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One
Selectman’s Opinion
October 2009
Reflecting
back on the past two years as Selectman, there have been a myriad of accomplishments
and some disquieting problems. As I write this, the Spaulding Bridge has
just opened in Clarks Falls. A long haul, but at least it was the States
nickel.
The Hewitt Farm was purchased and a committee established to report back to the selectmen and you for our recommendations. We await the committee’s final report. Once received, the BOS will bring recommendations to a town meeting for your approval.
The Kingswood-Meadowwood drainage has been studied, designed and approved. It will be going out to bid within the month and my hope is work will commence in late fall. Care must be given to the old oil lines still beneath the area. I have asked through the BOS that DEP be again contacted to purge those lines to eliminate further leakage as occurred last month behind the Mobil Station. Addressing a problem is sound planning.
Dumping on property on Rte 2 has been stopped. Material from the sub base has been removed and brought to our land fill. Unfortunately the town has allowed a significant pile of road millings for future town use resurfacing roads to be stored on the site which is located on top of our aquifer and adjacent to the Shunock River. DEP testing is continuing to determine the extent of contaminants previously identified as being present and the best practice for assuring a safe and pure aquifer is not compromised. Ignoring a problem is not sound planning.
The Affordable Housing Committee submitted a well received report which
now needs action by both Planning & Zoning and the Selectmen. If new
developments do not designate at least 15% of the units as “affordable”,
we remain vulnerable to another complex similar to that which was planned
for Boombridge Road being forced upon us.
Inaction is not sound planning.
The ad hoc School Building Committee will have a preliminary report due
next month. An excellent report was received from the New England Association
of Schools and Colleges on the progress made on several fronts, but most
notably on this group’s efforts to alleviate antiquated heating, cooling
and facilities problems through a recommended building program. Without
significant changes, we risk losing NEASC accreditation.
Past inaction was not sound planning.
Our new Fire Engine #1 has arrived and the old Engine #1 has been sold. A walking trailer has been purchased under budget which will allow us to safely transport household waste to Willimantic. Sound and cost effective planning.
Repairs to the Senior Center and Town Hall have been completed. Installing solar panels on the Old Town Hall will be coordinated with roof shingle and chimney replacements next spring. Sound and cost effective maintenance.
Given the complexities of town government, the small size of our populace from which we draw our elected officials, new laws and regulations which must be adhered to, and the yearly budget process, I raise the question for town-wide discussion: Is it time for a trained professional town manager/town council form of government?
Our First Selectman has stated he continues to run because he’s a workaholic and no one is willing to step up to the plate. Quality folks have stepped up, but to make change is difficult. This past quarter century has led us to where we are. This election could start bringing our town to where we could be.
Innovative, energetic, openly communicative, technologically savvy candidates will bring quality leadership to town and Democratic support in Hartford from our State legislator and Senator. In my first and only partisan comment, I look forward to your voting for the Democratic endorsed candidates led by Marilyn Mackay and Bill Briscoe.
I have been privileged to serve our town.
Bill Ricker
Democratic Selectman
Posted 19 October 2009