Zoppo-Sassu to GOP: 'Be great," not petty

Open response from City Council hopeful Ellen Zoppo-Sassu to this:

It is evident to me that Mr. Czenczelewski is looking to make the Boys & Girls Club a political issue and I refuse to allow him to do that as I fully support the mission of the Club and spent 3 wonderful years working there with an incredible staff and amazing kids. As I stated last night, which he clearly did not hear, was my observation that the new ordinance added a subjective element to fee waivers at a time when the same City Council goes on and on about being fiscal conservatives and taxpayer advocates.

In 2008, the Boys & Girls Club received $50,000 from the City with funds from the Assistance Agreement in place for downtown to do a feasibility study. I believe that this is an appropriate role for government to play to assist an organization in growth, especially when they are looking to grow in downtown. Similarly, the Historical Society received the former high school building for $1, with the understanding the organization was responsible for improvements. Mccabe-Waters is situated on park property and has collaborative relationships with the Park department. 

It doesn't matter who the recipient of a fee waiver is or what "value" they bring, and the Club certainly brings value. By making this solely about the Club, Mr. Czenczelewski is avoiding the real policy point - the City Council amended a long-standing city ordinance that stated no building fees shall be waived to now read "no building fees shall be waived without the approval of the City Council." I think this is a slippery slope. 

Ironically, he acknowledges my observation in his statement that "and it is true that a framework should be established to provide criteria or grounds for approval, much like what CDBG has set up."  That in fact sums up my observation from last night. As a former chair of the Ordinance Committee, I felt that their approach to this was flawed. 

He also went on to say that "it didn't matter" that the City of Bristol paid itself over $200,000 in building fees for the Library Building Project or the two new schools because it's just money moving from one pocket to the other. I firmly disagree. Another part of this topic is that the Building Department, Fire Marshall's office, and Planning Departments have staff whose job is to review all building plans whether it's a small project or a large project. These collected fees are part of department budgets. If every non-profit asks for fee waivers, then my second point last night was, isn't this going to cause a hardship in budget development for these department heads and uncertainty with fiscal projecting. 

I am not sure why he is choosing to weave in my request of CDBG funds, a federal pass-through funding program into this argument. I am confident that I can say that the City's use of CDBG funds is a positive aspect for the city's non-profit, but the pie has been dwindling over the past years and this is no longer a reliable source of grant funds for non-profits to utilize and do small projects. 

I am not sure how my support of a plan from 2005 to place the Boys & Girls Club on the mall property is relevant to a discussion about waiving building fees. 

What I am sure about is that while there was a lot of solid discussion on city issues at the open forum hosted by Mr.Czenczelewski and Mr. Carlson last night, they instead chose to politicize a minor point on one aspect of last night's discussion for political gain. Maybe they were uncomfortable with having their political opponents in the room or having to justify their positions. However, this is a democracy, this is supposed to be open government, and until November 5th, Mr. Czenczelewski is in fact my representative on City Council. 

I would suggest that they take a page from the Boys & Girls Club to "be great," instead of "being petty." I greatly look forward to future policy debates with Mr. Czenczelewski and Mr. Mills, or any other member of the City Council on issues of importance.
Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

GOP councilors: Zoppo-Sassu 'hypocritical' on building fees

Press release from city Councilors Derek Czenzelewski and Eric Carlson:

Boys Club Fee Waiver Sparks Debate

“No good deed goes unpunished”, at least not in campaign season. Those wise words came to us after the Town Hall meeting at the library last night. Ellen Zoppo brought up what to her was a serious concern. In her opinion, she felt that waiving the building inspection fees for the new Bristol Boys and Girls Club set a bad precedent. Her contention was that it was unfair to other non-profit groups that are planning renovations and repairs, and that the City Council should never have waived the fees because those costs are figured into building budgets. However, despite vehemently opposing such waivers, she claims that she will soon demand a waiver of the fees for work to be done on the roof of the Historical Society.

One could argue that the precedent had already been set here in Bristol years ago. Each year the City doles out funds through the Community Development Block Grant to an array of in-need non-profits. Just this past year, Ms. Zoppo represented the Historical Society and McCabe Waters Little League in requesting such funds. Perhaps even more hypocritical is that when Ms. Zoppo was on the City Council, she supported the purchase of the former Bristol Centre Mall property at the height of the real estate market using taxpayer funds. The original plan pushed for at the time was a $115 million facility for the Boys and Girls Club to operate out of.

From our perspective, we see the development of the new $11 million Boys and Girls Club as a good thing for Bristol, and in particular the West End neighborhood it will call home. When making our decision, we also took into consideration the difficulties of raising funds and believed that waiving $60,000 in costs to the club’s building budget would be helpful in their push to acquire the last outstanding funds needed for construction to begin. The vast majority of funds for the new club have been raised through private donations from many around the City and some of our largest corporate citizens. Were any other social service group planning a multi-million dollar expansion or building project that benefits a large number of our citizens, in particular the youth of our community, we would again look favorably at helping their efforts with a relief of costs.

Beyond the social impact the Club currently makes - and will be able to enhance thanks to the new facility - the new club will create additional jobs and infuse nearly $15 million into the local economy. Additionally, the Club saves the City a considerable amount of money through the programs it offers - programs that if offered by the City would cost three times as much and would come from the taxpayers. In short, we felt that the improvements to our City’s quality of life, and in particular the lives of City youths were, and will be worth far more than the $60,000 we are not collecting.

So perhaps we set a bad precedent when the City Council, in a bi-partisan unanimous vote, saved the Bristol Boys and Girls Club a considerable amount of money. Perhaps there will be a flood of non-profit organizations demanding the same treatment. And it is true that a framework should be established to provide criteria or grounds for approval, much like what CDBG has set up. And, as is the case each year when hundreds of thousands of dollars are requested of CDBG that cannot be given, there may be hurt feelings for those turned down. But ultimately, if a non-profit project that impacts thousands of children’s lives in our community comes before the Council, you can bet we will place our support behind our citizens.

Zoppo-Sassu's response can be found here.

Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Waiving fees may be 'recipe for disaster,' Jeffries warns

Democratic City Council hopeful Stephen Jeffries is concerned that waiving the building permit fees for the Bristol Boys and Girls Club may lead to fewer inspections and less safety.

The City Council Tuesday unanimously agreed to waive about $62,000 in potential fees to give the nonprofit a boost in its $10 million building project on West Street that's slated to get underway in mid-September.

Jeffries, who is seeking election in the 1st District,said,"RevenuerReduction will directly correlate with safety inspection prioritization and could actually mean cuts to the number of inspections."

He asked, "Will the damaging revenue concessions result in a reduction of service equality?  This could very well be a recipe for disaster!"

Update at 8:40 a.m.:

City Building Official Guy Morin, after reading what Jeffries had to say, responded:

"That is one of the most bizarre comments I have ever heard. The required inspections for any project are dictated by the state building code and state statutes, the amount of inspections have nothing to do with the permit fees."

Update at 8:50 a.m.:
Mayor Art Ward asked, "Why wasn't this concern raised when the issue was discussed at the City Council meeting? The issue was waiving of the permit fees, not the inspection process."

Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Conservation program aims to help homeowners, kids

The path to making America energy independent begins at home, officials said Tuesday.
During a visit Tuesday to the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol, plugged a new partnership Tuesday between the club and Victory Energy Solutions of New Britain that aims to help homeowners conserve energy.
Larson called the partnership “a terrific idea” that can pay dividends for the children served by the club while helping wean the country off foreign oil.
The program allows homeowners to get an energy audit of their homes for $75, with two-thirds of the money going into the club’s coffers. During the audit, technicians will seal up drafty windows, install efficient light bulbs and more, officials said.
Mayor Art Ward said that he had Victory Energy come to his house and was happy to return from work one day to find a drafty window fixed, just one piece of the company’s work to save money for homeowners.
Michael Suchopar, the chief professional officer at the club, said this is probably the first partnership in the country between a boys club and an energy-saving group.
He said the alliance makes a lot of sense.
“We save money. We save energy. And we end up saving kids’ lives,” Suchopar said.
Ronald Araujo, who manages the conservation program for Northeast Utilities, said that for every dollar spent on conservation efforts, people get back about $4, one of the best deals around.
Raquel Kennedy, a Victory Energy representative, said the partnership offers a unique opportunity for her company, the club and homeowners.
The work done for homeowners is worth $800 or more, according to Victory, but is offered for $75 because the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund subsidizes it. It typically leads to savings of $400 or more annually, officials said.
To participate, contact Victory Energy at (877) 306-4483 or go online to www.victoryenergysolutions.com. Be sure to indicate that you want to benefit the club when you sign up. It is not necessary to live in Bristol to take advantage of the program.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Proceed with caution, Lawton warns

Press release from independent mayoral contender Gary Lawton:

Kudos to ESPN, Proceed With Caution on Downtown, The Budget

It is great how ESPN has stepped up to help build the new Boys & Girls club. It shows the role ESPN has to the community. This city has such a powerful sports history that it only seems a natural fit for ESPN to be part of the build for the new center, a center that will not only benefit the city's youth through sports but so many other ways also, so kudos go out to ESPN.
I would also need to say that while it is a wondrous event to see some progress on the center mall site.. From first glance the renaissance group seems to see what we want, but I must also urge caution from just jumping in feet first. I realize we all need to see downtown move forward, but if we rush headlong into it and not hold a level head about us we could end up with something that will not help us and then were would we be. Slow patient steps lets do it right the first, time cause there may not be a second.
The last point I would need to address is the budget and expected shortfall. Only, through sound economic policies and concessions from all sides and difficult decisions, will we continue to were we need to be. I have already stated my intentions to return 35% of my salary if elected while perhaps a minor matter in the nature of a possible 8-10 million dollar deficit it is a start, and we have to start some were plus, I think it shows my desire to help try and be part of the result. One other issue is I will not assume any raises unless the citizens of Bristol vote on it. They are the employer, and they should be the ones to give me a raise if they think I am doing an good job. I also of course would not want to be reelected if they felt I was not doing the same good job. I would want to see unpaid furlough days set in a position to help the city, possibly shutting down city hall one day a month if possible. I would also want to see if we could combine some departments to try and get rid of some of the duplication that is amongst departments. I also feel pay scales should be looked at to see if the are in line with what other cities pay. In short everything would be up for review to make sure the citizens of Bristol are getting the best deal for their tax dollars. I think if every year we have to give them a bill to pay, the budget, and they pay that bill with their taxes, then they should be entitled to the best - possible deal we can give them. I hope we can all work together for the whole of Bristol.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

City Hall backs the new boys club plan

City councilors put the city’s seal of approval Wednesday on a proposal to construct a new Bristol Boys and Girls Club.
In a special session Wednesday, councilors unanimously endorsed tapping downtown funds to pay for a feasibility study to determine whether the 1.7-acre West Street site eyed by the club is suitable for its plans.
“I’m proud to endorse this,” city Councilor Kevin McCauley said. He said the project might serve as “a catalyst for our revitalization” efforts both downtown and in the troubled West End.
Mayor Art Ward called it “a great first start,” particularly given the city’s interest in improving the West End.
The club is eyeing the purchase of the lot from St. Ann Church – with ESPN chipping in a portion of the price – in order to construct a multi-million dollar building to replace its crumbling Laurel Street quarters.
The money, which Bristol Downtown Development Corp. has also agreed to spend, would pay for experts to evaluate the site to make sure it would work.
The study will determine “if it’s adequate for what we want to do,” said Michael Suchopar, the club’s director.
Suchopar said the club has a long record of service to the community, but “we can’t do it” much longer in the aging Laurel Street building that has housed it for decades.
The fate of the existing building is unclear. Ward and other city officials said, chuckling, that the club should sell it to the city for $1 when its new quarters open.
Suchopar didn’t make any promises.
In addition to backing the $50,000 feasibility study, councilors also agreed that Tigh & Bond should get $37,000 to carry out consulting services for a downtown parking study sought by the BDDC and approved by the state. The money would come from state aid.
Councilors also agreed to dip into state downtown aid to pa Harrall-Michalowski Associates up to $40,000 for its work on the downtown revitalization plan.
That allocation came about because the firm, which serves as the BDDC’s executive director, often winds up working on city-related issues that are not strictly connected to the 17-acre former mall site that the BDDC has jurisdiction over.
Frank Johnson, who heads the BDDC, said that creating a city pool of money to pay invoices related to city work will clear up administrative issues to “ensure we’re all on the same page.”
Ward said the new allocation is “a good move” that will prove “very useful” to the city as it moves to pump life into downtown.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Candidates hail ESPN's help for boys club

The agreement by ESPN to help build a new Bristol Boys and Girls Club on West Street was hailed by several municipal candidates this week.
Republican mayoral contender Mary Alford called the project “the best way to develop a community.”
“Whenever a large corporate entity like ESPN, who is our city’s largest taxpayer, can partner with a community-based organization like the Boys and Girls Club it becomes a win-win for all, especially for our kids,” Alford said.
Derek Czenczelewski, a 3rd District GOP City Council candidate, said, “This contribution, along with the hours of volunteer work ESPN provides proves that ESPN is committed not only to Bristol, but the youth around the entire region and country for that matter.”
Mayor Art Ward, a first-term Democrat seeking reelection on November 3, said this week’s announcement by ESPN “is the greatest thing that’s happened” during his two years in office.
Ward said the new building will offer “a great start” to plans for improvements in the struggling West End.
He said he’s sure the city itself will wind up offering some help, too.
“This opportunity is facilitated by the city and the state and is the best way to move community projects like this forward instead of relying on things like a government stimulus, “ Alford said.
All three candidates had kind words for the club, which has been searching for a way to move out of its increasingly antiquated Laurel Street headquarters for years.
Czenczelewski said the club “is a great organization that has helped shape the lives of countless individuals today. Having experienced the Boys and Girls Club both as a member and a volunteer in Hartford, I can attest to the positive attitudes and values that make up the club.”
He said the willingness of the club and ESPN to help youth in the community is longstanding.
The candidates each said the change offers hope for more downtown revitalization.
“A new Boys and Girls Club will help further jumpstart our downtown redevelopment initiative, as it will give the youth of Bristol more structured activities to partake in outside of school, a top-notch facility in which to do so, and will give parents the peace of mind that their children are in a safe and positive environment outside of school and the home. All parties involved in this are winning, which is very nice to see,” Czenczelewski said.
Alford said the new building will free up space “for future enhancements” downtown and build support for a project on the city-owned Depot Square, where the mall once stood.
“The space on Laurel Street offers many options for developers to incorporate into the overall project” Alford said.
Czenczelewski concluded that, “Retail, housing and office space are essential in downtown. The young professionals that continue to leave Bristol, and the estimated $100 million spent yearly by Bristol residents outside city borders can be kept here in Bristol. I plan on working with all involved parties to ensure that downtown is a success, and that includes ESPN.”

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Alford hails ESPN's offer to help boys club

Press release from Republican mayoral candidate Mary Alford:

Alford: Community Development at its Best

Republican Mayoral candidate Mary Alford calls the recently announced project to bring ESPN and The Bristol Boy’s and Girls Club together, “The best way to develop a community”.

“Whenever a large corporate entity like ESPN, who is our city’s largest taxpayer, can partner with a community based organization like the Boys and Girls Club it becomes a win-win for all, especially for our kids.” Alford said.

The gift offered by ESPN will be used to help the Bristol Boys and Girls Club move from its current location on Laurel Street to a new location on West Street that will host a new facility that is badly needed.

“This opportunity is facilitated by the City and the State and is the best way to move community projects like this forward instead of relying on things like a government stimulus. “ Alford said.

“In addition to the partnership created by all of the above entities, it frees up space for further enhancements and support for the downtown mall project. The space on Laurel Street offers many options for developers to incorporate into the overall project” Alford said.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

With ESPN's help, a new boys club downtown?

For the first time, ESPN is putting serious money behind a critical local project. Read reporter Jackie Majerus' story here. Her account of the Bristol Downtown Development Corp.'s decision to help with the funding is here.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com