Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Board of Finance Sends Budget to Voters Without Change
Tonight, in what appears to be record time, the BOF sent the Town Council Budget to the voters without modification.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Jeff Winter: Bothered and Bewildered; Conflicted and Confused
I guess it was a ridiculous thought that the purpose of the Economic Development Commission is to promote the Town of New Milford and to find ways to increase our commercial and industrial tax base. Ridiculous because its Members tolerate its Vice-Chairman, Jeff Winter, who does just the opposite, launching regular attacks that could have a negative impact on the Town's finances. Now that he is a newly-registered Democrat, I wonder why Chairman Frank Wargo doesn't do something about his colleague's behavior.
An example.
Nanci Hutson recently reported in the News-Times that Mr. Winter, "questioned the quality and veracity of financial records kept by the town's finance director, Ray Jankowski." Another quote: "I have concerns about the finances in general," Mr. Winter said. "Auditors' findings show me the mayor and Mr. Jankowski are not serious about financial issues and this results in an inefficient use of resources."
Winter, who admitted to the same reporter that "he has political aspirations," could very well discourage rating agencies and investors who don't like this kind of controversy. Can you imagine the cost to the Town if our Moody's Aa1 drops because of the antics of this ill-informed critic of the Mayor, Council and Finance Department? Not a pretty thought.
Ill-informed? You bet.
An example.
In a recent FOI request, Mr. Winter cited chapter and verse about certain Bond Anticipation Notes. To those who are completely uninformed about such topics, the accusations sounded reasonable but there was an immediate response that put the lie to his allegations and he was loathe to admit his mistakes. This is a recurring theme. He repeatedly appears before the Town Council and, like the salesman that he is, sounds like there should be some truth to what he is saying. But no. When the facts are out, it's just a lot of wind. Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
So what exactly has Mr. Winter accomplished on the EDC? I can't find anyone who'll give me one fact. My guess? Nothing. But he sure does spout off a lot. Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
I wish that Mr. Winter would focus his energy on the Board of Ed, identifying revenues that it receives that somehow never make it to the General Fund. I think the Auditors would appreciate his help. They need all the help that they can get.
Why is Mr. Winter an anti-tax-relief kinda guy? In another News-Times article, Reporter Nanci Huston wrote, "Winter voiced concern about taking $1.5 million from the town's medical benefits account to reduce the amount residents have to pay in taxes." This has gotta be a popular statement from a wannabe politico...yes, we all want higher taxes, Jeff.
Oh, well. Let's get the party started.
An example.
Nanci Hutson recently reported in the News-Times that Mr. Winter, "questioned the quality and veracity of financial records kept by the town's finance director, Ray Jankowski." Another quote: "I have concerns about the finances in general," Mr. Winter said. "Auditors' findings show me the mayor and Mr. Jankowski are not serious about financial issues and this results in an inefficient use of resources."
Winter, who admitted to the same reporter that "he has political aspirations," could very well discourage rating agencies and investors who don't like this kind of controversy. Can you imagine the cost to the Town if our Moody's Aa1 drops because of the antics of this ill-informed critic of the Mayor, Council and Finance Department? Not a pretty thought.
Ill-informed? You bet.
An example.
In a recent FOI request, Mr. Winter cited chapter and verse about certain Bond Anticipation Notes. To those who are completely uninformed about such topics, the accusations sounded reasonable but there was an immediate response that put the lie to his allegations and he was loathe to admit his mistakes. This is a recurring theme. He repeatedly appears before the Town Council and, like the salesman that he is, sounds like there should be some truth to what he is saying. But no. When the facts are out, it's just a lot of wind. Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
So what exactly has Mr. Winter accomplished on the EDC? I can't find anyone who'll give me one fact. My guess? Nothing. But he sure does spout off a lot. Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
I wish that Mr. Winter would focus his energy on the Board of Ed, identifying revenues that it receives that somehow never make it to the General Fund. I think the Auditors would appreciate his help. They need all the help that they can get.
Why is Mr. Winter an anti-tax-relief kinda guy? In another News-Times article, Reporter Nanci Huston wrote, "Winter voiced concern about taking $1.5 million from the town's medical benefits account to reduce the amount residents have to pay in taxes." This has gotta be a popular statement from a wannabe politico...yes, we all want higher taxes, Jeff.
Oh, well. Let's get the party started.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
DPW at the Dog Park
I’ve always said, “No good deed goes unpunished in New Milford.” The complaints on this page about the work being done at the Dog Park make my case.
To get the facts, I spoke with Mike Zarba, Director of Public Works.
“We have a responsibility to maintain that parking lot,” he said. “Hundreds of people use it every week.” “There’s no point in having a park if people can’t get to it safely or can’t use it at all.”
Mike said that Public Works does maintenance work at all the Town’s Parks including Lynn Deming. “Parks and Rec called and asked us to take care of the mud problem at the Dog Park parking area. We’re using road millings to fix the problem.” Why road millings? “The asphalt plant isn’t open yet so we’re doing jobs around Town that don’t require it.”
After hearing about the use that the Park gets, I called Marla Scribner, the Mayor’s Executive Secretary, and asked if she could give me a better idea about numbers. “We don’t have an official count but judging from the dozen or so calls I get every week from people saying that it’s a great place, I’d say the Park is extremely popular.” She also said that many recent calls have been from dog owners asking about the parking area. She said that a common question is, “When will it be safe to park so that I won’t get stuck in the mud?”
So whoever you are complaining about the work, I hope this addresses your issues.
To get the facts, I spoke with Mike Zarba, Director of Public Works.
“We have a responsibility to maintain that parking lot,” he said. “Hundreds of people use it every week.” “There’s no point in having a park if people can’t get to it safely or can’t use it at all.”
Mike said that Public Works does maintenance work at all the Town’s Parks including Lynn Deming. “Parks and Rec called and asked us to take care of the mud problem at the Dog Park parking area. We’re using road millings to fix the problem.” Why road millings? “The asphalt plant isn’t open yet so we’re doing jobs around Town that don’t require it.”
After hearing about the use that the Park gets, I called Marla Scribner, the Mayor’s Executive Secretary, and asked if she could give me a better idea about numbers. “We don’t have an official count but judging from the dozen or so calls I get every week from people saying that it’s a great place, I’d say the Park is extremely popular.” She also said that many recent calls have been from dog owners asking about the parking area. She said that a common question is, “When will it be safe to park so that I won’t get stuck in the mud?”
So whoever you are complaining about the work, I hope this addresses your issues.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Pat Erickson: 'Hire More Police Officers'
I had to call the New Milford Police Department as a result of a recent incident. I saw a tremendous improvement and was very impressed by many of the Officers I met. It's obvious that Shawn Boyne, our new Chief, is doing a great job and if given the proper support we can once again have a Police Department that is effective.
My daughter's pocketbook was stolen from, of all places, the Childrens' Room at New Milford Public Library! Hers was not the first to be stolen recently. For the first time in many years, I spent an entire day downtown and what I witnessed was very disturbing. As a lifetime resident, our Town no longer feels like the safe little community that I grew up in.
As you are aware, there have been many robberies and an increase in drug problems. I talked to many people and they all said they do not feel safe in Town. What I believe to be the major problem is a shortage of police officers. I am hoping that readers will encourage the Mayor, the Town Council and the Board iof Finance to add police into our budget.
I realize things are extremely tight financially but I believe that it is a matter of safety for our Town and the Officers who presently serve. If we have only a maximum of 7 officers on a shift if someone is sick or going to court or on vacation our numbers go down. We are the largest Town in Connecticut and after seeing what I saw downtown yesterday I can stay silent no longer.
I ask that your readers go to Town and just watch with their own eyes to see what is going on. I then ask, would they feel safe letting their children go into Town alone? Would they feel safe leaving their grandchildren in the library? I ask anyone who agrees to PLEASE contact the Mayor at 860-355-6010 and request that more officers be hired as soon as possible. Thank you, Pat Erickson
My daughter's pocketbook was stolen from, of all places, the Childrens' Room at New Milford Public Library! Hers was not the first to be stolen recently. For the first time in many years, I spent an entire day downtown and what I witnessed was very disturbing. As a lifetime resident, our Town no longer feels like the safe little community that I grew up in.
As you are aware, there have been many robberies and an increase in drug problems. I talked to many people and they all said they do not feel safe in Town. What I believe to be the major problem is a shortage of police officers. I am hoping that readers will encourage the Mayor, the Town Council and the Board iof Finance to add police into our budget.
I realize things are extremely tight financially but I believe that it is a matter of safety for our Town and the Officers who presently serve. If we have only a maximum of 7 officers on a shift if someone is sick or going to court or on vacation our numbers go down. We are the largest Town in Connecticut and after seeing what I saw downtown yesterday I can stay silent no longer.
I ask that your readers go to Town and just watch with their own eyes to see what is going on. I then ask, would they feel safe letting their children go into Town alone? Would they feel safe leaving their grandchildren in the library? I ask anyone who agrees to PLEASE contact the Mayor at 860-355-6010 and request that more officers be hired as soon as possible. Thank you, Pat Erickson
Friday, March 18, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Spectacular Performance at Chinmoy Washout
This morning at 11:00 a.m. Mayor Murphy held an on-site meeting for residents of Chinmoy Lane so they could get an update on the culvert washout that isolated them from the rest of Town. Together with Mike Zarba, Director of Public Works, Chief Shawn Boyne and Public Works Aide Laurene Beattie, they described the work that has been done and the current "emergency plans."
The work that's been done to get access to Town roads for these residents is nothing less than spectacular. In about 36 hours, tireless workers built a road on property between Chinmoy and West Meetinghouse. It's a bit steep but it works!
Think about it. Engineering, permits, tree cutting, excavation, hauling. All done in just a few days. Bravo! Of course, this could not have been done without the cooperation and generosity of the Gold Family, owners of the property on which this temporary road was built.
Although the exact cause of the washout may never be known, Mike Zarba explained that it is likely that trees washing downstream came to rest on the sides of the culvert and debris began to collect putting a huge strain on the sides. The collapse from the weight was inevitable.
Those in attendance showed their appreciation for the Town's efforts by giving a hearty round of applause.
The pictures that I have seen in the newspapers don't sufficiently reflect the conditions. Take a look at this first picture to get a better idea.
A good perspective of the size of the problem: a man looks over the cliff down at the streambed below.
Parts of the temporary, 100 foot bridge that will be erected over the streambed. Mike Zarba said that he hopes that it will be completed by the end of this coming week.
From left to right, Mike Zarba, Director of Public Works; DPW Aide Laurene Beattie; Chief Shawn Boyne and Mayor Pat Murphy.
The Meeting was well-attended.
The new, temporary road that starts from the Chinmoy cul-de-sac and ends at West Meetinghouse Road.
The work that's been done to get access to Town roads for these residents is nothing less than spectacular. In about 36 hours, tireless workers built a road on property between Chinmoy and West Meetinghouse. It's a bit steep but it works!
Think about it. Engineering, permits, tree cutting, excavation, hauling. All done in just a few days. Bravo! Of course, this could not have been done without the cooperation and generosity of the Gold Family, owners of the property on which this temporary road was built.
Although the exact cause of the washout may never be known, Mike Zarba explained that it is likely that trees washing downstream came to rest on the sides of the culvert and debris began to collect putting a huge strain on the sides. The collapse from the weight was inevitable.
Those in attendance showed their appreciation for the Town's efforts by giving a hearty round of applause.
The pictures that I have seen in the newspapers don't sufficiently reflect the conditions. Take a look at this first picture to get a better idea.
Parts of the temporary, 100 foot bridge that will be erected over the streambed. Mike Zarba said that he hopes that it will be completed by the end of this coming week.
Route 7 Southbound Reopened; Northbound To Reopen Soon
These pictures were taken a few minutes ago, just seconds before the southbound lanes were reopened. Just one small area of water in front of Southworth's is holding up the reopening of the northbound lanes. Those are expected to reopen by around 1:00 p.m. You may also travel directly from the bridge onto Peagler Hill.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Council Passes Budget; Next Stop: Board of Finance
Last night, the Town Council passed the Mayor's Budget for 2011/2012 with the addition of $272,000. These are unofficial numbers: $2,000 for the Womens' Shelter; $100,000 for fuel; $50,000 for Finance Department Software; $30,000 for the Economic Development Corporation; $23,000 for the Economic Development Commission to promote the Town; and $67,000 for a new snow plow.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
New Milford Police Department: More Developments
A recent examination for a Lieutenant's position gives Chief Shawn Boyne another opportunity to make changes that, together with a recent termination, will no doubt improve the Department's productivity and increase morale in the ranks.
It is eminently clear that "business as usual" at the NMPD ended on October 15, 2010, when the new Chief took over.
It is eminently clear that "business as usual" at the NMPD ended on October 15, 2010, when the new Chief took over.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Budget Negativity and Misinformation Out-of-the-Gate
Some recent comments on this Site by people who haven’t a clue about municipal finance suggest a rocky Budget season ahead. This Budget cycle is different from prior budget cycles because there’s been reval and we’re suffering through awful economic times that affect everyone. There are those who, for whatever personal reasons, are spewing ridiculous, unfounded allegations that set a negative tone for the season and do a disservice to the taxpayers because they can ultimately threaten the long-term stability of the Town.
Three of those allegations were made in a post dated February 11 at 3:26 p.m.
First, how the heck did anyone come out of that Board of Finance Meeting with the idea that the Town has a two million dollar surplus?” This person is very confused and there was certainly no overbudgeting as implied.
Every year, there is a sum of money that the Town and School don’t spend in the budget appropriation process. What’s appropriated is not necessarily what has to be spent. If a bid comes in lower than expected, there’s a money savings. If the price of goods comes in lower than expected, money is saved. This is called prudent fiscal management. In the last fiscal year, that variance was about two million dollars or a little more than 2% of the entire Budget. Some people have an allergic reaction to saving money.
This two million dollars “to the good” would all fall to surplus if all anticipated revenues were received but that’s not what happens; there may be an operating surplus but there also may be offsetting revenue deficits. If there is a surplus, some of the money is allocated elsewhere. For example, $457,000 of the surplus from the BOE went into its Capital Reserve Fund. Smart fiscal move.
Second, the Town Auditors did not “report the town to the State” as alleged by this poster who clearly missed the clue truck. The Town notified the State that the Auditors needed an extension. There is a process for this and it is being followed. Nothing is being lost.
Third, the allegations that “someone conveniently did not report the ambulance barn bond” and “we’ve been getting the wrong bond rating because of it” are absolutely untrue. The temporary Ambulance Barn funding was rolled into the permanent financing and the Town’s Bond rating is where it should be – super excellent – thanks to good fiscal management.
Let’s look at the bright side. Somehow, the Town has managed to preserve our quality of life and sustain our values. I’d say those are major feats in this economy. We can all go back some years and, using 20-20 hindsight, come up with things that might have been done differently. But that perspective must be put in context. The real question is, “Did the Mayor and the Council make the right decisions based upon the information that they had at the time?” I am pleased to say that they did.
Whoever you are out there posting this junk, please knock it off. Educate yourself before you make these spurious and destructive allegations. If you need help, contact Director of Finance Ray Jankowski or Greg Miller at the BOE. There are also former elected officials who are willing to help you understand municipal finance.
These are difficult times. We need those who are well-intentioned to work together for the common good to preserve the quality of life that we all enjoy in New Milford.
Three of those allegations were made in a post dated February 11 at 3:26 p.m.
First, how the heck did anyone come out of that Board of Finance Meeting with the idea that the Town has a two million dollar surplus?” This person is very confused and there was certainly no overbudgeting as implied.
Every year, there is a sum of money that the Town and School don’t spend in the budget appropriation process. What’s appropriated is not necessarily what has to be spent. If a bid comes in lower than expected, there’s a money savings. If the price of goods comes in lower than expected, money is saved. This is called prudent fiscal management. In the last fiscal year, that variance was about two million dollars or a little more than 2% of the entire Budget. Some people have an allergic reaction to saving money.
This two million dollars “to the good” would all fall to surplus if all anticipated revenues were received but that’s not what happens; there may be an operating surplus but there also may be offsetting revenue deficits. If there is a surplus, some of the money is allocated elsewhere. For example, $457,000 of the surplus from the BOE went into its Capital Reserve Fund. Smart fiscal move.
Second, the Town Auditors did not “report the town to the State” as alleged by this poster who clearly missed the clue truck. The Town notified the State that the Auditors needed an extension. There is a process for this and it is being followed. Nothing is being lost.
Third, the allegations that “someone conveniently did not report the ambulance barn bond” and “we’ve been getting the wrong bond rating because of it” are absolutely untrue. The temporary Ambulance Barn funding was rolled into the permanent financing and the Town’s Bond rating is where it should be – super excellent – thanks to good fiscal management.
Let’s look at the bright side. Somehow, the Town has managed to preserve our quality of life and sustain our values. I’d say those are major feats in this economy. We can all go back some years and, using 20-20 hindsight, come up with things that might have been done differently. But that perspective must be put in context. The real question is, “Did the Mayor and the Council make the right decisions based upon the information that they had at the time?” I am pleased to say that they did.
Whoever you are out there posting this junk, please knock it off. Educate yourself before you make these spurious and destructive allegations. If you need help, contact Director of Finance Ray Jankowski or Greg Miller at the BOE. There are also former elected officials who are willing to help you understand municipal finance.
These are difficult times. We need those who are well-intentioned to work together for the common good to preserve the quality of life that we all enjoy in New Milford.
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