BUILDING DEPARTMENT



Town of Chester

Annual Report

7/2012 – 6/2013

Dedication

The Chester Board of Finance honors with pleasure Town Employee Thomas (Tommy) Saitta. Tommy has served the town for 41 years, having started in June 1972. He has been working in the Public Works Department as a reliable and dedicated employee cheerfully and faithfully carrying out his duties.

He performs multiple noteworthy tasks that keep Chester safe and clean during all four seasons. His activities include operating heavy equipment to plow the roads in winter, to repair and clean the catch basins starting in the spring, mowing through the summer, leaf collecting in the fall and many other required duties. A few of the additional routine tasks are roadside brush cutting and trash removal from the parks and Town center. He also participated in moving the Town Offices to 203 Middlesex Avenue.

We appreciate and thank Tommy for his long and productive service to our community.

TOWN HALL OF CHESTER

Address: 203 Middlesex Avenue

Chester, CT 06412

Telephone: 860-526-0013

Facsimile: 860-526-0004

Official Town Web Site:

TOWN HALL DIRECTORY

Animal Control 767-3219

Assessor extension 512 loretazdanys@

Development Office

Building extension 207 bldgofficial@

Fire Marshal extension 212 firemarshal@

Inland Wetlands Officer extension 212 inlandwetlands@

Planning and Zoning extension 208 zoningofficial@

Sanitarian extension 206 sanitarian@

Finance extension 215 finance@

First Selectman extension 202 firstselectman@

Administrative Assistant extension 202 adminasst@

Human Services extension 213 humanservices@

Information extension 202 info@

Parks and Recreation extension 223 parkrec@

Police Services

Resident Trooper 526-3605 policeservices@

Emergency 911

Registrars of Voters extension 211 registrar@

Tax Collector extension 513 taxcollector@

Town Clerk extension 511 townclerk@

Treasurer extension 214 treasurer@

Water Pollution Control Auth. extension 230 wpca@

MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS

Chester Elementary School 23 Ridge Road 860-526-5797

Fire Department 6 High Street 860-526-0019

John Winthrop Junior High School Warsaw Street, Deep River 860-526-9546

Meeting House 4 Liberty Street 860-526-0015

Public Library 21 West Main Street 860-526-0018

Public Works Department 16 Grote Road 860-526-0020

Valley Regional High School Kelsey Hill Road, Deep River 860-526-5328

Town Hall 203 Middlesex Avenue 860-526-0013

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Served Fiscal Year: July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013

Selectmen

Edmund Meehan 11/19/13

Lawrence M. Sypher 11/19/13

Tommy Englert 11/19/13

Town Clerk & Registrar of Vital Statistics

Debra Germini Calamari 01/06/14

Asst: Sharon S. Echtman

Town Treasurer

Elizabeth A. Netsch 11/19/13

Julie Netsch, Deputy 11/19/13

Randy Netsch, Deputy 11/19/13

Tax Collector

Madaline A. Meyer 11/19/13

Tax Clerk: Tracey Ohaus

Board of Finance

Virginia Carmany, Chmn. 11/21/17

Bob Gorman 11/21/17

Joyce A. Aley 11/17/15

Jennifer Hummel Rannestad 11/17/15

David W. Cohen 11/19/13

Charles T. Park 11/19/13

Board of Finance Alternates

Lori Ann Sidoti Clymas 11/21/17

Richard C. Nygard 11/17/15

Richard Christian Nankee 11/19/13

Board of Education

David Fitzgibbons 11/03/15

Wendy Calamari King, Chmn. 11/03/15

Laurie Rubinow 11/03/15

Ashley Nicole Marsh 11/05/13

Margaret Dupont Reyer 11/05/13

Lianne Elizabeth Rutty 11/05/13

Amy Helland Safran 11/05/13

Shaun M. Savoie 11/05/13

Nicole P. Sypher 11/05/13

Board of Assessment Appeals

Bruce H. Watrous, Chmn. 11/17/15

Dudley W. Clark, Jr. 11/19/13

Daniel M. Watts 11/19/13

Inland Wetland Commission

Albert G. Bisacky, Chmn. 11/17/15

Eric Davison 11/17/15

Sally A. Sanders 11/17/15

Kris Seifert 11/17/15

Kim S. Senay 11/17/15

Christine A. Darnell 11/19/13

Elizabeth B. Gourlay 11/19/13

Planning and Zoning Commission

Peter Kehayias 11/21/17

Jon Mark Lavy 11/21/17

Sally L. Murray 11/21/17

Errol F. Horner 11/17/15

Steven E. Merola 11/17/15

Keith Walter Scherber 11/17/15

Doreen Joslow 11/19/13

Henry B. Krempel 11/19/13

Michael A. Sanders 11/19/13

Planning and Zoning Commission Alternates

Robert Bibbiani 11/21/17

Sarah Jansen 11/17/15

Melvin F. Seifert 11/19/13

Library Trustees

Margaret A. Carter-Ward 11/21/17

Edith M. Prisloe 11/21/17

Cary S. Hull 11/17/15

Sandra Senior-Dauer 11/17/15

Molly W. Lund 11/19/13

Teresa C. Schreiber, Chmn. 11/19/13

Regional Board of Education

Elaine M. Fitzgibbons 11/07/17

Ann G. Monaghan 11/03/15

Mario S. Gioco 11/05/13

Registrar of Voters

Charlene O. Janecek 01/05/15

Tracey B. Ohaus 01/05/15

Water Pollution Control Authority

Felise T. Cressman 11/17/15

James K. Pease 11/17/15

Albert Arthur Armington, Chmn. 11/19/13

Samuel H. Chorches 11/19/13

Leroy Edward Ward, III 11/19/13

Zoning Board of Appeals

Al Bisacky 12/31/15

Mark C. Borton 12/31/15

Caryl Horner 12/31/15

John J. DeLaura, Jr. 12/31/13

Michael Robert Desnoyers 12/31/13

Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates

Brian S. Sakidovitch 12/31/15

Lisa Tollefson 12/31/15

Alexander Charles Stein 12/31/13

Justices of the Peace

Mario Gioco 01/07/13

Margaret E. Gister 01/07/13

Paul R. Hinkel 01/07/13

Christopher Komondy 01/07/13

Carl F. Manning 01/07/13

Emily S. Masters 01/07/13

Elizabeth A. Perreault 01/07/13

Harvey E. Redak 01/07/13

Melvin F. Seifert 01/07/13

Anna Shubik Sweeney 01/07/13

Jerry A. Walden 01/07/13

Whitelaw Wilson 01/07/13

Judge of Probate

Terrance D. Lomme 01/05/15

U.S. Representative – 2nd Congressional District

Joe Courtney 01/03/15

U.S. Senators

Christopher S. Murphy 01/03/19

Richard Blumenthal 01/04/17

State Senator – 33rd Senatorial District

Art Linares 01/07/15

State Representative – 36th Assembly District

Philip J. Miller 01/07/15

APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Served Fiscal Year: July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013

Accounts Manager

Peter Evankow

Accounts Clerk

Sharon S. Echtman

Administrative Assistant

Lynne Jacques

Animal Control Officer

Robert Jenkins

Assessor

Loretta Zdanys

Asst: Sheila Ahearn

Auditors

Marien + Company LLC

Board of Fire Commissioners

Richard M. Schreiber 11/17/15

Joel P. Severance, Chmn. 11/17/15

John M. Divis 11/19/13

Charlene O. Janecek 11/19/13

Peter J. Zanardi 11/19/13

Ex-officio Members:

Charles F. Greeney, Jr., Fire Chief

Richard Leighton, Fire Marshal

Edmund J. Meehan, First Selectman

Building Official

Ronald Rose 08/14/16

Building Clerk

Sharon S. Echtman

Cable Television Advisory Council

Vacancy (Town) 07/30/13

Vacancy (School) 07/30/13

Cedar Lake Advisory Committee

Vacancy 07/01/15

Vacancy 07/01/15

Vacancy 07/01/15

Vacancy 07/01/14

Vacancy 07/01/14

Cemetery Association

Robert Klomp, President

Alan Cuneo, Vice President

Janette DeRoo, Secretary

Robert DeRoo, Treasurer

Central Regional Tourism District

Vacancy 07/01/14

Chester Housing Partnership

David Mesite

Vacancies (5)

Citation Hearing Officers

Elizabeth A. Perreault 11/19/13

Walter L. Schreiber 11/19/13

Whitelaw Wilson 11/19/13

Vacancy 11/19/13

Vacancy 11/19/13

Community Decommissioning Advisory Committee

Vacancy 11/19/13

Vacancy, Alternate 11/19/13

Compliance Officer

John S. Bennet 11/30/13

Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency

Vacancy – BOS Rep. 12/04/13

Sally L. Murray – P&Z Rep. 12/04/13

Connecticut River Estuary Transit District

Leslie B. Strauss 02/21/17

Connecticut River Gateway Commission

Margaret Wilson 07/01/14

Martha J. Wallace, Alternate 07/01/14

Conservation Commission

Margot D. Burns 11/01/16

Michael P. Prisloe, Jr. 11/01/16

Errol F. Horner 11/01/15

Margaret N.W. Wilson 11/01/15

Patrick L. Woomer 11/01/15

Richard P. Holloway 11/01/14

Claudia W. Van Nes 11/01/14

Director of Health

Konrad Kotrady, M.D. 02/01/16

Emergency Management

Joel P. Severance, Director

Bruce H. Watrous, Deputy

Vacancy

EMS South Central CT Emergency Medical Services Council

Emily S. Masters 12/01/14

Energy Task Force

Peter Harding

Richard Holloway

Lynne Jacques

Roger Koontz, Co-Chmn.

Sandy Prisloe

Patrick Woomer, Co-Chmn.

Engineer

Nathan L. Jacobson and Associates

Fields/Grounds Committee for Region District 4

Vacancy 11/19/13

Vacancy 11/19/13

Fire Investigator

David Roberge

Fire Marshal

Richard Leighton

Fire Marshal, Deputy

Michael P. Whaples

Harbor Management Commission

Leroy Edward Ward III 10/03/17

Vacancy 10/03/17

Robert L. Bachand 10/03/13

Robert E. Murac 10/03/13

Joel P. Severance 10/03/13

Harbor Management Commission Alternates

Gordon W. VanNes 10/03/17

James E. Barrington 10/03/15

Harbor Master

George G. Bartlett

Historian

Robert Miceli

Human Services Director

Rose Bininger

Inland Wetland Officer

Anna Shubik Sweeney

Library Director

Linda Fox

Middlesex County Revitalization Commission

Elizabeth A. Perreault 11/19/13

Municipal Agent for Children

Tri-Town Youth Service Bureau, Gail Onofrio, Director

Municipal Economic Development Commission

Vacancy 11/01/16

Vacancy 11/01/16

Michael A. Sanders 11/01/15

Vacancy 11/01/15

Stephen J. Flett, Chmn. 11/01/14

Susan Wright, Co-Chmn. 11/01/14

Howard K. Haskins 11/01/13

Park and Recreation Commission

James L. Ready 11/01/15

Shaun M. Savoie 11/01/15

Felise T. Cressman 11/01/14

Matthew S. Sanders 11/01/14

John B. Williams, Chmn. 11/01/14

Susan G. Hotkowski 11/01/13

Sam C. Lindberg 11/01/13

Park and Recreation Director

Elizabeth A. Netsch

Regional Mental Health Board

Vacancy 04/30/14

Resident State Trooper

Trooper Matthew Ewing, State Police – Troop F

Retirement Board

Raymond E. Archambault 12/16/15

Charlene O. Janecek 12/16/15

Vacancy 12/16/14

Robert M. Gorman 12/16/13

Van C. Standke, Chmn. 12/16/13

Sanitarian

Lee Vito

Tree Warden

Scot Mills 11/19/13

Tri-Town Youth Service Bureau Representative

Vacancy 11/19/13

Valley Shore Emergency Communications Board of Directors

John Divis 11/19/13

Charles F. Greeney, Jr. 11/19/13

Zoning Enforcement Officer

Judy Brown

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Edmund J. Meehan, First Selectman

Tommy Englert Selectman

Lawrence M. Sypher, Selectman

Fiscal Year 2012-2013

Highlights of Board of Selectmen Actions and Projects

July Essex Savings Bank approved by the Board of Selectmen to lease former Bank of America space. First Selectman and Town Attorney authorized to negotiate terms of lease and initiate 8-24 Referral to Planning and Zoning Commission. The lease was signed October 5, 2012.

The Denlar Drive water main extension project was completed and approved by Connecticut Department of Health for operation July 12th. Balance of unspent STEAP grant, $325,000 requested for future use in Main Street improvement project.

Town’s insurance carrier, Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency, confirms that former community center insurance payment can be used for Park and Recreation storage space and meeting room expansion on second floor of Town Hall.

August Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance coordinate end of fiscal year 2011-2012 transfers; capital fund expenditures for fall property revaluation, Main Street consultant services and authorization of $189,500 to purchase new ambulance approved.

Request for Proposals for October 1, 2013 fall revaluation issued with submission date for September 6th. Request for Proposals for architects for Town Hall second floor renovations issued with submission date for August 28th.

September New Town website completed and operational, revised format focused on easier public use and access to meeting calendar, agenda, minutes and Town announcements.

Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) approves funding for Chester Elementary School energy use audit and retro fitting of lights, heating and cooling systems with estimated savings of $14,000 per year.

Chester Clean Energy Team, “E-Team”, requests $8,000 for grant match to install solar panels at Chester elementary School, Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance endorse expenditure using Region 4 surplus reimbursement. First Selectman is authorized to apply to CEFIA for $32,000 grant.

One year lease renewal is approved for Pond Side Kitchens to occupy 20 Water Street for their business use.

Board of Selectmen approves appointment of E-Quality Revaluation Company as recommended by Assessor to conduct the October 1, 2013 full revaluation. First Selectman authorized to sign contract.

New ambulance delivered September 12th. Equipment and truck operations verified by Chester Hose Company and inspected for certification prior to service.

October Library Board meets with Board of Selectmen to discuss feasibility study for expansion and ADA compliance improvements at library, estimated at $3,000,000. Board of Selectmen advise that this project should be presented at public forums where residents can comment on design, potential costs and process for bringing project to voters at referendum.

Board of Selectmen approves allocation of $5,000 to Chester Hose Company recognizing their outstanding work and expenses incurred during tropical storm Irene. Town FEMA reimbursement for this storm event is $35,000.

Board of Selectmen and Main Street Project Committee coordinate review of Main Street bridge replacement design and report to the Department of Transportation a curb to curb width of 43 feet and the need to maintain on-street parking and provide wider sidewalks when preparing construction plans.

November Board of Selectmen appoint architectural firm Jacunski Humes, LLC. to design Town Hall second floor renovations. Proposed plans include community meeting room for 65 persons, larger land use office, expanded food pantry and storage for Park and Recreation supplies. Adding additional storage space at Chester Elementary school for Park and Recreation use not endorsed noting declining enrollments may open up potential areas for storage in the future.

Board of Selectmen and Town of Haddam determine that the continued use and staffing of shared Connecticut River police boat is not necessary. This boat was originally gifted to both Towns from Connecticut Yankee in 2003. The boat and trailer are transferred to the Town of Old Lyme for its marine patrol and mutual aid response use.

December Board of Selectmen reviewed nine bids submitted for Town Hall renovations and based on the project architect’s recommendations selected the Nasi Group, LLC as the qualified lowest bidder at estimated cost of $125,450. Board of Finance is requested to approve release of these funds and schedule for Town Meeting authorization in January. Board of Selectmen also coordinates with Park and Recreation Commission for purchase of permanent storage building at Pelletier Park, Cedar Lake.

Board of Selectmen approve Elderly Disabled Tax Relief program and refer to Board of Finance for its endorsement and Town Meeting authorization in January 2013.

First Selectman reports that beginning January 8th Town employees will have the option to use direct deposit for their biweekly pay checks.

January Chester Energy Team “E-Team” meets with Board of Selectmen and present their recommendation for Chester’s participation in the Connecticut Solar Challenge program and the C-Pace programs. Board of Selectmen vote to endorse Town’s participation in both programs and recommendation for January Town meeting authorization. Board of Selectmen also endorse waiver of building permit fee for homeowners who contract for solar panels.

Board of Selectmen voted to approve Chester’s participation in the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security program.

January 23rd Town Meeting actions vote to approve $193,000 for Town Hall second floor renovations and Park and Recreation storage shed; Property Tax Relief for Elderly and Disabled Homeowners through October 1, 2018; and participation in the CT Solar Challenge Program.

Board of Selectmen voted to adopt the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual, effective January 23, 2013. The Board of Finance adopted this manual December 20th.

February Board of Selectmen and Board of finance begin their joint workshops for preparation of the 2013-2014 town general government budget. Seven workshops are scheduled, Annual Town Budget Meeting set for May 21st.

The 2012 Cedar Lake Snack Shack concessionaire attended Board of Selectmen meeting to report his recommendations for improving summer operation. Suggestions for equipment replacement, hours of operation and business expenses will benefit interested concessionaires.

Board of Selectmen receives CT Computer Services’ preliminary report identifying server hardware and work station computer status. Selectmen determine a phased strategy budgeted in the capital improvement plan would be the most cost effective option for replacement of computer equipment.

March Board of Selectmen reviewed and approved Voters Emergency Contingency Plan prepared by the Registrars for dealing with power loss, severe weather, voting machine malfunction and other emergency situations on election days.

First Selectman Meehan reported that substantial amount of the Town Hall renovations have been completed and the next phases of the project are painting, carpet installation, lighting fixtures and wiring for computer network. Furniture for community room and shelving for food pantry and Park and Recreation storage rooms have been purchased.

April Board of Selectmen vote to participated in the Lower Connecticut River Valley Regional Agriculture Council. The Council will be supported by River Council of Governments and promote land use regulations favorable to agriculture, farmers markets and programs that benefit the region’s agricultural economy.

Board of Selectmen recommends amendment of Town Ordinance prohibiting the issuance of a building permit when the property is in arrears regarding taxes.

Selectmen vote to present at the May Town meeting ordinance changes to allow relief by the Board for residential property when exceptional circumstances are present.

The proposed Village Master Plan is endorsed by the Board of Selectmen and the First Selectman is authorized to notify Department of Transportation that Plan’s bridge layout design is what the Town wants constructed on Main Street.

First Selectman Meehan reported second floor community room renovations are complete, food pantry and park and recreation storage areas are being used.

The annual Town Budget hearing in May and Town meeting budget vote will be held in the new community room.

May First Selectman Ed Meehan and RiverCOG have collaborated on a letter to be entered into the record of the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, May 22nd, requesting reducing the proposed fare increases and increased marketing efforts to promote ridership.

First Selectman Meehan reported that the Department of Transportation notified him that the schedule to start Main Street bridge replacement construction will be changed from January 2015 to January 2016.

Board of Selectmen voted to gratefully accept the donation of landscape plantings from the Herbery at 26 Water Street. These tree plantings will be placed on Town property at 20 Water Street.

Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance will present at May 21st Annual Town Budget Meeting a proposed FY2013-2014 budget totaling $12,328,940 with a mil rate reduction of ½ from 22.45 to 21.95.

June Board of Selectmen and Chester Historical Society representatives meet to review Meeting House use fees for non-profit organizations charging admission to their programs. The Board of Selectmen voted to maintain a Meeting House fee when a non-profit charges admission finding that the fee of $200 is fair and reasonable.

Board of Selectmen agreed to prepare a request for qualifications for IT services and development of a phased strategy to upgrade the Town’s computers. The RFQ will be publically advertised in late summer with the goal to evaluate submittals and conduct interviews in November.

First Selectman Meehan reported Town Hall second floor renovations are substantially complete, a retainage of $6,000 will be held until all payroll certifications, warranties and manuals are submitted.

Public Works crew has prepared site work at Pelletier Park for relocation of port-o-lets and setting concrete floor for Park and Recreations’ new permanent 14 foot by 30 foot storage building.

LOWER CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

The Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments – “River COG” – was created by the 17 member Towns that formerly comprised the original Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency (9 towns) and the Midstate Regional Planning Agency (8 towns).

Chester voted at Town Meeting May 15, 2012, to participate in “River COG”. The mission of this organization is to promote cooperative regionalism through programs that mutually benefits member Towns. “River COG” will continue set priorities for transportation projects and work together on legislation, economic development and environmental issues.

The merger of the Midstate and Estuary towns is the first such joining of regional planning agencies and councils of elected officials in the State of Connecticut. River COG meets monthly at its Essex offices.

REGISTRARS OF VOTERS

Charlene O. Janecek, Democratic

Katherine M. Marsh, Republican

The Office of the Registrars of Voters is a position, governed by the Connecticut General Statutes and financially supported by the municipality in which the Registrars serve. Registrars are responsible for voter education, organizing and conducting the annual canvass of voters, maintaining the accuracy of the registry list, updating voter files, preparing department budgets, training election officials, working town meetings when requested, absentee ballot assistance for convalescent home residents, ensuring the proper maintenance of voting machines in preparation for their use at elections, and filing the election results with the Municipal Clerk.

Over the past year, the registrars were involved in a Presidential election and a Region 4 referendum.

As of June 30, 2013, Chester has 2458 active registered voters; 908 democrats, 481republicans, 1041unaffiliated and 28 to minor parties. Chester is part of the State of Connecticut Voter Registration System. The system allows the towns direct communication via computer with the Secretary of State Office and, indirectly, with other towns and cities that are part of the centralized voter system as required by HAVA.

Although the Registrar of Voters position is an elected position; politics does not have any place in a Registrar’s office. It is the responsibility of both Registrars to ensure fair and equitable enactment of all election laws.

TOWN CLERK

Debra Germini Calamari, Town Clerk

The Town Clerk is known as the “Keeper of the Records.” This office maintains all records that pertain to the purchase and sale of a home, which includes but is not limited to warranty deeds, mortgages, release of mortgages, liens, etc. You can obtain birth, marriage and death records here as well. If you are a veteran and served during war time, you can file your discharge papers with this office and get a reduced rate on your taxes.

The month of June is the time to renew your dog’s license. Proof of a current rabies vaccination and paperwork if your dog has been neutered or spayed is necessary. Altering your dog will get you a reduced rate in the licensing fee. Renewals can be done either in person or by mail. All dogs have to be licensed once they turn six months old. Sportsmen licenses are also obtained through this office.

Residents may apply for admission as electors at this office on a daily basis or with the Registrars of Voters, which has limited hours. Registrars will hold special voting sessions prior to primaries and elections. These sessions are filed with the Town Clerk and are posted on the Town board at the Town Hall.

This office maintains and certifies agendas, meeting times and minutes of various Town boards and commissions. The Town Clerk keeps track of all members of every board and commission and their terms of office. All poll ballots and absentee ballots for referendums, primaries and elections are done by this office. The Town Clerk serves as Clerk to Annual and Special Town Meetings and acts as the Custodian of the Town Seal and Registrar of Vital Statistics Seal. The Town Clerk prepares and administers annual budgets for the office and all duties and responsibilities are prescribed by State Statutes and Town Ordinances.

To save the Town of Chester money, I almost annually apply for and receive Historic Preservation Grant money which I have used for preservation of old records, back-file conversion and file cabinets for the vault, which in turn saves the Town thousands of dollars.

TOWN MEETINGS

August 29, 2012

VOTED: To approve the transfer of $132,000 from Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Capital Fund 20-00-01-0000-007 Undesignated to the following capital projects as recommended by the Board of Finance:

From 20-00-01-0000-007 Board of Selectmen – Undesignated $132,000

To 20-00-11-0000-010 Assessor – Revaluation $25,000

To 20-00-30-0000-030 Highway – Highway Equipment $32,000

To 20-00-31-0000-046 Infrastructure – Main Street Project $75,000

VOTED: To approve the transfer of $9,500 from fiscal year 2012-2013 Capital Fund 20-00-42-0000-062 Fire Protection – Truck Replacement to 20-00-42-0000-060 Fire Protection – Ambulance Replacement $9,500 as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $26,030 from the Capital Fund – Main Street Project line item #20-00-31-0000-046 for preparation of the Village & Center District Master Plan as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $189,500 from the Capital Fund – Ambulance Replacement line item $20-00-42-0000-060 for purchase of a new ambulance as recommended by the Board of Finance.

September 26, 2012

VOTED: To authorize the First Selectman to enter into a lease of 3,219 square feet within the Town Office Building at 203 Middlesex Avenue to Essex Savings Bank as recommended by the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $326,123 from the Capital Fund-Road Repairs 20-00-31-0000-446 for improvements to Town roadways. The appropriation is funded in the 2012-2013 approved fiscal year budget.

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $161,208 from the Capital Fund-Revaluation 20-00-11-0000-010 for preparation of the October 1, 2013 Reappraisal and Revaluation of all Taxable and Exempt Real Property. This appropriation is funded in the 2012-2013 approved fiscal year budget.

January 23, 2013

VOTED: To approve the transfer of $193,000 from fiscal year 2012-2013 Capital Fund 20-00-01-0000-007 Board of Selectmen-Unassigned to Capital Fund 20-00-36-0000-067 Building and Grounds Account-Town Hall Renovations/Park & Recreation Storage Building as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To approve renewal of Town Ordinance Providing Property Tax Relief for Elderly or Disabled Homeowners for the period ending on October 1, 2018. (See Ordinance Below)

ORDINANCE PROVIDING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR ELDERLY OR DISABLED HOMEOWNERS

WHEREAS, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §12-129n, a municipality may by ordinance provide property tax relief to certain qualified elderly or disabled homeowners; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Chester is desirous of providing such property tax relief; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirements of Connecticut General Statutes §12-129n(b), the Board of Selectmen has undertaken and completed a study and investigation with respect to such property tax relief and, on the basis thereof, prepared a report meeting the requirements of said statute, which was presented to the Board of Finance; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Finance of the Town of Chester has recommended the adoption of this Ordinance as required by said statute.

NOW THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Town of Chester that the following ordinance be and is hereby adopted pursuant to the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes §12-129n.

1. Property tax relief is provided hereunder to residents of the Town of Chester, with respect to real property owned and occupied by such residents as their principal residence, who are:

a) Sixty-five years of age and over, or whose spouses, living with them, are sixty-five years of age or over or sixty years of age or over and the surviving spouse of a taxpayer qualified in such municipality under this section at the time of his or her death or with respect to real property on which such residents or their spouses are liable for taxes under Connecticut General Statutes §12-48; or

b) Under age sixty-five and eligible in accordance with applicable federal regulations to receive permanent total disability benefits under Social Security or similar plans defined under Connecticut General Statutes §12-129n(a)(2);

Provided such residents or their spouses under subdivisions (a) or (b) above, have been taxpayers of the Town of Chester for one year immediately preceding July 1 of the tax year for which property tax relief is

to be provided, and meet the maximum income requirements of this Ordinance.

2. Pursuant to CGS §12-129n(f), the Town of Chester shall be required to establish a lien on such property in the amount of the total tax relief granted, plus interest applicable to the total of such unpaid taxes at a rate to be determined by the municipality, provided if the total amount of such property tax relief with the respect to any such taxpayer, when combined with any such tax relief for which such taxpayer may be eligible in accordance with sections 12-129b to 12-129d, inclusive, or 12-170a, exceeds in the aggregate seventy five percent of the property tax for which such taxpayer would be liable but for the benefits under this section and any of the sections mentioned above in this subsection.

3. The total abatement of property tax for eligible taxpayers shall be based upon the following formula:

a) Add the age of the qualified taxpayer to the total number of full years of residence within the property for which the tax abatement is sought. The resulting number shall be a percentage for the purposes of this Ordinance, but shall not exceed 100 percent;

b) Multiply the amount of tax abatement for which the taxpayer is eligible under the Connecticut Elderly and Totally Disabled Homeowners Tax Credit Program by the percentage arrived at under subsection (a). The resulting sum is the tax abatement under this Ordinance, subject to the limitations set forth in Paragraphs 4 and 5.

4. Any such property tax relief granted to any such residents in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance shall not disqualify such resident with respect to any benefits for which such resident shall be eligible under the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes §12-129b to 12-129d, inclusive, and 12-170a, and any such property tax relief provided under this Ordinance shall be in addition to any such benefits for which such resident shall be eligible under said sections. No such abatement under this Ordinance, together with relief under said sections, shall exceed the total amount of the tax that would otherwise be laid against the taxpayer.

5. The total reduction of property tax revenue, based on an estimate in any tax year by the Board of Finance, which may be granted in such tax year shall not exceed an amount equal to ten (10%) percent of the total real property tax levied in such municipality in the preceding tax year.

6. The property tax relief provided for in this section may, in any case where titled real property is recorded in the name of the taxpayer or his or her spouse and any other person or persons, be prorated to reflect the fractional share of such taxpayer or spouse or, if such property is a multi-family dwelling, such relief may be prorated to reflect a fractional portion of such property occupied by the taxpayer.

7. The determination as to eligibility under this Ordinance shall be made by the Tax Assessor. Application for the benefit shall be made on the same schedule as the application under said Connecticut Elderly and Totally Disabled Homeowners Tax Credit Program. On a form to be provided by the Assessor on which the applicant shall set forth and affirm in the continuation of the eligibility requirements.

8. This Ordinance shall expire with the October 1, 2018 Grand List.

VOTED: To authorize the Town to enter into an agreement with the CT Solar Challenge Program for the purpose of providing assistance to Chester property owners who may be interested in the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and solar pool heating systems. The Town of Chester’s participation in the CT Solar Challenge Program shall be at no cost to the Town except for reduction of the building permit fee to $100 for the solar energy systems installed during the six month duration of the program, which six month time period shall commence on the date of the signing of the letter of agreement by the Town.

May 7, 2013

VOTED BY REFERENDUM: To approve the Regional School District No. 4 budget of $17,776,120 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013.

Yes: 45 No: 12

The Total vote from Chester, Deep River and Essex was:

Yes: 274 No: 145

May 21, 2013

VOTED: To select the method of payment and due date of installments of property taxes in keeping with CT General Statutes 12-143 as follows:

a. Real estate taxes due in two halves, first half due July 1, 2013 and the second half due January 1, 2014.

b. All motor vehicle bills due in one payment of July 1, 2013.

c. All motor vehicle supplement bills due in one payment on January 1, 2014.

d. Minimum interest charge of $2.00.

e. Negate all bills under $5.00.

VOTED: To adopt a budget for the Town of Chester for fiscal year July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 an amount totaling $12,328,940 as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To adopt a five year capital plan to be updated annually as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To authorize the Treasurer to post the Capital Fund interest and closed line item balances to the Capital Undesignated line item on a quarterly basis through fiscal year end June 30, 2014.

VOTED: To authorize the First Selectman and Treasurer to borrow such sums of money from time to time as may be necessary to defray expenses of the Town in accordance with authorized appropriations of fiscal year ending June 30, 2014.

VOTED: To authorize the following transfers totaling $273,580 from the following accounts to the accounts below as recommended by the Board of Finance:

From 20-00-01-0000-007 Board of Selectmen – Unassigned $ 159,048

From 20-00-01-0000-008 Board of Selectmen – Farmland Preservation $ 4,512

From 20-00-11-0000-010 Assessor – Revaluation $ 85,000

From 20-00-36-0000-065 Buildings – Town Hall Space Study $ 25,000

From 20-00-90-0000-084 School – HVAC $ 20

To 20-00-01-0000-092 Board of Selectmen – Town Hall – Computers $ 10,000

To 20-00-31-0000-046 Infrastructure – Main Street Project $ 75,000

To 20-00-31-0000-446 Infrastructure – Road/Sidewalk Repairs $ 168,580

To 20-00-36-0000-094 Buildings – Town Building Emg Generators $ 20,000

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $30,000 from the Capital Fund – Town Hall Computer

Replacement line item #20-00-01-0000-092 as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $338,435 from the Capital Fund – Road/Sidewalk Repairs line item #20-00-31-0000-446 as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $100,000 from the Capital Fund – Firehouse Roof line item #20-00-36-0000-052 as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $56,200 from the Capital Fund – Town Building Emergency Generators line item #20-00-36-0000-094 as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $50,000 from the Capital Fund – Truck Replacement – line item #20-00-42-0000-062 for the purchase of a truck to replace the 2001 Fire Department’s suburban vehicle as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $54,000 from the Capital Fund – School Roofing line item #20-00-90-0000-452 as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To authorize the expenditure of $4,000.00 from the Capital Fund – Main Street Project line item 20-00-31-0000-046 – for administrative expenses related to the Main Street Project Committee as recommended by the Board of Finance.

VOTED: To amend Town Ordinances Book 3, Page 514, adopted January 15, 1991, Permit Ordinance to read as follows:

A. No official of the Town of Chester, CT shall issue a Zoning Permit, Building Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, Sanitary Sewer Permit or any other permit for improvements pertaining to real property on which there are property taxes past due.

B. “The Board of Selectmen may grant relief from the effect of this ordinance in cases of exceptional circumstances affecting the welfare of the residents of the property or in the interests of the public health and safety.”

This Ordinance shall become effective fifteen (15) days after publication.

VOTED: To authorize the Selectmen to accept a warranty deed for Pinnacle Lane and a certain parcel adjacent to Hoop Pole Hill Road from ASW, LLC as part of the approved Chester Forest Estates Subdivision subject to the receipt of the $5,000.00 maintenance bond as required by the Chester Subdivision Regulations.

VOTED: To authorize the Town of Chester to contract with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of State Police for services of one (1) Resident State Trooper for the period of July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2015; and to authorize the First Selectman, Edmund J. Meehan, to execute such contract on behalf of the Town of Chester.

VOTED: To authorize the First Selectman to sign all documents on behalf of the Town of Chester necessary to assist the Town of Deep River, as lead Town, to complete the grant application for the towns of Chester, Deep River and Essex to install an emergency radio antenna repeater at John Winthrop Middle School to assure continuous communication during emergencies. Funding for this equipment will be from the State of Connecticut Intertown Capital Equipment Purchase Incentive (ICE) Program.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH PROGRAM

“Volunteer activity has been a mainstay for Chester and should be encouraged,” states the Town’s Vision Report.  Contributions of time, energy, and skills are essential in helping to keep taxes down and promote the social and economic growth of our Town.

  

The Town of Chester survives on its volunteers.  Volunteer possibilities can be found at Chester Hose Company, various boards and commissions, working at the polls, etc. If you have a desire to help people or provide community service, have a sense of public duty, feel a need to reciprocate because you or someone you know has received volunteer services, or just enjoy giving, your help is always needed.

 

How the Volunteer of the Month program works:

 

• Citizens nominate volunteers by letter or by filling out one of the forms available in the Selectman’s Office or online at

• The Board of Selectmen reviews the nominees and selects a Volunteer of the Month.

• A Volunteer Plaque displaying each volunteer’s name and month honored will be displayed in the Town Hall for all to see.

FINANCES

ASSESSOR’S REPORT

Loreta Zdanys, Assessor

Sheila E. Ahearn, Assessor’s Clerk

There are a number of state and local programs providing exemptions or tax relief for those who are seniors, veterans, active duty military, blind, totally disabled, and emergency ambulance and fire personnel. For information regarding eligibility, income requirements, and filing periods for the programs, please call our office at 860-526-0013 ext.512 or visit our office on the second level of the Town Hall. We are open Monday through Thursday 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00. The office is closed on Friday.

The Assessor’s 2012 grand list prior to the actions of the Board of Assessment Appeals is $501,408,810. The 2012 grand list generates the taxes that provide the primary amount of the revenue that is utilized in running the town for the 2013/2014 fiscal year.

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS

Bruce H. Watrous, Chairman

The Board of Assessment Appeals is designed to serve as an appeal body for taxpayers who believe the town erred in the valuation of their property or erroneously denied them exemptions.

The Board of Assessment Appeals meets in March for Real Estate and Personal Property each year. To file an appeal the taxpayer must make written application on or before February 20th. They must appear or have their attorney / agent appear, before the Board at one if its meetings and answer all questions concerning his or her taxable property in the town. Application forms are available upon request in the Assessor’s Office or on the town website at permits.

For appeals of Motor Vehicle assessments the Board meets in September, annually.

It is the duty of the three elected members of the Board to process each appeal by reviewing the property in question to determine whether the assessment should be reduced, raised or left unchanged. The Board, as required by law, notifies each taxpayer in writing as to the action taken in response to the appeal.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Elizabeth A. Netsch, Treasurer

The Treasurer manages the cash flow, investment, and borrowing of Town funds in the most profitable and safe means available. All Town funds are received and disbursed by the Treasurer, when appropriately authorized.

The Treasurer is responsible for the management of the Town General Fund and Board of Education Accounts, which include all accounts that are the depositories for the budgeted revenues and expenditures. There are 12 separate additional funds for specified programs and retirement plans maintained outside the annual budgeted General Fund. The 13 funds are deposited in 22 different accounts at 9 different institutions. The Town reports all funds on a general ledger system.

In a year of exceptionally low rates, interest earned on the General Fund, for the fiscal year 2012/2013, totaled $7,861. Earnings on other Town accounts were $5,502, excluding retirement funds. This interest and dividend income accumulated from the Treasurer’s office between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013 is revenue available to off-set future taxes or purchase goods and services for each fund.

Outstanding bonds include the 2002 issue for the Town Hall, due to retire in 2018 and the Clean Water debt for the 2009 sewer expansion, which will mature in 2029. In addition, the Town of Chester pays its share, based on its current average daily membership, of the Regional School District 4 bond payments.

Through optimum and safe investments, efficient management of cash flow, and careful review of all orders drawn on the General Government and Board of Education, the Treasurer provides the most effective use of the taxpayers’ money.

TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT

Madaline Meyer, Tax Collector

The responsibilities of the Tax Office in Chester include, but are not limited to, the collection of real estate, motor vehicle and personal property taxes, which this year totals 6241 individual bills and an additional 642 supplemental MV bills for a grand total of 6883 bills, for the 2011 grand list. Each bill is mailed out of our office and is combined into one envelope with exact match information, as often as possible. This process takes several days and is done with the help of three or four volunteers in our office.

Our collections for the fiscal year from July 1st, 2012 thru June 30th, 2013 on the 2011 grand list with the overall budget at $11,222,629.00 are as follows:

Current taxes collected = $11,159,906.96 = 100.52% budgeted collections.

Back taxes collected = $ 212,422.87 = 283.23% budgeted collections.

Interest/fees collected = $ 84,781.13 = 188.40% budgeted collections.

Grand total collected = $11,457,110.96 = 102.09% of the budgeted collections.

We also are responsible for collecting 43 usage bills for the WPCA and this past year, we collected on 47 benefit assessment bills that are for the real estate parcels on the sewer line. In most cases, when a parcel sells, this benefit assessment bill is usually paid off in full, even though it was set up as a 20 year plan with a 2% interest rate. Our original list of 79 accounts, plus one new account that was added equaling 80, is reduced to 47, because the other owners decided to do a payoff, or the property sold and the attorneys did a payoff for that bill at the time of the official closing on the parcel.

Our WPCA collection rate was excellent with 100% of usage bills paid for the year.

Our Benefit Assessment collection rate was also 100% for the year.

One other big responsibility that is handled by our office is the registration of aircraft based at Chester Airport. We registered 116 different aircraft, which means we recorded the owner of the aircraft, type of aircraft, weight of the aircraft, FAA registration number and decal number that we issued. This year, the Connecticut department, that handles aircraft registrations, continued their stricter rules and all items had to match completely with the aircraft owners current FAA information. Extra time was spent cross referencing this information on the FAA website and the information given to us by the aircraft owner. In some cases, several follow up phone calls were required to get all the information from the owner to match aircraft FAA registration. An aircraft could be a plane, helicopter or even an ultra light. It continues to be an interesting process and we met many new people who might not live in Chester, but who fly out of Chester Airport, and also love Chester!

RETIREMENT BOARD

Van C. Standke, Chairman

The Town of Chester Retirement Board is made up of five Board Members appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a three-year term. Members of the Retirement Board are Van Standke, Chairman, Charlene Janecek, Bob Gorman, and Ray Archambault. There is currently one open position on the Retirement Board. The Retirement Board meets quarterly, and the public is invited to attend. Meeting schedules and agendas are available on the Town web site or from the Town Clerk.

The Retirement Board administers three retirement plans: Town of Chester Retirement Plan for Town employees, the Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (457) for Town employees, and the Volunteer Service Award Program (VSAP) for Members of the Chester Hose Company. The Board is responsible for plan administration and investments to fund the plans.

The Town retains Milliman and Company as the actuarial firm to provide the necessary reporting and valuations for the Town Retirement Plan and VSAP. Milliman calculates the annual deposits to be made by the Town to provide the future retirement benefits for plan participants. In addition, Milliman assists the Town by providing administrative and consulting assistance.

Town Retirement Plan

The Town of Chester Retirement Plan benefitted from asset allocation and a significant market rebound to provide positive performance in the stock and bond accounts. Assets as of June 30, 2013 were $886,052, after benefit payments of $24,782 and contributions during the year of $145,034, compared to $689,055 on June 30, 2012. Investments in this plan are managed by ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company, and consist of a money market fund, a stock fund, a bond fund and a balanced fund. Investments during the year are generally made in equal parts to each of the three investment funds, not including money market, and the year’s final deposit is intended to rebalance the three funds to approximately the same amount.

Volunteer Service Award Program (VSAP)

The Volunteer Service Award Program was created to provide a retirement benefit for qualified Members of Chester Hose Company. Assets as of June 30, 2013 were $458,247 after benefit payments of $16,880 and including deposits during the year of $27,777. This compares to a balance on June 30, 2012, of $396,779. The plan assets are invested in mutual funds of the Vanguard Group.

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (457)

The Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan provides Town employees the opportunity to contribute to a personal retirement fund on a tax-favored basis. ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company administers the plan.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

ESTUARY COUNCIL OF SENIORS, INC.

Paula C. Ferrara, Executive Director

The Estuary Council of Seniors, Inc. (ECSI) is a non-profit regional senior center located at 220 Main Street in Old Saybrook with café sites in Clinton, Westbrook, and Old Lyme. Since 1974, the ECSI’s mission has been to promote senior’s quality of life, community involvement, and independent living. Last year the ECSI provided nearly 70,000 nutritious meals including 48,000 Meals On Wheels, 700 rides to medical outpatient appointments outside the nine-town Estuary Region, well 746 free preventative health screenings, and social and exercise programs too numerous to count.

Hurricane Sandy knocked power out in all of service towns of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Killingworth, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. Downed trees and power lines made it very difficult for ECSI to deliver our Meals On Wheels to homebound seniors but we were delivering to all our clients within three days of the storm. Emergency, shelf stable, meals had already been delivered so our homebound seniors did not go without food. This was in addition to the efforts of the emergency service departments in our service towns.

During the 2012/2013 fiscal year, ECSI provided 81 Chester seniors with 1,091 congregate meals and 1,816 Meals On Wheels (homebound meals). 4 Chester seniors were provided 32 rides to medical appointments outside the nine-town Estuary Region through the Stan Greimann EMOTS program. In total, 224 Chester seniors received 4,149 services through ECSI.

In addition to our essential senior service, ECSI is a fun place for mature residents to exercise, dance, play cards, go on trips together, get a massage or facial, hear an interesting lecture, attend an art exhibit, get a haircut, take a painting class, join a book club or writers group, volunteer, shop at the Thrift Shop, or just sit and enjoy our beautiful view. ECSI has a lovely, large facility that welcomes residents of the Estuary region 50 years or better.

ECSI is funded in part by contributions from the nine towns in the Estuary Region, Senior Resources Agency on Aging with Title III funds made available under the Older Americans Act, other grants, individual donations, and fund raising efforts. I would like to thank the Town of Chester for your continued support of our programs.

For information and schedules of our many services and programs, please call 388-1611 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

HUMAN SERVICES’ REPORT

Rosie Bininger, Director 

“Of all the forces that make for a better world, none is so powerful as hope. With hope, one can think, one can work, one can dream. If you have hope, you have everything.”

Unknown

The Director of Human Services administers the Town’s welfare programs and is responsible for planning and implementing social services programs for the adult, disabled and senior residents of the town. Disseminating information regarding the programs is the primary responsibility of the director. Information and referral is then made to the federal, state or local social service program for assistance.

Emergency assistance is provided to residents through several town programs. These programs include the Welfare Emergency Fund, the Chester Community / Fuel Fund, and the Salvation Army Emergency Fund. For this fiscal year, 49 individuals and families received help with medical costs (2), gasoline (3), clothing (4), emergency food vouchers (19), and oil and electricity bills (21). 71 families qualified for the CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and 17 families qualified for Operation Fuel. For every Operation Fuel application completed, the town receives a $21.00 reimbursement. This fiscal period $357.00 was collected for the Emergency Fuel Fund. The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries reported 75 Chester families using local food pantries with 123 residents currently receiving SNAP benefits.

As always, the community pulled together throughout the holiday season with generous donations of time, gifts, food, gift certificates and baskets. This year 42 families received Thanksgiving baskets and 55 children received toys for Christmas and free winter clothing from the “Warm the Children” program. The Salvation Army provided 25 children with “Payless” back to school shoe vouchers.

As Agent for the Elderly, the Director of Human Services continues to serve the growing population of persons over 65 years of age. Services include referral to social service programs, assistance with processing medical forms and Medicare Part D, obtaining alternate forms of housing and applying for home improvement loans and grants. Chester seniors participate in many of the following programs: ConnPACE, SNAP, QMB, Homeowner’s Tax Credit, Renter’s Rebate, Medical Transportation by the Estuary Council or FISH, Energy Assistance, Operation Fuel, Title XIX, Meals on Wheels, and the Department of Social Services Home Care Program for Elders.

In closing, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to all the organizations, residents, businesses and churches for your generous donations and dedicated help for those in need.

The Human Services Director can be reached on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9:00-12:00 or by calling 526-0013 x213 to set up an appointment.

SANITARIAN’S REPORT

Lee Vito, Sanitarian

The Health Department has the responsibility ensuring compliance with the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health regulations and to enforce local ordinances. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: soil testing for land subdivisions, new septic systems and septic system repairs. The Sanitarian reviews all septic system proposed plans before granting approval and issuing a permit to construct the septic system. All septic systems are then inspected to ensure compliance with the State Public Health Code.

All applications for building additions, decks, pools, etc. are also reviewed as required by State Public Health code regulations.

All food service establishments and food vendors are licensed as required by town ordinance and all are inspected regularly for compliance with the State Public Health code regulations. This includes the requirement of a certified “Qualified Food Operator” responsible for the food operations.

The Health Department responds to all complaints in a timely manner, including “anonymous complaints”.

Other Health Department duties and responsibilities include inspection of school cafeterias, daycare facilities, the issuance of water well permits, lead paint investigations, pool inspections, etc. Also, the Sanitarian manages the mandatory septic tank pump out program for the WPCA and assists the WPCA in wastewater issues that affect the Town Municipal subsurface Sewage Disposal System and water quality.

For the year 2012-2013 the following were performed by the Health Department:

New Septic Systems – 3

Repair of Septic Systems –6

Well Permits – 6

Sub-division – 0

Food licenses issued – 20 (permanent)

Food licenses issued – 23 (temporary)

Food Service Inspections - 75-100

Permits for building additions, pools, decks, etc. – 23

Office hours for the Sanitarian are Mondays, 7 am – 8 am, Tuesdays, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursdays, 7 am – 8 am. Other hours are available by appointment if necessary by calling 526-0013 ext. 206 and leaving a message. Residents are encouraged to call with any questions or if information is needed.

TRI-TOWN YOUTH SERVICES

Gail M.Onofrio, Executive Director

Since Tri-Town Youth Services’ establishment in 1984, the nonprofit has served youth (birth to 18) and their families who reside in Chester, Deep River, and Essex. The agency works with youth to strengthen connections with family, peers, school, and the community, carefully ensuring our services augment, not duplicate other programs. On the community level, Tri-town convenes the local prevention council. The agency continues to lead community mobilization efforts around asset building through Health Communities – Healthy Youth of Chester, Deep River and Essex.

Counseling and crisis intervention were provided to residents for a wide range of issues through day and evening appointments with 24-hour phone availability. Issues addressed include parenting and relationship concerns, depression, suicide ideation, sexual abuse, and substance abuse, with referrals ade in some instances. Our early intervention program, the Tri-Town Juvenile Review Board hears cases of youth in trouble with the law as they are referred.

Much of our work is directed to positive youth development, parent education, and building healthy families and communities. With the school social worker, we trained Peer Advocates at Valley Regional; facilitated two youth advisory boards, organized community service activities, facilitated several mentoring programs, offered supervised teen recreation activities, a youth job bank, babysitter training classes, Homework Hangout, a Summer Co-op for middle school youth, and involvement in Safe Grad. In addition to involvement with the Early Childhood Council, parent programs are offered for parents/caregivers and their one-year-olds, parent consultations, and courses such as “Getting Ready for Change”, “1,2,3, Magic”, and “Ages and Stages.” We sponsored the twenty-fourth annual substance prevention/awareness week, “High on Life”, successful through support from multiple facets of the community.

The Bureau’s Board of Directors is comprised of three to five members from eachof the three towns and a youth representative. Our special thanks to: volunteers who have donated time and talent, to local taxpayers who support the bureau by providing the matching funds needed to procure our State Department of Education grant, and to all who have made monetary donations essential for maintaining our operating budget.

VNA OF THE LOWER VALLEY

Susan Maxwell, MSN, RN, CDE

Executive Director

For almost a century, Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley, Inc. have been providing skilled health care services to the Lower Valley community. Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley is a non-profit organization dedicated to home and community-based health care. We are the parent organization of Lower Valley Care Advocates whose staff provides private care services designed to help the frail elderly, terminally ill and disabled remain in the comfort of their own homes. The community response to these services has been very positive. All of the staff are carefully screened, trained and bonded, and are expert at determining just what services are needed to achieve optimum health and safety at home. Please call 767-2695 for further information.

Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley has developed new “touch” strategies to reduce rehospitalization and added new programs such as Telehealth monitoring to address the challenges and chronic health care demands facing our community today. In 2012 we made over 14,646 home visits to patients in our service area, 21% were Chester residents. Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley remains committed to its public health mission, providing weekly walk-in blood pressure screenings, local flu shot clinics, as well as health education seminars as part of the wellness program. We are pleased to report we continue to generate positive patient satisfaction and health care outcomes.

Our staff wishes to acknowledge the commitment and leadership of our volunteer board of directors: Judy Heiser, Nancy Kirkiles, Dick Levene, Claire Tiernan and Paul Thornwall from Essex; Ted Heiser, Arthur Henick, Peg Lieberman, Carl Manning and Skip Weisenburger, from Chester; Kate Bender, President, and Russell Marth from Deep River; and Susan Carpenter from Westbrook. And, a special thank you to all Essex, Ivoryton and Centerbrook residents who support the work of VNLV.

Please check our website () or call us at 767-0186 for service information or flu clinic dates and locations. 

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE

 

The Town of Chester has in effect a Workplace Safety and Health Committee pursuant to State Law.  Representatives from Chester Elementary School, Chester Parks and Recreation Commission, Chester Hose Company, Chester Public Library, the Public Works Department, the Police Department and the Town Hall make up the Committee. Meetings are held quarterly to discuss any safety and health concerns; Workers’ Compensation issues; Prevention and Control measures and conduct Safety and Health Training.  All new Workers’ Compensation claims are reviewed to ensure that any corrective measures are immediately acted upon. As a result of the Workplace Safety and Health Committee, the Town has been successful in reducing claim activity and accidents in the workplace.

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

Jon Lavy, Chairman

During the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the Commission held public hearings and regular monthly meetings to consider Special Exception applications which ultimately contribute to the growth and future of our community.

The Commission worked vigorously on the following over the past year -

← Revising General Principal and Special Principal Uses in both the Research & Light Manufacturing and Controlled Development District Zones.

← Development of Village District Signage Regulations.

← Outdoor dining approvals within the Village District and Ice Cream Window approval for the Pattaconk Restaurant.

← Informational Presentation by the Main Street Project Committee of the Master Plan for the Village.

← Application for Revision of Zoning Regulations regarding Poultry and Livestock.

The Commission continues to balance the needs and desires of the business community and the Chester quality of life within the framework of the Zoning Regulations and the Chester Plan of Conservation and Development. The Commission encourages those with a desire to see change within the Regulations to come forward at its monthly meetings to express their thoughts and ideas.

All those, members and citizens, who participate and donate their time to this work in progress should be commended for their dedication to the Town of Chester. It takes a community of active volunteers to secure and preserve Chester's future.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Stephen Flett, Chairperson

The role of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) is to assist existing businesses in their promotional activities, attract new businesses and act as an advocate for Chester business interests.

A key development initiative was the establishment of the Chester Business Listing, an online directory free to all businesses in Chester. The purpose of the website is to promote Chester businesses to both local residents and non-local customers, using leading web technologies to push their services "out into the web". Please visit the site which can be found on the main page of the Town of Chester website, as well as the EDC webpage. EDC is also working with the Chester Merchant Association to promote their members by assisting in the funding of their latest Chester Merchant brochure.

Your commission has been actively involved in promoting Chester as a place to locate a new business assisting owners through the process of starting their business and obtaining the necessary permits. Examples include East Coast Precision, a high tech plastics processor, where EDC identified an appropriate location for their plant and assisted in the permitting process. EDC represented the property owner of Six Main the Restaurant in permitting processes by attending a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on the owner's behalf when he was unavailable. To aid in attracting new businesses, EDC has published a booklet, "Doing Business in Chester" which outlines what new businesses need to know about the opportunities available, organizations that can assist them, and steps to obtaining the necessary permit approvals. This brochure is available for download on the EDC webpage.

Over the past year, EDC has met with a number of business owners who decided not to locate in Chester in order to understand their reasons and concerns. As a result, EDC proposed a re-draft of the Research and Light Manufacturing Zone bylaws to the Planning and Zoning Commission. This proposal, which is currently being positively reviewed, will increase the transparency of the permitting process and in some cases fast track the application where the permit is straightforward. Reducing costs and processing time should help minimize concerns the concerns raised by business owners interested in establishing in Chester.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

Ronald Rose, Building Official

From July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 the value of Building Permits totaled $4,391,000.00

Fee charges for permits total: $28,382.80

Residential: 226 $2,980,000.00

Commercial 28 882,000.00

Breakdown:

Building Permits 99

Electrical Permits 70

Plumbing Permits 31

Heating Permits 51

Wood Stove Permits 8

State Education Fees submitted to the State of Connecticut during this time period $1,143.74.

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Sandy Prisloe, Chairman

The Conservation Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The commission is required to develop and maintain an inventory of all Chester properties permanently protected as open space; the commission also may inventory and study the town’s natural resources and make recommendations concerning their conservation and best uses to other town boards, commissions and officials.

During the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the Conservation Commission continued to focus on renewable energy and energy conservation, open space, invasive plants and agriculture. The Chester Energy Team, E-Team, includes three members of the Conservation Commission who keep the commission advised of town efforts to reduce energy use and to promote use of renewable energy. Last year, through E-Team efforts, the town participated with CT Solar Challenge, a private non-profit organization, to help Chester residents install solar photovoltaic and thermal hot water systems. As a result of this program, the town qualified for additional solar PV panels that will be added to the Chester Elementary School's rooftop solar system.

The commission also began a comprehensive review of ways the town can support and promote agriculture and plans to continue this review into the next year. Our goal is to promote town policies that will encourage agricultural uses of land as a means to conserve those lands while maintaining the character of Chester.

All commission meetings are open to the public and residents are invited to attend.

PUBLIC SAFETY

CHESTER HOSE COMPANY

Chief Charles F. Greeney, Jr.

Call Volumes and Response Summary: From July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013, the Chester Hose Company responded to 674 calls. The Hose Company responded to 23 fire calls, 52 false alarm calls, 548 rescue and medical incidents, 24 service calls, 24 hazardous conditions where no fire was involved and 3 severe weather or natural disaster calls.

Training: Members are required to complete training which includes both firefighting and medical skills. Even though we train as a department weekly, there are many additional outside training opportunities that some responders take advantage of on their own personal time to stay on the cutting edge of technologies and tactics. Many members go on to take State of Connecticut certification tests for enhanced qualifications such as Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Driver/Operator-Pumper, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, Emergency Medical Responder and Emergency Medical Technician,. . Having these individuals willing to go above and beyond demonstrates their dedication and leadership which is an asset to the Chester Hose Company and the safety of the Town of Chester. Training leads to proficient, efficient, and safe execution of tasks on emergency scenes. The Hose Company is fortunate to have access to town buildings for training purposes. The Hose Company averages over 200 hours per a year of training taking courses to initially certify, annually renewing licenses, and keep current with the mandatory regulations and standards. Below are just a few examples of training topics held on Monday evenings:

 

Ice & Water Rescue                  SCBA

Equipment Training Search & Rescue

Vehicle Extrication Driver Training

Hose line & Pump Operations            Ladder Rescue

Hazardous Materials            Business Walk-throughs

Team Building & Leadership Guest Speakers

2012 Highlights: The Chester Hose Company maintains a membership of approximately 65 firefighters including their junior division.  The Hose Company has an open a recruitment process and brought in 5 new volunteer members this year. The dedication that these volunteers have to the Town and the fire department is greatly appreciated. The leadership of the department encourages anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer with the Hose Company to stop by any Monday night at 1900 (7pm) to introduce yourself, pick up an application and see what we are all about.

 

2012 saw 3 major storms. The Hose Company volunteer membership supplied round the clock rescue and medical coverage (totaling over 2000 hours).

Our volunteer members as well as generous local contractors continue to work on our building addition project. We can finally see the finished product within our grasp. We hope to be complete by November 2013. A reception to showcase the completion is forthcoming.

In 2012, the Hose Company also took delivery of a new ambulance. The new ambulance is a 2011 Osage Ambulance that and is equipped with an electronic stair-chair and a Stryker powerlift system, which makes it easier for members to load and unload patients reducing injuries that first responders are often susceptible to .The new ambulance is the Hose Company’s first due ambulance when serving the town of Chester.

The Chester Hose Company purchased a new thermal imaging camera in-kind to donations collected during fundraisers and a generous donation from a local businessman. This new camera is in addition to the current 20 year old thermal imaging camera currently in use by the department Members of the Hose Company would like to thank all involved in the research and purchase of this cutting edge technology, along with those who generously donated, to match the donation so there was no direct cost to the town.

 

House and mailbox number signage was another project that was near and dear to the heart of the Chester Hose Company emergency responders. An ongoing campaign that was started in 2011 encouraged the townspeople to make sure their homes are properly identified in case of an emergency.  The department stressed to try and have the same standardized look of a reflective, 3.5” number for either a mailbox or residence/building. Responding to the correct address has been greatly improved, especially at night when it is harder to see, which 1st Responders, as well as law enforcement, and utility companies are extremely grateful for. These numbers are still available by contacting the Hose Company if interested.

 

The Hose Company’s website also got a long, awaited update by mid-2012. The website can continue to be accessed through visiting . Examples of the site content include: upcoming news/events, contact info, recruitment info, and an exclusive Member’s area. Information will be updated on a regular basis.

On behalf of our volunteer department, we continue to stand by; proud and committed with highly trained personnel willing to help you in your time of need.

CITATION REVIEW BOARD

Bettie Perreault

The Citation Review Board receives requests for review of citations issued for a variety of reasons, from overtime parking, speeding on a local road to failure to obey a stop sign. Petitioners may present their case at a Board meeting; the Board then reviews the matter, decides if a remedy is warranted or if the citation is valid. If a petitioner chooses not to appear, the Board automatically deems the citation valid. There have been few requests for review during the past year although the Board stands ready to meet as needed. The Citation Review Board, formed by a Town Ordinance, is appointed by the Board of Selectmen and currently consists of Bettie Perreault, Walter Schreiber and Whitelaw Wilson.

ANIMAL CONTROL

Robert Jenkins, Animal Control Officer

Redeemed 15

D.O.A. 0

Complaints 189

Summons 4

Sold as Pets 1

Bites 4

Euthanized 1 Skunk, 2 Raccoons

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION

Joel Severance, Chairman

FY 2012/2013 has been relatively quiet on the Chester waterfront. Mooring fees are being collected and the funding goes to our water quality testing program. The sampling was a challenge in the late spring and early summer. We need a few days after a significant rain event to take a “normal” sample.

We spent a great deal of time reviewing the permit application from Chester Point Marina for the total reconstruction of one of its buildings to include a seasonal restaurant. We review construction projects adjacent to the waterways within our area of purview.

We are very close to publishing our updated Harbor Management Plan.

A new harbor entrance light at the mouth of Chester Creek has now been installed. Hays Haven Marina generously donated the lighted buoy and services it. It is removed in the fall and replaced in the spring.

Commission members:

Jeb Barrington Robert Bachand

Robert Murac Joel Severance

Ed Ward Gordon Van Ness (alt)

Gil Bartlett, Harbormaster (ex-officio member)

FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE

Richard “Dick” E. Leighton, Fire Marshal

David Roberge, Fire Investigator

Michael Whaples, Deputy Fire Marshal

The Fire Marshal’s Office is being covered by Richard E. Leighton and David Roberge, part time, on an “as needed” basis. This coverage also includes extensive, in depth, training for Mr. Michael Whaples, who has been appointed as the Deputy Fire Marshal. Through the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 541, Section 29-291 gives the statutory authority to the Office of the State Fire Marshal as well as to the local Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal, and Fire Investigator. The State of Connecticut State Fire Safety Code, with its referenced standards provides the Fire Marshal’s Office the life safety requirements for all existing commercial occupancies except one and two family dwellings. The local Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for annual inspection of a variety of businesses which are annually licensed by the State of Connecticut including public and private schools, day-care facilities, restaurants, convalescent homes, apartment buildings, and places of assembly. In addition, the Fire Marshal’s Office is also responsible for issuance of blasting permits, burning permits, and the investigation of any fire for determining origin and cause. The Fire Marshal’s Office is also required to issue a detailed monthly report to the Board of Fire Commissioners, as the appointing authority, on a monthly basis as mandated by the Connecticut General Statutes.

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS

Joel Severance, Chairman

The Board thanked the fire department for their tireless hours in “working” super storm SANDY and Winter Blizzard CHARLOTTE, and the Ladies Auxiliary for providing an endless supply of food and beverages for the responders and outside work crews.

Our fire marshals training of our deputy fire marshal continues. Every facility in town, within their authority, has or is being inspected for compliance with fire code regulations.

Commission Members:

John Divis Charlene Janecek

Rick Schreiber Joel Severance

Peter Zanardi

Ex-officio Members

Fire Chief, Charles Greeney Sr.

Fire Marshal, Permitting, Dick Leighton

Fire Marshal, Investigations, Dave Roberge

Deputy Fire Marshal, Mike Whaples

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Joel Severance, Emergency Management Director

Bruce Watrous, Deputy Emergency Management Director

In FY 2012/2013 we couldn’t get a break from disasters. We had two last year and this year was no different. In October/November we had SUPERSTORM SANDY (Disaster Declaration 4087). Then in early February we were buried in 30” of snow from a historic winter blizzard (Charlotte [a.k.a. NEMO], Disaster Declaration 4106). Again the Fire Department and Public Works personnel spent endless hours in preparation for and recovery from the storms. In both cases we opened our Emergency Operations Center to manage the efforts of all the assets. For Charlotte the Army National Guard came to town to help in the clean-up effort. We had one difficult technical rescue effort involving an elderly lady; alone at the end of a very long hilly driveway.

The bad news is the paperwork for reimbursements from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was doubled up. The good news is when all was said and done we received 100% of our costs back. FEMA reimbursed us 75% of our direct costs. Our volunteer contributions made up the 25% balance which also is eligible for reimbursement.

Under FEMA guidelines, Unified Command (UC) was activated to support the Incident Commander (Fire Department) for a missing person on the Connecticut River off our shores. The Emergency Manager is responsible for the UC. The role is to manage outside resources (other than mutual aid assets). In addition to all the rescue craft from the Lower Connecticut River area; we had the DEEP, CSP and U.S.C.G. engaged in the search effort.

Our new Emergency Operations Center is up and running in the new Town Hall Conference Room. Our back-up is at the Fire House. We are looking for one or more volunteers to join us on the Emergency Management Team.

PUBLIC WORKS

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

John Divis, Foreman

The Public Works Department is staffed by two full time maintenance employees and John Divis, Foreman.  The First Selectman is the Director of Public Works in title only. Outside contractors are utilized throughout the year to supplement our limited staff. Even though staff is limited the list of functions handled by Public Works is extensive. The Public Works Department performs outstanding service during major storm events. During this past fiscal year the Public Works crew was the Town’s “go to” team during Tropical Storm Irene. Working in collaboration with Chester Hose Company and CL&P they cleared trees and made safe Town roads for utility restoration. Public Works is perhaps the most visible service to the majority of Chester residents. Department functions include:

• road and drainage repairs

• building maintenance

o Meeting House, Public Library, Public Works Garage and Town Hall

• vehicles and heavy equipment maintenance

• monthly brush pick up

• mowing and trimming of Town properties, parks and roadside rights of way

• park maintenance

• catch basin cleaning in spring and fall

• leaf removal from town properties

• winter road maintenance

• roadside tree trimming

• street sweeping

• maintenance of municipal parking lots at Maple Street, Water Street and Laurel Hill

• refuse collection of Town Center street receptacles.

DEEP RIVER TRANSFER STATION BULKY WASTE AND RECYCLING INFORMATION

Chester residents may dispose of certain materials at the Deep River Transfer Station on Route 80 in Deep River, subject to the following regulations:

No household garbage will be accepted. By Town Ordinance residents are required to have a private hauler. Private haulers will also pick up recyclables. Any violation of this provision shall immediately terminate privileges afforded by the permit.

Recyclables: By Town Ordinance residents are required to have a private hauler. Any violation of this provision shall immediately terminate privileges afforded by the permit.

Permit Required: Chester residents must display a “Town of Chester Access To Public Services” permit on the windshield of their vehicle to gain access to these facilities. These stickers must be placed on the passenger side of the front windshield and may be obtained at the Selectman’s Office with proof of residence and vehicle license plate number.

Hours of Operation: Deep River Transfer Station

Wednesday & Friday 8:00 AM through 4:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday 8:00 AM through 4:00 PM

Regulations:

1) All users shall separate loads and place in proper containers under direction of attendant(s), who will be on duty during regularly scheduled hours.

2) Attendant(s) has the right to refuse entry to anyone not having proper identification or whose load does not comply with these regulations.

3) As provided in current Chester bulky waste regulations, the Town of Deep River will accept only household bulky waste under this contract; waste originating from business or commercial sources or from households under construction, demolition or landscaping contracts will not be accepted.

4) Residents may use passenger cars, small trailers and pick-up trucks, each of which must display the required permit.

5) All items and material must be transported in containers.

6) No hazardous materials, paper goods or commercial waste will be permitted.

7) Do not combine materials in containers meant for specific items.

ESTUARY REGION HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY

The Estuary Region Household Hazardous Waste Facility opened on selected Saturdays between May through October. The Estuary Region HHW facility will be closed November-April. The facility is located off Route 9, exit 4. Go straight off exit ramp, cross over RR tracks, and pass CRRA Transfer Station and the HHW facility is on the left. For more information contact 860-388-3497.

Acceptable Materials:

Household:

Drain cleaners

Metal polish

Oven cleaners

Floor cleaners

Mothballs

Photo chemicals

Full/partially-full aerosols

Arts & crafts supplies

Household batteries

Asbestos-containing floor tiles

Water-reactive materials (such as peroxides and metallic sodium)

Mercury Thermometers (A free digital thermometer will be given in exchange.)

Garage:

Fire starters including hand-held propane torch cylinders

Old chemistry kits

Transmission fluid, gasoline, kerosene

Waxes and polishes

Brake fluid

Rust preventatives

Workshop:

Rust preventatives

Wood preservatives

Wood strippers

Oil-based paint

Lead-based paint

Paint thinner and degreasers

Solvents and Sealants

Yard/Garden:

Weed killer

Insect sprays

Rodent poison

Muriatic acid/pool chemicals

Cesspool cleaners

Unacceptable Materials:

Latex paint (This can be air-dried or dried with sawdust or kitty litter and disposed in the garbage.)

Explosives, fireworks, ammunition

BBQ Propane tanks

Fire extinguishers (Your fire department may accept these.)

Empty aerosol cans

Radioactive material

Medications

Infectious or biologically active materials

Dioxin and unknown materials

Waste Oil

Vehicle Batteries

Any commercial hazardous waste

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY

Albert A. Armington, Chairman

Chester’s WPCA continues to address issues of cost control in its operations. For the second year in a row, we have been able to reduce the EDU rate charged to our users. This rate compares favorably to other Connecticut towns with small sewer systems. Some of this cost reduction is attributable to using local maintenance service providers rather than relying on larger businesses out of the area. Following Connecticut DEEP regulations, WPCA has a rigorous program of inspecting all restaurants in the sewer service area to assure that all possible steps are being taken to keep grease and oil out of our system. We need to be attentive to this, as grease build up within the system is one of our major expenses.

WPCA replaced a major piece of equipment in June, the macerator which had reached the end of its service life. The old macerator will be rebuilt, and will be ready to place back in service when the need arises. This rebuild will represent a major saving as time goes on. Once again, WPCA needs to remind sewer users that they have significant control of their EDU rate by careful use of the sewer. Nothing should go down your drains which could cause clogs or grease build-up. Users also must be aware that sump pumps, diverted ground water and roof drains are not to be connected to the sanitary sewer system. These connections are in violation of Town regulations and CT state statute. As we are charged for every gallon of water processed through our system, such connections add considerable unnecessary costs, which have to be passed on to users.

CHESTER CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, INC.

Robert P. Klomp, President

The Chester Cemetery Association looks after the general maintenance of the town’s cemeteries at Cedar Lake, Laurel Hill and the two old cemeteries on Cemetery Hill near the Town Green. The headstones and markers at Cedar Lake (west) Cemetery and the upper and lower cemeteries on Goose Hill are to be inventoried thanks to a project of young workers under the guidance of the Chester Historical Society and the funding by a state grant. There is a map in the Town Clerk’s Office which shows all the lots in the Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Our cemeteries are open sun up to sun down and visitors are welcome to enjoy the settings. Each cemetery has a trustee who inspects it. The mowing is contracted under the direction of Vice President Alan Cuneo. The Treasurer is Lee Foster. We do not have any full plots in our inventory; however, there are cremation plots at Laurel Hill currently priced at $250. As always, we need officers and we would welcome new members and volunteers for the board.

RECREATIONAL / CULTURAL / HISTORICAL

PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION

Elizabeth A. Netsch, Director

Members of the Chester Park and Recreation Commission seek to promote healthy lifestyles through recreation, by providing parks and programs that meet the needs of all town residents, while maintaining a fiscally responsible operation. Most of the budget net expenditures are for park maintenance, while programs are self-funded. In addition, contributions from groups and individuals in the community have helped finance various activities.

The Commission is responsible for the maintenance and renovation of 7 facilities in Chester. They are North Quarter Park, the Chester Creek Overlook at the Town dock, Pelletier Park on Cedar Lake, Lake View Park on Cedar Lake Road, Parkers Point boat launch on the Connecticut River, L’hommideau Park on the Pattaconk Brook, and the baseball fields at Chester Elementary School.

Chairman John Williams and former Chairman J. Brian Buckley created a comprehensive plan for renovations to Pelletier Park. The proposal helped solve issues that resulted from the loss of the Community Center.

The department sold 176 non-resident park passes during the summer of 2012. Income to the Town’s General Fund, from the sale of non-resident park passes for fiscal year 2012/2013 was $12,023. Fees collected for the Children’s Summer Program, swimming lessons, cancellation fees and miscellaneous program registration fees contributed $19,092 to the General Fund. Donations from the Chester Rotary Club and local citizens provided camp scholarships. The balance of the fees collected was used to operate programs.

Self-funded programs included 147 participants in the Children’s Summer Program Camp, filling 326 spaces, with 13 additional campers attending “Invite a Friend Day”. There were 47 enrollments in swimming lessons. Other self-funded programs registrations were 72 youth basketball players, 28 adult basketball members, and 49 students in American Red Cross courses including Community CPR/AED, First Aid, Babysitter’s Training, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. The department ran programs for 130 children during days off of school and after school, throughout the academic year, including School Vacation Camp, Children’s Dance, and Karate. Over 250 people attended our “March Madness” basketball event. We presented our family project, “I Spy Chester….More than Meets the Eye” with the Chester Public Library. We hosted Medication Administration certification for 17 of our adult Camp staff members, and included guests from the Deep River and Essex camp staffs.

The purpose of the activities and facilities operated by the Chester Park and Recreation Commission is to improve the quality of life for all citizens by “Celebrating Community through People, Parks, and Programs”. We are fortunate to have the resources of several beautiful park facilities and over 50 exceptional employees and volunteers.

CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY

Linda Fox, Library Director

The summer 2012 reading theme, “Dream BIG at Chester Library,” in many ways set the tone for the year. Children discovered the joy of new stories, new ways to express themselves and new glimpses into the world around them. Big news came to the Friends of Chester Public Library in the form of approval of their 501(c)(3) status, making them a tax-exempt organization. This status brought with it the opportunity to be on the ballot as part of Essex Savings Bank’s Community Investment Program for the first time. Gloria Eustis, former Head Librarian, was recognized as a Pillar of Chester, a well-deserved honor. Even Mother Nature had big plans for us during the year, with storms that closed the library’s door for five days in late October and early November (Sandy) and several days in February (Nemo).

Collaboration with community was significant in bringing this year’s dreams to fruition. Coordinating with Valley Regional High School and John Winthrop Middle School, the library offered teens an opportunity to fulfill their summer reading requirement through book discussions held at the library. The VRHS discussion of The Psychopath Test proved so popular that a second session was scheduled. July’s “Food for Fines” effort resulted in the donation of 301 food items and $90.00 in Adams gift cards to the Chester Food Pantry, and the library worked with Park and Recreation to reprise “I Spy Chester,” an independent family scavenger hunt. For Veterans’ Day, a group of Chester veterans came together to speak about their military experiences with an appreciative, grateful audience. Interested community members gathered in midwinter to review, evaluate and shape concepts for an expanded, updated library building.

Concern about the impact of expansion on the historic 1907 building, expressed during these conversations, resulted in revision of the initial concept and encouraged the Trustees to explore additional ideas. In April, the library celebrated National Poetry Month with a community-wide program coordinated by Chester poet Pamela Nomura. For the first time, the celebration included student poets from Chester Elementary School’s sixth grade. Teaming up with Deep River Library, Chester gave away free books as part of World Book Night, an international effort to put great books in the hands of infrequent readers. As ever, throughout the year, local authors spoke about their books and community members shared their interests with the community through the library. Notable this year was a program on the importance of preserving our oceans presented by sixth grader Silvia Gopalakrishnan. In all, participation in the 46 children’s programs held during the year totaled 775. Attendance at the 55 programs for adults totaled 681 people.

Chester Library continues to be a vital community resource, a place where people meet, share, learn, and feel at home. Among the 1,769 active library card holders were 214 new users and together they borrowed a total of 29,540 items. The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and Connecticard Programs, which support cooperation between libraries, were heavily used. Through ILL, the library obtained 1,268 items from other libraries (including 2 books from out-of-state libraries), and loaned out 975 items. Using their Connecticard privileges, Chester residents went to 73 other libraries in the state and borrowed 19,577 items while people from 30 other towns visited Chester Library and checked out 2,495 items. Library staff responded to 1,903 reference questions, and the library’s single public computer or available Wi-Fi was used 830 times. More than 360 of hours of tutoring took place at the library.

Many individuals contribute their time and talent to make all of this possible. The Friends of Chester Library are essential partners whose public awareness and fundraising efforts provide resources to support programs such as book discussions and funds to purchase movies, museum memberships and other items not included in the town budget. This year the Friends contributed $10,530 to the library, including $6,600 for architectural work related to the possible library expansion. Friends’ President Tracy Quale was assisted by Anne Winslow, Treasurer; Lisa Tollefson, Secretary; Mary Harrall, Membership; and Diane Lindsay, Book Sales. Friends’ member Sally Murray led the teen book discussions.

The Library Board of Trustees oversees library policies and programs and tends to the long-term viability of Chester Library. Possibilities for expanding and making the library more accessible dominated the efforts of the Board, which included Terry Schreiber, Chair; Sandy Senior-Dauer, Vice Chair; Molly Lund, Secretary; Deedee Prisloe, Treasurer; Cary Hull and Peggy Carter Ward. A host of volunteers contributed their time, setting up a library Facebook page, organizing and staffing book sales, covering new books and uncovering discarded ones, presenting programs, providing refreshments for events and so much more. Their total in-library volunteer time, not counting book sales, amounted to over 240 hours, the equivalent of nearly seven weeks of a full-time staff member. Chester Library is fortunate, indeed, to be supported by such outstanding, dedicated volunteers and extends them its hearty thanks.

CHESTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Skip Hubbard, President

Time flies; but that’s appropriate for an organization focused on history. As we closed our 43rd Society year, we opened our fourth museum season with an exciting new exhibit, Over the River and through the Woods: Early Transportation in Chester.

A year ago we instituted a free admission, donation-only policy for Chester Museum at The Mill, a decision which was validated on at least two fronts. We welcomed 500 visitors to the museum, nearly twice as many as the prior year. At the same time, revenues from donations exceeded the prior admission fees.

We also were more active in marketing Chester Museum at The Mill, using a new brochure, Get Lost in Heritage, at the Chester Sunday Market and at the Chester Fair, where over three days nearly 600 visitors passed through the Society Building.

More visitors brought more visibility to the museum and the Society, producing a welcome increase in the donation or loaning of artifacts and archival items to our collections and exhibits.

Our 2012 seasonal exhibit Beyond the Battlefield, our second year of reflections during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, focused on the home front. The Chester-manufactured Silliman portable inkwell facilitated two-way correspondence from the battlefield, enhancing our understanding of this conflict.

Once the museum season was over, our annual series of public and school programs began. Following a fall walking tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery, we presented two transportation- themed public programs, Trains (November) and Trolleys (March), to promote our upcoming 2013 exhibit.

Children from the Chester third-grade classes spent a day at the museum in April, experiencing school life in 1905, a time when students walked to one of the four Chester district schools. The Chester fifth graders also visited as well as a local Girl Scout troop.

On the fundraising front, three successful and varied events resulted in achieving an optimistic budget. November’s Antique Appraisal Day at St. Joseph Parish Center drew an enthusiastic crowd from near and far. In March, more than 40 artists showcased original works using a bone handle produced by the former Bishop & Watrous Novelty Works Co. The well attended Bone Arts Reception and Silent Auction produced another nice revenue source.

Two bands, The Side Doors and The Dizzy River Band, donated their talents at a Meetinghouse Concert in April, capping the fundraising event cycle.

The growth of our Annual Appeal should be as pleasing to all members as it is to the Trustees. We realized $8,000 of support from 94 contributors this past year, nearly a two-fold increase from just three years ago ($4,200; 44 contributors).

We did a nice job containing fixed and operating expenses, allowing more revenues to flow to exhibits, public programs and outreach programs. Achieving our budget goals also enabled us to allocate funds to a Maintenance Reserve account.

We all deeply regretted the passing of Shirley Miceli this past this winter. Shirley served as President (1999-2003) when the Society made the difficult decision to purchase the former Griswold Shop Building, giving the Society its first real home and a future site for a museum. A native and former pharmacist in town, Shirley was a valuable reference and story source who also served the Society as a Trustee and its Archivist. She is missed by the entire Chester community.

We are thankful for the continuing interest and support of our entire membership and the Chester community. Now we look forward to a busy museum season and the addition of many new friends of Chester Museum at The Mill and the Chester Historical Society. Today is tomorrow’s history…

CHESTER WAR MEMORIAL

Years ago, a group of veterans had a vision to expand upon the existing war memorial to honor the service men and women of Chester who served in the military. Through their efforts and the generous support of local residents and businesses, their dreams have been realized and the Bronze Eagle has been installed and the lighting has been updated.

Wikipedia defines a war memorial as a building, monument, statue or other edifice to celebrate a war or victory, or (predominating in modern times) to commemorate those who died or were injured in war. The Chester War Memorial is indeed these things, but it also is a place where one can take time out to quietly sit and reflect upon the sacrifice that military men and women make and about the freedoms that they set out to protect.

The memorial is funded by private donations from individuals, companies, and corporations.  The committee would like to thank everyone for their support and thank Chester’s military heroes for their patriotism, valor and commitment to defending freedom.

ROBBIE COLLOMORE MUSIC SERIES

The Robbie Collomore Music Series features world class musicians in four live concerts per season. The concerts cover music in the classical, jazz, folk, bluegrass, and world music genres. The performances take place at the beautiful and intimate Chester Meeting House on Sunday afternoons in the fall and spring. Season subscriptions are available and individual tickets are just $21 for adults and $5 for students.

AUDIT

A copy of the Town of Chester Financial Statements, Internal Control Reports and Compliance Reports for the Year Ending June 30, 2013 can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office or on the following link:

TOWN PROFILE

The 2012 Town of Chester’s Profile, provided by CERC, is available on the following link: [pic]

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