5 Things To Know In Southington: $86.7M School Referendum Nears, Leaf Pickup Begins And More

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Early voting ends Sunday ahead of the Nov. 3 election, when voters decide on an $86.7 million elementary school plan, town crews start leaf pickup Monday, and the Town Council and Board of Finance meet.

Here are five things to know about life around Southington this week:

1. Early Voting Ends Ahead Of $86.7 Million School Referendum
When: Monday, Oct. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 1 (final week); 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Thursday, Oct. 29; Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Community Room, Southington Library, 255 Main St.
What to know: Early voting and same-day registration continue in the library's community room through Sunday, according to the Town Clerk's warning of election. The Nov. 3 ballot includes a referendum asking whether the town should appropriate and bond $86,675,560 for its elementary facilities plan, including a new Kelley Elementary School, a fit-out of the South End Elementary School and closing Flanders Elementary School, with that building and property repurposed for municipal and community use. The Town Council approved the question April 13. Taxpayers who aren't registered voters may vote on the referendum question at the registrar's office in Town Hall, 75 Main St.
More information here.

2. Leaf Pickup Begins
When: Spot pickups start Monday, Oct. 26; Zone 1 leaves out by 7 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2
Where: Curbside townwide; Highway Department, 1 Della Bitta Drive
What to know: Town crews start spot-picking leaves in heavy sections around town Monday, with regular collection beginning Nov. 2, according to the Highway and Parks Department. Leave only leaves in piles along your property's frontage; grass clippings, sticks, brush and rocks can damage the equipment, and piles with them won't be picked up. Zone 1, south of West Center Street and west of Route 10, must have leaves out by 7 a.m. Nov. 2, followed by Zone 2 on Nov. 9, Zone 3 on Nov. 16 and Zone 4 on Nov. 23. Zone 1 gets an extra pickup Nov. 30.
More information here.

3. Town Council Meets
When: Monday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.
Where: Town Hall, 75 Main St.
What to know: The Town Council holds its regular meeting, according to the town calendar. The agenda had not been posted as of Thursday, Oct. 22.
More information here.

4. Board Of Finance Special Meeting Replaces Canceled Session
When: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.
Where: Town Hall, 75 Main St.
What to know: The Board of Finance's Oct. 21 meeting was canceled, and a special meeting will be held in its place Wednesday, according to a notice from Finance Director Kristina Marino. The notice doesn't list agenda items.
More information here.

5. Library Strategic Planning Focus Groups Go Online
When: Monday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m., and Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.
Where: Online; Southington Library, 255 Main St.
What to know: The Southington Library is inviting residents to help shape its strategic plan in online focus groups, according to the town. Participants register through the library's events calendar, and a Zoom link is emailed to registered patrons.
More information here.