Board of Selectmen Issues Autism Awareness Proclamation

The Suffield Board of Selectmen issued a formal proclamation naming April as Autism Awareness Month in Suffield at their meeting on Wednesday. The proclamation noted both the effects of autism on individuals with the condition and the greater community as well as the importance of awareness of the disorder.

State Rep. Elaine O’Brien and State Sen. John Kissel were on hand as well to give a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly to a group of Suffield parents raising Autism awareness.

Selectman Eileen Moncrief read the proclamation, which noted the unique effects of autism on each individual with the disorder and the growing rate of diagnosis. The proclamation also recognized that members of the Suffield community have the disorder.

“Whereas, it is known that with proper education, training and community living options, individuals with autism can lead distinguished, productive lives in their communities and strive to reach their fullest potential,” the proclamation said. “…Suffield supports increasing awareness of this challenging disability and brings vital and important information to the community and other parents who have a child with autism.”

O’Brien then displayed the citation from the general assembly and gave it to Doriana Vicedomini, a Suffield resident and chairman of the Connecticut Autism Action Coalition.

“I’m presenting this along with Sen. Kissel to the parents’ group,” she said.

Kissel said he was happy to have increased his knowledge of autism and to be involved with awareness-raising efforts.

“I commend the town leaders for making the proclamation,” he said. “I want to commend all the family members as well.”

The Selectmen also issued a fair housing resolution at the meeting, naming April as Fair Housing Month in Suffield. Moncrief read the resolution to the other selectmen and the audience.

“Whereas, fair housing is important to ensure all Americans the right to live in a decent, safe and sanitary environment,” the resolution said. “…the Town of Suffield is proud to participate in the recognition and support of Fair Housing Month.”

The board also disbursed $25,000 from the town contingency fund to the tax collector’s office to provide rebates for overpayment of taxes. First Selectman Tom Frenaye pointed out that the tax money was already collected and needs to be paid back – there was no actual cost to the town in reimbursing the overpayments.

Another $25,000 was moved from the contingency fund to cover increased legal fees resulting from the union contract negotiations that have taken place with town employee unions in the past months. The money will also help pay for some legal costs related to the town’s human resources department.

“This primarily takes care of the negotiation side,” Frenaye said, noting that the rest of the budget in regard to legal matters was in good shape.