Wallingford: the key to the situation with the train station location at the moment is that the state DOT suggestion for relocating it to Silk and North Cherry was dated before the letter from the town asking to put it further up the line at Parker and North Cherry. This is a rather slow process.
Given the climate of concern, one supposes that there is really no choice about getting increased security for Connecticut train facilities. Having been through some of the stations recently, it is hard to imagine that terrorists could work up much enthusiasm for such work.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., May 30, 2010
Wallingford: Is the reconfiguration in the best interests of school and of education, or does it create educational age-ghettos? Only the next few months will tell whether a reaction will be strong enough to change the personnel on the Board of Education.
Cheshire: Planning and Zoning will now be able to give up to ten one-year extensions of their site plans for development. It’s good that reapplications annually are required: a long, blanket extension could leave changing conditions at the mercy of development trends.
State: the former head of the Citizens Ethics Advisory Board has paid a $3,500 fine and resigned over the fact of a $100 donation to some political campaigns. Either the rules are way too complex or people holding such appointments don’t read the enabling laws.
Wallingford is getting underway with parental access and communication via Internet. This is a great help in permitting teachers and parents both to keep tabs on what is happening in school from day to day.
Cheshire: although funding exists for a new high school locker room, the project seems to be on hold since another fund-raising project, for artificial turf, is claiming the spotlight and nobody wants to detract from that effort. Wonder which project is more important to students?
Cheshire: Planning and Zoning will now be able to give up to ten one-year extensions of their site plans for development. It’s good that reapplications annually are required: a long, blanket extension could leave changing conditions at the mercy of development trends.
State: the former head of the Citizens Ethics Advisory Board has paid a $3,500 fine and resigned over the fact of a $100 donation to some political campaigns. Either the rules are way too complex or people holding such appointments don’t read the enabling laws.
Wallingford is getting underway with parental access and communication via Internet. This is a great help in permitting teachers and parents both to keep tabs on what is happening in school from day to day.
Cheshire: although funding exists for a new high school locker room, the project seems to be on hold since another fund-raising project, for artificial turf, is claiming the spotlight and nobody wants to detract from that effort. Wonder which project is more important to students?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., May 29, 2010
Editor's Notepod is happy to return after a two-week adventure to Wyoming.
Southington: there’s nothing whatever wrong about letting voters have a crack at all the suggestions made by the Charter Revision Commission. Moreover, there seems nothing particularly wrong about requiring a town manager to have a contract or to put million dollar issues to the voters.
State: men’s’ basketball program at UConn faces NCAA investigation, which has already forced coaches to resign to focus on charges. This will be a very tough time for the program, and there seems to be no way but to go forward with the best grace possible.
The state, in an economy move, has eliminated the fraud unit in the Department of Special Revenue which over saw charities’ and nonprofits’ fund-raising games and raffles. While this cut makes more sense than trimming social network, it will inevitably increase the risk of cheating by a small number of those in positions to do so.
Southington: there’s nothing whatever wrong about letting voters have a crack at all the suggestions made by the Charter Revision Commission. Moreover, there seems nothing particularly wrong about requiring a town manager to have a contract or to put million dollar issues to the voters.
State: men’s’ basketball program at UConn faces NCAA investigation, which has already forced coaches to resign to focus on charges. This will be a very tough time for the program, and there seems to be no way but to go forward with the best grace possible.
The state, in an economy move, has eliminated the fraud unit in the Department of Special Revenue which over saw charities’ and nonprofits’ fund-raising games and raffles. While this cut makes more sense than trimming social network, it will inevitably increase the risk of cheating by a small number of those in positions to do so.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Tue., May 11, 2010
Wallingford: it is good that the farm produce regulations in the zoning ordinance have been rationalized. It may be difficult to tell if particular tomatoes are locally grown, but if any stand begins selling mangoes or bananas, or squash in April, there’s probably a problem.
Cheshire: While the economy certainly is a player in the delays of the W/S Developers’ plan for 400 acres near I-691, what, exactly, is the point of an 8- or 10-year extension? That really means that the developer has no responsibility to the town or the property and doesn’t need to say or do anything for that length of time. Why not keep the once-a-year rule on permits? It’s a nuisance, but at least it keeps matters on the stove.
Hartford: School board and superintendent are asking the state to intervene and suspend provisions regarding seniority in teacher contract. While there are absolutely issues with any seniority system (not to mention tenure and evaluations and merit rules) how can the provisions of a contract be unilaterally abrogated?
Meriden: decision by the council to purchase a parcel on Finch Avenue near the linear trail. It should provide a good buffer.
Cheshire: While the economy certainly is a player in the delays of the W/S Developers’ plan for 400 acres near I-691, what, exactly, is the point of an 8- or 10-year extension? That really means that the developer has no responsibility to the town or the property and doesn’t need to say or do anything for that length of time. Why not keep the once-a-year rule on permits? It’s a nuisance, but at least it keeps matters on the stove.
Hartford: School board and superintendent are asking the state to intervene and suspend provisions regarding seniority in teacher contract. While there are absolutely issues with any seniority system (not to mention tenure and evaluations and merit rules) how can the provisions of a contract be unilaterally abrogated?
Meriden: decision by the council to purchase a parcel on Finch Avenue near the linear trail. It should provide a good buffer.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., May 10, 2010
Meriden: sorry, Attorney Moody’s advice to the school board may be legally within bounds, but it’s democratically – that’s small d – over the edge. Secret committees of or for any public body can only undermine the results of whatever they hope to accomplish.
Southington: the Cardio Social at DePaolo Middle School. Since kids often finish their lunches in the first 10 minutes (10 seconds?) of lunch, having them sit around in the lunch room on a fine day is asking for disorder. A few minutes out in the fresh air running off some energy and getting some exercise is an excellent plan.
Southington: the Cardio Social at DePaolo Middle School. Since kids often finish their lunches in the first 10 minutes (10 seconds?) of lunch, having them sit around in the lunch room on a fine day is asking for disorder. A few minutes out in the fresh air running off some energy and getting some exercise is an excellent plan.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., May 9, 2010
News that a day of rainy weather didn’t hurt the Daffodil Festival in Meriden’s Hubbard Park as much as one might expect. The event, indeed, has been shown to have grown according to the numbers, compared to last year.
Community Emergency Response Team from Southington which was out in the rain with a similar group from Manchester. The rain turned the practice session into something more of a test situation than anticipated, but it is good training.
Community Emergency Response Team from Southington which was out in the rain with a similar group from Manchester. The rain turned the practice session into something more of a test situation than anticipated, but it is good training.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., May 8, 2010
State: a penalty of up to $11,000 for violations of the “no-call” law seems steep – but what does it take to get commercial callers to cease and desist. One wrinkle so many consumers miss, though, is that the law does not apply to creditors.
Wallingford electric continues to keep trees near its wires trimmed on schedule. The goal is, of course, to keep outages from tree branches to a minimum.
We hope those Summer Campership donations will continue to come in to the campaign. This is a program which means a great deal to youngsters in the Meriden/Wallingford area during the warm summer days.
Wallingford electric continues to keep trees near its wires trimmed on schedule. The goal is, of course, to keep outages from tree branches to a minimum.
We hope those Summer Campership donations will continue to come in to the campaign. This is a program which means a great deal to youngsters in the Meriden/Wallingford area during the warm summer days.
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., May 7, 2010
Wallingford: we’ve already gone over the idea of poaching by other towns, notably, evidently, the state police. The new officers in the budget? Definitely a political hot potato.
Wallingford: The Housing Authority should get over its partisan wrangling, and get on with the best interests of the tenants.
Southington: planned distribution of tree seedlings at the Touch-a-
Truck event Saturday morning May 15 at 10 a.m. at Derynoski School.
Cheshire: Signs that a decision about the swimming pool is approaching. We hope the matter will be satisfactorily resolved and everyone will be happy.
Wallingford: The Housing Authority should get over its partisan wrangling, and get on with the best interests of the tenants.
Southington: planned distribution of tree seedlings at the Touch-a-
Truck event Saturday morning May 15 at 10 a.m. at Derynoski School.
Cheshire: Signs that a decision about the swimming pool is approaching. We hope the matter will be satisfactorily resolved and everyone will be happy.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., May 6, 2010
People playing baseball in the Wallingford Senior Softball League. Getting outside and keeping moving and having fun at the same time is a plan with no strike-outs.
Meriden’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved both the Factory H demolition and the Chamberlain Heights redevelopment at this week’s meeting. Both projects thus move another important step closer to completion.
Cheshire: the zoning laws on chickens have now been eased. Somehow, we doubt this will mean that hundreds of residents will soon be raising their own fowl.
Secretary of State Bysiewicz responded assertively to whispers about qualifications and seems to have won her case establishing her legal qualifications to hold the office of Attorney General in Connecticut.
Meriden’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved both the Factory H demolition and the Chamberlain Heights redevelopment at this week’s meeting. Both projects thus move another important step closer to completion.
Cheshire: the zoning laws on chickens have now been eased. Somehow, we doubt this will mean that hundreds of residents will soon be raising their own fowl.
Secretary of State Bysiewicz responded assertively to whispers about qualifications and seems to have won her case establishing her legal qualifications to hold the office of Attorney General in Connecticut.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., May 5, 2010
Wallingford: rate increases for water/sewer are significant. Can that all be because of a drop in consumption?
A little less concern over “adult” businesses and a little more about more tangible problems would help some folks in Southington to get along together better. It’s one thing to step up to the plate for appropriate litigation, and quite another to invoke a lawsuit which is almost certainly a loser.
If Meriden’s neighborhoods can manage somehow to reduce the number of absentee landlords as part of an EPA grant focused on brownfields and blight (with the help of consultant Vita Nuova), they’ll have done something no one else has managed to do. But the getting together and airing issues and concerns and hopes is a good step to take to build community.
Meriden’s tax rate seems all but set, and, while it’s going to be an increase, the increase is fairly minimal, all things considered.
The Quinnipiac River in Southington will have its cleanup event today, with David Crookes and his “river rats.” Towns depend on volunteers like this to take care of our resources, but the good news is that the cleaner Quinnipiac seems to be generating new respect.
A little less concern over “adult” businesses and a little more about more tangible problems would help some folks in Southington to get along together better. It’s one thing to step up to the plate for appropriate litigation, and quite another to invoke a lawsuit which is almost certainly a loser.
If Meriden’s neighborhoods can manage somehow to reduce the number of absentee landlords as part of an EPA grant focused on brownfields and blight (with the help of consultant Vita Nuova), they’ll have done something no one else has managed to do. But the getting together and airing issues and concerns and hopes is a good step to take to build community.
Meriden’s tax rate seems all but set, and, while it’s going to be an increase, the increase is fairly minimal, all things considered.
The Quinnipiac River in Southington will have its cleanup event today, with David Crookes and his “river rats.” Towns depend on volunteers like this to take care of our resources, but the good news is that the cleaner Quinnipiac seems to be generating new respect.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Tue., May 4, 2010
Meriden: it looks as if the tax rate increase is minimal as stated by councilors. The compromises seem to work fairly well. What’s the point of voting against the budget if there is no suggested alternative?
Wallingford: by comparison, the proposed budget increase works out with a 3.88 percent property tax increase, which is not particularly onerous, but more than some other towns.
Southington High School, which mainly by a lighting-retrofit program, reduced electricity usage by almost 18 percent, thus winning a state recognition.
Wallingford: by comparison, the proposed budget increase works out with a 3.88 percent property tax increase, which is not particularly onerous, but more than some other towns.
Southington High School, which mainly by a lighting-retrofit program, reduced electricity usage by almost 18 percent, thus winning a state recognition.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., May 3, 2010
The culture change which is permitting towns to hire police officers away from other municipalities (Wallingford is having some difficulties) is a reality which should be understood by communities. Candidates are not looking for full-career paths in single towns and towns should not expect that either.
Meriden, Cheshire, Wallingford, Southington: there is an upcoming expansion in the kinds of plastic which may be collected for recycling. Cheshire now takes types 1-7; Meriden begins July 1; residents in Wallingford and Southington, where there is no municipal collection, should check with the service which they pay to collect their trash.
Meriden, Cheshire, Wallingford, Southington: there is an upcoming expansion in the kinds of plastic which may be collected for recycling. Cheshire now takes types 1-7; Meriden begins July 1; residents in Wallingford and Southington, where there is no municipal collection, should check with the service which they pay to collect their trash.
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Apr. 30, 2010
Wallingford’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Raoul Lufbery Post 591 is moving forward on the technology front by helping to keep immobile vets in touch with friends and family. The really surprising aspect is that the Veterans Administration hasn’t done this first.
Southington: a surprising twist saw an $11,000 item to cover skate park expenses at Camp Sloper trimmed from the budget by the board of finance, allegedly because of low usage. How many would be enough?
Area: the wind downed some trees and power lines Thursday, and there was quite a lot of wind altogether. Unless we decide to bury all the power lines, or take down all the trees, this is an inconvenience we will all continue to have to live with.
State: the Kleen Energy plant explosion in Middletown will, we hope, generate (no pun intended) new regulations for workers, procedures, tests and plant construction. There’s nothing like “too late smart,” but it can help prevent future mishaps, changes are worth making.
tSouthington: bids on road repairs came in under expectations and work is on the way. It’s always a nuisance when road work is in progress, but it’s a part of modern life.
Southington: a surprising twist saw an $11,000 item to cover skate park expenses at Camp Sloper trimmed from the budget by the board of finance, allegedly because of low usage. How many would be enough?
Area: the wind downed some trees and power lines Thursday, and there was quite a lot of wind altogether. Unless we decide to bury all the power lines, or take down all the trees, this is an inconvenience we will all continue to have to live with.
State: the Kleen Energy plant explosion in Middletown will, we hope, generate (no pun intended) new regulations for workers, procedures, tests and plant construction. There’s nothing like “too late smart,” but it can help prevent future mishaps, changes are worth making.
tSouthington: bids on road repairs came in under expectations and work is on the way. It’s always a nuisance when road work is in progress, but it’s a part of modern life.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., May 2, 2010
Meriden/Wallingford/State: that commuter line from New Haven to Hartford has gotten a boost from federal input and from local cooperation. Everyone is on the same page, and we look forward to this line’s emergence as a major force in transportation.
Congratulations to Maloney and to Wilcox who competed and won the state Skills USA competition. It is too bad that the fees for attending the national championships in Kansas City next month are a barrier for the successful Meriden students.
Congratulations to Maloney and to Wilcox who competed and won the state Skills USA competition. It is too bad that the fees for attending the national championships in Kansas City next month are a barrier for the successful Meriden students.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., May 1, 2010
Meriden: It’s probably a good idea that the school board is using input from a couple of committees in its superintendent search. It is not good that the committee membership is secret; that’s asking for trouble.
Wallingford: The Wharton Brook Connector is being repaired at long last, a good thing. But delays will send motorists around on alternate routes, where they should attempt to remain observant of laws and of common courtesy, even under stress.
Wallingford: The Wharton Brook Connector is being repaired at long last, a good thing. But delays will send motorists around on alternate routes, where they should attempt to remain observant of laws and of common courtesy, even under stress.
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