Mayor’s Update: June 2014
M. Saud Anwar
1. Economic Development Coordinator
As you may recall, we have created a position for a full-time economic development coordinator. Our town will be advertising this position within the next few weeks. Our goal is to hire a full-time Economic Development Coordinator by the beginning of August.
2. Ambulance Service, Civil Preparedness and Emergency Management
Find out what's happening in South Windsorfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
ASM is now South Windsor’s ambulance service provider. The Town of South Windsor has updated our town’s civil preparedness and emergency management ordinance. We have worked closely with the police department, fire department, emergency management and town manager to make sure that we are able to have procedures which would provide safety, security and help protect our citizens in the event of any disaster.
An ordinance change includes the creation of Emergency Management Advisory Committee. To ensure that this committee remains bipartisan, the members will be appointed by the town manager. If any members of the community would like to become part of this committee, they should contact, Mr. Jay Gonzalez (jubenal.gonzalez@southwindsor.org )
In compliance with our ordinance, the Town Manager will make all decisions regarding membership.
Find out what's happening in South Windsorfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
3. MDC
The state legislator has passed a new bill concerning MDC. Representatives Aman, Larson and Senator LeBeau worked on this legislation. While the bill is a step in the right direction, it does not resolve all of the issues that concern us. The Town Council is appointing the Town Manager to serve on the MDC’s board, as a nonmember participant. This will allow us to have a voice within the MDC board and express our concerns. We are carefully monitoring this and other legislation in order benefit our community.
4. South Windsor Agriculture, Arts and Nature Center
I am happy to report that we have created a permanent committee for South Windsor Agriculture, Arts and Nature Center at the Priest property. We feel that there is a need to explore ideas about how to maximize the potential of the Priest property. Our goal is to preserve the agricultural heritage of South Windsor and share the aesthetic charm of our farmland. This committee will be bipartisan in its membership.
5. Energy Committee
The Town council has created an energy committee. This is important, as this is the time for South Windsor to investigate appropriate and cost effective opportunities for implementing energy efficiency. We also are investigating clean, renewable energy options for the residents and businesses.
We also want to identify grants and opportunities for our residents. As a part of this effort, the town council has created a comprehensive energy efficiency program, “Energize South Windsor” initiative. This will permit South Windsor residents to receive rebates for installation of high efficiency insulation and identify home energy solutions, such as more efficient heating systems, alternate fuel choices and investments in energy conservation.
The Council has also approved the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Agreement (C-PACE agreement). This will present opportunities for South Windsor businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. We will administer this program on behalf of our state.
South Windsor Town Council has also created the “Energy Committee”. I have requested Councilor Wagner to lead this committee. If anyone in the community is interested to serve or learn more about this, you can reach Councilor Steve Wagner at
wagnersg-sw@outlook.com
6. Infrastructure Maintenance
Engineering work has begun on the Avery Street reconstruction project, Dart Hill and Foster Street improvements and the Main Street Bridge over the Podunk River. There are preliminary plans to construct sidewalks along Sullivan Avenue and the west side of Buckland Road from the Town Hall and the library to Deming Street. These sidewalks will connect the Town Building with the commercial businesses and residential units in the center of town. More information will be provided as the engineering work approaches completion. The purpose of this project is to construct safe walkways for people going from Town Hall to the Center of South Windsor.
7. Road Maintenance:
I feel that it is important for us to have both a strategy and financial plan for maintaining South Windsor’s roads. In the near future, we will need 10-12 million dollars to maintain the town’s infrastructure. The Council has begun considering a bond to help with this financing. The Town Council will hold informational sessions on this important topic so people can learn about our plans to keep our roads safe and traversable.
8. Office Hours to Continue
As most of you already know, I hold office hours to discuss your issues and concerns. This is a high priority for me. I understand that sometimes it's important to have a private, in-depth conversation. You can make an appointment to talk with me by calling 860-644-2511 extension 206. Debbie Reed will assist you.
I will continue to keep you updated on our Town Council meetings and the progress we are making on behalf of our residents.
Dr. Saud Anwar, Mayor
South Windsor
