East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora's 'State of the Town' Address

Transcript of the State of the Town address by Mayor Joseph A. Carfora, March 26, 2024

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice-Chairman, members of the Town Council, our Town Clerk, Lisa Balter,
Members of the Board of Education, Board of Education Chair, Superintendent of Schools Erica
Forti, State Representative Joe Zullo, members of the Board of Finance, our Town Department
Heads, town employees; and, of course, the taxpayers of the Town of East Haven. Welcome.
As your mayor, it is both a great honor and a responsibility to stand before you tonight. The State
of the Town provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our progress, address our challenges,
and chart a course for the future of our community.
The State of our Town is one of growth, but also one of real determination to overcome a period
of neglect as we tackle projects that were previously ignored. It is critical that we confront the
harsh realities of our past to fully appreciate the strides that we have made and the challenges
that lie ahead. But also, the actual reality that municipalities, like individual households we are
not immune from the current economic climate that we all find ourselves subject to.
As I have said from the very beginning, the previous administration turned a blind eye to the
pressing needs of our town. And As your Mayor I have not and will not do that, nor will I stand
for it. I am willing to make the tough decisions.

We face increases in municipal contracts, defending, and paying for lawsuits, most notably One

Barberry v. Joseph Maturo- the Quarry lawsuit that dates back to 2016 and for which a court has
found the town responsible, plus numerous unfunded mandates. So, there is no confusion
unfunded mandates refers to regulations or other requirements imposed by a higher level of
government on a lower one. That is the Federal government or the State of Connecticut on to us.
And we have seen a number of them imposed on the Town of East Haven. From new employee
pension requirements, Affordable Housing guidelines, Fair Rent Commission requirements, and
most notably the Police Accountability Act. These things cost local municipalities money, and
while some are needed, those that are essential should be phased in, or funding should be
provided for the forced obligations. These clearly impact our bottom line, but they are often
impossible to plan for when we are not provided any warning.

In that light I will speak about the Tweed New Haven airport expansion. Some might also
identify this expansion as an attempted unfunded mandate. Tweed, the City of New Haven, and
the FAA are attempting to move forward as though the interests of our town do not exist. We,
along with Save our Sound, have appealed the December 2023 FAA decision that this project
will have no significant impact. Bluntly, the proposed action has already had a significant
impact on our community. We have had to expend significant amounts of money on experts to
defend, and to protect, the interests of East Haven. How can anyone reason that placing a close to 200-million-dollar facility in the middle of wetlands, plus approximately 6000 parking spaces will have no significant impact? Nothing offered in this decision is fair or equitable. It does not address the host of issues that a project of this magnitude presents to our community. We will continue to fight for fundamental and equitable fairness.

The failure to invest in our town's infrastructure, its services, meeting its contractual obligations,
and defending its interests against lawsuits, and appealing those that were left to us forces me to
confront the reality of our situation. Our mill rate must increase by 2.05 mills. Some might ask
why now? Some may also why not use our fund balance which we have grown from $2,844,041
when I took office to $8,260,319 as of June 30, 2023. Because over the last 4 years, we had to
rebuild not only our financial well-being, but also our reputation, which has led Standard and
Poor’s Global Ratings to shed a very positive light on our plan, and its execution. Let’s, be clear:
never raising taxes may sound appealing in theory, but in practice, it is a recipe for disaster. Our
responsible plan and its honest execution not only reflect our prudent fiscal policies but has also
resulted in an upgrade in our credit rating from A negative to A stable, and currently to A
positive. Short cuts by using one time and short-sighted payments from our fund balance are not
responsible. Our continued growth is dependent upon responsible leadership and ensure a stable
future for generations to come.

As we move forward, let us remember that the true measure of our success lies not in our ability
to avoid challenges, but in our resilience in the face of adversity. Let us embrace the
opportunities that lie before us and continue to build a community that we can all be proud to call
home. The signs of our progress are everywhere.

East Haven Police Department
In an environment where it is increasingly more difficult to be a police officer, our law
enforcement officers work daily to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. While
under the leadership of Chief Ed Lennon and Deputy Chief Pat Tracy there has been a number of
milestones, they also face challenges from mandates included in the Police Accountability Act
and work hard daily to overcome the costs of running a quality police department.
For example, at one time it cost less than $40,000.00 to properly outfit a single police car, that
same vehicle now costs approximately $60, 000.00.
I am pleased to announce that the EHPD has been re-accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies for a second consecutive 4-year term.
This prestigious recognition reflects our department's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in law enforcement. But like so many issues related to the Police Accountability Act, the state now requires more accreditation, but it does not
provide funding assistance to offset the administrative burdens that these mandates create.

So, while I have no doubt that our department will acquire what is necessary, we are forced to
fund another position to handle the paperwork that goes along with it. In this challenging environment our police leaders work to secure grants that enable us to enhance our capabilities and services. One example is The State ARPA Auto Theft and Violence Prevention Grant, totaling $35,000, facilitated the implementation of our Pursuit Prevention Program. With the severe restrictions that are placed on pursuit polices this is an important and vital funding source.
Investments in technology, such as the installation of state-of-the-art dash cameras with LPR
technology in all patrol vehicles, demonstrate our commitment to leveraging innovative solutions
to enhance public safety.
Furthermore, the EHPD has continued to foster community engagement through various
initiatives, including PAL fundraisers, charity events such as the inaugural "Battle of the Havens"
Charity Hockey Game against New Haven PD, and our ongoing participation in the "Battle of
the Badges" Softball Tournament, where the East Haven PD proudly retained their championship
title for the second consecutive year.
As we look ahead, the East Haven Police Department remains dedicated to serving and
protecting our community with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. And I remain
committed to making sure that they have the tools to do their jobs.

East Haven Fire Department
In 2023, our Fire Department responded to over 6400 calls for service. Led by Chief Matt
Marcarelli and Assistant Chief Chris Rosa, these numbers emphasize the dedication and
commitment of our firefighters to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. But like
the obstacles that our police department, our fire department also is impacted by state and federal
unfunded mandates. An example is that the Connecticut Fire Safety Code requires that our fire
marshal inspect every occupancy, with the exception of 1 & 2 family dwellings, annually despiteknowing that most fire marshals have limited assistance thereby making it nearly impossible to comply with. We certainly understand that occupancies should be inspected, forcing
communities our size to do so without providing funding support is simple not reasonable.
We did expand our firefighting force, hiring a new firefighter - paramedic who is currently
undergoing rigorous training at the academy. This and future additions to the force will further
bolster our emergency response capabilities and enhance our ability to serve our community in
times of need.

Through careful fiscal stewardship and strategic foresight, and plain hard work, Chief Marcarelli
has secured funding for essential equipment, including the acquisition of five LUCAS CPR
Compression Machines and five Video Scopes. This investment, made possible through the
Assistance to Firefighter Grant, amounting to $110,000, will significantly enhance our
emergency medical services and improve outcomes for those in critical condition.
In line with our commitment to maintaining state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, we have
also purchased a spare paramedic rescue truck, ensuring that our fleet remains reliable and ready
to respond to emergencies at a moment's notice.
Last year, our Fire Department underwent a comprehensive OSHA inspection of all buildings,
operations, procedures, and policies. While our operations, procedures, and our polices are in
order, this is where the historic neglect and the age of our buildings is concerning.
We made improvements to our headquarters' living quarters, ensuring that our firefighters have a comfortable and conducive environment to rest and recharge between calls.
Training and professional development remain a top priority for our Fire Department. In 2023,
we conducted a Firefighter One training program for volunteer firefighters and saw two Battalion
Chiefs complete their Fire Officer Three certification, further enhancing our leadership
capabilities within the department. I am also happy to share that Firefighter/Paramedic Jonathan Mustacchi was recognized by the Center for EMS Excellence as their "Paramedic of the Year." This prestigious accolade is a testament to Jonathan's commendable service and dedication to the residents of East Haven.
We've invested in innovative equipment such as the FAST Board for firefighter rescue, ensuring
that our personnel are equipped with the tools and training necessary to respond effectively to a
wide range of emergency situations.
Participation in exercises such as the TWEED Triennial air disaster exercise demonstrates our
commitment to preparedness and collaboration with regional partners in emergency response.
Lastly, our efforts to combat the opioid crisis have resulted in the administration of 51 doses of
Narcan, underscoring our commitment to saving lives and addressing the pressing public health
challenges facing our community.
I’m incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our Police and Fire Departments over the past
year and will always lend my support to our first responders and their families.

Recreation
Our East Haven Recreation Department has been at the forefront of fostering community
engagement, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing enriching experiences for residents of
all ages. With recreation offices now located at the refurbished Hays School, our staff has a
renovated and professional location to manage our thriving department. Hays not only serves as
the hub of our department, but also provide space to launch and grow several new programs
aimed at catering to the needs of our community. We have revamped its kitchen facilities and
introduced cooking classes, empowering individuals to learn new skills and embrace healthier
eating habits. Additionally, we partner with the YMCA which is the Gold standard for
strengthening individuals and communities across the country, to run a top of the line summer
camp program. ARPA funding is being used for new Pickleball courts and tennis complex.
ARPA funds are also being used to install an all-inclusive playground, designed to provide a
barrier-free environment where children of all abilities can play and thrive.
Throughout the year, our Recreation Department organizes events aimed at bringing joy and
excitement to our community. Many of these events have become cherished traditions that bring
us together.
The addition of our ice and roller-skating rink has been a resounding success, drawing in crowds
for community events, birthday parties, and corporate team-building activities. As we expected
the rink has quickly become a focal point for recreation and entertainment in East Haven,
offering programs and activities for individuals of all ages.
From seasonal festivities to educational workshops, our goal is to consistently enhance the
quality of life for every resident of East Haven through accessible and engaging recreational
opportunities.

Tax Department
Under our Tax Collector, Shayna Acampora, our current tax collection rate stands impressively
at 96.36%. This achievement is the result of concerted efforts to keep our taxpayers informed
and engaged. We've utilized various channels, including the East Haven Courier and our website,
to ensure that everyone is aware of their tax obligations. Furthermore, we've extended our office
hours during peak collection periods to better accommodate our residents' needs.
Looking ahead, we are investing in technology to further enhance our efficiency. By introducing
a check scanner to our department, we aim to streamline our deposit process and reduce potential
delays. This modernization effort will also bolster our security measures, mitigating the risk of
check fraud. Additionally, I want to highlight a less publicized but equally important aspect of our operations.

We have engaged State Marshals and Attorneys to assist with extreme delinquent accounts, andtheir efforts have yielded significant results. In the past year alone, they've helped us collectnearly $725,000 in overdue taxes. This underscores our commitment to fiscal responsibility. I want to express my gratitude to the entire Tax Department team for their hard work and dedication.

IT Department
Our journey towards modernization and technological advancement continues to unfold, guided
by a vision of efficiency, security, and progress. When we took office in 2019, there was no IT
department at all. IT was unsecure and so far behind any acceptable standard that departments
could not communicate with one another electronically, and even lacked the ability to transfer
phone calls.
The many strides made by our Information Technology (IT) department has been required for
our town to finally embracing the digital age. We recognize the pivotal role technology plays in
shaping our future, but most importantly making it easier for our taxpayers and stakeholders to
access the services that they need in an orderly and efficient manner.
The recent modernization initiative, which has seen updates across town buildings, reflects our
dedication to progress. We are now better equipped than ever to internally manage and maintain
the majority of our day-to-day operations. We have enhanced our overall IT security posture,
fortifying our network against potential threats while simplifying and securing user access.
As we look ahead, I am confident that our IT department will stabilize in the next few years
regarding its funding amounts per line item. Thank you, Tina Hedley, for your dedication and
continued effort in this department.

Animal Control
I want to share some remarkable achievements and initiatives in our animal control department.
One of our most significant accomplishments is the establishment of a robust partnership with
North Branford. This collaboration not only strengthens our ability to serve our neighboring
community but also exemplifies the spirit of unity and cooperation that defines our region. Our
partnership with North Branford was an opportunity to think outside the box and it benefits both
communities, "Through this, East Haven secures a consistent revenue stream that in turn, also provides a neighboring town a vital service." Emily Higgins and Michelle Benivegna
spearheaded this relationship. This new revenue also brings new hires to our ACO team as to
meet demand.

As we look to the future, we will continue to improve our facilities and infrastructure. Plans for
new air conditioning system are underway, ensuring that our facility provides a safe and
comfortable environment for both our staff and the animals in our care.
On a side note, I feel like I can’t talk about Our animal control team without mentioning the
youngest and cutest member of our Fire Department, Riggs.

Town Clerk’s Office
Over the past fiscal year, our Town Clerk's office has undergone significant developments aimed
at enhancing service delivery to our residents. Lisa Balter and her team have continuously
demonstrated a commitment to excellence in serving our residents.
The Town Clerks office has successfully secured a Connecticut State Library Municipal Grant
through the Historic Document Preservation Program, enabling us to upgrade outdated cabinetry
for the proper storage of essential documents.
The Clerk's Office has also made significant strides in modernizing its operations. The Index
Books have been meticulously updated, enhancing accessibility and convenience for our
residents.

Building Department
In 2023, our dedicated team issued a remarkable 1,265 building permits, representing a
construction value of over $29 million for our town. Alongside these permits, we conducted a
total of 1,430 inspections, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards.
These numbers underscore the growth of our community, with numerous construction projects
contributing to our town's development. Moreover, the fees generated from these permits
amounted to nearly half a million dollars.
One of the most notable advancements in our building department has been the full
implementation of online permitting and payment systems. This transition marks a significant
step forward in streamlining our processes.
It also enables round-the-clock access, allowing individuals to submit applications and payments
at their convenience, without being constrained by office hours.
By leveraging the advantages of both in-person and online channels, we're better equipped to serve the needs of our community and facilitate responsible development and growth in East
Haven. As we move forward, we will continue to explore ways to enhance and refine our processes,
leveraging technology and feedback to further improve the experience for all.

Planning and Zoning
Turning our attention to the vital work of our Planning and Zoning Department, I am pleased to
report significant progress and achievements in this critical area of town governance.
Thanks to the diligence and dedication of our staff, we have achieved results in addressing blight
issues in a timely manner whenever possible. By swiftly addressing these concerns, we are not
only improving the aesthetics of our town but also enhancing the overall quality of life for our
residents.
This year, the Planning and Zoning Department will be implementing enhancements to
synchronize the Zoning Map with the Assessor's data. This upgrade will streamline processes,
improve accuracy, and make valuable information more accessible to the public.

Hagaman Library
I am pleased to share significant achievements and highlights from Hagaman Library. Last year
marked a period of transformation for our library, starting with the completion of a new roof,
made possible through funding from the town, private donors, and a Connecticut State Library
Construction Grant.
Under new leadership with Director Sarah Mallory, the library underwent internal enhancements
aimed at bolstering efficiency and community service.
Partnerships were forged with key community entities such as the East Haven Senior Center,
Youth Services, Adult Education, Chamber of Commerce, and Trolley Museum.
The library continues to provide invaluable resources to our community. Last fiscal year, we
circulated over 64,000 items, representing a significant savings to residents. Our technology
services saw increased usage, with over 7,000 computer sessions and 65,000 Wi-Fi sessions,
alongside personalized tech help sessions.
Furthermore, in partnership with AARP, we provided free tax preparation assistance, filing 294
returns—an essential service benefiting our community.
In total, the library facilitated over 155,000 service interactions, reaffirming our commitment to
serving East Haven properly.

Senior Center
I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and accomplishments from our Senior Center.
The East Haven Senior Center now boasts over 255 active members, marking our highest
membership count ever.
In our ongoing commitment to promoting health and wellness among our seniors, I am pleased to
announce the addition of two new exercise classes: chai yoga and movement to music. These
classes, alongside our existing offerings, bring the total to eight different options available
monthly, catering to a diverse range of interests and fitness levels.
Our monthly "lunch and learn" educational sessions continue to provide valuable insights and
information on a variety of senior focused topics.
I am also thrilled to share that our Senior Center has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the
Connecticut State Unit on Aging. This funding will be instrumental in facility improvements and
enhancing our programming, ensuring that we continue to provide the highest quality of services
and amenities to our cherished senior community.
In addition to this grant, I am pleased to announce that through a grant from the Connecticut
Department of Transportation, we will soon be receiving a second bus dedicated to transporting
town seniors to medical appointments.

Social Services

Our Social Services department has processed over 425 State of Connecticut Rental Rebate
Applications. This diligent effort has resulted in East Haven residents receiving over $250,000 in
Rent Rebate checks, providing much-needed relief to individuals and families facing housing
challenges.
Furthermore, our commitment to supporting energy needs has been steadfast. Our department
has processed over 400 State of Connecticut Energy Assistance applications, resulting in East
Haven residents receiving over $500,000 in oil, propane, gas, and electric credits.
In addition to housing and energy assistance, we've also prioritized access to fresh and nutritious
food for our community. Our department has distributed over 125 farmers market vouchers to
eligible town residents, totaling over $4000 in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Our team will continue to strive for excellence in meeting the needs of our residents.

Youth Services
East Haven Youth Services mission is the enrichment of our youth's lives through education and
fun. We strive to provide a nurturing environment where our young residents can thrive and grow
into strong, open-minded thinkers and leaders.
I am thrilled to announce the successful launch of our new Teen Center, located at Hays School.
This center serves as a safe haven where teenagers can gather, socialize, and engage in a variety
of activities.
Moreover, we recognize the importance of collaboration in achieving our goals. That is why we
have fostered partnerships with numerous groups and organizations. These collaborations enable
us to broaden our reach and provide a comprehensive array of resources and support to our
youth.
We are excited to announce our partnership with a committee at East Haven High School to
implement the "Yellowjacket Mentoring Program." Through this initiative, we aim to provide
mentorship and support to today's teens and future generations, empowering them to reach their full potential and become leaders in our community and beyond.

Public Works
This dedicated team has worked tirelessly to enhance our infrastructure, beautify our parks, and
ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
In addition to paving, our Public Works department continues to focus on crucial drainage work
across various areas. These actions have significantly contributed to mitigating flooding risks
and improving water management in our community. Furthermore, we have replaced and
repaired many catch basins throughout the town.
Under our MS4 program, we have diligently cleaned out catch basins throughout East Haven,
demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance with regulations.
Notably, we have installed new curbing on the island on Russo Ave. and adorned it with river
rock, adding to the charm and functionality of our streetscape.
In the realm of tree maintenance, our dedicated tree crew has conducted extensive cutting and
stump removal throughout the town. These efforts not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal of
our community but also ensure the safety of our residents.
Turning our attention to our parks and recreational facilities, I am pleased to announce several
improvements made by our Public Works department. The basketball courts at Michael St. Park
and Warwick St. Park, along with the repair of the walking track behind the Ice Rink.

Furthermore, our commitment to providing exceptional recreational amenities is exemplified bythe new playground improvements at Memorial Field and Massachusetts Avenue. Public Works continues maintenance improvements to enhance the functionality and presentation of our public buildings. From painting the interiors of the Police Department, Library, Hays School, Rec Department, and Public Service buildings to installing new lighting and fans at Hays/Rec Dept, our efforts are aimed at creating comfortable and efficient spaces for our community members. I appreciate the dedication and hard work of our Public Works department.

Board of Education
Let me be clear: My Administration recognizes the pivotal role our school district plays in
shaping the future of our children. Over the past three years alone, our town has allocated over $1 million to the Board of Education. This substantial investment proves our commitment to
providing our children with the resources they need to succeed. However, it also necessitates
responsible use of taxpayer funds. I urge our Board of Education to make sure the teachers have the assets they need. That money should be spent on student development and support.
We need to escape from spending valuable funds on administrators and ear-mark the hard-earned dollars in areas and on programs that directly impact our students. My commitment to our
students and teachers is unprecedented. Let me emphasize that while we stand firm in our support for education, very few departments have received the amount of funding as our Board of Education. We owe it to our taxpayers, our children, and our community as a whole to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely and in the best interest of our future generations.

Economic Development

I would like to shed light on one of the most crucial aspects of our community's growth: economic development. It serves as a barometer, for the overall health of our town. And I am pleased to report that our efforts have yielded remarkable success. National companies are casting their gaze upon our community, and are finding us to be a “Community of Choice.” While local businesses continue to reaffirm their commitment to us, the likes of Starbucks and Chipotle are set to grace our Rt 80 corridor, with discussions underway for additional nationally known franchises to establish a presence along our 95 corridors. Additionally, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the iconic Branford business, By the Sea, to a location right across from our beloved Town Green. It's important to recognize that these companies don't simply choose a town on a whim. They conduct meticulous analyses, scrutinizing every detail, and the leadership of a community. In the past, some of these companies may have overlooked our town, but through our concerted efforts, we have managed to change that narrative. Economic Development Director, Michelle Benivenga and I have dedicated ourselves to providing these companies with the necessary information and customer service they deserve. It is with great pride that the facts tell us: we are now a “community of choice.”

Finance Department
Jim Keeley and our Finance Department stand as the cornerstone of our town's fiscal health.
From managing accounts payable and receivable to handling budgeting, investments, and
insurance, this department ensures the efficient allocation and management of our financial
resources. I am particularly proud to share that our town has consistently received the highest audit opinion, known as an "unmodified opinion" during my tenure. This recognition underscores our dedication to financial transparency and accountability. Independent auditors have confirmed that our accounting practices exhibit no instances of noncompliance, questioned costs, or internal control deficiencies.
Furthermore, as I already indicated our diligent financial management has led to a remarkable
increase in our Fund Balance, rising from a modest $2,844,041 to an impressive $8,260,319.
This growth not only reflects our prudent fiscal policies but has also resulted in an upgrade in our
credit rating from A negative to A stable, and currently to A positive. The previous standard of maintaining a 5% Fund Balance has now risen to 8%.

While we have made significant progress and are currently edging closer at 7.85%, we
acknowledge the need to meet this standard by the close of Fiscal Year 2024. Despite our continued efforts to budget prudently and maintain positive changes in our Fund
Balance, we must acknowledge the challenges ahead. With the expiration of ARPA Funds by
December 2024, we anticipate more modest improvements in the coming years. Nevertheless, I
assure you that we remain vigilant to our financial responsibility and will continue to navigate
these challenges with resilience, foresight and leadership.

In Closing

I extend my gratitude to all who have joined us tonight. I wish to express my appreciation to our department heads and dedicated staff for their diligent efforts in shaping this budget. It's undeniable that we are fortunate to have the most exceptional finance director in the
region. Jim's superb organizational skills are matched only by his pleasant demeanor, making him a true asset to our team. I also want to recognize the invaluable service rendered by the members of the Board of Finance. Mr. Chairman, with the completion of my presentation, I
hereby entrust the budget to the Council. Best wishes, and thanks to everyone involved.