t ow n o f�anchester

C O N N E C T I C U T

f i s c a l y e a r 2 0 0 2 - 2 0 0 3 ❁ A N N U A L R E P O R T

1823General Government

Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Customer Service and Information Center . . . . . 4

Finance Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

General Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Planning and Economic Development . . . . . . . . 5

Tax Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Town Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Human Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Elderly and Family Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Health Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Senior Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Certified Nurses Aide Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Manchester Early Learning

Opportunities, (MELO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Lead Action Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Public Works

Building Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Engineering Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Cemetery Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Highway Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Parks Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Fire/Rescue/EMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Office of Emergency Management . . . . . . . . . 16

Police Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Recreation Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Manchester Public Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Water and Sewer Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Youth Services Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Department Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

�e a r c i t i z e n s o f m a n c h e s t e r ,

It is with sincere pride that we introduce to you today, theTown of Manchester’s 2003 Annual Report. As you willread in these pages, it has been a challenging and rewarding

year for us. Despite a difficult economy and significant cutsin state funding, however, the Town of Manchester remains amodel for other communities in many areas. Our reputationfor excellence is well known in the Hartford Region andthroughout the State of Connecticut. This year Moody’sInvestors Service and Fitch Ratings reaffirmed our strongbond ratings of AA2 and AA+ respectively.

In many cases, our talented employees are to be commendedfor their successful collaborations and creative problem-solvingabilities. Many were celebrated in December 2003 at ourAnnual Employee Recognition Ceremony.

AMONG THEM ARE;

• The implementation of a new Public Safety CommunicationsCenter, which required 911 dispatchers a) to learn a newdispatching software program and b) to assume the respon-sibility for Fire and Emergency Medical resources.

• In the wake of September 11, the Town of Manchester’sHealth Department became a lead agency in fostering acomprehensive Public Health Emergency Preparedness andplanning apparatus. Specifically, it completed plans for asmallpox mass clinic plan involving Manchester and theTowns of Glastonbury and Andover.

• The Parks and Recreation Department was commended forits role in the $1M reconstruction of the high school foot-ball/soccer field and completion of track and field facilities.It assumed responsibility for maintenance of the newly renovated facilities and implemented a plan to improve the condition of the high school grounds.

• The Public Works, Highway Department and the CustomerService and Information Center collaborated in bringing asmoothly run 2003 Leaf Collection Program.

• The Juvenile Fire Intervention Team produced a breakthrough booklet about fire safety, Parents’ LegalResponsibility When Your Child Sets a Fire.

• Town employees introduced Manchester Government 2002Academy, a ten-week hands-on classroom learning experi-ence for residents held evenings and weekends. Also,Manchester Youth Government Academy was introducedfor high school students.

• In November 2003, the Human Resources Departmentcreated a new Customer Service Training program for newand current employees.

• The 2002 Town Annual Report won first place honors forcities with a population exceeding 50,000 in the City andTown Annual Report contest sponsored by the Universityof Connecticut’s Institute of Public Service.

• The Community Emergency Response Team was and is ateam of individuals organized and trained to manage emer-gency situations, such as, fire suppression, search and rescue,triage and first aid and safety and documentation functions.Team members are located throughout the community tobe better able to respond to major crises.

Manchester continues to offer a wide range of services andfacilities rarely found in a city of such modest size. While in recent years it has gained regional prominence as the commercial center for Eastern Connecticut, its boundariesinclude over 2,000 acres of open space and watershed landand 500 acres of parks and recreational lands.

The Town is also home to the state’s largest community collegeand has made a major investment in public education wit-nessed recently by the completion of the Manchester EarlyLearning Center. It is hoped that today’s investment in theadults of tomorrow will produce outstanding future citizensand workers ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Steven R. Werbner, General ManagerStephen T. Cassano, Mayor

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�anchester�able of ContentsSteven R. Werbner, General Manager

Stephen T. Cassano, Mayor

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MANCHESTER BOARD OF DIRECTORSTerm of Office, 11.17.03-11.21.05

Stephen T. Cassano, (D), MayorJosh Howroyd, (D), Deputy MayorJoseph Hachey, (D), SecretaryDavid Sheridan, (D)Kevin Zingler, (D)

Louis Spadaccini, (R), Minority LeaderTimothy Becker, (R)Geoffrey Naab, (R)Jennifer Towler Nye, (R)

AccomplishmentsBoard of Directors Accomplishments 2002-2003

• Adopted a fiscal year 2002-2003 General Fund budget of$118,427,248 with a General fund mill rate of 28.98.

• Adopted a resolution appropriating $139,300,000 of addi-tional funds for school improvement projects, towards con-struction of a new high school building, and related land.Also funded the acquisition, repair, reconstruction and lim-ited renovation of 12 secondary and elementary schoolsand sites and the demolition of certain school properties.

• Approved $746,142 in federal funds and program income for Community Development and adoption of the AnnualCommunity Development Block Grant Action Plan.

• Adopted $2M in appropriation to the Lead AbatementProgram Extension Round 7 financed by a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

• Approved an agreement with Ambulance Services ofManchester for collection of ALS fees and associated bidwaiver and that Town Administration report on an annualbasis as to other billing options.

• Allocated $88,000 from the unallocated portion of theCapital Improvement Reserve account for traffic signalimprovements for Spruce and School Streets.

• Adopted an appropriation of $1,000 for the purchase andinstallation of an entrance sign for the Children’s ButterflyGarden at Northwest Park as part of the Town BeautificationProgram.

• Adopted a $14,700 Department of Health grant for theupgrade of local public health preparedness and response tobio-terrorism to be financed by a state grant.

• Adopted a delinquent Water and Sewer Account policy fortenant occupied properties and owner occupied properties.

• Adoption of a delinquent motor vehicle tax collection policy.

• Approved an extension of a resolution outlining the Town policy for wages and benefits of Town employees activated for military or National Guard duty as a result of the September 11, 2001 Attack on America.

• Approved a revised Recreation Department Program feeschedule requiring a $5 youth recreation fee to cover theuse of indoor and outdoor municipal pools. Children regis-tered for the Recreation Dept. summer camp program,however, would be eligible for a free pool pass.

• Approved authorization for the General Manager to enterinto a contract extension for participation by the ManchesterPolice Department in the East Central Narcotics TaskForce Agreement. Approved a resolution to change the holiday hours at the landfill.

• Adopted the $40,000 allocation in the Fire Reserveaccount towards a $50,000 purchase of the SmartLinkradio communications system.

• Approved the adoption of a schedule of rates, charges andfees for the Manchester Water Department effective July 1,2003 to include the establishment of a water rate of $2.11per HCF for all volumes of consumption up to 100 HCFper quarter, the establishment of a new fee for meter installation and a revision to the return check fee.

• Established a new non-automated or unmetered water rate.

Ordinances

• Approval of an amendment to the pension ordinance toincrease the minimum pension payment for qualifiedretirees as authorized and funded in the FY2002-2003adopted budget.

• Approval of an amendment to an existing ordinance.Additional Property Tax Exemption for Qualified Veteransto authorize the property exemption be raised from $3,000to $5,000.

• Approval of an amendment to the existing snow and iceremoval ordinance to include fire hydrants under the ordinance requiring the removal of snow, sleet and ice by abutters.

• Amended the existing pension ordinance to expand themembership of the Pension Board from five to seven members.

• Amended the existing ordinance Chapter 7, HousingProperty Maintenance Code, to provide for certain revi-sions in the membership provisions of the Municipal Boardof Appeals.

The Customer Service & Information Center is a centralmunicipal resource for customer needs; it is our goal to better connect residents, visitors, and employees.

In Fiscal Year 2002-2003, the center’s staff processed morethan 34,500 customer requests,

• ManchesterLife, the Town’s premier community magazine was introduced,

• The Memorial Tree Program provided 14 new trees in four Town parks and at the Lutz Children’s Museum,

• During the summer months, staff produced over 400Recreation membership ID badges for Town residents.

• In October 2003, staff began distributing complimentarybottled water to Town Hall visitors.

FINANCE DEPARTMENTACCOUNTING DIVISIONThe Accounting Division is responsible for financial reporting,payroll, accounts payable, cash management and investments.

This office prepares the Comprehensive Annual FinancialReport (CAFR). For seven consecutive years, the GovernmentFinance Officers’ Association, (GFOA) of the United Statesand Canada has honored us with a Certificate of Achievementfor Excellence in Financial Reporting.

The CAFR prepared for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002included the first financial statements issued by the Town under new financial reporting rules known as GovernmentalAccounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement #34. Thisreport was issued in January 2003 and has been submitted to GFOA for the Certificate of Achievement program.

During this fiscal year, the Accounting Division has workedwith the General Services Division to implement a purchasingcard program to reduce processing costs for acquisition ofrepeat, low-cost items.

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Darcy Arcand (left), and Doreen Petrozza (right) discuss the Town’sCustomer Service and Information Center.

CUSTOMER SERVICE & INFORMATION CENTER

GENERAL SERVICESThe General Services division is responsible for purchasing,print shop, mailroom and telephone services operations. Infiscal year 2002-2003, the department solicited 109 formalsealed bids for contracts. Items included office supplies,materials, equipment, services, construction and disposal ofsurplus equipment. Significant projects bid involved boilerreplacement at Mary Cheney Library, installation of theboundless playground at Northwest Park, and masonryrestoration at the Lincoln Center, Weiss Center and ProbateCourt. In addition, bids were done for Information SystemsiSeries and component upgrade, Human Resources software,street light acquisition, Manchester High School trackbleachers, and Hartford Road sanitary sewer rehabilitation.

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENTThe Human Resources Department provides full service and support for a workforce of approximately 800 full andpart-time employees, and hundreds of job applicants. Staff is responsible for employee recruitment, orientation andretention, labor negotiations and contract administration,joint labor-management initiatives, employee health insur-ance and benefits, retirement and financial planning; workers’compensation, development of safety, health related andworkplace behavior policies, training, oversight of federal and state mandated programs, and oversight of the Customer Service and Information Center.

Manchester Government Academy

In an effort to provide the public with a hands-on opportunityto learn more about the inner workings of local government,the Town of Manchester developed Manchester GovernmentAcademy in September 2002. Through a series of interactivesessions, academy participants get an inside look at themunicipal operations covering everything from public safetyto the library. The Manchester Government Academy hassuccessfully graduated 90 participants.

Manchester Youth Academy

In collaboration with the Manchester Public Schools and theTown of Manchester, the Manchester Youth GovernmentAcademy Pilot program was launched in February 2003. The Youth Government Academy concept was modeled afterthe Town’s Government Academy, bridging the gap in servicesto youth and a positive youth development opportunity.Approximately 30 Manchester High School seniors enrolled

in the Participation in American Society curriculum partici-pated in the first Manchester Youth Government Academyduring the 2002-2003 school year.

Police Officer Recruitment Fair

On November 16, 2002, the Human Resources Departmentheld the first annual Police Officer Recruitment fair in cooperation with the Police Department. Prospective officersvisited stations including canine officer, traffic, SWAT, agility preparation, life at the academy, fingerprinting in the Detective Bureau and the Prism “shoot don’t shoot” simulator. At end of the day, participants gathered to discussthe selection process and applications were distributed.

Community and Careers Program with Manchester

Chamber of Commerce

For its second consecutive year, the department coordinateda community and careers class with the Chamber of Commerce.This is part of a Youth Services Program from MARC, Inc.that works with at-risk high school students. Town employeesshare their knowledge of local government and give pupilsinsight into occupations they may not have previously considered. Our message was that you can get a good job if you have a high school diploma.

PLANNING AND ECONOMICDEVELOPMENTThe Planning Department provides policy analysis, technicalassistance and administrative support to several Town boardsand commissions responsible for growthmanagement, redevelopment, andopen space preservation forManchester.

Public and private investmentbegan in mid-town: with the section of Main Streetbetween Middle Turnpikeand Center Street after theadoption of a revitalizationplan in 2002. The Town’sfacade improvement programcompleted its first mid-townproject at Summit Studios.

Also in keeping with the revitalization plan’s recommenda-tions, the Town acquired two blighted duplexes behind theLincoln Center, a municipal building. These buildings willbe demolished and, for the near term, additional parking and improved circulation for the municipal office complex,improved landscaping and lighting, and a new access toCenter Springs Park will be constructed.

The department is coordinating the work of private consult-ants and a steering committee developing a plan for the revi-talization and redevelopment of the Broad Street and MiddleTurnpike commercial area and the largely vacant ManchesterParkade. The plan is intended to identify potential re-uses forthe properties that will benefit the community and be eco-nomically feasible and sustainable.

The Town purchased 65 acres on Case Mountain using acombination of Town open space bond and Water Departmentfunds and State grants. With this purchase, the Town’s CaseMountain open space holdings total 380 acres. At this writing,the Town has also negotiated for the purchase of approxi-mately 17 acres on Case Mountain.

The Great Lawn

In December 2002, the Town purchased eight acres onHartford Road known as the Great Lawn. It is the largest single vacant parcel in the Cheney Brothers National HistoricLandmark District. Landscaped as a private park, the lawn gen-tly slopes to Hartford Road and is framed by the mansions ofthe Cheney family visible on the ridge across the lawn andthrough stands of specimen trees. This open space is an organ-izing element for the mansions and a unique scenic view inManchester.

An ad-hoc committee formed to study the use and develop-ment of the Great Lawn recommended, as a concept, creating awalking trail and interpretive markers to explain the history ofthe area, the landscape architecture and specimen trees, andarchitecture of the mansions. Pedestrian paths along HartfordRoad will be provided to link this space to existing public parking areas off of Main Street and in the Cheney Mill district. The Great Lawn will be maintained as a lawn, andstructures and active play areas will not be permitted.

Union Village District

On August 26, 2002 the federal Department of the Interiorplaced the Union Village section of Manchester on theNational Register of Historic Districts. The Union VillageDistrict, one of the earliest industrial villages in Manchester,joins the Cheney Brothers National Landmark District, theMain Street Historic District, and the Manchester HistoricDistrict, giving Manchester the largest concentration of historic properties and districts in the State of Connecticut.

HUD HOME Grant

The Town works with two nonprofit housing developers whopurchase, rehabilitate and sell distressed properties to eligibleowner-occupants as part of the Town’s strategy to revitalizeour older, core neighborhoods and encourage home owner-ship. A $400,000 HUD HOME grant and $100,000 inTown general fund dollars and waived Town fees are used tobridge the gap between the sale price of the rehabilitatedproperty and the actual development cost. In 2002-2003 the Town and its nonprofit partners completed and sold twohomes, 71 Adams Street South, a four-bedroom two-bathcape and a two-family home at 93-95 Clinton Street. Totalinvestment in the two properties was $56,713.

Facade Improvement Program

The Facade Improvement Program provides grants to long-term tenants or owners to improve the storefronts and upperfacades of their buildings. The Town shares the cost of thework with the owner/tenant on a 75/25 percent basis. In2002-2003 the program, which formerly served only thedowntown Main Street area, was expanded to include themid-town Main Street area between Center Street andMiddle Turnpike. In the downtown, the Manchester Safeand Lock building was completed and the renovation ofthree buildings on Purnell Place was started. Since the beginning of the program in 1991, 19 buildings with 46storefronts have been completed with an investment by the Town of approximately $1.3M in CommunityDevelopment funds.

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Plan of Conservation and Development

The department staff worked with two subcommittees of thePlanning and Zoning Commission (PZC): a) to review theopen space element and b) the housing element of the Town’sPlan of Conservation and Development. Adopted in 1998,the plan lays out a vision, guiding principles, strategic direc-tions, and recommendations for the future development orredevelopment of the Town.

The subcommittee found significant progress had been madeon the goals and objectives in the open space section of theplan. Since 1998, the Town has acquired 129 acres of landfor open space preservation on Case Mountain, and another112 acres for the Hockanum River Linear Park. It has alsomade substantial improvements to Northwest Park, CenterSprings Park and Center Park. New facilities include theNew State Road softball fields and a new swimming poolnearing completion on the West Side on the grounds of Washington School.

Sidewalk Policy

The Board of Directors formed a special committee to reviewthe Town’s sidewalk ordinance requirements for grantingdeferments for the installation of concrete sidewalks andgranite curbs in new developments. The committee alsoreviewed the Town’s sidewalk plan, which is part of the side-walk ordinance. The committee recommended, among otherthings, that the ordinance be revised to allow for payment inlieu of installation of sidewalks and curbs. This new policy,adopted by ordinance in July 2003, will eliminate the needfor deferments except in rare circumstances. The new ordi-nance also calls for the Planning and Zoning Commission toadopt a new sidewalk plan and revise it every five years.

Electronic Zoning Map

The Planning Department coordinated the conversion of thehand drawn zoning map to a computer drawn map using theTown’s geographic information systems (GIS). In the courseof converting the zoning map, the Planning and ZoningCommission was able to consolidate zoning in some areasand eliminate many properties with multiple zoning districts.

Community Council on Race Relations

The Community Council on Race Relations has made significant progress in its charge to improve race relations andpromote diversity in Manchester. This year it developed amission statement and recommended actions in six strategicareas. The most significant accomplishment to date is the creation of a diversity-training program that will be delivered tomunicipal employees.

Development Review Activity

Between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2003, the Planning andZoning Commission made 99 decisions related to 28 devel-opment projects, zone changes, wetland permits, municipalproject and deferments of public improvements. Notabledevelopment approvals included 37 single family residentiallots in five subdivisions; 26 age restricted housing units; 21multi-family dwelling units and 34,750 square feet of self-storage in a mixed-use development; a 56,000 square footaddition to the Pavilions at Buckland Hills Mall for a Barnesand Noble bookstore and a Vinny T’s restaurant; and a majorexpansion of the First Baptist Church on Hillstown Road.

The PZC also approved nine of the 13 zone change applica-tions it considered last year. Among the approved zone changeswere rezoning of the Buckland Street/Pleasant Valley Road/Burr Corners area; Tolland Turnpike from the Vernon townline to Oakland Street; and the old Depot Square area atNorth Main, Main and Oakland Streets in a continuation of the Commission’s efforts to streamline the zoning regulations.

TAX COLLECTORThe Collector of Revenue collects Real Estate, PersonalProperty, Motor Vehicle and Supplemental taxes. In addition,the office also processes payments for the Water and SewerDepartment, Landfill, Cemetery and other miscellaneousrevenues.

Collections for the 2002-2003 fiscal year were as follows:Current taxes, including the 2001 supplemental motor vehicletaxes are $86,155,755, or 98.56 percent of the 2001 GrandList levy. A total of $2,435,611 in back taxes, interest, liensand other tax revenues was also collected.

OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERKJoseph V. Camposeo, CMCFiscal year 2002-2003 accomplishments

• The total land records processed from July 1, 2002 to July 1, 2003 was 15,167 with 187 passport, 3,150 dog licenses and 1,865 game licenses issued.

• During this fiscal period, for the first time survey and subdivision maps become retrievable from customer search terminals.

• The Town Clerk’s office began, in conjunction with the Information Systems Department, the process of implementing a web-based land record system

• New record and retrieval methods for tradenames, claim files and property transfers were implemented.

• The Town Clerk’s website was used to report electionresults and provide additional election and voter information.

• Assisted in the implementation of another project to offer on-line access to Board of Directors meeting minutes.

All full-time Town Clerk staff are registered notary public and passport agents.

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✽❁Vital Statistics for FY 2002/2003

Month Deaths Marriages BirthsJuly 40 30 68August 35 38 76September 48 38 70October 45 33 54November 44 11 59December 38 18 93January 43 14 84February 55 17 61March 51 42 14April 42 11 78May 52 26 85June 50 44 79Annual 543 294 887

HUMAN SERVICES

❁ELDERLY AND FAMILY SERVICESThe Elderly and Family Services Department serves membersof our community 60 years and older, and people with disabilities. Among its responsibilities are administration ofDial-A-Ride, a transportation program for Town residents 60 years and older or those with disabilities. It also acts asconservator for individuals referred by the Manchester ProbateCourt. In addition, it operates volunteer run endeavors likeF.I.S.H., a program that provides rides for frail elders tomedical appointments. It also coordinates the FriendlyVisitor and Friendly Shopper Program in cooperation with the Breakthrough to the Aging organization.

During fiscal year 2002-2003, Elderly and Family servicesassisted 2,038 residents for a 17% increase. Manchester Dial-a-Ride transported 10,432 residents, conservators served44 clients, and 533 applications were prepared for the Renter’sRebate program. In addition, staff assisted the PlanningDepartment in preparing the Point in Time Homeless Count for April 2003.

MANCHESTER HEALTH DEPARTMENTThe Manchester Health Department provides full servicepublic health services to community residents. Public healthnurses provide community health programs and services andenvironmental health sanitarians focus on health educationand regulatory enforcement activities.

The department received a two-year grant from the ConnecticutChildren’s Medical Center to address childhood asthma inManchester and East Hartford. Eight local clinics or privatepractices now participate in the “Easy Breathing” program.Health care providers receive educational materials toencourage early diagnosis, better treatment and patient and family education.

This year also, a smoking cessation program for high schoolstudents and a new asthma self-management program forschool-aged children, were introduced.

The Manchester Dental Clinic, managed by the East HartfordCommunity Health Care Center, was opened at its new location at 150 N. Main Street. The State of Connecticut,the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and a local community block grant provided funding. The clinic is opento anyone, including those without insurance, on a slidingscale fee basis.

A series of six reports generated by the findings of a commu-nity health needs assessment telephone survey was released to residents. Topics include oral health, mental health, healthcare, health status, childcare and assisted living, and commu-nity/school based health clinics.

The Health Department administered 1,841 doses of flu vaccine and 30 doses of pneumonia vaccine.

The Health Department played an active role in the “AllHazards Emergency Preparedness Planning,” both regionallyand within our community. Manchester was designated theregional planning area coordinator for Manchester, Glastonburyand Andover by the Capitol Region Council of Governments,(CRCOG). A mass vaccination clinic plan for the residentsof these towns was funded by an $18,308 federal grant. Inaddition, our health department is working to strengthenresponse capabilities among our community medical providers.

Marjorie Berry, Executive Director of the East Hartford CommunityHealthcare, Inc. celebrates the grand opening of the new dental clinicat 150 North Main Street, Manchester.

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Mary Lou Duda was the 1,000th person to receive the flu shot. Left Barbara Quigley, R.N.

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HUMAN SERVICESHuman Services Administration continues to oversee theHealth, Elderly and Family Services, and Senior Center operations, as well as special programs including a trainingprogram for Certified Nurses Aides and an Early LearningOpportunities program for young children.

Highlights

• The Commission for People with Disabilities and representatives of MARC, Inc. held a thought-provokingawareness seminar for municipal government supervisors.

• The Department forwarded packets of information in April 2003 regarding the Federal Child Tax Credit (CTC)and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to more than 100 family service agencies in the community to share with the families they serve. Both of these tax credits bring dollars back to the community by helping low andmoderate-income families meet their economic needs.

• The Human Services Department has had significant success in maintaining a number of ongoing grant fundedprograms ranging from lead abatement to senior citizensprogram enhancements. New grant programs include anearly learning opportunities program, an asthma programto establish an “easy breathing” protocol, and a bio-terrorismplanning program. The total value of these grants on anannual basis exceeds $2 million.

❁ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTHA new noise-monitoring program was developed by the HealthDepartment in conjunction with an acoustical engineer. Aproactive plan was developed to uniformly respond to com-plaints involving excessive noise. In addition, a partnershipbetween the Police Department and the Health Departmentattempted to resolve neighborhood-wide noise problems.

An amendment to a Town ordinance was passed by theBoard of Directors increasing food service licensing fees.

SENIOR CENTERThe Senior Center allows senior residents the ability to accessmany services in a convenient location. Among its offeringsare transportation opportunities, daily meals, health andsocial service screenings and consultations, information andreferral, educational and recreational programming for pleasure and skill development.

In addition to funding by the Town of Manchester, this is the second year of grant funding from the HartfordFoundation of Public Giving, (HFPG). Grant monies haveunderwritten the Senior Circle, a program for the frail elderly;the AT HOME program, an in home recreation program forthe homebound, all Saturday programs and trips. In addition,we have provided subsidized meals on Wednesdays andSaturdays. The HFPG also funds the salaries of a nurse and social worker one day a week.

The Board of Directors approved a provision this year thatallows non-residents who are retirees from the Town ofManchester the opportunity to join the center if desired. Also, a Senior Advisory Committee was formed to capture the opinions and suggestions of members on important senior issues. The committee, under the leadership of Emma Swetzes, has spent considerable time learning themany functions of the senior center and the jobs and responsibilities of the staff.

This year three new support groups were formed for a) people with low vision, b) caregivers for the elderly and c) those suffering from depression. The Low Vision SupportGroup addresses the needs of those who have to adapt totheir environment because of poor sight. Thanks to a stategrant, the center now has a video-magnifier that enlarges

print for those who have trouble reading newspapers andmagazines. It is offered to the public free of charge and located in the Senior Center’s library.

Saturday programming reduces the isolation that the seniorsfeel on weekends, especially if there are no relatives that liveclose by. It provides another day for them to develop other relationships while enjoying a day at the center or out on ashort excursion. Saturday programs benefit from the supportof a dynamic program assistant, who is an experienced andtalented program planner and marketer and a senior citizenherself.

Offsite programs under the supervision of a paid staff person include a self-directed walking group, a basketballteam, a weekly breakfast club and a hiking group.

The Senior Center offers a wide variety of leisure optionsincluding a library and a book club, board games, pool, cardsand bingo. There are also myriad exercise opportunities,including yoga, gentle exercise, tai chi, dancercise, squaredancing, line dancing and ballroom dancing. You must regis-ter in advance for all classes.

For a nominal fee you may wish to enroll in a computer class where a friendly instructor is on-hand to readily answerquestions and time in the computer lab is available for free.

Most activities offered by the senior center are free of chargeto members. All you need is an activity card, which costs$5.00 per year. Residents, ages 55 to 60, can now also enjoyour activities in the evening and on Saturdays. Eveningactivities are held in September, October and November and April, May and June. Saturday programs are availablefrom September to June.

Here are some attendance records worth noting:

Daytime Meals 18,279Daytime Bus Rides 9,399Tax Preparation 577Evening bus rides 996Bingo 2,899Dancercise 2,255

If you haven’t seen anything that would interest you at thecenter, call staff and let them know the kinds of programsyou would like to see. Most of our programming comes outof ideas generated from seniors. This is your senior center; it is for your use and enjoyment.

CERTIFIED NURSE’S AIDE PROGRAMThe Town operates a certified nurse’s aide, (CNA) trainingprogram in the fall and early spring of each year. Participantsattend the eight-week, 240-hour course class at no cost; bothtuition and the state examination fee are covered. Graduatesreceive a CNA manual, workbook, notebook, uniform, nurs-ing shoes and a stethoscope. For FY 2002-2003, the CNAprograms had 28 openings, 18 participants enrolled in thefall 2002 class; 17 graduated, and 12 or (71 percent) wereimmediately placed in jobs. Ten students enrolled in thespring 2002 class; each graduated, and nine or 90 percenthad been placed as of early August 2003. These two programswere made possible through funding from the CapitalRegion Workforce Development Board ($61,812); the Town of Manchester’s Community Development BlockGrant Program ($22,100); and the Manchester HousingAuthority ($20,000).

MANCHESTER EARLY LEARNINGOPPORTUNITIES (MELO) PROJECTThe Manchester Early Learning Opportunities Project is apartnership between the Town of Manchester, ManchesterPublic Library, Lutz Children’s Museum and ECHN FamilyDevelopment Center. In September 2002, the Town ofManchester School Readiness Council was awarded a$591,000 grant from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Child Care Bureau to conduct a 17-month early learning and literacy project.

During the project, 40 home-based early care providersreceive monthly visits from a visiting museum curator and anoutreach librarian. Thirteen early child-care centers receiveone visit each from the curator and librarian. Over 400 children in early care and education settings throughoutManchester were visited at least once between March andJune 2003.

Four teams of volunteers were recruited and trained to conduct vision screenings on preschool-aged children in theMELO Project. The School Readiness nurse conducted 168vision screenings at MELO providers, resulting in 15 referrals.Eye problems were confirmed in three of the children, whoconsequently received glasses. In addition, 155 children werescreened for hearing loss. Of these, eight referrals were madeand one hearing loss issue was discovered.

Senior basketball league with Coach Vicki Liberator.Michelle LaGrave visiting Museum Curator from the Lutz Children’s Museum.

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✽BUILDING DEPARTMENTThe Building Department issued 3,906 permits, 813 certificatesof occupancy and conducted 8,162 inspections on $70,499,105worth of new property between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2003.

The Zoning Enforcement Officer determines whether proposed uses of land are permitted at described locations,provides guidance for building placement—everything from malls to tool sheds, and assists in the enforcement of some Town ordinances.

Neighborhood Inspection Services provides code enforcementfor existing structures and property maintenance based on themodel national property code, BOCA. This code consolidatesthe housing code, public nuisance ordinance, street numberingordinance and relevant aspects of the zoning regulation andfire code into a unified code.

The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for activitiesrelated to a town-wide neighborhood inspection program.The program seeks to eliminate unkempt properties, un-mowedlawns, peeling paint, unregistered vehicles, trash, and buildings without street numbers.

The Code Enforcement Unit is also responsible for theNeighborhood Inspection Program, (NIP). This program isdesigned to protect the public health, safety and welfare inexisting buildings; improve the integrity of neighborhoods;maintain the stability of the existing housing stock; and promote neighborhood pride and community involvement.

Major building projects included the Washington Schoolpool, the Shoppes at Buckland Hills expansion, Barnes andNoble renovations, PetSmart, Linens and Things, ThomasvilleFurniture, Kaoud Rugs, A.C. Moore, and two new gas stations: Fast Freddies and Xtra Mart were among the year’smajor projects. During the fiscal year, 68 houses and sevenapartment/ condo buildings with 102 units were constructed.The department also implemented a new computer software and filing systems.

ENGINEERINGThe Engineering division is comprised of four units, Mapsand Records, Survey, Construction Inspection and Design.During the fiscal year, the division issued 441 right-of-waypermits and inspected 22 active subdivisions and commercialdevelopments. It completed the design and reconstruction of Slater Street from Tolland Turnpike to the Interstate 84overpass. It also removed approximately 3,450 feet of deteriorated sidewalk on Mountain Road and replaced fourmiles of damaged sidewalks including Vernon, Foster, andMadison Streets, Trebbe Drive, South Adams, Olcott, Maple and Center Streets between W. Center and AdamsSts., under the Town’s Sidewalk Repair program. In addition,three miles of sidewalk were replaced in the Ansaldi Roadneighborhood. Also, new traffic signals were installed at theintersection of School and Spruce Streets and the intersectionof Adams Street and New State Road.

Each family provider in MELO received an initial gift of 20books to create or expand a library for the children in theircare. At Manchester Public Library, 20 new book-it kits werecreated this year with help from the MELO grant. Book-itkits are collections of books, videos, and activity ideas basedon a theme that the library makes available for check out.They are designed for early care providers to assist them inliteracy activities with preschool-age children. The MELOhome-based providers are given a different book-it kit eachmonth, a practice that has significantly increased use. Thenumber of book-it kits increased close to three-fold in a yearfrom 15 to 41 kits by June 2003.

During the spring, the ECHN Family Development Centerhosted two MELO playgroups with more than 20 familiesattending. A parent educator conducted home visits usingthe “Parents as Teachers” model. Sixteen parents and 23 earlychildhood educators attended the three workshops on earlycare and education. “Brunch at the Lutz” was a successfulevent for families to explore the Lutz Children’s Museum. In June 2003, 25 parents and children attended a day trip tothe Eric Carle Museum. Later in the summer, the ManchesterPublic Library and MELO co-hosted two literacy events heldat the Mary Cheney Library. In total, 900 children receivedKid Kards at participating MELO sites to encourage use ofthe Library, the Lutz Museum, Family Resource Center andother cultural and literacy programs in Manchester.

MANCHESTER LEAD ACTION PROJECTIn September 2003 the project adopted its new name, theManchester Lead Action Project, (LAP). It was awarded $2 million in a new extension to its current lead hazardreduction federal grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD). For the first time in adecade, HUD established a streamlined grant applicationprocess for high performing projects such as Manchester’s.

In addition, LAP instituted a new requirement for applicantsseeking aid to rehabilitate properties. Every applicant, owner-investors and owner-occupants alike, must attend a seven-hour Lead-Safe Work Practices Workshop. While LAP hasalways had maintenance plan requirements for property ownerswho receive aid, the training program component gives par-ticipants a new foundation for understanding the prescribedplan. During this fiscal year, LAP has trained 120 people.

Another innovation resulting from the LAP planning retreatwas the creation of the LAP quarterly newsletter, The LAPConnection. Printed and distributed by The Reminder to20,000 Manchester residents each season, the newsletter hasresulted in increased interest and applications.

Revamped LAP lawn signs are more visible displays of itsactivity in the eligible and target areas of Manchester. Lawnsigns have proven to be excellent referral tools to add to ourapplication pool.

Sixty second graders at Washington School participated in the Lead-Busters Club for the 3rd consecutive year. The interactive curriculum, developed by the UCONNCooperative Extension, educates students about lead hazardsto protect them, their families, friends and neighbors.

LAP continues to have a close association with staff and parents at Washington School. During kindergarten orienta-tion and conference times, LAP conducts one-on-one out-reach to parents, providing educational materials to help protect their families and encourages those who are propertyowners to apply for assistance.

LAP has also partnered with Head Start in an outreach toManchester area health providers with a joint letter specifyingthe federal requirement and state recommendation forMedicaid children to be screened.

The new birthing center at Manchester Hospital has includedthe LAP brochure: Simple Steps for New Parents in the pack-age given to 1,000 families who deliver there each year. LAPis interested in attracting new parents so that more propertiescan be made lead-safe before a child is exposed to any hazards.

Plummeting mortgage interest rates have caused a recordnumber of LAP rehabilitated properties to be refinanced.This has allowed LAP to conduct visual inspections and takedust wipes to make sure properties are being maintainedaccording to contractual agreements made with owners.

The Lead Action Project is currently ahead of schedule tocomplete 260 properties by the end of the current grant period ending June 30, 2003.

FISCAL YEAR ACTIVITY SUMMARY

2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003Permits Issued 3694 4042 3906Permit apps rec’d 2936 3256 3271C.O. Issued 1050 1092 813Inspections conducted 6215 7869 8162Total Cash Receipts (does not include waived fees) $596,937.92 $912,746.68 $856,200.10Total Fees Waived $43,313.00 $50,013.00 $78,414.88Total State Surcharge $7,040.90 $10,798.44 $11,286.10Total Estimated Cost of Construction $43,924,579 $67,472,103 $70,499,105

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MANCHESTER FIRE-RESCUE-EMSThe 2002-2003 fiscal year continued to challenge fire rescue,emergency medical and emergency management services.New threats to homeland security modified our approach to include preparing for emergencies that must be managedon a regional or statewide basis. Members of the departmentparticipated in the development of the Regional EmergencyDisaster Plan (RED Plan) that consists of mutual aid responsewithin a 32-community capitol region. That plan has beentested and is operational if needed. Locally a new and updatedEmergency Operations Plan and a new Emergency OperationsCenter were developed for community and regional use.

As of February 2003, there are now five firefighter paramediccompanies, each with a minimum of three crew members.In addition, a technical rescue vehicle has been added to ouroperation full time and the aerial truck apparatus has beenredistributed for more effective jurisdictional response. Fourindividuals received promotion to lieutenant, increasing ouron-duty line strength to 17 per shift. Calls to the departmenttotaled 7,777, which was our busiest year on record.

The Office of Emergency Management hosted a training session for municipalofficials at Manchester Community College in September 2003. Pictured fromleft standing are Fire Marshal Rudy Kissmann, Battalion Chief Bob Bycholski,Public Works Director Mark Carlino, and General Manager Steve Werbner.Seated from left. George Patterson, Heather Burford and Paul Benyeda.

Luke Stevens was an instructor for Public Works: Preparing for andResponding to Terrorism/Weapons of Mass Destruction.

MANCHESTER OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTThe Manchester Office of Emergency Management isresponsible for coordinating and sponsoring three volunteerorganizations, amateur radio operators, shelter managers, and the community emergency response team.

During the first quarter of 2002, a volunteer group of amateur radio operators was recruited to assist the Town with communications in the event of an emergency. Elevenmembers passed FCC licensing exams by February 2003.This group of official Town volunteers meets monthly andpractices radio communication twice weekly. Also, EmergencyManagement Coordinator Paul Benyeda received his own license to facilitate group meetings and weekly communications sessions.

On June 14, 2003, the American Red Cross provided sheltermanager training for Manchester residents and two MFREprofessionals. These individuals were trained to open andoperate shelters in town should the need arise to relocate residents from their homes.

On September 20, 2003, the volunteer shelter managers conducted a walk through of Manchester’s three shelters. The purpose of the exercise was to refresh training, becomefamiliar with the floor plans of the buildings and to determinehow best to set up the buildings if needed for shelter.

In addition, Town personnel participated in a training seminar at the Emergency Management Training Institute inMaryland. Locally, Manchester started community emergencyresponse team training in September 2003. On Sat., Nov. 1,a final exercise consisting of fire suppression, light search and rescue and triage activities was held. The team had toextinguish small fires, conduct searches of buildings, rescuethe occupant, assess and treat injuries. The drill received tele-vised coverage on Channels 8 (WTNH) and 30 (WVIT).This is the region’s first CERT and the second recognizedteam in Connecticut.

Emergency Planning Activities: During this fiscal yearnumerous training activities were conducted, including aMarch 2003 Table Top Exercise, a course dealing with planning,responding, recovering and developing mitigation strategiesduring a natural disaster. In addition, department heads andother key personnel attended a three-day course, which

CEMETERY DEPARTMENTThe development and maintenance of municipal cemeteriesis the responsibility of the Cemeteries Division. Maintenanceoperations, such as mowing grass areas, cutting and trimminghedges, and providing services necessary to funerals andinterments are primary activities. The division recorded 185burials, 83 cremations, one reinterment, two disinterments,150 graves and 12 cremation spaces sold during the fiscalyear 2002-2003.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTThe Town of Manchester highway division is responsible forthe maintenance of approximately 205 street miles. Generalmaintenance responsibilities include temporary sidewalkrepairs, street and traffic control sign installation and repair,fence and guide rail installation and repairs. In addition, thedivision manages eviction removals and auctions.

The winter of 2002-2003 opened with a snowstorm just twodays before the Thanksgiving holiday. A total of 72.5 inchesof snow and ice accumulated during the winter and earlyspring months. Inclement weather led to significant compli-cations with the municipal leaf collection program and theannual road preparation for the Thanksgiving day road race.

The annual street-sweeping program, hampered by early winter conditions was not completed until July. This yearclose to 11,764 cubic yards of sand and debris were collected.

The vacuum leaf collection program collected some 33,065cubic yards of leaves at the curb. In addition, more than2,000 cubic yards were hauled from the drop off area onOlcott Street to the Town composting area.

This year 40,200 square yards of pavement were cold milled,resulting in 2.35 miles of paved road. Approximately 2.5miles of pavement was recycled and paved with one inch ofbituminous concrete, with .25 miles receiving .5 inch ofoverlay.

PARKS DEPARTMENTThe Parks Dept. is responsible for the development andmaintenance of parks, play fields and recreation area, otherthan those maintained by the Board of Education and for tree care and grounds maintenance along public rights-of-way.

Highlights

• Phase 1, (children ages 5 to 12) of the Northwest ParkBoundless playground was completed in May 2003. Theplayground is designed so that children with disabilities can play side by side with more able-bodied peers.

• The Children’s Butterfly Garden in Northwest Park wasdedicated in May 2003. The garden which includes plant-ings, benches, signs, a garden trellis and an exhibit of thebutterfly life cycle was a cooperative venture between Parks,the Board of Education and the Town’s BeautificationCommittee.

• Construction of the New State Road Softball Field was completed early spring with the first game on April 28,2003. The Town managed this project and acted as generalcontractor.

• Construction began in April on the new West SideCommunity pool adjacent to the Mahoney RecreationCenter with completion in September 2003.

• Construction of a new preschool playground at the Early Learning Center, 80 Waddell Road was completed in June 2003.

• The new Globe Hollow bathhouse was completed in March 2003 and opened for the June 2003 summer season.

• A new gymnasium floor was installed at the Community“Y” Recreation Center and renovations were made at theCommunity “Y” Fitness Center.

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❁❁focused on protecting the Town’s infrastructure, performingvulnerability assessments of targets and responding to anincident.

The Town’s emergency operations base plan was updated in June 2003 and added four new annexes; including Fire,Public Works, Board of Education and Hurricane/SevereStorm. Again in September 2003, more updates were addedto the Emergency Operations Base Plan, Shelter Annex andStandard operating guidelines. Infectious Disease Control,Dam Failure and Health Department annexes were alsointroduced.

Research has been completed and the Animal Issues Annex isin the final stages of development. It deals with animal shel-tering issues during an emergency. This annex will list whatprivate facilities can shelter animals during the crisis.

The State Dept. of Public Health has identified Manchesteras the lead Town for a regional Mass Immunization Clinic.Manchester, Glastonbury and Andover would form thisregion. In the event of an infectious diseases outbreak the90,000 residents of these towns would be vaccinated in aten-day period.

Manchester is one of the founding member towns of theCapitol Region Emergency Planning Committee, (CREPC).It currently has over 30 member towns that have bandedtogether to form a regional mutual aid agreement. Manchesteris also an emergency coordination center for CREPC.

MANCHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENTThe Manchester Police continued to progress in acquiringnew and better technology with the goal of providing a highlevel of service to the community.

The Traffic Services Unit secured state and federal grantmoney in excess of $125,000. The grant paid for ten new carvideo cameras, four Harley Davidson motorcycles and over-time pay for officers to staff driving under the influence orDUI checkpoints throughout the year.

In June 2003, the department implemented a new computer-aided-dispatching system provided by TCI/SNET. Duringthe fiscal year, significant progress was made in the installa-

tion of the system’s records management system, featuringnew mobile-reporting capabilities from police cruisers.

A new radio tower was erected at the rear of the police station headquarters building. The cost of the tower wasassumed by Sprint, in exchange for a long-term agreement to house a cellular telephone antenna on that tower.

Renovations were finished in the dispatch center in anticipa-tion of assuming dispatching responsibilities for ManchesterFire/Rescue/EMS. Dispatchers completed training frommembers of the Fire Department.

In December 2002, the Commission on Law EnforcementAccreditation reaccredited the Police Department. Siteinspectors made numerous favorable comments about theprofessionalism of day-to-day operations.

Manchester experienced two homicides during this fiscal yearperiod, both of which resulted in swift arrests.

A Manchester police sergeant was selected to completeinstruction at the School of Police Supervision in Plano,Texas.

RECREATION DEPARTMENTThe Recreation Department plans, develops and managesparks and recreation facilities and provides leisure services tomeet the changing needs of Manchester’s growing population.

Highlights

• The new pool house at the Globe Hollow aquatic facilitywas available for use at the start of the summer 2003 season,

• A photo identification card was issued to participants usingany of the outdoor aquatic facilities this season,

• Began accepting requests for the rental of Northwest Parkpavilions,

• Opened the New State Road softball field for adult andyouth softball games in spring 2003,

• Started a new special needs after school program held atBuckley elementary school called Kids Club for children inelementary school to compliment the A.R.T. special needsprogram for middle and high school youth at MHS,

• Sponsored the second year of the Hill of Pumpkins Festivalthat provided Halloween and fall activities including pumpkincarving, carnival games, pie baking contests and muchmore. More than 500 people participated in the outing.

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• In one special day, more than 1400 volunteers repaired 63 homes for senior citizens, the disabled and families inneed as part of its annual Christmas in April in Manchester.Our program, (the 11th annual) is the largest program percapita in the country. It has repaired more than 647 homes,

• The summer recreation camp program offered 12 programsat 11 sites serving over 1200 Manchester youth ages 5 to 15,

• Served over 78 youth and teens at three special needs sum-mer camps for individuals with developmental or physicaldisabilities,

• Registered nearly 5,000 people for leisure recreation programs.

MANCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARYThe Manchester Public Library had yet another busy year,loaning out 886,673 items, an increase of more than 20,000items over the previous fiscal year. The “Manchester Reads”summer reading program helped to make the library the second highest lender of children’s books in the State ofConnecticut, second only to the large city of Stamford. Theprogram represents a very successful collaboration with theManchester Public Schools.

Manchester’s receipt of a federal Early Learning Opportunitiesgrant, “MELO”, helps provide literary outreach activities tochildren in primarily home-based daycares in Manchester. A grant-funded librarian performs site visits to the daycarecenters, at which she reads books to the children and modelsliteracy activities to providers. There has been tremendouslypositive feedback about these visits.

The library also received a grant from the HartfordFoundation for Public Giving to implement the “FamilyPlace” program of service. The grant will provide materialsfor Parent/Child Workshops, at which children birth to agethree and their parents meet at the library in an informal set-ting and enjoy a wide variety of developmentally appropriatetoys, books, games, and art activities.

Library staff continues to be active members of theCommunity Council on Race Relations, the ManchesterLifelong Education Council, and several other communitygroups. The Friends of the Library is a group of volunteerswho advocate for and raise funds for the Library.

An original (1937) furnace at the Mary Cheney Library wasreplaced with a brand new, much more fuel-efficient model. Long-term library space needs continue to be analyzed andresearched by Library staff in conjunction with other Towndepartments and an independent library building consultant.A site selection committee was formed to look at possiblenew locations for the Manchester Public Library.

Machester Christmas in April volunteers at work.

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❁MANCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS The Manchester Board of Education operates ten elementaryschools, two middle schools, one high school, an alternativesecondary school, a special education secondary school, anda pre-school. Enrollment from pre-school (which includesthe Head Start program) through 12th grade in FY 2002-2003 was 7,811. Each year over 235 students enroll in adulteducation courses, which are provided on-site at ManchesterHigh School through a cooperative arrangement withVernon Public Schools.

FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004 BUDGET: $76,678,928FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003 BUDGET: $73,104,795Expenditure per Student in 2002-2003: $9,290Number of Certified Staff: 618.57Number of Students Per Teacher: Elementary 19, Secondary 23

Accomplishments

The Manchester Board of Education measures its accom-plishments against a strategic plan for the school system’soperation 2003 through 2006. The strategic plan continuesto focus our energy with respect to accountability for successfor students and staff, equal access to resources promotion offamily involvement and community partnerships, develop-ment of student attitude, ownership and character, and thepreparation of children to learn (preschool experiences, tran-sitions to success in kindergarten and beyond).

Instruction: Curricula continue to be upgraded to offer achallenging academic environment and higher degrees of student engagement in learning. Professional developmentfor staff has centered on the use of student learning data tomake decisions about instructional strategies, interventionsand resources.

Student Achievement: The Board has adopted severalstudent achievement policies that establish a set of perform-ance standards that communicate high expectations forlearning. Those policies include elementary reading and lan-guage arts standards, high school graduation requirementsand performance standards, and promotion/retention guide-lines. These policies have spawned the adoption of individu-alized reading plans for students, a three-year early literacyplan, Technology Plan IV, and the drafting of assessments,instructional improvement, and specific coursework at thesecondary level.

The Manchester’s high school cumulative dropout rate forthe school year 2002-2003 has declined to 9.6%, a rate thatis below the ERG and state average.

Program Development: During the School Year 2002-2003, the Board supported and maintained reading and liter-acy staff and comparable services. It has maintained alterna-tive education programs, staff development opportunities,class size goals in the elementary schools, supported theSchool Advisory Council to increase parental involvementand school improvement planning, supported the inter-dis-trict magnet schools, especially the Two Rivers MagnetMiddle School, expanded all-day-Kindergarten/Extended-Day Kindergarten, major textbook, equipment, computers,digital resources and instructional supply purchases to con-tinue the five year curriculum revision cycle, major computerupdates for all schools, and the continuation of fiber-opticsconnections to every school building.

There have been improvements in participation rate andachievement on the state mastery tests at both the elemen-tary and secondary levels. In addition, the Board supportsexpanded education offerings, mentoring programs, andother new programs that have resulted in a dramaticimprovement in the number of students who receive a high school diploma.

Programming classroom instruction, assessment, and man-agement task through technology has been a strategic direc-tion of the Board for several years. During the 2002-2003school year, the district expanded its use of EdSmart/EdExplorer, a system that helps educators to retrieve studentdata quickly in order to make timely decisions about instruc-tion and programs. Classrooms now have access to state-of-the-art instructional technology and wiring upgrades thathave increased connectivity speed to the Internet.

Parent Involvement: The time honored parent organiza-tion of the PTA continues to strengthen in Manchester;however, through BOE policy and the strategic plan, parents,teachers, and administrators serve as members of the SchoolAdvisory Council in every school to annually examine stu-dent achievement data and design specific school improve-ment plans. Improvement plans outline the professionaltraining that teachers need to narrow the between studentperformance and expectations for student achievement. Inaddition, the plan represents parental and community activities

intended to help families assist their children in learning.Each school has increased its family programming. The Boardhas made a concerted effort to ensure that parents have mul-tiple avenues of access to information about the school system.The School Bell is an award-winning newsletter that is mailedto residents. Outside of each school building, sandwichboards are changed monthly to announce key information.

Resources: The school district increased its grant fundingfrom $5.68 to $6.50 million last year. This marks the sixthconsecutive year that Manchester has increased its grantfunding. The Board maintained its commitment to placingcurrent textbooks and other resources into our students’hands. Computers have been purchased for all K-5 classrooms,and computer labs at each middle school were upgraded,resulting in more computers moving into the classrooms.Libraries at five schools (MHS, BMS, MS, Keeney andWashington) are now automated.

The Manchester Board of Education, along with the Boardof Directors, Superintendent of Schools, and the GeneralManager were successful in the approval of smaller bondissues giving the district the ability to make repairs andimprovements to three schools per year.

Safety: Overall student and staff safety have improved thisyear. Through Policy 3510 the BOE continues to conductmajor renovations of roofs, fire alarms, and other criticalbuilding features. The creation of bus loops at several schoolshas improved student movement and parent parking.

WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTThe Water and Sewer Department provides potable waterand sanitary sewer service to a populaton of approximately15,400 customers in Manchester, Glastonbury, Vernon andSouth Windsor.

The water system consists of seven reservoirs and ten wells,which can safely provide up to 9.8 M gallons of water perday. It also consists of 235 miles of water main, 1,600 firehydrants, ten distribution storage tanks, some 15,340 serviceconnections and a treatment plant capable of producing 6Mgallons of water per day.

During FY 02/03 the Water Division produced over 2.04billion gallons of water for consumption. This correspondsto an average of 5.59 million gallons per day. The majority,(almost 60 percent) of the production, came from surfacewater sources (reservoirs).

The largest accomplishments during FY 02/03 were as follows;• Completed the $4M Water Meter Replacement Program,

which installed advanced technology automatic radio watermeter reading system.

• Improved the lime feed system to enhance nitrification anddenitrication at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

• Reduced the amount of nitrogen by 50 percent from theWastewater Plant to the Hockanum River, thereby saving$15,000.

• Completed construction of the Parker St. cleaning and lining project at a cost of $665,000.

• Completed the project to rehabilitate 2,000 linear feet oftrunk sewer on Hartford Road at a cost of $308,500.

• Completed summer and winter pilot testing at GlobeHollow Treatment Plant for potential ozone system upgrade.

• Installed new iron pipe on Riverside Drive, WelcomePlace, Clinton and School Streets.

• Installed variable frequency drives at the Birch MountainRoad booster pump station to eliminate hydraulic deficien-cies and save money in electrical costs.

• Installed three new belt press feed pumps to increase thesludge dewatering process at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

• Conducted a timber harvest on Howard ReservoirWatershed netting 116,792 board feet of lumber yielding$17,271.96 in revenue.

• Analyzed approximately 16,000 water and wastewater sample and performed close to 49,000 test on samples.

• Issued 189 Water and Sewer permits.• Performed over 2,776 utility mark outs required by the

state sponsored Call Before You Dig Program.• Cleaned over 63 miles of sanitary sewers and performed

video inspection of almost six miles of pipe.

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YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU

Peer Advocates

The Peer Advocate Team is made up of 37 active teens thatare part of an informed support system for their friends,peers and the community. The group’s focus for this year has been on community service. Members of the group havecollectively completed 1,389 hours of service includingeverything from decoration and delivery of pumpkins todowntown business establishments, mentoring, creation ofa newsletter and pre-holiday work at a local food pantry.

Special Events and Field Trips

Events and trips are designed to support the YSB philosophyof positive youth development. This year the Bureau spon-sored several events and trips which benefited 350 youngpeople.

Team building and leadership events included two whitewater rafting trips, a Manchester challenge course communityday, and the super slam 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Socialand cultural trips included Maritime Museum, TitanicExposition and Whale Watching off Cape Hyannis andDisney on Ice.

Project Success

Project Success is a life skills program for middle to high-school aged youth. Parents, school, police and juvenile courtpersonnel refer participants. Fifty-eight young people com-pleted the program this year. More than 73 family membersattended graduation ceremonies held on the last day of class.For the first time, the program schedule was conducted twice weekly and on a Saturday to accommodate moregroups of individuals. The YSB has a trained facilitator forthe Manchester Challenge course, as part of Project Success.The YSB, in fact, offers one to four community challengecourse days as a field trip. It is a popular activity that fills up quickly.

Community Service

The YSB has received 91 referrals for community service thisyear from the Juvenile and Superior Courts, and MancheterPublic Schools. Placements are available in non-profit organi-zations or in rendering assistance to YSB staff on an ongoingbasis or for a special event.

Teen Center

Since May 2003, the Teen Center has served 2,138 teens.Each participates in a variety of activities of their choice suchas pool, video games, and table games. Wednesdays are discussion group days where teen’s activity is to listen andparticipate. Topics included are family issues, rap music,homelessness, sexuality, teen health, death, dying and grief to name a few.

Youth Employment Programs

The YSB collaborated with Manchester High School, CRECand Capital Regional Workforce Development Board to provide both summer youth employment and what is calledyear-round employment. The programs are federally fundedthrough the Workforce Investment Act and our communityreceived 30 slots for youth in the summer and ten for theyear-round program.

The result was a beautiful freestanding mural on the east sideof the YSB building. A professional artist worked with youthto teach them about murals, how to use color, design andpaint. In addition, guest speakers met with the youth to talkabout different careers and helped develop resumes.

develop resumes.

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCELiabilities:

Accounts and other payables $1,124 $1,964Accrued liabilities 645 573Intergovernmental payables 56 45Deferred revenue 14,538 8,079

Total liabilities 16,363 10,661Fund balance:

Reserved for encumbrances 1,169 822Reserved for amount due from component unit 136 161Reserved for prepaid expenditures 702 599Unreserved:

Designated for specific projects 10 379Designated for subsequent year’s budget 1,094 2,059Designated for contract settlements 390Undesignated 4,815 5,125

Total fund balance 7,926 9,535TOTAL $24,289 $20,196

Manchester Youth Service Bureau is a sponsor of numerous programs for youth;including the intergenerational theatre production, A Mid-Summer Night’sDream. Pictured left to right, Monroe Carter as Oberon, Alex Laforest asPuck, Betsy Forrest as the fairy henchman, Morgan Manke as Titania, BruceSievers as Theseus, Amada Mae Boyington as Peaseblossom, Kiera O’Connor as Mustard Seed and Colby Bouton as Indian Child.

GENERAL FUNDCOMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEETJUNE 30, 2003 AND 2002 (thousands)

Assets 2003 2002

Cash and cash equivalents $5,229 $6,006Investments 675 335Property taxes receivable 3,624 3,518Accrued interest on taxes 1,256 1,273Accounts receivable, net 9 6Intergovernmental receivables 2,714 3,138Due from component unit 136 161Due from other funds 11 10Interfund receivables 9,933 6,453Prepaid expenditures 702 599TOTAL $24,289 $20,196

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C O N N E C T I C U T

FINANCIALSt o w n o f � a n c h e s t e r c o n n e c t i c u t ❁ A N N U A L R E P O R T | 22

FINANCIALS

BUDGET BASIS REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES - GENERAL FUNDFISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2003(thousands)

VARIANCEORIGINAL REVISED FAVORABLEBUDGET BUDGET ACTUAL (UNFAVORABLE)

Revenues:

Property taxes, interest and lien fees $ 81,106 $ 81,106 $ 80,046 $(1,060)Intergovernmental revenue 32,238 32,243 31,785 (458)Investment and interest income 950 950 357 (593)Licenses, permits and fines 1,454 1,568 2,016 448Charges for goods and services 1,370 1,370 1,419 49Other 145 149 212 63

TOTAL REVENUES 117,263 117,386 115,835 (1,551)

Expenditures:

Current:General government 4,772 4,791 4,658 133Public works 9,541 9,524 9,178 346Public safety 13,619 13,624 13,129 495Human services 2,353 2,353 2,316 37Leisure services 4,498 4,498 4,321 177Employee benefits 1,250 1,475 1,358 117Other 506 391 247 144Education 74,167 74,409 74,300 109Internal service fund charges 2,290 2,290 2,290

Debt service 3,662 3,742 3,742TOTAL EXPENDITURES 116,658 117,097 115,539 1,558

Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenditures 605 289 296 7

Other financing sources (uses):Transfers in 639 639 652 13Transfers out (1,769) (2,913) (2,904) 9

TOTAL OTHER

FINANCING SOURCES (USES) (1,130) (2,274) (2,252) 22

Excess (deficiency) of revenues and other financingsources over expenditures and other financing uses $(525) $ 1,985) (1,956) $ 29Fund balance, July 1, 2002 8,713

Fund balance, June 30, 2003 $ 6,757

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TOWN OF MANCHESTERDEPARTMENT DIRECTORY

Department Official Phone Location

Administrative Services Dede Moore 647-3121 THAnimal Control Elease McConnell 645-5516 Thrall Rd.Assessor John Rainaldi 647-3012 THBoard of Directors Stephen Cassano 647-3130 THBudget Julian Fruend 647-3121 THBuilding John Hogan 647-3052 LCCustomer Service Doreen Petrozza 647-5235 THEmergency Management Paul Benyeda 647-5259 WCFinance Alan Desmarais 647-3121 THFire Robert Bycholski 647-3266 WCGeneral Manager Steven Werbner 647-3123 THGeneral Services Gerald Dupont 647-3031 LCHealth Maryann Lexius 647-3173 WCHighway Kenneth Longo 647-3233 PWHuman Resources Dede Moore 647-3126 THHuman Services Vacant 647-3092 WCInformation Systems Jack McCoy 647-3072 LCLibrary Douglas McDonough 643-2471 MCLOperations Louise Guarnaccia 647-3123 THPolice James Berry 645-5500 MPDProbate Judge John Cooney 647-3227 PCPublic Works Mark Carlino 647-3067 LCParks Kenneth Longo 647-3244 PWPublic Schools Kathleen Ouellette 647-3442 BOERecreation Scott Sprague 647-3084 RDSenior Center Deborah Stein 647-3211 SCTax Collector Beth Jacobs 647-3018 THTown Attorney Michael Darby 647-3132 THTown Clerk Joseph Camposeo 647-3037 THTown Historian Vivian Ferguson 649-6416Water Department Robert Young 647-3115 WDYouth Services Mary Roche Cronin 647-5213 YSBZoning Enforcement Thomas O’Marra 647-3059 LC

Location Key;

BOE= 45 N. School StreetLC=Lincoln Center, 494 Main StreetMCL=Mary Cheney Library, 586 Main StreetPC= Probate Court, 66 Center StreetPD= 239 East Middle TurnpikePW- Botticello Building, 321 Olcott StreetSC= Senior Center, 549 East Middle Turnpike

TH = Town Hall, 41 Center StreetWC= Weiss Center, 479 Main StreetWD=Water Department, 125 Spring StreetWL=Whiton Memorial Library, 100 North Main StreetYSB=107-109 Center Street

*Thrall Road is located off Landfill Way

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Website

Visit the Town of Manchester’s official online at www.ci.manchester.ct.us. Sign up for Manchester Matters E-mail Service and get the news you need about your com-munity delivered direct to your desktop.

Silk City TV

Watch Cox Channel 16 to learn more about the programsand services offered by the Town of Manchester. Live broad-casts of Board of Director and Board of Education meetingsas well as a large variety of shows dedicated to town depart-ments and school events are featured.

History of the Town Seal

Back in 1965 Graphic Artist Edwin R. Hyjek was commis-sioned to create an official town seal. Its theme is the whitemulberry leaf, the food of the silkworm, as the silk industrycontributed greatly to the growth, culture and renown ofManchester.

From a distance, the mulberry leaf looks like a tree, withmany little leaves on it, an effect meant to bring to mind life, beauty, growth, permanence, solidity and protection.The tree is a symbol that suggests the village charm aspect of life in Manchester, a characteristic its proud residents arecommitted to preserving.

The Town Clerk is the official keeper of the Town Seal, andit is affixed to many official town documents.

Credits

Town of Manchester Annual ReportContributors: Town DepartmentsEditor: Darcy Arcand,

Director of Customer Service and Information

Designer: Darci D’Aleo, D’Aleo Designs, Granby, Connecticut

Printer: Hitchcock Printing, New Britain, Connecticut

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