Cedar Lake Road Transfer Station site unpopular at hearing

Posted on | January 29, 2009 | 1 Comment

Over 200 people attended a Thursday evening hearing at the Haddam Killingworth High School auditorium to observe or participate in a discussion about the future of Haddam’s waste management practices.

While the atmosphere inside the room was warm with passion, a proposal to develop a new transfer station on town-owned land located on Cedar Lake Road near CT Route 9 received a reception as chilly as the 20° weather outside.

After a lengthy presentation by Anchor Engineering’s principal owner James Otis about the recent history of Haddam’s search for a new site for a transfer station to replace the existing facility, resident after resident spoke against the idea of locating the new operation in a remote residential neighborhood, reachable only on circuitous back roads already heavily traveled by dump trucks violating town permits by traveling too fast and too frequently.

Questions about the project previously directed to the Board of Selectmen by Haddam’s Energy & Sustainability Committee were not directly addressed by Mr. Otis or any of the Selectmen.

A mix of opinions were presented on whether a town-owned transfer station is a good or reasonable goal, but a clear awareness of the impact a faltering economy might have on financing such a project hung in the air, as speakers lined up to voice their concerns. 

All three Selectmen present voiced varying degrees of distaste for the idea of using eminent domain as a tool to secure a site. 

Contracted curbside pickup of household waste appeared to be viewed as an inevitable, if perhaps only temporary solution to Haddam’s current challenge. 

A variety of printed materials were available, including additional copies of the town newsletter mailed earlier this week, as well as a response by a group of concerned Haddam citizens.

Viewed by many as a trial-balloon session to guide the Selectmen in creating a more specific ordinance to be discussed at a future Hearing and voted on at a subsequent Town Meeting, comments indicated that the three-way choice offered in the current newsletter would not sit well with many voters; and that an entirely different proposal should be considered: that an interim curbside pickup contract be prepared while a new Community Waste Management Task Force be created to reexamine waste management alternatives passed over by previous committees which were more focused on choosing a new transfer station site.

Hearing Moderator John Sibley and Selectman Sean Donlan emphasized to the audience that the Board of Selectmen are open to continued input from the public on the matter.

Messages can be directed to the Selectmen by email or by calling 860 345-8531.

The following are dates and time of broadcast by HKTV (Channel 18 for Comcast Clinton customers) of the public hearing on the transfer station from January 29.  

Constructive comments on the meeting or the topic are welcome here.

Town sets hearing on Transfer Station options

Posted on | January 23, 2009 | No Comments

January 23, 2009

Having worked on a solution to Haddam’s Transfer Station issue since he took office in 2000, First Selectman Tony Bondi today distributed by mail a six page newsletter with his account of the state of the matter. Residents should receive copies Saturday, Monday or Tuesday.

A Town Hearing has been set for Thursday, January 29 at 6:00pm at the High School Auditorium on Little City Road. The Town Hearing will be an opportunity for residents to discuss Haddam’s waste management options and to ask questions of the Board of Selectmen and Anchor Engineering, the consulting engineering firm hired by the town to advise on the topic. No vote will be taken at the hearing. However, the discussion may influence the contents of a referendum to be considered at a Town Meeting to be held after the hearing. By Charter, the Meeting must be held within 15 days of the Hearing, unless the Board of Selectmen decides that a second hearing should be scheduled to continue the discussion.

The images below can be viewed individually, (click on each image to enlarge it, then use the “Back” button in your browser to return to this article, then click on the next image) or a .PDF file containing all six pages can be downloaded for printing here.

To comment, click the headline above, then use the text box below the thumbnails.

E&S Letter to Board of Selectmen re Transfer Station

Posted on | January 20, 2009 | 1 Comment

Anthony J. Bondi, Sean E. Donlan, Robert P. Duvall

Board of Selectmen

Haddam, CT                                                                                        January 20, 2009

Dear Selectmen:

Haddam’s Energy & Sustainability Committee has met several times since being appointed last year to promote efficiency and sustainable patterns of development, practices and operations of the Town and its residents.

One of the matters we have repeatedly discussed at length is the Town’s need for a transition from our current Transfer Station to an as-yet undetermined future waste management system.

The following are several basic questions we believe residents must have answers to before they can make good decisions about how to proceed. We look forward to your providing in-depth information to the public on these questions and others to be raised during the January 29 Hearing on the matter.

• What are all the possible methods of waste disposal which might make sense for Haddam and Haddam Neck, and what are the pros and cons of each?

• How much will each of these alternatives cost residents over the short and long term?

• What are the short and long term environmental impacts of the various methods of disposal? 

• What information has been gathered about the types and quantities of waste Haddam generates?

• What possible methods might be used to decrease any portions of that waste stream to reduce disposal costs?

• What do we know about neighboring towns’ waste management systems, and their costs? 

• What parts of Haddam’s waste management could be handled regionally with less cost and greater efficiency? 

• Is an appropriate waste management solution for Haddam Neck the same as the one for the rest of Haddam?

The members of the Energy & Sustainability Committee thank you in advance for your candor on the topic.

Very sincerely,

Mark Stephens, Tom Worthley, Ben Tyson, Diane Sikorsky, John Friedlander, Philip Mueller, Phil Devlin

Where do YOU get local news?

Posted on | January 5, 2009 | No Comments

An interesting recent post by Dean Pagani at the Hartford Business Journal points out the dwindling supply of sources for local news coverage. With the Bristol Press and the New Britain Herald threatened with closure, and the Hartford Courant being battered, the Middletown Press is probably not far behind. Not that any of these have recently provided any meaningful coverage of Haddam news.

Every junior high school civics student knows that a free and inquisitive press is one of the most important checks on unfettered political power. This is not just a theoretical concept. Many feel that the general media’s unquestioning rubber-stamping of the distortions and lies that led up to the war in Iraq is proof that freedom, security and democracy itself are in danger when the public is kept in the dark.

Good coverage of local news is also what makes communities feel like home. Knowing what’s going on in town helps residents put down roots and sense ownership, both of positive developments and challenging circumstances.

As a local example, are you aware that Haddam has been experiencing a crime wave? A series of home burglaries has kept state troopers busy since late October, yet area newspapers have barely covered the story. Arrests in a few cases point to the possibility of young offenders with expensive drug habits to feed. An increasingly rare well-reported story in the Courant places the story as close as East Haddam. How many burglaries could be prevented, or lives saved if facts related to these matters were carefully covered in Haddam?

On the positive side, do you know that Haddam has a highly motivated team of volunteers getting ready to hold weekly Farmers’ Markets on Higganum Green this summer? Read about it here.

From the sensational to the mundane

Residents who attend the many committee meetings which allow Haddam town government to function are often amazed at how few people show up at meetings, even when votes are scheduled to decide major issues like the town budget, tax breaks for area businesses, or how to deal with the impending closure of the transfer station. “Meetings are so hard to keep track of and fit into my schedule,” is a commonly-heard complaint. Without reliable press coverage of these meetings available in area publications it is easy to understand residents’ frustration with decisions made without their input.

Haddam does have the monthly Haddam Bulletin, which has just launched an online version. But, like its daily brethren, its coverage is constrained by available resources and economics. In addition, public opinion about the Bulletin seems to be mixed. Some prefer it to be a community cheerleader, with no critical coverage of town issues, while others applaud the investigative pieces it regularly runs. While it serves a valuable role in its reliable coverage of local organizations’ events, school awards, real estate notices and the like, as a “bulletin board” for local advertisers, and with magazine-like coverage of long-timeline issues, it cannot hope to cover daily breaking news.

The newly-arrived quarterly Haddam Events, while it carries a few informational articles, is better understood as a magazine, with an editorial slant clearly understood to be perceived as favorable to advertisers. The publisher’s goal is clearly an operating profit, not rapid-response news coverage.

Alternatives springing up

Faced with a vacuum of local news, online alternatives are appearing. Both Killingworth and Middletown have excellent blogs up and running. A recent story on NPR covered the issue in some depth, from a national perspective. In the spirit of CSPAN, a local all-volunteer group is now video-taping as many Haddam town meetings as possible, and airing the programs on Comcast Community Access TV on Channel 19, with plans for making the programs available on YouTube or another online source as well. Similar resident-produced video coverage of town meetings is happening in Deep River, and Middletown has video cameras built into its City Hall meeting room. RSD17 students are producing thought-provoking news and entertainment programming airing on HKTV at Comcast Channel 18. Haddam’s news blog is just getting started, and you’re reading it. 

Key to the success of these ventures will be finding an economic model that works. Just as Connecticut Public Television and Radio and National Public Radio depend heavily on the financial support of viewers and listeners, online blogs will vary in quality and depth, depending on the ability of readers to support them by contributing content and with financing when needed.

The Middletown Eye has over two dozen writers contributing on a daily basis, and on one recent day had over a dozen articles posted during the most recent week on its front page. Peg Scofield, Publisher of Killingworth Today, somehow manages to post at least one article every day while also maintaining her busy web services business. HaddamGreen.org was launched intending to cover only “green” focused topics, but now hopes to expand to cover a wider range of topics of interest to Haddam residents. This will be possible if contributors step forward as they have in Middletown.

In this new age of news, one thing is certain. Freedom of the press belongs to those who own the press. We can choose to remain only partially-informed by relying on mega-corporate owned press profit centers which eliminate local coverage as “too expensive”, or we can seek out, participate in and support locally-grown news sources, and help ensure that the local news which directly defines our communities does not fade from our view.

Higganum Village Farmer’s Market wins grant

Posted on | January 5, 2009 | 1 Comment

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state Department of Agriculture has awarded nearly $1 million in matching funds to more than two dozen farms, non-profit agricultural organizations and municipalities for a variety of projects ranging from Haddam’s new farmers’ market to greenhouse expansion. Haddam’s market was awarded a matching grant of $9,300. The Market will have to raise $9,300 from other sources to receive the Department of Agriculture funding.

The Agriculture Viability Grants help finance on-farm improvements and fund programs that promote Connecticut agriculture. The latest round of grants –  $907,055 – will go to 13 agricultural producers, four non-profit agricultural organizations and 13 municipalities.

“These awards address the strength of Connecticut agriculture – its diversity,” Governor Rell said. “They will support a new farmers’ market in Bozrah, provide for a solar irrigation system for an Old Lyme nursery and protect shellfish beds on the shoreline. Agriculture is a $2 billion industry in the state and an important part of Connecticut’s past. These awards will help ensure it continues to play an important role in our future.”

Funding is not limited to farmers.  Non-profit organizations and municipalities also are eligible for the grants if agricultural components are involved.  The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and matching funds must be supplied by the applicant. 

“Each application is evaluated very carefully,” said Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli.  “A diverse panel of reviewers considers the soundness of the business plans and the long-term feasibility of the proposed projects.  The projects selected for awards are those best positioned to fuel the state’s economy and serve its residents for many years to come.”

The Agricultural Viability Grants are made available through Public Act 05-228, An Act Concerning Farmland Preservation, Land Protection, Affordable Housing and Historic Preservation.  This landmark legislation provides funding for municipal open space grants, farm viability and preservation, historic preservation, and new and existing affordable housing programs, along with new infrastructure to support and promote Connecticut agriculture.

CT makes money in CO² auction

Posted on | December 23, 2008 | No Comments

It looks like the state program subsidizing homeowners’ installations of clean photovoltaic electrical generation systems — depleted due to great popularity — just got another infusion of cash. Read the full story.

How do YOU do it?

Posted on | December 19, 2008 | 1 Comment

We’ve all seen the lists of ways to save energy and money. But talk (and lists) are cheap. What do we actually DO to control the size of the utility and fuel bills?

How do YOU save energy?

How big is saving energy on YOUR priority list?

Why? Why not?

E&S 12/3/08 Meeting Report

Posted on | December 19, 2008 | No Comments

E&S Meeting Minutes - December ‘08

Posted on | December 10, 2008 | No Comments

TOWN OF HADDAM

ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

PUBLIC MEETING

UCONN EXTENSION CENTER

1066 Saybrook Road

Wednesday, 10 DECEMBER 2008

APPROVED MINUTES

ATTENDANCE

1.  Call to Order

Stephens called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Guests Philip Mueller and Rowan and Noreen Monnington present.

2.  Additions/Corrections to the Agenda

None

3.  Approval/Corrections of the Minutes

No corrections, approval deferred to next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Devlin reported that an email from Ct Clean Energy forwarded by Stephens resulted in a flurry of emails between himself and RSD17, which produced a completed grant application within 24 hours for diesel particulate filters for installation on RSD17 busses. Grant award is likely, no cost to town.

OLD BUSINESS

4. Municipal Energy Usage

a.    Town usage audit

Stephens reported that the Ct Clean Energy Community program requires Haddam to take the EPA Challenge which involves auditing/benchmarking of municipal energy usage with the goal of reducing it which is a goal of the E&S Comm.  He has encouraged the members to look at the program and decide what help can be given to get this done.

            b. Assessor’s letter – 4 day work week

            Supported concept, couldn’t identify any obvious downsides. Resolved: Stephens to forward positive recommendation to BOS leaving open door to examine relevant research on efficacy if available. Prefer consistent year-round policy to avoid confusion due to frequently changing schedule (ie, transfer station seasonal hours.)

            c. Waste control (transfer station)

            Group again agreed not enough answers to logical questions available; publicly reported activities raise many questions about the quality of the process and the logic of steps taken; topic reaches into many areas of daily life routines; public won’t be able to make good long term decision without much more data and time to consider it. Agree that every town committee/commission should have questions on topic, and input into final solution alternatives. Worthley says topic fits perfectly into his concept of regular public discussions of important community topics, advises linkages be made with other committees to explore this and other topics. List of questions to be generated relevant to E&S topics for insertion into public discussion of topic during hearings, meetings and media.

5. CT Clean Energy Community v. 3.0

            Stephens reports on report to BOS 12/3 in support of municipal purchase of clean energy: 9% commitment will cost town ±$230. BOS supports concept, wants contract to review. Stephens following up. 20% by 2010 initiative “on track.” Still need more residential signups, need more ways to promote paying more for electricity during tough economic times. Extensive discussion of complexity of overall communications on the topic, need to find a way to communicate goal clearly without getting stuck in alphabet soup of programs, rules, regulations, etc. Recent program changes by state make it even harder. (State now adopting Federal guidelines.) Worthley volunteers to refine CT Clean Energy Community statement and present it clearly.

6. Education and Outreach

a. Home energy advice and counsel

            Note that CL&P subsidy for homeowner’s photovoltaic installations depleted, suspect increased funding will be available after inauguration, but no details available yet.

b. HKHS student involvement

            Friedlander volunteers to contact Mike Trahan to build bridge with RSD17.

c. LEED

            Friedlander will contact Middletown Conservation and Planning Dept. for info

d. Flier/sign-up in Bulletin

            Tabled.

e. Public Comment

8. Adjournment

MOTION:  Devlin made a motion to adjourn, Stephens second.  Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

John Friedlander

Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 14 January 2008 at the Middlesex County Extension Center.

E&S Meeting Minutes - November ‘08

Posted on | November 12, 2008 | No Comments

TOWN OF HADDAM

ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

PUBLIC MEETING

UCONN EXTENSION CENTER

1066 Saybrook Road

Wednesday, 12 NOVEMBER 2008

APPROVED MINUTES

ATTENDANCE

1.  Call to Order

Friedlander and Worthley called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.

Guests Philip Mueller and Joanne Nesti present.

2.  Additions/Corrections to the Agenda

None

3.  Approval/Corrections of the Minutes

No corrections, approval deferred to next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Representatives from RSD17 not  present, discussed getting on Board of Ed agenda to discuss RSD17’s curriculum re consumption and recycling.

OLD BUSINESS

4. Municipal Energy Usage

            a. Town usage audit

            b. Assessor’s letter – 4 day work week

            Supported concept, couldn’t identify any obvious downsides, deferred official support until other committee members could add comments. Resolved: forward to Mark w/ positive recommendation pending receipt of data supporting efficacy of solution.

5. Home Energy Advice and Counsel

            Deferred until next meeting

CT Clean Energy Community

            Progress “slow but steady” at 70 signups

6. Education and Outreach

            a. HKHS student involvement

            Will pursue once contact is made with BOE

            b. LEED

            Will contact Middletown Conservation and Planning Dept. for info

            c. Flier/sign-up in Bulletin

            Tom to write article about Library speech and get forms to Ed?

7. Public Comment

            Philip Mueller interested in joining committee. Asked him to write brief bio/resume for forwarding to BOS for appointment.

Priority of activities: School activities focused on energy savings, recycling, understanding of consumption chain; students strong advocates and motivators of change; reduction in demand for plastic disposable shopping bags by promotion of reusable shopping bags with pro-community messaging on them;

Senior center: could be a source of individuals with deep experience with conservation, thrift, could be good mentors to speak to current conservation needs made more obvious by economic change.

Comment: “This room should be full.” E&S “most practical subject material” of any town committee.

Seek link from http://www.haddam.org to http://haddamgreen.org .

Transfer station: Consensus that inadequate information has been made available to public by process managed by BOS. Topic is complex, with many inter-related issues that directly affect individuals’ daily routines, town’s environmental safety, and overall quality of life. Long term solution definitely a sustainability issue, E&S Committee should evaluate proposals carefully, assist by offering discussion opportunities to town residents.

8. Adjournment

MOTION:  Friedlander made a motion to adjourn, Worthley second.  Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

John Friedlander

Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 10 December 2008 at the Middlesex County Extension Center.

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This blog is a forum for discussion about news, current events and other matters of concern to residents and friends of Haddam, Connecticut. It is hosted by Haddam residents as a community service, and we welcome your participation. It is expected that all posts or comments will be civil and constructive. Please be generous, frank, and polite in your contributions. Offensive or insulting material will be removed at the discretion of the site hosts.

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