Christmas card artists

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 20, 2019 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi recognizes the designers of her annual Christmas cards in the lobby of Bailey Middle School on Thursday.

With Rossi are, from left, Bailey eighth grader Cassidy Montz, seventh graders Xaymarys Caban and Sophie Mazuroski, and Principal Robert Bohan.

The students, who were accompanied by Bailey art teacher Kathy Shea, received their original artwork and a professional copy of their card in a frame.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Local 681 donates $450 for West Haven homeless families

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 20, 2019 — (Pictured, from left): Local 681 Vice President Shawn Doody, Chief Steward Rosa Richardson and President Eric Peterson present a donation of $450 to family therapist Sheila Hebert and Director Robert S. Morton of West Haven Youth and Family Services at City Hall on Friday.

Brothers and sisters of Local 681 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents rank-and-file city employees, collected the funds for a Youth and Family Services program that aids West Haven homeless families.

Morton said the money will buy clothing, food and toiletries for those families in need.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Park-Rec offers open gym during school break at Carrigan School

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 20, 2019 — During the December school break, the Department of Parks and Recreation is offering an open gym from 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 27 and Dec. 30-31 in the Carrigan Intermediate School gym, 2 Tetlow St.

The program, weather permitting, is for city children ages 6-18.

The fee, payable at the door, is $2 per day or $5 for a three-day pass.

West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi receives a framed certificate from Trinity College professor Daniel J. Mrozowski, left, and Connecticut Conference of Municipalities President Neil M. O’Leary, the mayor of Waterbury, on Dec. 3 for completing 36 hours of study to become a certified Connecticut municipal official. Rossi was honored for her achievement in the CCM training program at its annual convention at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard. (CCM via City of West Haven)

Rossi cited for municipal leadership and city’s sustainability designation at CCM conference

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 11, 2019 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi was presented with a framed certificate from Connecticut Conference of Municipalities President Neil M. O’Leary and Trinity College professor Daniel J. Mrozowski on Dec. 3 for completing 36 hours of study to become a certified Connecticut municipal official.

Rossi was honored for her achievement in the CCM training program at its annual convention at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard.

The CCMO coursework, developed by Trinity, educates elected and appointed municipal officials in working collaboratively, solving problems, building partnerships, and working across political and organizational boundaries, said O’Leary, the mayor of Waterbury.

During the CCM convention, Rossi was also recognized with an award for West Haven’s Bronze designation by Sustainable CT at its 2019 Certified Towns Award Ceremony.

The city met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments, including improving air quality in public spaces, to earn the prestigious Bronze certification, according to Lynn Stoddard, executive director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, which manages the Sustainable CT program.

West Haven was also nominated as a CT Success Story for its commitment to addressing climate vulnerability.

The Bronze certification is good for three years and can be upgraded to Silver with the achievement of additional sustainability actions, said Robin Parsons, who leads the West Haven Sustainability Team.

During the CCM convention, Mayor Rossi also receives an award for West Haven’s Bronze designation by Sustainable CT at its 2019 Certified Towns Award Ceremony. The city met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments, including improving air quality in public spaces, to earn the prestigious Bronze certification. (City Photo/Robin Parsons)

Christmas get-together

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 11, 2019 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, sitting third from right, celebrates Christmas with the United Seniors for America and their friends and families at the Physicians Physical Therapy Sports Complex & Wellness Center, 544 Campbell Ave., on Dec. 9.

Aided by center owner Carolyn Sires, kneeling front left, the West Haven organization’s volunteer work supports area veterans.

(Contributed Photo)

City issues snow rules for parking

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 11, 2019 — To help crews expedite snow removal, Public Works Commissioner Tom McCarthy is reminding residents and businesses to observe parking regulations during and after storms.

Per the “Severe Weather” parking ordinance under Chapter 188 of the West Haven Code, police will tag and tow vehicles violating the ordinance at the owner’s expense. Violators will receive a $100 fine.

Once snow begins to fall, a parking ban is in effect on the even-numbered side of most roads, unless one is posted with a “No Parking” sign on the odd side.

The ban is in effect for 36 hours after a storm. Residents are urged to park in driveways or designated private lots.

However, during an official snow emergency declared by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, a parking ban will run from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on both sides of Campbell and Savin avenues, Morgan Lane, Elm Street, Meloy Road, Second Avenue from Elm to Beach streets, and Main Street from Savin to Washington avenues.

McCarthy is also reminding residents and businesses to shovel their sidewalks within 24 hours after a storm or face a $25 fine “for each day that the violation persists.”

According to the “Removal of Snow and Ice” ordinance under Chapter 195 of the West Haven Code, people are given 24 hours to remove snow from sidewalks on and bordering their properties. Violators are subject to the $25-per-day fine, which is enforced by the Police Department, the ordinance states.

To report a complaint, call the department’s nonemergency line at 203-937-3900. Complaints are kept confidential.

McCarthy also pointed out that plowing or blowing snow into city streets is prohibited and violators are subject to a $60 fine for each offense, per the ordinance.

Also, residents and businesses with mailboxes damaged by snow thrown from a plow are the responsibility of the property owner. The city will only repair mailboxes damaged by the striking of a plow blade if there is visible evidence, such as paint or tire tracks.

Snow removal around mailboxes is the property owner’s responsibility.

Residents are also urged to help firefighters keep hydrants clear of snow.

For more information, call the Department of Public Works at 203-937-3585 or visit Public Works.

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West Haven tax bills due Jan. 1

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 5, 2019 — The second installment of city tax bills — real estate, personal property, motor vehicle and sewer — are due Jan. 1.

The 2018 supplemental motor vehicle bills are in the process of being mailed for vehicles registered after Oct. 1, 2018, and are also due Jan. 1.

Payments after Feb. 3 are considered delinquent and subject to interest, Tax Collector Dorothy Chambrelli said.

The tax office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St. The city has an ATM outside the office.

Taxpayers can make a payment at Tax Collector. Sewer bills are on the same page but under a separate heading. Tax payment history can also be viewed and printed.

The fees for credit cards and electronic checks are posted at Tax Collector and outside the tax office.

During tax season, Dec. 23-Feb. 3, current taxes can be paid by the drop box outside the tax office from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Current taxes can also be paid by mail to the tax office lockbox, P.O. Box 150461, Hartford, CT 06115-0461. When paying by lockbox or drop box, the canceled check is the receipt.

After Feb. 3, taxes with interest can be paid by mail to the Office of the Tax Collector, P.O. Box 401, West Haven, CT 06516. Payments can also be made in person.

Anyone needing a motor vehicle clearance must pay in person with cash, credit card, bank check or money order.