West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, center, joins members of the West Haven Fire Department of the First Fire Taxation District during a promotional and swearing-in ceremony at fire headquarters Wednesday night. From left, Deputy Chief Ronald Pisani Jr., Board of Fire Commissioners Treasurer John Carew, newly sworn-in recruit firefighter Deerick Arzola-Torres, newly promoted Lt. Joseph Wendland, fire board Secretary Herbert Hill, fire board Chairman Bruce E. Sweeney, newly promoted Capt. Andrew Bennett, Chief James P. O’Brien and Deputy Chief William S. Johnson IV. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Fire Department promotes 2 career firefighters, swears in recruit firefighter

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 8, 2024 — Two career firefighters were promoted and a recruit firefighter was sworn in during a ceremony at the West Haven Fire Department of the First Fire Taxation District on Wednesday night.

Bruce E. Sweeney, the chairman of the district’s Board of Fire Commissioners, administered the oath promoting Lt. Andrew Bennett to captain and firefighter Joseph Wendland to lieutenant.

Bennett, 38, of Old Saybrook, was hired in 2009 as a firefighter/paramedic, and Wendland, 35, of Watertown, was hired in 2018 as a firefighter/paramedic.

Sweeney also swore in recruit firefighter Deerick Arzola-Torres, 22, of Windsor.

Arzola-Torres is gearing up to begin the Connecticut Fire Academy’s 15-week Recruit Firefighter Program on Monday, an intensive journey to fulfill his status as the newest career firefighter of the district, also known as the Center.

The half-hour ceremony was held on the apparatus floor of fire headquarters, 366 Elm St., before a standing room-only crowd that included Mayor Dorinda Borer, state Rep. Bill Heffernan, D-West Haven, and several dozen commissioners, chiefs, officers, firefighters and union stewards from the 136-year-old department and the city’s other two fire departments.

Read the full story and see the photo gallery at WHFD.

Rick Fontana sworn in as WH’s new emergency management director

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer swears in new Emergency Management Director Rick Fontana at City Hall on Tuesday. (City Photo)

Rick Fontana sworn in as West Haven’s new EMD

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 8, 2024 — Mayor Dorinda Borer on Tuesday swore in Rick Fontana as the city’s new emergency management director.

Borer administered the oath of appointment to Fontana, 65, of West Haven, in the mayor’s office at City Hall. He succeeds Joseph Soto, who held the EMD position for four years.

Fontana previously served as New Haven’s emergency operations director for 16 years.

Borer said Fontana, who earned a Master of Science in national security and public safety from the University of New Haven, is widely regarded as an expert in the field of emergency management.

“Rick’s network crosses local, regional, state and federal governments, and he has had great success in securing grants and creating state and federally required plans,” Borer said. “His working knowledge of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is needed and will be an essential benefit for West Haven’s emergency preparedness.”

Fontana is a retired West Haven firefighter/paramedic. He is a commissioner of the state Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, representing the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, and is the federal operations section chief for the state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Officials relaunch the West Haven Public Library’s bookmobile and mobile services in the parking lot of the West Haven Community House on Monday. From left, State Librarian Deborah Schander, West Haven Public Library Executive Director Colleen Bailie, West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, West Haven state Rep. Bill Heffernan, Libraries Without Borders US Executive Director Nina Safane, West Haven outreach librarian Melissa Marguy and Community House Executive Director Amy Guay-Macfarlane. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Library relaunches bookmobile, mobile services

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 8, 2024 — State Librarian Deborah Schander and Rep. Bill Heffernan, D-West Haven, joined Mayor Dorinda Borer and West Haven Public Library officials Monday to relaunch the library’s bookmobile and mobile services.

At the morning event, Borer commended and congratulated the library for receiving a grant from the State Library in partnership with the nonprofit Libraries Without Borders US to enhance its mobile presence and outreach services.

The relaunch was held in the parking lot of the West Haven Community House and was attended by Libraries Without Borders Executive Director Nina Safane, library Executive Director Colleen Bailie, outreach librarian Melissa Marguy and Community House Executive Director Amy Guay-Macfarlane.

The library is a partner of the Community House and is governed by the Village Improvement Association, of which Heffernan serves as its president.

The Pauline Z. Smith Bookmobile is 10 years old and has been equipped with new books, decorations and shelves, along with Wi-Fi connectivity.

Bailie said the traveling public library aims to reach as many residents as possible with improved services, such as offering library cards “on the fly.”

“We look forward to expanding our outreach further with more items being held in our bookmobile, mobile hot spot access and the capability of pop-up library services all throughout West Haven, especially in Allingtown while we strive to build a new location,” Bailie said. “Stay tuned for more locations to find our van and Melissa providing the best in library services.”

Schander said: “Utilizing the bookmobile allows the library to expand its existing community partnerships and connect West Haven residents to library offerings. The relaunch involved mapping community partners and key locations for service around the city and outfitting the van to provide easy access to a wide range of books, internet capacity and other library services.

“The van can both bring resources to new locations around the city and can serve on its own as a temporary satellite location wherever it goes.”

The Village Improvement Association plays a critical role in guiding the city’s library system in “providing unlimited access to opportunities and resources for self-improvement, cultural awareness and pure enjoyment for patrons.”

Sewer system report available Feb. 15 for public review, comment

Sewer system report available on Feb. 15 for public review, comment

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 2, 2024 — The 2023 annual report for the city’s Municipal Separate Sanitary and Stormwater System will be available Feb. 15 for public review and comment.

The “MS4” report can be viewed on the city website or in the engineering office on the third floor of City Hall.

Anyone wishing to comment on the report can send it by mail to the Office of Engineering, City of West Haven, 355 Main St., West Haven, CT 06516. Comments by email can be sent between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays to City Engineer Abdul Quadir at quadir@westhaven-ct.gov.

Comments are due no later than March 21.

Anyone with questions can call Quadir at 203-937-3577.

Borer brings ‘Conversation & Connection’ series to Haley Elementary School

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, right, answers questions from 9th District residents in the Haley Elementary School cafeteria Jan. 30 as part of her “Conversation & Connection” series. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Borer connects with 9th District residents at Haley

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 2, 2024 — More than two dozen 9th District residents turned out at Haley Elementary School on Jan. 30 to participate in Mayor Dorinda Borer’s “Conversation & Connection” series.

Borer has been meeting with residents in each of the city’s 10 districts and giving updates on all things West Haven.

At each meeting, the mayor is joined by the district’s City Council member, members of the Board of Education and other city officials.

“Each forum is a one-stop shop for questions and input,” Borer said. “Residents are hungry to connect with their elected officials, and the goal is to be an accessible administration.”

Since taking office in early December, Borer has made it a priority to improve communication across the city, both internally with department heads and externally with residents.

At Haley, Borer was accompanied by Councilwoman Kathleen Mueller, D-9, and answered questions from engaged residents on topics ranging from city finances and taxes to economic development initiatives and quality-of-life issues.

Several residents in turn pitched ideas and solutions to Borer on many of those pressing matters facing the city, including making trash and recycling pickups more efficient.

During the interactive meeting, Borer and Mueller were joined by Board of Assessment Appeals member Suzanne Mink and school board members Kimberly Kenny and Heather Shea, who talked about Haley’s new playground, which is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the new Washington Elementary School, which is under construction.

For nearly two hours in the school cafeteria, Borer discussed the status of the state Municipal Accountability Review Board, which oversees West Haven’s finances, and the city’s upgraded credit rating and “positive” outlook by bond rating agency S&P Global.

The mayor talked about filling key city positions, including a new economic development director, and extending the Building Department’s weekday hours by an hour in the morning.

Borer also discussed projects funded by West Haven’s American Rescue Plan Act spending plan, a proposed six-month moratorium on new smoke shops in the city, and infrastructure enhancements to prevent beach erosion and improve water quality.

The mayor shed light on the status of the 26-acre waterfront development formerly known as The Haven and a taproom proposed by New England Brewing Co. at the waterfront site of the former Savin Rock Conference Center.

Borer also touched on potential redevelopment opportunities at the former Masonic Temple and Stiles Elementary School buildings, along with a long-overdue renovation of the West Haven Animal Shelter, which has been closed since 2020.

From front left, West Haven Board of Education members Kimberly Kenny and Heather Shea, Councilwoman Kathleen Mueller, D-9, and Board of Assessment Appeals member Suzanne Mink participate in Mayor Dorinda Borer’s “Conversation & Connection” series. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Taxpayers can appeal real estate, personal property assessments

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 2, 2024 — The Board of Assessment Appeals will hear appeals of real estate and personal property assessments on the 2023 grand list by appointment during March.

The board will also hear appeals of motor vehicle assessments on the 2022 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 on or before Feb. 20..

Download an Application.

Applications are also 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. Staff members will answer questions about the appeal process.

Tax relief programs for elderly, disabled homeowners offered

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 2, 2024 — The assessor’s office is accepting applications by appointment for tax relief programs for elderly and disabled homeowners.

West Haven residents can apply for the programs, based on their 2023 taxable and untaxable incomes, weekdays from Feb. 15-May 15 in the assessor’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St. For an appointment, call 203-937-3515. No walk-ins.

The state offers a tax reduction benefit depending on income and marital status through the circuit breaker program. To qualify, the applicant or spouse must be 65 or older by Dec. 31, 2023, or permanently and totally disabled as defined by Social Security.

Income limits, including Social Security, are $53,400 for married applicants and $43,800 for a single applicant. Those eligible for the program must reapply every two years.

To qualify for the West Haven tax freeze program, the applicant must be age 70 by Dec. 31, 2023, and have lived in the city for at least 20 consecutive years with nobody under age 25 living in the home. The program will freeze the city portion of the resident’s taxes only for the upcoming year.

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

The assessor’s office is also accepting applications until Oct. 1 for additional veterans exemptions. The maximum income is $53,400 for married applicants and $43,800 for a single applicant.

For veterans who are 100% service connected, income limits are $24,000 for married applicants and $21,000 for a single applicant. Social Security and veterans disability payments do not count for 100% disabled veterans only. All other ratings must include veterans disability payments and Social Security.

Borer calls for regulation to snuff out new smoke shops in West Haven

Borer calls for regulation to snuff out new smoke shops in the city

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 30, 2024 — Mayor Dorinda Borer is calling for a six-month moratorium on new smoke shops in the city.

In a Jan. 22 memo to Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Christopher M. Suggs and Assistant City Planner Cathy Conniff, Borer requested that the commission evaluate the restriction of additional smoke shops in West Haven, evaluate and identify the criteria that allow businesses to operate 24/7, clarify the definition of “convenience store,” and evaluate “light noise” through business facades, such as neon signs.

In the memo, Borer said: “In the interim, I’m requesting that the Commission, effective immediately, put a moratorium on Smoke Shops, regardless of current Zoning regulations, for a period of 6 months until new regulations for restriction are established. No application should be accepted, considered, or approved until further notice.”

Years earlier, the city took similar steps to address the number of nail salons in a condensed area of downtown.

West Haven currently has at least 18 smoke shops, according to information provided by the assessor’s office.

Borer said it would be a legal challenge to close existing shops but would press for “serious consequence” if repeated violations are found.

The mayor is also asking that regulations be considered to address unwanted lights that have sprung up on some of the city’s busiest roads, including but not limited to neon signs and LED lights on the exterior of all businesses.

Borer described the light pollution of such lights as “aesthetically unpleasing, distracting and not a representation of the image we are trying to change.”

$14K gift continues funding for breast cancer scholarship for 21 years

$14K gift continues funding for West Haven High School breast cancer scholarship for 21 years

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 30, 2024 — (Pictured, from left): Mayor Dorinda Borer joins Doug “the Rake” Ruickoldt to present a $14,000 check on behalf of the West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness Program to West Haven High School Principal Dana Paredes on Jan. 27 to benefit the Susan A. Ruickoldt Scholarship Fund as program committee Chairwoman Beth A. Sabo looks on.

The donation was made possible by the annual Dubel’s Golf Tournament, Westies Nutrition and the West Haven Youth Soccer League and will support the scholarship fund for the next 21 years, Sabo said.

Borer, Ruickoldt and Paredes thanked and praised Sabo for her tireless devotion to the Breast Cancer Awareness Program, including collecting more than $750,000 for breast cancer research and education since the program’s inception in 2000.

The scholarship fund was founded in March 2003 to raise breast cancer awareness in honor of Susan Ruickoldt, who taught third grade at Savin Rock Community School before dying of breast cancer in 1997.

Each spring since 2003, scholarship organizers have awarded $2,000 in Ruickoldt’s memory to a female high school senior from West Haven who plans to continue her education.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Taxes due now in West Haven

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 25, 2024 — The second installment of city tax bills — real estate, personal property, motor vehicle, sewer — was due Jan. 1, and payments after Feb. 1 are considered delinquent and subject to interest, per state law.

The 2022 supplemental motor vehicle bills are for vehicles registered after Oct. 1, 2022, and were also due Jan. 1.

Payments — full or partial — can be made by cash, check, credit card, debit card or money order from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays in the tax office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St. The building has an ATM on the first floor.

Taxpayers can also make payments online at My Tax Bill. Sewer bills are on the same page but under a separate tab. Tax payment history can also be viewed and printed.

The fees for credit cards and electronic checks are available at Payments.

During tax season, taxes can be paid by the drop box outside the interior door of the tax office from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Do not leave cash or credit card information in the drop box.

When paying by drop box, the canceled check is the receipt.

Taxes can also be paid by mail to the Office of the Tax Collector, City of West Haven, P.O. Box 401, West Haven, CT 06516.

Anyone needing a motor vehicle clearance must pay in person by cash, credit card, debit card or money order.

S&P raises West Haven’s bond rating to BBB+, assigns ‘positive’ outlook

S&P raises city’s bond rating to BBB+, assigns ‘positive’ outlook

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 25, 2024 — S&P Global on Jan. 24 raised its long-term credit rating to BBB+ from BBB on the city’s general obligation bonds while assigning a “positive” outlook, Mayor Dorinda Borer announced.

“The rating upgrade to ‘BBB+’ and positive outlook reflect the city’s strong financial performance in 2022 and anticipated for 2023, following the adoption of stricter financial management practices,” S&P said in its bond credit analysis. “The city continues to implement improvements to internal controls toward curing deficiencies that led to its current Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB) Tier IV designation. Moreover, the city is no longer relying on municipal restructuring grants to balance its budget.”

Borer said the report is “extremely important and exciting news for our city for many reasons, including a long-term savings on the city’s borrowing, but also sends a message to potential investors that West Haven is on a strong road to recovery.”

“The investment that MARB has made in West Haven has paid off,” Borer said. “The MARB first hired an auditor and then a consultant who both identified weaknesses in the internal controls and financial structure, but the MARB then took it a step further and hired a consultant to assist the prior administration with addressing those weaknesses. Everyone worked together, past and current, which contributed toward the upgrade.”

In addition to the rating upgrade, the positive outlook designation is attributed to the new Borer administration, based on the work that has been completed in the past month and the plans for the path forward.

In its analysis, the New York agency touted the leadership of the new administration, which took office in early December.

“With a new management team, West Haven expects to continue its conservative budgeting practices, raising revenues and leveraging ongoing economic developments,” S&P said. “City administration expects to maintain structurally balanced operating results while continuing to rebuild reserves to stronger levels.”

In its report, S&P specifically provided positive feedback in recognizing an overall change, a new management team and changes in department structure, including the Building Department.

S&P also noted Borer’s revitalized work with a consortium of regional mayors, a more collaborative relationship with the MARB and a focus on personnel restructure, including grants and economic development.

Ronald M. Quagliani, the city’s newly elected treasurer who ran on Borer’s ticket, was thrilled at the announcement.

“This is welcome news,” Quagliani said. “I am appreciative of all the hard work that has been done by many to get us to this point. We are committed to build on this momentum by continuing the work and collaborations with our partners for ongoing improvement with tangible results.”

Strength and Conditioning Winter Session

City offers free radon test kits

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 25, 2024 — The city Health Department is encouraging residents to protect their health by testing their home for radon.

Radon, the second-leading cause of lung cancer, is a colorless, odorless and naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the natural decay of uranium. It is found in rock, water and soil.

While radon in outdoor air poses a relatively low risk to human health, it can enter homes from the surrounding soil and become a health hazard inside buildings, Health Director Maureen B. Lillis said.

Lillis said testing for radon is recommended every two years.

The Health Department has received a limited number of free radon test kits from the state Department of Public Health.

To receive a test kit, West Haven residents can call the Health Department at 203-937-3660. A sanitarian from the department will help place the kit in the home, Lillis said.

To learn more about radon, visit the DPH Radon Program.

West Haven issues snow rules for parking

West Haven DPW issues snow parking rules

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 18, 2024 — To help crews expedite snow removal, acting Public Works Commissioner Robert Sandella 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 can ticket and tow vehicles violating the ordinance at the owner’s expense. Violators are subject to 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 Dorinda Borer, 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.

In the event of a parking ban, the following public lots are available for off-street parking:

— All schools.

— Campbell Avenue and Captain Thomas Boulevard, next to Biagetti’s Restaurant, 77 Campbell Ave., and Scoreboards Cafe, 100 Campbell Ave.

— Johnson Community Center, 201 Noble St.

— Campbell Avenue, across from Duffy’s Tavern, 241 Campbell Ave.

— Curtiss Place, behind 473 Campbell Ave.

— Campbell Avenue, behind 519 Campbell Ave.

— City Hall, 355 Main St.

— Former Stiles School, 575 Main St.

— First Avenue commuter lot.

— Quigley Stadium, 362 Front Ave.

— Sawmill Road commuter lot, across from Econo Lodge, 370 Highland St.

Sandella 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.

Sandella 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 Highway Department at 203-937-3644.