Spring has arrived! My staff and I send warm wishes to you and yours for a bright and beautiful springtime. I hope the warmer weather brings you outside to explore and enjoy all the beautiful parks and walking trails that Southbury has to offer.
EVERSOURCE STORM RESPONSES
Steve Schnell, Southbury Emergency Management Director, and I had a productive meeting with our Eversource management team to discuss our concerns regarding their response to Storm Elliot in December of last year. Eversource reported their Municipal Hub went down during the storm and they have been reviewing statewide issues to improve services during future power outages. Mr. Schnell and I emphasized the importance of restoring our community’s power in a timely fashion. We will continue working with Eversource to ensure this occurs.
FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM
On March 10th, it was my honor to present Anti-Defamation League Connecticut Director Stacey Sobel and State Senator Eric Berthel with a Certificate of Recognition for their efforts in providing updated facts, information and education about antisemitism in Connecticut and across the country. At a time when antisemitism, prejudice and hate crimes amongst so many groups continue to escalate, I urge our community to join me in supporting efforts to secure equality and fair treatment to all.
PICKELBALL IS COMING SOON!
The Planning Commission approved the Town’s 8-24 referral to add pickleball courts at Ballantine Park. Because of the mild winter, Public Works has been able to start this project early. They have been working diligently on the project plan and will begin preparing the site. Many residents in Town enjoy this popular sport and I’m happy they will be able to play it right here in Southbury this summer.
SOUTHBURY CIVIC DAY
Many thanks to the guest speakers, volunteers and staff who made Civic Day such a big success. I really enjoyed the speakers, events of the day, and sharing my experience governing throughout the challenges of the tornado and COVID-19. In addition to speaking, Special Guest, artist David Merrill, provided a tour and commentary on one of my favorite David Merrill pieces, the mural depicting 42 Southbury scenes. Please visit us at Town Hall to see it for yourself! If you weren’t able to attend, I highly recommend you watch the event recording on YouTube. We received so much positive feedback that we are considering hosting this event annually.
INVITATIONS TO BID & REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
Our Public Works management team has been busy posting Invitations to Bid and Requests for Proposals for our many upcoming projects. Deadlines for some of these projects are approaching quickly. For a full list of our open Bids and RFP’s, please visit our website Bid and Procurements Page.
POMPERAUG HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS IN THE NEWS
I couldn’t finish my update without acknowledging the Pomperaug High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team and Boys Varsity Swim Team for their outstanding seasons. The Girls Basketball Team earned their way to the CIAC Class L finals held at Mohegan Sun on Sunday and the Boys Swim Team won its 21st state championship last week, taking home the Class M title at Southern Connecticut University. Way to go! I am very proud of our Pomperaug student-athletes and coaching staff, and I wish them continued success in their future endeavors. Congratulations!
Best Regards,
Jeff Manville
Southbury First Selectman