Mayor's Community Update Week of June 1, 2015
$200,000 Brownfield Assessment Grant:
It is my pleasure to announce that the town was awarded a $200,000 in Brownfield Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This funding will be used to jumpstart redevelopment of vacant, former manufacturing and commercial sites for broader revitalization in our downtown. East Hartford was one of four communities in Connecticut to receive this money and this will help strengthen the tools we have to support economic development.
New Bulky Waste Booklets on Sale Starting June 15th:
With July 1 fast approaching, residents should be aware that a new bulky waste program is in effect and the Department of Public Works will begin selling ticket booklets starting Monday, June 15, 2015. Permits issued for the current fiscal year, between now and June 30th, will continue to be prorated.
Residents holding existing permits expiring after July 1, 2015 will be able to dispose of waste without tickets until the permit’s expiration date. Once the permit expires, a new permit and ticket book must be purchased.
Annual permit fees will remain the same at $15 for seniors and $35 for all others. One book of five tickets will be provided upon permit issuance and may be used any time before they expire on June 30, 2016. Supplemental books of five tickets each may be purchased for $30 each. Supplemental tickets will not expire, but the user must have a valid permit to access the Transfer Station. New permits and ticket books may be purchased at the Public Works Administration Office, located at 61 Ecology Drive, beginning June 15, 2015. Purchases may no longer be made at the Town Clerk’s office or by mail.
Residents may continue to drop off recyclables including leaves, cardboard, single stream items, waste oil, textiles, mattresses and electronics at the Transfer Station free of charge without a permit.
Questions about the new bulky waste fees may be answered by calling 291-7363. Information is also available on the Internet.
House of Heroes:
On Friday, May 29th, two of our veterans got a special surprise from House of Heroes. With friends, family and volunteers watching, Navy veteran Harold Grimes and Winifred Terragna, on behalf of her late husband, Army vet Frank Terragna received a myriad of home improvements, thanks to House of Heroes and Stanley Black & Decker, who donated volunteers as well some materials and tools. At the two ceremonies the honorees received a flag as well as a proclamation. The veterans in our community are a key demographic and I was proud to join along with House of Heroes and Stanley Black & Decker to participate.
June is Dog License Month:
With the summer months upon us, I just wanted to give a friendly reminder to residents that all dogs in the State of Connecticut six months or older must be licensed each year in the Town where they reside in the month of June by state statute. The license is in effect from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. The fee for the license is $8 for a dog who is neutered or spayed. The fee for a dog which is not neutered or spayed is $19. A current rabies certificate is required for all dogs and a neutered/spayed certificate is required for dogs that will be licensed for the first time or if recently neutered or spayed.
Dog licenses may be obtained in person at the Town Clerk’s office Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by mail. All interested in applying by mail should include a check for the proper fee, made payable to the East Hartford Town Clerk, all certificates (rabies, neutered/spayed) and a self-addressed, stamped envelope and mail to: Town Clerk, Town Hall, 740 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108. All certificates will be returned with the new license and tag.
Dogs that are not licensed in the month of June will be charged a penalty of $1 per month thereafter. Unlicensed dogs and roaming dogs will be subject to a $75 fine.
Any dog or cat over the age of three months must have a current rabies vaccination by Connecticut law or be fined $136.
If you have any questions, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 291-7230.
Police Awards:
On May 28th, 38 awards were given out to our officers, which ranged from recognition for saving lives to the annual Officer of the Year. Our police department has the tough job of serving and upholding the law in the Town of East Hartford and this ceremony was a small token of appreciation of all the work that they do. These officers put their lives on the line every time they put on their uniform and go to work and the town, myself and the residents appreciate what they do on a daily basis. Congratulations to the Officer of the Year, Matthew J. Parlapiano and all of the police department members that were recognized.