MDC Radio Frequency Program completed: On July 15 the MDC’s contractor completed its last scheduled installation. Through the end of the project the MDC contacted 17,798 customers in West Hartford and completed 16,898 installations of its radio frequency meter reading device, resulting in an overall completion rate of 94.9%.  The MDC and its meter installation staff will work to complete installations in the remaining homes, but the large scale installation program in West Hartford has come to a close.

MDC replaces a sanitary sewer on New Park Avenue: Beginning soon after Labor Day, the MDC will replace a structurally deficient sewer line with 1140 linear feet of new 15-inch sanitary sewer, 22 sanitary laterals and four manholes on New Park Avenue, from Prospect Avenue to Flatbush Avenue. Work will take about 50 days to complete. Crews will work Monday through Thursday, 7 AM to 4 PM, with temporary repairs to curbs, sidewalks and driveways done on Friday. One travel lane in each direction will remain open at all times. Improvements to the manhole at the Flatbush Avenue intersection will be done at night between 9 PM and 6 AM to avoid daytime traffic backups that would block access to local businesses and interrupt bus service.

Faxon Library’s Outdoor Movie Night: Bring your blanket or chair to the Faxon Library parking lot on Thursday, August 26 at 8:30 PM for the viewing of the award-winning animated family film, “Up” (rated G). The movie is free but tickets must be obtained in advance by calling the Faxon Library at 561-8201.  The rain location will be the Elmwood Community Center auditorium.  This event is made possible through the generous support of the Liftig Family, the Elmwood Senior Center, the Sheehan-Hillborn-Breen Funeral Home, Kearns & Kearns PC, and the Friends of the West Hartford Public Library.

Batten down the hatches: The 2010 Hurricane season is forecast to be worse than normal, with up to twice the average number of named storms and major hurricanes predicted for this year. The highest threat for hurricanes in Connecticut is from mid-August through mid-October. At the state level, agencies have been conducting weekly training exercises in preparation of these major storms.

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has prepared flyers and brochures to help municipalities reinforce the following messages to local residents:

1) Make a Plan for your family or business;

2) Get a Kit with basic supplies such as food, water and medications sufficient to be on your own for at least 3 days; and

3) Stay Informed so you are aware of warnings and possible evacuation notices.

These steps are described in the Citizen's Guide to Preparedness, along with other preparedness information on the new Connecticut hurricane web page at www.ct.gov/hurricane. The information is also found on the Town of West Hartford’s website.

WHPD welcomes Officer Amanda Martin: A native of Massachusetts, Officer Martin graduated from the University of Connecticut in May 2010 with a degree in nutritional sciences. While at UConn, she was the recipient of many athletic and academic achievements. She was a two-time captain of the track and field team and the Big East Champion in the javelin in 2007 and 2009. She holds the school’s record in the javelin. She was also the starting catcher for the UConn Softball Team. Officer Martin joined the police department on August 15, 2010.

Ronald F. Van Winkle
Town Manager

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