Report of the Chief Administrative Officer
2010 was a challenging year, meeting the needs facing town government in addressing many continuing capital needs and maintaining service levels within limited resources. A considerable amount of effort was expended by dedicated volunteers on town boards as well as the staff throughout the town.
- The Town through a cooperative effort of the PVPC initiated a full energy audit process of all Town buildings with Seimen’s Corporation. The audit will encompass several months and result in recommendations for energy conservation measures during future budget planning efforts.
- The Town secured the services of Weston/Sampson Engineers to develop plans/specifications for code upgrades and improvements to the former Suburban Chevrolet Dealership. Bids for construction activities were released in the fall and a contractor is being selected for the work at this point in time.
- Design and construction activities commenced in the fall for the Community Preservation Act funded rehabilitation of the Town Hall auditorium and stage. The space will be brought up to modern day codes and enhance the Cultural Council’s efforts to put on plays and theatrical productions.
- Town government financial officials went through an updated bond rating process with Moody’s Investors Services. The Town maintained its’ Aa2 bond rating and issued $3.790 million in bonds for an ambulance, DPW building and land, Town Hall HVAC modifications, South Longyard Road Culvert re-build, Fire Department tanker truck, and water pump stations for Coes Hill and Granville Roads. The Town secured a 2.78% true interest cost for the issuance.
- Town Officials met with Massachusetts Department of Transportation Officials on a regular basis related to the Johnson Brook Bridge Project on Route 10/202 and the Route 10/202 center section improvements from Town Hall north to Tannery Road. These significant infrastructure projects will be initiating construction activities in 2011.
- The USDA/RDA rejected a complete Phase II Application for the Westfield Interceptor and in town collector system. Therefore, the Town is pursuing a smaller application for funding for the interceptor. extension in Westfield at this point in time
- Phase I Rail/Trail became operational and was enjoyed by many people from town and the surrounding communities. Phase II construction was substantially completed. Punch list items will be completed in the spring and the trail will be opened officially.
- The CDBG Grant for the Southwick Senior Center Addition was not funded. A new grant application was submitted to pursue construction related funds.
- Several roads were resurfaced.
- The lakes received an annual evaluation and chemical treatment to keep non-native invasive plant life in check. The program is paid for in equal thirds by Southwick, Suffield, CT and CRC which continues to be a successful venture.
Aside from regular funds to the town received from the state through its cherry sheet aid, other sources of grants and monies were pursued in order to offset the costs of projects and services.
- An estimated $83,699.00 in interest was collected from overdue tax bills.
- Approximately $284,188.00 was received from the State Highway Department to help pay for eligible improvement to the Town’s road network.
- State government problems continue to make planning a town budget somewhat difficult due to the uncertainty of local aid/school aid dollars. The Town received reductions in aid levels. The STRSD received federal recovery aid grants and reduced its assessment to the Town by $10,782.00.
- The Town Tax Rate was set at $13.44 per thousand dollars of valuation under a single tax rate for all classes of property and it was approved by Mass D.O.R.
- Insurance rebates totaling more than $33,817.00 were obtained from Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) for instituting insurance related cost containment measures including municipal board training sessions, safety reviews, webinars, and employee attendance at seminars all of which were free to the Town.
- Sewer Rate Relief Grants were phased out due to state budget problems. The City of Westfield increased its sewer rate by $.30 per thousand gallons. There has not been a rate increase for over 6 years on the Town rate but increased costs for out of town treatment at the Westfield Wastewater Treatment Plant and growing in-town costs will necessitate an increase in Town rates.
Personnel related activities for the year encompassed:
- Fire Chief Don. W. Morris retired after many years on the Fire Department. Thank you for your service to the Town Don and well wishes from the staff.
- Susan Gore was appointed Director of Assessment.
- Jessica Menzone was appointed to a position in the Town Clerk, Collector, Treasurer’s Office.
- Peter F. Jakobowski, DPW Supervisor retired and relocated to Florida. Happy retirement and well wishes for your new adventure Pete.
- Mike Demko was promoted to the DPW Supervisor position.
A word of thanks is due for many individuals and groups for their help in making the year a productive one. This includes our citizens for supporting their town meeting form of government; The Board of Selectmen for sorting out priorities and projects to best reflect the townspeople’s needs; The Finance Committee for helping to fund and develop a balanced budget that maintains adequate services levels; The legislative delegation of Congressman John W. Olver, Senator Michael Knapik and Representative Rosemary Sandlin, their staff who strongly advocated for the Town’s needs while at the statehouse or Congress and our volunteer board and commission members, department heads and staff who performed the many services that town government provides for its people. Special thanks to Cindy Pendleton, Robin Solek, Jeff Neece, Dick Grannells and Gail Cigal.
Respectfully submitted,
Karl J. Stinehart
Chief Administrative Officer