Call to order at 8:32am.
A meeting of The Park Rd Association was held at Playhouse on Park on March 19.
Co-Presidents Welcome
Town Reports:
Town Manager - Rick Ledwith
Budget season is underway. Community conversations have been taking place and opportunities are still available to voice concerns.
Mill Rate projected to increase by 6.5%. 7% increase from BOE, which makes up 60% of overall budget. Salary account up 5.9% for schools, primarily from teacher contracts with 22 unions. $1M increase in transportation costs – which does not account for current hikes in gas prices due to war. Special Education budget continues to rise. 20% of students identify as Special Education, 30% qualify for free or reduced price lunch.
Town budget increase of 4.8%. 2.8% salaries, 4.8% operating expenses – $1.4M increase, $1M of it for solid waste removal. Contract expires on Sept 30th.
Regarding benefits, both the schools and town participate in CT State Partnership Plan. Increasing 11.5% this year due to medical inflation.
Town adopts final budget on April 20th. Much work to be done before that time.
In CT, our priary revenue source is tax on individuals and business owners. Currently a bill on the floor to give half of 1% hotel tax to cities, and half to tourism.
Educational Cost Sharing Grant – receive $25M offset from State to school district. $11,500 foundation rate per student has been in place since 2013. Moving to $12,500, which presents a significant benefit to West Hartford.
Economic Development Update shared by Rick
Vessel project application has been denied and a lawsuit has been filed.
Senior Housing Survey is still open, please take a moment to complete.
5 Sedgwick – WabiSabi received permits
Burger Squad – called for final inspections, which occurred on 3/18
Iron Horse – still pending
Spitz – permits are in plan check
191 Oakwood (former Oakwood Package) plan to reno into office space
Kristen & Lauren are presently at Women’s Small Business Breakfast
Question on short term rental ordinance – currently on hold, back with Corporation Counsel for review.
West Hartford Pride
· Vendor applications are limited – apply now
· Website will be updated shortly, Facebook is current
· June 27 – Pride Rally and Festival at Town Hall
· June 30 – No Hate photo fundraising session will return to Playhouse
Police Department
Officer Eden – Penguin Plunge rescheduled for March 29 – search for specific officer or donate to the WHPD overall
College Academy applications are open for June-July program
Many services provided after Hall High School student death – Therapy Dog sessions were greatly appreciated
Chuck Coursey
Aviva Senior Living, Assisted and Memory Care – becoming more active in the community. Will be scheduling regular open houses with wellness sessions.
America 250 – May 31st - Mary Donhue & Chuck hosting a program on the history of AC Petersen – including ice cream!
Playhouse on Park
Final few days of On the Mountaintop – excellent reviews, a panel discussion is available on YouTube.
River Bend Bookshop
Grand re-opening celebration at 224 Park Road to be held on Saturday, March 28 from 10am-5pm. Celebratory sips and snacks available, and door buster promotions in the morning. Please join us!
Park Road Committees
Need to schedule Clean Up Day. Tracy will contact the Junior League to inquire about volunteers.
Nick Sells New England introduction and offer of support for social media, business promotions, etc.
Salt & Lime – would like to help drive traffic across businesses, handing out a proposal; Mamacita Night – women’s events, tonight honoring Ronni Newton of WeHa.com
Meeting adjourned at 9:40am
Next Meeting: April 16.
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