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At their February 9 Special Meeting, the Board of Selectmen reviewed their draft Capital Project List which then was submitted to the Board of Finance Capital Subcommittee for their input.  First Selectman Dan Jerram said that the list (shown in the graphic at the bottom of this article) is the result of his talks with the various Town departments and commissions. The BOS discussed both capital and operational expenses and concluded by agreeing to set a preliminary goal of a 1% to 2% tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year 2012-2013. No draft of the Operational Expenses List was available at this meeting.

Following is a video of the discussion of the Capital Projects List, which is the 3rd and final video segment of the Special BOS February 9 meeting.

Click on the image above to watch the video on the NewHartfordPlus YouTube channel

Capital Projects List:

Click the download link to download a copy of the list: Draft of the Capitol Projects List. (12).

The Building Oversight Committee (BOC) went to the town’s Selectmen at their special meeting this past Thursday to ask for an Evaluation Task Force to be set up with the goal of evaluating the future of the town’s water and sewer system. The BOC’s members, Denton Butler, Mike Dezzani, Roy Litchfield and Ken Krohner had overseen the construction of the town’s wastewater treatment plant and, once that project was completed, they continued overseeing projects related to the system’s water and sewer lines.

BOC member Denton Butler gave a summary of the condition of the sewer and water lines which, he said, are old and in need of maintenance beyond the financial resources available to the WPCA. Denton said that there had never been a systems-wide evaluation and the Evaluation Task Force being proposed by the BOC would look into the three options open to the town:

1. Maintaining the status quo with the WPCA continuing its present role;
2. Examine whether town ownership and management of the system would make any sense; and
3. Look into the possible lease or sale of the assets.

The BOC suggested the following members for the Evaluation Task Force:

• 2 WPCA members: Bob Kryzs and Steve Hanright;
• 2 BOC members: Roy Litchfield and Denton Butler;
• 2 past First Selectpersons: Kate Rieger and Bill Baxter; and
• the current First Selectman, Dan Jerram, to act as Chairman.

The BOC proposed completing the evaluation and submitting their report to the Selectmen within 90-120 days.  The Selectmen approved the formation of the Evaluation Task Force, while commenting that they thought the timeline was tight.  BOC member Mike Dezzani, however, emphasized the need for them to work quickly since there were problems with the system that would need to be addressed by next winter.

Download a PDF copy of the BOC’s summary of their presentation: New Hartford\'s Clean & Waste Water Future - BOC (11).

Watch the video of the BOC presentation on YouTube:

Click on the image above to watch the video of the BOC presentation on the NewHartfordPlus channel on YouTube

By: Bob Moore

The American Legion District 6 held its High School Oratorical Scholarship Program Constitutional Speech Contest at Northwestern Regional #7 on January 28, 2012.

New Hartford resident Brandon Steeves, a sophomore at NWR7, was one of the two contestants. Brandon competed against Michael Ciarlo, a senior at Thomaston High School.

Brandon was the first to speak, with the assigned topic of “The Rights and Responsibilities of the U.S. Citizen”. Michael spoke next, on the topic of “Our Founding Principles”. After a brief pause, both came back to speak on the 15th Amendment to the Constitution which prohibits the government in the United States from denying a citizen the right to vote based on that citizen’s “race, color, or previous condition of servitude”.

Michael Ciarlo was the winner of this year’s competition and will be going on to compete at the State level. Our congratulations go out to both these young men for their excellent work.

New Hartford Town Clerk Donna LaPlante was one of the judges and New Hartford resident Rich St. John was a score keeper.

The first American Legion High School Oratorical Speech Contest was held in 1938. Its purpose is to instill a better knowledge of the US Constitution in High School students. It also provides generous scholarships to winning contestants, with the national first place winner taking home $18,000 and the second and third place winners receiving $16,000 and $14,000 respectively.

For more information about the contest, visit the American Legion’s website.

For more information on local American Legion activities, contact Rich St. John at stjohnrichard@rocketmail.com.

Click on the image above to watch the video of the Oratorical Contest on YouTube

The town’s Recreation Commission met on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, with First Selectman Dan Jerram in attendance and sitting at the head of the table. John Maschi, who has chaired the Commission for a number of years, was unanimously reelected Chairman for 2012.

Below is a description of items discussed by the Commission members and with the approximate time that those items were discussed in the video:

• Camperships – there was a discussion of how assistance is allocated to families in need, and how that need is determined.  Rec members expressed themselves as satisfied with their current way of allocating camperships, while the First Selectman proposed basing it on a verifed families, eg. whether the family qualified for the schools’ free lunch program; 2 mins. 46 secs.
• A ropes course is being proposed by Rec Director Dennis Minor, to be added to the right of Berkshire Hall in a wooded area; 21 mins. 30 secs.
• The Field House project was updated by the First Selectman, with him suggesting that it lends itself better to be part of Rec’s capital projects than the ropes course and other Rec wish list items; 24 mins. 30 secs.
• A discussion of Brown’s Corner, with the First Selectman saying that if there is any money left over it would be made available for Rec’s ropes course; 27 mins.

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We are in the process of adding a description of the items discussed by the Commission members with the approximate time that those items are discussed in the video. In the meantime, for those who prefer to watch the video without aids, click on the image below to watch the video on the NewHartfordPlus YouTube channel:

Click on the image above to watch the video of the January 4 Rec Commission Meeting on the NHPlus YouTube channel

The New Hartford Board of Selectmen held an on-site Special Meeting on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 to walk two locations under consideration for expansion of recreational playing fields.  The first site visited was the field area behind the Ann Antolini School and the second was a  parcel of land on Old Steele Road which is privately owned. Both parcels are being considered by the Brodie Park South Study Group Committee and that committee has requested funding from the selectmen for environmental studies for the two sites; a third site under consideration, in the interior of the Antolini lot, was not part of the walk-through.

Participating in the walk-through were the three selectmen, Dan Jerram, Alesia Kennerson and Jack Casey, as well as Christine Hayward, Administrative Assistant to the First Selectman. Dan Eddy, the Chairman of the Brodie Park South Study Group Committee, was also part of the group. Members of the public included Daria Hart, Dan LaPlante, Peter Anderheggen and a concerned resident whose property abutts the Old Steele Road site.

The Special Meeting was followed at 7:00 p.m. by a regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen at which the site visits were discussed.  We will add a link to the video recording of the Regular meeting as soon as it is available as soon as it is processed.

Click on the image below to watch the walk-through on the NewHartfordPlus YouTube channel.

Many Thanks to Andrew Pelletier for his great work videotaping under less than favorable conditions.

The Northwestern Regional #7 Board of Ed held its annual organization meeting on December 14 in the Newbury Library-Media Center at the Northwestern Regional High School/Middle School. The brief organizational meeting was immediately followed by a regular NWR7 Board of Ed meeting. Discussion at the second meeting covered a wide range of topics including the Robotics program and a technology update. Following is a video of the two meetings. Click on the image below to view the video on YouTube. A list of the approximate times in the video when specific agenda items are being discussed has been provided below.

Click the image above to view the meeting video on YouTube.

The Board of Finance held their last meeting of the year on Tuesday, December 13.  Newly elected Board member Maria Moore took her seat for the first time, replacing former Board member Laura Sundquist who resigned last month.  Alternates Kate Rieger and Joe Gareis were sitting in for Board members Dan Charest and Jim Fitzgerald.  Kate  was later appointed to fill the seat of Board member Alesia Kennerson, who resigned in order to assume her position as a newly elected member of the Board of Selectmen.

Following is a video of the complete meeting.  Due to its length (2 hours +), the video was cut into two parts (see below); click on the images to view the videos on YouTube.

Part 1:

• 0:00:37 – New Board members welcomed
• 0:01:00 – Letter of Resignation from Alesia Kennerson
• 0:02:00 – Letter from Jim Fitzgerald re. new appointments and further discussion of same
• 0:04:19 – Prospective Alternate Candidate Bill Cotes (Republican) introduces himself to the Board
• 0:06:00 – Reggie Smith nominates Kate Rieger to fill the seat vacated by Alesia Kennerson
• 0:08:10 – Reggie Smith nominates Bill Cotes to fill the alternate seat vacated by Kate Rieger
• 0:09:00 – Maria Moore reads her email addressing the two alternate seats on the Board being filled by members of one Party (R)
• 0:15:30 – Brian Keilty swears in Kate Reiger and Bill Cotes
• 0:23:35 – Rec Commission member Dan Eddy addresses the Board
• 0:33:45 – Non-lapsing Education Funds subcommittee
• 0:48:30 – Board of Education/Superintendents’ report (some of this report is in Part 2 of the video)

Part 2:

• 0:00:00 – Board of Education/Superintendents’ report (continued from Part 1)
• 0:02:20 – Bookkeeper’s Report
• 0:05:00 – Treasurer’s Report
• 0:09:45 – First Selectman’s Report
• 0:46:00 – Schedule of meetings for next year
• 0:47:20 – Election of BOF Chairperson 2012
• 0:48:34 – Letter from Jim Fitzgerald
• 0:49:45 – Capitol Budget Subcommittee
• 0:51:00 – Downtown Rehabilitation Grant and Survey Grant

TO BE ADDED:
Some of the documents discussed in the Board of Finance Meeting will be added here for viewers’ reference; Tuesday, December 20.

By: Bob Moore

The Recreation Commission held a Special Meeting on Thursday, December 8 after their regularly-scheduled meeting was canceled the day before. Chairman John Maschi was unable to attend and in his absence, Dan Eddy ran the meeting.

First Selectman Dan Jerram gave extensive input on agenda items, including an update on the septic system and the work on the new roof for the Field House. Dan also provided a Parks update including the Planning and Zoning Commission’s input on the use of Brodie Park South by the Football program, saying that the area would continue to be used by active sports for the foreseeable future.

Rec Director Dennis Minor introduced a proposal to build a Challenge Course at Brodie Park North. Rec Commission members gave Dan Eddy approval to represent the Commission at the meeting of other Boards and Commissions. Commission members also unanimously approved submitting the names of the four existing Commission members whose terms are ending in December for reappointment by the Board of Selectmen. Since their November 2 meeting had to be canceled due to the late-October storm, they asked the Town’s Selectmen to make the reappointments at their December 20 meeting so that the Rec Commission might have a quorum at their regularly-scheduled January 3 meeting. The four Commission members up for reappointment are John Maschi, Maureen Morris, Sally O’Neill and Ed Smith and all four have indicated their interest in continuing on the Commission.

To facilitate viewing of the Rec Commission video below, following is a list of the approximate times in the video when specific agenda items are being discussed. Please use the round scroll button on the bottom bar of the video box to fast forward to the time associated with the agenda items of interest to you. The time will be displayed above the button as you scroll forward.

• Septic System [2:00 mins.]
• Field House [7:00 mins.]
• Parks Update [10:15 mins.]
• Five Year Capital [38:00 mins.]
• Recreation Budget [1:00 hr.]
• Current Price List [1:11 hr.]
• Recreation Commission Reappointments [1:25 hr.]

Click the image above to watch the video on YouTube.

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Following is the agenda for the above meeting:

NEW HARTFORD RECREATION COMMISSION
TOWN HALL
Thursday, December 8, 2011
7:00 PM

AGENDA (Special Meeting)

I.Call to order

II.Approval of Minutes

III.Septic System

IV.Field House

V.Parks Update

VI.5 Year Capital Plan

VII.Recreation Budget fiscal year 11/12

VIII.NH Youth Basketball Financial Statement 2010-2011

IX.Current Price List

X.Challenge Course Proposal

XI.Recreation Commission Reappointments

XII.Adjourn

Next Meeting:
Wednesday 1/5/12 @ 7:00 PM
Town Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis Minor
Recreation Director

It’s hard to get Bob the techie anywhere these days without his video camera in hand. Here is the result of his walking around the Bakerville Library Holiday Festival, Breakfast with Santa and Light New Hartford. Keep in mind now, “home video” – no bells, lights or tripod…

Video Segment 1: Operations Update

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At their Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 22, First Selectman Dan Jerram gave a series of updates, including a report on operations related to the recent snowstorm and resulting power outage. In this first video segment, the Board also discusses a property transfer at RRDD1.
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Video Segment 2: Opportunity for Public Input

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In the second video segment below, Dan Eddy, Chairman of the Brodie Park South Study Commitee, requests $1,800.00 for studies of three potential sites for future sports fields. First Selectman Dan Jerram also discusses a letter received from the Conservation Commission concerning the Commission’s role in the stewardship of Town property. Later, a resident expresses concern about a lack of support services for Senior Citizens as highlighted by the late October storm.
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The New Hartford Historical Society hosted a presentation on Wednesday, June 15, on ‘The Old Mill (a.k.a. Barn or Tannery) and the Blacksmith Shop In Bakersville’ by historian William Hosley.   Over 100 residents, from all parts of town, packed the Senior Center for this unique event – a testament to the affection which the buildings inspire in all of us.  Bob Moore, NewHartfordPlus techie, was also there and he recorded the presentation which he has now processed and made available on YouTube.

Enjoy Bill Hosley’s presentation and the announcement at the end by Scott Goff about his family’s plans for the Old Mill and the Blacksmith Shop, even as the Old Mill was being dismantled.

Click on the following image to see the video on YouTube.

Click on the image to see the video on YouTube of the presentation on The Old Mill & Blacksmith Shop in Bakersville by Bill Hosley

See also Maria Moore’s July 11 Photojournal of the Bakerville Barn In Its Last Days.

The 4th of July parade in Barkhamsted is a small-town affair of the best kind: friendly, fun and with formalities kept to a minimum. Bob Moore, NewHartfordPlus’ “techie” was there to video the event and has posted the parade on YouTube; click on the YouTube image to view Bob’s video.

Our apologies: a “snafu” with the video camera resulted in the ceremony at the school being unavailable.

The horn section of Barkhamsted's 4th of July parade this year. Photo: Maria Moore

Also see our photographer’s, Maria Moore’s, photojournal of Barkhamsted’s 4th of July parade and ceremony.

Text & Video By: Maria & Bob Moore

Patty Larkin gave a terrific performance during the sixth and final concert in this year’s Nights at the Beekley Music Series. A seasoned performer, she was perfectly at ease playing to the sold-out house during Saturday’s show at the Library-turned-night club.

Patty’s performance ranged from the conversational ‘Lately’ to the haunting, looping sound of ‘Dear Heart’ with several stops along the way at rock-infused numbers, such as ‘The Book I’m Not Reading.’ Such a broad, musical range might have challenged less experienced performers but Patty moved freely among the genres, making each a part of her distinctive repertoire. Many in the audience were long-time fans, as evidenced by the avalanche of requests they made in response to her invitation for song suggestions at the end of the first set.

Following is Patty performing ‘Beautiful,’ on her blue Fender Strat, which could have easily inspired the name of the song:

By: Bob Moore

This past Saturday, April 30 was the the perfect Spring day to begin the baseball season in New Hartford. The Opening Day ceremony had been scheduled for last Saturday, April 23, but had to be postponed because of heavy rain that day. Yesterday was perfect, the field was filled with young players eager to start the season and it was time to “Play Ball!” Following is the video of the Opening Day Ceremony.

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Photo of Opening Day 2011 at Brown’s Corner:

Opening Day 2011, Brown's Corner, New Hartford CT. Photo: Maria Moore