Government/Town

New Town Hall Proposed

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In the Observer’s June issue, when Beth Chafetz summarized the Town’s long effort to improve the headquarters building of our town government, she provided an appropriate headline: The Town Hall Saga. That story reached a milestone on July 18 in a four-board meeting of the Selectmen, the Finance Board, the Permanent Building Commission, and the Advisory Commission for Capital Expenditures before a disappointingly sparse handful of interested citizens in the Middle School auditorium. The Town Hall, erected in 1962 and remodeled since, has for several years needed a major overhaul of its infrastructure. And as the administrative needs of the town grew, the police station was relocated (to that most-appropriate address: 911 Mountain Road) and other departments have moved as well. Several attempts have been made to define how the building could be improved,

A key step was taken in October 2015, when a referendum with over 1,200 voters, approved an appropriation of $5,130,000 to renovate and expand the old building, with over $4,000,000 of that to be supported by bonding.

Government/Town

New Highway Garage Planned

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In an effort to clear the way for desired development on Ffyler Place, the Town has been contemplating other locations for the Town Highway Garage, whose location there is thought to deter potential developers. The old garage also is in need of considerable update and repair. A plan under way some months ago to build a new garage on Town property on South Street has now been replaced by a very different idea. The new plan was discussed and approved by the Selectmen at their June 20 meeting, by the Conservation Commission on July 24, and by the Planning & Zoning Commission on August 6. It has yet to be addressed by the Board of Finance.

Government/Town

Senior Center News

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Grandparents’ Day Celebration

Our second annual celebration of grandparents is Friday, September 7 at 4:30 p.m. Pizza party, drum circle event, craft project & ice cream sundaes! Enjoy a fun FREE evening with or without your grandchildren! Sponsored by Home Helpers Home Care of North Central CT, Suffield Youth Services, Suffield Senior Center, and Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home. Please sign up by September 4. Transportation is available through our Mini Bus.

Government/Town

Old Home Week and Community Spirit

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Suffield High School class reunions inspire and expand community spirit. Planning their 55th Reunion, members of SHS Class of 1963 focused on Suffield on the Green on September 7, 8, and 9 as their centerpiece. Suffield on the Green celebrates Suffield every year by capturing a convivial old home week atmosphere and refreshing the community spirit. The Class of 1963 will launch its reunion on Friday night, September 7, with 5:30 dinner at the Oak Ridge Golf Club in Feeding Hills. On Saturday, September 8, alumni may happily wander around the Green to explore what Suffield is like today while surely running into friends and neighbors from the past.

Government/Town

Hazardous Waste Removed

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Clean Harbors was again invited to town to collect household hazardous waste materials brought to the pick-up location on Ffyler Place. That company, a large, multinational corporation, is paid to dispose of the material in various government-approved ways. Between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, an almost constant stream of residents arrived to bring their stuff. Drivers were advised to stay in their cars “For Safety” as white-suited workers unloaded and sorted it. The collection is done on a “pay as we dump” basis, with specific prices tallied carefully as each load is put into the appropriate bin.

Government/Town

Upcoming Application Deadlines for Tax Exemptions

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Veterans

Veterans of any declared war period and current active duty military having not previously filed for an exemption must provide an original or certified copy of their Honorable Discharge or current orders or affidavit to the Suffield Town Clerk by September 30 to be eligible for a minimum exemption of $3,000 deducted from the assessed value of real estate or a motor vehicle. Each current member of the United States armed forces (including reserves and National Guard) is also eligible for the exemption from taxes of one motor vehicle upon application. Veterans with VA disability ratings must submit proof of the rating to the Assessor for an increased exemption benefit. Proof needs to be supplied once, unless the rating is changed. Disabled veterans age 65 or older are entitled to an exemption equal to that of a 100% disabled veteran upon providing proof of age to the Assessor.

Government/Town

Parks & Rec Employee on Paid Leave

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On August 2, a town employee reported an incident of suspected child abuse or neglect to the Director of Parks & Rec of the Town of Suffield. The incident did not take place at a town-related activity or program but was reported to the town employee on July 2. The Director of Parks & Rec immediately notified the Suffield Police Department and the Department of Children and Families. Subsequently, the question of whether the town employee should have reported the incident sooner was raised. The First Selectman’s Office immediately began an administrative investigation and requested a criminal investigation into that issue, and the employee was placed on paid administrative leave during the process.