The city is poised to cut a deal with Pocket Communications that would bring $500,000 to the water department over the next two decades.
Water Superintendent Rob Longo said Friday that in return for letting the cellular phone provider install a half dozen small antennas on a Chippens Hill water tank, the city would rack up $500,000 during the next 20 years
City Councilor Cliff Block said it’s a great opportunity for the city, an opportunity that an administrative hang-up put in jeopardy.
Back in May, the Water Board asked the Planning Commission for its blessing for the contract, a state-mandated requirement before signing a deal. Planners agreed without much hesitation, said Bill Veits, the board’s chairman.
But when the deal came before the City Council, lawyers said there had been a glitch: the council itself had to make the request of the Planning Commission, a formality that had been overlooked.
“We have a chance to lose this money,” Block warned colleagues.
So Veits called a special meeting of the planning panel last Friday that once again gave a green light to the deal.
Now it can get the backing of the council so the mayor can pen his signature on the contract.
Longo said it’s crucial for the city to move fast because Pocket is anxious to install the antennas soon to improve its phone coverage in town.
“Pocket needs to act quick on this,” Longo said.
He said the company plans to install the equipment as soon as the city makes the deal final.
The water tank already has large city antennas on it as well as one for amateur radio. Longo said most people won’t even notice the new ones because they are comparatively small.
Longo said the city has Sprint PCS antennas on its Stevens Street tank.
He said that water companies across the nation are supplementing their ratepayers by renting space for antennas on water towers.
“It’s common practice in the water industry,” Longo said.
City Councilor Craig Minor said the city needs to adopt a policy about planning referrals so that they are done in a timely, correct fashion.
The Planning Commission can’t block a deal, but if it opposes something, the council needs a two-thirds vote to overcome its objection.
Thata scenario that most recently arose when planners blocked a proposed school site in a West End gravel pit . The council’s narrow majority in favor couldn’t muster enough backing to push through the location, requiring officials to find another spot.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Showing posts with label water department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water department. Show all posts
April 15, 2009
Hand over those old drugs
A joint effort of the Bristol and Southington water departments to keep unwanted medicine from going down the drain aims to protect the environment and the area’s drinking water.
“To dispose of medicines appropriately,” it takes more than flushing them down the toilet, said Robert Longo, the superintendent of Bristol’s water department.
To get rid of outdated or unneeded drugs, the two departments have scheduled a free collection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Southington Water Department.
“We are looking forward to it,” Longo said.
The Associated Press put the issue on the nation’s agenda last spring with a well-publicized investigation that found small quantities of drugs, including antibiotics, sex hormones, and anti-seizure compounds have been found in public drinking water supplied to over 40 million Americans.
Though concentrations of the medication are tiny, they may pose long-term threats to human health and the environment, the AP reported.
Longo said the medication collected will be burned in an appropriate incinerator or, in the case of narcotics, disposed of by the police after it’s logged in.
All medicines returned should be in their original bottle with the name and address of the patient crossed off with a permanent maker. Markers will be available. Be sure to leave the name of the medication visible for the pharmacist’s review, organizers said.
Longo said there won’t be any questions asked about the source of the drugs that are turned in.
Bob Badal, who heads Bristol’s Water Board, said the free collection is one of the first in Connecticut and politicians will be watching to see if residents respond.
Only Bristol and Southington residents are eligible to participate, Longo said.
Southington’s water department is located just off Route 229 at 605 Queen St., about a mile south of ESPN.
For more information, visit the Bristol Water Department’s website at bristolwaterdept.org or contact Longo at (860) 582-7431.
Residents of Southington may contact Thomas West, superintendent of Southington’s Water Department or John C. Dobbins R.Ph., Southington Water Commissioner at (860) 628-5593.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
“To dispose of medicines appropriately,” it takes more than flushing them down the toilet, said Robert Longo, the superintendent of Bristol’s water department.
To get rid of outdated or unneeded drugs, the two departments have scheduled a free collection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Southington Water Department.
“We are looking forward to it,” Longo said.
The Associated Press put the issue on the nation’s agenda last spring with a well-publicized investigation that found small quantities of drugs, including antibiotics, sex hormones, and anti-seizure compounds have been found in public drinking water supplied to over 40 million Americans.
Though concentrations of the medication are tiny, they may pose long-term threats to human health and the environment, the AP reported.
Longo said the medication collected will be burned in an appropriate incinerator or, in the case of narcotics, disposed of by the police after it’s logged in.
All medicines returned should be in their original bottle with the name and address of the patient crossed off with a permanent maker. Markers will be available. Be sure to leave the name of the medication visible for the pharmacist’s review, organizers said.
Longo said there won’t be any questions asked about the source of the drugs that are turned in.
Bob Badal, who heads Bristol’s Water Board, said the free collection is one of the first in Connecticut and politicians will be watching to see if residents respond.
Only Bristol and Southington residents are eligible to participate, Longo said.
Southington’s water department is located just off Route 229 at 605 Queen St., about a mile south of ESPN.
For more information, visit the Bristol Water Department’s website at bristolwaterdept.org or contact Longo at (860) 582-7431.
Residents of Southington may contact Thomas West, superintendent of Southington’s Water Department or John C. Dobbins R.Ph., Southington Water Commissioner at (860) 628-5593.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 30, 2009
Clear those hydrants, for your own safety
Press release from the mayor's office:
Water Superintendent Robert Longo said Thursday that “While many hydrants around town are buried beneath the snow, Water Department crews are working each day to clear them out”.
Residents are always encouraged to lend a hand by digging out hydrants near their homes. With the importance of keeping the hydrants accessible for the fire department, the Water Department needs some assistance from property owners.
After each storm, Water Department crews focus on hydrants around the City’s schools and Bristol Hospital. Longo said “Once those areas are complete, our crews move out to other areas of the City, yet with the frequency of storms this year and the potential for more snow next week, crews may not be able to get to all hydrants between storms”.
Mayor Ward has asked that residents be diligent in helping the City keep these areas free of snow. If you are unable to attend to a hydrant on your property for health reasons, please contact the Water Department so they are aware of the situation. Mayor Ward stated, “The Bristol Water Department maintains over 1,600 hydrants throughout the City. We ask neighbors to keep an eye out for their area. If we all pitch in to help, potential tragedies may be avoided.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Water Superintendent Robert Longo said Thursday that “While many hydrants around town are buried beneath the snow, Water Department crews are working each day to clear them out”.
Residents are always encouraged to lend a hand by digging out hydrants near their homes. With the importance of keeping the hydrants accessible for the fire department, the Water Department needs some assistance from property owners.
After each storm, Water Department crews focus on hydrants around the City’s schools and Bristol Hospital. Longo said “Once those areas are complete, our crews move out to other areas of the City, yet with the frequency of storms this year and the potential for more snow next week, crews may not be able to get to all hydrants between storms”.
Mayor Ward has asked that residents be diligent in helping the City keep these areas free of snow. If you are unable to attend to a hydrant on your property for health reasons, please contact the Water Department so they are aware of the situation. Mayor Ward stated, “The Bristol Water Department maintains over 1,600 hydrants throughout the City. We ask neighbors to keep an eye out for their area. If we all pitch in to help, potential tragedies may be avoided.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
March 20, 2008
Water restrictions ease as reservoirs overflow
After weeks of wet weather, the city is lifting the voluntary water restrictions it imposed last fall.
City reservoirs have been overflowing for the past two months, long enough to put aside the conservation measures mandated by its emergency plan.
Both Mayor Art Ward and Water Superintendent Robert Longo said the restrictions were no longer needed.
Even so, Ward said, the city is still asking residents to make “an effort to conserve” as warmer days approach.
Longo said residents should continue to adhere to the odd-even use of outside water, for everything from gardens to washing cars.
The odd-even system, which is voluntary, allows for properties with an even street number to water on even days of the month while those with odd street number use outside water on odd days of the month.
As recently as September, the reservoirs were down 30 percent from capacity, short almost 3 billion gallons. That was the trigger point for the voluntary restrictions called for last fall.
Back in 1999, during a drought, the reservoirs were only half full and officials banned watering and other unnecessary uses of water. A hurricane rolled in just in time to prevent an even more serious clampdown.
Longo said the wet weather and “great cooperation from our customers” made it possible for the reservoirs to fill again over the winter.
With the reservoirs now at capacity, the water department is beginning its annual hydrant flushing program on Monday.
A list of areas that will be flushed will be posted on the department’s website and in the newspapers, as well as on Nutmeg TV, the public access station for cable television.Anyone with questions about the city’s water supply or the hydrant flushing program may contact the Water Department at (860) 582-7431 or visit the department’s website at www.bristolwaterdept.org.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
City reservoirs have been overflowing for the past two months, long enough to put aside the conservation measures mandated by its emergency plan.
Both Mayor Art Ward and Water Superintendent Robert Longo said the restrictions were no longer needed.
Even so, Ward said, the city is still asking residents to make “an effort to conserve” as warmer days approach.
Longo said residents should continue to adhere to the odd-even use of outside water, for everything from gardens to washing cars.
The odd-even system, which is voluntary, allows for properties with an even street number to water on even days of the month while those with odd street number use outside water on odd days of the month.
As recently as September, the reservoirs were down 30 percent from capacity, short almost 3 billion gallons. That was the trigger point for the voluntary restrictions called for last fall.
Back in 1999, during a drought, the reservoirs were only half full and officials banned watering and other unnecessary uses of water. A hurricane rolled in just in time to prevent an even more serious clampdown.
Longo said the wet weather and “great cooperation from our customers” made it possible for the reservoirs to fill again over the winter.
With the reservoirs now at capacity, the water department is beginning its annual hydrant flushing program on Monday.
A list of areas that will be flushed will be posted on the department’s website and in the newspapers, as well as on Nutmeg TV, the public access station for cable television.Anyone with questions about the city’s water supply or the hydrant flushing program may contact the Water Department at (860) 582-7431 or visit the department’s website at www.bristolwaterdept.org.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 14, 2008
Water department stops maintaining private hydrants
Leafing through the Water Board's meeting minutes the other day, I found that it agreed in October to stop maintaining 145 private hydrants located around town. The department said it had a hard enough time keeping up with needs of its own hydrants.
Spurring the change, according to the minutes, was "a recent fire on Davis Drive where it was found that all of their private hydrants were inoperable."
Imagine that.
All of the hydrants at the Cambridge Park housing project, where there are scores of old public housing units, weren't working.
It's damn lucky that there wasn't a catastrophe.
I don't know if they've been fixed.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Spurring the change, according to the minutes, was "a recent fire on Davis Drive where it was found that all of their private hydrants were inoperable."
Imagine that.
All of the hydrants at the Cambridge Park housing project, where there are scores of old public housing units, weren't working.
It's damn lucky that there wasn't a catastrophe.
I don't know if they've been fixed.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 27, 2007
Drought worry prompts water plea
Worried that a continuing drought could plunge the city into a water crisis, officials called on residents Thursday to take steps to conserve as much water as they can.
Residents should immediately adopt an odd-even system for washing cars, watering flowers and other outside uses, officials said. They should also try to scale back water use inside the home.
The city’s reservoirs are short more than 350 million gallons of water and have water levels have fallen to 70 percent of capacity.If they are drained to half their capacity, mandatory restrictions would go into effect, as they did during a major drought in 2002. In 1999, water levels nearly fell far enough to require another crackdown.
“The lack of rain and dropping levels have forced us to ask for the cooperation from our customers" to minimize water use, said Robert Longo, acting water superintendent.
"A lack of rain and unseasonably warm weather over the past few weeks has lowered our reservoirs along the aquifers that our well fields draw water from to levels that require the Bristol Water Department to request conservation from our customers," said Longo, who stepped into the job when longtime Superintendent Leonard Valentino retired this month after nearly four decades with the department.
Mayor William Stortz said it is paradoxical that in the spring the city was trying to cope with floods and now it’s facing a water shortage.
Longo said the city has reached out to large outside irrigation users, including the parks, schools and the golf courses at Pequabuck and Chippanee to reduce their water use.
"Currently the City is in a drought advisory and we expect that the change in seasons along with the cooperation from customers should aid us to bring the water levels back to normal prior to spring," the mayor added.Water officials have long said that the worst case scenario would be to begin the winter with the reservoirs down substantially and then fall into a serious drought that left the reservoirs depleted heading into the summer.
Bristol’s water supply, though it’s been bolstered by tie-ins with New Britain and new wells, is iffier than officials would like.
A long-term plan to build a massive new reservoir in Harwinton, known as Cook’s Dam, has been shelved for years because environmental concerns trumped worries about water supplies.
The city’s half dozen reservoirs -- in Bristol, Plymouth and Harwinton -- contain about 1.2 billion gallons when they are full. There are also some wells in eastern Bristol that add to the supply.
The city uses as much as 7 million gallons on a hot summer day, but not as much during cooler weather.
Stortz said that "water levels at the reservoirs and wells will continue to be monitored regularly to assure that the levels are stabilizing before mandatory restrictions would be required."
Any one with questions on the restrictions or the City’s water supply can contact the Bristol Water Department at 860-582-7431.
Information on the voluntary restrictions along with other ways to conserve water can also be found on the Bristol Water Department website atwww.bristolwaterdept.org.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Residents should immediately adopt an odd-even system for washing cars, watering flowers and other outside uses, officials said. They should also try to scale back water use inside the home.
The city’s reservoirs are short more than 350 million gallons of water and have water levels have fallen to 70 percent of capacity.If they are drained to half their capacity, mandatory restrictions would go into effect, as they did during a major drought in 2002. In 1999, water levels nearly fell far enough to require another crackdown.
“The lack of rain and dropping levels have forced us to ask for the cooperation from our customers" to minimize water use, said Robert Longo, acting water superintendent.
"A lack of rain and unseasonably warm weather over the past few weeks has lowered our reservoirs along the aquifers that our well fields draw water from to levels that require the Bristol Water Department to request conservation from our customers," said Longo, who stepped into the job when longtime Superintendent Leonard Valentino retired this month after nearly four decades with the department.
Mayor William Stortz said it is paradoxical that in the spring the city was trying to cope with floods and now it’s facing a water shortage.
Longo said the city has reached out to large outside irrigation users, including the parks, schools and the golf courses at Pequabuck and Chippanee to reduce their water use.
"Currently the City is in a drought advisory and we expect that the change in seasons along with the cooperation from customers should aid us to bring the water levels back to normal prior to spring," the mayor added.Water officials have long said that the worst case scenario would be to begin the winter with the reservoirs down substantially and then fall into a serious drought that left the reservoirs depleted heading into the summer.
Bristol’s water supply, though it’s been bolstered by tie-ins with New Britain and new wells, is iffier than officials would like.
A long-term plan to build a massive new reservoir in Harwinton, known as Cook’s Dam, has been shelved for years because environmental concerns trumped worries about water supplies.
The city’s half dozen reservoirs -- in Bristol, Plymouth and Harwinton -- contain about 1.2 billion gallons when they are full. There are also some wells in eastern Bristol that add to the supply.
The city uses as much as 7 million gallons on a hot summer day, but not as much during cooler weather.
Stortz said that "water levels at the reservoirs and wells will continue to be monitored regularly to assure that the levels are stabilizing before mandatory restrictions would be required."
Any one with questions on the restrictions or the City’s water supply can contact the Bristol Water Department at 860-582-7431.
Information on the voluntary restrictions along with other ways to conserve water can also be found on the Bristol Water Department website atwww.bristolwaterdept.org.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Water restrictions sought
New press release from Mayor William Stortz:
Voluntary Water Restrictions
Bristol, CT, September 28, 2007
– Mayor William T. Stortz announced today that the Bristol Water Department, as a Department of the City of Bristol, is notifying customers that the Cities reservoirs have declined to 70 percent capacity from the lack of rain and that the Water Department has issued Voluntary Water Restrictions effective immediately.
"A lack of rain and unseasonably warm weather over the past few weeks has lowered our reservoirs along the aquifers that our well fields draw water from to levels that require the Bristol Water Department to request conservation from our customers," said Robert Longo, Acting Superintendent of the Bristol Water Department. Mr. Longo added, "That the Bristol Water Department has reached out to large outside irrigation users including the Cities Parks Department, Public Works, Board of Education, Pequabuck and Chippanee Golf Courses and asked for their cooperation in reducing usage at their facilities, all of which offered their immediate assistance."
Although the reservoirs are at 70 percent capacity, no rain in the immediate forecast will cause the levels to continue to drop. The Bristol Water Department in coordination with the Mayor’s office is requesting that customers limit the amount of outside water use and to adhere to the Departments policy on Odd / Even watering. Odd / Even watering allows for properties with an even street number to water on even days of the month and the same for properties with odd street number to water on odd days of the month. The Odd / Even watering system also applies to washing cars, watering flowers and any other outside uses.
"During the past month the Bristol Water Department personnel have worked diligently identifying ways to increase supply to the system along with ways to conserve water in an effort to avoid any restrictions, yet the lack of rain and dropping levels have forced us to ask for the cooperation from our customers," stated Mr. Longo. The Bristol Water Department has suspended the Annual Hydrant Flushing program, increased its supply from a seasonal well on Barlow Street along with increasing its supply from a connection with the City of New Britain on Stafford Avenue.
The last time the Bristol Water Department enforced restrictions was in 2002 when reservoirs dropped to nearly 50 percent capacity forcing the Department to issue Mandatory Restrictions.
Mayor Stortz stated, "That the water levels at the reservoirs and wells will continue to be monitored regularly to assure that the levels are stabilizing before mandatory restrictions would be required." "Currently the City is in a Drought Advisory and we expect that the change in seasons along with the cooperation from customers should aid us to bring the water levels back to normal prior to Spring," the Mayor added.
Any one with questions on the restrictions or the City’s water supply can contact the Bristol Water Department at 860-582-7431. Information on the Voluntary Restrictions along with other ways to conserve water can also be found on the Bristol Water Department website at
www.bristolwaterdept.org.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Voluntary Water Restrictions
Bristol, CT, September 28, 2007
– Mayor William T. Stortz announced today that the Bristol Water Department, as a Department of the City of Bristol, is notifying customers that the Cities reservoirs have declined to 70 percent capacity from the lack of rain and that the Water Department has issued Voluntary Water Restrictions effective immediately.
"A lack of rain and unseasonably warm weather over the past few weeks has lowered our reservoirs along the aquifers that our well fields draw water from to levels that require the Bristol Water Department to request conservation from our customers," said Robert Longo, Acting Superintendent of the Bristol Water Department. Mr. Longo added, "That the Bristol Water Department has reached out to large outside irrigation users including the Cities Parks Department, Public Works, Board of Education, Pequabuck and Chippanee Golf Courses and asked for their cooperation in reducing usage at their facilities, all of which offered their immediate assistance."
Although the reservoirs are at 70 percent capacity, no rain in the immediate forecast will cause the levels to continue to drop. The Bristol Water Department in coordination with the Mayor’s office is requesting that customers limit the amount of outside water use and to adhere to the Departments policy on Odd / Even watering. Odd / Even watering allows for properties with an even street number to water on even days of the month and the same for properties with odd street number to water on odd days of the month. The Odd / Even watering system also applies to washing cars, watering flowers and any other outside uses.
"During the past month the Bristol Water Department personnel have worked diligently identifying ways to increase supply to the system along with ways to conserve water in an effort to avoid any restrictions, yet the lack of rain and dropping levels have forced us to ask for the cooperation from our customers," stated Mr. Longo. The Bristol Water Department has suspended the Annual Hydrant Flushing program, increased its supply from a seasonal well on Barlow Street along with increasing its supply from a connection with the City of New Britain on Stafford Avenue.
The last time the Bristol Water Department enforced restrictions was in 2002 when reservoirs dropped to nearly 50 percent capacity forcing the Department to issue Mandatory Restrictions.
Mayor Stortz stated, "That the water levels at the reservoirs and wells will continue to be monitored regularly to assure that the levels are stabilizing before mandatory restrictions would be required." "Currently the City is in a Drought Advisory and we expect that the change in seasons along with the cooperation from customers should aid us to bring the water levels back to normal prior to Spring," the Mayor added.
Any one with questions on the restrictions or the City’s water supply can contact the Bristol Water Department at 860-582-7431. Information on the Voluntary Restrictions along with other ways to conserve water can also be found on the Bristol Water Department website at
www.bristolwaterdept.org.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
August 28, 2007
Leonard Valentino retires
Mayor William Stortz told me this evening that longtime Water Superintendent Leonard Valentino turned in his retirement papers today after nearly four decades working for the water department.
Valentino was ready to retire a year ago, but stayed on because he felt like he was under fire from Stortz and some councilors -- and because he wanted to help the department deal with a state consent order.
He earns about $102,000 annually in his job -- good money by anyone's standard -- but his longevity is such that even in retirement he will earn almost the same amount.
Last winter, when I checked with the comptroller's office, Valentino was due to get about $100K a year as a retiree. So he wasn't working for the money!
I always thought that Valentino was a good man doing his best for his community. I know he was always fair with me.
His department's record over the years, despite some recent glitches, has been exemplary.
I'll be writing more about him in the coming days, no doubt.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Valentino was ready to retire a year ago, but stayed on because he felt like he was under fire from Stortz and some councilors -- and because he wanted to help the department deal with a state consent order.
He earns about $102,000 annually in his job -- good money by anyone's standard -- but his longevity is such that even in retirement he will earn almost the same amount.
Last winter, when I checked with the comptroller's office, Valentino was due to get about $100K a year as a retiree. So he wasn't working for the money!
I always thought that Valentino was a good man doing his best for his community. I know he was always fair with me.
His department's record over the years, despite some recent glitches, has been exemplary.
I'll be writing more about him in the coming days, no doubt.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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