Mayor's Community Update Week of May 4, 2015
Fraud Tip Hotline:
Transparency is always an important part of any government and the Town of East Hartford prides itself in having a high level of integrity for our town employees, a practice we wish to continue. As Mayor, I am proud to announce that the town is now participating in a Fraud Tip hotline. The service, offered by Fraud Hotline, LLC will give any town employee the opportunity to report any issues and concerns of misconduct.
The service will allow anybody reporting misconduct to remain anonymous and confidential by calling 1-855-FRAUD-HL and referencing Town of East Hartford as the Company ID. Reporters may also submit their misconduct claim by going to www.FRAUDHL.com 24 hours a day by using the secure online form.
For more information on this new reporting service visit the East Hartford Fraud Hotline link on our Human Resources page.
Transfer Station Open Every Saturday During May:
I’m proud to announce that the East Hartford transfer station and office will be open every Saturday in May from 8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. to assist residents with the disposal of their spring cleaning items.
A bulky waste permit is required to use the Transfer Station. Permits are $6.00 per unit and $3.00 for senior residents and are valid for the months of May and June. New permit rules and fees will be in effect starting July 1, 2015. Details regarding the new permit rules and fees can be found below or on the Public Works website or by visiting the Public Works Administration office located at 61 Ecology Drive. The administration office will also be open on each Saturday in May for those looking to purchase a bulky waste permit. The transfer station and office will resume their normal schedule on June 1, 2015.
The normal transfer station schedule is as follows: Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 7:15 a.m. to Noon and 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. (holidays excluded), and the first and third Saturdays of the month from 8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (holidays excluded). The transfer station is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Bulky Waste Fee Structure Changes:
Beginning on July 1, the fee structure for bulky waste will be changing, to better balance the cost of disposal with the volume of waste generated from a property. In this way, abuse and fraudulent use of the Transfer Station will be muted, while providing no significant change in access or fees to the average resident.
This information was provided to residents at the last Lunch with the Mayor, where we had Public Works Director Tim Bockus as our guest speaker. Many residents provided some positive input and were given a walkthrough of the changes.
The first major change, starting on July 1, 2015, will be that tickets will now be required for entry into the transfer station. Annual permit fees will remain the same at $15 for seniors and $35 for all others. Instead of the previous policy of purchasing a yearly unlimited pass, 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. Supplemental tickets will not expire, but the user must have a valid permit to access the Transfer Station. Permits and ticket books may only be purchased at the Public Works Administration Office, located at 61 Ecology Drive. Purchases may no longer be made at the Town Clerk’s office or by mail.
Access to the Transfer Station will be based on the following fee schedule: 1 ticket for a passenger vehicle, including SUVs and minivans; 2 tickets for a pickup truck or large van; Vehicles with trailers will be charged a vehicle charge if the vehicle is full, plus a trailer charge of 1 ticket for a small (one-axle) trailer or 3 tickets for a large (two-axle) trailer.
Residents may continue to drop off recyclables including cardboard, single stream items, waste oil, textiles and electronics and leaves at the Transfer Station free of charge without a permit.
Questions about the new bulky waste fees may be answered by calling 860-291-7363. Information is also available online.
Questions about all aspects of the Town’s solid waste program may be answered by calling 860-291-7363. Information is also available by visiting the Public Works page on the town website.
East Hartford’s Finest:
Car accidents are traumatic events in people’s lives and it’s often easier when someone is there to help you through it. On Monday, April 20th, one of our police officers helped out a person in need, which in turn compelled them to make sure Officer Iran Jackson recieved some recognition.
The email read as follows:
“I want to extend my appreciation for the work of officer Iran Jackson. On Monday April 20th I had a minor car accident and Iran Jackson was the responding officer. My car suffered significant damage to the hood and bumper and I was naturally upset and startled. I am a graduate student at the University of Saint Joseph and currently conducting an unpaid internship as a School Counselor at a West Hartford Public Middle School; Needless to say, extra funds for unexpected costs are not exactly at my disposable. Startled by the accident and dwelling on how I would pay for the damage, I was feeling very defeated. It was pouring rain and Officer Jackson stood beside my vehicle getting soaked and putting his own comfort aside while he offered me supportive words, a helpful perspective, and a warm reassurance that sincerely helped me to feel better about the situation. He made sure that I was okay before returning to his cruiser and let me know I could call him if I had any further concerns or questions. I hesitate to share that my stereotypical preconception of police officers has not always been favorable, but I was so impressed with Officer Jackson's manner of handling my accident that I shared the story with family and friends and have been compelled to notify you to acknowledge this officer's genuine care and concern. Officer Iran Jackson reminded me of the police officers that I learned about in my youth; police officers who are trusted and compassionate pillars of society who are in place to help the people.”
This act of kindness was an example of how our officers are always there for a helping hand or as a resource and I wanted to take a moment to congratulate Officer Jackson on a job well done.
Summer Camp Programs:
As parents begin to make arrangements for summer vacation, our Parks and Recreation staff and summer camp staff are starting to come together before camp officially opens. Summer camp staff attended Cabela’s Family Great Outdoor Days to promote our camps and will be participating in the Relay for Life at Rentschler Field on May 16th to promote the camps as well.
Camps officially open at the end of June and there are many different camps for kids and teens 3-15 years of age that take field trips, arts and crafts and participate in various activities throughout the day with quality certified staff.
For more information on any of the camps, or to register, please download the form online from the Parks and Recreation website or by calling 860-291-7160.
Lunch with the Mayor
Interested in voicing your questions or observations to me? Join me at my next Lunch with the Mayor meeting!
These meetings are generally held on the fourth Thursday of each month. These luncheon meetings are a great opportunity for East Hartford residents to meet with me and discuss any questions or concerns they may have through an in-person, Q&A session. Each meeting will also include town updates from me as well as information and updates from various department directors.
At the April 23rd lunch, Tim Bockus, Director of Public Works, joined us to go over the bulky waste fee structure change, as well as a slew of additional updates.
We will be having our next lunch in May 28th, where Senior Services Coordinator Kathy Kane will be discussing various services, trips and programs for our seniors.
If you have any questions on this event, or are interested in joining me, please click here for dates and more information
Notable Events and Highlights:
Rabies Clinic on May 16th
A Low Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the rear of Firehouse Number 1, located next to Town Hall at 726 Main Street, East Hartford. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers and there are no residency requirements.
The fee for the vaccination is $20, cash only. Pet owners who are on public assistance are permitted to have one pet vaccinated at no charge by showing their State Public Assistance Identification Card to the Clinic Coordinator.
Written proof, either a valid rabies certificate or dog license showing a prior vaccination, must be presented to qualify for a three-year vaccination. Otherwise, a one-year vaccination will be given. Tags are not sufficient proof for a three-year vaccination.
For more information, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 860-291-7230.