Message from the First Selectwoman -

September 1, 2009

UPDATE ON: PORTLAND’S ONGOING PLANS & PROJECTS

1. Water & Sewer: The Water Storage Tank Refurbishment and High Street Water Main Replacement Projects will be going out to bid very soon. In addition, the Sewer Rehabilitation Project was recently approved by the Selectmen, at an approximate cost of $152,250. These projects are in keeping with our Water and Sewer Improvement Plans.

2. Economic Development: A remarkable job is being done by the Economic Development Commission and our EDC Consultant. Several new projects on Main Street and other areas of Town are in the planning phases. In addition, Portland TownPlace was unanimously approved in August by the Planning and Zoning Commission. While there were some concerns expressed at the Public Hearings, this mixed use development will provide much needed jobs, services and be a healthy boost to Portland’s tax rolls.

3. Riverfront/Quarries Projects: The State DEP has accepted Fuss & O’Neill’s final plan and cost estimate for the Boat Launch. A public meeting will be held to discuss the plan. In addition, we recently met with Congressman Larson’s office to discuss planned improvements to the NHL Quarries and Riverfront Park. The Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park had a fantastic summer. The fee paid to the Town for the month of July 2009 alone was over $25,000.

4. Extension of Brownstone Avenue: This grant funded project will be completed in October. This is an important link to our Riverfront, and in keeping with the “Portland Downtown and Quarries Master Plan”, prepared in 2001 by CR Johnson Associates.

5. Streetscape Project (Main Street): Construction is expected next spring. This project, funded by Federal/State grants, will provide a welcoming gateway to our Main Street, in keeping with the “Portland Downtown and Quarries Master Plan”, by CR Johnson Associates.

6. DOT Traffic Light – Route 66/Payne Boulevard/Middle Haddam Road Intersection: This CT-DOT project has been completed. The traffic light is functioning, making this area much safer.

7. Clean Energy: The Energy Plan for Portland was adopted this year. In keeping with this Plan, the Town will utilize a $50,000 ARRA grant to improve Portland Library’s energy efficiency. In addition, on September 18 The Hartford Business Journal will recognize the Town of Portland with an Energy Conservation Award. Many thanks to our Clean Energy Task Force!

Please contact me with any comments and questions. Thank you.

Message from the First Selectwoman

August 19, 2009

I would like to congratulate the Town Tech Program on its very successful Water and People course completed this past spring. The course is a one semester class for high school seniors that introduces them to careers in the water industry. The curriculum will soon be copyrighted and made available to other schools throughout the country. The course was taught by Seb Agostino, of Portland High School and Dave Kuzminski, of the Town Technology Department.

The course has received many accolades. David Kuzminski received the prestigious George Warren Fuller Award at the Annual Conference of the American Water Works Association for his leadership in the water supply field. He also received the Section Education Award for the ground breaking Water and People Course. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency is preparing a video featuring Portland. It will be used as a recruiting tool intended for nationwide use.

Thank you and congratulations to the students, Seb, Dave, our schools, and the Town for a very successful program. We are very proud of all of you!

Also See Water and People Course Makes National Headlines!!

Message from the First Selectwoman

August 31, 2009

I would like to invite Portland residents to the Senior Center every Wednesday in September from Noon - 1:00 pm. Bring a brown bag lunch; or, seniors can call ahead to reserve a lunch with the Center (342-6760) the day before. Everyone is invited to come and discuss any issue or concern.

In addition, every Tuesday from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in September will be Open Topic Hour at Town Hall, 33 East Main Street. On Tuesday September 8 we will have information on Portland's participation in the Community Energy Challenge, which is an opportunity for towns across New England to identify simple and cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use while reducing air pollution and saving money. Hope you can join us. If these times are not convenient, please call and we can arrange another time. Thank you.