Free CCM prescription discount cards available online, at City Hall

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 23, 2018 — The City of West Haven Prescription Discount Card is available for uninsured and underinsured residents, as well as their pets, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said.

Rossi said the free card, which reduces prescription medication costs, is provided by the city through its partnership with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the statewide association of towns and cities.

West Haven has participated in the CCM Discount Prescription Drug Card Program, which is free to CCM-member municipalities, since November 2013.

During that time, CCM said, the program has saved city residents more than $176,000 in prescription costs — a 63 percent savings over what they would have paid for the 3,094 prescriptions filled so far.

The prescription card saves an average of 45 percent off the retail price of medications and provides discounts on vision, Lasik and hearing care services. It also saves residents money on prescription medications not covered by insurance.

The card offers the following features and benefits:

—All prescription medications are covered, including pet prescriptions — provided that it is a medication that also treats a human condition.

—There is no cost to the city or participating residents.

—There are many participating pharmacy chains nationwide, such as CVS, Rite Aid, Stop & Shop, Walgreens, Walmart and Big Y, along with many independent pharmacies locally.

Cards can be used by all residents regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. There are no enrollment forms, membership fees, restrictions or limits on the frequency of use.

Cards can be printed by visiting www.CTRxDiscountCard.com and selecting City of West Haven from the drop-down menu. Cards can also be picked up in the mayor’s office on the third floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.

Season of Light awards

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 23, 2018 — New Haven Ski Club member Frank Meyer and Dubel’s Cafe owner Fred Hugendubel, holding plaques, receive Season of Light awards from, from left, West Haven Youth and Family Services Director Robert S. Morton and Mayor Nancy R. Rossi on Thursday at City Hall for their contributions to the annual toy drive organized by Morton’s agency.

Hugendubel is joined by his toy drive organizers, from left, Cathy Abrams, Lisa Kelly and Elma Dunn.

Morton distributed the toys, valued around $3,000, to 76 city families in need, including 170 children, and to WTNH-TV anchorwoman Ann Nyberg’s Toy Closet at Yale New Haven Hospital.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Active shooter situation discussed with city leaders

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 23, 2018 — Police Chief John Karajanis Jr. discusses an active shooter situation with city leaders, including Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, fire chiefs, police brass, and emergency management, 911 and school officials, on Wednesday morning at police headquarters on Sawmill Road.

Karajanis talked about the Police Department’s response to an active shooter situation during a 90-minute presentation, which included a PowerPoint and a training video.

(City Photo)

Rossi hosting ‘Mayor’s Night In’ to hear residents’ concerns, ideas

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 23, 2018 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi will host her next “Mayor’s Night In” to talk with city residents and business owners about their concerns and ideas.

The event is set for 5-7 p.m. Tuesday in the mayor’s office on the third floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.

Rossi said: “For many people, it is not practical to meet with me during the hours that City Hall departments are open — Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. I want to accommodate those folks by being accessible after traditional business hours.”

Anyone who wants to meet with Rossi can start arriving at 4:30 p.m. and sign in with the mayor’s staff in the City Council chambers, next to the mayor’s office.

Rossi and her staff will meet with constituents on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents are asked to maximize their time with the mayor by coming prepared for their short meetings.

The mayor’s staff is encouraging people to bring their talking points and, if appropriate, prepare a handout that can be left with Rossi so she can research their issues and do the appropriate follow-up.

In the interest of time, the length of individual meetings may be limited depending on the number of people who attend.

Rossi said she plans to hold the Mayor’s Night In on a regular basis and will add “Mayor’s Night Out” events throughout the city as well.

For information, call the mayor’s office at 203-937-3510.

Applicants sought for Charter Revision Commission

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 16, 2018 — City Council Chairman Ronald M. Quagliani is encouraging any West Haven electors interested in serving on the Charter Revision Commission to apply.

Candidates are advised that the newly established commission will require a 16-month commitment with a minimum of one evening meeting per week.

Quagliani, D-at large, said the commission will recommend changes and revisions to the West Haven Charter.

Anyone interested can send a resume and cover letter to the Office of the City Council, 355 Main St., where they are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 26. Documents can also be emailed to mdimassa@westhaven-ct.gov.

Elderly, disabled homeowners offered tax relief in West Haven

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 12, 2018 — Assessor Ann Marie Gradoia is accepting applications for tax relief programs for elderly and disabled homeowners.

Residents can apply for the programs, based on their 2017 incomes, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, Feb. 15-May 15, in the assessor’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.

The state elderly and disabled homeowners program offers tax reduction benefits depending on income and marital status.

To qualify, the applicant or spouse must be 65 or older by Dec. 31, 2017, or permanently and totally disabled as defined by Social Security.

Income limits, including Social Security, are $43,000 for a married couple and $35,300 for a single person.

To qualify for the West Haven senior tax freeze program, the applicant must be 70 years old by the end of the previous calendar year and have lived in the city for 20 consecutive years.

Income limits, excluding Social Security, are $50,000 for a married couple and $35,000 for a single person. Those eligible for the program must reapply each year.

The state tax freeze program is only for residents already enrolled with incomes not exceeding $6,000, excluding Social Security.

Applicants who receive railroad retirement benefits must include the taxable portion.

The assessor’s office is also accepting applications until Oct. 1 for additional veterans exemptions. The maximum income is $43,000 for a married applicant and $35,300 for a single applicant.

Taxpayers can appeal property assessments

Taxpayers can appeal real estate, personal property assessments

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 5, 2018 — The Board of Assessment Appeals will hear appeals of real estate and personal property assessments on the 2017 grand list by appointment during March in the assessor’s office at City Hall.

The board will also hear appeals of motor vehicle assessments on the 2016 supplemental motor vehicle grand list that received a tax bill due Jan. 1.

Any property owner who wants to appeal an assessment must submit a written application to the board. The assessor’s office must receive the completed form to have it stamped in by 5 p.m. Feb. 20.

Applications are available in the assessor’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St., or by calling the office at 203-937-3515.

Download a Board of Assessment Appeals Application.

Driver safety course offered in West Haven

Driver safety course offered March 21

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 5, 2018 — The West Haven Senior Center will offer an AARP Driver Safety Program from 2-6 p.m. March 21 at the Johnson Community Center, 201 Noble St.

The program is designed to help sharpen driving skills, develop strategies to adjust to age-related vision changes, develop hearing and reaction times, and learn about the effects of medication on driving performance.

Participants must complete the class to receive a certification for insurance purposes.

The fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers, payable to AARP.

To register, call the senior center at 203-937-3507.