exacerbating the issue, it’s never been more clear that change is needed. Bristol is another city that is taking a look at the way things were done in the past, and asking if that is the correct way to go forward.
The question came up in mid-July of this year when unhoused individuals were set to be evicted from an encampment that was set close to train tracks. According to an article from the Hartford Courant, that plot of land was sold by the city to private owner, leading to the eviction and cleanup.
Cities and states as a whole have been more aggressive in these efforts as of late, as the homelessness crisis builds. Governor Gavin Newsom of California personally participated in a clean-up effort, while down in New Haven residents of one encampment were removed from dangerous conditions next to the West River that routinely floods.
The primary issue is what happens before, during, and after these clean-ups happen. Just three days before the set date, Mayor Jeff Caggiano decided on another path – to try an encampment-to-housing model. Cited in the Courant article, Caggiano said “the goal is to place the encampment’s residents into apartments
where they can receive wrap-around services including health care, substance use treatment, therapy, and job training.”
Credit for this encampment-to-housing model is given to the Clutch Consulting Group, although housing first models have existed for some time. Their movement is responsible for some of the best responses in the nation, including in Houston where “the number of people deemed homeless in the Houston region has been cut by 63 percent since 2011,” according to a writeup in the New York Times. They also work in the Hartford area.
The model has seen the support of Sarah Fox, CEO of the Connecticut Coaltion to End Homelessness, cited in the Courant article saying that it needs to be funded, “but it’s an intervention that works.”
Ultimately, the crux is on the will and funding of this issue. Whether it’s in Bristol or America’s fourth largest city, this isn’t a one-solution issue. And the experts who deal in this crisis know that prevention, getting there before or immediately as homelessness strikes an individual or family can be a game changer. But for all our best efforts, individuals end up unsheltered. Mayor Caggiano said, “we need to treat this like we treat lots of other symptoms and illnesses, until we solve those (underlying problems), we would just be cleaning up place after place.” Centering the human, treating the problem often means finding the humanity in every situation.
A before and after shot of an encampment in Dallas that was cleared utilizing methods developed by Clutch Consulting Group. Rather than the temporary use of shelters or navigation centers, this model prioritizes the direct provision of housing by accessing rental units, paired with supportive services, via the private market.
SOCIAL WELFARE
By
A Compassionate Resolution
Victims of opioid epidemic get honorable goodbye from New Milford
When towns and cities receive funds, the first question is usually “How are we going to use this?” Sometimes the use is proscribed in the giving of the money – an animal lover bequeaths money to the animal shelter – and other times, money is sought for a specific project through grants. In the case of the Opioid Settlement, there were strict ways in which towns could and could not use the funds.
New Milford decided to use some of their funds in a novel, but bittersweet way to honor the victims of the opioid epidemic.
Twenty-five years since the onset of the first wave of the opioid epidemic, it is still hard to grasp the human costs. In the twenty years from 1999 to 2019, nearly 500,000 people died of an overdose according to the CDC that involved a prescription to opioids. Unfortunately, so many of these people were given prescriptions to these drugs by medical professionals, people that by any other measure are among the most trustworthy people in your life. Over time, people would get addicted to these pills, lowering their tolerance and seeking out more. As a secondary wave, more and more individuals started seeking out street heroin to make up for discrepancies in their tolerance and prescriptions.
Thankfully, something was finally done, but it was already too late for so many individuals. A multi-state effort led to settlements in the billions of dollars for
participants to tackle this epidemic through education and programs. But it takes a lot of heart to do what New Milford has done.
The town, which receives money each year from the settlement, set up an Opioid Settlement Subcommittee to determine the best uses of the funds – one of which is to support families who have lost someone to the epidemic by helping with funeral costs. It’s a simple measure, but one that treats victims with dignity and respect, something that was lacking for so many years during the height of the crisis.
In a Danbury News Times article, a local individual who had gone through the death of their stepson said that families have often “exhausted all their financial means” trying to get their loved ones out of the grips of addiction, citing recovery and detox services. Funeral costs on top of that is a horrible burden, making the town’s decision to cover them all the more moving. The committee is going to cover up to $4,000 per individual, according to the article, and it will be available to a deceased individual who is a New Milford resident with a history of substance use disorder. And while there are going to be many valuable ways to help individuals through this crisis, it is important that we not forget the many who have already fallen victim. In New Milford, through the kindness of the community, they won’t be.
TECHNOLOGY
Secure Our State
Simple
ways to protect yourself and your town from
online threats
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an ongoing concern not just for towns and cities, but the state and federal government, and everyday citizens. Since 2004, the federal Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has marked October “for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness,” and since 2023 under the theme “Secure Our World.”
From the CISA website, here are four ways that you can do your part in building a safer world.
Use Strong Passwords
Today, your computer or your phone will make up a password for you on the spot – but how often are you using it? Or do you revert to your old password, Password1?
Don’t make passwords easy to guess or hack by making them long with random characters or words that are unique. That way if one does get caught up in a leak, hackers won’t have all of your passwords. And use that password manager – that way you don’t have to remember them all, and some even tell you when a password has been leaked.
Turn on Multifactor Authentication
It’s a simple step to use in concert with suggestion two – use multifactor authentication with your strong password, and you’ll be nearly guaranteed that your accounts will be secure. Multifactor Authentication or MFA, also sometimes called two-factor, sends you a security code every time you log in to an account. You can set them up for text message or email, facial recognition or fingerprints on your smartphone, or even a special authenticator app or device to log in.
Update Software
How can updating your software help keep your digital profile safe? Often, when a company pushes out an update, they’re closing a loophole that online criminals have exploited. It’s a game of cat and mouse as hackers look for newer and more obscure loopholes to exploit and software and security companies look to close them. Don’t get caught a step or two behind by waiting to install the newest software – it’s one of the easiest steps you can take to make sure that you have the newest tools protecting you.
Recognize and Report Phishing
Look for common signs of phishing attacks like urgent or emotionally appealing language, requests to send personal or financial information, suspicious URLs or links, and incorrect email addresses.
Often these emails or text messages come as someone you know, and as these attacks get more sophisticated, they can be hard to spot at first glance. Check for errors in spelling and other indicators that it might not be the person you think it is.
Remember this October to take stock in your digital world and to protect yourself and others against malicious software and bad actors that are trying to disrupt your life and possibly steal your money. It’s never been easier to take the correct steps to “secure our world,” as CISA says, you just have to take them. The more people who use these smart, common-sense measures, the safer we all will be – towns, cities, the state, the country, and you.
Putnam Municipal Complex
Newington Town Hall &
Beardsley Library
TECHNOLOGY
For The Record
Revised rules help municipalities digitize public records
We live in a new world. While computers have been around for nearly 80 years now and the internet for 40; the last 20 years have seen an incredible transformation of society unlike any other time in the history of mankind. Speed, capacity, transportability, all these things have increased in a way that have changed our ability to interact with our world. Gone is the ephemera of yesteryear. For towns and cities, they wonder what that means for their historical paper documents. Updated guidelines from the State Library will help towns and cities “pursue digitization goals responsibly and defensibly.”
The Office of the Public Records Administrator and the State Archives have been developing a revision of procedures for municipalities who are in the process of digitization of original paper records known as Public Records Policy 04: Electronic Records Management, or PRP 04, which became effective in 2022. Towns and cities are no longer required to submit a digitization policy to the OPRA, but will simply have to use a form to request permission to dispose of original paper records stored as digital images.
Public agencies must submit an appropriate form from the following list to request approval to dispose of paper records after scanning:
• For less-than-permanent records that have already been digitized or one-time scanning projects of old-
er records, submit Form RC-040. This form supersedes Form RC-075.1.
• Municipal: Form RC-040: Authorization for Disposal of Original Non-Permanent Paper Records Stored as Digital Images
• For less-than-permanent records that will be digitized and disposed on an ongoing basis when received or created, submit annual certification Form RC-045. This form must be re-submitted yearly.
• Municipal: Form RC-045: Annual Certification for Disposal of Original Non-Permanent Paper Records Stored as Digital Images
• For permanent or life of structure records, submit Form RC-245: Certification for Disposal of Original Permanent/Life of Structure Records Stored as Digital Images
In an email about the new procedures, questions you may have about the new procedures can be sent to Nicole Marino at nicole.marino@ct.gov
There will likely be a time when paper files are all but a part of history – everything will be accessed digitally, filed digitally, and stored permanently on a great big server. But we are in a transitory stage, with one foot in the world of paper and one foot in the digital realm. As we bridge the gap, work must not be lost, and the revised procedures laid out by OPRA will help municipalities to reach their digitization goals.
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