Finance First

By Sharon Bass

Mayor Craig Henrici seems determined to start the ball rolling -- and rolling as fast as it can -- to move the education department into Government Center. It could save tax dollars by merging certain functions -- and bring clearer transparency to a department that has raised a lot of eyebrows over the years.

His first target is the school finance office. He said he hopes to see Director Tom Pesce and crowd moved in by February. However, Pesce didn’t sound too on-board yesterday.

“We’ve got to look at the space of the facility itself before we move. We need to see how many square feet are available,” Pesce said. “I’m going to have to talk to [the mayor] about it.” Asked to elaborate on the move, he said he’d call the HDN back in “a little while,” but didn’t, and also didn’t return a second message left for him yesterday.

But Henrici said he’s got Assistant Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez on his team. “He said he was not against [the move]. He’s excited about it,” the mayor said. “I want to get finance in there first because much of the concern between the town and Board of Ed has to do with finances. So we’re hoping we can work better under a common roof.”

“I do whatever the Board of Education tells me to do,” said Hernandez, who didn’t want to comment on sharing digs with the town side.

In response to Pesce’s concern about where his office would be sited in Government Center, Henrici said that’s all worked out. “We have a blueprint of the building and have identified where the vacant offices are. For the most part they’re next to the Council office,” he said.

By Sharon Bass

Looks like Hamden is getting her own farmers market. A $50,000 state grant just arrived to develop a space for it on Meadowbrook, which is in the midst of being transformed into Town Center Park.

However, local farmers would get first dibs on market spots, said grants coordinator Chris Marchand. He didn’t know how many active farms are left in town, but has heard there might be a half-dozen. Marchand said he’s excited about having a fresh fruit and veggie market.

So is Liz Hindinger, whose family farm on Dunbar Hill Road was established in 1893. “It’s a great way to introduce people in the community to us. I think it’s a great opportunity,” she said. “It would be silly for us not to go. It’s right in Hamden. Hey, any way to make money is good for us. We do well in Fair Haven.”

Hindinger sells her edible wares at City Seed, a farmers market in Fair Haven. She also has a retail shop at the farm, but said it doesn’t draw “everybody in Hamden,” especially from the southern parts, so she really values the outdoor markets.

Apparently, not every farmer does. Arthur Vignola, who runs a farm on Paradise Avenue, said he didn’t want anything to do with any farmers market -- in Hamden or anywhere else.

“I wouldn’t be interested in it. I’ve got my customers come here every year. I do the picking with other senior citizens. I wouldn’t be interested,” said Vignola.

When he learned of the $50,000 grant for someone to design the market space, his voice grew louder.

“About the grant, they oughta spend their money more wisely. No wonder the taxes are so out of hand,” Vignola said.

Marchand said a designer is necessary because “the park itself is going to have an overall design so the big issue is how does the farmers market fit into that design.” Stuff like parking and whether there should be a graveled path for the farmers also needs to be mapped out, he said.

Another City Seed

Marchand said City Seed is a model for Hamden’s market. Besides produce, meat, cheese and flowers would be sold. He figured it would operate one or two days a week depending on what the community wants and availability of farmers. The town is currently negotiating a contract with a designer, he said.

‘I See a Red Flag Right There’

FIRST focuses on the town's bottom line

By Sharon Bass

A new committee charged with finding non-tax revenue for the town met for the first time last night. Ideas were thrown around. Energy was high. There was lots of talk about the flaws of town government. And ways Hamden could save money as well as bring it in.

But perhaps the most notable part of the two-plus-hour meeting was the reaction of FIRST (Finance, Income & Revenue Search Team) resident member, Peter Tredwell. He is one of two residents on the 10-person committee of otherwise elected and town officials. With the other resident member being town employee Don Werner, who's a regular at Council meetings, Tredwell was the only town-government virgin in the room. He’s always worked for the private sector.

And more than once he’d exclaim he couldn’t believe his ears.

“I didn’t come in here with any expectations,” Tredwell said after the meeting. He works for ESPN. “But I’ve worked in the TV business for 10 years and I would describe TV as a very results-oriented business. Everything is performance based, like holiday bonuses and raises. And to hear that for town employees nothing is based on performance?”

Here’s what else Tredwell heard in Government Center’s third-floor conference room.

“Our job here is rather simple,” began FIRST Chair Curt Leng, also a councilman. He asked each member for five “firm recommendations” to generate non-tax money for the Legislative Council to review during the upcoming budget season.

“I think we should cut the [Elderly Services] bus service to New Haven,” said Werner, an Elderly Services bus driver. “It takes away from people in Hamden.” He said the buses get just 4 miles to the gallon and there are three buses going all day. Riders pay one buck for roundtrip fare.

“I see a red flag right there,” said member Gretchen Callahan, also a councilwoman. “One dollar no matter how far one goes?” She said riders going into New Haven, for instance, should pay more.

“You don’t want to do that,” warned Werner. “The seniors are already overtaxed.”

“Not all of them,” Callahan shot back.

“It may not be a hardship on them paying another $1,” said Werner, “but the public relations …”

FIRST member Dale Kroop, also the town’s economic development director, asked how many people use the bus to go to New Haven. Werner said one woman goes three times a week for dialysis and there are others who go to the VA.

Leng interjected. “Especially since we have the media here, I don’t want to give the impression that we’re here to cut services,” he said.

Committee members nodded their heads in agreement.

Next on Werner’s list was to reinstate the school’s activity fee for sports and other extracurricular programs.

Mike Germano, also a councilman, wholeheartedly agreed. “I don’t care. Let them put advertising all over the sports fields. Put advertising on my forehead,” he said.

Leng said $75,000 was collected in 2005-06 in activity fees, and at least that amount of money could be made through selling ads for the sports fields. Germano said it would make kids feel good seeing those advertisements, just like in the professional leagues.

“We could make a fortune! A fortune every year and the kids would love it,” he said.

And Werner pushed his pet idea to merge all maintenance into one department. “It will instill better accountability,” he said.

“I agree with that. There is absolutely no accountability with town employees,” said Kroop.

Werner suggested having an employee evaluation system “that wouldn’t hurt their pay but maybe hurt their chances for promotion.”

Tredwell said he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Can’t they be fired? I’ve never heard of this,” he said. In the private business world, employees who don’t perform well get fired or demoted. He was told town workers are unionized and protected from being fired and in most cases demoted. No matter what.

Kroop agreed raises should be based on merit instead of according to labor agreements.

“The town should be run like a business. It is a business,” said Germano.

“There is a structure problem in this town,” said Kroop. Having the mayor appoint nearly every department head is a bad idea, he said, because there’s not much job security. A new mayor comes in and can -- and often does -- wipe out many heads. Wresting that power from the mayor would require a charter revision. A group of three councilmembers is currently deciding whether the 1984 charter should be amended.

Kroop said some department heads and rank and file workers take advantage of the system.

“Charter revision is a scary endeavor because you open up a can of worms,” said Leng.

“It’s nothing against religion, but my pet peeve is too many churches and nonprofits don’t pay property taxes,” said Kroop. And he said the town cannot afford to keep the old middle school, the Keefe Center and the Newhall Community Center. One or two of those buildings should be sold, he said.

“Do you know how much money you’re going to pour into the old Michael J. Whalen?” he said.

“And if we sold a building we wouldn’t have to deal with POBs [Pension Obligation Bonds],” said Leng. The mayor wants to borrow $55 million for the town’s rather emaciated retirement account and much of the Council is opposed, saying it’s too risky to invest the taxpayers’ money.

Callahan voiced issues she has with the way Parks & Rec pays local sports groups. She said there’s some inequality in the amounts that are dispensed.

“We give checks to all the sports organizations, whether they need it or not,” said Callahan, who chairs the legislative Recreation & Culture Committee.

“Why do we pay them?” said Germano. “All the sports get a subsidy?”

“If they don’t get that check there’s an incredible [amount of] lobbying that goes on,” said Leng. Some get about 10,000 tax dollars a year from the town, he said.

The original purpose of the subsidy was to help new community sports programs get started, but for some reason the checks keep getting cut years later, said Leng. Also, the organizations use the school fields and concession stands for free, he said.

And Callahan had a few words to say about the ice-rink concession stand, which is run by a private company the town hired. “It’s hardly every open when I’m there,” she said. “There’s no accountability there.” The company is supposed to return a small percentage of sales to the town but Callahan said, “I don’t know if it’s done right.”

“The town of Hamden gives more to its residents than any other town,” she said.

“That’s why our taxes are so high,” said Kroop.

Another Callahan suggestion: department heads should be asked how they could cut 5 percent from their budgets. “I’ve heard from different departments there are places to cut,” she said. Also, she suggested the town actually collect the fines issued for zoning, anti-blight and property maintenance violations. Leng said not one dollar was collected last year.

More city bus shelters are needed in southern Hamden, said Germano, which gave him an another advertising idea. He said he talked to a bigwig at Clear Channel about building Hamden a bus shelter for free in return for Clear Channel ads all over it.

Germano said residents who have e-mail accounts should get all town notices, even their tax bills, via e-mail to save on postage. Leng said postage cost $119,000 last year.

Loyal Opposition

The mayor appeals to his council last night. Photo/Sharon Bass

Henrici tries to convince the Council pension bonds are the way to go

By Sharon Bass

It was the third attempt to push the mayor’s plan to borrow millions to feed the chronically underfed retirement account. Difference this time around is the mayor spoke directly to the Legislative Council, instead of the corporate financial folks who tried to sell the idea of pension obligation bonds at the two previous sales shows.

Despite the lower key atmosphere last night and the refreshing use of layman's terms, council members sounded as skeptical as ever to risk borrowing money at the taxpayer's expense. They agreed this would be the most important decision they would make this session.

To sum up, the town’s pension account is 29 percent full. Or has $82.7 million. The un-funded liability rings in at $196 million, according to actuaries. About $15 million a year is sent to retirees. This fiscal year $12 million was put into the fund. Next year $16 million will be needed. The mil rate is sure to rise.

So Craig Henrici wants to borrow $55 million, down $30 million from his original suggestion, to fatten up the account. The borrowed money, called pension obligation bonds, would be invested with the hope of a minimum 8 percent return. It’s that hope and the other unknowns of gambling with tax money that has most of the Council squirming.

The mayor said it’s the only viable option. Council members countered that if enough money is put into the account -- which hasn’t been done in maybe nine years -- POBs would not be needed.

“It’s time for a new plan,” Henrici said to the Council. Ten years ago, 100 workers supported 80 retirees. Now, 100 support 108. The actuary’s recommended contribution (ARC) for the pension fund has tripled since 1996.

“Even with the most optimistic calculations, it will take us another three years of accelerated payments to start increasing the size of our pension fund,” he said. “ …adding an additional $9 million for pension fund contributions over the next three years … would have a devastating effect on the mil rate … we must all heed that the fund has lost $51.5 million in value since 2000. The specter of a pay-as-you-go pension does not loom over the heads of our children. It looms over ours.”

Henrici said since 1985, hundreds of communities have gone the POB route.

Councilman John Flanagan asked him to name three towns where the bonds were successful.

“West Haven,” the mayor said. “If West Haven can do it, we can do it.”

“This isn’t a hockey game, with all due respect,” Flanagan said. “I want to talk to the finance directors of those towns.”

“I wonder if that’s why West Haven had such a high tax increase this year,” said Councilwoman Betty Wetmore.

Said Councilwoman Kath Schomaker, “I understand the logic of this proposal. I’d ask the mayor what is the downside?” Besides the investments tanking.

“I think they’ll [Hamden residents] be upset because of mistakes made in the past,” Henrici said. “You’re not going to see a bridge or anything [from the borrowed $55 million]. But I think this is a fiscally sound thing to do.”

FYI

Once a town issues POBs, the state mandates that it pays 100 percent of the ARC every year. There is no choice. Hamden has under-funded the account for years, which is how it got into this mess. If the proposed POB plan went exactly as planned -- realizing at least 8 percent interest on investments -- in 30 years there would be a multi-million dollar profit to the town. While the ARC would decrease, very slightly at first, the town’s annual debt service payment would rise because there would be an additional debt payment on the POBs.

According to a chart the town administration put together, under the current plan of adding $3 million more a year, the pension contributions would be $12 million for 2007-08; $15 million for 2008-09; and $18 million for 2009-10. Debt service payments would respectively be $13.3 million; $12.6 million; and $12.3 million. And the projected mil rates would be 29.26; 30.35; and 31.37.

The chart also breaks out the same info if $55 million in POBs was added to the pension pot, factoring in an 8 percent return. In 2007-08, the pension contributions would be $13.4 million; 2008-09, $13.9 million; and 2009-10, $14.6 million. Debt service is calculated at about $11.4 million; $12.4 million and $13.5 million.

Finance Director Mike Betz said the figures are based on a 1 percent rise in the grand list each year, which is a typical increase. All told, in three years the town would save roughly $2 million by issuing $55 million in POBs. But there are those ifs.

“Instead of paying an additional $4 million in [POB] debt service, put that money into the retirement fund,” said Wetmore. “We’re borrowing money we’ve already borrowed. It just doesn’t make sense.”

“You guys are the fiscal authority of the town,” said Henrici. “If you want to raise the mil rate by three points, God bless you. I won’t endorse it. I’ll sign it but I won’t endorse it.”

Councilman Mike Germano responded to Wetmore’s idea. “We’d have to rely on people at this table to authorize enough money to fund every year,” he said. Then ruffled a few feathers. “The people who put us in this situation are still here,” he said looking around the Council bench. Matt Fitch shot something back that was inaudible to the audience.

But if the town is going to do the POBs, Germano felt it should be for $85 million. Still, he voiced serious doubt. “The auditors said the town doesn’t need to [issue] pension obligation bonds. I got nervous when the auditors tell me we don’t have to take this risk,” he said.

The more the town bonds the less money it has to borrow for new buildings, renovations and infrastructure improvements, under the charter. If borrowing is needed above the charter-prescibed amount, a people's referendum would be held to decide. With $55 million in POBs, Henrici said over the next four to five years $75 million could be borrowed.

“It’s going to put a strain on the school system, the Hamden Fire Department and Police Department,” said Councilwoman Gretchen Callahan. “What’s the mil rate going to be?”

“It’s up to you guys,” said the mayor.

Before the meeting started, Council members were asked where they stood on the POBs.

”No comment until I hear everything,” said Berita Rowe-Lewis.

“I’m pleased we’re having the discussion,” said Matt Fitch. ‘The parameters of the discussion are no longer arguing about whether we have a [pension fund] problem. It’s how to solve the problem. He said he got a “preview” of the mayor’s speech earlier in the day. “It’s not going to save any money in the short term,” the councilman said. “It’s not something that’s going to help or hurt this year’s budget.”

Wetmore had said, “I do not feel we should bond the pension. I think it’s way too risky. We need to bite the bullet and fund the [pension] budget the right way and not borrow money.”

And Flanagan said he promised Betz he’d listen. “I tend to be against it. They’re so risky that they’re not tax-exempt and [POBs] have been unsuccessful around the country.” He cited San Diego and New Jersey as places the POBs have not worked out.

Patty Riccitelli, supervisor of the Finance Department and president of the supervisors local, said she fully supports bonding the fund. She said she felt comfortable with the town’s new financial adviser, Wachovia Securities. “Wachovia, they’ve been rated one of the top financial institutions in the country. I just think it’s the right time,” she said.

Town employees retire at an average age of 46.1, she said. And 50.4 percent of those covered by the retirement account are collecting pensions, Riccitelli said. As the representative for seven town unions and a member of the Pension Board, she said all unions are in favor of borrowing money to beef up the fund.

After the meeting, Henrici said he was encouraged. “We don’t have too many avenues and there are no homeruns here, just hard decisions,” he said. Then he and the Council went into executive session. On his way out, Curt Leng said with $55 million of borrowing, the mil rate would drop just one-10th of a point in the first year; one-third the second; and less than one-half a point in the third.

Sobriety Checks a Success

From Capt. Ron Smith:

The Hamden Police Department conducted several sobriety checkpoints over the holiday season at various locations. The goal was to spread public awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, along with making the streets of Hamden and surrounding communities safer by arresting those who were driving while intoxicated.

The checkpoints were deemed successful as nearly 1,000 motor vehicles were stopped over the 11-day operation. During this time period, there were no accidents that resulted in a fatality or serious physical injury, which police believe was a direct result of the enforcement action.

The holiday statistics:

8 arrests for driving under the influence
11 arrests for failure to wear a seat belt
28 arrests for various motor vehicle charges
10 criminal arrests

Unions Want Extra Pay for Jan. 2

By Sharon Bass

Four local bargaining units just filed grievances with the town because employees had to work Jan. 2 -- a day President Bush designated as a national day of mourning, but not a holiday,  in honor of recently departed President Gerald Ford. The unions are asking for holiday pay or to “be made whole,” said Personnel Director Ken Kelley, who expects more complaints to come in.

Bush gave federal employees Jan. 2 off, but the state and likely all municipal governments were open. When Bush called June 5, 2004, a mourning day for the late President Ronald Reagan, Gov. Rowland declared it a state holiday. However, Gov. Rell simply asked for a moment of silence Tuesday.

The first grievance hit Kelley’s desk yesterday. It was from the library local. Today the supervisors’, Town Hall and Parks & Rec unions followed suit, he said. They are all members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Larry Dorman of Council 4 AFSCME said a precedent was set when Rowland called a holiday after Reagan died. The dispute will likely go to a state arbitrator, for which the town will have to pay legal fees. Kelley said he didn’t know what the tab could run.

“I think the unions know I’m going to deny them and that we’re going to arbitrate them,” he said. He figured a hearing will be held in February or March and a decision made a couple of weeks later.

The town also has a precedent. On the day after Christmas 2003, Bush closed federal offices and gave employees a paid day off. But like other towns, Hamden was open. “The unions all grieved it. We denied it and we won -- all of them,” said Kelley.

“The unions have a legal right to grieve anything. I would be surprised if these have any merit,” said Mayor Craig Henrici. “It seems a little foolish. I think there’s better ways to spend your time.”

Judy Gott, executive director of the South Central Regional Council of Governments, said she contacted Gov. Rell before Jan. 2 and was told it would not be a state holiday. Gott said she was unsure if any municipalities were closed Tuesday, and suggested contacting individual ones to find out.

Top o’ Keefe

Chris Marchand poses by the free solar panels. Photo/David Barboza

By Sharon Bass

Thanks to over 200 Hamdenites who have signed up for alternative energy, the Keefe Community Center is now a little greener. Solar panels were recently installed on its roof. An $80,000 value the town got for zippo.

Under the SmartPower 20% by 2010 Clean Energy Campaign, every time 100 residents choose an alternative energy source, Hamden gets a 2 kilowatt solar array for free. Keefe got 4 kilowatts worth of panels. So far 270 townies have gone the clean energy route. Another 30 signups will bring in another array. Solar panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity.

“We’re going to look at [putting arrays on] the libraries, the schools, the firehouses, as more and more residents sign up,” said Chris Marchand, Hamden's grants administrator and a member of the Energy Use & Climate Change Commission. The purpose is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2010.

The commission got a $5,000 grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund for promotional campaigns to get folks to dish out an extra $6 to $9 a month, on top of their regular United Illuminating bills, to partly or completely use solar, hydro or wind power in lieu of power that comes from burning coal, Marchand said.

“UI goes out to the open market to purchase clean energy. You don’t know where it’s coming from,” said Marchand. “[But] it’s definitely monitored and legit.”

Organizations that reach Hamden rezzies are eligible for a piece of the grant money. Miller Library is the first to get some of the dough. The commission gave the library $1,000 to purchase books and videos on energy conservation and greenhouse gas awareness, he said. Also, a display will be set up by the library’s entrance with signup forms for the clean energy program.

With UI’s impending 50 percent rate hike, paying even a few additional bucks may not sound too inviting. But Marchand said in the long run, it’s worth it.

“In light of the recent increase in UI’s cost, it makes more and more sense to look at alternative energy sources. It will eventually bring the cost down,” he said. When enough people sign up for clean energy, “it becomes more cost-effective than coal-burning.”

Bedroom Pot Raid

From Capt. Ron Smith:

On Jan. 3, the Street Interdiction Team observed suspicious activity occurring in a parking lot in the Mount Carmel area. Further investigation revealed that Lawrence Gamm was delivering marijuana to Steven Henshaw.

The investigation led to a search of Gamm's bedroom, located at 217 Magee Drive in Hamden, where police recovered 15 grams of marijuana. The street value is $300. Gamm and Henshaw were arrested.

Gamm, 20, was charged with possession of marijuana, was released on a written promise to appear and given a Jan. 12 court date.

Council Cordiality Kicks off the New Year

File photo

By Sharon Bass

Last night was the Legislative Council’s first meeting of 2007. And pretty much nothing of note happened -- except a little noise around a no-bid contract. Absent were Councilmen Al Gorman and Jim Pascarella. Their 13 peers, including John Flanagan, treated each other respectfully. In fact, the 2nd District councilman even announced that for the first time he agreed on something with at-large Ron Gambardella -- someone he’s often at odds with.

What a night.

Councilwoman Carol Noble ran the show for President Gorman, in her typical no-nonsense, swift manner.

Yes, what a night of cordiality and consensus.

Except for that little bid-waiver item. In a letter dated Dec. 29, 2006, Mayor Craig Henrici asked the Council to award the Michaud Company $6,500 to perform a second appraisal of the property in northern Hamden that could have become a gravel pit. Since the town is seeking to purchase the 40-acre wooded and picturesque land to keep it open space, two appraisals are required in order to get a state grant. The asking price is $1.25 million, but Henrici said he hopes to get the property at 4280 Whitney Ave. for less. In addition to state funding, the Regional Water Authority and town will likely pitch in.

“Negotiations [with RWA] have gone very well,” Henrici said late last month. He and Purchasing Agent Judi Kozak justified the bid waiver noting New Haven-based Michaud has “more than” satisfactorily performed work for the town before.

During the Council discussion, Mike Germano asked the mayor’s chief aide Scott Jackson how much the first appraisal cost. Jackson didn’t know.

“I don’t know what the other number is,” said Councilman Curt Leng, “but I don’t think this is out of the ballpark.”

Betty Wetmore expressed concern. “Is this a time issue?” the councilwoman asked.

Yes, said Jackson. The appraisal must be done in five weeks.

“This is a timely purchase,” said Noble.

The no-bid item passed with Gambardella, Flanagan and Berita Rowe-Lewis voting against it.
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Guns, Drugs Ring in 2007

From Capt. Ron Smith:

On Jan. 2, the Street Interdiction Team conducted a surveillance around Dix and Whiting streets. Police have received numerous complaints from residents there regarding narcotic transactions during the late evening hours.

Police arrested Watson and Horton, 27, of 98 Dix St., 1st floor. Horton was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, having weapons in a motor vehicle, altering/removing a serial number from a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, conspiracy to carry weapons in a motor vehicle and conspiracy to alter/remove a serial number from a firearm. Horton was detained at police headquarters on a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Jan. 16.

Also on Jan. 2, the Street Interdiction Team, while on routine patrol, observed a narcotics transaction in the Butler Street area. Officers saw what appeared to be a hand-to-hand exchange of drugs. They stopped Brian Phillips as he rode away from the transaction on a bicycle. A small amount of crack cocaine was recovered.

Phillips, 42, of 324 Goodrich St., Apt. 4, Hamden, was arrested and charged with possession of narcotics. He was released on a written promise to appear and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Jan. 16.

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January 3, 2007

The Biggest Bread Winners

Government Center last fall. Photo/Sharon Bass

By Sharon Bass

The list of Hamden town employees’ earnings for 2006 has just been released. Of the top 50, 30 work for the Fire Department, 19 for Police and one for Public Works. All are men (huge surprise). All but one earned six digits. And all achieved their high pay by either working overtime (lots of overtime in many cases) or extra duty or from retirement payouts. The sole Public Works employee made the list via retroactive pay.

A few more notes. The amount actually earned (first dollar figure after each employee’s name) is for the 2006 calendar year. The amount in parentheses is the employee’s budgeted salary for the 2005-06 fiscal year (July 1-June 30). So the listing is not an exact science, but very, very close if not right on. Both dollar figures represent 12 months of employment. It should also be noted that the Fire and Police departments are shy 11 employees apiece, requiring overtime to compensate.

John O’Dea, Fire Captain, $143,477 ($69,117)
Gary Couture, Fire Captain, $142,953 ($69,117)
Bill Onofrio, Deputy Police Chief, $134,953 ($83,545)
Ron Smith, Police Captain, $129,188 ($72,243) [since promoted]
David Proulx, Fire Lieutenant, $127,099 ($65,805)
Ronald Desroches, Fire Captain, $124,993 ($69,117)
John Sullivan, Police Investigator, $124,801 ($66,333)
John Testa, Police Sergeant, $122,932 ($67,275)
Robert Surprise, Fire Battalion Chief, $121,784 ($74,859)
Jim Leddy, Fire Chief, $120,011 ($89,505) [retired]
Seth Patrick, Firefighter, $119,836 ($60,101)
Dennis Baker, Fire Lieutenant, $118,092 ($65,805)
Brian Tierney, Fire Lieutenant, $117,636 ($65,805)
Bill Sikorsky, Police Sergeant, $117,592 ($67,275)
Brian Dolan, Firefighter, $116,668 ($60,101)
Robert Madigosky, Fire Lieutenant, $115,696 ($65,805)
Frank McDermott, Police Lieutenant, $115,690 ($72,243)
John Spencer, Fire Battalion Chief, $115,017 ($74,859)
David Strawhince, Fire Battalion Chief, $113,647 ($74,859)
Tim Wydra, Police Lieutenant, $113,483 ($72,243)
Michael McNeil, Police Sergeant, $113,210 ($67,275)
Jaime Bonet, Firefighter, $113,054 ($60,101)
Kurt Vogt, Firefighter, $112,882 ($60,101)
Richard Otlowski, Fire Lieutenant, $111,826 ($65,805)
Brian Badamo, Deputy Fire Marshal, $111,313 ($69,177) [since promoted]
John Grasso, Firefighter, $110,714 ($60,101)
Tom Wydra, Deputy Police Chief, $110,692 ($83,545) [since promoted]
Tim O’Flynn, Fire Lieutenant, $110,504 ($65,805)
Charles Lubowicki, Firefighter, $109,571 ($60,101)
Donald LaBanca, Fire Captain, $109,188 ($69,117) [since promoted]
Julio Lopes, Firefighter, $108,228 ($60,101)
Michael DiStefano, Fire Captain, $107,793 ($69,117)
Kevin Samperi, Police Sergeant, $107,734 ($67,275)
Bo Kicak, Police Lieutenant, $107,299 ($72,243) [since promoted]
Michael Sigmon, Police Officer, $105,837 ($60,958)
Joseph Kenn Anderson, Firefighter, $105,029 ($60,101)
Brian Bird, Firefighter, $104,126 ($60,101)
Stephen DeGrand, Police Officer, $103,476 ($60,958)
Dennis Putnam, Police Officer, $103,239 ($60,958)
Donald Remillard, Police Investigator, $102,600 ($66,333)
Don Buechele, Fire Superintendent, $102,240 ($75,719)
David Rhone, Public Works Superintendent, $102,231 ($59,071) [retro pay]
Brent Zuscin, Police Investigator, $102,138 ($66,333)
Bernard Amatrudo, Fire Captain, $102,125 ($69,117)
David Beaton, Firefighter, $102,112 ($60,101)
Mark Barletta, Fire Marshal, $101,658 ($75,809) [retired]
David Ng, Police Officer, $101,419 ($60,958)
Robert Maturo, Police Captain, $101,409 ($78,694) [retired]
John Cappiello, Police Lieutenant, $100,523 ($72,243) [since promoted]
Greg Bannon, Firefighter, $99,813 ($60,101)

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January 2 , 2007

The Last Hire

Town Hall freeze kicks off after mayor made good on promise

By Sharon Bass

On Dec. 29, Keith Theriault -- brother-in-law of town agent of record Lew Panzo -- was given an entry-level position in Public Works. Then Mayor Craig Henrici pulled the plug. For an undetermined length of time, he’s freezing all hiring and “nonessential” spending.

“It was a commitment I made some time ago and the position is needed in the department,” the mayor said. Theriault is one of 28 maintainers. His salary is $34,815.

“It’s like a laborer,” said Public Works Director John Busca. “They do all the grunt work. The shoveling, raking the leaves, etc.” Theriault’s wife, Christine Theriault, works for Hamden’s Probate Court. Busca said his department is now down just one employee.

According to civil service test results and interviews conducted by Busca and three of the department’s supervisors, Keith Theriault ranked third, said Busca. The top two were hired late last fall and at the end of November Richard Bretko, a heavy equipment operator, retired. “A wonderful 42-year employee,” said Busca. Someone was promoted to Bretko’s position and Theriault was hired last Friday.

Interestingly, in a June 27, 2005, campaign press release, Henrici criticized then-Mayor Carl Amento for proposing to cut public safety positions and increase his personal staff as well as strip the volunteer fire companies of their funding -- something Henrici recently considered doing. Amento had two assistants during his last term; Henrici has four.

In part the release reads: “The 2005-2006 budget that the Mayor submitted to the Council for approval this year was so poorly conceived that it was dead on arrival. It failed to fund mandated expenditures and contractual obligations. Amento proposed reducing police officer staffing to 1974 levels, and reducing fire personnel by ten officers. He even proposed stripping funds for police vehicles, bulletproof vests, and contractual rental for volunteer fire stations. While he proposed slashing public safety officer positions beyond bare bones, he sought to increase his personal staff by adding two full-time and two parttime
positions in the Mayor’s office. Fortunately, the Council had its priorities in order and restored funds to public safety and other essential items.”

Henrici said last Friday he has made no other commitments to put new people on the town payroll. Within the next few months, “we will look at the state of the operating budget and look at each [job] request on its merits,” he said.

News Briefs

Porn shop A-OK; Henrici “likely” to run again; Volunteer fire companies get paid

By Sharon Bass

Porn Shop A-OK

On the same day the HDN ran a story about Video Liquidators changing hands and being in violation of zoning regs and behind in its taxes, Tax Collector Barbara Tito said the company made good on its back taxes.

Also, the store is not in violation of zoning regs, said Town Planner Leslie Creane. In 1999, the town amended its adult entertainment regulation, which prohibits a porn shop at that State Street location. But because Video Liquidators opened in 1992, Creane said they’re grandfathered in.

“We have not had any complaints” about the shop, she added.

Henrici ‘Likely’ to Run Again

Mayor Craig Henrici campaigned on a three-item platform last year: start a help desk (done), introduce a wireless, municipal Internet service (in the works) and kick off a town ambulance service (on the back burner).

“It’s hard to accomplish everything you want in two years,” he said. While he said he’d make a formal announcement at the end of January about whether he’s going for a second term this November, Henrici said it’s likely.

“We want to maintain our present fiscal progress. I’m going to do everything I can to at least keep the mil rate level,” he said. One idea is to borrow up to $85 million for the long-underfed pension fund, which could reduce the 2006-07 budget. However, the Legislative Council has voiced strong opposition to bonding the pension.

Chief Administrative Officer Scott Jackson said the so-called Wi-Fi, wireless Internet service, should debut this spring in a “limited capacity to show it can be done.” A new communications tower has been ordered, he said, and will be installed behind the Government Center parking lot. It will replace the tower on top of the old town garage on Dixwell Avenue, which is slated to be razed.

The cost of the new tower and a small storage building is $389,000. Jackson said the wireless service is intended for residents and visitors, not for town employees.

Volunteer Fire Companies Get Paid

After decades of receiving annual town contributions to help offset rent and utilities, Hamden’s three volunteer fire companies were asked to submit financial data to be put under the mayoral microscope while funding was withheld since last July.

Reportedly, they all cut the mustard. Craig Henrici said checks have been mailed out to the Mix District (budgeted this fiscal year for $21,175), Mt. Carmel (just under $20,910) and Dunbar Hill ($22,116) firehouses. Payments are made monthly.

But Henrici said that doesn't mean he’ll approve funding for the private fire companies in the 2007-08 budget. He’s started a new policy. Every year, their operating expenses and revenues will be reviewed by the Finance Department to determine eligibility.

Outlook for 2007

The year 2006 was a year where we saw many of the old eyesores of Hamden begin to gain new life. Home Depot began its first full year at the formerly abandoned and contaminated Rickles site. The vacant Pathmark Plaza was rehabilitated and the old Juvenile Warehouse was torn down and replaced with a thriving and beautiful LA Fitness. These and many sites throughout the Town were transformed from 10-20 years of blight into properties that now produce tax revenue and jobs for the people of Hamden. We also saw new projects and ideas emerge as we move on to 2007.

Dixwell Avenue Growth Continues

The most visible project that should see the light of day in Highwood is the long awaited Highwood Square project. This $8 million project will result in 20,000 S.F. of commercial space and 28 affordable artist housing units. This project will breathe life in the long vacant, former Johnson property and several contiguous parcels that you all recognize as vacant for much of the last 15 years.

Further north you will see the continued development of the corner of Mather Street. Paradise Village Market although construction slow to begin showed a significant amount of site work this fall and most of the interior lead and asbestos work completed, in addition to new skylights and a new roof. It is anticipated that the project will be completed in later 2007. The other corner of Mather should be the location of a new important development that should be announced in 2007. The former Lenard Pipe site was recently sold to a housing developer for a condominium project where preliminary work has already begun. The Hamden Post Office will see a newly improved and badly needed significant upgrade and expansion, making it easier and safer to go there.

The Pathmark Plaza is now all leased with Cherry Hill Package Store most recently opening added to Price Rite, Expressions and several other stores. Next up will be Parkway Dental and a new Japanese restaurant, which will open later in the winter.

Finally two very long vacant properties sold in the last 30 days. First the old Fluid Control Building at 100 Skiff Street was purchased by Berkshire Development. It will be demolished this winter to make way for a new 85,000 S.F. Shopping Center, which will be comprised of quality specialty shops. Approvals are anticipated in the summer of 2007 with a project completion date in 2008. The old CAMCO Fittings site (behind Tommy Ks) was sold to a local developer for a proposed office building.

In 2006, food production led the way in manufacturing tax base growth and job creation. Liuzzi Cheese completed their 25,000 cheese factory on Rossotto Drive. International Provisions completed their latest expansion, a new roasted nut and popcorn factory in the Hamden Business Park. A significant amount of contractor space was completed and is currently under construction. In 2007, the trend will continue with the expected expansion of International Distribution along with several new manufacturing expansion projects on the soon to be acquired Dadio Farm. In the State Street area, Porcelen SPECRAIL is considering a 25,000 S.F. expansion at its Welton Street plant next to the John Carusone Field.

The Hamden Middle School re-use analysis will continue into the late winter with a final report to the Legislative Council expected in the spring. There are many exciting ideas that have come out of the process. We are now expanding the scope of work of the Regional Growth Partnership to include the Highwood/Newhall neighborhood analysis, which will consider the future vision for the neighborhood.

Rocky Top Campus

The exciting opening of the new $25+ million sports arena being completed by Quinnipiac University is anticipated to have a major positive impact on the business community. Visitors from around the region will not only attend games but will take advantage of what Hamden has to offer in dining, accommodations and shopping. The TD BankNorth Athletic Center opens for play in January of 2007.

The Clarion Hotel has reopened in 2006 moving from its former Howard Johnson identity with major renovations and expansion including new, high quality visitor and business accommodations that should be well utilized in 2007, particularly from events at the new Athletic Center.

Real estate and business activity in the Town will only get more active in 2007. We will work on Brownfield development and see other significant redevelopment activity such as construction of Phase III of the Farmington Canal Line, the initial utility work (winter of 2007) for the long awaited Westwoods Road re-alignment project, new office and medical space growth, and many neighborhood projects that are an outgrowth of the significant development that has been completed.

We will continue to create a voice for many important employers through our Business Cluster Initiative, we will create a Film Ready Community to take advantage of the new Film Tax Credit in CT and we will revamp our zoning regulations to control sprawl into the residential community and fulfill the taxpayers’ vision for their community.

There is a lot of work to be done and we look forward to an exciting year in 2007.

Dale Kroop is the director of Economic and Community Development for the town of Hamden. He can be reached at 287.7030 or twn.hmdn.edc@snet.net.

Firefighter of the Year Arrested for DUI

By Sharon Bass

On Dec. 28 at 2 a.m., Donald Buechele, 52, superintendent of alarms for the Hamden Fire Department, was arrested by state police for DUI while driving a town vehicle off-duty in North Haven. Fire Chief David Berardesca said Buechele has been put on paid administrative leave as the department conducts an internal investigation.

The report also states Buechele -- who was nominated by Berardesca and Deputy Fire Chief Clark Hurlburt to be the 2006 career firefighter of the year -- “crossed the entire highway and struck the metal beam guardrail located in the grassy median,” exhibited signs of being under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody. Buechele was released on a $500 non-surety bond and has a Jan. 12 court date in Meriden.

Berardesca estimated the damage to the front, left corner of the red Ford pickup (license plate 79 HN) at $3,500-$4,000. He said it was taken to the town garage on Shepard Avenue but needs bodywork, which the garage doesn’t do. So he said town risk manager Art Giulietti will get quotes next week from body shops. It was a one-car accident and no one was injured.

“I take this as a very serious situation,” Berardesca said. “It wouldn’t matter who it is, everyone is treated the same.”

He said when Mayor Craig Henrici was informed of the arrest, he told the chief to handle it.

Depending on the outcome of the internal investigation, Berardesca said discipline could range from suspension to demotion to dismissal. “But I don’t foresee that happening,” he said of dismissal.

Why? “It’s a tough one to answer because we haven’t done the investigation yet. This has nothing to do with his popularity,” said Berardesca. He said he will discuss the incident next week with Town Attorney Sue Gruen and Personnel Director Ken Kelley.

Despite the arrest and improper use of a town vehicle, Berardesca said he stands by his nomination of Buechele for firefighter of the year. The Hamden Elks will honor him and other firefighters and cops at a dinner early next year.

“We came up with [Buechele] because of his work ethics. His job performance is excellent. His attendance is almost perfect,” Berardesca said. “He’s just an excellent employee.”

Buechele, who lives in Hamden, did not return a message seeking comment.