New UNH police chief takes oath of office

WEST HAVEN, May 3, 2019 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi swears in new University of New Haven Police Chief James T. Gilman on Friday at City Hall.

Attending the ceremony were Gilman’s wife, Deanna, and daughter, Kate Hall; former UNH Police Chief Tracy L. Mooney; Ronald M. Quagliani, UNH associate vice president of public safety and administrative services; Christopher J. Reed, UNH director of safety and training and fire marshal; and UNH Assistant Police Chief Donald F. Parker, Sgt. Kevin Holster and Officer Ony Sierra.

Gilman, who most recently was director of campus safety at Mitchell College in New London, succeeds Mooney, who retired the same day after three years of service.

A 1993 graduate of UNH, he is a former 22-year member of the Connecticut State Police.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Deanna Gilman pins a chief of police badge on her husband, new UNH Chief James T. Gilman. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Mayor Rossi with UNH officials, from left, Christopher J. Reed, director of safety and training; Officer Ony Sierra; Assistant Police Chief Donald F. Parker; Police Chief James T. Gilman; Sgt. Kevin Holster; and Ronald M. Quagliani, associate vice president of public safety and administrative services. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Ad book supports overtime costs for Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular

WEST HAVEN, May 3, 2019 — For the second year, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi has rolled out an ad book fundraising campaign to help cover overtime costs for the Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular, which is set for 9:15 p.m. July 3.

Rossi said the ad book proceeds will specifically pay for police and public works overtime during the annual fireworks display, which is launched off Bradley Point and presented by the Savin Rock Fireworks Committee.

“Your support of this ad book will directly impact the overtime costs that come along with the city holding the fireworks,” Rossi said.

Ad book forms are available in the mayor’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., or download an ad book form at July 3 Fireworks.

Four ad sizes are offered: $45 for a business card, $75 for a quarter page, $100 for a half page and $185 for a full page. Checks are payable to City of West Haven.

Send ads by June 14 to the Office of the Mayor, 355 Main St., West Haven, CT 06516. Or send a business card, letterhead or other information to the mayor’s office, and the office can create an ad. Send PDF files to kteshoney@westhaven-ct.gov.

Corporate sponsorships are also offered: $1,000 for red level, $750 for white level and $500 for blue level. For details, call the mayor’s office at 203-937-3510.

Rossi said the city will charge both residents and nonresidents for parking on July 3. The fee is $5 for vehicles with a valid beach sticker and $10 for vehicles without a valid beach sticker. All parking proceeds will also support overtime costs, she said.

The fireworks display, billed as “the region’s largest Independence Day fireworks show,” draws an estimated 100,000 people of all ages to the city’s 3 ½-mile shoreline each year. The rain date is July 5.

Before the patriotic event, partygoers can shake, rattle and roll to live music at the Savin Rock bandstand from 6:30-9 p.m.

Fusco named West Haven’s first poet laureate

WEST HAVEN, May 3, 2019 — Tony Fusco, holding a mayoral proclamation observing National Poetry Month, is appointed the honorary position of poet laureate of West Haven by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi during a ceremony Monday at City Hall.

Along with announcing Fusco as the city’s first poet laureate, Rossi issued the proclamation, saying, “Poetry affects every aspect of life in the United States today, including education, the economy, and community pride and development.”

As the city’s official poet, Fusco, a lifelong resident who lives on Shingle Hill Road, will appear at readings and conduct workshops as an advocate for the reading and writing of poetry.

He has written three books of poetry, including “Java Scripture,” featuring poems about his youth, Savin Rock and Allingtown. His poetry has won many awards, including the prestigious Sunken Garden Poetry Prize.

Fusco has a master’s degree in creative writing from Southern Connecticut State University and is co-president of the Connecticut Poetry Society.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Cellini Place closed for construction starting May 6

WEST HAVEN, May 3, 2019 — In the interest of public safety, Cellini Place, from Boston Post Road to Forest Road, will be closed for construction by the state until further notice starting Monday.

Sidewalks on Cellini Place will also be closed until further notice during the construction at a nearby site.

Detour signs will be posted to help motorists and pedestrians safely navigate through the area.

The West Haven Police Department is urging motorists to slow down, pay attention to the signs, and watch for pedestrians when driving through the area.

The city and Police Department are informing residents and businesses of the closures so they can plan ahead. The public will be notified of any updates to the traffic plan.

Scouts honor

WEST HAVEN, May 3, 2019 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, center, joins Den Leader Maureen Malone-Beckwith, Den Chief Will Armour and members of Cub Scout Pack 202 of Pagels Elementary School on Monday at City Hall.

Sitting, from left, are Ryan Malone, Nico Antonucci, Anthony Maloney Jr. and Aadi Neujahr.

The fifth grade Cub Scouts, who are the rank of Webelos, met with Rossi in the City Council chambers to discuss local government and fulfill an elective for their Arrow of Light award.

The Arrow of Light, which is also its own rank, is awarded to Cub Scouts who have completed the Webelos rank and prepares them to become Boy Scouts.

(City Photo)

Applications available for summer youth jobs

Applications available for Summer Youth Employment Program

WEST HAVEN, May 3, 2019 — Applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program are available through May 31 in the athletic director’s office at West Haven High School and the main office at Bailey Middle School.

The summer program, which runs July 8-Aug. 2, is aimed at funding positions for low-income residents ages 14-21.

Students must pick up and drop off applications at their school office.

Drop off applications with all required documents from 9-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the high school and from 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Bailey. No applications will be processed after noon May 31.

Students who attend other schools must pick up applications in the Department of Human Resources on the second floor of City Hall, 355 Main St., where the completed forms must be returned from 9-11 a.m. weekdays.

Students must also include copies of information, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, as well as documentation of household income.

Family income is based on the number of people per household and is required to be within 185 percent of state poverty income levels.

Applicants will be notified by mail or phone if more information is needed.

‘Boot’ program resumes

WEST HAVEN, May 3, 2019 — City residents who are delinquent on their taxes are urged to pay their overdue taxes as soon as possible.

The “boot” program resumed May 1, and those who are delinquent on their motor vehicle taxes risk their vehicles being immobilized with a wheel-locking boot.

TaxServ Capital Services LLC of Hartford is the city’s vendor that administers the program in cooperation with Vioalert Systems LLC of West Haven.

A vehicle-mounted ID system that is part of the boot program uses an infrared license plate scanner to target tax scofflaws. Vehicles are released of the boot once their owners pay all delinquent taxes and the boot fee.

Additionally, delinquent personal property taxes for business owners who have not paid their taxes have also been turned over for collection. Properties with delinquent real estate and sewer bills have now been liened, and collection proceedings are in process.

Taxpayers can check if they owe any back taxes and pay online at Tax Collector. They can also pay in person in the tax office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.

Tax Collector Dorothy Chambrelli has launched an aggressive campaign for collecting taxes.

“Please do not ignore your taxes; everyone must do their part,” Chambrelli said. “Your failure to pay negatively affects the entire city.”

Taxes accrue additional interest on the first day of each month.

Newly appointed Tree Commission member Rosemary Beloin, left, and Mayor Nancy R. Rossi throw ceremonial shovels of dirt to dedicate the planting of an eastern redbud on the east lawn of City Hall in observance of West Haven’s Arbor Day celebration April 26. Looking on are mayoral Executive Assistant Lou Esposito, holding umbrella, and commission member Moshe Cohen. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Tree planting at City Hall marks Arbor Day celebration

WEST HAVEN, April 26, 2019 — Throwing ceremonial shovels of dirt, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Tree Commission members dedicated the planting of an eastern redbud on the east lawn of City Hall in observance of West Haven’s Arbor Day celebration April 26.

Accompanying Rossi for the annual tree planting were members of the newly revived commission, including current member Moshe Cohen and new member Rosemary Beloin.

The Tree Commission, which has not met since 2016, was reactivated by the mayor with the appointment of Beloin and three other new members — John Haas, Robert Marra and Michelle Matteo — at Monday’s City Council meeting.

All four had served on the commission in the past and have agreed to work with Rossi to bring back the promotion and preservation of healthy trees for the benefit of the community. They join Cohen to round out the five-member commission.

Also attending the afternoon event were mayoral Executive Assistant Lou Esposito, tree warden Leo Kelly and city tree contractor Bob Herrington, owner of Herrington & Sons Tree Specialists LLC.

Rossi marked the special occasion, held on the Campbell side of City Hall near Main Street, by reading a mayoral proclamation declaring Arbor Day in West Haven.

Rossi, who huddled under an umbrella held by Esposito amid the wind-blown rain, said the redbud tree species, native to eastern North America, “is commonly planted as an ornamental in public areas because of its showy pink flowers and heart-shaped leaves.”

She added: “Trees reduce the erosion of topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for life. Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.”

Rossi said the commission also plans to work with Kelly to improve West Haven’s Tree Management Plan and tree inventory process, along with implementing a sustainable and safe treescape in the heart of downtown.

Arbor Day was founded in 1872 by Julius Sterling Morton in Nebraska City, Nebraska.

By the 1920s, each state had enacted public laws mandating an Arbor Day observance. The customary observance is to plant a tree.

On the first Arbor Day, April 10, 1872, more than 1 million trees were planted.

Mayor Rossi reads a proclamation declaring Arbor Day in West Haven as, from left, Beloin, Esposito, Cohen and tree warden Leo Kelly look on. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Building Department changing hours to better serve contractors

WEST HAVEN, April 26, 2019 — To meet the needs of contractors and building owners, the Building Department is changing its normal business hours to accept building permit applications on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a new time of 8-11:30 a.m., Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

The schedule change will start May 7 and continue throughout the summer months, ending Aug. 30, confirmed Planning and Development Commissioner Fred A. Messore, who manages the Building Department.

Rossi said she appreciates the department’s building official, Frank Gladwin, and his staff adjusting their hours to better serve contractors and building owners.

Rossi said the schedule change will allow people to obtain permits earlier on Tuesday and Thursday mornings while providing a more business-friendly approach to helping contractors and promoting economic development across the city.

The regular hours of 9-11:30 a.m. for building permit applications will continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Messore said.

The Building Department will continue all inspections and administration duties until 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

The city will reserve the right to modify days or hours based on the success of the schedule change, said Messore, who approved the change with Personnel Director Beth A. Sabo.

Scholarship offered in memory of schoolteacher

Scholarship offered in memory of teacher who died of breast cancer

WEST HAVEN, April 26, 2019 — The city’s Breast Cancer Awareness Committee is accepting applications for a scholarship fund it founded in memory of a third grade Savin Rock Community School teacher who died of breast cancer.

The 17th annual Susan A. Ruickoldt Scholarship Fund will award $2,000 to a female high school senior from West Haven who plans to continue her education.

Candidates must submit an application form, an official transcript and a class rank, as well as a 250-word essay on achievements and goals and a 250-word essay on the importance of breast cancer screening and education.

Applicants must also submit a letter of acceptance from a postsecondary school and a letter of intent to attend the school.

Applications are available in the guidance office and physical education department at West Haven High School, 1 McDonough Plaza. They are also available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays in the Department of Human Resources at City Hall, 355 Main St.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. May 13.

Park-Rec schedules Boston trip to see Red Sox play Mariners in May

WEST HAVEN, April 26, 2019 — The Department of Parks and Recreation is running a trip to Boston’s Fenway Park to see the defending world champion Red Sox play the Seattle Mariners at 1 p.m. May 11.

The trip costs $125 and includes seating in grandstand section 7 and motor coach transportation. The trip is nonrefundable, unless the game is canceled.

The bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. from the department’s Painter Park office, 190 Kelsey Ave.

Register at www.whparkrec.com or at the Park-Rec office.

Lifestyle change program offered at senior center

Lifestyle change program offered at Allingtown/West Haven Senior Center

WEST HAVEN, April 25, 2019 — The Allingtown/West Haven Senior Center is among several locations in southern Connecticut chosen to participate in a lifestyle change program.

The free program, aimed at preventing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, meets from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the senior center, 201 Noble St.

The interactive program discusses losing weight and keeping it off; shopping, cooking and eating healthy; turning routine into enjoyable physical activities; and coping with stress and thinking positive.

To qualify, candidates must be considered pre-diabetic at the time of enrollment, which can be documented by a physician’s note, A1C results between 5.7 and 6.4, or by a questionnaire at the senior center.

For more information, call the center at 203-937-3507.

New dog obedience program offered

WEST HAVEN, April 25, 2019 — Are you a dog owner looking for a “paw-sitive” approach to handling your canine?

The Department of Recreation’s dog obedience program, designed by Evelia Rivera, a certified professional dog trainer, is geared to all types of canines, including puppies and adolescent, rescue and older dogs.

The department is offering two six-week training levels — 2 to 5 months old and 6 months and older — Saturday mornings, starting May 4, in Painter Park on Kelsey Avenue.

The session fee is $85 for residents and $95 for nonresidents.

Visit www.whparkrec.com for registration details and requirements for dogs and handlers.