Council Members Praised At Final Meeting

PETER PROHASKA PHOTO

Predicting the outcome of any municipal election in 2025 is a challenging task but one thing is certain: there will be several fresh faces seated at the dais when the Southington Town Council meets for the next time in November. While the biennial election tradition almost always means turnover on the Council, Democrats Valerie DePaolo and Jack Perry, as well as Republican William Dziedzic, have chosen not to seek re-election. Thus, the first part of the regular Oct. 27 Town Council meeting was largely devoted to appreciations of those who served the town, before turning to other agenda items.

With DePaolo attending the meeting remotely, State Representative Chris Poulos (D-81) presented Perry and Dziedzic with official “citations of gratitude.” Town Manager Alex Ricciardone gave gifts of framed artwork depicting Town Hall as a gesture of thanks.

Council member Tony Morrison listed of some of the chief collective accomplishments of the Council’s past two years, including the hiring of Ricciardone, technology upgrades for Town services — including Flock cameras that he claimed have significantly reduced auto thefts — and the recent progress with finding a productive use for the Bank of America building. Losing two attorneys in DePaolo and Dziedzic was unfortunate, Morrison said, as he recalled drawing on their legal knowledge on more than one occasion.

The departing members also took time to thank their families and colleagues, as well as to make the point that volunteerism — such as service on the Council — is essential to the functioning of the town.

As Council member Chris Palmieri put it, “each of them [Perry, Dziedzic and DePaolo] has made a lasting contribution to this Council and to the Southington community.”

Though the agenda was somewhat less full than usual, with Election Day fast approaching, there were still notable items.

The ongoing deadlock in the nation’s capital means that SNAP benefits will run out of funding as soon as November 1, prompting worry for the millions who rely on them. Council Chair Paul Chaplinsky reported that Southington’s Community Services Director, Janet Mellon, had “made a commitment” that nobody in Southington will go hungry due to the lack of funds. Individuals needing more information are encouraged to contact that office.

Chaplinksy also read an official proclamation honoring Southington veteran Mr. William Chapman. Chapman, who served in the Navy in World War II, is of Mohegan and Naragansett ancestry and has been active in tribal governance. He was present at Tokyo Bay when the Japanese Army signed the treaty ending Pacific hostilities. This upcoming November 12, his 100th birthday, will be William Chapman Day in Southington, according to the Proclamation.

Palmieri mentioned that Southington’s Ethan Hoffman completed construction of a farm stand on the Pleasant Street open space property as part of his Eagle Scout requirements. That project joins the work of other Scouts who have been improving parts of the open space parcel.

Along similar lines, Council member Jennifer Clock reported on a recent site visit by the Town’s Open Space Committee. She said a new footbridge has been constructed at the nearly 80-acre Novick’s Orchard property on Flanders Rd.

The Town, acting on the advice of the highway department, accepted all bids for snow removal services, in order of cost. Some of these, Ricciardone said, are for emergency services only.

Town Attorney Louis Martocchio provided an update on the former Bank of America building at 22 Main Street. Following a key approval before the Southington Planning and Zoning Commission on October 21, the sale of the property is “tentatively” scheduled to close on November 19. Martocchio said that with all real estate deals, especially commercial, there may be issues that change the exact date but added that there are “no roadblocks or substantial delays” in the foreseeable future.

Finally, a resident came forward with a concern about leaf pickup in front of her house. This prompted a reminder from Ricciardone that putting leaves into the street was something the Town strongly discourages people from doing, as it poses a serious safety concern.

A special and very short Town Council meeting was held on October 29. The brief gathering of eight councillors was held to approve a Board of Finance decision from earlier that same day, recommending a departmental transfer of $15,000 for the Registrars’ office in order to meet unexpected costs from early voting. The procedural allocation was unanimously approved by those present.

The next regular meeting of the Council, the first with its newly-elected members, is scheduled for November 10 at 7 p.m.