2009 PRESS RELEASES Bristol, CT, June 4, 2009 - If you own an American Flag that is torn and tattered and is no longer serviceable and you want to make sure it is disposed of in a respectful and honorable manner . . . Bristol, CT, April 16, 2009 – In a prepared statement today, Mayor Ward announced that the Community Gardens in Bristol are set to  go.  “This is a great opportunity for the residents of Bristol, who don’t have land to plant a garden,” said Ward. “The location of the gardens at the Bristol Senior Community Center is especially convenient for seniors who now live in apartments or condominiums and still would like to do recreational gardening.” . . . Bristol, CT, March 30, 2009 - The Bristol Water Department, in conjunction with the Southington Water Department, and local volunteers will be hosting a free Medication Disposal Program for City of Bristol and Town of Southington residents on Saturday April 25, 2009. The program will be held at the Southington Water Department Headquarters from 10 AM to 2 PM. The Southington Water Department is conveniently located just off Route 229 at 605 West Queen Street . . . . Bristol, CT, February 27, 2009 — Members of the National Junior Honor Society and Scouts of Immanuel Lutheran School held a Bake Sale on a Sunday after Church services. They named the fundraiser Five for Flags ($5.00 for flags). In hearing that the Bristol Veterans Council needed money to purchase flags for the deceased veterans of Bristol, Connecticut, the National Honor Society and the Scouts worked together to hold a Bake Sale which the profits would be donated to the Flag Fund of the  Veterans Council. . . . Bristol, CT, January 30, 2009 — Water Superintendent Robert Longo said Thursday that “While many hydrants around town are buried beneath the snow, Water Department crews are working each day to clear them out”. Residents are always encouraged to lend a hand by digging out hydrants near their homes. With the importance of keeping the hydrants accessible for the fire department, the Water Department needs some assistance from property owners. . . . Bristol, CT, January 14, 2009— In a prepared release, Mayor Arthur J. Ward stated, “The Governor has issued and extreme weather alert for the next three days. Connecticut is expected to have temperatures way below zero with a wind chill factor that will hold it in the single and possibly negative digits.” The Mayor has contacted the Chief of Police, John DiVenere, the Executive Director of Bristol Community Organization, Thomas Morrow, Katherine Plourde of Bristol Community Services and Phillip Lysiak of the Saint Vincent DePaul Shelter. . . .   2008 PRESS RELEASES Bristol, CT, December 21, 2008, To the Citizens of Bristol, Connecticut During this special season, our lives of are filled with the spirit of giving, the importance of family and friends, and a sense of healing, renewal and new opportunity. As we prepare for these busy holidays, it is a time to reflect on the important things in life. Those things that enrich our lives, those things that are hard to live without; they are our family and friends. These are the true gifts of the holidays. . . .  Bristol, CT, October 30, 2008 — It has been 5 ½ months since vandals destroyed the historic bronzemo nument of the soldier, titled “The Hiker” from the Spanish American War. On Friday, October 31st at 1:00 p.m., Mayor Ward and Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, Ed Swicklas will unveil the newly renovated statue which has been returned to its original spot on Memorial Boulevard. North Shore Monuments, of Brookville NY did the restoration of Hiker and the World War I monument on Memorial Boulevard. . . . Bristol, CT, September 2, 2008 — As a part of their 40th Anniversary celebration, the Bristol Male Voice Choir will be performing in sister cities in the United States. On the list for visits are Bristol, Connecticut, Bristol, New Jersey, Bristol, Pennsylvania and Bristol, Virginia. The highlight of the tour will be a performance at a 9/11 Remembrance Gala Concert on September 16, 2008 with massed choirs at the Carnegie Hall, hosted by Mayor Bloomberg and the English Consul. Bristol, CT, August 27 2008 — Mayor Arthur J. Ward announced today that he is seeking names of citizens to fill positions on the City’s boards and commissions. “This administration is committed to bringing new ideas and perspectives to the many boards and commissions which oversee the vast array of functions that are needed to run a city of 60,000 residents,” said Ward. Ward continued, “We know there are many bright, committed men, women and youth in Bristol who have a great deal to contribute to the betterment of our City. Bristol is rich in diversity, but that needs to be . . . Bristol, CT, June 11, 2008— In a prepared release, Mayor Arthur J. Ward stated, “This summer we can  anticipate more people taking advantage of municipal recreation services because of the tight economy and cost of travel.” Ward went on to say, “Swimming and other activities are excellent opportunities for. . . . Bristol, CT, May 23, 2009, COPS FOR KIDS FUND RAISER HELPS FIGHT CHILDHOOD CANCER For the third year, police officers camped on the roof of the Super Stop and Shop on Farmington Avenue, raising money for children with cancer. The fund raising event took place on Memorial Day weekend where Lt. Jack Michaud and Officer . . . Bristol, CT, May 21, 2008 —— On Thursday, May 22 at 12 noon, local leaders, including Bristol Mayor Art Ward, will urge Governor Jodi Rell to sign HB 5536, Connecticut Health Care Partnership Bill. “This bill makes good economic sense and needs to be signed into law,” Ward said. BRISTOL, CT, April 30, 2008, - In a prepared release, Mayor Arthur J. Ward addressed the need for further cuts to the 2008 – 2009 City budget. “The budget process is always a challenge and this coming year is no exception. Additional budget cuts are going to be necessary for Fiscal Year 2008-2009”, said Mayor Ward. With the downturn in the economy, prices rising in every sector of business and many Connecticut cities struggling to stay afloat, Mayor Ward is going back to the Department heads for another round of cuts. . . . Bristol, CT, April 10, 2008, On March 15, 2005 a formal request was sent to the Comcast Cable Company for a live drop to be placed at City hall in the Bristol City Council Chambers to enable the City to televise their Council meetings and other interactive events LIVE. According to the Franchise Agreement that Comcast held with Nutmeg Public Access . . .  Bristol, CT, February 1, 2008 —Mayor Arthur J. Ward announced today that an in-depth planning study of the city’s West End neighborhood has begun, under the direction of the Bristol Planning Commission and assisted by The Capstan Group and its partner the Yale Urban Design Workshop. The city recently awarded an $80,000 contract to the New Haven-based consultants to conduct this study. ”The West End has always been a vibrant factor in the history of Bristol and should . . . Bristol, CT, February 28, 2008 – Customers of the Bristol Water Department will now be able to pay their water and sewer bills electronically.With a new Online Payment system, customers can save the cost of a stamp and also the trouble of writing out a check. Payments made Online also provide the customer with an electronic record of the payment. . . . Bristol, CT, January 11, 2008 - Mayor Arthur J. Ward was a guest of the television show, Face the State on Thursday, January 10, 2008. Face the State is a locally viewed show produced by WFSB, Channel 3.  . . . 2007 PRESS RELEASES Bristol, CT, October 12, 2007 - The City of Bristol will begin fall leaf collection on Monday, October 15, 2007. Curbside leaf collection will continue through the end of November. Leaves are only collected in brown (recyclable) paper leaf bags that are available at most home and garden stores. Leaf bags are collected on the normal rubbish collection day.    Bristol, CT, October 12, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced that BPSA, (Bristol Professional Supervisors Association) and his office have come to a contractual agreement regarding the use of City vehicles by City personnel. “We have effectively eliminated the past practice of allowing a limited number of employees to take their vehicles home on a regular basis. This will result in savings for the City and the taxpayer”, said Stortz.   Bristol, CT, September 28, 2007 – Mayor William T. Stortz announced today that the Bristol Water Department, as a Department of the City of Bristol, is notifying customers that the Cities reservoirs have declined to 70 percent capacity from the lack of rain and that the Water Department has issued Voluntary Water Restrictions effective immediately.   Bristol, CT, September 7, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz reported that the response to the newly instituted city email address (bristolblight@ci.bristol.ct.us) to report building, health and property violations has been well received. Stated Stortz, “I am happy that people are using this to report possible violations, and helping us to improve the overall appearance of the City.”     Bristol, CT, July 25, 2007 - the City of Bristol has been informed that a contractor for CL&P will be tree trimming and vegetation management on several City streets until 8/3/07. This includes portions of West Street, Laurel Street, Lexington Street, Concord Street, Fairfield Street, Henderson Street, Pilgrim Road, Fern Hill Road. A map of the areas is available on the City’s web site at: http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/filestorage/3240/Tree_Map.pdf   Bristol, CT, July 6, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced that he is requesting that the City Council, through its Ordinance Committee, review City regulations regarding the sale and use of fireworks, and consider the possibility of restricting the sale of fireworks within City limits. Stortz said, “I have received numerous calls and comments regarding the use of fire works, starting many weeks prior to the traditional use of fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July. Bristol, CT, July 3, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced that the City Police Department has completed its Diversity Training Program which was started six months ago. Stortz said, “The program was well received, and that will be the basis for further efforts in this area. Diversity encompasses many areas, including gender, age, race and culture, many others. A greater awareness in all of these areas was the goal and was clearly achieved.” Bristol, CT, June 18, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced that FEMA, through the efforts of Governor Rell, will now be considering applications for disaster aid for those who sustained losses during the rain and flooding this past April (15 – 27).Stortz stated, “It will be the responsibility of the individual property owners to contact FEMA to determine if they are eligible. Bristol, CT, June 18, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced that he has received confirmation that any decision on the Bristol Social Security Office will be deferred until later in the year. Stortz said, “With the combined efforts of Senators Dodd and Lieberman, and Congressman Larson, the SSA is deferring a decision until the new Commissioner can fully evaluate the agency operations.” Bristol, CT, June 12, 2007 – In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced that one of the key issues of the Charter Revision Commission, will probably be the modification of the sections of the City Charter regarding the Mayor, the City Council. “There has been significant discussion over the idea of a City Manager, and I’m sure that this will be one of the charges to the Charter Revision Commission,” said Stortz. Bristol, CT, May 25, 2007 - Mayor William T. Stortz announced today that he continues to seek names for positions to City boards and commissions. “For a true representation of the City of Bristol, it is important that commissions and boards reflect the diversity of the City,” said Stortz.“We know there are qualified citizens out there that have a great deal to contribute to the growth and well being of our town.”   2006 PRESS RELEASES Mayor Asks Citizens to Oppose Closing of Social Security Office Bristol, CT, September 20, 2006 – In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz called on all Bristol citizens to join together to oppose the closing of our local Social Security office. “I have been informed by the regional office of Social Security that the local office will close by December 31, 2006, with operations and services moved to New Britain. This clearly creates a hardship for the many Bristol and Bristol area citizens who use the Bristol office”, stated Stortz.   Mayor Addresses West Nile Virus Spraying Bristol, CT, September 1, 2006 – In prepared comments, William T. Stortz addressed local concerns relating to the West Nile Virus.“Based on discussions with the State and the local Health District, it was determined that spraying will not be implemented at this time. Spraying is being done in a very few areas state wide, and even then, not aerially, or by truck, street wide, but just via individuals using back pack devices. It is being restricted to areas where a number of cases of West Nile Virus infections have been reported . . . Mayor Forms Committee for Development of a Community Theater Bristol, CT, August 24, 2006 – In a prepared statement, Mayor William T. Stortz today announced the formation of a committee to explore the concept of a community theater as part of the overall Downtown Project.Mayor Stortz said, “There is tremendous interest in having a community theater in the downtown area, . . .  Diversity Training Contract Signed with Positive Approaches, Inc. Bristol, CT, August 4, 2006 – In prepared comments released today, Mayor William T. Stortz announced the signing of the diversity contract with Positive Approaches, Inc. “This contract with Positive Approaches, a well-known diversity training organization is the culmination of months of research,. . . Ocean State Job Lot Overruled Bristol, CT, July 31, 2006 - In prepared comments released today, Bristol Mayor, William T. Stortz reported that his office has received notification that Judge Kremski has ruled in favor of the City on all counts in the Ocean State litigation. City Budget for 2006-2007 Available to the Public Bristol, CT, July 7, 2006 - Mayor William T. Stortz, in a prepared release, announced that the City budget document can be reviewed by the public online by logging onto the City of Bristol website at www.ci.bristol.ct.us. Said Stortz, “This is part of an ongoing effort to open the government process and keep our citizens informed.” In addition, a . . . Housing Trust Fund Receives $400,000 Dollars Bristol, CT, June 28, 2006 - Mayor William T. Stortz announced today that the City of Bristol will receive $400,000 under the Housing Trust Fund Program to fund a Residential Housing Rehabilitation Program for Bristol homeowners. This grant comes from an application made by the Bristol Development Authority. . . . Brackett Park to Reopen after Renovations Bristol, CT, June 19, 2006 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced the reopening of the newly renovated Brackett Park on School Street will take place on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 5:30 pm. A flag-raising ceremony will be the highlight of the event. “Brackett Parkhas never had a flag pole and the one installed will be a very nice final touch to the renovations,” said Stortz. . . . Revised Assistance Agreement announced by DECD Bristol, CT, June 1, 2006 – In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz expressed with great pleasure, the approval by City Council of a revised Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance in Downtown Development. Stortz said, “With the help of DECD, we have been able to modify what was originally . . . Report on Racist Activity in Police Department Bristol, CT, May 12, 2006 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz today announced that he has received a letter from the Chiefs States’ Attorney office regarding allegations made last year of racist activity in the Bristol Police Department. “This letter is the result of contact with the State by then Mayor Couture, with follow up continuing during my administration,” stated the mayor. Formation of Housing Code Board of Appeals Bristol, CT, April 25, 2006 – In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced the appointment of the Housing Code Board of Appeals. “The City of Bristol is aggressively addressing the issue of blight and violations of the housing and building code, in an effort to improve the image and quality of life in Bristol. For too long, we . . . Ethics Board Instated Bristol, CT, March 24, 2006 – In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced appointment of members to the Ethics board. The last Charter Revision Commission made sweeping changes to Bristol’s ethics policy, including the creation of a new seven-member Ethics Board. “I am in full support of the more . . . Birges Pond/Hoppers Committee Reformation Bristol, CT, February 24, 2006 – In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced the reformation of the Birges Pond-Hoppers Committee. “As we move forward in making Bristol an even better place to live, we have to maximize the use of available resources and adhere to the interests and concerns of our citizens. . . . Scope of Dowtown Area Approved Bristol, CT, February 16, 2006 – In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced that he had received good news from DECD regarding the Downtown Economic Development effort. “DECD has indicated that they are in the process of expanding the EIE scope of effort,” said Stortz. “This is what I had requested . . . Reformation of the Robert's Property Committee Bristol, CT, January 24, 2006 – In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced the reformation of the Roberts Property Committee. “As we move forward in making Bristol an even better place to live, we have to maximize the use of available resources and adhere to the interests and concerns of our citizens. The Roberts . . . Reformation of Park Revitalization Committee Bristol, CT, January 23, 2006 – In a prepared statement, Mayor William T. Stortz announced the reformation of the Park Revitalization Committee. “The Park Revitalization Committee, which has been working to address some of the physical needs of the Bristol park system, has been working on the issues for some time. Although it had been disbanded by . . . 2005 PRESS RELEASES New Mayor Seeking Names for Board and Commissions Bristol, CT, November 23, 2005 – Mayor William T. Stortz announced today that he is seeking names for positions to city boards and commissions for his new administration. Recommendations from the public are welcome and encouraged. While appointments are made on a regular basis throughout the year, Electronic Voting Committee Established by Mayor Bristol, CT, Dec 9, 2005– In a prepared statement, Mayor William T. Stortz announced the formation of a new committee to address the conversion to electronic voting. The federal government, under the Help Americans Vote Act (HAVA), has mandated the shift to electronic voting machines in time for the 2006 elections. “This will be a major change Public Information Meeting on Brownfields Project Bristol, CT, December 16, 2005 - In 2002, the City of Bristol initiated a Brownfields Assessment Pilot Project funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The City hired HRP Associates, Inc. of Plainville, CT as the environmental consultant for the project. The purpose of the project was to determine the environmental quality of particular properties within Mayor Seeking Diversity for Boards and Commissions Bristol, CT, December 20, 2005 – Mayor William T. Stortz announced today that he continues to seek names for positions to city boards and commissions. “For a true representation of the City of Bristol, it is important that commissions and boards reflect the cultural diversity of Bristol,” said Stortz. “We know there are qualified citizens out