TOWN OF BLOOMFIELD

Transcription

TOWN OF BLOOMFIELD

TOWN OF BLOOMFIELD
2012-2013 ANNUAL REPORT
2014 CALENDAR
TOWN OF BLOOMFIELD, CONNECTICUT
ANNUAL REPORT for 2012/2013 and CALENDAR 2014
Board of Education ..........................................................................6
Building Department ........................................................................8
Commission on Aging ...................................................................28
Conservation, Energy & Environment Committee ........................10
Economic Development Commission............................................12
Facts & Figures ................................................................................1
Finance Department ..................................................................14,16
Human Resources Department ......................................................16
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission ..........................18
Land Use and Code Enforcement ..................................................12
Leisure Services Department .........................................................20
Libraries .........................................................................................24
Metropolitan District Commission ................................................32
Police Department ..........................................................................22
Public Works Department ........................................................ 26-27
Registrars of Voters .......................................................................30
Senior Services Department ...........................................................28
Social & Youth Services Department ............................................29
Town Clerk ....................................................................................30
Town Council...................................................................................2
Town Manager .................................................................................4
Town Plan and Zoning Commission..............................................12
West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District ....................................31
Wintonbury Historical Society ......................................................31
Zoning Board of Appeals .................................................................8
TOWN INFORMATION DIRECTORY
Assessor’s Office ........................................................ 860-769-3530
Building Department ................................................... 860-769-3516
Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance .............................. 860-243-3482
Engineering Department ............................................. 860-769-3524
Finance Department .................................................... 860-769-3533
Human Resources Department ................................... 860-769-3544
Information Systems ................................................... 860-769-3539
Leisure Services Department ...................................... 860-243-2923
Planning & Zoning Department .................................. 860-769-3515
Police & Fire Emergency .............................................................911
Police Department (Routine) ...................................... 860-242-5501
Probate Court (Tobacco Valley) ................................. 860-627-1450
Prosser Library ............................................................ 860-243-9721
Public Works Department ........................................... 860-243-1487
Registrar of Voters ...................................................... 860-769-3540
Senior Services Department ........................................ 860-243-8361
Social Services Department ........................................ 860-242-1895
Tax Collector’s Office ................................................ 860-769-3510
Town Clerk’s Office ................................................... 860-769-3507
Town Manager’s Office .............................................. 860-769-3504
OTHER FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS
All American Waste .................................................... 860-289-7850
BATV .......................................................................... 860-243-9710
Bloomfield Post Office ............................................... 860-242-0727
Board of Education ..................................................... 860-769-4200
CL&P (power outages) ............................................... 800-286-2000
Fire District (Blue Hills) ............................................. 860-243-8949
Fire District (Center) ................................................... 860-242-1779
MDC ........................................................................... 860-278-7850
West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District ................. 860-523-3270
FACTS & FIGURES
Location
Bloomfield is located in Central
Connecticut just 10 miles north of
the state capitol, Hartford.
Area
26.4 square miles
Form of Government
Town Council, Town Manager
Town Hall
800 Bloomfield Avenue
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Located at the corners of Bloomfield
Avenue and Park Avenue
U.S. Congressman
John Larson (D)
District 1
860-278-8888
U.S. Senators
Richard Blumenthal (D)
202-224-2823
Chris Murphy (D)
202-224-4041
Town Government
Town Manager
Philip K. Schenck, Jr.
Tax Rate
34.85 mills July 2013
Town Attorney
Marc Needelman
Net Grand List
2012 - $2,032,528,017
Town Council 2011-2013
Sydney T. Schulman, Mayor
Wayne Hypolite, Dep. Mayor
Donna Banks
Patrick A. DeLorenzo
Joan A. Gamble
Mark L. Jacobs
Joseph P. Merritt
E. Leon Rivers
Joseph Washington
Number of Voting Districts
Five
State Representative
David Baram (D)
860-240-8700
State Senators
Eric Coleman (D)
Senate District 2
860-240-0528
Beth Bye (D)
Senate District 5
860-240-0428
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Bloomfield is a picturesque Connecticut village, graced with rural beauty,
abundant land, quality schools, dynamic commercial building projects, and a
highly educated work force. Homeowners value Bloomfield as a quiet, friendly
haven from the big cities. Bloomfield also offers an unmatched opportunity for
businesses seeking a strategic location in New England, with the largest tract of
undeveloped industrial land in the Capitol Region, making Bloomfield the
perfect place to build a dream home or an international headquarters.
Originally part of Windsor, the town of Bloomfield is rooted in a 1640 settlement
known as Messenger Farms, located at the eastern end of what is now Park
Avenue. By the time it was formally incorporated in 1835, the settlement had
grown to over 900 residents.
Traditionally an agricultural community, Bloomfield began to diversify its
economic base following its incorporation. Tobacco was added to the
agricultural list, as were numerous cider mills and a brandy distillery. The
Prosser Inn on Simsbury Road housed headquarters of the Hartford to Wesfield
stage line; and the Hartford to Tariffville stage line passed through the Town
Center. Within 30 years of its incorporation, Bloomfield's new rail service
included eight trains traveling roundtrip to Harford daily, and was serviced by
four stations in town. In 1891, The Hartford Electric Light Company brought
Bloomfield into the 20th century, and by 1920 the town's population had grown to
over 2,000.
Bloomfield is located in Central Connecticut, just 10 minutes north of the state
capitol, Hartford. It is easily accessible to Bradley International Airport and
interstates 84 and 91. The Town has a population of 20,500 residents.
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
The Annual Report for the 2012/2013 fiscal year is a summary of activities of the Town’s Boards and
Commissions.
April 26, 2013 Councilor Banks noted a very successful Celebrity Cook-Off, which raised funds for
the Bloomfield Education Association (BEA).
In July 2012, the Town Council welcomed its newest member, Patrick A. DeLorenzo, a Republican
who was appointed in June. Mr. DeLorenzo replaced Councilor Robert Berman who served from
2007 to 2012.
Bloomfield welcomed Windsor Federal Savings Bank at their new location on Jerome Avenue on
April 30, 2013
In August 2012, Council voted to approve the Town’s participation in the Connecticut Conference of
Municipalities (CCM) Prescription Drug Cost Reduction Program.
Summer 2013 brought a much-welcomed TCBY to the center of town at Wintonbury Mall Plaza.
In September 2012, Council gave full support to designate Bloomfield’s portion of the Farmington
River as a wild and scenic river.
On May 6, 2013, the 2013/2014 budget was approved. The adopted 2013/2014 general fund budget,
including the Board of Education and the transfer to the Capital Improvement Program, totaled
$80,830,120, a 2.5 percent increase over the 2012/2013 adopted budget. The mill rate of 34.85 mills
is an increase of .30 mills or .88 percent over the last fiscal year.
November of 2012 saw the Rehabilitation Housing Program initiated to help homes in need of
structural and mechanical repairs.
On May 21, 2013, Bloomfield was fortunate to have the renowned golfer, Billy Casper visit
Wintonbury Hills Golf Course which his firm operates for the Town.
In December 2012, a candlelight vigil was held in honor of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary
tragedy.
On June 5, 2013, our very own Councilor Donna Banks was honored to receive the Chamber
Community Award at the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting held at the University
of Hartford.
Also in December, Bloomfield was pleased to have Carbone’s Restaurant join the family of eateries
in the Wintonbury Mall Plaza.
In January of 2013, Mayor Schulman and Deputy Mayor Wayne Hypolite attended a Trinidad and
Tobago Cultural Celebration Banquet.
Also in June, Council moved to unanimously approve the concept of Phase I of the Filley Park
Restoration project.
It has been our pleasure as Town Councilors to serve the residents of Bloomfield.
On March 12th, President Kagame of Rwanda met with government and business leaders at a
luncheon at St. Thomas Seminary.
After 20 years of service, Town Manager Louie Chapman, Jr. resigned his employment with the town
on March 30th of 2013 for warmer pastures. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service to
the Town of Bloomfield and wish him well in his new endeavor.
In March of 2013, Philip K. Schenck, Jr. came out of retirement after serving the Town of Avon for
30 years to be our Interim Town Manager. He has since accepted the position of Town Manager,
noting that the transition was easy due to the sound financial shape of the Town left by Louie
Chapman coupled with a hardworking, dedicated staff. Mr. Schenck stated that he is having fun, and
we hope that he continues to have fun for years to come.
A proposed amendment to Section 1-8(a) and Section 1-8(c) of the Town Ordinance regarding
penalties and enforcement of the Nuisance Party Ordinance was approved by Council in March 2013.
Also in March, Council met to agree on the usage of the Wintonbury Hills Golf Course, stating that
users will be permitted on the course during the off-season at their own risk for passive recreation
only.
On April 8, 2013 our streets were flooded with secret service personnel and local law enforcement
representatives as we assisted the Presidential Motorcade on its way to the nearby University of
Hartford where our Commander-in-Chief gave a speech.
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Standing: Councilors Patrick A. DeLorenzo, Mark L. Jacobs, Joseph P. Merritt, Joseph Washington, E. Leon Rivers
Seated: Councilor Joan Gamble, Mayor Sydney T. Schulman, Deputy Mayor Wayne Hypolite, Councilor Donna M. Banks
January 2014
Sunday
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Monday
Tuesday
Tax Collector’s Office: 860-769-3510
Assessor’s Office: 860-769-3530
CHRISTMAS TREE PICK-UP Jan. 20th – Jan. 24th. Call All
American Waste with questions: 860-289-7850
*Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School and Global
Experience Magnet School follow the Bloomfield Public
School schedule for Holidays and Vacations
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6
7
Recreation Cmte
Meeting 7:30pm
12
19
Wednesday
Thursday
1
2
New Year’s Day
Kwanzaa Ends
Friends of Bloomfield
Public Libraries
meeting 2:00 PM
Friday
Saturday
3
4
9
10
11
15
16
17
18
22
23
24
25
Bloomfield Town
Offices + Public
Schools Closed*
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COA Meeting 12pm
Senior Center
13
14
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
Library Board
meeting 4:30 PM
20 ML King, Jr. Day
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Bloomfield Town
Offices + Public
Schools Closed*
BULK COLLECTION WEEK
Trash, recycling, or bulk pick-up questions? Call All American Waste 860-289-7850
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27
28
29
30
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
www.bloomfieldct.org
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Chinese New Year
Town Hall Address: 800 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield CT 06002
Town Hall Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Philip K. Schenck, Jr.
The Annual Report is a summary of activities of the Town’s Departments, Boards, Commissions and
Agencies for the prior fiscal year.
This past year has been one of significant change for our Town, and particularly the Town Manager’s
office. Long-time Town Manager Louie Chapman, Jr., left in April to assume the duties of City
Manager in Delray Beach, Florida. Having known Louie for most of his 20-year tenure in Bloomfield,
I can say that this quiet, somewhat unassuming man left the Town in great condition with a strong,
experienced and dedicated staff; in solid financial position with an above average bond rating and strong
financial reserves; and with a string of significant accomplishments throughout his career which have
helped make Bloomfield what it is today, one of the most desirable communities in the Hartford region
in which to live, work and play.
To fill these large shoes, the Town Council in April asked me to assume the duties of Interim Town
Manager until a successor could be appointed. Feeling invigorated after three years of retirement from
serving over thirty years as Town Manager in neighboring Avon, the Town Council asked if I would
be willing to assume the position of Town Manager on a permanent basis, to which my wife and I
agreed.
While measuring progress is often a difficult thing to do, a number of accomplishments this past year
might include: forward progress on the renovation and rehabilitation of Filley Park; the completion,
acceptance and first steps in implementing the Bloomfield Center Plan; a focus on enforcing both
zoning and housing code violations; and being the first town in Connecticut to be awarded a $10,000
Bright Ideas Grant from Connecticut Light and Power which was used to perform an investment grade
audit.
Despite challenging economic conditions, Bloomfield has experienced ongoing economic
development. Examples include the dining venues of Carbone’s Kitchen, The Island Grill, TCBY
Yogurt and our fourth Dunkin Donuts. On the commercial side, were new buildings for Windsor
Sanitation and Homegoods; Windsor Federal Savings’ new 3,602 square foot branch; and 23,000 square
feet of warehouse space added by Foodshare.
I am very pleased to report that Bloomfield continues to exercise fiscal responsibility and foster strong
community relationships. My goal and hope for the Town of Bloomfield is to preserve its beauty and
charm while developing its great potential. What started as a temporary, interim position for me has
become a rewarding and permanent source of pride. I am encouraged by the growth and movement of
the past and look forward to meeting the challenges that lie ahead. As always, my staff and I welcome
your comments and feedback. We are here to serve you.
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February 2014
Sunday
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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Prosser Library: 860-243-9721
Senior Center: 860-243-8361
Bulk Items are collected during the 3rd FULL week of each month on your regular trash collection day (full weeks begin on Sundays)
SCHOOL CLOSING / DELAYS INFORMATION: WTIC, Channel 3, 8, 30, & 61
*Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School and Global Experience Magnet School follow the Bloomfield Public School schedule
for Holidays and Vacations
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Groundhog Day
Recreation Cmte
Meeting 7:30pm
Super Bowl Sunday
9
16
4
5
6
COA Meeting 12pm
Senior Center
Public Libraries
meeting 2:00 PM
13
10
11
12
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
Library Board
meeting 4:30 PM
Lincoln’s Birthday
17 Presidents' Day
18
19
Saturday
1
7
8
14
15
Valentine's Day
Senior Services Annual
Color Pencil Show and
Reception
4:30pm Town Hall
20
21
22
Bloomfield Town
Offices + Public
Schools Closed*
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24
25
26
27
28
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
BLOOMFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BLOOMFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION
James Thompson, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools
Vision
The Bloomfield Public Schools will be a high-performing district with a positive climate of inclusion, an
expectation of competitive academic achievement and a culture of meaningful parent and community
engagement.
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Achieving the Vision:
High academic achievement is being accomplished through the successful implementation of a
comprehensive and collaborative accountability system to include data-supported planning and decisionmaking practices at every level around four priority goals:
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ACCOUNTABILITY
1. Aligned the annual budget with the mission of attaining high academic performance and
closing the achievement gap.
2. Implemented an improved teacher and administrator evaluation system that exceeds
expectations from the State Dept. of Education.
RIGOROUS CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT
1. Expanded learning time in Reading and Math with Early Start, Summer Academy and
Extended Day.
2. Increased number of BHS students passing Advanced Placement from 2 to 29 students.
POSITIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE
1. Added buzzer and camera security systems costing $100,000 to address security audit at all
schools.
2. Reduced disciplinary infractions by 8.8%.
3. Raised Average student attendance rate to 96%.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
1.
Provided “Welcoming Schools” training for all schools.
2.
Increased parent attendance at all school events.
Aligning the work of the district with these four priorities has provided a vehicle for overall district
transformation. The work has resulted in significant growth across the district in all priority areas that
affect academic achievement. As a result, the 2012-2013 School Year can best be described as a year of
significant academic improvement with many accomplishments to celebrate.
Some of these
accomplishments include:
 Bloomfield Public Schools has eliminated the Achievement Gap in 2 of 8 areas, Reading
Proficient or Above on the Connecticut Mastery Test and Math Proficient or Above on the
Connecticut Mastery Test.
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Bloomfield Public Schools has reduced the achievement Gap in 4 of 8 areas: Reading at Goal
or Above on the Connecticut Mastery Test, Math Goal or Above on the Connecticut Mastery
Test, Math Proficient or Above on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test, Math Goal or
Above on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test.
Bloomfield High School, a turnaround school in improvement, was recognized by the State
Department. of Education and the Governor of Connecticut as having been the most successful
transformation, not only in Connecticut but nationally.
Bloomfield and one other district in the State had the most significant gains on the 2013
Connecticut Mastery Test and Connecticut Academic Performance Test as indicated by the
State Commissioner of Education.
Students and staff at Global Experience Magnet School expanded their international
collaboration by traveling to China, Ireland, Costa Rica and Rwanda.
Tracy Youngberg, Principal at Carmen Arace Intermediate School was named Connecticut’s
National Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS).
Desi Nesmith, Principal at Metacomet Elementary School and an Alma Exley Scholar
represented University of Connecticut Neag School of Education in Washington, DC.
Bloomfield Board of Education received the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education
(CABE) Leadership Award.
State of the Art, Laurel Elementary School opened with a Ribbon Cutting
Metacomet Elementary School was selected for Outstanding Architecture Design.
Carmen Arace Intermediate School Teachers celebrate #1 volunteer, Ms. Fannie-Irene Pittman,
who volunteered for over 20 years.
Three Metacomet Elementary School teachers received a grant award from the Bloomfield
Education Foundation to support hands-on field study aligned with units of study in Science,
Social Studies, Reading and Writing.
Bloomfield High School Boys and Girls Track Teams Won Class S Indoor Track
Championship.
Bloomfield High School Boys Indoor Track Team Won State Championship.
Bloomfield High School Boys Soccer Team won Class S championship.
Fabian Burnett, Senior at Bloomfield High School was named All New England, All State and
All CCC East Boys Soccer Player.
Bloomfield High School Girls Track Team named 2012 Connecticut High School Team of the
Year by Connecticut High School Coaches Association.
March 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Bulk Items are collected during the 3rd FULL week of each month on your regular trash collection day (full weeks begin on Sundays)
2
3
4
Recreation Cmte
Meeting 7:30pm
5
6
Ash Wednesday
Public Libraries
meeting 2:00 PM
COA Meeting 12pm
Senior Center
9
10
11
Daylight Saving Time
Begins
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
Library Board
meeting 4:30 PM
17
18
16
Saturday
1
7
8
12
13
14
15
19
20
21
22
St. Patrick’s Day
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
30
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Windsor / Bloomfield Landfill – 281 Huckleberry Hill Road, (860) 673-3677
The Landfill/Transfer Station is CLOSED on all legal holidays and Good Friday and the Friday following Thanksgiving.
Regular Hours of Operation:
Tuesday and Friday………………………………….7:30am – 2:30pm
Saturday………………………………………………7:30am - 1:00pm
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.................CLOSED
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Ray Steadward, Building Official
Fiscal year 2012-2013 showed an increase in building permit revenue and construction value of
approximately 10 percent over FY 2011-2012. Commercial construction has been going strong and our
housing construction was up about 30 percent to our highest levels since 2008 and the beginning of the
economic downturn.
We had a few new commercial buildings including two businesses new to town. One of which is a new
17,168 square foot building at 33 Mucko Road for Windsor Sanitation where their offices and parking
for their hauling vehicles are located; and a new 4,500 square foot building at 15 Southwood Drive
which is a large truck repair facility (supporting Homegoods) We also have a relocation of an existing
business to a new building with Windsor Federal Savings constructing a new 3,602 square foot bank
branch at 54 Jerome Avenue adjacent to their existing location.
Bloomfield Center is buzzing with activity also.
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682 Bloomfield Avenue has been converted to allow business use.
35 Jolley Drive has a new medical office tenant occupying 2,600 square feet.
705 Bloomfield Avenue has renovated 2,565 square feet for a medical tenant.
727 Park Avenue has brought Bloomfield its first pawn shop in a 7,966 square foot space.
390 Woodland Avenue welcomed a new tenant that builds scaffolding used in bridge
construction into a 55,130 square-foot space.
The buildings located at 105 and 125 Highland Park Drive have been connected by a 1,028
square foot connector addition.
A martial arts studio has moved into 38 Tunxis Avenue in a 2,280 square-foot space.
Commercial additions increased including a 23,000 square feet of warehouse space added at 450
Woodland Avenue which is Foodshare, and a smaller addition at the Homegoods Distribution Center
to support their growth in retail stores.
Full completion of work at Laurel School at One Filley Street has occurred, which closes out a multiyear $100 million town wide school initiative.
Our dining options continue to expand with new choices of:
Four foundation approvals have been given for a 78 living unit apartment complex with a total project
value of about $1.2 million.
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Carbone’s Kitchen opening in 8,000 square feet at 6 Wintonbury Mall;
The Island Grill Jamaican restaurant has opened in 3,500 square feet at 22 Mountain Avenue
(Ocean State Plaza);
TCBY yogurt shop is now open in 1-B Wintonbury Mall; and
Dunkin Donuts has opened a third location in town at 1298 Blue Hills Avenue with 2,800
square feet at the former Three Brothers location.
Terry (formerly of Three Brothers) has opened his own place (aptly named Terry’s Place)
inside the Citgo gas station facility at the corner of Cottage Grove Road and Blue Hills
Avenue.
There is quite a bit of commercial remodel activity going on in Town.
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121 West Dudley Town Road has undergone an interior remodel and is now home to
Guhring Manufacturing who makes specialty cutting bits in a formerly vacant 15,000
square- foot building.
At 1280 Blue Hills Avenue, we now have Disability Insurance Specialists occupying a
remodeled 6,926 square feet space.
The CREC Greater Hartford Arts Academy Elementary School has remodeled and moved
in to a 23,000 square foot space at 1289 Blue Hills Avenue.
Kaman is in the process of a multi-million dollar remodel of approximately 80,000 square
feet at 1330 Blue Hills Avenue.
Cumberland Farms at the corner of Blue Hills Ave and Old Windsor Road has expanded
their retail operations into the space formerly occupied by Dunkin Donuts.
Toce Brothers has expanded their operation into a 15,000 square foot building located at 60
East Dudley Town Road where they have started a retreading process for tires.
843 Blue Hills Avenue has a new tenant operating a liquor store.
On the residential side it has been very busy with many homes converting to natural gas. And generator
installations keep coming in after the few years of crazy weather. Typical remodels, additions, and
maintenance are still moving right along. We issued 19 Certificates of Occupancy for single family
homes.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Jackie, Isaacson, Chair
The Zoning Board of Appeals began the 2012 fiscal year with its August 2012 meeting. That agenda
contained two variance requests. Those items were for side yard variances at 1 Wade Avenue and 4
Barn Hill Road. Both items were approved.
The first meeting in the 2013 calendar year was held in April. The request was for a roof sign at Kaman
Corporation, 50 Old Windsor Road. The application was approved.
The next application was in May for a side yard variance to construct a garage at 21 Penwood Road.
The application was denied.
June’s meeting was for lot frontage, and side yard variances, to allow an attached garage at 34 Duncaster
Road. That meeting was canceled because the applicant requested the matter be continued until the
July meeting. The July meeting had the before mentioned application and a request for a variance to
allow an accessory building to be constructed in front of the principle structure and the street line at
200 Hoskins Road. Both variances were approved.
The September meeting was a request for a use variance to allow a drive-thru bank kiosk at 1051 Blue
Hills Avenue. The application was denied.
As you can see, the Zoning Board of Appeals has had a comparatively modest schedule when compared
with previous years. It would appear that the general decline in construction projects has reduced the
number of variance requests that the Board has received.
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April 2014
Sunday
•
•
Monday
Tuesday
MDC Haz-Mat Collection in
Farmington. Call the MDC for details
860-278-7850 or visit their website at
www.themdc.com
Spring Leaf Collection begins April
14th – May 2nd. Call All American
Waste with questions: 860-289-7850
6
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
4
Saturday
1
2
3
April Fool’s Day
COA Meeting 12pm
Senior Center
Public Libraries
meeting 2:00 PM
7
8
9
10
11
12
Recreation Cmte
Meeting 7:30pm
Library Board
meeting 4:30 PM
16
17
18 Good Friday
19
5
Leisure Services
Eggstravaganza
Event
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
13
14 Passover Begins
15
Palm Sunday
Spring Leaf
Collection Begins
20
21
Easter Sunday
Bloomfield Public Schools Spring Vacation
22
23
24
Bloomfield Town
Offices + Public
Schools Closed*
25
Passover Ends
Earth Day
26
Arbor Day
27
28
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
29
30
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Fishing Season Opens in April – call Town Clerk’s Office for
details: 860-769-3507
Bulk Items are collected during the 3rd FULL week of each
month on your regular trash collection day (full weeks
begin on Sundays)
*Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School and Global
Experience Magnet School follow the Bloomfield Public
School schedule for Holidays and Vacations
CONSERVATION, ENERGY AND
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Tollie Miller, Chair
CEEC has three project areas/subcommittees: Clean Energy/Conservation; Natural Resources;
Greenway. This is a report on activities on each of these areas for June 2012 – June 2013. Please note
that CEEC meets on the second Thursday of every month and ALL Bloomfield residents are welcome.
CLEAN ENERGY AND CONSERVATION
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The Clean Energy Community Pledge to reduce energy consumption by 20% by 2018 and
use 20% renewable energy by 2018 was approved 10/22/2012 by the Town Council.
As a result of this and our Home Energy Solution (HES) program, we were the first
community in CT to earn a $10,000 Bright Ideas Grant from CL&P. This grant was directed
to DPW to underwrite the cost of a town wide investment grade building audit by Ameresco.
(Exclusive of school buildings)
The HES program resulted in 224 energy audits to town residents and netted $14,975 for
the Bloomfield Fuel Bank. This program is ongoing.
GREENWAY
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A federal grant of $1.5 million was procured to underwrite 80% of the costs for section 1 of
the Bloomfield link in the East Coast Greenway.
A public meeting was held in January of 2013 over which Jonathan Thiesse presided.
Committee member Kevin Gough continues to consult with Mr. Thiesse. The first section
runs from northern Bloomfield to Rte 189 south of Tariffville. BL Company is contracted
to complete the design phase for Section 1. Construction will begin in spring of 2015.
NATURAL RESOURCES
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Lisa Lane Farm purchase is nearing completion. $300,000 was raised thru federal and state
grants and individual donations. This Urban Farm will stay in agriculture and provide a
walking trail. The town will own the farm; Wintonbury Land Trust (WLT) will hold the
federal conservation easement.
Hawk Hill Farm is being purchased for $612,000 from federal, state and foundation grants.
The Farm will stay in agriculture, possibly as a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).
The WLT will own the farm, and the Town will hold the conservation easement. This is a
critical link in the LaSalette Trail, as well as wildlife corridors.
CEEC members assisted WLT in the purchase of Stout Fields in December of 2012. This
property will be maintained as grassland habitat. It contains the western end of LaSalette
Trail with access to Penwood Park and the New England Trail. The purchase price of
$325,000 was also raised through federal and foundation grants, as well as donations to the
Wintonbury Land Trust.
These purchases total almost 70 acres, paid for by grants and contributions.
Photos courtesy of Dennis Hubbs
10
May 2014
Sunday
•
•
•
•
•
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Department of Public Works will begin street sweeping
MDC Haz-Mat Collection in Newington and Hartford. Call the MDC for details 860278-7850 or visit their website at www.themdc.com
Free Dump Days – Please call the Windsor Landfill at 860-285-1833 for details
*Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School and Global Experience Magnet
School follow the Bloomfield Public School schedule for Holidays and Vacations
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING THIS MONTH: See Budget Schedule for key dates to be
included
4
6
5
Cinco de Mayo
7
Thursday
Friday
1
2
National Day of
Prayer
Spring Leaf
Collection Ends
Saturday
3
Public Libraries
meeting 2:00 PM
8
9
10
15
16
17
COA Meeting 12pm
Senior Center
Recreation Cmte
Meeting 7:30pm
11
12
13
Mother’s Day
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
Library Board
meeting 4:30 PM
18
19
20
14
Armed Forces Day
21
22
23
24
National Public Works Week – check out http://bloomfieldct.org/Plugs/public-works.aspx
25
26
27
TOB Memorial Day
Parade and Road
Race
Memorial Day
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
Bloomfield Town
Offices + Public
Schools Closed*
28
29
30
31
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION
Jerry Long, Chair
During the past year the Economic Development Commission (EDC) concentrated on the preparation
of a Bloomfield Center Plan. This work grew out of the recently completed Plan of Conservation and
Development adopted by the Town Plan and Zoning Commission in August of 2012. Working with an
outside consulting firm, Planimetrics of Avon, Connecticut, the EDC worked to identify the types of
uses the Town should encourage to locate in the Center of Bloomfield.
Meetings with the commercial landlords and many of the tenants in the Center produced both strengths
and weaknesses which could be attributed to the Center. A market study also helped the EDC
understand how Bloomfield and its commercial Center fit into the region.
As a result of the research, the EDC adopted the Bloomfield Center Plan which called for the Town to
encourage the 4 “R’s” in Bloomfield Center. These include Retail uses, multi-family Residential
development, Recreation in the form of arts and entertainment and Restaurant uses.
The EDC then prioritized the recommendations contained within the study and have begun to
implement them. Highlights include the hiring of an economic development professional to work with
the EDC and Town to move forward with the Center Plan and other town-wide economic development
activities. The EDC has also started to work with the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce regarding a
possible restaurant event fashioned after a “pub crawl.” Finally, the EDC looks to provide the major
commercial landlords with copies of the Bloomfield Center Plan as they look to form partnerships for
change in the Center.
TOWN PLAN AND ZONING
COMMISSION
Barry Benson, Chair
Despite the ongoing economic downturn, the Town Plan and Zoning Commission (TPZ) continued to
review and act on a number of applications this past year. Numerous commercial site plans for new
buildings and additions to existing buildings were submitted for their review. The Commission was
also briefed concerning the development of the Bloomfield Center Plan which was prepared by the
Economic Development Commission with outside support. The TPZ conducted a workshop session
concerning the possibility of revising the Town’s zoning regulations to permit different forms of multifamily housing in Bloomfield Center. As a result of this session, the Commission advised the proponent
of the idea to move ahead with a proposed amendment to the regulations for a formal submission.
The Commission approved an amendment to the zoning regulations which would permit automotive
repair facilities in Bloomfield Center subject to overnight vehicle storage to be located only within a
building. A zone change and master plan was approved for a 26 unit multi-family development located
at 1122 Blue Hills Avenue. The Commission also determined that a pawn shop use shall be considered
as a normal retail operation and allowed in all zones that permit retail stores.
The following applications were reviewed and approved by the Commission this past year.


12
A new industrial building at 15 Southwood Drive.
An accessory apartment located at 10 Drummer Trail.









A subdivision at 1015 Blue Hills Avenue to permit the sale of 73 Rockwell Avenue to
Bloomfield Early Learning Center.
An industrial building addition at 7 Old Windsor Road.
A revised site plan at 7 Walsh Street.
A site plan to permit outside storage at 5 Southwood Drive.
A 4 lot subdivision off of Duncaster Road.
Outside storage of school busses at 522 E. Cottage Grove Road.
Revised site plan and outside storage at 23 Britton Drive.
A revised site plan for KAMAN Corporation 1332 Blue Hills Avenue.
Approved a restaurant liquor permit at 22 Mountain Avenue.
LAND USE AND CODE
ENFORCEMENT
Thom Hooper, Director of Planning &Development
During this past year the Director of Planning, with the assistance of the planning firm Planimetrics,
prepared the Bloomfield Center Plan. The Economic Development Commission guided this project
and has begun to implement the recommendations contained within the report.
Enforcement activities were elevated this past year with a large number of foreclosures, unregistered
vehicle complaints and landscaping violations needing to be addressed. In addition, several
neighborhoods in Town had issues impact them related to college students. Working with the Police
Department and the Town Attorney, staff spent considerable time responding to the conditions
associated with all these issues. These actions ranged from the issuance of cease and desist orders to
representing the Town in court proceedings necessary to obtain compliance with our regulations and
codes.
Our Geographic Information System (GIS) personnel updated town-wide maps for the Assessor’s
office, amended the Town’s zoning map and worked with the Wetland’s Agent on the finalization of
updated wetlands maps for the Town.
The office kicked off the application process for the Town’s housing rehabilitation program. Over 30
homeowners submitted applications for assistance under the program. Given the present round of
funding, the Town hopes to help low income home owners address much needed work on each of
their homes. Most requests for assistance are for roof, siding and replacement window work. In
addition, many homeowners are also looking for help to replace aging heating equipment.
During the year staff met with and addressed issues raised by FEMA concerning the Town’s cleanup
activities associated with Storm Alfred. The Town’s efforts during the storm and the cleanup
afterward required the expenditure of substantial funds for which the Town had been seeking
reimbursement. These ongoing meetings were all related to our efforts to obtain the full
reimbursement allowed under the FEMA guidelines.
Staff also met with representatives of Habitat for Humanity concerning the construction of six new
homes in Bloomfield which are currently under construction. The Town and Habitat for Humanity
have had a long standing relationship which has resulted in new homes being constructed for
deserving low income families. In the past the Town has donated land to assist in this mission. The
present homes under construction are located on land formerly owned by the Connecticut Department
of Transportation.
June 2014
Sunday
1
Monday
2
Tuesday
3
Recreation Cmte
Meeting 7:30pm
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
4
5
6
COA Meeting 12pm
Senior Center
Public Libraries
meeting 2:00 PM
D-Day
Saturday
7
CAIS/CAMS After
School Academic and
Enrichment Program
ends
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Pentecost
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
Library Board
meeting 4:30 PM
(McMahonWintonbury)
Senior Services
Annual Art Show
and Reception
4:30pm Town Hall
Summer Concert
Series Begins on
Town Green
Leisure Services
After School
Program ends
Flag Day
15
16
17
18 Summer Reading
19 Summer Concert
20
21 June Solstice
begins soon – call
the library for details
Series on Town
Green
Father’s Day
Prosser Library
summer hours
begins 10am to 2pm
22
23
24
25
Summer Camp
begins
30
•
Ramadan Begins
•
•
•
•
27
28
Summer Concert
Series on Town
Green
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
29
26
Pool Opens
MDC Haz-Mat Collection in Windsor, West Hartford, and Wethersfield. Call the MDC for details at
860-278-7850 or visit their website at www.themdc.com
Bulk Items are collected during the 3rd FULL week of each month on your regular trash collection day (full
weeks begin on Sundays)
For Leisure Services (Summer Camp, Summer Concerts) information: 860-243-2923
Prosser Library: 860-243-9721
Dog License Renewal due by June 30th of every year
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
William Hogan, Finance Director
Major Taxpayers 2012 Grand List
Finance Administration and Accounting












Successfully closed the June 30, 2012 fiscal year with an operating surplus
Received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
by the GFOA for the June 30, 2012 audit
Established procedures for BELC sub-grantee processing.
June 30, 2012 audit completed and received a “clean” audit opinion.
A bond refunding in the amount of $12.4 million was completed for a net
savings of $525,000. Also included is a $5.0 million note issue for schools.
The Town also underwent a very thorough credit rating review with Moody’s
Investor Services as part of the process which reaffirmed the Town’s high Aa2
rating.
FEMA funds of $2.2 million were received during the year for the debris
removal portion of the October 2011 storm. In total this satisfies the 75%
reimbursement level estimated by the Town.
Retained a Risk Management consultant for the Town and BOE during the year
through a competitive process and hired USI to review WC & liability issues
In conjunction with Town Attorney, worked on the closing and $900,000 State
grant for Cottage Grove Road tax increment financing.
Keri Rowley, former Accounting Manager/Treasurer for the Town of
Mansfield began employment as the Town’s Deputy Finance Director/Town
Accountant on June 25th.
Initiated the Tax sale for the fall of 2013.
Prepared and distributed Town –wide credit card policy.
Name


Insurance
73,330,090
3.61
Connecticut Light & Power Co.....................................
Utility
69,881,770
3.44
Metropolitan Life Insurance
Insurance
44,664,670
2.20
AMCAP Copaco LLC .................................................
Shopping
center
33,346,110
1.64
Duncaster Inc. ...............................................................
Assisted
living
30,343,760
1.49
Bouwfonds Hawthorne LP ...........................................
Residential
real estate
25,805,450
1.27
HG Conn Realty Corp. .................................................
Commercial
real estate
20,767,080
1.02
Church Home of Hartford Inc. .....................................
Retirement
facility
18,727,630
0.92
0.47%
Pepperidge Farm Inc. ....................................................
Distribution
center
16,089,890
0.79
21.53%
NIP Owner II LLC ........................................................
Distribution
center
13,705,020
0.67
346,661,470
17.06
Launched new website QPublic for Assessor & GIS data which displays the
Assessor Property data interactively with the Town GIS maps.
Completed RFP for 2014 revaluation and selected Tyler Technologies for the
project which will be effective for the October 1, 2014 grand list for the July 1,
2015-16 fiscal year.
Completed 2012 Grand List which saw an increase of 2.55%.
2012 NET GRAND LIST
Percent
14
2011
Dollar
2012
$1,664,377,050
REAL ESTATE
$7,730,320
$1,656,646,730
PERSONAL PROPERTY
$40,198,470
$186,741,500
MOTOR VEHICLE
$2,682,883
$138,528,114
$141,210,997
1.94%
TOTAL $50,611,673
$1,981,916,344
$2,032,528,017
2.55%
$226,939,970
Percent
of Net
Taxable
Grand List
Connecticut General Life Insurance ............................
Assessment

Business
Taxable
Valuation
As of 10/1/12
Total ..............................................................................
July 2014
Sunday
•
•
Monday
Tuesday
Bulk Items are collected during the
3rd FULL week of each month on
your regular trash collection day
(full weeks begin on Sundays)
Leisure Services: 860-243-2923
6
7
1
8
Wednesday
2
9
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
3
4
Summer Concert
Series on Town
Green
Independence Day
10
11
12
18
19
25
26
5
Town Offices Closed
Summer Concert
Series on Town
Green
13
14
15
16
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
20
21
17
Summer Concert
Series on Town
Green
22
23
24
Summer Concert
Series on Town
Green
27
28
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
29
30
31
Last Summer
Concert Series on
Town Green / West
Indian Celebration
Important Town Phone Numbers:
• Assessor’s Office: 860-769-3530
• Tax Collector’s Office: 860-769-3510
FINANCE DEPARTMENT -
HUMAN RESOURCES
continued
Cindy Coville, Director
William Hogan, Finance Director
Risk Management and Purchasing






Issued over 700 purchase orders during the year.
An RFQ for Energy Performance Contracting Services was issued.
Two RFP’s were issued during the year for the Small Cities program:
Environmental and design services.
RFP issued for Insurance and Risk Management Consultant. USI
Holdings, LLC selected to advise Town on risk management matters.
Advertised bids for Town Hall window replacement.
Coordinated they Town’s LAP-WC renewal for fiscal 2013-14 that
resulted in nominal increase.
Tax Collector






Fiscal Year 2012-13 achieved an overall collection rate of 98.41%. By
category, the real estate collection rate was 99.02%, personal property 99.48%,
motor vehicle 92.84% and supplemental list collection rate 81.14% of adjusted
levy.
The Tax Collection division collected $70,047,555 in total collections. By
category:
Current Year: $67,473,555 Prior Year: $722,180 Interest and Liens: $482,905.
Fire District Collections: Blue Hills $1,535,129 Bloomfield Center Fire District
$1,260,210
From July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013, $475,546.01 was collected in online credit
card payments.
Working with Invoice Cloud and Quality Data Systems, the Tax Office
implemented the new on line tax lookup system and credit/debit card payment
system for the July 1, 2013 tax billing. This system can be accessed from the
Town of Bloomfield web site and offers residents the ability to pay their taxes
on line with a credit card, debit card or e-check and allows tax payers to register
to receive paperless bills sent directly to their e-mail rather than receiving a
paper tax bill in the mail.
Turned 22 accounts over to Municipal Revenue Recovery Services for property
tax sale scheduled for late fall 2013.
Information Systems Technology






16
Worked closely with the Police Department on the installation, configuration,
and testing of Telestaff, the department’s new scheduling application.
Completed major upgrades to the Munis Financial software and the Tyler
Content Manager imaging software.
Instituted invoice scanning programs and equipment in Finance, the Library,
and the Police Department.
Set up the telephone system to automatically send reports on telephone usage
to all supervisors every month.
Hired Warren Plummer as Information Systems Analyst.
Started the creation of a Virtual Cluster for the Town Hall Central Computers.
The Human Resources Department is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce
comprised of highly qualified employees to serve the residents and businesses in our Town. Our goal is
to ensure recruiting policies and procedures are administered fairly and equitably and that employees are
provided with a work environment that provides equal opportunity for learning and personal growth.
Services provided by the Human Resources Department include recruitment and testing, compensation
and classification, training and development, policy development, random drug testing, workers’
compensation, unemployment, labor relations and employee and retiree benefits.
Some of the accomplishments during the year include:

Conducted 24 recruitments and reviewed and responded to over 920 applicants for testing,
oral panel interviews and final interviews in an effort to select the best candidate. An
additional 131 applicants applied for 73 summer positions in Leisure Services. Five internal
promotions were awarded in the Police Department: two Detectives, two Sergeants, and
one Lieutenant.

Held the first of annual benefit open enrollment meetings for employees to meet face-toface with representatives from the various benefit carriers to review plan design changes
and answer specific questions. Changes to the medical plan resulting in significant savings
to the plan included increase point-of-service co-pays and movement to a three-tier
managed prescription plan.

Administered the United Way Campaign and held Flu Clinics for all employees and their
dependents.

Conducted mandatory sexual harassment and diversity training and offered training in the
Freedom of Information Act.

Two of the three labor contracts were accepted and ratified by members during the fiscal
year.
August 2014
Sunday
•
•
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
FULL week of each month on your regular trash collection day (full
weeks begin on Sundays)
For a calendar of events/holidays/vacations for Bloomfield Public Schools for the months of August,
September, November, and December 2014, please go to www.bloomfieldschools.org or call the Board
of Education at (860) 769-4200
3
10
3rd
Friday
Saturday
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
19
20
21
22
23
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
17
18
Senior Citizen’s Day
Annual Back Pack
Fair
24
25
Pool Closes
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
31
• Town Hall: 860-769-3500
• Leisure Services: 860-243-2923
• Social and Youth Services: 860-242-1895
• Senior Services: 860-243-8361
26
27
28
29
30
INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES COMMISSION
Nicholas Panke, Chair
The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission is scheduled to meet on the third Monday of each
month. During fiscal year 2012/2013 the Wetlands Commission met a total of 8 times out of the 12
regularly scheduled meetings. Four meetings were cancelled due to the lack of new applications.
The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission acted on 13 Permit Applications, 4 Wetland Map
Amendments and 2 enforcement actions during fiscal year 2013. Eight of the thirteen permits were
approved as Wetlands Agent Permits.
The two most significant projects were:


1122 Blue Hills Avenue - a new multi-family residential development (30 units in five
buildings).
1461 Blue Hills Avenue - a new industrial development (Alstom Power Systems).
Both of these projects included a Wetlands Map Amendment and a Wetlands Permit. Neither of these
two projects are under construction.
The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved new Wetlands Regulations in May of
2013. After review by the Commission and Town Attorney the Regulations were revised to be
compliant with the State Legislature’s latest changes to the Wetlands Act (Conn. General Statutes 22a36 through 22a-45).
Significant progress was made on a new Official Map of Inland Wetlands and Watercourses. New data
from Wetland Map Amendments was incorporated into the GIS mapping of the wetlands and
watercourses. Corrections and revisions were made to the existing data. New wetland maps, with an
aerial photograph in background, are scheduled to be adopted in the fall of 2013.
Spoonville Dam July 9, 2012 before demolition.
During July of 2012, the Spoonville Dam in the Farmington River downstream of the Tariffville Gorge
was removed. This work was done under a DEEP permit by the Farmington River Watershed
Association for the enhancement of migratory fish passage up the Farmington River. The removal of
the remnants of the old dam eliminated very hazardous conditions for swimming and boating. See
photos below.
Spoonville Dam overtopped after heavy rains in August 2011
18
Spoonville Dam July 31, 2012 after demolition.
September 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
2
1
Labor Day
Town Offices Closed
7
Thursday
Friday
5
Saturday
3
4
COA Meeting 12pm
Senior Center
Friends of
Bloomfield Public
Libraries meeting
2:00 PM
11
12
13
6
Prosser Library
normal hours
resume 10am to
5pm
8
9
10
Recreation Cmte
Meeting 7:30pm
Library Board
meeting 4:30 PM
Senior Services
Annual Quilt Show
and Reception
4:30pm Town Hall
16
17
18
19
20
25
26
27
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
14
Wednesday
15
7th Annual Senior
Expo 9:45am Senior
Center
21
22
23
24
After School Program
begins
September Equinox
Rosh Hashanah
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
28
29
30
•
•
•
For questions regarding voting and elections, please call the Registrar of Voters’
Office at 860-769-3540 or the Town Clerk’s Office at 860-769-3507
Haz-Mat Collection in the following towns: Bloomfield, Rocky Hill, West Hartford
Call the MDC for details 860-278-7850 or visit their website at www.themdc.com
DPW to plant mums throughout Town
LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
David Melesko, Director
The Bloomfield Leisure Services Department partners with numerous organizations, community
groups, and departments to provide enhanced and diverse programs. Department highlights from the
2012/2013 Fiscal Year:

BOE Enrichment Program – Provided 488 students, elementary through middle school age
the opportunity to health & wellness programs as well as general recreation activities from
12:30pm-3:30pm, Monday – Friday for 6 weeks.

Memorial Day Events – Bloomfield Memorial Day 5K hosted 85 participants
Bloomfield Memorial Day Parade hosted 30 parade units.

Summer Concerts Series hosted 8 concerts on the Bloomfield Town Hall lawn beginning
with the Bloomfield High School Band, Choir, and Bloomfield Music Makers and
concluded with the West Indian Celebration.

Bloomfield West Indian Celebration – Held on Thursday, August 1 provided an evening of
music including a Steel Band, Reggae Band, and solo saxophonist. West Indian cuisine and
crafts were available.

Bloomfield Pool filtration project was completed. Both the main pool and wading pool old
filtration system was removed and replaced with a state of the art perlite/DE enclosed system
including new plumbing, chemical lines, flooring, and chemical control system.

Replaced the Bloomfield Pool exterior and interior fence and replaced pool house flooring.

Wading Pool ADA compliance ramp was built.

Special Events - Back to School Backpack, Pumpkin Carving, Lyman Orchard’s Corn Maze
Trip, Fall Family Festival, Family Bingo(s), Colors of the Season, Eggstravaganza, Family
Flashlight Hikes, Community Gardens, National Aquatics Week, Memorial Day, and
Summer Concerts Series.

Summer 2012 Program Offerings – Lil Rec-ers Camp, Rec-ing Crew Camp, Awesome
Adventures Camp, Shining Stars, Before & After Care, Tennis Lessons, Swim Lessons,
Lifeguard Training, Hoop It Up with Harvey, Butts & Gutts, Yoga, Pool Memberships,
Summer Feeding Program, Flyy Family Fitness, Swim Team, Quilting, and Drop-In
Volleyball.

Fall 2012 & Winter Spring 2013 program offerings – Little Chefs, Indoor Youth Center,
Hoop It Up, Start Smart Basketball, Basketball Conditioning, Let’s Make a Mess, Afterschool Programs, Martial Arts, CPR First Aid, Butts & Gutts, Pottery, Clay Creations,
Potter’s Wheel, Adult Basketball, Mommy & Me Gym Time, Dog Obedience Classes,
Yoga, Zumba, Holiday Break Programs, Drop-In Volleyball, and Track Club.
In addition, the Department is responsible for park programming and works closely with the Public
Works Department, Board of Education, and Youth & Adult Sports Organizations to coordinate active
and passive recreation within the park system. Leisure Services also plays a strong role in assisting
many community groups in their events and programs. We provide technical assistance, event set up
and break down, and many other types of services.
Significant Dates for 2014
Eggstravaganza
Memorial Day Ceremony, Parade, and Road Race
Summer Programs Begins
Summer Concert Series Begins
Pool Opens
Summer Camps Begin
West Indian Celebration & conclusion of Summer Concert
July 31
Series
August 23
Back to School Backpack Fair
September 14
Fall Programs Begins
October 24
Halloween Party
December 6
Colors of the Season
 Event dates are subject to change
April 5
May 25
June 2
June 12
June 21
June 23
20
Back to School Fair – Leisure Services Arts & Crafts Table
Leisure Services Statistics
Summer Programs
2010
2011
2012
Camp Programs
717
558
300
BOE Enrichment Program
n/a
n/a
488
Youth & Adult Programs/Activities
301
295
204
Aquatic Programs
2010
2011
2012
Household Memberships
165
158
147
Adult Memberships
14
9
12
Youth Memberships
139
109
104
Senior Memberships
21
15
16
Swim Lessons
387
443
380
FY 10/11
School Year Recreation Programs
FY 11/12
FY 12/13
After-school Program
BOE Enrichment After-school
Program
31
30
34
n/a
113
79
Youth Center Memberships
109
63
69
Youth Programs
167
209
199
Adult Programs
Special Events
121
248
119
254
196
294
October 2014
Sunday
•
•
•
•
Monday
Tuesday
Haz-Mat Collection in the following towns: East Granby,
East Hartford, and Windsor Locks. Call the MDC for details:
860-278-7850 or visit their website at www.themdc.com
Leisure Services: 860-243-2923
Social and Youth Services: 860-242-1895
For Absentee Ballots call Town Clerk’s Office: 860-769-3507
5
6
7
Wednesday
1 One Book, One
Bloomfield 2014 events
begin
COA Meeting 12pm
Senior Center
8
Thursday
Friday
2
3
Public Libraries
meeting 2:00 PM
Yom Kippur
9
10
Saturday
4
11
Recreation Cmte
Meeting 7:30pm
Fall Family Festival
CAIS/CAMS After
School Academic
and Enrichment
Program Begins
12
13
14
Columbus Day
Library Board
meeting 4:30 PM
15
16
22
23
17
18
24
25
Leisure Services
Halloween Party
Muharram
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
19
20
21
26
27
28
29
30
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
31
Halloween
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Paul B. Hammick, Chief of Police
It has been three years since being appointed as the eighth Chief of Police in the Town of Bloomfield,
and I am honored and privileged to lead an organization as talented as the Bloomfield Police
Department, comprised of so many compassionate and professional employees. The men and women
that make up the Police Department are dedicated to serving the community and meeting the needs of
all who live, work, and visit Bloomfield. The cornerstone of our efforts is a philosophy of
Community-Oriented policing. Community Policing in Bloomfield is not an officer, a unit or a
program, rather it is an overall philosophy that requires the support and participation of every member
of the Bloomfield Police Department. It is an organizational strategy built on the foundation of
Partnerships and Problem Solving. We are fully committed to working with the community to
identify problems and develop creative solutions, and we are proud of the many relationships and
partnerships that we have formed over the past three years. Many of these relationships are the result
of programs developed out of a desire to strengthen our community. The Citizens’ Police Academy,
the Bloomfield Police Chaplain corps, and the University of Hartford Task Force are all initiatives
developed by officers in order to increase communication with the community and identify creative
solutions to problems affecting our neighborhoods.
The Bloomfield Police Department employs a diverse workforce consisting of 49 sworn police
officers and 12 support personnel. I am very pleased to have already had 17 new staff members join
the Department in my brief time here as Chief. Many of these new faces have been actively working
in the community, while others are currently in training and will be serving our community very soon.
In 2012, I introduced the Bloomfield Police Department Strategic Operating Plan which focused on
building our Community Policing initiatives, while also strengthening the department’s capabilities.
As a result, we have observed a steady increase in police officer activity; whether it is additional
patrols, school safety checks, citizen contacts, bicycle patrol, or motor vehicle safety checks. Patrol
Officers are engaging the community and working to improve the quality of life in Bloomfield. At
the same time, we have improved the police department headquarters, vehicles, officer equipment and
technology.
The Bloomfield Police Department has applied for national accreditation with the Commission on
Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). In order to achieve this status, the
Police Department is required to meet 459 internationally-recognized professional standards of
excellence. I am confident in our efforts to achieve national recognition, and look forward to
celebrating the achievement in the near future.
Crime statistics, as reported annually to the FBI, reflect improvement in many areas, but a need for
more focused attention in others. The overall crime rate has declined over the past three years, with
crimes of arson, robbery, sex offenses, assault and burglary declining; however, larceny and auto theft
have not decreased over the same time period. Both citizen-initiated calls to the police and officerinitiated activity have increased over the past year. I would like to emphasize the importance of
safeguarding your valuables and locking your vehicle.
In the aftermath of the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting, it is important to recognize the
excellent cooperation that we enjoy with the Bloomfield School Administration and our public safety
partners at the Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance, Bloomfield Center Fire and Blue Hills Fire
Departments. I believe we have well-constructed safety and security plans in place that balance the
safety and security needs of our children while providing an appropriate learning environment. A part
22
of the plan includes two full-time school resource officers in the high school and middle school, as
well as routine patrols of the town elementary schools.
The third and fourth sessions of the Citizens’ Police Academy were held this year. Several town
residents and business people attended this extremely well-planned and well-received series of
educational and interactive programs. I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about
the public safety services in the Town of Bloomfield to attend this outstanding experience.
The Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance Service, or BVA as it is referred, is a division of the
Bloomfield Police Department. The volunteer corps began delivering emergency medical service in
July of 1977, and is one of the last remaining ambulance services in the area that remains staffed 24
hours per day, 7 days a week, primarily by volunteers. Each year, BVA responds to more than 2,000
calls for assistance and transports a large number of these patients to area hospitals for a wide variety
of medical concerns.
In 2012, the Police Department and BVA were successful with helping the Town of Bloomfield to
achieve the status of being a “Heart Safe Community,” ensuring that critical, life-saving technology is
available in our community, as well as training employees and residents in life-saving measures. Just
last year, BVA assisted over 60 citizens in obtaining their CPR certification.
The BVA is currently staffed by more than 60 dedicated EMTs, but we are always in need of
additional volunteers to help serve the community of Bloomfield. The future of the Bloomfield
Volunteer Ambulance Service depends on it! For additional information contact the BVA at: 860
243 3482.
November 2014
Sunday
•
•
•
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
3rd
FULL week of each month on your regular trash collection day (full weeks begin on
Sundays)
Fall Leaf Collection begins. Call All American Waste with questions: 860-289-7850
DPW to begin drainage cleaning
8
13
14
15
20
21
22
28
29
3
4
5
6
Daylight Saving Time
Ends
Recreation Cmte
Meeting 7:30pm
Election Day
COA Meeting 12pm
Senior Center
Public Libraries
meeting 2:00 PM
16
10
11
12
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
Veterans Day
Library Board
meeting 4:30 PM
17
18
Town Offices Closed
19
1
7
2
9
Saturday
23
24
25
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
30
26
27
Thanksgiving Day
Town Offices Closed
Ice Skating Begins
Town Offices Closed
• Prosser Library: 860-243-9721
• Registrar of Voters: 860-769-3540
• Town Clerk: 860-769-3507
PROSSER LIBRARY
Roberta LaMonaca, Library Director
Prosser Public Library and its branch, the McMahon Wintonbury Library, are vital centers for
learning, entertainment and community in the Town of Bloomfield. In the 21st century, library
service is evolving and changing on a continual basis. Meeting those challenges is the constant
goal of library staff.
The library undertook a strategic planning process in 2011. One request from residents was the
option of having the Prosser Public Library remain open on Saturdays in the summer. In 2012,
this change was implemented on a trial basis with the library remaining open from 10 a.m.
until 2:00 p.m. This made it possible for those residents who are working or who are at camp
and unable to visit during the week to still use library services. Based on the positive feedback
received for this pilot, a permanent change has been made for the summer hours at the Prosser
Library.
Another goal in the strategic plan was the initiation of a One Book, One Bloomfield event. In
October 2012, Bloomfield readers read and came together for book discussions, a film viewing
and refreshments connected to The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. Banners were mounted on
utility poles in the center of town and on Blue Hills Avenue near the McMahon Wintonbury
Library promoting the One Book series. This fall, residents are invited to participate in a One
Book, One Bloomfield series based on Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork.
Collaborations between town departments including Senior, Social and Leisure Services have
enabled the library to offer enhanced programming to residents. Examples include the option
of getting Medicare counseling from social services staff at the library during open enrollment
and attending musical events at the library, transported there by the mini-bus from Senior
Services. Partnerships with other community organizations include the Wintonbury Historical
Society, Duncaster, the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, Auer Farm, the Wintonbury Land
Trust, and the Dun-Land Woods Garden Club. The net result of these relationships is the wide
array of diverse programming that the library offers and residents enjoy.
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford is entering into the 4 th year of literacy classes offered
twice weekly on a year-round schedule at the McMahon Wintonbury Library. LVGH tutors
with the support of library staff provide much needed help to adults striving to master reading.
Often the students are attempting to improve their skills in order to find employment or to seek
better positions. The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving initially funded this program. It
has also received support from the Friends of the Bloomfield Public Libraries.
The Friends group meets on the first Thursday of the month at the library from September –
June. Their volunteers run the library book sales and offer books for sale year round at both
libraries. This year Prosser Library was able to acquire a mobile computer lab that is used to
teach computer classes at the library. The Friends supplied the funds to purchase 12 laptop
computers, a metal cart to securely store and recharge the computers and the appropriate
software. The addition of this equipment allows the library to assist patrons seeking to improve
their knowledge of word processing and Internet searching. These are essentials skills for all
residents in the high tech world in which we live. The summer reading programs for adults and
children also are supported by the generosity of the Friends of the Bloomfield Public Libraries.
24
Technology is at the forefront of delivering public library service today. This is most evident in
the demand for electronic materials including downloadable e-books and audio books. The
library offers access to these materials from the library website www.prosserlibrary.info. This
24 hour virtual library branch provides direct access to electronic databases that offer
information on everything from financial matters, resume assistance, antique prices, consumer
reports to online magazines, children's books and courses offering continuing education
credits. Library staff promotes the use of these resources by offering individual assistance to
customers seeking guidance on the use of electronic readers and pads.
The Bloomfield Public Libraries also enjoy membership in Library Connection, Inc., a system
of integrated computer service and resource sharing in the greater Hartford region. This
enables residents to access information and borrow from the collections of the 27 member
libraries. The statewide Connecticar and Connecticard system allows Bloomfield library
cardholders to borrow and return materials from any public library in the state of Connecticut.
All of the services listed here and many more are available to all Bloomfield Public Library
cardholders. Visit the library to get a card or find out more about how the libraries can help
you!
December 2014
Sunday
Monday
1
Tuesday
2
Recreation Cmte
Meeting 7:30pm
Wednesday
8
9
Pearl Harbor
Remembrance Day
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
Library Board
meeting 4:30 PM
14
15
16
Friday
5
Saturday
3
4
COA Meeting 12pm
Senior Center
Public Libraries
meeting 2:00 PM
10
11
12
13
17
18
19
20
24
25
26
27
Christmas Eve
Last Day of
Chanukah
Christmas Day
Kwanzaa Begins
Leisure Services
Summer Hiring
Process begins
7
Thursday
6
Leisure Services
Colors of the Season
Event
First Day of
Chanukah
21
22
December Solstice
Town Council
Meeting 7:30pm
23
Town Offices Closed
28
29
30
31
New Year’s Eve
• Human Resources: 860-769-3544
• Leisure Services: 860-243-2923
• Police Department: 860-242-5501
• Prosser Library: 860-243-9721
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
John P. Lawlor, Jr., Director of Public Works & Facilities
The mission of the Public Works Department is to provide quality operations and maintenance services to
the Town of Bloomfield. The department strives to continually provide these services to our residents,
businesses and visitors as proof of our dedication and community pride.
ADMINISTRATION: The primary administrative functions of the department this year were personnel,
outreach, planning, and operations management. The Department welcomed six new employees and
wished farewell to two employees, bringing our overall agency strength to 100% for the first time in
several years. Community and educational outreach continued to be an agency effort. This included
environmental outreach programs with the Watkinson School and public announcement of “green fleet”
efforts involving our solid waste collection equipment, a first for Hartford County. Our agency planning
was formalized in a revised strategic plan. This plan lays out the mission, vision, core functions and other
information vital to the successful operations of the department. Two significant emergency operations
occurred this FY, namely Blizzard Charlotte and Hurricane Sandy. Both events resulted in several days of
consequence management and a lengthy administrative, reimbursement process. The total reimbursement
from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for both of these storms was approximately $83K.
Additionally, final administrative processing for Winter Storm Alfred (FY 2012) was completed and
restoration was completed at Reservoir #3. Finally, the department was successful in securing several
grants which centered on energy initiatives and allowed for the replacement of windows, pumps and
cooling towers.
(Police Department) was paved. A guardrail repair/replacement program was begun this year.
Approximately 1,580LF of metal-beam and wire rail was replaced. Eleven hazardous materials collection
events were held in FY12, all were available to Bloomfield residents, and one was hosted in town. Street
sweeping occurred from May to early June and included all town roads. This program occurs annually.
Public Works provides all of the technical expertise and routine maintenance of the lawns, public spaces
and athletic fields. This includes turf management, mowing and trimming, pruning of trees and shrubbery
and gardening or certain areas in town. Athletic fields are routinely prepared and lined to accommodate
the sports needs and activities of the town and the Board of Education. This includes approximately 1,200
acres.
Public Works manages, maintains, procures and liquidates all of the town owned vehicles and equipment.
This also includes maintenance and repair of fire apparatus and ambulances for the two fire departments
and one volunteer ambulance company located in town. This past year the fleet was reduced by liquidating
forty-one pieces of surplus/non-operational equipment. Additional efforts are necessary to further reduce
the active rolling stock.
Special projects completed by Public Works this year include: reconstruction of two wooden bridges
located in Filly Park; restoration of Latimer Hills Cemetery; restoration of Blue Hills Avenue/Cottage
Grove Road gateway. Efforts were made to increase our departmental “green footprint” by reducing and
recycling wherever possible. This included the disposal of over 3,000 used tires.
Snow Storm History
FY 12/13
FY 11/12
FY 10/11
FY 9/10
OPERATIONS: The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining approximately 110 (center
line) miles of road. This year approximately 3.72 miles of roadway was improved. This included milling,
paving and overlaying with bituminous concrete. Additionally, the parking lot at the 785 Park Avenue
26
Number of
Storms
7
9
17
17
Total
accumulation
inches
52.3
26.7
71.2
30.6
Avg Cost
$/inch/mile
$33.42
N/C
N/C
N/C
FACILITIES: The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining and improving select
municipal buildings, from daily maintenance needs to capital improvement planning, design, and
construction oversight. Most building services are performed by outside contractors, making contractor
management a major function of the Department. Minor maintenance services and daily cleaning are
accomplished using a small full-time staff. The focus of Public Works on facilities this year centered on
analysis, preventative maintenance, grants, energy consumption/savings, and overall process
improvement.
The primary focus for 2013 was analyzing the current state and needs of the individual buildings to
determine the most practical way to proceed with preventive maintenance while planning for needed
capital infusions. The infrastructure needs at all facilities are such that costly emergency repairs are often
needed and true preventive maintenance is not feasible. A lack of capital allocations to the buildings over
the course of many years has taken its toll on the infrastructure. Awareness of this condition has been
raised to Town management and Council through capital project submittals.
Grants focused on energy efficiency allowed work to begin on two projects. A grant from CT DECD
funded a much needed window replacement project at Town Hall. The project was designed and put out
to bid, with construction scheduled to begin in Fall 2013. Public Works worked in conjunction with the
Town’s Conservation, Environmental, and Energy Committee (CEEC) to utilize a CL&P “Bright Ideas”
grant to fund an Investment Grade audit with an Energy Services Company (ESCO). Ameresco was
selected through a multi-town RFQ process to conduct the Audit. The audit began in May and will be
completed by November, 2013.
In an effort to better manage and track energy consumption in the municipal portfolio, the Department
went live with a web based program called UtilityTrac Plus, where each meter was set up and data
inputted for the past two years. In addition to the ability to instantly map energy trends, projects designed
to save energy can now be input into the program and results validated.
While significant steps have been taken during the year to improve the customer experience in the
buildings, the overwhelming amount of deferred maintenance remains an ongoing challenge considering
the existing funding levels. However, we remain positive that with teamwork, success will be realized one
project at a time.
27
SENIOR SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Yvette Huyghue-Pannell, Director
The Marilyn Michaelson Senior Center of Bloomfield, one of only seven nationally accredited senior
centers in Connecticut, had a number of reasons to celebrate the year.
We worked with the Bloomfield Commission on Aging to establish the Bloomfield TRIAD (a
partnership of law enforcement personnel, aging network leadership and private sector businesses).
The first TRIAD project was the Peoples United Bank Yellow Dot Program (a file of life for your
car).
Our first corporate neighbor to “adopt a room,” Triumph Actuation Systems “WINGS Program,” a
Bloomfield aerospace company, selected the Fiber Arts room, as they felt the usage of the room fit
with their “pay it forward” community concept. They purchased and replaced furniture and
equipment, and provided state-of-the art items to support our programs.
Senior Services coordinated a number of volunteer programs. Bloomfield “seniors” helped in the
café; taught classes; facilitated support groups; delivered Meals-on-Wheels; prepared the monthly
newsletter for mailing; provided blood pressure screenings; and staffed Ida’s Shoppe. Our Town Hall
Greeters staffed the reception area of Town Hall every business day, helping to create a warm and
welcoming environment for visitors. 151 of the 209 Senior Center volunteers attended our annual
appreciation luncheon.
The Senior Services Department also served as an information and referral resource.
September is National Senior Center Month. We celebrated with our 5th Annual Senior Expo,
designed to provide visitors with a wide array of information. Later in the month, “seniors” got
dressed up and enjoyed an evening “Dancing Under the Stars.”
We collaborated with other Town departments and corporate neighbors to present parties; special
events; health/nutrition and intergenerational programs and trips. We worked with the University
High School to present a Casual Prom.
The Senior Services Department hosted interns from Manchester Community College, the UCONN
School of Nursing, The College of the Holy Cross, and Springfield College. They taught French,
social media, technology, yoga, journal writing, poetry and meditation, and facilitated a book club.
The Wii Warriors bowling team competed in matches throughout the State. The Music Makers,
known as “Bloomfield’s Goodwill Ambassadors,” performed several times during the year and staged
a “sold out” Back to Broadway concert in May.
Regularly scheduled, ongoing classes included painting, color pencil drawing, fiber arts and
knitting/crocheting. The highlight for each of these classes was an annual exhibition at Town Hall.
The instructors and students in the crafting classes were involved in many community service
projects, generously donating their time, talent and treasures to recipients locally and around the
world. A variety of exercise programs helped keep participants fit.
The Senior Center Café was open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the Community Renewal
Team congregate meal program.
MARILYN MICHAELSON SENIOR CENTER OF BLOOMFIELD STATISTICS
FY
FY
FY
# of Program Participants per year
2010/2011
2011/2012
2012-2013
The green and gold mini-buses can be seen all over town, providing weekday transportation to senior
citizens and medically-eligible individuals. This year we provided 33,352 rides.
COMMISSION ON AGING
Paul Pelletier & Lucille Morisse, co-chairs
Bloomfield’s Commission on Aging (C.O.A.) was established in 1971 and serves as the local
community advocate for older adults, their families and caregivers. Members are appointed--and the
Commission is funded--by the Bloomfield Town Council. The mission of the C.O.A. is to honor the
dignity and diversity of Bloomfield’s citizens who are age 55 and older through advocating for
programs that support and enhance the quality of life. In fiscal year 2012-2013, the C.O.A. worked
with the Senior Services Department to establish a Connecticut TRIAD partnership in Bloomfield.
The first TRIAD program introduced in this joint venture was the Peoples United Bank Yellow Dot
Program (which is similar to a “file of life for your automobile”). The C.O.A. also co-sponsored an
annual intergenerational concert and luncheon with the Bloomfield High School Performing Arts
students and the Senior Services Music Makers (the Senior Center’s performing group).
General activities, special events, travel
and health programs
19,727
24,066
25,415
Nutrition programs (Meals on Wheels &
Community Renewal
Team
lunch
programs)
7,594
7,796
6,565
In addition to those activities, C.O.A. members volunteer for numerous Bloomfield Senior Services
Department programs and services such as monthly support groups, Meals-on-Wheels, Foodshare
distribution and special events.
Transportation
round trips
30,587
31,644
33,352
1,292
171
1,317
197
1,425
209
The Commission on Aging meets at the Marilyn Michaelson Senior Center of Bloomfield, 330 Park
Avenue, Bloomfield, at 12:00 noon on the first Wednesday of each month, with the exception of July
and August. C.O.A. may be reached by calling and leaving a message at the Senior Center Office
(860-243-8361).
(mini-bus) unduplicated
Transportation-medical
Senior Services volunteers
28
SOCIAL & YOUTH SERVICES
Camilla Jones, Director
Social & Youth Services is committed to providing services that promote the well-being, selfsufficiency and quality of life for all Bloomfield residents. We strive to reach these goals through
quality services within the framework of a professional, creative and supportive environment. This
fiscal year presented us with many challenges that resulted in an increased demand for our services
such as financial assistance, food bank, affordable health insurance options, housing; as well as
programs/services for youth & their families. Many of our residents are choosing to age in place and
are increasingly seeking services that will assist them with remaining in their homes, while maintaining
their dignity and independence.
Social Services – Adults & Seniors:
The department provided services to over 3,000 residents throughout the year. As residents continue
to struggle with the negative impact of the economy on their daily lives, we experience an increased
need for services. These services have included:







29
Energy Assistance – 990 residents received heating/utility assistance. The utilization of
programs such as Operation Fuel, the State Energy Assistance Program, donations received
from the CL&P Home Energy Solutions Program, and private donations have assisted with
keeping homes warm and restoring utility service.
Financial - We continue to educate families on the importance of healthy household decision
making. This has included budgeting, energy conservation and mental health / substance
abuse referrals. We have been able to develop relationships with service providers
representing many specialty areas as referral sources.
Housing – The department responded to two major fires this year that resulted in the
displacement of 20 residents. In addition, we responded to evictions and foreclosures to
secure storage for personal items and refer to alternative housing options.
Food Insecurity – The Bloomfield Food Bank served 2,100 residents. Through donations
from many organizations, congregations, town departments and private citizens, we are able
to meet the increasing demand. Social Workers also assist residents with applying for SNAP
benefits (formerly known as food stamps), medical assistance, child support and other
programs.
Holiday Giving – Thanksgiving baskets and holiday gifts were distributed to 100 families.
In addition, in collaboration with Senior Services we served 100 seniors during our annual
Thanksgiving Luncheon. We are extremely grateful to all of the Town Departments,
Bloomfield businesses and residents that assisted with making this program a success.
Outreach Services to Seniors and Disabled Adults - We remain focused on ways to ensure
that seniors/disabled adults are able to remain safe in their home setting. This is
accomplished through home visits, phone contact and referrals. Many of our referrals are
received from our collaborations with the Bloomfield Senior Center, Protective Services,
home care agencies, police department and senior housing sites. As part of our outreach
program, we are able to utilize programs and agencies that can help seniors live safely in the
community such as: state programs, adult daycare, home care programs, Meals on Wheels,
mental health/substance abuse programs and transportation services. We also provide
assistance with the Renter’s Rebate Program, Medicare Savings program as well as
community workshops at Bloomfield Senior Center and other congregate housing sites.
Information and Referrals – We continue to provide personal service for seniors/disabled
adults with information pertinent to questions regarding: Medicare, options available to
pay for medical care through HMO or Medigap supplemental insurance, prescription
programs, and state funded medical insurance coverage. We also work with families facing
the difficult decision of finding alternative placement for an aging family member in a
nursing home or assisted living placement. We are able to provide information about
different placements, cost, and other financial resources.
Youth Services:
The Youth Services division provides services for Bloomfield youth and their families. The range of
services includes referrals to appropriate services, individual and family therapy, therapeutic group
work, a community resource center, family, community and school events, recreational and cultural
events and inter-generational programs. Staff work closely with Bloomfield Public Schools and other
town departments to provide a continuum of services.
Grant funding has been instrumental in providing us the opportunity to increase our outreach efforts
through special events, groups and family activities. Funding sources include the Department of
Children & Families (DCF), State Department of Education, Capital Area Substance Abuse Council
(CASAC), Bloomfield Public Schools and Connecticut Office of Policy Management Juvenile Justice.
Through grants this division coordinates the Juvenile Review Board and Foster Care Support Network,
After-School groups, Police & Youth Crusaders, Intergenerational programs and other programs that
promote positive youth and family community involvement. The Youth Adult Council and Youth
Action Club provide guidance for programs to benefit Bloomfield youth and families.
Youth and family serving programs and services during Fiscal Year 2012-2013 exceeded expectations.
Programs and services had participation and utilization rates at or above capacity. More importantly,
95 percent of youth and families rated their overall experiences in programs and services as very good
or excellent. Financial and in-kind support of Youth Services increased. That support combined with
collaboration and coordination with a variety of partnerships; locally, regionally and statewide, created
new opportunities for growth in the number and type of programs offered to Bloomfield children and
families.
Bloomfield Youth Adult Council
Sixteen energized, creative and committed individuals served the community as advisors for youth and
family serving programs in the Bloomfield community. Beyond monthly meetings, council members
rolled up their sleeves and worked at some of the special events offered by Social and Youth Services
and shared their knowledge of local programs and services with groups, businesses, communities of
faith and organizations in the community. Members participated in two Youth and Family Forums
sponsored by Social and Youth Services and worked very closely with youth in the Bloomfield Youth
Action Club to assure that the programs and services offered meet the current needs and desires of
youth and families in the Town of Bloomfield.
TOWN CLERK
Marguerite Phillips, Town Clerk
The Town Clerk's Office had a very busy year coming off of a Presidential Primary we started the fiscal
year with double Democratic and Republican Primaries on August 14, 2012 for the Office of United
States Senator. The Democrats had a 21% turn out and the Republicans had a 32% turnout. We issued
232 absentee & military/blank ballots. The State went thru redistricting and the Town voted to change
our voting districts from 6 to 5. We now have Senate District 2, Senate District 5, and Assembly District
15. We began the Presidential Election immediately following the primaries. The Town had 15,144
voters and the number that came out to vote was 11,673. This was a 77% turn out for the election. We
issued 1,766 absentee ballots & military/blank ballots, 269 Presidential ballots and 23 provisional
ballots. MDC had a referendum question on the ballot for the clean water project. 5638 voted yes and
1,834 voted no. We had 6 official write-ins for President and 7 official write-ins for US Senate. The
Town Clerk’s Office was very busy administering all the statutory required duties for the election
process, registering voters, and answering general questions from electors calling, emailing or coming
into the office about absentee applications and ballots, if they or a family member was registered to
vote, and where they vote.
Due to the last two consecutive years of natural disasters around Election Day and in accordance with
section 9-174a of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Registrar of Voters in consultation with the
Town Clerk have created an “Emergency Contingency Plan for Elections” for the Town of Bloomfield.
This plan covers solutions for ballot shortages and strategies to implement in the event of the following;
a shortage or absence of poll workers, a loss of power, a fire or the sounding of an alarm within a polling
place, voting machine malfunctions, weather or other natural disasters, the need to remove a poll worker
or moderator and to replace such worker or moderator, and disorder in and around the polling place.
The plan created has been approved by the Town Council and is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office and
the Secretary of the State’s Office.
The Town Clerk had applied and been approved for a Historic Preservation Grant. This Historic
Preservation Grant will allow us to continue to bring the Town of Bloomfield’s Land Records up to
speed with technology in today’s world. This is the 2nd phase of this film to image conversion project.
This project will provide the Town of Bloomfield with an all-electronic land record image-base
spanning back to 1956 once all the phases are complete. This will make a huge impact for not only the
Town Clerk’s Office but also for the Attorney’s, Title Searchers and the Community/General Public to
help in land record searching and printing the land records. This will also preserve the records because
they will be less handled.
The Town Clerk’s Office has many functions and responsibilities as per the Connecticut General
Statutes, Town Charter and Town Ordinances. It is the heart of the local government and serves its
community with many offerings such as issuing hunting and fishing licenses, dog licenses, DEEP and
liquor permits, recording and issuing land records, births, marriages, deaths, and burials certificates,
responds to and records under freedom of information inquiries, government meeting minutes and
agendas, election responsibilities, issues absentee ballots and much more.
The following are statistics from the 12/13 fiscal year:
Total documents recorded on the land records
Dog Licenses issued
Vital Statistics recorded
Births
Marriages
Deaths
30
5149
895
182
162
291
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
Barbara L. Reisner and Anne E. Wall, Registrars
On July 1, 2012, the beginning of fiscal year 2012-2013, the Town of Bloomfield had 14,037 electors
registered as follows: Democrat – 8,279; Republican – 1,516; Unaffiliated – 4,206 and Other – 36.
A mandated redistricting that occurred in early 2012 reflected a reduction in Bloomfield’s voting
districts from six to five districts with a savings of approximately $5,000 to the Town. Notification
letters were mailed to active electors indicating their voting district. A Double Primary for a United
States Senator seat was held on August 14, 2012 (Democrat 20% and Republican 31% turnout) and the
Presidential Election occurred on November 4, 2012 (77% turnout). Both elections were held in the
following districts: District I – J. P. Vincent School; District 2 – Bloomfield High School; District 3 –
Carmen Arace Middle School; District 4 – Metacomet Elementary School; and District 5 – Laurel
Elementary School.
The Registrars participated in the Back-to-School Fair on August 25, 2012 and the Senior Center Expo
on September 4, 2012.
Upon a request by the instructor, the Registrars attended a Bloomfield evening adult education class on
October 10, 2012 to inform the students about the registration and voting process. Handouts were
distributed.
Beginning in January, 2013, an extensive Annual Canvass of Voters was conducted. This canvass
included information provided by the U. S. Postal Service National Change of Address files as well as
a compilation of electors from the Registrars’ database of those residents who had not voted within the
past eight years.
An Emergency Contingency Plan for Elections was created and presented to the Town Council for
adoption on April 8, 2013.
As members of the Registrar of Voters Association of Connecticut, the Registrars attend the Spring and
Fall Conferences for certification and review of new election legislation. Additionally, we attend the
ROVAC Hartford County quarterly meetings.
At the end of the fiscal year and completion of the Annual Canvass, on June 30, 2013, the breakdown
of voters were as follows: Democrats – 7,805; Republicans – 1,370; Unaffiliated – 3,548; and Other –
58. The total number of eligible voters was 12,781.
WEST HARTFORD-BLOOMFIELD
HEALTH DISTRICT
Steve Huleatt, Director of Health
The West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District (WHBHD) is located at 520 Cottage Grove Road in
Bloomfield, Connecticut. The WHBHD formed in June of 1995 through the consolidation of the full-time
municipal health departments of West Hartford and Bloomfield following consideration by the elected
Town Councils of each town in the spring of 1995. The WHBHD is governed by a Board comprised of
eight members. The size of the Board is established in Connecticut General Statute which provides the
local elected body to appoint one board member per ten thousand residents up to a maximum of five
appointed members. Presently the Board has five members from West Hartford and three members from
Bloomfield. The Board adheres to the established Connecticut State Statutes and the By-Laws of the
District
The WHBHD jurisdiction provides public health services to a combined area of 48.6 square miles and
2010 estimated population of 83,887 residents. The WHBHD provides public health promotion,
prevention and protection services in the Towns of West Hartford and Bloomfield from our central office
located in Suite 200 at 520 Cottage Grove Road in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
The fiscal year staff plan equals 12.0 full time equivalents and consultants including our medical advisor
and registered dietician.
Staff Positions
Director of Health
Assistant DoH/Community Health Coordinator
Public Health Nurses
Community Health Specialists
Environmental Health Program Coordinator
Environmental Sanitarians
Housing Inspector
Business Office Coordinator
Administrative Assistants
Public Preparedness Planner/Coordinator
Total Full Time Equivalent Staff
2013 FTE
1.0
1.0
2.0
0.0
1.0
3.0
1.0
1.0
0.5
1.0
11.5
2014 FTE
1.0
1.0
2.0
0.0
1.0
3.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
12.0
For more information on these various programs, contact the District at (860) 561-7900 or find them
online at www.westhartford.org/living_here/town_departments/health_district. You may also visit in
person at 580 Cottage Grove Road, Suite 100, Bloomfield, CT 06002 from 8:30am to 4:30 pm Mon-Fri.
31
WINTONBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Dick Pierce, President
The Society occupied its new building at 153 School Street in 2010 and has since made good progress in
cataloguing and shelving its collection of documents and artifacts from Bloomfield’s past. The building is
open to the public Sunday and Monday afternoons and help with research is available. For information
call 860-243-1531 or 860-242-7639 or email [email protected].
The Society presented five free programs in the past year at Prosser Library and other venues. Meg
Galante-DeAngelis of UConn spoke on the patriotic work of children during the Civil War, and Matt
Warshauer of CCSU discussed “Connecticut Copperheads: Civil War Dissent in the Land of Steady
Habits.” Archaeologist Marc Banks presented his findings from excavations showing thousand-year-old
Native American occupation of North Bloomfield near the Farmington River. Of special note were our
two Black History Month programs in February. Society Historian Fred Hesketh provided a wellresearched report on the history of African Americans in Bloomfield up to 1970, and a panel of citizens
discussed progress up to today. Donald Harris, Beatrice Llewellyn, Shirley Thompson, Edward Stockton,
and Joseph Suggs were the panelists. One other program was a reading of an unpublished one-act play
written by Bloomfield author Anna Ferraresso and brought to life by Marilyn Johnson, Tom Nicotera, Al
LeFebvre, and Libbie Merrow.
Wintonbury Historical Society was one of 25 history organizations from around Connecticut to participate
in a self-study curriculum over a two-year period. The aim was to become a more professional
organization putting into practice recognized museum standards.
The Old Farm School hosted 120 third graders from Metacomet School over four days in September 2012,
and Fred Hesketh spoke to over a hundred students at Carmen Arace Middle School.
This year we made some progress in diversifying our Board of Directors. Our membership totals almost
200.
THE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COMMISSION
The Metropolitan District (MDC) serves the towns of Bloomfield, East Hartford, Hartford,
Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor. The core mission of the
MDC is to provide our customers with safe, pure drinking water and environmentally
protective wastewater collection and treatment. For over 80 years, the MDC has delivered the
highest quality drinking water at historically low water use rates. In 2013 for example, MDC
customers paid $2.50 for every 748 gallons of treated water.
In the sanitary sewage arena, the MDC is in the midst of its Clean Water Project, the most
significant sewer infrastructure improvement in the history of the MDC. The goals of the
project are to reduce sewage overflows, reduce nitrogen discharges into the Connecticut River
and prevent sewage from backing up into people’s homes.
Some of the Clean Water Project’s most significant work completed to date include the
following upgrades to our Hartford Water Pollution Control Facility:


32
New Aeration and Final Settling Tanks, which allow for more capacity to treat
nitrogen;
A new Ultraviolet Disinfection Facility, which provides a safer
environmentally friendly way to treat raw sewage (without using chlorine
gas); and

New Waste Heat Recovery Facility, which can use the heat generated by
incineration of sludge to produce enough electricity to provide more than 30
% of the plant’s power needs.
Additionally, major sewer separation and lining projects have been completed in the MDC’s
member towns to help eliminate storm water from getting into the sewage system and reducing
the sewer's capacity to collect and convey sanitary waste, which is the root cause behind
overflows and backups.
In November 2012, an additional $800 million spending authorization for Phase II of the
MDC’s Clean Water Project was overwhelmingly supported by voters in the MDC’s eight
member towns. The referendum passed by an unprecedented 3 to 1 margin and allowed for the
state of the art Clean Water Project to continue improving the Greater Hartford region’s aging
sanitary sewer system and cleaning up the Connecticut River. It is clear that the residents
within the MDC municipalities appreciate their responsibility to the environment and to its
neighbors, and are willing to accept the financial obligation to meet that responsibility.
In addition to holding public meetings in member towns, the MDC extended its outreach to
social and civic clubs, chambers of commerce, neighborhood groups and numerous other
organizations to help educate the public about the project. Keeping our customers well
informed on the purpose and progress of the project undoubtedly contributed to the substantial
approval of the phase two referendum this past November.
All future Annual Reports will be available at the following locations:






Town Hall (800 Bloomfield Avenue)
Prosser Library (1 Tunxis Avenue)
Wintonbury Library (1015 Blue Hills Avenue)
Senior Services Center (330 Park Avenue)
Leisure Services (330 Park Avenue)
Social and Youth Services (330 Park Avenue)
Bloomfield
Bloomfield
Bloomfield
Town HallTown
TownHall
Hall
800 Bloomfield
800
800Bloomfield
Bloomfield
Avenue Avenue
Avenue
Bloomfield,
Bloomfield,
Bloomfield,
CT 06002CT
CT06002
06002
Pre-sorted Standard
Pre-sorted
Pre-sorted
Standard
Standard
U.S. PostageU.S.
U.S.
Postage
Postage
PAID
PAID
PAID
Hartford, CT
Hartford,
Hartford,
CT
CT
Permit # 5159
Permit
Permit
# 5159
# 5159
POSTALPATRON
PATRON
POSTAL POSTAL
PATRON
BLOOMFIELD,
BLOOMFIELD,
CT 06002CT
CT06002
06002
BLOOMFIELD,

TOWN OF BLOOMFIELD

Transcription

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