The Suffield Observer (https://thesuffieldobserver.com/category/governmenttown/page/107/)
Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the Governor required businesses to suspend in-person operations for all non-essential functions via Executive Order #7J. In a statewide call on Friday, the Governor clarified that the order does not apply to municipalities and municipal CEOs should decide who are essential and non-essential town employees.
The State of Connecticut is coordinating donations of personal protective equipment through the United Way to address current shortages. Donations are being accepted from the general public, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.
The Permanent Building Committee (PBC), often with the direct participation of First Selectman Melissa Mack, have been planning the renovation of Suffield’s Town Hall for several years, working with two different architects, EDM and QA&M. As reported by the Observer last month, in January the selected general contractor, Gilbane Building, advised that the cost would be close to $800,000 greater than had been thought. At the February 6 meeting of the PBC, Chairman Joe Sangiovanni summarized the situation: $5.13 million had been appropriated by Town vote in 2015, based on estimates at that time. About $400,000 has been spent already on a long bout of planning with architect EDM and on payments so far to Gilbane and QA&M, leaving about $4.73 in the appropriation. Clearly more money was needed, and current efforts have been directed at determining how much.
As we continue to monitor the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, the Suffield Public Schools, Town of Suffield, and the North Central Connecticut Health District are working in partnership to prepare for this growing concern among our schools and community. The safety and well-being of Suffield residents is our highest priority, and our efforts together will significantly enhance our ability to minimize the risk of exposure of this international health emergency. While the risk of transmission is extremely low based on the numbers of infected individuals in the United States, eleven as of today, we are closely watching the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for ongoing updates regarding this matter. We recognize that reports of more confirmed cases within the United States are likely in the near future, and we are hopeful that the preventative measures being taken will aid in the containment of this contagious respiratory illness. In preparation for a potential outbreak, we will be reviewing and updating our pandemic plans in the event a local response is required.
Spring is finally here and it is a great time to sign up for many new and enriching programs for the whole family. Whether you are looking to get fit, learn a new skill or hobby or just have an enjoyable night out making new friends, we have a program for you!
In the Observer’s February article on Page 4 regarding the planned Town Hall renovation, our reporter mistakenly wrote that Gilbane Building had received guaranteed maximum price bids from sub-contractors in order to prepare an estimate of the full project cost. What Gilbane used was their own estimates of trade bid packages based on current trade industry rates.
John Spencer, the new chief of the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association, stated that he applied for the position because he appreciated the bond that exists between the community and the association. He feels that this relationship is very strong for such a small town. The Granby resident has been associated with ambulance work since 2017 when he served with the American Medical Response (AMR) of West Hartford. He later served on the Granby Ambulance as a paramedic and then joined the AMR of Springfield. The graduate of Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass.
The Town of Suffield Conservation Commission will be seeking candidates to fill the Sunrise Park and Stony Brooke Park Superintendent position. Interested applicants should look for more information on the Town of Suffield website under Our Town / Town News / Job Openings.
Thomas Drakeley has announced his retirement as superintendent of Stony Brooke and Sunrise Parks after having held the position for 14 years. Tom, with significant assistance from his wife Maryfran and their three now-youthful adult children, Sheila, Molly and Thomas, have served the town and park visitors splendidly throughout those years and will be greatly missed. A lifelong resident of Suffield, Tom leaves behind a legacy of deep caring for Sunrise Park and all its resources. During his tenure, Tom oversaw and was instrumental in many improvements at the park, such as the rehabilitation of the pavilion. He also provided thoughtful input to a number of successful park-based Boy Scout Eagle projects.
Pictured during construction in November, the interesting new playground at Sunrise Park faces the boat launch area at White’s Pond. The design is whimsically delightful, with interesting challenges for young kids.