Mayoral Debate

There is a mayoral debate going on at Gateway Community Collage room 160. I am there and hope to see you!

Moti
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Meeting on the Trees

ALDERMAN MORDECHAI “MOTI” SANDMAN
AND ALDERMAN CARL GOLDFIELD

INVITE YOU TO JOIN :

THE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
ON THE
BEST PRACTICES FOR PRESERVATION OF
THE NEIGHBORHOOD TREE CANOPY
DURING UPGRADES TO
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS

WITH INVITED GUESTS:
ROBERT SMUTS, CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
ROBERT LEVINE, DIRECTOR, PARKS, RECREATION, & TREES
HOWARD WEISSBERG, DEPUTY, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
COLLEEN MURPHY DUNNING – DIRECTOR, URBAN RESOURCES INITIATIVE
CHRIS OZCYK- COMMUNITY GREENSPACE MANAGER, URBAN RESOURCES INITIATIVE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
IN THE HILLHOUSE HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
AT 480 SHERMAN PARKWAY, NEW HAVEN
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

ALD. SANDMAN AT (203) 624-6399 OR
ALD. GOLDFIELD AT (203) 787-9222

Shana Tovah

Leshana Tova Tikoseiv Veseichoseim Le'Alter LeChaim Tovim U'Leshalom.
"May you immediately be inscribed and sealed for a Good Year and for a
Good and Peaceful Life"
Shana Tova!

Moti
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ABs were counted

Now we are going over the machine ballots

Moti
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At the hall of records

They just recounted 22 and Greg picked up 2 more votes!

Moti
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Shana Tova! Happy New Year!

I would like to wish all of my friends and family a sweet, happy & healthy new year, with much successes in the material and spiritual

Shana Tova

Moti

Election update

Hi All:

I know that I have been quite about the election and the results. Well as you may know there is going to be a recount at 2pm this afternoon. I don't things will change but it should be a interesting civics lesson. I will post from the recount.

What: Recount of ballots cast
Time: 2pm
Date: Friday September 18th 2009
Place: 200 Orange Street

At a BOA meeting about UI

Interesting hearing about the UI moving out of New Haven and leaving us with the environmental hazard known as English Station

Moti
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UI Moving out of town hearing for Thurs 9-17-09

There is going to be a BOA meeting tomorrow evening to discuss the United Illuminating move out of the city. We are looking for business owners & residents to come out and speak out how the move will hurt folks - downtown stores will talk about loss of business and we want you to talk about the high energy prices and the fact that us the ratepayers have to foot the moving & building costs.

Time: 6:30pm
Date: Thursday 9/17/09
Location: Aldermanic Chamber, 2nd floor, 165 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510

Please contact me with any questions and if you can make it.

Thanks,

Moti Sandman

1st post election Post

Hi All:

So by now I am sure that most of you heard the results were not in my favor last night. There is a lot going on in my mind today but I will post something more substantial soon.

Yours truly,

Moti Sandman

Get out and vote!

We need every one to vote come on out!

Moti
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Polls are open!

I am number three in line
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ELECTION DAY!!!

Tomorrow is Election Day!

Go forth and vote for ME!

If you want to help out please go to my home any time durring polling hours and Chrissy will tell you what you can do to help.

Polling hours are 6am to 8pm.

Thanks for your support!

EMS Cadet Program

The City of New Haven Fire Department
in collaboration with the

New Haven Board of Education
is now recruiting for the

New Haven Fire Departments

EMS Cadet Program


Are you interested in becoming a state certified Emergency Medical Technician Basic (E.M.T. B.)?

Attention New Haven High School Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors


Application Deadline: October 16th, 2009

Interviews: Week of October 26, 2009
Course begins: November 10, 2009

Tuesday & Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday as scheduled 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.


For additional information contact your career service representative, for those schools that do not have a career service representative contact your Guidance Counselor. Candidates should submit a City of New Haven application along with a resume, cover letter, essay and high school transcript stating why they are interested in being accepted into the class and two letters of recommendation. This is a very challenging curriculum; this course is worth two science credits.


Note: Seeking candidates that have a strong interest in becoming a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician or students who have some other allied health career interest. Candidates need to have a good attitude, interpersonal skills, a good attendance record and a “C” or better grade point average.


Completed application packets should be given to Ms. Lowman at Hill Regional Career High School (946-6589) and cover letters should be addressed to:

Lt. Abe Colon

New Haven Fire Department EMS Cadet Program

New Haven Fire Training Academy

230 Ella Grasso Boulevard

New Haven, CT 06519


Note: Obtain the City of New Haven application by clicking on this link or going to this website.

http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/HumanResources/pdfs/JobApplication.pdf


Students please remember that to apply for a firefighter position in most surrounding towns and municipalities it is a prerequisite to be certified as an EMT Basic

Any questions concerning this program call Cynthia Lowman at (203) 946-6589

Some News Media coverage about my recent meetings

Lieberman Firing Range Meeting coverage:

New Haven Register Coverage

New Haven Independent

WTNH with Video!

Roundabout coverage

New Haven Register



School Future Meeting Coverage

New Haven Register

New Haven Independent

Traffic Circle Coverage in the News Media

Hi All:

We had a nice meeting at the Field House last week. I was a pleasure for us to meet so many folks. There were two points to the meeting:

1) Traffic Circle: There is going to be a follow up meeting in the next month to month and a half to answer the questions brought up at the meeting. Such as, how many acidents took place, what type of accidents were they (T-Bone, side-swipes, drunk driving etc.) A more detailed reasoning for why a circle was chosen over a 4 way stop.

2) Residential Parking Zone: this did not get a great reseption. There was some support for it but not enough to get it passed as we need 2/3s of the affected residents to support it. What did come out of this was that the Field House management will give the Traffic department a full listing of the events to be held and note the ones that have historicly high turn out. At the largest events the Traffic Deptartment will send out a patrole to enforce current parking laws (not blocking driveways, no parking from here to corner, etc.) We will also explore the posiblility of having a Shuttle system between the Field House and SCSU.

I will post more info when I get it!

Yours,

Moti

Traffic Meeting for Beaver Hills

Dear Neighbors;

Please be advised that there will be a meeting regarding a proposed Residential Parking Zone for the areas around Hillhouse High School as outlined below and an update on the proposed traffic circle at the intersection of Crescent and Munson Streets. Mr. Michael Piscitelli of New Haven Transportation, Traffic and Parking will be in attendance to answer any questions that you may have.

The meeting will be held on:
WHEN: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
WHERE: New Haven Athletic Center (City-Wide Field House)
480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven, CT 06511
TIME: 7:00 P.M.

Proposed Residential Parking Zone Areas
* Crescent St – between Goffe & Norton Parkway
* Winthrop Ave – between Goffe & Glen Road
* Moreland Road – between Crescent St & Norton Parkway
* Glen Road – between Crescent St & Norton Parkway

If you have questions, please feel free to contact the New Haven Board of Aldermen, Office of Legislative Services (203) 946-7932. I look forward to seeing you then.

Sincerely,


Moti Sandman
Alderman, 28th Ward

Meeting on Schools this Wed evening at Beecher School

Alderman Mordechai “Moti” Sandman

Invites you to Attend:

A Community Conversation on the
New Haven Public Schools
Reform Initiative

with:
Superintendent Dr. Reginald Mayo
And
Asst. Superintendent Garth Harries

Wednesday August 26, 2009
6:30 – 8:00PM

Beecher School
100 Jewell Street, New Haven

Your Alderman and Public School Officials invite you to learn more about upcoming plans for school reform, ask questions, provide feedback and input to the reform planning and find out how YOU can get involved.

To learn more about the School Reform Initiative, visit:

www.NewHavenSchoolChange.org

Counterfit $ on being passed on Whalley Ave

Hi All:

I just got a call from Lt. Leo Bombalicki about fake $10s & $20s being used on Whalley Ave. The criminals are also asking people for change of a $20 taking you real money and passing the fake on to you. If this happens to you please call the Police.

Read more here on the New Haven Independent

Back to School Rally at the Field House

In anticipation of the new school year, the city will be hosting a 'Back to School Rally' on Saturday, August 29th from 11am—2pm at the New Haven Athletic Center (next to Hillhouse High School) at 480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven. THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE RAIN OR SHINE!

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

● Discover school & community services
for students & families
● Receive FREE gifts and school supplies
● Enjoy games, a moon bounce and a
rock-climbing wall
● Enjoy grilled hot dogs with friends &
family
● Listen to music by two NHPS marching
school bands

Looking for a few good Women & Men

Hi Folks:

We are 1 month away from the election. We need people to make calls and walk the ward etc. Please contact me at ward28 (at) snet.net to volunteer. Any time you give is appreciated even if is a half an hour.

Thanks,

Election news update

Hi All:

Just got the word that my opponent qualified to be on the ballot this Sept. 15th. No surprises there - it just means that we have to work all the harder and have a strong turn out on election day.

Moti

What I have (and will be) up to this week

Hi All:

I just wanted to update you as to what I have been up to this week.

Monday – Legislation hearing on clarifying & strengthening our current anti blight laws.

Tonight – Finance hearing on the monthly budget report and some mid year transfers from the approved budget.

The other nights I am walking around the neighborhood and reaching out to the residents. I hope to see you on my walks and please contact me with any concerns or questions.

Don’t forget to vote on September 15th!

Yours truly,

Ward Committee Results

Hi All:

Just wanted to update you on the results of the Ward Committee meeting tonight:

Moti - 20
Claudette - 3

Thanks for your support! I want to take the momentum from this and get the campaign rolling.

We need people to:
Walk with me around the ward
Donations
Phone calls to friends to vote
Volunteers for Election Day

Please contact me at ward28 "at" snet.net to help.

Thanks,

Moti

So it looks like I have a race

Hi All:

It appears that I have an opponent for the Democratic Nomination for Ward28 Alderman. I believe that I have served you – my constituents faithfully and honorable and hope that I can count on your support in this race.

If you are interested in helping the campaign – either by helping canvas the ward or with a donation please contact me at ward28@snet.net.

Yours in Service,

Moti Sandman

From Jeff Kerekes - Chair of NHFRAC

Hello:


I am on the New Haven Financial Review & Audit Commission and we need 2-3 new members. I am hoping you can help recommend some people to serve. We will be working on an exciting project to look at the City's finances over the next 5 years. We need New Haven residents whom are financial professionals and they must be either Republican or Independent as we have the maximum number of Democrats. There are rather specific requirements in the charter so we need:


Must be:
-----------------------------------------------
1. Republican, Independent, Green
2. Financial Professional (i.e. CFO, investing etc...), CPA, MBA


In order to better represent the demographics of our city, it would be best if they were either or both:
-----------------------------------------------
Non-white
Woman


From the Charter:
-----------------------------------------------
not fewer than seven members shall have training and experience in financial matters as evidenced by being a certified public accountant, having earned a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, having not less than five years service as the financial officer of a business, having not less than five years service as a public administrator, or having a similar degree or experience.


Thanks,

Jeffrey Kerekes
jeffrey.kerekes@gmail.com
203-676-0880

City Summer Camp Info

City of New Haven
Department of Parks, Recreation & Trees

720 Edgewood Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515, Phone 946-8027, Fax 946-8024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
William Dixon
Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees
P (203) 946-8027 or 946-8338
F (203) 946-8024
wdixon@newhavenct.net
www.cityofnewhaven.com/parks

Summer Camp 2009

New Haven, CT, June 23, 2009

THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TREES WOULD LIKE TO GIVE YOUR CHILD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND ONE OF OUR MANY SUMMER CAMPS!


Children Ages 7-12 may experience summer fun at any of the following locations: Lighthouse Point Park, King-Robinson School, Wexler Grant School, Salperto Rink at East Shore Park, Katherine Brennan School or the new Goffe Street Park Recreation Center. Children Ages 11-13 may attend outdoor adventure camps at West Rock Nature Center and Trowbridge Environmental Center at East Rock Park. Limited spaces are available on a first come first served basis. Additionally, there are still a few more spaces for actors and actresses ages 9-13 in our Swinging Stars Theater Camp. Finally, the terrific camp for those children enrolled in Mandatory Summer School still has several openings at John Martinez School. Dates, times and costs vary; and, some scholarships are still available.


Check us out on the web at www.cityofnewhaven.com/parks , or at 720 Edgewood Avenue between the hours of 9am-5pm. or call 945-8027 or 946-8020.

Firing Range Update Meeting

Firing Range Update Meeting

Please join me along with Alderman Charles A. Blango & Alderwomen Katrina Jones and top Police & City officials as well as our regional elected officials at a community wide meeting about the Firing Range on Sherman Ave and to discuss the steps being taken to address the issues surrounding the range (noise, quality of life, etc)

• Date: Monday June 22nd
• Time: 6pm
• Place: Hillhouse High School Auditorium

Community Meeting Regarding Crime in the Area

Community Meeting Regarding Crime in the Area

What: Community Meeting to discuss the recent criminal activity in the area
When: Thursday June 18th
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Hillhouse High School Library (subject to change)
Who: District Manager Leo Bombalicki, Assistant Chief Gillespie, Alderman Moti Sandman

Nan getting a Citation

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IMG00023-20090525-1435.jpg

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Me and my youngest on the hammock

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Budget Vote Tonight

Hi All:

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday weekend.

Tonight is the vote on the Mayor's budget as amended in the Finance Committee.

The fun starts at 6:30pm with public caucus and full meeting is at 7pm.

I will let you know how it goes...

Moti

Whalley closing for Freddie Fixer

Within the next two hours Whalley will be closed down for the Freddie Fixer Parade. Please plan accordingly

Moti
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Committee of the Whole

At a Committee of the Whole going over the sale of Dwight School to Amnistad School as well as the 99 year lease of the Broadway Triangle to Yale.
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goose in cover BPP.jpg

Some of the pictures from our jaunt at Beaver Pond Park

IMG00023-20090510-1522.jpg

IMG00025-20090510-1523.jpg

Just enjoying the day

Hi All:

I just hope you all are taking the time to get out and enjoy the beautiful day.

Moti

Catch Basin for Beaver Pond Park

Hi All:

Some big news for Beaver Pond Park - we got funding for a catch basin with some creative maneuvering. A big thanks to fellow Aldermen Yusef Shah - Chair of the Committee, Carl Goldfield, Ward 29 & Roland Lemar Ward 9

New Haven Independent Story

New Haven Register Story

Watch Pres. Obama's 100th day address live

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Arbor Day at Beaver Pond Park

Arbor Day Tree Planting

New Haven was recently selected as an official Tree City USA! Our City was selected for this distinction because our residents plant most of the trees here in New Haven. To celebrate this honor and Arbor Day, there will be a tree planting at Beaver Pond Park on Saturday, April 25th at 12:30 p.m.

Rock to Rock

Rock to Rock

On Saturday, April 25th, explore New Haven by bicycle! Rock to Rock is a day-long celebration of New Haven’s rich environmental and cultural resources. Join other bicycle riders travelling between East Rock and West Rock, with celebrations on both sides of the City. Along the way, there will be food, music, opportunities to plant trees and to explore the city parks. You will travel along the Farmington Canal Trail and official City bike lanes. All proceeds, including registration fees, pledges, donations, and sponsorships, will go towards supporting the work of local parks and environmental education organizations. To register and for more information, please visit: www.rocktorock.org.

Traffic Advisory - Frontage Road

South Frontage Road will be closed to traffic between Park Street and York Street from
10PM Monday 4/20/09 until 6AM Tuesday 4/21/09 (one night).
A detour will be posted.

South Frontage Road may be closed to traffic intermittently (for periods not to exceed 15 minutes) between York Street and College Street from
10PM - 6AM Tuesday 4/20/09 through Saturday 4/25/09.
One travel lane will be maintained through the work zone at other times. Vehicles will not be detoured.

North Frontage Road may be closed to traffic intermittently (for periods not to exceed 15 minutes) between College Street and York Street from
10PM - 6AM Monday 4/20/09 through Saturday 4/25/09. One travel lane will be maintained through the work zone at other times.
Vehicles will not be detoured.
Contractors will be completing work overhead highway signs.

My Week

Hi All:

Just some of the meetings I will be at this week, I hope to see you there;

Monday - Full Board 0f Alderman Meeting - 7pm - City Hall - Aldermanic Chambers
Tuesday - WEB Meeting - 7pm - Whalley Ave Substation
Wednesday - Finance Committee - 6pm - City Hall - Aldermanic Chambers
Thursday - Neighborhood meeting Re Sober House - 6pm - Hillhouse High - 2nd Floor Library

Have a great week!

SCSU Garage

Hi All:

SCSU presented their updated Master Plan last week. They still want to put a 250 car garage at the bottom of the Ella T. Grasso Blvd & Crescent. This is not good. There was coverage on the story by NHI. There is a petition going around also even thought the official time frame passed it is a good idea to sign on.

I would like thank Toni Walker our State Representative & Carl Goldfield - Alderman Ward 29 for coming to the hearing and voicing their opposition to the garage as well.

Check in the comments section of the NHI story for my comments.

Yours,

Moti

Mayor's Budget Presentation to the Public

The Mayor will be having a Community Budget Meeting on

Wednesday, April 1st at Edgewood School from 6:30 to 8pm.

This is a great opportunity to for the community to be involved in the discussion of the budget for the upcoming year. I plan on being there so I hope to see you!

Suspicious Car in Westville

Hi All,

There has been a suspicious van in the Westville neighborhood following kids around. The van is an older white Dodge Caravan with wood paneling on the side. The license plate number is 785 TWY.

Please be vigilant and make sure kids are aware of their surroundings and not walking alone. Knowing "safe" houses along their routes is also a good idea in case they need help.

If you see this van, or any suspicious activity, call it in to the non-emergency number immediately, 946-6316. If it is an emergency call911.

You should also let Lieutenant Bernie Somers know by leaving a message on his cell phone at 687-0532 and/or on his email at Somers@newhavenct.net. Bernie should be contacted *but only after the incident is reported to the emergency or non emergency number.

If it is not reported downtown it is not logged and there is no way to dispatch an officer.

Also,Lieutenant Bernie Somers will be out of town next week and will not be available so messages left with him will not be looked at until he returns.

Up Coming Meetings

Hi All:

These are some of the meetings I will be attending next week:

Finance Committee Hearing on the Budget - Tuesday March 31st @ 6pm - City Hall

Mayor's Budget Presentation - Wednesday April 1st @ 6:30 pm - Edgewood School

Legislation Hearing on the Democracy Fund - Thursday April 2nd @ 7pm - City Hall

Memorial Service for Irv Stolberg

MEMORIAL SERVICE
For
IRV STOLBERG
(1936-2009)

Wednesday, April 15

4:30 P.M.

Battell Chapel, Yale University
Corner of Chapel & College Streets
New Haven, Connecticut

Reception to follow: Dwight Hall at Yale
Old Campus, Yale University

Contributions to honor Irv can be made to:

American Friends Service Committee
ATTN: Development
1501Cherry Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 888-588-2371 Ext.1

United Nations Association, Connecticut
ATTN: Joe Baxer
P.O. Box 369
Kent, CT 06757 Phone: 860-927-4333

Meetings this week

Hi All:

Just a quick note about some of the meeting this week:

Monday - Full BOA
Wednesday - Public Safety Hearing over video cameras in public places. This one should be interesting...

CSX Railroad Refund Explained

Hi All:

I would like to clarify the process and sequence of events around the Tax Abatement Committee (of which I am the Chair) and then the full Board of Aldermen decision to refund tax payments to CSX Railroad.

Railroads, under Federal law, do not pay local property taxes to each municipality but pay a gross receipts sales tax to the state. In our case CSX Railroad leased part of their New Haven yard to an entity called “Circle of Life”. The assessor’s office opined that Circle of Life is not either a railroad company or engaged completely in railroad activities. The City sent the owner of the property, CSX, a bill for local taxes as we felt that the land use was not exempt. CSX disagreed with the assessor but paid the taxes under protest. They then started proceedings to sue the City.

Prior to going to court the City has a committee that reviews litigation suits to see if it pays for the City to go to Court or settle. This committee is given its power and authority by the City Charter. This is the same document that gives power to the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor. This committee has the authority to enter the City into a legally binding settlement agreement.

In the case of CSX & Circle of Life vs. the City of New Haven, the City’s attorney – the Corporation Council – said that the city did not have a case and would probably lose. The charter authorized Litigation Settlement Committee agreed with the Corporation Council and voted to refund the payments.

I am not sure why the issue had to come in front of the BOA but it did. We heard the item and learned that our hands were tied in regard to denying the refund as the City was already legally bound to refund the payments. What we did do was ask the President of the Board – Carl Goldfield – to engage outside council to give an opinion if we should go after the upcoming years and suggest a strategy to pursue this with.

Sorry for the long write up but this is a pretty complicated issue and needs clarity.

Moti

PS NHI had a pretty good story on this issue when it was voted out of litigation settlement.