Farmington Town Council Meeting Recap: Celebrations, Community Engagement, and Future Projects

June 11, 2024 – Farmington, CT — The Farmington Town Council meeting was a blend of celebratory recognitions, community engagement, and forward-looking discussions. Several key items were addressed, reflecting the council’s dedication to the town’s well-being and progress.

Recognitions and Proclamations

Stephen A. Fliss Scholarship Winner: The council honored Leon Juhoff, the Stephen A. Fliss Scholarship recipient. Established in 1985, this scholarship supports Farmington residents pursuing public administration or public service degrees. Juhoff, an active justice advisor with the Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance and founder of the nonprofit Pathways for Yemen, has demonstrated a solid commitment to public service. She will attend Trinity College to prepare for a career in immigration law. Chair Joe Capitafaro read the proclamation, highlighting Juhoff’s achievements, including her memberships in the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society, and her numerous awards, such as the AP Scholar Award and the Governor Jody Rell University of Hartford Civility Award.

Farmington Rotary Club’s 50th Anniversary: The Rotary Club of Farmington was celebrated for its 50 years of service. Mary Lou Wadsworth accepted the proclamation in honor of her father, Dwight Wadsworth, a founding member. The council highlighted the Rotary Club’s significant contributions, including raising over $500,000 for local organizations like the Land Trust and the Special Olympics, and providing over $200,000 in scholarships. Mary Lou Wadsworth, reflecting on her father’s philosophy, stated, “Have fun, make friends, and raise thousands of dollars for the town, people, state, country, and the world.”

Proclamation of Pride Month: The council proclaimed June 2024 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Farmington. Emphasizing the town’s commitment to equality, liberty, and justice, the council celebrated the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Chair Joe Capitafaro stated, “Farmington cherishes the value and dignity of each person and understands the importance of equality and freedom.” The proclamation called upon the community to actively promote the principles of equality and justice.

Juneteenth Celebration: June 19th was proclaimed as Juneteenth, recognizing it as a day to honor African American heritage, history, freedom, and culture. The annual Juneteenth celebration will be held on June 15th at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. Chair Joe Capitafaro remarked, “This anniversary each year celebrates African-American heritage, history, freedom, and culture with events that reflect the power of community and tradition in the face of oppression.”

National Gun Violence Awareness Day: The council declared June 7th, 2024, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The proclamation emphasized the need to reduce gun violence and honor those affected by it. Capitafaro noted, “Every day more than 100 Americans are killed by gun violence. By wearing orange on June 7th, Americans will raise awareness and honor the lives lost.”

Public Comments and Community Concerns

Residents voiced concerns about the notification process for public hearings. Arlene Klein of 43 Cope Farms Road emphasized the need for improved communication through earlier mail notifications, better signage, and more accessible online information. Klein shared her experience, saying, “These letters need to be signed for. We were not home, so it went to the post office. We went to the post office the following day, and that’s only because one of us was home on vacation.”

Edward Jocardi of 1 Ship Soul Lane raised concerns about the impact of the proposed splash pad and pickleball courts on his neighborhood. He questioned the suitability of the location and the transparency of the project. “What’s going to happen with the parking lot? You have little kids driving around. You still have people going to the golf course,” Jocardi said. He also highlighted the potential increase in noise and traffic, stressing the need for better community communication.

Committee Reports and Future Projects

1928 Building and High School Renovation: Council member Sarah Healey provided an update on the renovation projects. The 1928 building and the high school renovation remain on schedule. Healey announced that the newly renovated high school will be ready for the first day of school, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for August 26th. She emphasized, “The building in its entirety will be occupiable, ensuring a smooth start to the school year.”

Economic Development: Council member George Sefan reported on the Economic Development Commission’s activities, highlighting a successful business breakfast featuring Connecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon. The commission continues to work on initiatives to boost local economic growth. Sefan noted, “The commission is dedicated to making things happen in Farmington and supporting our local businesses.”

Recreational Trails Program Grant: The town received a $208,000 grant from the Connecticut DEEP for a recreational trail along Route 4 towards West Hartford. This project aims to enhance community connectivity and safety. Council member Brian McVerry, chair of the bicycle advisory committee, praised the collaborative effort in securing the grant. “This trail will connect UConn Medical Center with the rest of Farmington and even into West Hartford, promoting safety and community engagement,” McVerry said.

Key Approvals and Decisions

Property Swap for Open Space: The council approved a land swap with WD2 LLC, resulting in a net gain of 594 square feet of open space for the town. This move aims to better protect the Unionville Brook embankment. Shannon Rutherford, Town Planner, explained, “The area added to lot 76 is approximately 4,157 square feet of land, and the new western property line will include a five-foot conservation easement with a fence.” Rutherford detailed the environmental benefits and the thorough evaluation process that led to this decision.

Maintenance and Construction Contracts: The council awarded several contracts to maintain and enhance town infrastructure. Advanced Mechanical Services was awarded the HVAC maintenance contract for various town buildings. Clover Construction Company was awarded the contract for sidewalk repairs on Route 4. Additionally, the purchase of a new dump truck from Western Star Connecticut was approved. Town Manager Kathleen Blonski emphasized, “These contracts ensure our town’s infrastructure and services remain in top condition.”

The meeting concluded with the cancellation of the August 13th, 2024, regular Town Council meeting, reflecting the town’s efficient scheduling practices and focus on essential business.

Thank You to Our Sponsor

This recap is brought to you by Farmington Storage, located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT. For all your storage needs, contact Farmington Storage at 860.777.4001. Thank you for your continued support of our community.

-JB-