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12/20/2017 08:39 AMHere’s a glimpse at some of the stories making news in North Branford in 2017.
January
After nearly two years in review, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) recommends issuing an inland wetlands application permit for a 60,000-gallon bulk propane retail/storage facility at 40 Ciro Road. DEEP will forward a formal notification requiring town action in February.
A hearing is held on an application to build 25 age-restricted houses in Northford, the first to use a new “floating zone” text amendment allowing for denser, age 55-and-older housing between industrial and residential zones.
The town is exploring the cost savings involved in removing the emergency services dispatch center from police headquarters, with dispatchers instead operating out of Branford’s 911 center. The concept is raising concerns from residents and the dispatchers’ union.
UConn’s Neag School of Education honors Jerome Harrison Elementary School (JHS) Principal Dr. Carter Welch as 2017 Outstanding School Administrator.
An energized Economic Development Commission (EDC) holds breakfast summit to share answers gathered from a recent survey of the business community.
February
Notification is given that historic Center School, built in 1920, will be demolished to make the 5.9-acre town owned parcel at 1599 Foxon Road more attractive to potential developers. As part of the parcel clearing effort, the former Community Center building is also set to be demolished.
DEEP issues notification requiring the town to issue an inland wetlands application permit for a 60,000-gallon propane facility at 40 Ciro Road. The PZC now needs to decide on approving the stalled site plan application by March 17.
Grassroots group North Branford Citizens Against Bulk Propane Storage (NBCABPS) files suit against North Branford, the Planning & Zoning Department, and 40 Ciro Road property owner/former councilman Donald Fucci.
As town budget discussions get underway, North Branford is facing a state revenue shortfall of $2.2 million and another potential $1.4 million in costs for its proposed share of the state teachers’ pension fund.
March
Attorneys and experts for applicant J.J. Sullivan, Inc. of Guilford are heard at the March 2 opening of a site plan review for bulk propane facility at 40 Ciro Road. The hearing is continued to March 9. PZC questions center on fire response and traffic safety issues. On March 16, by a vote of 3-2, citizens celebrate when the PZC denies the application.
Given 18 police headquarters building upgrade priorities outlined by the Police Commission, the Town Council sets a placeholder figure of $1.5 to $2 million to consider limited building expansion and interior reconfiguration.
The Town Council holds a special meeting to hear from stakeholders in the 911 dispatch center debate. The police and fire chief recommend a 2-2-1 staffing increase and some infrastructure and technology upgrades to keep dispatch services in town. Citing budget concerns, the council will hold off on further discussion until at least June.
Honoring the memory of nine year-old Lyla Bogardus, who passed away on Christmas morning in 2016, $32,000 is raised at the JHS annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. The event has raised more than $100,000 in three years.
The district announces a $215,689 Smart Start state grant will be used to establish a JHS pre-K program for approximately 15 high-priority students.
April
The Town Council Democratic majority leads a 5-4 party line vote to recommend a $50.558 million budget with a 4.7 percent annual tax increase. The budget doesn’t account for a potential $1.4 million state teachers’ pension fund cost and the state budget still not finalized. Mayor Mike Doody (R) warns residents could be faced with supplemental tax bills in January.
The town will apply for a $500,00 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) state grant to help defray anticipated Police Department building upgrade costs and architectural planning.
May
The first town dog park opens at 298 Forest Road on May 6, after four years of fundraising and effort by grassroots North Branford Unleashed! with the Town Council.
On May 9, strong voter referendum turnout—8.9 percent—is still short of a required 15 percent to impact the proposed 2017-’18 town budget. The majority voted the $50.55 million budget as too high.
Facing an extra $1.7 million in new state-proposed cuts and costs, the Town Council tables its May 16 budget adoption vote until June 6.
NBHS Cross Country and Track Coach Floyd Parness passes suddenly on May 18. Stunned and saddened athletes and staff organize a memorial at the school field.
Due in part to relatively low market value for 1599 Foxon Road, the Town Council will revisit the property’s use. A future public hearing will be announced.
A May 24 “Stay Strong” fundraising pasta dinner brings community support for North Branford Intermediate School (NBIS) Principal Alan Davis. Davis has been on medical leave since April as he battles cancer.
Memorial Day ceremonies include honoring Army SFC James Edward Creamer, Jr. The 20 year-old resident’s remains were not recovered after he was KIA in 1968 in South Vietnam.
June
Acting as the town’s Finance Board, the Town Council votes 8 -1 to set the 2017-’18 mill rate at 33.51 mills, a 1.53 mill increase.
Some dedicated veterans and the town’s women’s clubs organize a second annual Flag Day ceremony outside Town Hall on June 14.
The state Department of Transportation (DOT) announces 2020 plans for a modern roundabout replacing the town-line “T” intersection at Route 1 and Route 22.
On June 9, 150 members of the NBHS Class of 2017 graduate.
The EDC, Agricultural Commission, and town launch a “North Branford-Northford Grown” retail tourism map and brochure.
July
Democratic and GOP parties set slates for candidates for Town Council and BOE open seats in the November 7 municipal election.
The Route 139 bridge between Branford and North Branford is shut down on July 1 for a five-month bridge replacement project.
Effective July 1, curbside bulky waste service is once a month instead of once a week. The cutback is part of a new contract.
Nearly $40,000 in tourism dollars received 20 years ago will be activated to help repaint the historic Reynolds-Beers House Museum. Some funds could also go toward upgrading “Welcome to North Branford” signs.
With no money budgeted for changes, the Town Council decides to keep the current 911 dispatch arrangement in place at least until the end of the 2017-’18 fiscal year.
August
The town’s 16th annual Potato and Corn Festival is held at Augur’s Field.
After 41 years directing the town’s two libraries, Bob Hull will retire Aug. 31. The town presents him with a proclamation and plaque for his service.
The Town Council finds reasons to follow through on some issues raised by a citizen through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. Policies and procedures implemented by the town and Board of Education (BOE) will be reviewed.
Rose’s Orchards receives final town approval to move forward with plans for the new Rose Vineyards and Winery on Route 139.
At an Aug. 17 BOE meeting, FOI issues including questionable procedures are discussed. The BOE also discusses its attorney’s opinion that a past BOE chair can act as the “will of the board,” including actions by an immediate past chair to pay the superintendent of schools more than $3,000 for unused vacation days.
The school year begins with the district’s heartfelt thanks and prayers for former NBIS principal Alan Davis, who has retired after 43 years.
September
The Town Council will seek review by the Office of the State’s Attorney on past BOE chair “will of the board” actions. The council also discusses further findings of past BOE chair actions affecting contractual agreements.
Pacielo’s Apizza and Pasta Restaurant’s owner files suit against the town, four town leaders, Doody’s Totoket Inn, and a Doody family member. The suit complains of ethics violations and actions affecting the financial success of the restaurant, which opened Jan. 2016 at 285 Foxon Road.
The Town Council gives the BOE an Oct. 13 deadline to respond to questions on past BOE chair “will of the board” actions.
On Sept. 15, BOE member Deb Prunier tenders her resignation.
Police and fire personnel respond to the scene of a small plane crash on Regional Water Authority property on Sept. 16. The crash kills an 81 year-old pilot and his passenger, 59 year-old NASCAR racer Ted Christopher.
On Sept. 26, citing “bullying tactics,” BOE interim chair Colby O’Rourke resigns.
October
A barn is destroyed by a fire at the Doody-Duhamel family’s Diamond B Ranch. A three year-old show goat perishes.
The Town Council appoints two interim BOE members: Republican Carolyn Candelora and Democrat Lynn Riordan. Candelora’s term expires on Nov. 14. Riordan fills seat expiring in November, 2019, but state statute requires re-appointment following the Nov. 7 municipal election.
In the absence of a state budget and with additional cuts and costs proposed, town leaders consider scenarios to generate as much as another $5.5 million. A worst-case scenario calls for January 2018 supplemental tax bills with a 13.13 percent tax hike, for a total annual tax increase of 18.55 percent.
The Town Council and Police Commission meet at the Police Department for a special meeting to jumpstart an effort to renovate and reconfigure existing space to meet critical infrastructure needs.
Not long after learning of plans to honor him by installing “Alan Davis Way” at NBIS, former NBIS principal Alan Davis passes away on Oct. 25. The school community supports his family and students.
A public hearing on the future of 1599 Foxon Road shows residents slightly in favor of having open space rather than development, with uses akin to a town green.
With the bi-partisan passing of a “veto proof” state budget on Oct. 26, the town avoids a nearly $8 million education funding cut and no longer will need to consider issuing supplemental tax bills.
A messy tropical storm blasts the shoreline, taking down trees and causing power outages.
North Branford-East Haven High School Co-op Marching Band clinches both state and New England championships.
Oct. 30 is the first day on the job for the town’s new library director, Lauren Davis.
November
An Election Day sweep switches the nine-seat Town Council majority to six Republicans and a Democratic minority of three. With only four total BOE candidates on the ballot, four open seats on the seven-member BOE are filled by three GOP candidates and one Democratic candidate. Mike Doody (R) is re-elected mayor and Rose Marie Angeloni (R) is the new deputy mayor.
By majority vote, the GOP-led Town Council does not re-appoint Lynn Riordan (D) to fill a vacated BOE seat.
The Town Council votes unanimously to appoint Vincent Marino of Cohen & Wolf P.C. as the 2017-’19 town attorney.
A committee will form to recommend signage naming the NBHS Cross Country Course in honor of late NBHS coach Floyd Parness.
On Nov. 16, following endorsements from residents, six members of the BOE split a vote that would have extended Superintendent of Schools Scott Schoonmaker’s contract to June 30, 2020, one year beyond its current June 30, 2019 conclusion. Due to the 3-3 tie, the year extension is not granted. On Nov. 19, resident Lynn Riordan gathers supporters to rally outside Town Hall in support of Schoonmaker.
Robert Ford is named North Branford 2018 Teacher of the Year.
Town Manager Mike Paulhus returns from an early November volunteer trip to aid a Tanzanian orphanage and school and seeks to raise $6,000 to construct fish ponds to provide a steady source of protein to the students.
December
On schedule, the state DOT opens the newly replaced and widened Route 139 bridge on Dec. 1.
On advice of the town attorney, the Town Council won’t seek state attorney’s review of past BOE chairs’ “will of the board” actions. The BOE will continue to investigate the matter.
The Town Council appoints Democrat Jenna Balsamo the BOE’s vacant seventh seat.
An early morning fire guts an Augur farm hay barn on Dec. 13. The family says the town’s exceptional first responders and community support has helped see them through. No animals were harmed by the blaze.
On Dec. 21, the BOE votes unanimously to approve a one-year extension of the superintendent’s current three-year contract.
The Sound completes 2017 by marking 20 years in operation as North Branford and Northford’s community newspaper.