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Wilton spoke up
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Written by Jeannette Ross
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Wilton Bulletin
© Copyright 2010 Hersam Acorn Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.
Published On January 30, 2010
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A dog park, further work on Route 7, police staffing, a new senior center, commercial development, liquor stores, the senior tax credit, leftover road sand, union contracts, recycling, and the town’s financial health were among the topics raised during Speak Up, Wilton!, a two-hour question-and-answer session among town officials and their constituents on Saturday, from 9 to 11 at Trackside Teen Center.
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Wilton Kiwanis Club, the event drew about 75 people. In attendance were 13 department heads (town and schools), many elected and volunteer commissioners and board members, and Wilton’s three state legislators. With league president Catharine Kempson acting as moderator and Tierney O’Hearn of the Kiwanis Club handling the microphone, questions could be submitted in writing or asked from the floor.
The first question of the morning concerned construction of a dog park at Schenck’s Island. First Selectman Bill Brennan responded that the issue has been deferred until the work on Route 7 was complete. One location under consideration was a staging area for the road construction. When the state vacates the one-acre site, Mr. Brennan said the issue will be addressed again. Schenck’s Island, he said, is an inappropriate spot because it is in a flood plain, subject to the river overflowing on occasion. Financing for the project will come from private money.
That led to a question from Barbara Quincy asking what parts of Route 7 were next to be widened. The short answer, from Mr. Brennan, is that work will most likely be put off until the state is in a better financial condition. However, he is under the impression work would next start on a connector to Wolfpit Road.
State Senator Toni Boucher added that the state is planning a study of Route 7 transportation needs.
Police staffing
A few questions on the issue of police staffing cropped up. Wilton Police Chief Michael Lombardo said that with 42 full-time officers, the force was short two officers. “Now with Route 7 open and traffic flowing smoothly, there is some speeding and aggressive driving. It would be irresponsible not to have staffing up to speed,” he said.
Chris Weldon of the Wilton Police Commission said they are looking to fill one position, but will leave the other position open until they can work it into the budget.
Another questioner asked if there could be police officers or crossing guards at some of the heavier-traveled school crosswalks.
Chief Lombardo said it was all a matter of manpower. When police worked the traffic lights at the intersection of Route 7 and School Road on school mornings, he said officers were paid overtime. Commissioner Weldon said New Canaan has four crossing guards at a cost of $54,000 a year.
Road sand
The question from Peter Reifsnyder on what happens to sand left on the roads from winter plowing brought a response from Tom Thurkettle, head of the public works department. He said sand will be swept from roads in the spring, although it may take two to three months to complete the task. He also said the town is testing of a product called Ice Be Gone that does not require the use of sand.
Mr. Brennan commented it costs more per ton, but requires less cleanup and also eliminates problems like sand getting into catch basins. The town may expand its use next winter.
Union contracts
With such a tight budget under review, the issue of union contracts could become contentious. Both Mr. Brennan and Arlene Gottesman, assistant superintendent of schools, said the town and school district have excellent relations with their unions. For the town, both the police and municipal workers’ contracts are expiring. Mr. Brennan said the unions are aware the town may come to them “with some pretty severe requests.” Negotiations will begin in March.
On the school side, the custodians’ contract is coming up. Gil Bray, president of the Board of Education, said the board has asked for concessions from other unions.
In the area of commercial development, Town Planner Bob Nerney referred to a flurry of package store applications, which could add traffic to downtown retail businesses. Mr. Brennan said the possibility of a Quality Hotel at the Wilton-Norwalk border is still viable.
As for recycling, Mr. Brennan said the town is moving to a new solid waste system in the hopes of reducing costs and increasing income from recycling. He also reported the town is in good financial health despite recent economic challenges. Ms. Gottesman said the district is still considering whether it is financially feasible to apply for federal Race to the Top funds. And as for if and why Wilton seniors are leaving town, Mr. Brennan said further research is on the drawing board. “We agreed to a study — we haven’t agreed how to do it,” he said.
Those who missed the event may view it on Wilton’s Government TV Channel 79 or on the town’s Web site wiltonct.org.
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