Milford Approves Nearly $12M In Borrowing For Municipal Projects

MILFORD, CT — The Board of Aldermen this month voted 11 to 1 in support of approving borrowing totaling $11.827 million for various public improvement projects including a new multi-purpose sport field.

Anthony Giannattasio stated as a member of the Public Works Committee and at their meeting last week they discussed rolling stock of vehicles and the possibility of adding additional plow truck. He further stated that he would like to discuss the possibility of adding $200,000 to the bonding to allow for the purchase of an additional truck.

Giannattasio stated he believes this is a good time to add as the bonding is light compared
to prior years. Mayor Ben Blake discussed funding of plow trucks. He stated how trucks need replenishment. Blake stated the bonding if for refuse trucks and that other vehicles are funded through the vehicle acquisition program that will come before the Board later this year.

He discussed the town aid road grant and how it must be used for capital purchases. Blake stated the plan is to purchase two 6-wheel vehicles for the 2021 season. He stated he would recommend that the purchase be made through the grant which provide no financing costs.

Giannattasio thanked Blake for his comments and stated he is satisfied with that approach. James Tranquilli asked if with the purchase of new vehicles, it will cut down on the use of subcontractors. Blake stated with more vehicles there will be more employees plowing. He also stated that it is dependent on the storm event as to whether subcontractors are utilized.

Ray Vitali stated he is in favor of the vehicle acquisition program. Win Smith stated he agrees with the purchase of a pumper and inquired about the multi-purpose fields.

Blake stated that each February is devoted to bonding and the amount of authorization differs year to year. Blake state the multi-purpose field will be located on the east side of town and is used by Foran soccer. He also stated that the Law fields are part of the bonding authorization.

Smith stated the he supports the fields but has concerns on road paving. He stated the constituents have expressed concerns that their roads have not been paved in several years. Blake discussed the asphalt management program and how it is utilized to determine what gets paved each year.

He also discussed how road paving can be delayed due to planned utility work. Smith stated he cannot support road paving when constituents are complaining their roads have not been paved. He also stated he has concerns with building maintenance improvements and asked if the improvements are part of the Capital Improvement Plan.

Blake stated the various building maintenance improvements are in the Capital Improvement Plan that was approved in January. Smith asked if everything on the Capital Improvement Plan was in the bonding.

Blake explained the Capital Improvement Plan is a wish list and that at the right time it may come forward for funding.

Connie Gaynor asked if specific projects are earmarked for erosion control. Blake stated that the last 10-15 years resources have gone into sanitary sewers and stormwater has received much less.

He stated that there have been flooding issues in other areas of town away from the shoreline and this will go toward these areas where infrastructure is failing.

Ellen Beatty stated that when she was first elected to the Board she too had concerns about paving, but she is very satisfied with the asphalt management program and believes Public Works should have the flexibility necessary to manage the program.