Middletown Senior Community Center Informational Meeting Meet

        Middletown Senior/Community Center 

Informational Meeting

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

6:30pm

Council Chambers

Middletown Municipal Building

                                      245 DeKoven Drive 

Public Input Encouraged

If you have any questions or need additional information about the workshop, contact Chair Ron Klattenberg, 860.604.1570

or Vice Chair Phil Pessina, 860.346.0348

Note: Both the Eckersley Hall Design and Mayor Drew's City Hall addition will be presented for public discussion

Ron Klattenberg - Candidate for Common Council - Statement

The below information is a part of the Eye's Elections 2011 series to provide information to voting citizens and does not represent any endorsement by the Middletown Eye or any of its authors.

My wife Marcy and I moved to Middetown in 1977. We raised two children, Sara and Michael, and participated in PTA, scouting and many other organizations as our children grew, attended public schools and graduated from the old Middletown High School. I retired from Northeast Utilities in 2001 after working for 27 years as the Manager for Environment Services. Having served on the Common Council for seven (7) terms, I feel that public service is an honor, exciting at times, frustrating but always challenging. For me, politics is still all about improving the quality of life for Middletown's diverse population, as well as, preserving the infrastructure of our city. The issue of "quality of life" is central in how I assess my decisions and positions on key issues. The Common Council takes approximately 200-250 votes each year, excluding committee votes. While the vast majority of these votes are non-controversial and nearly unanimous, it is the 5% of votes that get 100% of the news and attention. I continue to try, to the best of my ability, to be fair, honest and balanced when approaching my decisions on these controversial votes. I hope those who know me understand that my decisions are not taken lightly nor politically motivated.

Over the past several years, I have sponsored several initiatives that make me especially proud. As an advocate for clean, renewable energy for the city, I helped Middletown become one of the first Clean Energy Communities in Connecticut. The City has received several honors for work done by the Clean Energy Taskforce to lower the city's energy usage. We were the first city in the state to be awarded free solar photovoltaic panels for the Vocational Agricultural Center at the former Middletown High. The contract with Honeywell, Inc was undertaken last year. This contract is a fifteen (15) year $4.5M agreement which guarantees major energy efficiency improvements to lower electricity and natural gas usage in all major city buildings, including the library. I have also been a strong advocate for the protection of open space and conservation of agricultural land in the city. Over 1000 acres of land have been preserved for future generations by the Common Council in the past 10 years. These conservation measures protect the diversity of our city landscape, slow the growth of city services and demonstrate a major commitment to preserving passive recreation and agriculture land for the future.

In addition to being closely involved in supporting adequate funding for education, finding opportunities to reorganize city departments and overseeing the finances of the city, I am currently serving as Chair of the Eckersley Hall Building Committee for a new Senior Center and municipal office space. The growth in the 55 - 65 age groups is estimated to increase by 14% and the > 65 age group by 28% in the next few years. With the help of an excellent Building Committee it is our intent to renovate this historic building with creative and innovative architectural ideas and solve several problems: (1) provide more space and programs for seniors than currently exist in the Williams St Senior Center, (2) relieve the city of the over $50K lease payments in Riverview Plaza for the Recreation Dept and Arts Office, (3) make available a second conference room in city hall for committee and community meetings, and (4) provide more critically needed storage space for city functions. The Senior Center will be easily accessible, modern and become a focal point for socialization. If re-elected I hope to continue to work on the Senior Center project and other initiatives to promote our city that will allow Middletown to continue to be a community where families, professionals and seniors want to live because of its diversity and quality of life.

Ron Klattenberg

Deputy Majority Leader
Chair, Finance and Government Operations
Chair, Public Works Commission
Chair, Clean Energy Taskforce
Chair, Eckersley Hall Building Committee
Member, Senior Affairs Commission

Meet Your Greens - Communities and Clean Energy

Meet Your Greens! focus on...

Communities & Clean Energy

October 19, 2010 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Quarry Ridge Restaurant Rose Hill Road, Portland

Join us this month to explore how two of our county's towns are tackling the task of promoting clean energy use. Ron Klattenberg of Middletown and Andy Bauer of Portland will provide updates on the activities of their respective town's Clean Energy Task Forces. As always we will have plenty of time for conversation and questions afterwards. There will be beer and wine specials on the offering-along with what promises to be a wonderful autumn view. Quarry Ridge is set among rolling hills and granite rock outcroppings, overlooking the Meshomasic State Forest and the Connecticut River.

Quarry Ridge Restaurant at Quarry Ridge Golf Course

9B Rose Hill Road
Portland, Connecticut 06480
(860) 342-1399

Meet Your Greens meets every third Tuesday of the month. Venues and times change-- join our e-list for updates and invites by contacting Claire Rusowicz, crusowicz@rockfallfoundation.org; or Jennifer Weymouth, jaweymouth@yahoo.com. You can also join us on Facebook ("Meet Your Greens"). Schedule updates are also provided on The Rockfall Foundation website

Candidate Profile: Common Council - Ron Klattenberg

Ronald P. Klattenberg (D)
Incumbent Candidate for Common Council

Background

Born and raised in New York City.

I have lived in Middletown since 1977 with wife, Marcy, Outdoor and Environmental Education for Reg. District 13; raised two children (Sara, Michael) through the Middletown Public School System.

M.S. Degree, University of Connecticut , Environmental Engineering.

Now retired, formerly Manager, Environmental Services, Northeast Utilties Service Co. (27 yrs); and, Environmental Consultant for Electric Utilities and Commercial Businesses (5 yrs)

Experience

Common Council (6 Terms); Currently, Deputy Majority Leader
Chairman, Finance and Government Operations
Chairman, Middletown Clean Energy Taskforce
City Liaison to the Army Corp of Engineers for Siting of Training Facility
Former Chairman, Conservation Commission
Former Member, Planning & Zoning Commission (1 Term)
Former President, Mattabeseck Audubon Society
Former Boy Scout Leader

Qualifications for position

Able to be open-minded, fair and balanced in making difficult decisions effecting the city and its taxpayers . Ability to analyze complex problems as demonstrated in the selection of the fuel cell for the Middletown High School. Also, the selection of the Cucia Park site for the Army Training Facility in Middletown required broad community support and need for consensus building. My work on the Advisory Panel and role as liaison to the Army is being judged by the Army as an example they wish to continue for other projects in the United States.

Reasons for running

I have championed many innovative and creative projects for the City while serving on the Common Council including: the high school fuel cell, installation of free solar panels at the former VOAG building, organization of city-wide community conversations, advocate for the Honeywell energy contract for the City, consolidation of City electrical accounts in the Finance Dept and application for a federal energy efficiency grant for the Remington Rand Building. This federal grant will enhance the market appeal of the Remington Rand Building as an incubator for business development and investments. I wish to continue to work on these projects to demonstrate leadership in sustainability, promote environmental stewardship while at the same time finding ways for the City to save precious tax dollars.

Goals

Complete the approval and implementation of a long term energy plan for the city which includes energy conservation goals, energy efficient vehicle usage, promotion of renewable energy systems within the city and on-going renegotiation of city energy contracts.

Begin a comprehensive legislative, regulatory and legal effort to allow city sewage to be accepted by the Cromwell Mattabassett Sewage District and begin planning for the demolition of the City’s existing treatment plant on the river front as the first step in the reclamation of our riverfront.

Gazebo To Be Erected Despite Objections

Boy Scout Andrew Avalone is working toward merit badges for his Eagle Scout designation, and he's trying to do a good deed for Middletown, but he's learning another life lesson in the process.

Avalone approached the town about raising money to build a gazebo to honor veterans. The gazebo would be built on the South Green.

There is a very specific ordinance about building structures, or monuments, in the park and in Veteran's Memorial Park on Washington Street.

And that's where the trouble began.

The decision as to what monument will be placed on Union Park or Veterans Memorial Green shall be made by the City of Middletown Parks and Recreation Commission upon the advice and recommendation of the City's Memorials Restoration Committee, the Middletown Council of Veterans, the Middletown Commission on the Arts, and the Middletown Design and Review and Preservation Board.

The Middletown Design Review and Preservation Board applauded Avalone and the project, but suggested that the pre-fab gazebo kit proposed by Avalone, and the Parks and Rec Department, needed some modification in size and design. The Board said that the gazebo, as presented, would not be able to accommodate staged activities of the kind currently held in the park.

The Arts Commission concurred, suggesting that any gazebo should be of a size and location that it could replace the use of the town's showmobile and portable stages currently used for events in the park. The Arts Commission asked Avalone to present his plans, considering the recommendations, at the September meeting of that Commission.

In the meantime, The Parks and Recreation department had a concrete footing which would accommodate the originally-planned gazebo, poured near the Eastern border of the park.

According to Common Council members Ron Klattenberg, and Earle Roberts (who is also a member of the Arts Commission), the construction of the footings was premature since all the appropriate boards had not approved the gazebo.

While Klattenberg and Roberts both support Avalone's efforts, they suggest that the Parks and Recreation Department began the work before all alternatives were considered.

"It's very unfortunate that the spirit of the ordinance has not been followed in any sense," Klattenberg, who is, himself, an eagle scout, said. "If there ever was an opportunity, and Park and Recreation would consider Veteran's Memorial Park, it would create a wonderful gateway into downtown."

Parks and Recreations department director Ray Santestefano said that as far as he was concerned all boards had given their approval and that the gazebo would be erected Saturday morning September 19 as scheduled.

The Arts Commission, for their part, disagree with Santestefano, and at their meeting Thursday (a meeting held a week earlier than usual to accommodate a review of the proposed gazebo), voted unanimous support for Avalone and his efforts, but also agreed, unanimously that the gazebo, as proposed, should not be built on the South Green because it is proposed for the wrong location, it is inadequate in size to host staged functions in the park, and that it was inadequate for many of the events held in the park.

Construction of the gazebo is scheduled to begin Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Conservation Commission concerned about Common Council grab of Cucia Cash

The Conservation Commission met on the same Thursday evening last week that the Common Council decided to ignore the expressed wishes of the Conservation Commission and use the proceeds of the sale of Cucia Park as revenue for balancing the current budget. They discussed this issue and decided to send a letter to the Council and Mayor about the use of the Cucia money.

The likely sale of Cucia Park is the final result of an 18 month process involving the Army Corps of Engineers, community activists from Maromas and Westfield, city officials, and virtually all those elected to represent Middletown. The Cucia Park sale was the subject of many meetings of Middletown commissions and committees, including those of Planning and Zoning (September 24), Economic Development (October 14), the Conservation Commission, and Common Council (October 6) itself.

The Army has offered the City $2 million for the sale of Cucia Park, according to Councilman Tom Serra. At their Thursday budget meeting last week, the council voted to use $1.5M of this to pay for City operating expenses. Moreover, in the Democrat's statement about the budget, they vowed to use "additional income from Cucia Park" to increase the City's Fund Balance.

These plans contradict a resolution passed by the Council in October, which required that "monies sufficient to replace the park and open space land as a result of such sale would be placed in a special City Account for the purchase of park and/or open space land." No effort has been made to determine how much it would cost for this replacement.

2008: Background to the Sale of Cucia Park

Cucia Park was selected by the Army Corps of Engineers as the preferred site for a proposed military training facility in Middletown, but only after extensive political furor over previous site selections on Freeman Road and then on Boardman Lane. Those first two sites would have caused the loss of environmentally important open space for Middletown.

To help the Army select a site that would be favorable to both Middletown and the Army, Mayor Giuliano appointed an advisory panel to work with the army on site selection, the panel is chaired by Councilman Ron Klattenberg. In August of 2008, this panel (full disclosure: I am on the panel), endorsed the sale of Cucia Park, in Westfield, to the army as an alternative to the Boardman Lane property.

Councilman Klattenberg recognized that the sale of a park by the city would lead to a loss of open space for the citizens of Westfield and Middletown, and he asked the Conservation Commission to endorse such a sale. The Conservation Commission, at their September 11 meeting, agreed to do that, with one important condition. In their letter of September 18 to Common Council and the Mayor, they said (emphasis from original letter):

The Conservation Commission endorses the recommendation of the Mayor’s Advisory Panel that Cucia Park is currently the most acceptable site for the proposed Army base. Since this site will cause the loss of a City park, we strongly urge that the monies received from this sale be placed in a fund exclusively dedicated to the City’s Open Space program. There should be no net loss of Open Space!

The endorsement by the Conservation Commission was critical to Klattenberg's panel. It was instrumental in allaying concerns from city residents that budgetary and political considerations would lead to sales by the city of its open space.

Common Council agrees with Conservation Commission.

At their October 6 regular meeting, the Common Council enthusiastically agreed with the Conservation Commission's recommendation (Eye coverage). They overwhelmingly endorsed the sale by the City of a Park in Resolution 10-12: Endorsing Cucia Park after a full review by the Economic Development, but only after Councilmen Serra and Daley introduced an amendment stating that money from the sale of Cucia Park be dedicated to replacing the loss of open space. The council agreed with the Conservation Commission.

The following is an extract, reproduced verbatim from the official Council minutes of the October 6 meeting (if you do not thrill to read official Council minutes, skip and read my summary below the minutes). These October 6 minutes were approved at their November 3rd meeting, without any modifications:

Councilman Serra moves to amend in the paragraph that is before the last “Be It further resolved” paragraph to read “Be It Further Resolved Be It Further Resolved: That the loss of approximately thirty acres of potential park and open space land lost to the City of Middletown be compensated with no net loss of equivalent open space and purchase of development rights new park land and or open space; and Be It Further Resolved: That all monies received by the sale of Cucia Park shall be placed in a special City account for the purchase of park and/or open space land; and” Councilman Serra’s motion is seconded by Councilman Loffredo.

Councilman Serra was ready to vote against this because this park was going to be taken from the rolls. Yes, we wanted a training base here at Pratt and Whitney site; however he is irritated at the approach of the Army and their strategy. They are bullying us and there is no economic gain here ; he will vote for this if this amendment passes because it ensures we don not lose park or open space land.

Councilman Daley states he respectfully urges a friendly amendment to this amendment. He is concerned about the wording indicating that all monies would be in the special fund. The process calls for negotiation and terms of sale and we don’t know what the amount would be. He is concerned that funds the City will see from this could go to other concerns besides open space land that would be lost. I would ask Councilman Serra to accept a friendly amendment to say that funds sufficient to replace the park and open space land that would be losSerra states he will accept it.

Councilman Daley restates his friendly amendment “Be It Further Resolved: That monies sufficient to replace the park and open space land as a result of such sale would be placed in a special City Account for the purchase of park and/or open space land: and” Councilman Serra again agrees to the change. ...

[At this point, the mayor and councilmen Bauer, Faulkner, and Pessina object to the restrictions that this resolution places on the use of city funds.]

... Corporation Counsel Howard responds he believes they can redo this later. The Chair comments if we are not locking ourselves into doing something we might regret he sees no problem with the amendment.

Councilman Streeto wants to go on record that Councilman Serra’s amendment was well taken and open space funds are popular with the citizens. Replacing the open space area with another would be a win-win situation for the City.

The Chair, hearing no further comments, calls for the vote. It is nine aye votes by Council Members Serra, Loffredo, Klattenberg, Santangelo, Daley, Kasper, Faulkner, Streeto, and Roberts and three nay votes by Council Members Bibisi, Pessina, and Bauer. The Chair states the matter is approved with three in opposition. ...

[Councilman Roberts suggests an amendment to remove discussion of the River Road property from the resolution, this was defeated.]

... The Chair calls for the vote on the amended resolution; it is eleven aye votes by Council Members Serra, Loffredo, Klattenberg, Santangelo, Daley, Kasper, Bibisi, Faulkner, Pessina, Streeto, and Bauer; and one nay vote by Councilman Roberts. The Chair states the matter passes as amended with one in opposition.

Summary: On October 6th, the Common Council voted 11-1 in favor of a resolution which mandated that money "sufficient to replace open space" be reserved in a special city account

2009. Cucia is Army's "Preferred Site"
The Corps of Engineers announced (April 13) that Cucia Park was their preferred site, and published a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on Cucia and two other alternatives. This draft EA is currently in a mandated 30 day public comment period. When that ends, the Army will release a Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI), which will allow the Army to proceed with Cucia Park for their facility.

Hoping that there will be no further complications, the Army has begun the purchasing process. They are required to pay what the army's own appraiser determines is fair market value, this is $2M.

City Budget and Cucia Park revenue
Every elected official I've spoken with agrees that this year presents one of the most difficult budget situations in Middletown's recent history. This is primarily due to a $5.3M drop in revenue compared to last year, according to Mayor Giuliano (March 19). To balance the budget, Giuliano proposed reducing expenses by cutting programs and obtaining concessions from city unions, and increasing revenue by a 4% tax increase (April 2nd).

Giuliano evaluated using money from the sale of Cucia Park to balance the budget. In an email to The Eye, he gave several reasons why he rejected this approach, "1) we can't duplicate this kind of income, 2) we don't have a purchase & sale, 3) we don't know what the conditions/contingencies of sale will be, 4) the Council (in an amnesiac moment) further encumbered the anticipated sale proceeds with a commtment to buy one of the Bysiewicz lots.

The Democrats were more willing to consider using the proceeds of a Park sale to balance the budget. Councilman Serra, in a March 22 interview with The Eye, said that the Democrats would consider using the money from the sale of Cucia Park to the Army for operating expenses if the budget situation was dire enough. He said that the money should be used first to replace the loss of open space, second for Parks and Recreation, and "If necessary some perhaps will be used for operating expenses."

The Democratic caucus on the Council decided to increase spending compared to the Mayor's proposed budget, but would not increase taxes. This worsened an already dire budget problem, which they solved in part by using most of the anticipated revenue from Cucia Park in next year's budget.

I asked several Councilmen whether the use of Cucia Park revenue in next year's budget was consistent with the resolution passed in October. Klattenberg emphasized that the resolution simply required that sufficient funds be set aside for open space acquisition, writing in an email, "I support using monies from the sale of Cucia Park to fulfill the obligation we have to compensate the residents of the city for open space lost. ... there is no question the city must provide "sufficient" funds to implement whatever plan is selected."

Gerald Daley wrote me, "it is clear that my “friendly amendment” was aimed at making sure that the loss of Cucia Park would be replaced." Councilman Streeto concurred, writing, "we were committing to replacing the lost open space with an equivalent open space parcel."

Councilman Serra told me in a phone interview that he also supports open space. He expressed his hope that the City would get more for Cucia Park than the $2M the Army has offered. He said, "I hope that whatever [extra] money we get for Cucia Park is used for three things. First, to purchase the Bysiewicz lot [that the city agreed to purchase to keep the Army from using that land]. Second to purchase open space. And third, passive recreation."

Serra also told me that the Democratic caucus did not make any effort to determine how much it would cost for the city to replace open space equivalent to Cucia Park. He said they had not had any conversations with the Conservation Commission about this issue, and had not consulted anybody about open space replacement.

Conservation Commisssion concerned
At Thursday's meeting, the Conservation Commission discussed the revenue from the sale of Cucia Park, and the Common Council's plan to spend most of it on operating expenses. They voted to send a letter to the Council and the Mayor, reminding them of the letter they had sent on September 18, and of the Council's own commitment of October 6 to reserve Cucia Park revenue to replace open space. Sheila Stoane, chair of the Conservation Commission, told me that this letter would be going to the Council shortly.

Council Approves Budget with more Spending and less Taxes

The Democratically controlled Common Council voted to approve a budget which restores funding to a myriad of programs cut by the mayor, increasing expenditures from $128.5M to $129.7M. Despite this substantial increase, there would be no increase in taxes under the Council's budget.  While the mayor's proposal included a mil rate increase of 1.0, the council's budget keeps the mil rate constant.  

The council was able to balance a budget that has increased spending and level tax revenue by using $1.5M of revenue from the anticipated sale of a city park, an anticipated $1.75M in revenue from the NRG Power Plant, and by taking $1.5M from the city's Fund Balance.  

The vote on the budget was strictly along party lines, with all 4 Republicans voting against it, and all 8 Democrats voting for it.  

Programs and positions restored

The Democrats restored funding to a wide variety of government services in the community.  The numbers which follow are approximate differences between Mayor Giuliano's proposed budget and the Democrat's budget, lumped to give a rough sense of the budgetary changes.  The increases were: youth sports ($85k), youth summer work program ($45k), senior citizen activities ($16k), art support services ($35k), health support ($230k), community events ($65k).  The Board of Education budget was increased by $200k, and 5 vacant police officer positions were filled ($250k).  

Rejection of Union Concessions to City

The Council rejected the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was reached between Mayor Giuliano and a coalition of unions representing city workers.  The MOU delineated over $1M in concessions that the various unions were willing to take in order to help the city balance its budget. These concessions included unpaid furloughs, changes in health benefits, and an agreement that some positions would not be filled immediately. 

This agreement arose following an initial meeting on January 30th, between Giuliano, department heads, school board, school superintendents, and representatives of all the city unions. The Democrats refused to participate in those discussions.   

The Democratically proposed budget gives back to the unions the furloughs and the positions.  Councilman James Streeto said that he could not accept a package of concessions which included no hiring of 5 police officers, "The reduction of police numbers was from the get-go a problem for me."

Several dozen union members attended Thursday's budget hearings, and were clearly annoyed to see the Democrats on the Council refuse the concessions that they had agreed to.  

In interviews with The Eye after the meeting, I asked why union members would be upset at no longer having to take the furloughs and other concessions they had offered to the City. Councilman Klattenberg was mystified by the union members' anger, but he offered a suggestion that perhaps the union leadership had invested so much in the negotiations within and between unions that they were disappointed it was all for naught.  Mayor Giuliano said something similar, "Unions are [now] feeling that [negotiations and concessions] was all B.S.  They feel they were kicked in the head."  Councilman Bauer suggested that union members were taking a broader, long-term view of their job security and were haunted by the specter of future layoffs, "By putting the city in a weaker position [with this budget], next year there may be layoffs. This injects job uncertainty."

Increased revenue without a tax increase

To pay for the increased services and their refusal of Union Concessions, the Council decided to allot money from the expected sale of a park to cover the City's operating budget. Cucia Park is a city owned park which the Army has chosen for their military training facility.  The city anticipates receiving at least $2M from its sale to the army. 

The Council budget uses $1.5M of anticipated Cucia Park sales revenue to offset the increased expenditures and rejected concessions for the 2010 budget. Klattenberg said that money from the sale of Cucia that is beyond the $1.5M would be used to restore the Fund Balance.   In response to criticism of the use of anticipated revenue, Klattenberg said, "I believe that you need to have confidence based on professional judgement that the money will be there... To not include money that is anticipated would be irresponsible."

The Council used a similar strategy last year, when they included the proceeds of the anticipated sale of city-owned Remington Rand Building to balance the 2009 budget. That sale did not materialize and money was withdrawn from the Fund Balance instead.  

Another controversial source of revenue in the proposed budget is the use of this Fund Balance money to pay for the operating budget.  The Council more than doubled the amount of money that Giuliano wanted to withdraw. Both Giuliano and Klattenberg told me that City Finance Director Carl Erlacher was alarmed at the depletion of the Fund Balance, which serves as a reserve of last resort for the city.  The Democrats said that the level of the Fund Balance (about 7.6% of the annual budget after the coming withdrawals) was consistent with sound municipal accounting principles.

The use of the Park sales money and Fund Balance withdrawals allows the City to achieve a balanced budget with an increase in expenditures but no increase in the tax rate, which would stay at 25.5 mil.  

Mayor to test budget with staff

Giuliano has 5 days to either accept the budget as passed by Common Council, or to veto it, according to the City Charter.  He promised the Council to make a good faith effort to implement the budget as passed by the Council.  He said he would consult with the Finance Director, as well as other Department Directors to see if this was feasible, "If I don't think we can make it work, the Charter provides me with a means to bring that to your attention."  

Army Reserve Selects Cucia Park

The Army Reserve has selected Cucia Park as the site for its proposed Army Reserve Training Center in Middletown.

The final selection depends on final environmental approval and the results of the final public hearing. The city has thirty days after the environmental report is issued to react.

Cucia Park is one of three sites the Army Reserve was considering, the other two are an industrial park development on Middle Street and a farm on Boardman Lane.

Common Council member Ron Klattenberg, who headed the mayor's advisory panel for site selection was happy to hear the news.

"I'm so pleased that the Army has selected Cucia Park," Klattenberg said. "It puts the Army and the city on the same page because the property will serve the Army very well. And they're building it on a site that will serve the city very well."

"I'm going to ask the advisory panel to reconvene," Klattenberg said. "We'll take a good hard look at the report."

Middletown resident, and Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz echoed Klattenberg's enthusiasm about the Army's choice.

"I am thrilled that the Army listened to the citizens of Middletown and chose this site," Bysiewicz said. "This site is the most approporiate from so many perspectives. It's near the highway. It's near other industry and it won't threaten Maromas or valuable farm land. I will remain vigilant and advocate for that site. We can't take anything for granted, and I will continue to work with Governor Rell, the Attorney General, Rosa Delauro to be sure that this is the site the Army will use."

Mayor Crushed by Brownstone Resolution

A controversy which erupted a an Economic Development Committee meeting a few weeks ago, flared again at the Common Council meeting Monday night.

Council member Ron Klattenberg again challenged the Mayor Sebastian Giuliano who gave permission for Ron Borrelli, a Republican member of the Planning and Zoning Commission to enter city property on Bow Lane to remove brownstone on the property where Buckeye Pipeline was demolishing houses as part of deal for an easement through the property.

Klattenberg read from an email from the Long Hill Estate written this month, claiming they could put the brownstone to good use at the estate.

Klattenberg then offered a resolution to have the brownstone returned by Borelli and donated to the Long Hill estate or be offered to the public in open bidding.

“The brownstone was irresponsibly given to a fellow party member,” Klattenberg charged.

The mayor, for his part, insisted that the brownstone was under the control of Buckeye Pipeline, from who Borrelli reportedly got permission to remove the brownstone.

Council member Gerry Daley entered the fray by accusing the mayor of giving permission to Borrelli to remove surplus property.

“I don’t know why you can’t just say it was a mistake,” Daley asked the mayor.

“Because it wasn’t. The brownstone was not in city control. Our agreement with Buckeye called for the demolition of the property at no cost of the city, with no reservation. If they wanted to let people pull shingles from the roof or go in and take plumbing out, that’s Buckeye’s prerogative.”

Borrelli himself asked to speak, and was allowed to, insisting that he went through all appropriate channels, and that if the city wanted the brownstone back, he would deliver it if they would pay for his labor.

“I’ll drop it on your doorstep,” he said, addressing Klattenberg.

When the question was called the ultimate vote of 7-5 requires the mayor to request that Borrelli return the brownstone.

“The Long Hill estate voted tonight. They don’t want the brownstone,” Borrelli informed the Council.

After the meeting Borrelli argued that the Council had made a mistake.

“They’ll pay for my labor, and in the end they’ll find that it’s going to cost them more than the brownstone is worth.”

Dems in Search of New Mayoral Candidate

Democratic Town Committee Chairman Dan Russo is confident that the party will have a candidate to run in the upcoming mayor election. Democratic candidate Ron Klattenberg dropped out of the race this morning because of medical issues.

"There are currently a couple of people evaluating considering a run for mayor," Russo said in a phone interview this morning. "We hope, in the next month, to get a candidate up and running."

"We're very sorry that Ron is not going to run," Russo said. "Ron helped us by getting off to an early start, but we'll have plenty of time to get another campaign in place. And Ron will run for Common Council again and will be active in supporting the Democratic mayoral candidate who does decide to run."

Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said he thought Klattenberg had made the correct decision.

"I was looking forward to the race," Giuliano said. "But Ron had made the right move, and made the more important decision to make sure he stays healthy."

When asked whether he thought he would be running unopposed, Giuliano said that he was sure the Democrats would field a candidate for the race.

Klattenberg Drops Out of Mayoral Race

BREAKING NEWS

Common Council member and mayoral candidate Ron Klattenberg, announced in a letter today that he is dropping out of the race for mayor due to medical reasons. Here's his letter of withdrawal:

Dear Friends, Supporters and Colleagues

Over the past two months, I have been faced with a medical issue related to my Type I diabetes. I have had diabetes for 30 years. In general, the management of my disease has been well controlled with exercise and good eating habits. Now, the added stresses involved with the campaign have been taking a serious toll on my ability to properly manage this disease. After discussing my situation with my doctor and family it is now necessary that I withdraw from the race for mayor. While I have great regrets making this decision, it is the right decision for me. This decision does not change my hope to continue to serve the Democrat Party and Common Council to the best of my ability, now, and in the future. I will also give my full support to a new Democratic candidate for mayor.

I thank my wife, Marcy, for her support and willingness to give me a chance to run. I am especially indebted to Lisa Santangelo, Chuck Bates and Dennis Fennessey for their tremendous support and commitment to my campaign. I also thank our Town Committee Chairman Dan Russo, my son Michael, Dan Drew, Bruce Dodson, Peter Patton, Michael Ennis, Representative Matt Lesser and former Mayor's Domenique Thornton, Maria Holzberg and Tom Serra for their advice, support and counsel. I know many will be disappointed by my decision and I share their disappointment but everyone must understand it is imperative for my long term health that this decision be made now before the disease leads to complications. I hope this decision also serves as a message to others facing similar medical conditions that they take their conditions seriously and manage their lives in a way to reduce stress and health risks.

I know there are other strong leaders in the Democratic Party who are fully capable to lead our city. Middletown needs change, innovation and open government and this must continue to be our top priorities in 2009. What is most important, now, is that we work together. I ask that we quickly select a new candidate and begin to move forward to ensure victory for the Democratic Party and all Democrat candidates in November.

Signed
Ron Klattenberg
March 19, 2009

Kasper Mines Brownstone Query; Mayor Sees No Need to Stonewall

In a sign that the campaign is underway, and that political "silly season" is here, at Monday's Economic Development Committee meeting, committee member, and City Council member Hope Kasper revealed a letter authored by Mayor Sebastian Giuliano authorizing Planning and Zoning Commission member Ron Borrelli, to remove brownstone from a wall on property given to the city by the state of Connecticut on Bow Lane.

Mayoral candidate, and Common Council member Ron Klattenberg, who remained at the unusually long EDC meeting until this item was addressed in the "Other" category, appeared shocked and dismayed by the brownstone conveyance.

"What's particularly disturbing is that there was not a procedure followed," Klattenberg said at the meeting. "I believe this raises a serious ethical issue. In a unilateral decision, this brownstone was given by the mayor to a political ally. This brownstone has a value, on the low end, of $1,000 and at the high end of $5,000." Klattenberg indicated he had contacted the local brownstone quarry to determine the value of the stone.

Kasper indicated that the brownstone should be considered surplus property. As such, Kasper claims that the brownstone should have been distributed through competitive bidding.

"When there's surplus property," Kasper said to fellow committee members. "The purchasing agent must be contacted. I know there are ordinances, I used to work for the city."

"There's a difference between surplus property and garbage," Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said in a phone inteview late Monday evening. "This is just a pile of rocks. The property, including the wall was going to be demolished and hauled away by O&G. We weren't going to get a penny for it."

Giuliano said that Borrelli had indeed requested the brownstone. Borrelli insists that his wife Stephanie made the original request, but that he and his wife followed the mayor's advice and contacted the city's legal department and the planning department. According to Borrelli and the mayor, both departments insisted on nothing more than a certificate of insurance to prevent exposure by the city to liability.

Borrelli insists that the acquisition of the brownstone is on the up-and-up.

"I'm not hiding anything," he said Monday evening. "It took me, and another person four days, a dump truck and a backhoe to move 45 pieces of brownstone. That's $3,000 to $4,000 just to remove the stone."

When Council member Earle Roberts, who lives on Bow Lane, stopped by as Borrelli was removing the stone, Borrelli says Roberts asked if he had permission to remove the stone. Borrelli produced the letter from the mayor, and the certificate of insurance.

Borrelli is using the stone in a wall at a property he owns at 109 Tollgate Road.

"I will recuse myself from the vote on the Buckeye Pipeline which will run through the property," Borrelli insisted. "So that no one can claim there was a conflict of interest."

"I would have said, 'Just fine' to anyone who asked me for material on a site scheduled for demolition," Giuliano said. "All that stuff was going to be hauled away."

At the EDC meeting, Giuliano's mayoral opponent Klattenberg outlined the letter of the law.

"If the value is over $7500, the sale of the surplus property must be advertised," Klattenberg said. "Under $7500, the sale must be competitively bid and the purchasing agent would handle it."

"If Ron (Klattenberg) is accusing me of an ethical violation," Giuliano countered. "Then so much for his pledge to keep the campaign focused on the issues. I guess all bets are off. If they think I didn't seek the advice of the legal department, they're mistaken."

EDC chair Gerry Daley told the committee he would author a letter to the mayor asking for an explanation of the situation.

Klattenberg Says Keep the Meetings on TV

In a letter addressed to the Middletown Press, Middletown Common Council member and mayoral candidate Ron Klattenberg offers his thoughts on the cablecast TV transmission of town meetings:

During the January city-wide Community Conversations city residents told us they expect more transparency,better communication and greater openness with their local government. They noted that an informed electorate can make better choices for their community. Mayor Giuliano’s new plan to stop broadcasting Common Council and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings on the city’s public access channel flies in the face of these expectations. Ironically, the mayor announced his plan at the March 2 Common Council meeting when the broadcast’s audio failed, and people viewing at home could not hear his intentions.

For many residents, these broadcasts are their only available link to decisions being made by local elected officials. The nominal cost of these broadcasts (approx $13,000) is insignificant when compared to the direct access to government decision-making residents receive by this coverage. I will oppose the mayor as he attempts to limit the public's right to observe government's process and hold their elected officials accountable.

Giuliano to Run For Re-election

The Middletown Press reported this weekend that Mayor Sebastian Giuliano will seek re-election.

Giuliano, a two-term Republican, ran unopposed in the last election. In November he will be challenged by Democratic candidate, Ron Klattenberg, who is a Common Council member.

More Thoughts on District Representation on the Council

Earlier this week, The Eye published a commentary by Middletown resident Judith Brown suggesting that the citizens of Middletown would be better served by Council members who represented specific districts of the city.

The piece elicited some thoughtful responses, and one or two which were less so. One thoughtful response came from mayoral candidate, and Council member Ron Klattenberg. Here is Judith's response to those responses. We welcome fair and thoughtful commentary on this, and anything we publish in the Middletown Eye.

Democatic Government and Citizen Participation: Mixing At-Large and District Representation in the Common Council
Judith C. Brown

Last week, I posted an item in favor of 4-year Common Council seats and of changing some seats to district respresentation. These would be necessary first steps toward making Middletown’s Common Council more democratic and responsive. I was very pleased that several people wrote in favor of these proposals and that Mayoral Candidate Ron Klattenberg entered the discussion. But while I appreciated that Mr. Klattenberg is in favor of 4-year terms, I was disappointed that he opposes district representation, primarily because he thinks there aren’t enough qualified or sufficiently interested people in Middletown to run for Council. This is blaming the victims for what appears to him to be public apathy. The blame should go instead to the obstacles that our local government places on running for office.

The major hurdle is the at-large electoral system, which requires more money and more access to political connections than running from a smaller district, where a candidate is known and knows the issues facing voters. These are the main reasons why people interested in running for local office either do not run or are forced, for all practical purposes, to run as part of a party slate which provides funding and the political networks for slate candidates, but which increases the barriers to entry for all other candidates. In effect, it is the at-large electoral system that results in slates whose members are preselected by a small handful of people who run the Democratic and Republican Town Committees. Basically, we, the voters, have given over our democratic rights to a handful of people who preselect our candidates. As a registered Democrat I say this with great sadness because our local system of government is no longer truly democratic. Turning 6 or 9 of our 12 council seats into district seats would enable many more citizens with an interest in civic affairs to run for office and, whether Democrats, Republicans, or some other affiliation, they would have a better chance of doing so successfully without having to depend on a small coterie of people to whom they are beholden for the support needed to run for local office and for reelection.

Replacing most at-large Council seats with district seats would not only increase the pool of candidates and the variety of independent viewpoints on the Council, it would provide a form of apprenticeship for the wider, at-large positions, for which candidates now exlusively compete. Also, Council members representing districts would be more responsive and accountable to their constituents than the at-large representation we have now because they are closer to their constituents and more familiar with their needs.

In support of a less democratic, entirely at-large city-council, Mr. Klattenberg cites the obligation of all council members to be responsive to the public regardless of where an issue is raised and the obligation of the public to bring issues of concern to the attention of the Council or other officials. In his opinion, the at-large form of representation works. Like many other citizens, I understand that responsive government is not a government that always agrees with my point of view. But as some of us know from our experience in dealing with our local officials, they are less responsive and less well-informed about issues that affect specific constituencies than they should be. This is why despite the public’s interest in local issues, some of our citizens give up voicing their concerns to Middletown officials. It is not a lack of responsibility on the part of the public that drives public behavior; it is frustration with the lack of responsiveness and transparency on the part of local government.

This is a town with a great university, a major hospital, and many large and small businesses and cultural institutions with intelligent, qualified, and public-minded citizens. I am confident that if we remove the obstacles to more responsive and more transparent government, Middletown citizens will cheerfully and willingly step up to running for office, bringing issues to the attention of officials, and addressing the challenges of our troubled times. First steps in that direction are turning 6 or 9 of our Common Council seats into district seats and turning all the seats into 4-year terms.

Mayoral Candidate Challenges Mayor's Health Plan Offer

Common Council member, and candidate for mayor plans to deliver this letter to the office of Mayor Sebastian Giuliano this morning.

Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano
City of Middletown
Dekoven Drive
Middletown, CT 06457


Re: Suspension of Free HMO Progam for Future Retirees


Dear Mayor Giuliano,

Recently, I received a copy of the above referenced memo, dated January 23, 2009, prepared by Director D. Milardo and distributed to all city employees. This letter explains that the city "...has offered free HMO medical programs to those who retired from service...and... is above what is contained within their Collective Bargaining Agreements." There was a logical explanation for the original basis for the benefit to move more employees into the HMO plan for health insurance because of the anticipated savings. Director Milardo pointed out that the City can no longer continue the 100% health care costs for retirees, dependents and employees eligible to retire. Employees were notified they must decide by March 1, 2009 if they will retire to retain this benefit. Employees retiring after this date will receive health benefits under the terms and conditions of their collective bargaining agreements (the 100% option will no longer apply). This letter mandates that employees notify the City before March 1, 2009 and leave by March 1, 2009 if they wish to retain this health benefit option.

One key question is how many employees choosing to retire before March 1st will need to be replaced. I’m told that school crossing guards, BOE business officials, several police officers and firefighters and other key city positions are considering retirement because of fear of losing this benefit. Crossing guards are critical for safety and I don’t think it is wise or sound financial use of police officers to cover crossing guard posts. Further, for essential positions needing to be replaced, the City will now be paying two health insurance benefits, one for the retiree and one for the new hire. Both Chief Baldoni and Superintendant Frechette should be evaluating this issue.

With this letter, I request the financial impact of your decision be provided to the Common Council. How many taxpayer dollars will be saved by discontinuing the free HMO in respect to future retirees that choose to remain in the PPO health benefit versus the free HMO. Also, what is the saved wages benefit in comparison to replacement salaries, cost of duplicative health insurance, as well as, the personal impact on employees and services they provide?

I am also extremely concerned that the March 1 deadline will cause serious disruption in the functions of various departments. The notice was sent to employees the end of January ! Employees were surprised by this memo and it will likely take several weeks to come to decision for many. This leaves only 2-3 weeks to determine how a loss of staffing will be properly coordinated and managed. It is my understanding that refilling of positions will be offered to city employees first within the bargaining units. This could create a compounding or domino effect of service disorder to other departments. It is my firm belief employees should notify the city of their retirement decision by March 1 but that the transition to retirement be treated on a case-by-case basis with all eligible employees being required to leave by June 30, 2009 if it is truly a financial savings. With this approach, departments can plan accordingly, cross train replacement employees if necessary, implement succession planning and limit disruptions for the employees, taxpayers and citizens of the city.



Sincerely,


Ronald P. Klattenberg, Councilman
Chairman, Finance and Government Operations

Ron Klattenberg: Mayoral Candidate

As a kid growing up in New York City, Ron Klattenberg had a singular vision.

"My dream growing up in the city was to have a hot dog stand," Klattenberg remembers.

He used that dream in a fundraising scheme in the first civic project he was engaged in here in Middletown.

"I was working with the Parent Teacher Association when my children were at Wesley School," Klattenberg said in a phone interview. "There was a really strong push to find a better playscape for Wesley school. The parents were getting frustrated with lack of imagination.

"The biggest problem was how to raise the money, so I said what if we sold hot dogs?"

Klattenberg arranged to rent a stand from a New Haven vendor, and the parent group found themselves with enough funds to build the new playscape within two months.

"People still talk about the hot dogs," Klattenberg laughs.

From there, Klattenberg was involved in a number of civic organizations and projects and has served on Middletown's Conservation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission and is currently a member of the city's Common Council.

But according to Klattenberg, his run for mayor stems less from political ambition, and more from a sense of serving the community in a time of need.

"I don't need to be doing this," Klattenberg declared. "I'm retired, and I could sit home all day and watch television. But I really feel the city is at a crossroads. We could be losing state and tax revenue, and I believe that leading the city is going to require a lot more leadership than we are seeing today. I also believe that there's a real serious need for more financial control and restraints, and there's going to be an enormous need for creativity and inclusion. There does need to be a style of management than helps us navigate through these difficult times. And I think I my history and my record in the city makes me a very viable candidate, and I think I can bring creativity and openness and fairness to this process."

Klattenberg is a retired environmental specialist, and a manager for environmental remediation at Northeast Utilities.

This experience has helped Klattenberg create innovative solutions for the city, and he sees opportunity for the same kind of innovative solutions in the future. Through his efforts, Klattenberg introduced the city to renewable energy.

"Middletown was the third city to be a Clean Energy City, and we were the first to be awarded the brand new free solar panels that are used at the former vocational agriculture building, and it's made Middletown a leader in renewable energy in Connecticut. And the fuel cell for the new high school is something I brought before the high school building committee. That fuel cell is saving the city approximately $250,000 in energy costs each year."

Klattenberg also supported renegotiating the city's energy contract with CL&P, saving the city half a million dollars over three years according to Klattenberg.

Klattenberg hopes to be elected as a mayor who will use cooperation between all parties, employees, unions, city departments, school leaders, staff leaders

"It requires a true spirit of cooperation and teamwork," Klattenberg emphasized. "And I think my work with the Army Advisory Panel is a good example. We took a problem that was insurmountable and found a site that is acceptable to all parties."

"But I'm fully capable of making a decision," Klattenberg declares. "If I'm elected, the true measure of my success is whether everybody gets a little angry with me. But I think most of all we have to be nimble. We have to be ready to act. Whenever the opportunity arises we need to be ready to respond quickly."

Democratic Councilman Klattenberg Announces Bid For Mayor

Breaking News

Ron Klattenberg announced his intention to run for mayor in this year's election. Klattenberg's announcement was greeted enthusiastically by his Democratic colleagues on the town committee.

Klattenberg said in an exclusive interview with the Eye that "I'm running because I think I can see the big picture."

"It's going to be a very scary year for all of us," Klattenberg said. "And we can't afford to get bogged down."

The Eye will run a longer interview with Klattenberg this weekend to explore his goals in running for mayor.

The Times They Are A-Changin'

Common Council member Ron Klattenberg is using the inauguration of Barack Obama as an occasion upon which to engage community members in the changes we'd like to see happen in Middletown. Here's the information he's sent along:

Where are “We the People”? The answer is in Middletown, according to a group of citizens invited to come together by Councilman Ronald Klattenberg. On Tuesday January 20, 2009, the country will pause to Inaugurate the 44th President of the United States, President-elect Barack Obama, and this informal group feels that may be the best time for the people of Middletown to come together and focus, as a community, on the questions most important to the greater Middletown area in this time of great change and opportunity.

The group (currently acting as a planning committee) has secured Russell Library for 12 noon and at 6:00 pm on Inauguration Day for the public to watch President Obama address the nation together and participate in a facilitated community conversation. This is a not a political event but rather a grassroots initiative to identify the needs of our community in these difficult times. We will record reactions and prioritize ideas that will help Middletown proactively contribute to and take advantage of the inevitable change which is coming. Obviously, the Library has limited space, so the Community Conversations group is asking any and all community organizations in the Middletown area to join this effort and host focused conversations at other sites including homes, thus creating a true community event with the largest possible representation of needs and concerns.

Community organizations are asked to contact the planning committee to contribute additional sites, obtain assistance, distribute information or help in any way to make this an engaging and exciting community success. There will be a second planning meeting on December 20th, 10:00 am, in the Library’s Hubbard Room, to develop a general Community Conversations format, assess resources needed and prepare for a facilitators training meeting scheduled for January 3.

This effort will need volunteer facilitators, sites and of course the people of our diverse community. In the end, we will record and collect results that will culminate in an unprecedented document of what the people of Middletown feel are the priorities for our City. This is the first step toward effective change.

Any organization or group of individuals interested in supporting this effort in any way is asked to immediately contact Councilman Grady Faulkner at GFaulk1484@aol.com or 860-344-9395 in order to begin organizing and identifying host sites to publish for the general public. If individuals are having private celebrations, it is important to have those discussion results included as well.