North Branford Town Council: Back to Business

After swearing in the newly elected members at the first Town Council meeting after the , the Town Council got back to business.

While leaf pick-up and regularly scheduled recycling is underway, you may have noticed that there is a stall in brush removal. The unseasonably has left down trees, branches and brush throughout North Branford and there is a reason it's not all gone yet. 

"We have not received a declaration from FEMA on debris pickup," said Town Manager Richard Branigan, "so we don't know whether we're going to receive the 75 percent reimbursement. We're being very hesitant; we're approaching safety issues ourselves that we can. Before we jump into that, we'd like to know what we're up against. I'm optimistic that we'll received that declaration soon and once we do, we'll jump on that."

The reverse 911 system will be utilized throughout the storm clean-up process when it does occur. Until then, Public Works is addressing any immediate issues it can handle, such as downed trees that could potentially obstruct traffic and/or do damage. 

UI Grant

A $2,500 UI grant available to municipalities in the area was introduced to the council at a previous meeting by Branigan, who suggested the money go toward a generator for Hillside Terrace.

Upon further research, Branigan determined that the grant money would not cover the cost of a generator powerful enough to power Hillside in the event of an emergency. The current suggestion for the grant money, should the town receive it, is to go toward establishing an emergency services center at Town Hall. 

All-Terrain Vehicles

There have been complaints about people allegedly using all-terrain vehicles on town property. Branigan reported that Public Works has spoken to North Branford Police Chief Matthew Canelli about enforcing the statute that states that there is to be no use of all-terrain vehicles on town property.

"They're doing damage to town property that residents have paid a lot of money for," said Branigan. "There is a plan in place. I think for those people who get caught up in it, we will prosecute and there are fines involved. It is in their best interest to stay off town property."

Stanley T. Williams

The contract has been awarded to Salomone and Associates. Branigan reported that phase II of the grant for the project is unclear at the moment due to delays set forth by the storm. 

NBHS Roof

The extensive North Branford High School roof project is finally paying off. 

"The combination of school staff and public works staff installed additional drainage, completed about a week ago and there were no leaks at all," reported Branigan.

The six-inch PVC pipe drainage system on the outside of the school, which was redirected off of the skylight on a lower building, is to have one-inch, weatherproof insulation added in order to avoid freezing. 

"We're just trying to keep the cost down and get through one more winter," said Candelora of the temporary fix. 

Chamber of Commerce Dinner

The annual Chamber of Commerce dinner and awards ceremony will be held on Nov. 30 with cocktail hour at 6 p.m. and dinner following at 7 p.m. Keynote speaker of the night will be Don Peppersmith and awards will be given to Walt's Auto Repair for Business of the Year, James Misbach for Business Person of the Year and the Community Service Award will go to Michael Bergatino. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased from the Chamber Office at 203-483-6803. 

Traffic Light Rumor

Citizen Roger Munck cleared up a rumor he says is widely circulated throughout town: a traffic light is being planned for Reeds Gap and Route 17. These rumors are false. According to council member Rose Angeloni, the only potential traffic light being discussed at Route 139 and Harrison Road.