Report of the Chief Administrative Officer 2009
2009 was a busy year in terms of 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 submitted applications to both the Federal USDA/RDA and State SRF Programs in order to obtain grants or low interest loans for a sewer parallel interceptor extension in Westfield and additional collector systems in town under a Phase II plan developed by Tighe & Bond.
- Honey Pot Road drainage improvements and paved road surface were completed.
- The South Longyard Road Culvert Headwall was substantially completed and reopened in early December. Punch list issues will be completed in the spring.
- Town Meeting approved the borrowing authorization to obtain the old Suburban Chevrolet dealership property and initiate the process to convert it to a DPW facility. The project obtained the necessary permits and the Town took possession in early November. Architectural services will be secured to design the necessary code improvements.
- The new Southwick Fire Department tanker arrived in May, 2009 and was put into service September 14, 2009.
- The Phase I Rail Trail was completed by Lane Construction in the fall. Punch list items will be completed and trail will officially open in the spring.
- Phase II Rail/Trail was advertised for construction bid by MHD District 2. A contractor was being selected and will commence construction in the spring for fall completion.
- CDBG Projects were awarded for the reconstruction of Lakemont Street with new drainage, water lines and pavement. The Senior Center Addition Design was commenced and completed by Reinhardt Associates working with the Council on Aging, Selectmen, PVPC and the Building and Grounds Supervisor. At the time of this report the required permits were being secured to add an approximately 1600 square foot addition to better serve the Council on Aging client needs. A subsequent CDBG Grant application will be pursued to secure funds for the construction.
- 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 $94,113.58 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 local aid levels. The Town appropriated $71,922.00 in new funds for the school region for education purposes.
- 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 $22,000.00 were obtained from Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) for instituting insurance related cost containment measures including municipal board training sessions, safety reviews, 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. This may soon necessitate a sewer rate increase.
Personnel related activities for the year encompassed:
- Collective Bargaining Agreements were settled with three (3) AFSCME Units for FY2010 and FY2011.
- Michael Westcott was appointed as a Full-Time Officer with the Southwick Police Department and completed the Mass Criminal Justice Police Academy in December.
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