Government/Town

Garage Relocation Voted Down

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The “NO” signs soon followed. This one was across from the West Suffield Post Office. About a quarter of Suffield’s eligible voters made their choices at the Town referendum on January 28, and they turned down the proposed Town Highway Garage relocation with two resounding NO’s. The vote was 3 to 1 on the first question: to relocate the garage and permit development of its parcel on Ffyler Place, using Tax Increment Financing. The second question was declined even more strongly: a 4 to 1 NO vote rejected buying an existing building at 1160 South Street, renovated for the intended use, for no more than $2.4 M plus the existing highway garage property.

Suffield 350th Anniversary Committee

Kids’ “Floats” to Lead the 350th Parade

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A children’s parade, with entries like the ones pictured above and below, will highlight the start of the 350th anniversary parade this fall on October 10. 

All bicycles, training wheels, tricycles, big wheels, wagons, strollers and wheelchairs can participate. You can use a cargo bike if your children are too young to ride. (No scooters or skateboards). 

Start planning things you will decorate with: flowers, streamers, balloons, flags and bows. Local “dollar” stores can be a one stop for decorating supplies. Decorate your helmet and basket, too.

Government/Town

Homeowners Benefit Progam Filing

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The Assessor’s Office would like to remind elderly and totally disabled homeowners that the filing period for the state and local Homeowners Benefit program is open and will end on Friday, May 15, 2020. This program will allow a credit on the June real estate tax bill to qualified taxpayers. The income limits are $37,000 for an unmarried homeowner and $45,100 for married homeowners, who must also be residents of this state, be age 65 by last December 31 or totally disabled and live in the home. New applicants must file an application by May 15, 2020; any current recipient of the benefit who has received a letter from the Assessor’s Office reminding them to apply this year must also apply no later than May 15, 2020 in order to continue to receive the benefit. Proof of income for 2019 is needed to apply.

Government/Town

SPD Study Improvements in Progress

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As reported previously, the 59-page Suffield Police Department (SPD) Management Operational Study was released on October 30, 2019. It contains ten fundamental finding areas around criminal investigations, organizational structure, employee morale, training, and staffing. Progress is being made on addressing the 42 corresponding recommendations for those areas. Overall, Chief of Police Richard Brown targets 18-24 months to implement improvements and achieve accreditation. The study took place over eight months, during which time some impacting initiatives were either in development or being implemented.

Government/Town

Town Hall Costs Studied

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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.

Government/Town

Coronavirus Information

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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.

Government/Town

Correction

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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.

Parks and Rec

Spring into Action with Parks & Rec

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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!