A suggested way out of the fiasco, offered by former city Councilor Craig Minor:
If Monti and D'Amato can't work it out, the BDDC should ask both of them if they are willing to let Leone vote. Of course, Leone could vote for D'Amato and that leaves it at 3-3, but he might vote for Renaissance.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Showing posts with label Minor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minor. Show all posts
December 15, 2009
October 14, 2009
Minor plans to stay active
Three-term Democratic city Councilor Craig Minor also completed his final council meeting this week.
He said Wednesday that he opted to step down because he believes it is crucial that the city have a regular infusion of “new blood and new ideas.”
Minor said that it takes a couple of years to learn the ropes, but after a couple more years it’s easy to “get discouraged” at the slow pace of change in government.
“You reach a point of diminishing returns,” Minor said. “Like most people, I don’t feel I accomplished as much as I hoped to.”
Mayor Art Ward said Minor compiled a solid record in office.
“Craig has done a yeoman’s job chairing the Ordinance Committee,” the mayor said.
City Councilor Kevin McCauley said Minor “helped initiate me” to the council and will be missed.
He said Minor should have free time for his hobbies, his family and more without the obligations of so many city meetings.
Minor said, though, that as a private citizen, he has no intention of slipping into the background.
He said he will be able to focus on projects that mean the most to him and to push the city to make them happen.
As a councilor, Minor said, he often had “to bite my tongue” but as a citizen he can say whatever he wants.
For instance, he said, as a councilor who wants to preserve the old
“As a private citizen, I don’t have to be objective,” Minor said. “I’ll just go to the other side of podium.”
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
June 4, 2009
Budget approved with two no votes
The $170.8 million budget was approved tonight with only two people voting against it.
Both city Councilors Craig Minor and Kevin McCauley opposed the budget, which freezes property taxes.
They said a small tax hike was necessary to make sure public works got the funding its needs to prevent city buildings, roads and other infrastructure from deteriorating.
More details to come, including the possible layoff of three public works employees if Local 1338 continues to refuse to make concessions on a scheduled wage hike.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 13, 2009
On split vote, councilors agree to raze downtown theater
Though city councilors split this week on whether to proceed with plans to knock down a former movie theater on the downtown mall site, a majority backed the idea.
So the city will move forward with the $85,000 project to demolish the structure this summer and replace it this fall with a temporary pocket park.
City Councilor Craig Minor, a third-term Democrat, sought to delay the work because of the sour economy.
He said he questioned the wisdom of proceeding with the project given that the building isn’t blighted. It’s just empty.
“I don’t think that taking down this building is the best way to spend this money,” Minor said.
But city Councilor Ken Cockayne, a first-term Republican, said he views the building as “an eyesore” that has to come down.
Moreover, Cockayne said, the poor economy meant the city could get “a much better price” for the job than it might in better times.
Minor said Cockayne had a good point, but he stuck with his opposition. Another councilor, Democrat Kevin McCauley backed Minor.
But the rest of the council, including Mayor Art Ward, voted to award the contract to Bristol’s Carpenter Construction. It was the lowest of nine bidders.
City Purchasing Agent Roger Rousseau said the project would be paid for out of bond money allocated for the demolition of the downtown mall in 2007.
The city set aside $3 million for knocking down the mall, but wound up spending less than $1 million, Rousseau said. Tapping a bit of the excess to remove the old theater is reasonable, he said.
Rousseau said demolition work will begin in June and should be done by mid-August.
The site will be prettied up by November so that it makes for an attractive entrance to downtown on the corner of Main Street and Riverside Avenue, he said.
Ward and downtown revitalization officials have said they want to clear the17-acre mall site as much as possible so that when the economy turns around, the city is ready to move ahead with an overhaul of the property.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
So the city will move forward with the $85,000 project to demolish the structure this summer and replace it this fall with a temporary pocket park.
City Councilor Craig Minor, a third-term Democrat, sought to delay the work because of the sour economy.
He said he questioned the wisdom of proceeding with the project given that the building isn’t blighted. It’s just empty.
“I don’t think that taking down this building is the best way to spend this money,” Minor said.
But city Councilor Ken Cockayne, a first-term Republican, said he views the building as “an eyesore” that has to come down.
Moreover, Cockayne said, the poor economy meant the city could get “a much better price” for the job than it might in better times.
Minor said Cockayne had a good point, but he stuck with his opposition. Another councilor, Democrat Kevin McCauley backed Minor.
But the rest of the council, including Mayor Art Ward, voted to award the contract to Bristol’s Carpenter Construction. It was the lowest of nine bidders.
City Purchasing Agent Roger Rousseau said the project would be paid for out of bond money allocated for the demolition of the downtown mall in 2007.
The city set aside $3 million for knocking down the mall, but wound up spending less than $1 million, Rousseau said. Tapping a bit of the excess to remove the old theater is reasonable, he said.
Rousseau said demolition work will begin in June and should be done by mid-August.
The site will be prettied up by November so that it makes for an attractive entrance to downtown on the corner of Main Street and Riverside Avenue, he said.
Ward and downtown revitalization officials have said they want to clear the17-acre mall site as much as possible so that when the economy turns around, the city is ready to move ahead with an overhaul of the property.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
March 11, 2009
Minor's day job is safe, probably
For those who wondered, city Councilor Craig Minor's real job as town planner was included in the proposed Cromwell town budget last night, though officials still want to cut his salary by $15,000 a year.
Perhaps the town's board of finance will restore his salary in the next round of review. (And if it doesn't, rest assured there's a union lawyer out there who will surely insist on it later.)
Let's hope Minor comes through it all without too much trouble. None of us want to see him begging on the streets of Forestville for mortgage money.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
March 3, 2009
Craig Minor may lose his day job
Cromwell Town Planner Craig Minor, a Bristol city councilor, could be one of five town employees laid off to save money, according to this story.
It's pretty damn clear that Minor and the leading politician in Cromwell don't get along.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
February 10, 2009
The funny case of Henry Raymond's car repair tab
This story has been updated with comments from Henry Raymond and the members of the city's Claims Committee. Please see the end for city Councilor Craig Minor's comments, too.
Update on Thursday:
Just to make sure the whole picture is available, I called city Councilor Craig Minor, who wound up calling back and talking to reporter Jackie Majerus.
Minor said that city Councilor Cliff Block called him after the Claims Committee met last month.
"He was troubled by something that had occurred and wanted to talk to me about it," said Minor.
Minor said claims panel had a longstanding practice of not paying out on the first claim about a pothole or other road problem. Using that logic, if it happened a second time, a claim might be paid, because the city would have been on notice of a problem.
But the first person to encounter it is simply out of luck.
"Our position is, we didn't know about it," said Minor.
Henry Raymond was the first to report that particular problem on Lincoln Avenue, said Minor. Had the committee followed its normal process, it would have told Raymond, sorry, but the city isn't paying.
"In this case, they approved it anyway," said Minor. "For some reason, they didn't follow the procedure in this case."
After speaking with Block, Minor said he phoned Councilor Ken Cockayne, leaving him a message.
He got a call back from Councilor Mike Rimcoski, said Minor, who defended paying Raymond's claim. [Cockayne said that he called Rimcoski, the chairman, to tell him about Minor’s interest.]
Minor said he told Rimcoski that if Raymond's claim went on the claims report for automatic payment, he would object.
As a result, "Mike took the Henry Raymond claim off the report," said Minor.
Rimcoski invited Minor to the next Claims Committee meeting, Minor said. At the meeting, the committee revisited Raymond's claim, Minor said, and reversed its initial decision.
The fact that the incident with Raymond's car happened on a state project, said Minor, complicates things. He said the claim belonged with the state or its contractor, where the committee ultimately advised Raymond to take it.
"It wasn't our fault in the first place," said Minor.
As for whether Cockayne and Rimcoski were doing a favor for a friend by initially approving Raymond's claim, Minor said he couldn't know what they were thinking at the time.
"That's not for me to say," said Minor.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Back in December, Henry Raymond III drove a 2000 Audi Quattro across the new highway construction on Lincoln Avenue, hitting a bump that managed "to puncture a hole in my oil pan" that caused the oil to drain all over his driveway.
The damage necessitated the towing of the vehicle to a repair shop, according to a December 16 claim that Raymond submitted to City Hall.
Raymond asked for reimbursement for the $470.60 repair tab because poor conditions on a city road caused it.
What typically happens in these sorts of cases is that they are investigated by the appropriate agency and then the tab is, if justified, paid.
First stop for the claim was a three-person Claims Committee that consists currently of city Councilors Mike Rimcoski, Ken Cockayne and Cliff Block.
Raymond said that Rimcoski told him to come in and bring pictures.
The panel took a look at the claim and rather than sending it on to the state Department of Transportation, which would probably bear responsibility since it's building the highway there, it opted to pay Raymond his money.
“He gave a very strong case,” said Rimcoski, who chairs the panel.
Raymond said he told the chairman, “I don’t want any special favors.”
The committee decided to pay the claim on a 2-1 vote, with Block in opposition.
“It was not a city claim,” Block said. “It’s obvious.”
“In these times, I do not feel like giving our money away,” Block added.
Raymond said he felt betrayed by Block, who told him to his face that he deserved the money but voted against giving it to him after Raymond left the session.
The claim payment was included among the items listed on the consent agenda for January's City Council meeting, which is generally reserved for things that nobody has a problem with. They are routinely passed unanimously.
Had that happened, Raymond would have received the money he asked for.
But at the council meeting, Rimcoski said he wanted the claims removed from that part of the agenda, opening the door to discussion of it in more detail and the potential of an up or down vote on the money for Raymond.
He didn't say why, but once the item got yanked off the consent agenda, it was promptly sent back to the Claims Committee on a unanimous vote.
“Questions were raised,” Rimcoski said, so he agreed to reconsider the issue. “Rather than have any questions raised, we moved it back to committee.”
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, councilors unanimously agreed to forward Raymond's bill to the state, which may pay it.
Cockayne explained his changed vote as a way to correct a mistake.
“I didn’t have my facts correct” the first time around, Cockayne said. “We corrected the erred decision” when the claims panel got another chance to look into it, he said.
Rimcoski said that if Raymond was the first person to complain about the bump, he might get shut out. It seems that the state – and city, too -- will probably pay if it already had reason to know about the problematic spot.
Adding to the speculation surrounding this issue is that Raymond, who's considered a genuinely decent guy, is a Republican stalwart.
So, too, are Rimcoski and Cockayne.
Block is a Democrat, as is the rest of the City Council.
But was there an attempt to do a political favor? That’s not clear.
Raymond’s claim appears typical and there’s no indication he did anything wrong.
But the committee’s handling of the case was, at least, unusual.
Yet in the end, Raymond didn’t get any money from the city and, so far, hasn’t gotten any from the state either.
He said he doesn’t see a problem of any sort – except for partisan politics getting in the way of serving the people.
“They’re just trying to hit the Republicans,” Raymond said. “This is what’s wrong with politics.”
Update on Thursday:
Just to make sure the whole picture is available, I called city Councilor Craig Minor, who wound up calling back and talking to reporter Jackie Majerus.
Minor said that city Councilor Cliff Block called him after the Claims Committee met last month.
"He was troubled by something that had occurred and wanted to talk to me about it," said Minor.
Minor said claims panel had a longstanding practice of not paying out on the first claim about a pothole or other road problem. Using that logic, if it happened a second time, a claim might be paid, because the city would have been on notice of a problem.
But the first person to encounter it is simply out of luck.
"Our position is, we didn't know about it," said Minor.
Henry Raymond was the first to report that particular problem on Lincoln Avenue, said Minor. Had the committee followed its normal process, it would have told Raymond, sorry, but the city isn't paying.
"In this case, they approved it anyway," said Minor. "For some reason, they didn't follow the procedure in this case."
After speaking with Block, Minor said he phoned Councilor Ken Cockayne, leaving him a message.
He got a call back from Councilor Mike Rimcoski, said Minor, who defended paying Raymond's claim. [Cockayne said that he called Rimcoski, the chairman, to tell him about Minor’s interest.]
Minor said he told Rimcoski that if Raymond's claim went on the claims report for automatic payment, he would object.
As a result, "Mike took the Henry Raymond claim off the report," said Minor.
Rimcoski invited Minor to the next Claims Committee meeting, Minor said. At the meeting, the committee revisited Raymond's claim, Minor said, and reversed its initial decision.
The fact that the incident with Raymond's car happened on a state project, said Minor, complicates things. He said the claim belonged with the state or its contractor, where the committee ultimately advised Raymond to take it.
"It wasn't our fault in the first place," said Minor.
As for whether Cockayne and Rimcoski were doing a favor for a friend by initially approving Raymond's claim, Minor said he couldn't know what they were thinking at the time.
"That's not for me to say," said Minor.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 20, 2009
Happy and cold in Washington
As President Barack Obama took the oath of office in Washington, Bristol resident Laura Minor cried, danced, sang and cheered from the middle of the massive crowd splayed out in front of the U.S. Capitol.
She said she felt “the most amazing spirit that you could ever imagine” all around her as Obama spoke for the first time as the 44th president of the United States.
Both Laura Minor and her husband, city Councilor Craig Minor, spent the past few days in the nation’s capital to celebrate the passage of power to the country’s first black president, a Democrat who promised change.
Craig Minor said the crowds were so “incredibly dense” that even though they arrived on the Capitol grounds before 6 a.m., they nearly didn’t make it into the section in front of the stage for which they held tickets.
Around them were people from across America – a minister from Texas, Native Americans in headdresses, singer Mariah Carey, Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson and many more.
“There were all these people from all walks of life,” Craig Minor said.
Laura Minor said they took turns taking photographs of each other, caught up in the joy of the moment.
When the band played Stars and Stripes Forever, she said she joined three strangers as they started swinging each other around in giddy dance.
“America was on its best behavior,” she said, despite the crush and the cold.
When Obama addressed the crowd after taking oath of office, Laura Minor said, “I was so moved. I cried. I cheered.”
“It was just magnificent,” she said.
When the ceremony came to a close at the Capitol, the crowds left quickly and quietly, Laura Minor said.
When former President George W. Bush’s helicopter lifted off from the Capitol grounds to whisk him off to the airport for his flight home to Texas, Laura Minor looked up.
“We waved goodbye at his helicopter,” she said.
Feeling quite cold and hungry, Laura Minor said they were “going to get some food and go home” to Connecticut, skipping the parade and leaving aside any fancy balls.
“We were here,” she said through a fading cell phone. “And that’s what counts.”
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
She said she felt “the most amazing spirit that you could ever imagine” all around her as Obama spoke for the first time as the 44th president of the United States.
Both Laura Minor and her husband, city Councilor Craig Minor, spent the past few days in the nation’s capital to celebrate the passage of power to the country’s first black president, a Democrat who promised change.
Craig Minor said the crowds were so “incredibly dense” that even though they arrived on the Capitol grounds before 6 a.m., they nearly didn’t make it into the section in front of the stage for which they held tickets.
Around them were people from across America – a minister from Texas, Native Americans in headdresses, singer Mariah Carey, Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson and many more.
“There were all these people from all walks of life,” Craig Minor said.
Laura Minor said they took turns taking photographs of each other, caught up in the joy of the moment.
When the band played Stars and Stripes Forever, she said she joined three strangers as they started swinging each other around in giddy dance.
“America was on its best behavior,” she said, despite the crush and the cold.
When Obama addressed the crowd after taking oath of office, Laura Minor said, “I was so moved. I cried. I cheered.”
“It was just magnificent,” she said.
When the ceremony came to a close at the Capitol, the crowds left quickly and quietly, Laura Minor said.
When former President George W. Bush’s helicopter lifted off from the Capitol grounds to whisk him off to the airport for his flight home to Texas, Laura Minor looked up.
“We waved goodbye at his helicopter,” she said.
Feeling quite cold and hungry, Laura Minor said they were “going to get some food and go home” to Connecticut, skipping the parade and leaving aside any fancy balls.
“We were here,” she said through a fading cell phone. “And that’s what counts.”
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 19, 2009
Obama action figures?
As city Councilor Craig Minor stood in line at the Cannon House Office Building in the nation's capital this afternoon, he gave me a phone call.
He said there were abut 200 people waiting to get their tickets to the Inauguration from U.S. Rep. John Larson, the East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol. They were all in good spirits, Minor reported.
Of course they were. Why wouldn't they be? There are a couple of million people descending on the Mall on Tuesday to see Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony and only a lucky handful are going to have those precious tickets to be up close.
Of course, for the rest, there are Jumbotrons.
Minor said that he and his wife, Laura Minor, watched most of the Inaugural kick-off Sunday on the big screens.
From the Washington Monument grounds, they were a long way from Obama and the parade of at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday.
"We could barely see the figures on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial," Minor said.
But they were able to eyeball some of the big TVs installed so the distant crowd could see what was going on.
Laura Minor was most enchanted by folk singer Pete Seeger, who was invited to join rocker Bruce Springsteen for a stirring rendition of "This Land Is Your Land."
But Craig Minor said they both enjoyed country star Garth Brooks, backed by a youth chorus, who turned to the rock staple "Shout" and had everyone raising their hands in unison in the time-honored tradition.
"That part was so cool," Craig Minor said
On their way to the Capitol this morning to get their tickets for Tuesday's big event, the Minors picked up "a bunch of tacky Obama souvenirs," including an Obama action figure.
What does an Obama action figure actually do?
Minor said it points its finger at the sky or maybe at whoever's holding it.
Laura Minor said it is "an amazing, amazing time to be in town" because of the massive, happy crowds and the joy of the moment.
"I'm just so glad to be here," Laura Minor said.
And with all those crowds and all those people, she said, there aren't even lines at the portable toilets - yet.
"They seem to be OK," she said, even though The Washington Post has expressed concern about them.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
He said there were abut 200 people waiting to get their tickets to the Inauguration from U.S. Rep. John Larson, the East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol. They were all in good spirits, Minor reported.
Of course they were. Why wouldn't they be? There are a couple of million people descending on the Mall on Tuesday to see Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony and only a lucky handful are going to have those precious tickets to be up close.
Of course, for the rest, there are Jumbotrons.
Minor said that he and his wife, Laura Minor, watched most of the Inaugural kick-off Sunday on the big screens.
From the Washington Monument grounds, they were a long way from Obama and the parade of at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday.
"We could barely see the figures on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial," Minor said.
But they were able to eyeball some of the big TVs installed so the distant crowd could see what was going on.
Laura Minor was most enchanted by folk singer Pete Seeger, who was invited to join rocker Bruce Springsteen for a stirring rendition of "This Land Is Your Land."
But Craig Minor said they both enjoyed country star Garth Brooks, backed by a youth chorus, who turned to the rock staple "Shout" and had everyone raising their hands in unison in the time-honored tradition.
"That part was so cool," Craig Minor said
On their way to the Capitol this morning to get their tickets for Tuesday's big event, the Minors picked up "a bunch of tacky Obama souvenirs," including an Obama action figure.
What does an Obama action figure actually do?
Minor said it points its finger at the sky or maybe at whoever's holding it.
Laura Minor said it is "an amazing, amazing time to be in town" because of the massive, happy crowds and the joy of the moment.
"I'm just so glad to be here," Laura Minor said.
And with all those crowds and all those people, she said, there aren't even lines at the portable toilets - yet.
"They seem to be OK," she said, even though The Washington Post has expressed concern about them.
*******Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 17, 2009
Bristolites ready to party as Obama takes charge
When President-elect Barack Obama gave his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last summer, 25-year-old Marcus Mrowka was watching.
On Election Night, the Bristol native stood in the crowd in Chicago listening to Obama address his historic victory.
And Tuesday, when Obama takes the oath of office in the nation’s capital, Mrowka will again be among the throng.
“It continues this ride,” said the 2001 Bristol Eastern High School graduate. “That’s why I came to D.C. and got involved in politics.”
Mrowka is just one of a number of Bristol residents and natives who plan to be on hand to witness Obama’s Inauguration. Though he lives there, most of the others are heading south this weekend to join the festivities.
“It’s the place to be,” said Democratic city Councilor Craig Minor, who’s taking the train with his wife, Laura Minor. “This is the most historic event I’ll ever see, probably.”
“I have to agree with you,” interjected city Councilor Mike Rimcoski, a Republican who’s going to watch on television.
Breeann Redman, a 16-year-old junior at Eastern, is also going to Washington for the festivities.
“I’m very excited, just to see this history even happen is so exciting,” she said.
Auctioneer Tim Chapulis said he knows what it’s like.
He said he stood in “an ocean of people” to see President Bill Clinton’s Inauguration. He liked it so much he returned in 1997 to see the start of Clinton’s second term.
The crowds were packed in “all around the Capitol,” Chapulis said. “There’s not a car in sight. Just people.”
He said he attended one of the inaugural balls at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts where he got to see the Clintons. But he also eyeballed many other famous faces, even O.J. Simpson’s defense attorney, Johnny Cochran.
“It was great. It’s so full of history there,” Chapulis said.
Bruce Lydem, a former City Council candidate, said he’s heading to Washington, too, hoping to stand there “at the crossroads of history.”
Lydem, a union official, said that Obama’s status as the nation’s first black president makes the change so special. It’s “a part of history,” he said, and he’s excited to have the chance to participate.
Mrowka, who works for a union, said he used to listen to the stories of great leaders that his parents and grandparents remembered. He said he thought “maybe we’re not going to get one” in this generation.
But now, he said, he sees hope.
“We definitely have someone who fits the times,” Mrowka said.
He said that after seeing and hearing Obama a number of times, including some campaign rallies last year, he knows how inspiring the next president can be.
Obama has a remarkable ability to “move people” with his words. “It’s inspiring,” Mrowka said.
“For him to light up a crowd, I’ve just never seen anything like it,” Mrowka said.
Minor said he wound up with two coveted tickets to get up close during the Inauguration thanks to U.S. Rep. John Larson, the East Hartford Democrat who represents Bristol.
Minor said that he mentioned his plans to go to the event to Mayor Art Ward during a municipal conference in Cheshire one day. The mayor told Minor he’d just turned down the tickets from the congressman and “without breaking a beat” offered to try to land them for Minor.
It worked out.
“It helps to have friends in high places,” Minor said.
It’s also good to have friends who live in Washington, he said, so he and his wife have somewhere to stay.
Redman is staying at the Hilton Hotel as part of the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference, a five-day educational event that includes attendance at the Inauguration and one of the balls. She’ll also get a chance to hear from such political leaders as former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former Vice President Al Gore.
Redman said she’s eager to meet some “important people” and to see history unfold in front of her.
Mrowka said he’s got his tuxedo and he’s ready to have a good time at the ball, which will be his first.
He said he’d like to see Barack and Michelle Obama at the ball, one of a handful the new president will attend during the evening following the swearing-in.
That’s why he’s going, Mrowka said.
“It’s not for the cheese cubes,” he added.
PS: I'd love to hear from anyone with Bristol ties who is in Washington or has some connection to the festivities during the next few days.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
On Election Night, the Bristol native stood in the crowd in Chicago listening to Obama address his historic victory.
And Tuesday, when Obama takes the oath of office in the nation’s capital, Mrowka will again be among the throng.
“It continues this ride,” said the 2001 Bristol Eastern High School graduate. “That’s why I came to D.C. and got involved in politics.”
Mrowka is just one of a number of Bristol residents and natives who plan to be on hand to witness Obama’s Inauguration. Though he lives there, most of the others are heading south this weekend to join the festivities.
“It’s the place to be,” said Democratic city Councilor Craig Minor, who’s taking the train with his wife, Laura Minor. “This is the most historic event I’ll ever see, probably.”
“I have to agree with you,” interjected city Councilor Mike Rimcoski, a Republican who’s going to watch on television.
Breeann Redman, a 16-year-old junior at Eastern, is also going to Washington for the festivities.
“I’m very excited, just to see this history even happen is so exciting,” she said.
Auctioneer Tim Chapulis said he knows what it’s like.
He said he stood in “an ocean of people” to see President Bill Clinton’s Inauguration. He liked it so much he returned in 1997 to see the start of Clinton’s second term.
The crowds were packed in “all around the Capitol,” Chapulis said. “There’s not a car in sight. Just people.”
He said he attended one of the inaugural balls at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts where he got to see the Clintons. But he also eyeballed many other famous faces, even O.J. Simpson’s defense attorney, Johnny Cochran.
“It was great. It’s so full of history there,” Chapulis said.
Bruce Lydem, a former City Council candidate, said he’s heading to Washington, too, hoping to stand there “at the crossroads of history.”
Lydem, a union official, said that Obama’s status as the nation’s first black president makes the change so special. It’s “a part of history,” he said, and he’s excited to have the chance to participate.
Mrowka, who works for a union, said he used to listen to the stories of great leaders that his parents and grandparents remembered. He said he thought “maybe we’re not going to get one” in this generation.
But now, he said, he sees hope.
“We definitely have someone who fits the times,” Mrowka said.
He said that after seeing and hearing Obama a number of times, including some campaign rallies last year, he knows how inspiring the next president can be.
Obama has a remarkable ability to “move people” with his words. “It’s inspiring,” Mrowka said.
“For him to light up a crowd, I’ve just never seen anything like it,” Mrowka said.
Minor said he wound up with two coveted tickets to get up close during the Inauguration thanks to U.S. Rep. John Larson, the East Hartford Democrat who represents Bristol.
Minor said that he mentioned his plans to go to the event to Mayor Art Ward during a municipal conference in Cheshire one day. The mayor told Minor he’d just turned down the tickets from the congressman and “without breaking a beat” offered to try to land them for Minor.
It worked out.
“It helps to have friends in high places,” Minor said.
It’s also good to have friends who live in Washington, he said, so he and his wife have somewhere to stay.
Redman is staying at the Hilton Hotel as part of the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference, a five-day educational event that includes attendance at the Inauguration and one of the balls. She’ll also get a chance to hear from such political leaders as former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former Vice President Al Gore.
Redman said she’s eager to meet some “important people” and to see history unfold in front of her.
Mrowka said he’s got his tuxedo and he’s ready to have a good time at the ball, which will be his first.
He said he’d like to see Barack and Michelle Obama at the ball, one of a handful the new president will attend during the evening following the swearing-in.
That’s why he’s going, Mrowka said.
“It’s not for the cheese cubes,” he added.
PS: I'd love to hear from anyone with Bristol ties who is in Washington or has some connection to the festivities during the next few days.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Taking a backseat to Obama
Just got a phone call from city Councilor Craig Minor, who boarded an Amtrak train this morning in New Haven with his wife, Laura Minor, to head south to Washington for the Inauguration.
They didn't get all that far.
It seems that taking the last train out of New Haven put them directly behind the train that President-elect Barack Obama is traveling on today as he does some sort of whistle stop along the rail line from Philadelphia to D.C.
Minor said the train he's on is "right behind" Obama's, which is pulling into Wilmington, Delaware to pick up Vice President-elect Joe Biden (who's been taking the train to and from Washington every workday for years).
There's at least one more stop in Baltimore, too, to address a crowd.
But it's OK. Minor is ready.
"We're about to start a game of Travel Boggle while we're sitting here," Minor said.
And if they're lucky, maybe they'll pull into Union Station in the nation's capital in time to catch a glimpse of the next president debarking ahead of them.
In any case, travel's always an adventure. You just never know when a president is going to take precedence over your train.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
They didn't get all that far.
It seems that taking the last train out of New Haven put them directly behind the train that President-elect Barack Obama is traveling on today as he does some sort of whistle stop along the rail line from Philadelphia to D.C.
Minor said the train he's on is "right behind" Obama's, which is pulling into Wilmington, Delaware to pick up Vice President-elect Joe Biden (who's been taking the train to and from Washington every workday for years).
There's at least one more stop in Baltimore, too, to address a crowd.
But it's OK. Minor is ready.
"We're about to start a game of Travel Boggle while we're sitting here," Minor said.
And if they're lucky, maybe they'll pull into Union Station in the nation's capital in time to catch a glimpse of the next president debarking ahead of them.
In any case, travel's always an adventure. You just never know when a president is going to take precedence over your train.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 14, 2009
There oughta be a law...
City Councilor Craig Minor, who heads the city's Ordinance Committee, said he wants to streamline the process of enacting new legislation.
Minor said that people who suggest a new city law will soon be able to fill out a form so they can lay out exactly what they're looking for and why.
Mayor Art Ward called it "a great idea."
Minor said that one problem now is that it's not always possible for his three-person panel to figure out what those requesting ordinance changes are really looking for. The form may help bring more clarity, he said.
Minor said that it also "creates a cleaner paper trail" to keep track of proposed legal changes.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Minor said that people who suggest a new city law will soon be able to fill out a form so they can lay out exactly what they're looking for and why.
Mayor Art Ward called it "a great idea."
Minor said that one problem now is that it's not always possible for his three-person panel to figure out what those requesting ordinance changes are really looking for. The form may help bring more clarity, he said.
Minor said that it also "creates a cleaner paper trail" to keep track of proposed legal changes.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 31, 2008
City forms new energy task force
A new energy task force aims to find ways for the city to save money and reduce its reliance on power sources that contribute to global warming.
The panel, slated to meet for the first time next month, will analyze the city’s “different energy expenditures” and seek ways to cut back where possible, said city Councilor Craig Minor, who pushed for its creation.
The chairman of the panel, city Councilor Mike Rimcoski, said Tuesday that he’s still “waiting to see what we can do.”
Minor said he hopes that by taking a citywide look at energy, the panel may be able to find new sources of power, including solar panels and other methods that don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
The council approved the concept of creating the committee last summer at Minor’s urging.
It said the new task force should include “citizens from a wide range of viewpoints, including the business sector and municipal land use boards.
It was told by councilors to look into suggested steps as part of the U.S. Mayors’l Climate Protection Agreement to see which might be adopted by Bristol successfully.
Minor said “a lot of other towns” have found alternative energy sources that have helped them cut down on their use of electricity and petroleum products that add to global warming.
Since “global warming is the sum of all the smaller individual sources of greenhouse gases,” Minor said, Bristol’s success in scaling back its emissions will help the overall effort to prevent catastrophic climate change in the decades ahead.
In addition to Rimcoski, city Councilors Cliff Block and Ken Cockayne are going to serve on the panel.
Minor said he didn’t mind being left off.
“I have enough to do,” Minor said, adding that there are many qualified people in the community who can contribute more than he can.
“We have some real talent in Bristol,” Minor said, pointing to attorney Jennifer Janelle as one example of someone with genuine expertise who should have a role.
Minor said he hopes that residents such as Janelle, who already serves on the Bristol Downtown Development Corp., will have the opportunity to lend a hand.
The resolution passed by the council said there is “no longer any debate in the scientific community that climate disruption is a reality and that human activities are largely responsible for increasing concentrations of global warming pollution.”
It also said that “because the skyrocketing cost of fuel” the city has “no choice but to look for alternatives to spending more and more money for less and less energy.”
“The creation of this Task Force should not be taken to mean that the City Council believes that any of the City’s major cost centers – the Public Works Department, the Board of Education, and the Police and Fire Departments – are fiscally or operationally mismanaged,” the council motion said.
“On the contrary, the council believes that all of these cost centers have been creative in finding ways to manage in difficult financial times. However, the impact of global warming and the fiscal situation facing Bristol and other cities around the country force us to take action to reduce both energy spending and the production of global warming pollutants,” it continued.
The new task force is supposed to consider a fairly wide-ranging agenda that includes reviewing patterns of land use and community development to see if their regulations or practices that are not sustainable.
A report is supposed to be made to the council and funding for the effort is to come from the Board of Finance.
Here's an outline of the issue, provided by Minor:
Mayor's Task Force on Energy Consumption
CITY OF BRISTOL
(Voted to establish on July 8, 2008 by the Bristol City Council)
Background
On July 8, 2008, following up on its May 13, 2008 endorsement of the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, the Bristol City Council voted to direct Mayor Arthur Ward to establish the Mayor's Task Force on Energy Consumption. The motion was as follows:
On motion of Council Member Minor and seconded, it was unanimously voted: To establish the Mayor's Task Force on Energy Consumption to consist of citizens from a wide range of viewpoints, including the business sector and municipal land use boards, and with legal or technical expertise in energy consumption. The Task Force will review the entire list of suggested actions contained in the Climate Protection Agreement, and any others as they may see fit, and identify those actions which the Task Force determines to have the best potential to reduce the cost of energy spending by the City, and reduce the amount of global warming pollution produced by the City.
The purpose of the Task Force is to find ways for the City to reduce energy spending and global warming pollution without impacting the City's ability to provide essential services and a high quality of life to Bristol residents.
The City Council directed the creation of this Task Force for two reasons:
1. Because there is no longer any debate in the scientific community that climate disruption is a reality and that human activities are largely responsible for increasing concentrations of global warming pollution, and
2. Because the sky-rocketing cost of fuel leaves the City with no choice but to look for alternatives to spending more and more money for less and less energy.
The creation of this Task Force should not be taken to mean that the City Council believes that any of the City’s major cost centers – the Public Works Department, the Board of Education, and the Police and Fire Departments – are fiscally or operationally mismanaged. On the contrary, the Council believes that all of these cost centers have been creative in finding ways to manage in difficult financial times. However, the impact of global warming and the fiscal situation facing Bristol and other cities around the country force us to take action to reduce both energy spending and the production of global warming pollutants.
Mission Statement
To review the suggested actions contained in the “U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement” and other actions with the goal of identifying steps which the City might take to reduce both energy spending and global warming pollution.
Responsibilities and Tasks
The Task Force is charged with reviewing the suggested actions contained in the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, and any others as they may see fit, and identifying what steps the City can take to better manage this situation. The Task Force shall prepare a Final Report containing its recommendations.
In preparing its Final Report, the Task Force shall be responsible for all of the steps listed below, and any other related tasks that might later be added by the City Council:
Review the suggested actions contained in the “U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement” and other actions with the goal of identifying steps which the City might take to reduce both energy spending and global warming pollution.
Review, document and evaluate energy spending and consumption by the City. This includes motor vehicle use, maintenance and construction equipment, heating and air conditioning, street lighting and building lighting. The Task Force shall obtain this information from relevant department heads and other town officials as necessary.
Identify possible methods of renewable energy production by the City and related funding sources. This includes photovoltaic panels, wind power, and fuel cells. The Task Force shall obtain this information from individuals, agencies, organizations, and businesses that are in this field including its own members.
Review current patterns of land use and community development to identify regulations and practices that are not “sustainable”. The Task Force shall consult with town staff as well as conservation organizations and planning agencies.
Determine up to five promising areas of possible spending and consumption reduction and energy production that should be implemented, based on their potential to produce significant results.
Identify the appropriate department or staff person to be responsible for the implement each of the five recommendations, if approved by the City Council.
Develop a Preliminary Report for submission to the City Council for the Council’s review and comment.
Upon receipt of the City Council’s comments, revise the Preliminary Report accordingly and submit a Final Report for acceptance by the City Council.
Membership
The Task Force shall have up to thirteen voting members, all to be nominated by the Mayor and appointed by the City Council. All appointments shall be for a term not to exceed two years from date of appointment. Composition of the Task Force shall be as follows:
One member from the Board of Finance, Public Works Board, Board of Education, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Planning Commission;
Three members with expertise in one or more of the following sectors: renewable energy, construction or development, and conservation/environmental protection; and
Five at large members.
The Committee will meet regularly, and elect a chair.
Staffing Assistance
The Comptroller’s Office will provide the Task Force with administrative support and technical assistance as required. Clerical support in the form of a clerk to take meeting minutes shall be provided. The City Council will request funding from the Board of Finance to cover the cost of the above departmental and clerical support.
Compliance with State and Local Laws and Town Policies
The Task Force shall conduct its activities in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and all Bristol laws and regulations.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 30, 2008
Minor is not going to seek reelection
Three-term city Councilor Craig Minor, a Democrat, said today that he won’t seek reelection.
“Six years is long enough. It’s time for new ideas and new blood,” Minor said.
Minor said he notified the Democratic Town Committee recently about his decision to give up his 3rd District seat so it would have plenty of time to recruit and vet a good candidate to take his place.
Minor said that letting people know early on “removes the drama” that so often surrounds political decisions.
“I don’t like drama and I think a lot of politicians do,” Minor said.
Minor, who works as the town planner in Cromwell, said he wants to devote his attention to a few issues he cares deeply about instead of taking on whatever his council duties require.
“This way I can expend my free time on the specific issues that I care about,” Minor said.
The councilor said he’s not ruling out a future political run “but certainly not in the near future.”
Minor said he doesn’t think that telling people of his decision will weaken him politically in the months ahead.
“I’ve always worked well with the other people on the council” on both sides of the aisle, he said, and he’s sure that will continue.
Minor may have faced a primary fight had he opted to stay in the race. Many Democrats were sore at him for lending a hand to an effort to create a chief operating officer position at City Hall that municipal unions opposed and many Republicans favored.
There is no firm word yet on whether any other members of the council plan to step down. It appears likely that Mayor Art Ward will seek a second term in 2009.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
“Six years is long enough. It’s time for new ideas and new blood,” Minor said.
Minor said he notified the Democratic Town Committee recently about his decision to give up his 3rd District seat so it would have plenty of time to recruit and vet a good candidate to take his place.
Minor said that letting people know early on “removes the drama” that so often surrounds political decisions.
“I don’t like drama and I think a lot of politicians do,” Minor said.
Minor, who works as the town planner in Cromwell, said he wants to devote his attention to a few issues he cares deeply about instead of taking on whatever his council duties require.
“This way I can expend my free time on the specific issues that I care about,” Minor said.
The councilor said he’s not ruling out a future political run “but certainly not in the near future.”
Minor said he doesn’t think that telling people of his decision will weaken him politically in the months ahead.
“I’ve always worked well with the other people on the council” on both sides of the aisle, he said, and he’s sure that will continue.
Minor may have faced a primary fight had he opted to stay in the race. Many Democrats were sore at him for lending a hand to an effort to create a chief operating officer position at City Hall that municipal unions opposed and many Republicans favored.
There is no firm word yet on whether any other members of the council plan to step down. It appears likely that Mayor Art Ward will seek a second term in 2009.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 24, 2008
Minor suspended from his Cromwell planner post
Cromwell's first selectman suspended the town planner, Craig Minor, for three days recently. Minor says in the story that he did nothing wrong and will be vindicated. I have no idea what it's all about, but I'm sure many will want to read this.
*******Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 16, 2008
Minor takes issue with zoning chief
Reporter Jackie Majerus wrote this story:
City Councilor Craig Minor is taking issue with zoning board Chairman Frank Johnson's description of the board's role in determining a new K-8 school site.
Minor, who is the city planner for the town of Cromwell, said Johnson was wrong when he said zoning commissioners would have to determine whether a school would be the "highest and best use" of the former Scalia sand pit that school officials are eyeing for the new building.
"The commission does not take into consideration whether this is the best use of the property, or even a good use of the property," said Minor. "That's not for them to say."
Referring to the "highest and best use," said Minor, is also not for Johnson to say, either. He said it's a specific term used by real estate appraisers to "refer to the activity that makes the most profit for the land owner."
The phrase is not in Bristol's zoning regulations, Minor said.
"The zoning commission's job is to make sure that an application complies with all of the zoning regulations," said Minor. "Finding the most profitable way to develop a piece of property is the job of the free market, not local government."
Johnson said he wasn't speaking as a real estate appraiser.
"I'm not considering the land value," said Johnson. "I'm strictly looking at the use of the land."
He said one of the things his board has to consider is whether or not a school is an "appropriate use" for the land and thus, deserving of a special permit.
In doing so, Johnson said, they'll take the impact on the surrounding neighborhood into account, as well as traffic, the infrastructure and public safety issues.
"We will take a very careful look at this," said Johnson.
When zoning board members wrote the regulations, Johnson said, they intended for applications for special permits to be taken on a case by case basis, since what the applicant wants is not allowed automatically by right.
"If I misspoke, I misspoke. I'm not so sure that I did," said Johnson. "I'm certainly not apologizing for anything I said."
City Planner Alan Weiner said Minor is right that "highest and best use" is a real estate appraisal term. But he said he's heard members of many land use boards in Bristol and other towns use it.
In the real estate appraisal world, it has to do with what use of the land would be most profitable, Weiner said.
"The term has a very specific meaning in that context," said Weiner. "I'm presuming they didn't mean it in the real estate appraisal sense."
Minor said he didn't believe that Johnson had any conflict of interest, and Weiner said he has faith that the zoning board will do its job.
"When the zoning commission looks at applications, they know what they need to do," said Weiner. "They know what their role is and they know what their responsibility is."
The plan to build a new school on the old sand pit is expected to come before the Bristol Planning Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 24. At that meeting, planning commissioners will be asked to make a recommendation on the proposal.
If they recommend against it, city councilors will have to have a two-thirds majority in order to move forward with the school on that property.
Minor said he doesn't know how the planning board will rule.
"There are problems with this site from the planning commission's point of view," said Minor, who said its inaccessibility to pedestrians, or children walking to school may be an issue, as well as its remote location. "The planning commission might not think it's the best place for it."
Minor said he supports the Scalia site for the school, but "grudgingly," calling it a "distant second best" after the property on Park and Divinity streets.
Though he preferred Park and Divinity, Minor said, he thinks it's better for the city to move the school project ahead than wait any longer.
"I don't think Park Street has the votes on the city council," said Minor.
If the planning board recommends against the sand pit site, it will set the project back a year, said Minor, "and it might even kill it."
Only if the project moves forward after the stop at the planning board – either by an affirmative recommendation or by a two-thirds majority on the council – would it at some point come before the zoning commission.
If that happens, the zoning board would be asked to consider whether the residentially-zoned Scalia property deserves a special permit for a school. The project couldn't go ahead without it.
If the project does make it to the zoning board, Minor said, it must be approved or denied on its merits, not on whether or not another piece of property is better suited for a school.
"The planning commission can say those things, but not the zoning commission," said Minor. "Certainly the planning commission should be involved in this decision."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
City Councilor Craig Minor is taking issue with zoning board Chairman Frank Johnson's description of the board's role in determining a new K-8 school site.
Minor, who is the city planner for the town of Cromwell, said Johnson was wrong when he said zoning commissioners would have to determine whether a school would be the "highest and best use" of the former Scalia sand pit that school officials are eyeing for the new building.
"The commission does not take into consideration whether this is the best use of the property, or even a good use of the property," said Minor. "That's not for them to say."
Referring to the "highest and best use," said Minor, is also not for Johnson to say, either. He said it's a specific term used by real estate appraisers to "refer to the activity that makes the most profit for the land owner."
The phrase is not in Bristol's zoning regulations, Minor said.
"The zoning commission's job is to make sure that an application complies with all of the zoning regulations," said Minor. "Finding the most profitable way to develop a piece of property is the job of the free market, not local government."
Johnson said he wasn't speaking as a real estate appraiser.
"I'm not considering the land value," said Johnson. "I'm strictly looking at the use of the land."
He said one of the things his board has to consider is whether or not a school is an "appropriate use" for the land and thus, deserving of a special permit.
In doing so, Johnson said, they'll take the impact on the surrounding neighborhood into account, as well as traffic, the infrastructure and public safety issues.
"We will take a very careful look at this," said Johnson.
When zoning board members wrote the regulations, Johnson said, they intended for applications for special permits to be taken on a case by case basis, since what the applicant wants is not allowed automatically by right.
"If I misspoke, I misspoke. I'm not so sure that I did," said Johnson. "I'm certainly not apologizing for anything I said."
City Planner Alan Weiner said Minor is right that "highest and best use" is a real estate appraisal term. But he said he's heard members of many land use boards in Bristol and other towns use it.
In the real estate appraisal world, it has to do with what use of the land would be most profitable, Weiner said.
"The term has a very specific meaning in that context," said Weiner. "I'm presuming they didn't mean it in the real estate appraisal sense."
Minor said he didn't believe that Johnson had any conflict of interest, and Weiner said he has faith that the zoning board will do its job.
"When the zoning commission looks at applications, they know what they need to do," said Weiner. "They know what their role is and they know what their responsibility is."
The plan to build a new school on the old sand pit is expected to come before the Bristol Planning Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 24. At that meeting, planning commissioners will be asked to make a recommendation on the proposal.
If they recommend against it, city councilors will have to have a two-thirds majority in order to move forward with the school on that property.
Minor said he doesn't know how the planning board will rule.
"There are problems with this site from the planning commission's point of view," said Minor, who said its inaccessibility to pedestrians, or children walking to school may be an issue, as well as its remote location. "The planning commission might not think it's the best place for it."
Minor said he supports the Scalia site for the school, but "grudgingly," calling it a "distant second best" after the property on Park and Divinity streets.
Though he preferred Park and Divinity, Minor said, he thinks it's better for the city to move the school project ahead than wait any longer.
"I don't think Park Street has the votes on the city council," said Minor.
If the planning board recommends against the sand pit site, it will set the project back a year, said Minor, "and it might even kill it."
Only if the project moves forward after the stop at the planning board – either by an affirmative recommendation or by a two-thirds majority on the council – would it at some point come before the zoning commission.
If that happens, the zoning board would be asked to consider whether the residentially-zoned Scalia property deserves a special permit for a school. The project couldn't go ahead without it.
If the project does make it to the zoning board, Minor said, it must be approved or denied on its merits, not on whether or not another piece of property is better suited for a school.
"The planning commission can say those things, but not the zoning commission," said Minor. "Certainly the planning commission should be involved in this decision."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Zoning wants a say about school plans
Reporter Jackie Majerus wrote this story:
When city councilors and school officials move ahead with plans to build two new K-8 schools without first getting land use approvals, they're taking a risk of derailing the project, said zoning board Chairman Frank Johnson.
The plans to buy a former Scalia sand pit to use as a site for a proposed West End school require a recommendation from the planning board and a special permit from the city zoning commission.
The planning commission meets next week and is expected to consider the question of a school on the Scalia site then. They'll be asked to make a recommendation as to whether or not the site is appropriate for a school.
If the planning board recommends against it, the city can still move forward, but the vote by city councilors must be by a two-thirds majority rather than a simple majority.
If the project moves beyond the planning commission's recommendation, at some point it will land in the lap of zoning commissioners, who will have to decide whether that parcel of land in a residential zone should get a special permit to build a school there.
"The zoning commission's purview would be to determine whether or not that's the highest and best use for that land," said Johnson.
While Johnson said he could not speak for other zoning commissioners, he said he would personally "have to be convinced" that a school is the "highest and best" use for the property.
Johnson said he wouldn't want the zoning board to be the stumbling block that keeps the project from happening, but said the city's delay in consulting with land use boards sets them up for that role.
"They're putting us in a position where our decision is very late in the process," said Johnson.
It's difficult for the zoning commissioners to get their first look at a proposal after the city's already spent a bundle of money on the project, Johnson said.
In that case, Johnson said, the city may expect commissioners to "rubber stamp" the application.
But school and town officials shouldn't count on it, Johnson said.
"While that may have happened in the past on school projects, there's no guarantee it will always happen," Johnson said.
Johnson, who has served on the zoning board for two decades, said it wouldn't be right – or wise – to assume that the special permit application will sail through his commission.
"This has still got a lot of obstacles to go," said Johnson, before the deal is done.
City Councilor Craig Minor comments:
I was surprised to read Frank Johnson say that "The zoning commission's purview would be to determine whether or not that's the highest and best use for that land." "Highest and best use" is a phrase that real estate appraisers use to refer to the activity that makes the most profit for the land owner. The phrase is not in the Bristol Zoning Regulations, and according to the Connecticut Supreme Court, "The highest and best use…is not a controlling purpose of zoning".
The Zoning Commission's job is to make sure that an application complies with all of the zoning regulations. Finding the most profitable way to develop a piece of property is the job of the free market, not local government.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
When city councilors and school officials move ahead with plans to build two new K-8 schools without first getting land use approvals, they're taking a risk of derailing the project, said zoning board Chairman Frank Johnson.
The plans to buy a former Scalia sand pit to use as a site for a proposed West End school require a recommendation from the planning board and a special permit from the city zoning commission.
The planning commission meets next week and is expected to consider the question of a school on the Scalia site then. They'll be asked to make a recommendation as to whether or not the site is appropriate for a school.
If the planning board recommends against it, the city can still move forward, but the vote by city councilors must be by a two-thirds majority rather than a simple majority.
If the project moves beyond the planning commission's recommendation, at some point it will land in the lap of zoning commissioners, who will have to decide whether that parcel of land in a residential zone should get a special permit to build a school there.
"The zoning commission's purview would be to determine whether or not that's the highest and best use for that land," said Johnson.
While Johnson said he could not speak for other zoning commissioners, he said he would personally "have to be convinced" that a school is the "highest and best" use for the property.
Johnson said he wouldn't want the zoning board to be the stumbling block that keeps the project from happening, but said the city's delay in consulting with land use boards sets them up for that role.
"They're putting us in a position where our decision is very late in the process," said Johnson.
It's difficult for the zoning commissioners to get their first look at a proposal after the city's already spent a bundle of money on the project, Johnson said.
In that case, Johnson said, the city may expect commissioners to "rubber stamp" the application.
But school and town officials shouldn't count on it, Johnson said.
"While that may have happened in the past on school projects, there's no guarantee it will always happen," Johnson said.
Johnson, who has served on the zoning board for two decades, said it wouldn't be right – or wise – to assume that the special permit application will sail through his commission.
"This has still got a lot of obstacles to go," said Johnson, before the deal is done.
City Councilor Craig Minor comments:
I was surprised to read Frank Johnson say that "The zoning commission's purview would be to determine whether or not that's the highest and best use for that land." "Highest and best use" is a phrase that real estate appraisers use to refer to the activity that makes the most profit for the land owner. The phrase is not in the Bristol Zoning Regulations, and according to the Connecticut Supreme Court, "The highest and best use…is not a controlling purpose of zoning".
The Zoning Commission's job is to make sure that an application complies with all of the zoning regulations. Finding the most profitable way to develop a piece of property is the job of the free market, not local government.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 11, 2008
Hire Bristol folks first?
A new bid to have the city hire more Bristol residents is likely going nowhere.
City Councilor Mike Rimcoski said that he wants the personnel office to give city residents a leg up when it comes to claiming entry level jobs on the municipal payroll.
Rimcoski said he can’t understand why the city would put its own residents on an equal footing with people who live elsewhere, at least when it comes to entry level positions that don’t require special skills.
At least some of his colleagues disagree.
“I want the best person for the job,” city Councilor Craig Minor said.
He added that historically, officials have shown “a penchant for corruption” in hiring locally rather than taking the most qualified applicant.
Two other councilors, Cliff Block and Ken Cockayne, said they agree with Minor’s position.
Neither Minor nor any other official wanted to explain the corruption comment, but officials and city workers have said over the years that employees have been hired because they had relatives in positions of power.
The Salary Committee is going to look into Rimcoski’s proposal to see if it makes sense.
“It can’t hurt to discuss it,” city Councilor Frank Nicastro said.
Mayor Art Ward said that given the hard economic times that are socking many families, “consideration should be given” to hiring locally when possible.
City Councilor Kevin McCauley said that if two people are equally qualified and one is from Bristol, it should matter. Residents contribute more to the city as a whole, he said.
Minor said he agrees that the salary panel ought to take up the issue “so it can be discredited and put to bed.”
Rimcoski said that Minor’s view may be “colored somewhat” because he holds a full-time job as the town planner of Cromwell.
Rimcoski said that if wanted a city job in an entry level post, he ought to get it before someone from another town.
“Let’s face it. I could be a laborer or a custodian,” Rimcoski said.
“I’d hire you,” Minor said in response.
“So you could fire me,” Rimcoski fired back.
“Or work you to death,” Minor answered.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
City Councilor Mike Rimcoski said that he wants the personnel office to give city residents a leg up when it comes to claiming entry level jobs on the municipal payroll.
Rimcoski said he can’t understand why the city would put its own residents on an equal footing with people who live elsewhere, at least when it comes to entry level positions that don’t require special skills.
At least some of his colleagues disagree.
“I want the best person for the job,” city Councilor Craig Minor said.
He added that historically, officials have shown “a penchant for corruption” in hiring locally rather than taking the most qualified applicant.
Two other councilors, Cliff Block and Ken Cockayne, said they agree with Minor’s position.
Neither Minor nor any other official wanted to explain the corruption comment, but officials and city workers have said over the years that employees have been hired because they had relatives in positions of power.
The Salary Committee is going to look into Rimcoski’s proposal to see if it makes sense.
“It can’t hurt to discuss it,” city Councilor Frank Nicastro said.
Mayor Art Ward said that given the hard economic times that are socking many families, “consideration should be given” to hiring locally when possible.
City Councilor Kevin McCauley said that if two people are equally qualified and one is from Bristol, it should matter. Residents contribute more to the city as a whole, he said.
Minor said he agrees that the salary panel ought to take up the issue “so it can be discredited and put to bed.”
Rimcoski said that Minor’s view may be “colored somewhat” because he holds a full-time job as the town planner of Cromwell.
Rimcoski said that if wanted a city job in an entry level post, he ought to get it before someone from another town.
“Let’s face it. I could be a laborer or a custodian,” Rimcoski said.
“I’d hire you,” Minor said in response.
“So you could fire me,” Rimcoski fired back.
“Or work you to death,” Minor answered.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 24, 2008
City seeking alternatives for oil
The city may form a task force aimed at reducing its energy use.
“The skyrocketing cost of fuel leaves us no choice but to look for alternatives to spending more and more money for less and less energy,” said city Councilor Craig Minor.
City councilors have unanimously agreed to have Bristol join a widespread movement by municipalities to search out new sources of energy and to reduce pollutants that contribute to global warming.
Mayor Art Ward said that he’s been contacting experts and beginning to take steps to carry out the council’s wishes.
“We’re on the road to it,” Ward said.
The council backed Minor’s call to create a task force with “a wide range of views, including the business sector and municipal land use boards” as well as those “with legal or technical expertise in energy consumption.”
Minor said the panel should review suggested actions in the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to determine which have “the best potential to reduce the cost of energy spending by the city and reduce the amount of global warming pollution produced by the city.”
The programs, he said, would “provide both economic and quality of life benefits” that include energy savings, open space preservation, better air quality, reduced traffic congestion, more transportation choices and economic development and job creation through conservation and new technology.
There are a number of avenues that city leaders have promised to explore.
Among them is upping the fuel efficiency of municipal vehicles and reducing their number.
The city is also looking bio-diesel fuel for its diesel trucks.
It is seeking to “make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting city facilities” with better lighting and encouraging employees to find ways to save energy.
It hopes, too, to “increase the use of clean, alternative energy.”
The city is also investigating ways to adopt and enforce land use policies “that reduce sprawl, preserve open space and create compact, walkable neighborhoods.”
Also on the agenda are more transportation options, including possible bicycle trails, car pooling incentives, public transit initiatives and programs to reduce commuter trips.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
“The skyrocketing cost of fuel leaves us no choice but to look for alternatives to spending more and more money for less and less energy,” said city Councilor Craig Minor.
City councilors have unanimously agreed to have Bristol join a widespread movement by municipalities to search out new sources of energy and to reduce pollutants that contribute to global warming.
Mayor Art Ward said that he’s been contacting experts and beginning to take steps to carry out the council’s wishes.
“We’re on the road to it,” Ward said.
The council backed Minor’s call to create a task force with “a wide range of views, including the business sector and municipal land use boards” as well as those “with legal or technical expertise in energy consumption.”
Minor said the panel should review suggested actions in the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to determine which have “the best potential to reduce the cost of energy spending by the city and reduce the amount of global warming pollution produced by the city.”
The programs, he said, would “provide both economic and quality of life benefits” that include energy savings, open space preservation, better air quality, reduced traffic congestion, more transportation choices and economic development and job creation through conservation and new technology.
There are a number of avenues that city leaders have promised to explore.
Among them is upping the fuel efficiency of municipal vehicles and reducing their number.
The city is also looking bio-diesel fuel for its diesel trucks.
It is seeking to “make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting city facilities” with better lighting and encouraging employees to find ways to save energy.
It hopes, too, to “increase the use of clean, alternative energy.”
The city is also investigating ways to adopt and enforce land use policies “that reduce sprawl, preserve open space and create compact, walkable neighborhoods.”
Also on the agenda are more transportation options, including possible bicycle trails, car pooling incentives, public transit initiatives and programs to reduce commuter trips.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 17, 2008
Minor says petition drive has over 3,000 signatures
Press release, just in from city Councilor Craig Minor:
City Councilor Craig Minor announced that the bipartisan petition drive to put the Chief Operating Officer question on the November ballot has hit a significant milestone.
“We had an extremely successful petition drive this past weekend,” said Minor, “and in tallying the results, we have now collected over 3000 signatures.”
After the Bristol City Council voted 5 – 2 in June against a proposal to put the question of hiring a City Manager before the people, Minor and fellow City Councilmember Ken Cockayne organized a petition drive seeking to get the proposal on the ballot anyway. The Charter Revision Commission, formed in 2007, recommended the City change the form of Bristol’s City government to include a professional city manager with the title of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee the day to day operations of the City.
For the drive to be successful, 10% of the City’s registered voters, or approximately 3000 people, needed to sign the petition. Minor and Cockayne and Bristol residents Craig Yarde and Ken Johnson have been spearheading the drive.
Minor stated that the petition drive continues this weekend. Bristol voters interested in signing the petition can do so at the Bristol and Forestville Stop & Shops on Friday from 4 to 8pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 3pm.
“The people of Bristol deserve to have their voices heard.” Ken Johnson said. “We’re excited that our ballot initiative will give people that chance in November.”
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
City Councilor Craig Minor announced that the bipartisan petition drive to put the Chief Operating Officer question on the November ballot has hit a significant milestone.
“We had an extremely successful petition drive this past weekend,” said Minor, “and in tallying the results, we have now collected over 3000 signatures.”
After the Bristol City Council voted 5 – 2 in June against a proposal to put the question of hiring a City Manager before the people, Minor and fellow City Councilmember Ken Cockayne organized a petition drive seeking to get the proposal on the ballot anyway. The Charter Revision Commission, formed in 2007, recommended the City change the form of Bristol’s City government to include a professional city manager with the title of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee the day to day operations of the City.
For the drive to be successful, 10% of the City’s registered voters, or approximately 3000 people, needed to sign the petition. Minor and Cockayne and Bristol residents Craig Yarde and Ken Johnson have been spearheading the drive.
Minor stated that the petition drive continues this weekend. Bristol voters interested in signing the petition can do so at the Bristol and Forestville Stop & Shops on Friday from 4 to 8pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 3pm.
“The people of Bristol deserve to have their voices heard.” Ken Johnson said. “We’re excited that our ballot initiative will give people that chance in November.”
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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