East Haven Mayor Addresses Pandemic Challenges Town Faced

EAST HAVEN, CT — Mayor Joseph A. Carfora delivered the annual State of the Town and budget address to the Town Council, and residents, viz Zoom Wednesday night.

Here are his remarks in a YouTube video, and read more from his speech below.

On the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic

This past year has presented us with unimaginable and unprecedented challenges. We all in some ways have been impacted by this COVID-19 global pandemic. I want to offer my personal, and our towns, condolences to the families who have lost loved ones as a result of COVID-19.

But as devastating as those losses are, it is also the lost time visiting with family and its impact on our traditional gatherings. It was, and continues to have a disturbing impact on our lives. When we took over approximately 18 months ago, we inherited a town that had serious and compelling financial and infrastructure issues. So, we knew that we had to roll up our sleeves to address these long-impacting conditions. We knew that we had to act responsibly moving forward. We had to not only chart a realistic course back, but to also be honest about what we found. My parents always instilled in me to never panic but prepare and work. I have always appreciated a portion of a John F. Kennedy quote that read as follows: “In a crisis, be aware of the danger- but recognize the opportunity.” These thoughts and this team approach were already in my psyche even before the pandemic hit us in early March 2020. But even in the face of what we were dealt, and adding that this awful pandemic—we recognized and met head on the seriousness and the multifaceted crisis facing our town, but each of us worked together, and we marched on.

From our first responders who early on in this pandemic were on the front lines. They risked so much at the early stages even before we knew what the real impact of this virus presented. Together our police, fire and dispatchers placed us first. Please accept my sincere thanks. While we already knew how respectable and qualified our departments were, we had the unfortunate opportunity to watch them work under extreme stress, thus reinforcing our feelings on how valuable they are. Our public works department embraced each and every opportunity to work on our behalf in the face of untold obstacles including the pandemic and multiple storms. The same can be said for the entire staff in Town Hall – each worked hard to ensure the continuity of our government and its services.

Together we marched on again.

Our year, while difficult, required that we run our government—we had no choice. Last March a national and state of emergency was declared. I also declared a state of emergency for our town on March 16, 2020. If you recall Town Council Chairman Joe Deko and I announced very quickly last year that we were committed to going through the full budget process – even though the governor’s executive orders allowed for a summary process. This past year our government held hundreds of meetings via Zoom. As difficult and cumbersome as it was, we learned about our antiquated town technology –that it needed to be improved to continue to properly run town government and our services— so once again we rolled up our sleeves and together, we marched on.

We worked hard to keep Town Hall open so that we could provide services. And one of the places that we started with was our town clerk’s office. Town Clerk Stacy Gravino was able to maintain the commerce aspect of the office by continuing to accept real estate recordings during the shutdown. Stacy upgraded the clerk’s office index operating system software company. This was the first time in 20 years this much needed update was undertaken. It has proven to provide easier searching for land records, both online and in the office of land records and maps – a vital component when faced with the restrictive COVID protocols. And this year’s election was undoubtedly more challenging for her office than ever before. The town clerk’s office saw a 5-fold increase of absentee ballot activity for this year’s unique election. The town clerk’s office historically processes approximately 600 absentee ballots, however this year it was over 5,000 such ballots, and they did so while continuing to offer all the services the town clerk’s office is required to perform on a daily basis. Stacy, like many of our other departments, used grants to enhance the clerk’s office like applying for a $7,500 state Library Historic Document Grant. Stacy’s projects enhanced the functionality of the town clerk’s office without spending any Town funds. Thank you, Town Clerk Stacy Gravino for a job well done.

Our public works department, police department and our fire departments are – in my eyes- the finest in the area. We continue to staff each department, as needed and correctly. We have also undertaken a plan to make sure that each department has the necessary equipment to carry out their respective responsibilities.

Our police and fire keep us safe daily, and while we sleep. Their jobs are not getting easier, but more challenging every single day. The Carfora Administration will always properly fund these departments to make sure that Chief Lennon and Chief Marcarelli have the assets to not only protect us, but also to protect their officers and crews. We always want them to return home safely to their families. I want to thank both Chiefs for their hard work and continuous teamwork. Together we have hired the finest that we can. Our budgets not only have allowed for growth within the departments, but also for the upgrade and supplementation of equipment. Both chiefs have worked hard to make sure that we are getting the most “bang for our buck.” We are utilizing new lease to own programs for vehicles and apparatus, and I am so happy to announce that we are no longer bonding for police cars. Both chiefs work very hard for grant money.
Chief Marcarelli applied for and was awarded a $65,000 EMS grant and a $75,000 grant from FEMA for COVID-19 PPE reimbursement. Chief Lennon received $125,000 from the US Department of Justice for School Resource Officers.

The departments to date are positioned to receive approximately $60,000 in COVID-19 reimbursement for police and fire overtime. Working together with finance director Jim Keeley we are maximizing our reimbursements, and fighting for every single opportunity, utilizing grant possibilities while upgrading systems and equipment without spending the town’s money. In addition, our police and fire chief have worked closely together on a joint public safety radio project. This two-year project that I supported as a member of the town council and saw through to fruition as mayor of this town has officially been completed.

Never before has this community seen this type of planning and collaboration. I, as your mayor, can proudly say I have a great team surrounding me.

No greater display of this is demonstrated on a daily basis by our Keeley, Marcarelli, Lennon and Superintendent of Public Works, Charlie Coyle.

Each continues to pursue grant opportunities through the state and federal government to offset additional unexpected costs incurred by COVID-19 in the town of East Haven.

Our Superintendent and our BOE, our teachers along with our students and parents have faced unprecedented obstacles this year. I think that we can agree that COVID-19 presented the worst of circumstances. Everyone will never agree with paths selected, These paths are selected with the best of intentions and with the best interests of our children. I also am pleased that we have worked hard to create and improved lines of communication between my office and the Superintendent’s office. We are here to help with the common goal- protecting our wonderful and talented young people.

Together we faced down this crisis, and together we march on!

On public works projects

Charlie Coyle and our public works department has been tested to say the least. Prior to COVID-19 we had a schedule of events and priorities. Town work that needed to be done in-house—by our very qualified and eager workforce- road patches, fencing, drainage, park work. They were doing it all and like never before. But then COVID-19 hit and their priorities had to change. I threw everything but the kitchen sink at them after the pandemic started, and they never wavered one bit. They came into town hall to retro fit offices with permanent safety shields – professional work all done in house! Public works crews performed throughout COVID-19 and under strict protocols.

To touch on some of the completed projects that were performed by our department and managed by the Department.

• We cleaned up and have additional plans for Michael Street Park
• We painted & Restored our Gazebo on Town Green
• We paved of Roads
• August to November of 2020, Public Work’s Crews worked 13 straight weeks cleaning up from damage left from two storms. They removed down trees and brush throughout all parts of town.
• We completed drainage work throughout town
• We are continuing to clean up at Tuttle Brook & Farm River
• We purchased a new Vac Truck, Tree Truck (replacing a 33-year-old vehicle), a Dump Truck with snow plow and sander, 3 new pick-ups for our foremen – all with grant funds, with no cost to taxpayers.
• New Roof and New Energy Efficient Windows at Public Works.
• We are replacing a 50-Year-old Furnace at Company 3 Fire house in Foxon.
• We did and are doing Various Side walk repairs
• Our beach was well maintained all summer. With Bathrooms repaired, new stalls were added to replace the rotting existing ones.
• We cleaned catch basins throughout town, and we replaced basin tops on all newly paved roads.
• The roof at Town Hall will be replaced.
• We Replaced a 60-year-old fence on field 1 at “the pit”
• We fixed and replaced the Memorial Field Fence and the Skatepark fence that was in disrepair and left unfinished and unsafe.
• We repainted and finished the cupola at town hall – with donated products and services from our friends at Goody’s Hardware, Smedley Crane, JRGoat Designs LLC. Again, at no cost to the taxpayers.
• Added renovations and updated the heat at the Animal Shelter.

That’s not all that’s being done, but that’s an impressive list—thank you all for your dedication and hard work.

On Town department operations

Our work in Town Hall never stopped. From new hires in land use, our tax office and in purchasing. We could not be more pleased with our new tax collector Anna DelRosso— she has continued the difficult work of the tax office throughout COVID-19. Anna has worked hard to exceed all tax collection expectations in a compassionate way given the vast circumstances related to COVID-19. I’d like to thank Anna and her staff for a job well done.

Our land use area is active, and we recently added our new department head, Joseph Budrow as our Zoning Enforcement Officer, so we are optimistic about the continued evaluation of that area. Our engineering department is headed by Jonathan Bodwell. I could not be more pleased with Jonathon. He is respected by state and federal authorities. The utility companies appreciate dealing with him because he is thoroughly organized and skillful in his trade. He sheds a positive light on this community. Jonathon is spearheading the completion of the West End project; bids are going out, and we look forward to moving that towards completion. He is also taking the lead on the Shore line Greenway Trail. I must say that I am not happy with the direction the prior administration took with this project. A beautiful classic walking bridge would have highlighted some natural beauty of this town in that area, but like so many things that we inherited that ship has sailed. Jonathon will make sure that this project is done correctly and professionally.
In continuing to evaluate ways to improve the quality of life for our residents, we have sought out and applied for state grant funding. I’m happy to announce tonight it was approved to receive the funds to survey a Farm River walking trail. This will be full steam ahead thanks to this funding. Land use as indicated is active. We have the Bluffs appeal that we inherited. That matter continues and is under continuous evaluation among our legal staff.

On DC Moore

We have undertaken a full, complete, and proper evaluation of the proposed DC Moore transaction. Frankly, as it should have been approximately 2 and ½ years ago, but it was not. My position when I was on the town council, along with my democratic colleagues, was that we did not support this land sale- and voted against it - because it is not in the best interest of the Town and certainly to that area. I have not wavered from that position—though some like to fabricate that I have. All too often social media reports from those promoting an agenda are just not accurate- quite frankly they’re totally untrue. Often when sitting in this chair there are decisions and actions that must be taken to protect this community from a legal perspective, that residents are not aware of - false reports about these actions do a disservice to our taxpayers. Our legal staff has attempted to resolve this matter with the proposed purchaser by asking that he walk away from this transaction. When we conclude our proper and thorough evaluation and analysis, which again, I stress should have been done 2 ½ years ago, we will be informing the proposed purchaser of the outcome. Obviously, this may lead to litigation, the details and defenses of which I am not at liberty to discuss at this time. However, I, and my second district colleagues, have always felt that this land should be open space, and that has not changed.

On the ice rink

Our rink facility rehabilitation process is ongoing. We have received in excess of five requests for proposals on specs for the repair. Our main goal continues to be to get the sheet of ice repaired and active. But COVID-19 has directly impacted this process as some of the top groups that we were interested in doing this project simply could not put people on the ground for walkthroughs in our facility. Additionally, once we took a hard look at the facility it was apparent that its disrepair wasn’t simply the ice, but the entire building. Furthermore, during the preliminary process most groups asked for facility maintenance records. Documents that they wished to review prior to responding to our requests—unfortunately did not exist. We are eager to finish the first phase of getting the ice down, followed by the next phase to renovate the building.

On the town pool

Our pool—another issue that we inherited. The thought that I, and my administration is sitting on this building is ludicrous. I understand the importance of a pool to our senior community and of course to our swim and dive teams. I know the joy of competing for this community- some of my greatest joys and memories are related to my basketball career for East Haven and I know as well as anyone how important it is to have a home facility. The current pool could not allow that, not simply because of the state of disrepair, but also because it is not a regulation pool—it’s not long enough, wide enough, nor is it deep enough and the ceiling is too low for diving according to state compliance regulations. All things that we had evaluated – and something that the naysayers might not be aware of. So again, misinformation does no one any good. I have in my office a cost to repair that pool in the $6 to $8-million dollar range and still it won’t be a certifiable pool for competition. We actively are looking for alternatives - grants, private and public partnership possibilities—all possibilities are on the table. But again, what has taken 15 years to destroy isn’t remedied in a year and a half. But as always, we work hard and march on.

On the town’s phone system

It became almost immediately apparent to us when we took office that our 30-year-old phone system needed to be desperately upgraded. I asked Tina Hedley to lead this project. Initially phone systems were the first wave of updates. We eliminated over 100 phone lines that were not used --- this resulted in approximately $4,500.00 a month in savings on our town phone bill or in more dramatic terms over $50,000 a year. That’s right $50,000 a year. Town Hall’s new telephone system is now connected to EHPD and EHFD. This was the first phase of many. We will be updating all departments onto our new system. This will connect all the departments together, and allow extension to extension dialing thus making transfer of phone calls easier. Employees have more access to phone calls and voice mails from home, and more flexibility to modify its set up during COVID.

We are currently gathering information for fiber for Town Hall. Police and fire already have a state-of-the-art fiber connection. This will update Town Halls' internet connection drastically. Does it shock you that most municipalities are already on fiber and we are not? It should not be that way—because there are ways to get this done efficiently and, in a cost, effective way. We are working to update Town Hall’s information technology structure and design. Public works is rewiring offices and buildings. Some of this stuff is basic stuff. Where this town was is unacceptable. We now have internet at the landfill so we can take electronic payments for services on site. Alarm systems were updated town wide, Cameras added, additional security and new Key systems throughout town buildings. Thank you for your leadership on this, Tina.

On community programs

Michelle Benivegna from my office has worked hard to coordinate programs for our community—from concerts in the middle of COVID to movie nights. Her efforts in this area have been remarkable. But one of the things that we are most proud of is our relationship with the YMCA—to provide a before and after school program. In addition, we will partner with the YMCA to run summer camps. We heard the concerns about the cost of summer camp from District 1 Town Council members Ashley Lesco, Kim Glassman and Beth Capotorto to our families. We got right on it, and Michelle and I met with the YMCA, and we will be subsidizing the cost for families. East Haven Families will be paying less than previous years with the Rec Department Camp. The schedule of the cost and program details will be released soon.

On Town Green beautification, farmers market and gazebo

We have undertaken beautification of Main Street with flower baskets on the poles and painting of the gazebo. We safely held the town’s farmers market on the Town Green for the first time. We safely held a summer concert series while many other towns opted not to hold outside events for their residents during COVID and while following COVID-19 guidelines. We are very proud to undertake the beatification of our historic town green, “The Walk East Haven” project that started 13 months ago and was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic is now moving forward again. This project has been very dear to me knowing that the residents will be enjoying the beautification of this town landmark for generations to come. Please note this project will be completed with grant funds, donations and volunteer services – and once again no cost to taxpayers.

On the Animal Shelter

During the past year we all had to adjust on how we complete our day-to-day responsibilities, and the Animal Shelter was no exception. We quickly learned how to respond to our calls and safely tend to our resident’s needs. I’m proud to report that our shelter was open and staffed every day, all 365 days, during this pandemic and was able to respond to every single call. The shelter’s volunteers worked remotely answering all questions on our social media network and also continued to help raise funds for the shelter. Our volunteers are always a key component to the success of our shelter. Our shelter responded to a complaint this past fall that resulted in the removal of 29 felines all of whom needed veterinary care. My staff and I suited up in PPE to visit the shelter after this rescue and I appropriated funds for emergency vet costs for these young kittens. Owen Little our Animal Control Officer has reported a 100 percent adoption rate and the facility repurposed its shed to an animal food bank. This allows for pet products such as food, litter, blankets and cleaning supplies. The Shelter also helped transport animals to and from the local veterinary offices, and delivered medication as well. We are proud that collectively we were able to support and serve our community and look forward to doing so moving forward. I want to thank Owen, Sean and Emily, the amount of phone calls my office receives is overwhelming with gratitude for your service that does not go unnoticed.

On economic development

We needed economic development leadership and Ray Baldwin is providing just that. During his time here Ray has hit the ground running, and he carries with him a respect throughout state agencies, veterans’ groups, and the legislative arms of state government. He has met with the President of the East Haven Chamber of Commerce, staff representatives for the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and representatives from Advance CT. the State Office of Economic Development, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the Tweed Airport Authority. He continues to meet with many business owners, developers & real estate agents to discuss retention, expansion and marketing opportunities in East Haven. And he has researched and assembled a list of commercial, industrial and residential properties in East Haven that are suitable, and available for development. We’ve distributed a list of these properties to key stakeholders, State and Local economic development officials and realtors. And all while working on a revision to the town’s tax incentive program- which will be presented to the town council for approval. Ray and I are leading, and creating a mission for judicious, but necessary development in this town; a professional approach to what this town needs. We are now going to be a respected partner in this region, and Ray is out there making sure that everyone knows that. In fact, we are preparing a release about the Schulz Group, a division of The Timken Company, will be relocating its New Haven operations to 110 Commerce Street in East Haven, a 41,000 square foot building owned by Board of Education member, Tom Hennessey. The Shultz group overhauls, repairs, rewinds, and manufactures industrial generators electrical motors for Power Generation, Municipal, and Defense applications—they will employ around 50 associates at the East Haven location. Furthermore, they intend to perform building renovations and improvements to the location where they expect to be fully operational by May 2021. Ray facilitated this through the use of the East Haven tax abatement program which assist companies who are willing, and able to make capital investment; it also entitles them to UI grants.
Thank you to Tom Hennessey, his company and the representatives of Shutlz. And to Ray. We welcome this growth in East Haven as we become a community of choice. This is a real success story and there are more to come.

On Tweed-New Haven Airport

We have talked extensively about this. My position is clear. We certainly want to be a reasonable neighbor. But no longer will any growth or expansion be placed solely on the backs of East Haven residents. I carry that stance into any meeting that we attend. Should this expansion occur—we want protections—period. Including a project labor agreement- for good paying union jobs for our residents for any and all construction. Priority for qualified East Haven businesses to get work, and an airport enterprise zone that reaches all the way to the commercial corridor of route 80. We may not be able to stop this expansion, as the courts have spoken, but we can make sure that we are protected.

On COVID-19 testing, vaccines and mitigation efforts

Covid has unfortunately been in our fabric for a year, and in one form or another it will continue to be a presence that we have to deal with. From the very start we had to retro fit town buildings to protect our town employees. Michelle Benivegna has taken the leadership in this area too. I estimate that Michelle, our chiefs and I have been in hundreds of virtual meetings on this topic—from the local, state, regional and federal levels. As we transitioned into the vaccination roll out, we were mandated to create a plan for an organized and safe vaccination procedure. Michelle asked for the lead in this area. Her team was Tina Hedley, Regina Araujo and Bob Petrucelli. What a wonderful job they did carrying out the requirements and, in some instances, dealing with the restrictions of the East Shore Health district, the state of Connecticut, and the federal government. From February 12th to March 26th, we have vaccinated over 1000 people in East Haven alone in a safe and organized fashion utilizing mostly a volunteer workforce. The clinics were at the EH Senior Center, Branford, Hospice, Shoreline Health Care, and Fair Haven Community Health Center in New Haven. Michelle and her team will now focus on implementing the constantly changing COVID-19 guidelines into the planning of the reopening of our Senior Center and summer activities which are planned for our residents. This will undoubtedly be a challenging task, but I have complete faith in Michelle and her team to get it done.

On East Haven senior citizens

Our senior citizens have been the most vulnerable population during this global pandemic and have been the group urged to remain isolated in order to remain healthy. Due to the efforts of my office and ESDH, I can proudly say that 75 percent of our EH seniors have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Thanks to these combined efforts, I am proud to say we are planning on reopening our Senior Center in mid-May and will be welcoming our seniors back. During this “shut down period” Senior Center director Petrucelli and Michelle Benivegna have been strategically planning the reopening while also enhancing the services being provided. Our Senior Center will be offering additional programming with our partners at the YMCA, the center hours are going to be increased, transportation to the center will resume along with additional transportation to medical appointments and the Branford YMCA to use their facility. Bob and his staff are excited to have them back and for the bingo numbers to start being called again.

On ‘Summer in East Haven’

Our seniors are not the only members of our community eager to resume “normalcy.” Our residents have been amazing at following COVID-19 guidelines, and getting vaccinated when their age group became eligible which is allowing us to plan for a summer filled with activities for our residents to get outside again and safely socialize with our neighbors. This “Summer in East Haven” you will hopefully be able to enjoy many of the favorite events that we needed to forgo last year due to the pandemic such as our annual fireworks display and fall festival. The annual summer concert series on the green is being planned as I speak along with some new events, a beach concert series, movie nights at the beach and our second annual “East Haven PROUD parade” which similar to last year will consist of a motorcade, but this year will end at our town green where residents can enjoy food trucks and a concert. Our farmers market will also have more vendors participating and include activities which will invite families to come down to the market to start their day with entertainment for all ages. I am quite proud to stand here before you to talk about what we can do for this community. But even more proud to stand before you to talk about our team and what we HAVE done for our community.

On the budget

In last year’s budget we cut $6 million from spending on the town side. We found and removed fake revenues. During that process we found items that were concerning and reported them to the proper authorities— and trust me we continue to cooperate where necessary to make sure that this town and its taxpayers are fully protected. And maybe most importantly, we continue to monitor our performance against last year’s budget on a weekly basis and in some instances twice a week—Jim Keeley is most likely sick of me calling him up to the office to talk about and to analyze our performance. Like last year’s budget, this year’s budget is a responsible presentation. It appropriately funds our town government and provides the Board of Education with the funds to run their program. AND it enhances services in our community. AND IT DOES NOT RAISE YOUR TAXES. This budget proposal has been reviewed by the Board of Finance, and I am proud to report to you that this year, like last year, it received a unanimous bipartisan vote of approval.

Carfora's closing remarks

Never before have we faced what we did this past year. And I pray that we are able to put this behind us as soon as possible. I can say this though: together we faced every obstacle head on. I am proud to be your Mayor and tonight I am proud to pass on to the Town Council a responsible and well vetted budget proposal.

Together we will all march on.