Month: June 2023

Town Council Unanimously Passes Mayor’s Budget; Approves Resolution to Provide Additional $1,000,000 for Use by Stratford Public Schools

The Town Council unanimously passed Mayor Laura R. Hoydick’s proposed Fiscal Year 2024 operating budget for the Town of Stratford last night. 

Mayor Hoydick commented, “I would like to thank the Town Council for passing our Town’s budget, and to our Town departments for taking a collaborative, sound, and pragmatic approach to this budget. While the current economic climate proved challenging when balancing the Town’s services and the burden placed on our tax paying citizens, I am proud that we were able to keep the first increase in over five years to a minimum, at a 1.88% increase in taxable rate. This is a .74 increase in the mill rate from last year, to 40.20. This budget allows the Town to efficiently and effectively serve the people of Stratford.” 

Prior to yesterday, the Town Council held off from voting on the Mayor’s proposed budget while awaiting final passage of the State budget, with hope this would include increased funding for Stratford Public Schools. With the news on Wednesday that the State would not be providing additional funds to Stratford’s schools this coming fiscal year, the Mayor worked with the Town Council to make available an additional $1 million for Stratford Public Schools.  

The Mayor touched upon the timing of the Council vote. “As I mentioned, when I first proposed the Town ’23-’24 operating budget to the Town Council, we were hoping to have more insight into the Governor’s proposed, and now approved, State budget before moving forward. While it is unfortunate we did not see an increase in funding for our schools from the State, I am very happy that the Town Council resolution to make $1 million available for use by Stratford Public Schools passed unanimously.” Council Chair Pia noted, “Upon hearing the details of the approved State budget, we were all in agreement that it was our responsibility to find a way to provide additional funds for Stratford Public Schools.” Combined with the initially proposed $1.7 million from the Town and over $2 million from the Alliance fund, the Mayor is hopeful that the Board of Education will take the necessary steps when managing their budget to ensure positions are kept and programs are continuous. It is also important to note that the approved State budget includes $4 million in ECS funding for Stratford Public Schools in the following fiscal year, 2024-2025. Mayor Hoydick added, “I thank our legislators and the Governor for such support in the second year of the State’s approved budget and, in the meantime, am glad the Town is able to provide this through ARPA funds.” 

Mayor Hoydick concluded, “I am confident this budget will help all of us continue to move Stratford forward and  am grateful every day for having the honor and privilege of serving as Mayor of this beautiful Town. There are many bright days ahead, and I look forward to continuing to work with Town leaders and the residents of our great community.” 

The FY 2024 budget will go into effect July 1st, 2023.  

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG URGES EPA TO FINALIZE PROPOSED PFAS DRINKING WATER STANDARDS

(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong, as part of a 17-state coalition filed comments to the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) supporting the agency’s proposal to set enforceable drinking water standards for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—more commonly known as PFAS or “forever” chemicals.

“PFAS forever chemicals are a threat to human health, and I fully support EPA’s efforts to set enforceable drinking water standards. These proposed regulations will go a long way towards ensuring the safety of our drinking water, but they must be accompanied by robust funding and support for public water system upgrades. Once we identify these chemicals, the burden of cleaning and protecting our water supply must not fall on states, consumers or local communities alone,” said Attorney General Tong.

In the proposed rule, EPA set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) and Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG) for six PFAS regularly found in drinking water: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, GenX, PFNA, and PFBS. In the States’ comment letter, the States express support for (1) EPA’s authority to set the PFAS drinking water standards; (2) EPA’s authority to issue a preliminary determination and simultaneously propose MCLs and MCLGs for PFAS in drinking water; and (3) EPA’s proposed Hazard Index approach to regulate PFHxS, GenX, PFNA, and PFBS individually and as a mixture.

While supportive of the proposed rule, the comment letter also urges EPA to (1) make technical and engineering resources available to public water systems so that the financial burden of removing PFAS does not unfairly fall on ratepayers and customers; (2) finalize the drinking water standards quickly; and (3) consider drinking water standards for other PFAS after finalizing the rule.

PFAS chemicals resist degradation in the environment and accumulate in the body. Those contaminants may be linked to serious adverse health effects in humans and animals. Epidemiologic studies have shown that potential adverse human health effects from exposure to some PFAS include increased serum cholesterol, immune dysregulation, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and kidney and testicular cancers. Exposure to certain types of PFAS is also associated with low birthweight in humans, suppressed immune system response, dyslipidemia, impaired kidney function, and delayed onset of menstruation.

Across the country, PFAS contamination is often found at military bases, firefighting training centers, civilian airports, and industrial facilities. PFAS chemicals tend to be persistent in the environment and have been used for decades as ingredients in firefighting foam and consumer products. Some states with significant PFAS contamination are currently spending a significant amount of money to address the contamination in public drinking water systems, and to investigate numerous areas and sources of potential contamination.

The attorneys general state in the letter that “[o]ur states face substantial threats to public health and the environment from PFAS” and that “[w]e strongly support EPA’s proposed action to set national standards to protect the public from the harmful health impacts of PFAS in drinking water.”

This press release was made possible by:

LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN CONNECTICUT CONSUMER PROTECTIONS

Legislation Backed by Attorney General Tong Modernizes Anti-Robocall Statutes, Addresses Abuse in Ticket Sales, Ends Anti-Consumer Cable Company Billing Practice, Enhances Location-Sharing Privacy Protections

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today praised passage in both the state House and Senate of a series of reforms backed by the Office of the Attorney General to strengthen Connecticut consumer protections. The bill includes measures to modernize Connecticut’s anti-robocall statutes, to address abuses in the ticket sale market, to end anti-consumer cable company billing practices, and to enhance privacy protections related to location-sharing data. The bill now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature.

Attorney General Tong thanked Sen. James Maroney, Rep. Mike D’Agostino, Rep. David Rutigliano and Sen. Paul Cicarella for their leadership in the General Law Committee on this bill.

Robocalls

Attorney General Tong has backed new legislation to strengthen Connecticut’s ability to fight obnoxious and intrusive robocalls. The legislation, incorporated into the package now approved by the House and Senate, would modernize the state’s anti-robocall statutes to match new tactics and technology used to inundate Connecticut households with relentless, unwanted calls. Specifically, the proposal expands the statutes to cover text messages, bans “gateway” voice over internet protocol (VoIP) providers from facilitating overseas scammers’ access to the U.S. telecom networks, allows for enforcement action against calls received by Connecticut area codes regardless of where the calls originate, bars telemarketers from contacting Connecticut residents before 9 a.m. and after 8 p.m., strengthens disclosures that telemarketers must make, and clarifies protections provided by the Do Not Call List.

“We’re all sick and tired of the non-stop robocall scams. Our laws need to keep pace with the evolving tactics and technology. This bill is an important step forward towards shutting down the telecom fraud highway and bringing these scammers to justice,” said Attorney General Tong.

Ticket Sales

Following the Taylor Swift ticket sale fiasco, Attorney General Tong proposed reforms to address unfair, anti-consumer ticketing practices in the live event industry. Specifically, the legislation would require the adoption of all-in pricing, where all fees and service charges are disclosed up front so that a consumer can accurately compare the prices of different seats in a venue. It would also require resellers to disclose how much they originally paid for the tickets they are selling.

Connecticut has an active investigation into the live event ticketing industry following widespread concern regarding the recent handling of Taylor Swift concert ticket sales. The Connecticut Office of the Attorney General is unable to comment on that investigation.

“The Taylor Swift concert ticket fiasco was a particularly disastrous example, but these anti-consumer practices have been a longtime problem and need reform. This legislation gives Connecticut new control over this broken industry,” said Attorney General Tong. “We need reform—either through legislatures or the courts.”

Cable Bills

Legislation authored by Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and backed by the Office of the Attorney General would prevent cable companies, including fiber optic providers, from charging customers through the end of their billing cycles after they cancel subscriptions. Consumers commonly express frustration that they are charged for cable or internet services after cancellation. This bill appropriately ensures that consumers only pay for telecommunications services they receive.

“My office has received hundreds of complaints regarding Connecticut cable companies. One of the recurring complaints we’ve received involves charges that come after consumers cancel their services. No one wants to pay for something they’ve already decided they don’t want. This pro-consumer bill is an important step toward ending these unacceptable practices,” said Attorney General Tong.

Geolocation Data Privacy

Attorney General Tong proposed new legislation to require companies to notify Connecticut residents when their geolocation data is compromised in a data breach. This information poses significant privacy and security concerns as it can reveal intimate details of an individual’s routines, choices, and beliefs, including personal healthcare decisions.

“Our precise location at any given moment can reveal deeply personal details about our daily routines and choices—including our private healthcare decisions. Companies that collect and maintain this information must do so with great care and concern our privacy and security. Connecticut has strong privacy laws on the books, but we need to ensure they stay up to date with current technology and data practices,” said Attorney General Tong.

This press release was made possible by:

Stratford Library Hosts StoryWalks Throughout Town

The Stratford Library Reference Department has announced the creation of a “Forest

to Shore StoryWalk Tour”. A StoryWalk is a book, with pages separated and

laminated on wood stakes that are placed along a path or trail for people to walk and

enjoy a story. The program is funded by a grant from the Connecticut State Library &

Library Services and Technology Act. Sarah Mellinger and Lisa Wargo of the SLA

Reference Department applied for and implemented the grant into action.

The Tour features five StoryWalks each lasting about a week at various locations

around Stratford. During the week of each StoryWalk there will be a "Main Event"

program at the site. Topics will be relevant to the site. People can pick up a Passport

and Guide at the Stratford Library that lists all the sites, dates and Main Events. When

people visit each StoryWalk, they can punch their passport with the hole puncher

provided. Anyone who gets all five punches can return the Passport & Guide to the

Library for a prize. Even though the stories featured at each walk are children's books,

anyone can participate. The Main Events are free and for all ages but do require

registration on the Library website.

The schedule:

StoryWalk 1: June 12-18 – Jared's Dog Park at Roosevelt Forest.

Main Event: Safety PAWtrol with the CT Humane Society on Tuesday, June 13 at 4pm

at Jared's Dog Park

StoryWalk 2: June 26-July 4 – Clover Field at Janosko Park.

Main Event: Meet the pilots from Avia Flight Academy on Tuesday, June 27 at 4pm at

Clover Field.

StoryWalk 3: July 10-16 – Sterling House.

Main Event: Colonial crafts and Stratford history with the Stratford Historical Society

on Wednesday, July 12 at 6pm in the Library Courtyard.

StoryWalk 4: July 24-30 – Stratford Point.

Main Event: Learn about local birds and their environment with the CT Audubon

Society on Saturday, July 29 at 1pm at Stratford Point.

StoryWalk 5: August 7-13 – Stratford Veterans Museum at Boothe Park.

Main Event: Enjoy a celebration of Stratford Veterans on Saturday, August 12 at 1pm

at Boothe Park.

For further information about the StoryWalks and registration for the free Main

Events, visit: http://stratfordlibrary.org/forest-to-shore-storywalk-tour/.

This press release was made possible by:

City of Bridgeport Emergency Operations Activate Cooling Center Protocol

Bridgeport, CT – The Bridgeport EOC in conjunction with Mayor Ganim advises all residents to take caution and seek refuge in cooling centers for June 8th during normal business hours. Residents may utilize any of the locations listed below to seek shelter during periods of heat and increased health risk during the current air quality advisory. Homeless communities may also visit shelters to seek refuge during the air quality advisory by calling 211.

Cooling Centers:

Senior Centers (Open weekdays only)

  • Black Rock Senior Center – 2676 Fairfield Avenue, (8:00am- 3:00pm)
  • East Side Senior Center – 268 Putnam Street (8:00am- 3:00pm)
  • Eisenhower Senior Center – 307 Golden Hill Street, (8:00am-3:00pm)
  • North End Bethany Senior Center – 20 Thorme Street, (8:00am- 3:00pm)

GBT Station

  • 710 Water Street, Mon- Fri (9:00am- 9:00pm)

Bridgeport Public Library Branches

  • Main Branch – 925 Broad Street, Mon & Tues (10:00am- 6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
  • Black Rock Branch – 2705 Fairfield Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
  • Newfield Branch – 755 Central Avenue, Mon & Tues (10:00am- 6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
  • North Branch – 3455 Madison Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).
  • East Side Branch – 1174 East Main Street, Mon (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues (12:00pm- 8:00pm) Wed (12:00pm- 8:00pm) Thurs (10:00am- 6:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am -5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).

Ansonia News: Shooting Arrest

On May 30, 2023, the Ansonia Police Department responded to Prospect Street on a report of a disturbance where a person had a gun and a shot was fired. First responding officers met with a female and a witness who reported the father of the female’s child had come to the residence, kicked in a door then shot the female’s car twice when leaving the area. The car, unoccupied at the time, had two bullet holes, and shell casings were recovered at the scene. The male suspect was identified as Taykwan Williamson.

On June 5, 2023, with the assistance of the Fairfield Police Department, Taykwan Williamson was arrested by warrant for his involvement on May 30, 2023, domestic dispute and shots fired in Ansonia. Williamson, age 27, of Fairfield was charged with Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit, Unlawful Discharge, Reckless Endangerment First, Criminal Mischief First, and Breach of Peace Second. Williamson was arraigned on June 6, 2023, at Derby Superior Court and released on a $150,000.00 bond, his next court date is July 18, 2023, at Derby Superior Court.

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