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March For The Fallen

By
Sarah Chess
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Oasis Physical Therapy

Oasis Physical Therapy will be hosting Firefighter Appreciation Month this year during the month of March. During March, we will be showing our gratitude and support for all the brave firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.

As part of this celebration, we will be making a donation to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, an organization that provides support and resources to families of fallen firefighters. This is our small way of expressing our appreciation for the sacrifices that firefighters make, and we hope that this donation will make a positive impact in the lives of those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.

During the entire month of March, we will be collecting all co-pays from our patients, matching the amount collected, and donating it to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation.

We would like to extend an invitation to all firefighters and their families to come visit us during this special month. We would be honored to show our appreciation in person and offer you a tour of our facility. We believe that firefighters deserve the best care, and we are committed to providing it to them.

Please spread the word about “March for the Fallen” at Oasis Physical Therapy and our donation to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. Together, we can show our gratitude and support for the heroes who keep us safe.

“Early Voting in CT-What Does it Mean?”

By
Sarah Chess
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Sunday Afternoon Talks

Stratford Library
March 19th
Lovell Room

The Stratford Library Sunday Afternoon Talks on Sunday, March 19th at 2 p.m. will feature Stratford Registrars James Simon and Lou DeCilio and their presentation, “Early Voting in CT – What Does it Mean?”.  The talk will be presented live in the Library’s Lovell Room.  It is free and open to the public.

In last November’s election, Connecticut voters had the chance to vote on the state referendum question: “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?”  The referendum passed by just over 60% of all votes on the question.  Guest speakers Lou DeCilio and James Simon, with the Registrars of Voters, are responsible for the administration of all local, state and national elections; the registration of all eligible voters and the conduct of primaries and referendums.  At the Library program they will conduct an open forum answering questions from Stratford citizens.

Lou DeCilio attended Stratford High School and went on to the University of Bridgeport where he graduated in 1991 with a double major in accounting and marketing and a minor in psychology.  A believer in the strength of community volunteering, DeCilio has volunteered and supported organizations like Sterling House Community Center, Pony Baseball, Pop Warner Football, Little League Baseball, the South End Community Center and a plethora of other charitable and community driven organizations. He served as Stratford’s Sixth District Councilman from 2001-2004 and volunteered on numerous committees and commissions associated with local government. He served as the Vice President of Connecticut’s Registrar of Voters Association from 2015-2019 and currently holds the position on ROVAC as an Auditor for the last two years. DeCilio also currently serves on Stratford’s Arts Commission, the Boothe Park Commission and as Chairman of the Stratford Republican Party.  He has been the town’s Republican Registrar of Voters for 18 years.

Dr. James Simon is in his third year as the Democratic Registrar of Voters in Stratford.  He has had a long and varied career. After graduating from Stratford High School, he spent 10 years as a newspaper reporter covering politics and was then hired as Assistant Secretary of the Environment in Massachusetts.  Simon also worked in the presidential campaign of Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis. He went back to school and was awarded a PhD degree in public administration at Arizona State. He taught journalism in college for 25 years, including 18 years at Fairfield University, and later he became Dean of Fairfield’s College of Arts and Sciences.  Simon was named a national journalism “Teacher of the Year,” and he is the co-author of the book, Environment Reporters in the 21st Century.

The “Sunday Afternoon Talks” series, hosted by Charles Lautier of Stratford, is held from 2-3:30 pm in the Stratford Library Lovell Room, 2203 Main Street in Stratford, CT.  For further information visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org or call the Library at: 203.385-4162

Agnes of God

By
Sarah Chess
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Local Theater Done Right!!!!

Square One Theater
719 Birdseye Street

Square One Theatre Company presents playwright John Pielmeier’s taut, compelling, forceful and thought-provoking drama Agnes of God, inspired by a newspaper article about an event that occurred in a convent near Rochester, New York. When a young nun had no memory of giving birth and then murdering her child, she is court-ordered to be examined by a therapist.

Agnes of God is being presented by our own local theater company. The Square One Theatre Company, a nonprofit theatre, was founded in 1990 by Executive Producer Barbara Cairney and Artistic Director Tom Holehan.

Employed by the Stratford Library, Holehan had begun a theatre program of staged readings there in 1985. With Cairney, they recognized an opportunity to create a new professional theatre in Stratford Center when the town’s former movie house was bought and renovated as a legitimate theatre by the Scottish Rite Building Corporation.

Following negotiations with the new owners, a Square One Theatre staff was assembled. Money to begin production was raised through donations from individuals, companies and corporations. A volunteer organization, The Friends of Square One Theatre, was also established in 1990. Square One’s first production, A Walk In The Woods, was praised and supported by the original Broadway producer, Lucille Lortel, in addition to receiving numerous honors in regional and national theatre competitions.

Square One Theatre is now in its 32nd anniversary season. At the end of its 25th anniversary, the theatre was forced to find a new producing space at the Stratford Academy where an intimate black box theatre space has been established. Each season has seen success, critically and financially. Many performances have been sold out and the subscriber base is now over 1,000. The Readers Theatre Showcase, Square One‘s second venue located at the Stratford Library, offers free readings of plays during the summer. The theatre also presents these staged readings in area libraries and other venues.

Agnes of God performance schedule:
Fridays, March 10-17-24 at 8 p.m.
Saturdays, March 11-18-25 at 4 p.m. (twilight matinee) AND 8 p.m.
Sundays, March 12-19-26 at 2pm

Single Tickets are:
$25 for limited number of front row seats
$22 for each adult single ticket
$20 for each senior citizen/student tickets

Tickets may be purchased:
By phone: box office at 203.375.8778(24/7)
Online at: squareonetheatre.com
In person: at box office 60 minutes prior to each performance
Payments by cash or check only.

The stage at Stratford Academy is wheelchair accessible. Please inform the box office of any special needs when reserving tickets.

Annual Leprechaun Leap at Walnut Beach

By
Sarah Chess
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Saturday, March 18th @ 9:30 am
Literacy Volunteers of Southern CT  (LVSCT)

Be a brave and warm-hearted soul and become part of the fun when Literacy Volunteer of Southern CT annual Leprechaun Leap comes to Walnut Beach on Saturday, March 18th. Join the many other brave, warm-hearted souls who will “take the leap” at 10:00 a.m. sharp! “Leapers” from around our community will run, jump or dive into the icy cold waters at Walnut Beach.

But if you’re a little timid to make the splash, show your warm heart by making a pledge of support to LVSCT or in support of a brave soul who ng. There’s always plenty of room for spectators to come down to the beach to watch and cheer.

Watch the competitions between local high school students and teachers, civic groups, restaurants, local businesses, canines and many more who will make the “leap” into Long Island Sound!

Awards will be given in several categories, including:
• Best Costume,
• Most Enthusiastic
• Group Theme,
• Largest Group of Leapers,
• Most Individual Pledges,
• Highest Group Pledges,
• First One in Water,
• First One Out of Water,
• Bravest Junior Leaper (under 12),
• Favorite Civic Organization,
• Best Leprechaun Costume
• and Favorite Literary Leaper.

To register online please visit our event website at https://lvsctevent.org

All proceeds collected will benefit Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut.

Youth Services Librarian Tess Beck to Retire

By
Sarah Chess
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Staffer Since 1999 Exits April 4th

Say Thank You at Public Reception April 3rd from 3-6 p.m.

The Stratford Library has announced that Youth Services Librarian Tess Beck will retire her position on April 4th after 24 years.  Beck graduated with a Master’s in Library Science from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.  She joined the Stratford Library Youth Services Department in July 1999.

Tess Beck was instrumental in creating numerous programs at the Library which addressed child development needs and skills for new parents.  These included Baby Lapsit, Beginning with Babies, Babies & Beyond, Storytimes and StoryCraft programs.  Known for her colorful bulletin boards and numerous art classes, Beck conducted several outreach initiatives over the years taking her storytime programs to area daycare programs and preschools.

Working with current Department Head Caitlin Augusta, she also contacted local businesses and organizations to partner with the Library for its popular “Read Around Stratford” program.  She has served on Connecticut’s Nutmeg Book Award Committee and ALSC (Association for Library Services to Children) Notable Recordings Committee.  Beck was also active in the Connecticut Storytelling community and was chair of the Fairfield County Children’s Librarians Roundtable for several years.

According to Library Director Sheri Szymanski, Beck will be greatly missed at the Library. “Tess Beck has been an invaluable resource to our Library and the greater Stratford community”, she said.  “We congratulate her on a well-earned retirement”.  A public reception for Tess Beck will be held in the Stratford Library Children’s Department on Monday, April 3rd from 3-6 p.m.  The public is invited.

Connecticut and Monorails:  A One Track Mind

By
Sarah Chess
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“Talking Transportation”

By Jim Cameron
Jim Cameron is founder of the Commuter Action Group and
advocates for Connecticut rail riders. His weekly column “Talking Transportation” is archived here.  You can contact Jim at CommuterActionGroup@gmail.com.”

What is this fascination that people have with monorails? I can’t tell you how often people suggest them as “the answer” to our state’s clogged roads.

“Why don’t we build a monorail down the middle of The Merritt Parkway?,” asked an architect at a recent meeting. To my astonishment, such an idea was once studied!
As lore has it, back in the mid-1980’s local tech giant Sikorsky was asked by CDOT if a monorail could be built and a plan was submitted. Sure, such a system could be built, they concluded, but where would you put the stations and the necessary parking?

Since hearing of this white-whale of a tale, shared by Merritt Parkway Conservancy Executive Director Wes Haynes, I have been on a relentless search for details of the proposal, but I’ve come up empty. Sikorsky has no record of the plan. CDOT said “Huh?”

Digging through the archives of the Stamford Advocate I found articles from 1985 discussing the idea: a $700 million monorail down the median of the Merritt Parkway from Greenwich to Trumbull as an alternative to Bridgeport developer Francis D’Addario’s idea of widening the parkway to eight lanes… or double-decking I-95. Motorists were surveyed and CDOT apparently spent $250,000 for a study.

The amazing research librarians at the State Library dug through their dusty files and came up with a CDOT report from 1987 pooh-poohing the idea, not only on grounds of impracticality but because it would compete with existing rail service. Heavens no!

In 1998 a monorail was once proposed for Hartford, connecting downtown to Rentschler Field in East Hartford. It was to cost only $33 million and the cost was supposedly to be paid by the Feds. It never happened. The idea was revived again in 2006 when the Adriaen’s Landing convention complex was opened, but again, nothing.

A pseudo-monorail “People Mover” system was built at Hartford’s Bradley Airport in 1976 connecting the remote parking to the main terminal, all of seven-tenths of a mile away. The fixed-guideway system, with cars designed by Ford Motor Company, cost $4 million but never operated because the $250,000 annual operating was cost was deemed impractical. In 1984 it was dismantled, though you can still see one of the original cars at the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor.
Whatever your fantasies are about space-age travel by monorail, let me dispel your dreams with some facts.

Monorails are not fast. The Disneyworld monorail, built by a Japanese company, has a top speed of 55 mph but usually just averages 40 mph. Even on a bad day Metro-North can better that. The 3.9 mile long Las Vegas monorail does about 50 mph shuttling losers from casino to casino.
Monorails are expensive. The Vegas system, opened in 2004, cost $654 million. That’s why existing monorails like Disney’s have never been extended.

Monorails are not Maglevs. Don’t confuse the single-track, rubber-tired monorails with the magnetic-levitation technology in use in Shanghai and being tested for passenger trains in Japan. The Shanghai maglev can travel over 250 mph, the Japanese test trains have hit 374 mph.

No, monorails are not in Connecticut’s future and are not the answer to our woes.

How to Avoid the Negativity Bias

By
Sarah Chess
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By Irene Roth

sunnyiroth@gmail.com

https://irenesroth.com/Irene S. Roth

A chronically ill person can have a difficult time feeling healthy and resilient. There are days where you may feel tired and unable to cope because of a sleepless night. Or you may feel more pain for no apparent reason. Individuals with chronic illness frequently struggle with such enigmatic times.

There is no doubt that living with chronic illness can be stressful. Our life feels like an uphill battle, going to nowhere good. The thing about chronic illness, however, is we don’t really know how bad or good things really are. In other words, our negative perceptions can impact now we interpret our pain and fatigue levels.

Why, you ask? Because our perceptions usually focus on the negative aspects of living with chronic illness and unintentionally avoid some of the positive things. I realize this sounds odd and perhaps even counterintuitive at first glance. But there is real wisdom in this realization.

The negativity bias occurs when we hold onto negative thoughts instead of positive ones. This bias makes it easier for the brain to register negative stimuli than positive ones. We also dwell on negative events more readily.

For a chronically ill person, this can add a lot of unnecessary stress to your day. You may find yourself lost in the morass of negative thoughts and emotions, making you feel worse. As a chronically ill individual, you are far better to focus on some of the positive things in your life. Then you can take full ownership of your health and ensure that you live a healthy life.

Therefore, the negativity bias can impact your mental and physical health. Negative thinking can influence your behaviors, actions, and attitudes. Some of the unwanted emotions the negativity bias can bring about are anger, emptiness, helplessness, guilt, shame, fear, failure, sadness, overwhelm, inadequacy, and not feeling strong enough to cope with things of life.

It’s no wonder that you feel weak and unable to cope. When you focus on the negative, you become mired in all the terrible things you believe are happening. But what about some of the good things? If you think there are none then you are deeply in the throes of the negativity bias.

What’s worse, when you get caught up in negativity, these thoughts and emotions can become self-fulfilling prophecies. In other words, if you keep telling ourselves you feel awful, tired, and in excruciating pain repeatedly, after a while that’s all you will perceive. Your perceptions will become distorted, and you will start experiencing thinking traps, which keep focusing on the same negative thoughts and emotions, whether they are relevant at the time.

Here are a few ways to overcome negative biases.

1. Be aware of the negative bias. Become aware of your negative thoughts as they are occurring. Practise self-compassion by giving yourself some space to deal with them and accept how you feel.

2. Reframe the way you think. This technique identifies automatic thoughts and replaces them with more balanced ones. Start by noticing your thought distortions. Every time you experience a thought distortion, point it out to yourself. Evaluate whether there is factual evidence for your negative statements. If there isn’t, let go of the statement.

3. Start a gratitude journal. This practice will help you focus on the things you are grateful for. The more often you practice gratitude, the stronger you will feel.

4. Repeat some positive affirmations every day. Affirmations can change your outlook on life. When you’re having a hard day, consult your list of affirmations, and read one that resonates with you.

By taking these steps, you can become more resilient and in control of your health. You can’t feel resilient and healthy if you are focusing on what is wrong with you, the pain in your arm, your headache, or your fatigue. Instead, try to focus on your warm cup of tea, your view from the window in your study, the love and attention your spouse gives you and so on.

So, today make some space to focus on the positive. There is so much we can all rejoice about. Just look around you right now. Name five things are good right now. There, I knew you could do it.

Letters To The Editor

By
Sarah Chess
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by Kathleen Callahan

Late Wednesday morning, March 8th, I was texted front and back images of a political mailer regarding “scheming… power-hungry… career politicians” looking to repeal Stratford Board of Education term limits. The call to action was literally a call to our Town Council Clerk’s Office and a request to attend the March 13th Town Council Public Forum. The mailer was “Paid for by U.S. Term Limits” with a Florida address. The text sender wondered if I had heard anything about this.

I did not. Fast-forward 24-hours and what I know now about the mailer:

After calling, our Town Council Clerk, Margo Paquette, she indicated she just learned about it from a resident who brought the mailer into the office.

After calling, two representatives of U.S. Term Limits indicated they don’t have anything to do with mailers but would give my name and number to the Regional Manager.  There was minimal discussion about the source on social media with more shared disgust with the content, perceived as attacking unpaid volunteers in our community – with which I absolutely agree.

This morning, March 9, I received another text with another mailer with the same content and different images.

Some members of the Board of Education have requested an extension to the single 4-year elected term. They sent that request via email to all Town Councilors and their Clerk; as well as to the Council Chair and Ordinance Committee Chair via Certified Mail prior to the regularly scheduled February Council meeting. Two of them spoke at the public forum in February.

When asked about their request, the Mayor said she believed it would only require an ordinance change.  Language was submitted for an ordinance change, requesting the BOE be limited to 2 4-year terms.

A CT Post article quoted the Council Chair stating this issue would be on the Council agenda in March.  (Editor’s Note: It does not appear on the Monday March 13th Agenda)

This leaves how I feel about the mailers and the issue. The mailers (how many will there be?) are vile, defamatory, misleadingly toxic, and riddled with lies. Their point is not to raise awareness about an important issue but to stir emotions and divide a town. Personally, I have never viewed term limits as a partisan issue and do not venture a guess on the source. Politics and power of all leanings brings out the worst in many, sadly.

Three women in our community decided they wanted to continue the work they are doing for our students – the most worthwhile investment we have – and that deserves an honest, respectful discussion. Instead, someone tried the route of distraction. I will try my best, as a resident and in my position, to help secure that discussion. Their points deserve our attention, no matter how the Council would eventually vote on the request.

Editor’s Note: Ms. Callahan is Chairman of the Stratford Democratic Town Committee (STDC), this letter is not a statement from the SDTC.

Mark Your Calendar

By
Sarah Chess
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CTRides: Free Bus Service thru March 31st.  See Connecticut free.  Plan your trip.

   

Saturday March 11th from 9 a.m. to noon rain or shine the Bunnell Stratford Marching Band and Color Guard can and bottle drive.  Drop off at the Whitney School drop off circle.  Support our famous musicians and color guard!

Monday March 13th Go Out To Eat at Dal Mare Pizzeria, 346 Stratford Road, to raise money for our future thespians Spongebob The Musical.  Scan coupon

Save The Date Stratford Events:

March 25th: Boogie at the Brewery to benefit Sterling House Community Center.  Sold Out!!! Way to go Stratford.

Stratford Rotary Annual Rib Night, Friday April 14th, Vazzano’s Four Seasons 6 -10 p.m. Dinner, Cash Bar, DJ, Games, Raffles and Silent Auction  Sign up, bring friends, eat Johnny’s Famous Ribs (vegetarian also being served).  For information go to: StratfordRotaryRibNight.com

May 20th the Goody Bassett Ball fundraiser for the Stratford Historical Society.  Tickets available beginning March 15th.  Ball will be on Saturday, May 20th, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Vazzano’s Four Seasons.  $80 per person or $750 per table of ten.

Celebrate Stratford 2023 Events

Make A Difference!

Be a Citizen Reporter for the Stratford Crier

We are a volunteer group, providing fact-based nonpartisan reporting,

and we want YOUR help in keeping our community informed.

 

We need Citizen Reporters to cover:

  • Town Government
  • Education
  • Environment and Climate Resilience

Please join us!  Reach out to Barbara@stratfordcrier.com

 

Town Meeting

By
Sarah Chess
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The Stratford Town Council will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of Stratford Town Hall, 2725 Main Street, Stratford, CT.

Public Forum will begin at 6:00 PM

Any individual with a disability who needs special assistance to participate in the meeting should contact the ADA Coordinator at 203-385-4020 or 203-385-4022 (TDD) 5 days before the meeting, if possible.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

 

The Stratford Town Council will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of Stratford Town Hall, 2725 Main Street, Stratford, CT.

 

PUBLIC FORUM WILL BEGIN AT 6:00 P.M.

AGENDA

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Regular meeting of February 14, 2023

 

RESOLVED: that the reading of the minutes of the regular meeting of February14, 2023 be dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously provided to each Council Member and the same be and are hereby approved.

2.               CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS

 

  1. COMMUNICATIONS, BILLS, PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES

 

  • Notification of resignation (for information only)

 

  • Email dated 2/17/23 – Victoria Florek – Stratford Library Association Board

4.               MAYOR’S REPORT, QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYOR, TOWN ATTORNEY’S REPORT

 

  • MAYOR’S REPORT

 

  • QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYOR

 

  • TOWN ATTORNEY’S REPORT

 

 

  1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS and/or OLD BUSINESS

6.               ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

  • ORDINANCES

 

  • AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION AS CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE XX, § 5-110 – § 5-112 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD (#23-01)

 

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

 

BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD THAT A BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION BE ESTABLISHED AS ARTICLE XX, § 5-110 – § 5-112 IN CHAPTER 5 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD AS FOLLOWS::

Article XX    Beautification Commission

 

  • 5-110 Establishment; Duties.

 

There is hereby created a Beautification Commission established to work in coordination with the Mayor’s office to identify areas in the Town for beautification, develop ideas and designs, implement plans, and provide support for the Town’s efforts to improve and maintain Stratford’s physical appearance while preserving its unique community character and natural beauty. The Commission may also design and maintain various Town gardens and plantings, organize clean-ups, sponsor seasonal award programs and contests, and promote the Town’s flower – the daffodil.

§ 5-111 Membership; Terms of Office.

 

The Beautification Commission shall consist of seven members and three alternates appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Town Council as provided by the Charter, each of whom shall serve for a term of four years concurrent with the Mayor’s term. The Commission Chairman shall be appointed by the Mayor.

§ 5-112 Funds

 

The Town Council may appropriate funds for the Beautification Commission to carry out its duties.

 

RESOLVED: that the first reading of the above entitled Ordinance be and is hereby dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously furnished to each member of the Town Council, and that the same be adopted as a first reading and referred to the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing.

 

  • AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 55 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD NAIL SALONS (#23-02)

 

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

 

Section 55-1 of the Code is hereby amended by adding thereto the following definition:

 

Nail Salon: A shop or business performing manicures and/or pedicures that involve the trimming, filing and painting of the healthy nails of the hands and feet, excluding cutting of the nail beds, corns, calluses, or other medical treatment of the hands. feet or ankles and/or a shop engaged in the application of cosmetics. lotions, oil, waxes to the skin of the head, face. neck. arms or legs for cosmetic purposes only.

 

  • 55-4. Annual inspections; additional inspections.

 

  1. The Director of Health, or his/her agent, after proper identification, shall be permitted to enter, during normal operating hours, any portion of the barbershop, hairdressing shop, and cosmetology shop for the purpose of inspecting to determine compliance with this chapter and all        state and local codes.

 

  1. Barbershops, hairdressing shops and cosmetology shops will be inspected minimally one time per year. Establishments offering pedicure services will be inspected minimally two times per year. The Director of Health or his/her designee shall make as many additional inspections as are necessary for the enforcement of this ordinance and the public health code of the State.

 

  1. If a critical violation or set of recurring violations appear on an inspection report, or a complaint is made, additional inspections and/or a reinspection shall be required.

 

  1. With respect to nail salons. following an inspection. the Director of Health or his/her designee shall issue a Certificate of Inspection. containing a grade as set forth below, which must be posted on the front door of the premises in which the nail salon is operated. This Certificate oflnspection is the property of the Stratford Health Department and is to be posted or removed only by Stratford Health Department Any such certificate removed by a person who is not authorized to remove it constitutes a violation of this ordinance and may result in the issuance of orders by the Director of Health and could lead to permit suspension.

 

  1. Grading following inspections shall be as follows:

 

  1. “an inspection score of 90 to I00. with no 4 or 5 point demerit items and no more than two (2) risk factor violations.”
  2. “an inspection score of 80 to 89, with no 4 or 5 point demerit items and not more than four (4) risk factor violations.”
  3. “an inspection score of less than 79, or the presence of one or more 4 or 5point or more than four (4) risk factor violations, or the presence of any chronic, previously identified risk factor violations that have not been corrected.

 

A risk factor is defined in sections 55-9 and 55-8 of the Stratford Town Code.

 

The nail salon owner has the right to appeal the inspection in accordance with section 55-7(8) within 5 business days with the Stratford Health Director. Should the nail salon owner wish to request another inspection to improve the grade, a fee of$ I00 is required.

 

 

RESOLVED: that the first reading of the above entitled Ordinance be and is hereby dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously furnished to each member of the Town Council, and that the same be adopted as a first reading and referred to the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing.

 

  • AN ORDINANCE TO ADD 55-17 – § 55-18 TO CHAPTER 55 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD (#23-03)

 

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

 

BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD THAT

  • 55-17 – § 55-18 BE ADDED TO CHAPTER 55 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD AS FOLLOWS:

 

§ 5-17 Display of inspection score grade.

 

Establishments must conspicuously display the grade (placard) on the front door issued as part of a routine or complaint-based inspection. The placard is the property of the Stratford Health Department and is to be posted by Stratford Health Department staff. Only Health Department staff members can remove the placard. A grade will be assigned after an inspection, and an inspector will then post it.

 

Grading is as follows:

 

A – “aninspection score of 90 to 100, withno 4 or 5 point demerit items and no more thantwo (2) risk factor violations”

 

B – “aninspection score of 80 to 89, withno 4 or 5point demerit items andnot more than four (4) risk factor violations”

 

C – “aninspection score oflessthan 79, orthepresence of oneormore 4 or 5point violations, or morethanfour(4)risk factor violations, orthepresenceofanychronic, previouslyidentifiedrisk factorviolationsthathavenotbeencorrected.”

 

A risk factor is defined in sections § 55-8 and § 55-9 of the Stratford Town Code.

§ 5-18 Right to appeal.

 

The establishment owner has the right to appeal the inspection in accordance with section 55-7 (B) within 5 business days with the Stratford Health Director. Should the establishment owner wish to request another inspection to improve the grade, a fee of $100 is required.

RESOLVED: that the first reading of the above entitled Ordinance be and is hereby dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously furnished to each member of the Town Council, and that the same be adopted as a first reading and referred to the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing.

 

  • AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A FAIR RENT COMMISSION (#23-04)

 

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

 

A Fair Rent Commission is created, which shall consist of seven electors or taxpayers of the Town, who shall serve for terms of four years. The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council. Vacancies on the Commission shall be appointed in the same manner for the unexpired portion of the term. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Powers and authority of Commission.

  1. The Commission may make studies and investigations, conduct hearings and receive complaints relative to rental charges on housing accommodations, except those accommodations rented on a seasonal basis, within the Town of Stratford in order to control and eliminate excessive rental charges on such accommodations and to carry out the provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-148b to 7-148f, inclusive, C.G.S. § 47a-20 and Subsection (b) of C.G.S. § 47a-23c. The Commission, for such purposes, may compel the attendance of persons at hearings, issue subpoenas and administer oaths, issue orders and continue, review, amend, terminate or suspend any of its orders and decisions. The Commission may be empowered to retain legal counsel to advise it.
  2. For the purposes of this section, “seasonal basis” means housing accommodations rented for a period or periods aggregating not more than 120 days in any one calendar year.

Determination of excessive rent.

In determining whether a rental charge or a proposed increase in a rental charge is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable, the Fair Rent Commission shall consider such of the following circumstances as are applicable to the type of accommodation:

  1. The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality.
  2. The sanitary conditions existing in the housing accommodations in
  3. The number of bathtubs or showers, flush waste closets, kitchen sinks and lavatory basins available to the occupants thereof.
  4. Services, furniture, furnishings and equipment supplied
  5. The size and number of bedrooms contained
  6. Repairs necessary to make such accommodations reasonably livable for the occupants accommodated
  7. The amount of taxes and overhead expenses
  8. Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the Town of Stratford and the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut relating to health and safety.
  9. The income of the petitioner and the availability of
  10. The availability of
  11. Damages done to the premises by the tenant, caused by other than ordinary wear and
  12. The amount and frequency of increases in rental
  13. Whether, and the extent to which, the income from an increase in rental charges has been or will be reinvested in improvements to the accommodations.

Rent reduction order; repairs.

If the Commission determines, after a hearing, that the rental charge or proposed increase in the rental charge for any housing accommodation is so excessive, based on the standards and criteria set forth in this chapter, as to be harsh and unconscionable, it may order that the rent be limited to such an amount as it determines to be fair and equitable. If the Commission determines, after a hearing, that the housing accommodation in question fails to comply with any ordinance of the Town of Stratford or state statute or regulation relating to health and safety, it may order the suspension of further payment of rent by the tenant until such time as the landlord makes the necessary changes, repairs or installations so as to bring such housing accommodation into compliance with such ordinance, statute or regulation. The rent during said period shall be paid to the Commission, to be held in escrow by said Commission.

Appeals.

Any person aggrieved by any order of the Commission may appeal to the Superior Court for the Judicial District of Fairfield at Bridgeport. Any such appeal shall be considered a privileged matter with respect to the order of trial as provided in C.G.S. § 7-148e.

Penalties for offenses.

Any person who violates any order of rent reduction or rent suspension by demanding, accepting or receiving an amount in excess thereof while such order remains in effect, and no appeal pursuant to § 81-5 is pending, or who violates any other provision of this chapter or C.G.S. § 47a-20 or who refuses to obey any subpoena, order or decision of the Commission pursuant thereto shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $100 for each offense. If such offense continues for more than five days, it shall constitute a new offense for each day it continues to exist thereafter.

RESOLVED: that the first reading of the above entitled Ordinance be and is hereby dispensed with as copies thereof have been previously furnished to each member of the Town Council, and that the same be adopted as a first reading and referred to the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing.

  • RESOLUTIONS
  • RESOLUTION REGARDING A NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH’S SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION GRANT TO SUPPORT A 2023 SOBER TRUTH ON PREVENTING (STOP) UNDERAGE DRINKING ACT GRANT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STRATFORD PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES

Executive Summary: The Town of Stratford has applied to the NIH’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for a 2023 Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act Grant in partnership with the Stratford Partnership for Youth and Families – our Local Prevention Council and Drug Free Communities Coalition. Our program will utilize STOP Act funds to create community-level change to prevent and reduce underage drinking among Stratford youth in grades 7-12 using the Strategic Prevention Framework and 7 Strategies for Community- Level Change. We expect to reach more than 25,000 youth and adults annually, and more than 100,000 through the four years, including individuals we will communicate with via our social media platforms. Our two over-arching goals are:(1) increase the capacity of the Coalition to support infrastructure development to reduce underage drinking, and,(2)reduce underage drinking rates, with a focus on youth with higher rates of use including those who identify as LGBTQ+ and Hispanic youth

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

 

WHEREAS, the National Institute of Health (NIH) is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,

 

WHEREAS, this funding has been made possible from NIH’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Grant program; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford expends funds to support the general health and well-being of the youth of our community; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with NIH’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the amount of $60,000 per year, for four years, totaling $240,000 and requiring $0 in Town Match.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:

  1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to the NIH’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for funds to support youth in our community in the fight against substance abuse, and,

 

  1. That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Laura R. Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from NIH’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant program

and to implement the funded program as outlined in the grant application, in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.

 

  • RESOLUTION REGARDING A GRANT REQUEST TO THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION’S (DEEP) RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM

SUPPORTING A TOWN-WIDE RECREATIONAL TRAILS / OPEN SPACE STUDY INCLUDING A PHYSICAL SURVEY OF ROOSEVELT FOREST

Executive Summary: With trails grant funding, the Town has proposed to create a comprehensive Master Plan of existing and potential future additions to Stratford’s recreational trails that will not only chronicle in one unified document what resources exist today; it will serve as a planning tool and guide to the ongoing upkeep/maintenance/improvements to existing trails, the expansion of overall trails, the possible linkages of existing and future resources to municipal parks, historical areas, schools and other appropriate facilities and open spaces. The project also includes the creation of multi-media public educational materials designed to increase utilization. The “in-kind services” provision involves selected town employees relevant to this effort and will not include any additional salary or overtime expenses.

 

Sponsored by: Stratford Town Council

 

WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is authorized to extend financial assistance to municipalities in the form of grants; and,

 

WHEREAS, this funding is being made possible from DEEP’s Connecticut Recreational Trails Program grant funding; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Stratford expends funds to maintain and protect its natural resources including parks, forests, open spaces, beaches and waterways, among other areas; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Stratford enter into an agreement with DEEP’s Recreational Trails Program in the amount of $143,200 requiring 20% / $35,800 in Town Match, which will be in the form of in-kind services of work conducted throughout the Master Planning process.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:

 

  1. That it is cognizant of the Town’s grant application to DEEP’s Connecticut Recreational Trails Program for funds to support a Town-wide recreational trails / open space study including a physical survey of Roosevelt Forest, and,

 

  1. That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Laura R. Hoydick, or her designee to execute and deliver such grant application (including any amendments thereto) and/or any and all related documents necessary to apply for and obtain funding from DEEP’s Connecticut Recreational Trails Program and to implement the program once the award is secured in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Stratford.

7.               NEW BUSINESS

 

  • Referred by the Building Needs Committee with a favorable recommendation
  • Town Bid #2023-028: Police Lobby Renovation – to RFJ Associates LLC of Trumbull in the amount of

$346,000

 

RESOLVED: that Town Bid #2023-028: Police Lobby Renovation – to RFJ Associates LLC of Trumbull in the amount of $346,000 be and is hereby approved and the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement for such in form acceptable to the Town Attorney.

  • Referred by the Parks and Recreation Committee with a favorable recommendation

 

  • Increase of the Recreation playground fees from $75 to $150 for the 6-week session, and the sports camp fees from $75 to $100 per week

 

RESOLVED: that an increase of the Recreation Dept. playground fees from $75 to $150 for the 6-week session, and the sports camp fees from $75 to $100 per week be and is hereby approved.

  • To consider and act upon the favorable recommendation of the Planning Commission for the deeding of lot #4 as open space to the Town of Stratford and relocation of existing trails on the proposed subdivision map of 500 Peters Lane property pursuant to the 8-24 Review.
  • To consider and act upon a referral to the Planning Commission for a review pursuant to CGS 8-24 for 795 James Farm Rd.
  • To consider and act upon an amendment to extend the Veterans Museum
  • Discussion – term limits in the Town of
  • APPOINTMENTS

7.7.1       Zoning Commission – Alternate – 3 year term

 

RESOLVED: that RICH FREDETTE of FERRY COURT be and is hereby reappointed as an alternate on the Zoning Commission with a term that expires January 1, 2026.

  • CONFIRMATION OF MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS
  • RESOLVED: that the Mayor’s appointment of Greg Burnes to the Short Beach Park Commission be and is hereby confirmed.
  1. ADJOURNMENT
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