Below are two pictures of the location of the proposed 20 ft. Retaining wall and the approach to the wooden bridge. Note the 10 mile river in the back ground. This area is the flood plain of the river where the wall and approach to the wooden bridge will be built. The 20 ft retaining wall is necessary because there is a 30 ft. drop from route 10 to the river. The proposed map at the town hall shows a retaining wall all around this area north of the pond. They will cut down 4 to 6 ft.along Rt.10 and build up 20 ft. along the river by the pond. The cost of this retaining wall will be expensive as it is located in the mud of the flood plain. My guess is the expense will be too high and it will never be built as proposed. I am amazed that our elected officials would back a plan like this.

Photos and text by Bob Korten

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

Now if you remember a few posts ago I questioned why the disabled were not included in the current Elderly Tax Freeze program. My husband asked that question also at the “public hearing” of Feb. 13 where no one had any answers or any figures on costs or anything. “Oh we just want it, so let’s pass it.”

It’s funny, when it came to the Police Commission idea, they had plenty of facts, figures and answers. When it suits them then there are no questions or conveniently no answers.

Maybe that is why all of a sudden this charter revision looks so good. I wonder why now. Why? Because we all know what is going to happen within a year. And some people might look bad. So let us try to distance ourselves now. Speaking of Perry, the town better hire Perry, Perry MASON. Now you know what I am referring to.

I know a lot of you can’t stand or sit the Underground Town Hall. GOOD!!

You want to get rid of Underground Town Hall, GET A POLICE COMMISSION OR EXPAND THE POWERS OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION straight up.

Every town should have one as you can see by the news every single night now. Why should some departments get questioned and these people get a pat. All of a sudden they care about what people think?

The Herald had this cartoon about Cheshire in the 1930’s and they wished it would be like that now. I have news for the Herald. Cheshire never left the 1930’s especially when you take into consideration some of the sexist talk coming from I know who on you know who’s blog.

I wonder how these so called “men” treat their wives. Calling women “girls.” They think they are on top in the board room with their talk. I’ll be on top of them anytime in the most important room!!!

So to finish up with the Elderly Tax Freeze issue, Michael Milone our Town Manager, wrote my husband a letter which we received Thursday.

Basically Mr. Milone said:

“The current Elderly Tax Freeze program does not extend to disabled residents because State Statute does not extend this program to disabled residents. However. those residents who meet the “disabled” eligibility criteria do qualify for tax benefits under the Town’s credit program-circuit breaker program and deferral program.

The Elderly Tax Credit program was estimated to cost the Town approximately $436, 000 this fiscal year while the actual cost was $402,000.

For F.Y. 2008-2009 the combined “Elderly Tax Credit/Freeze” program is estimated to cost approximately $475,000 and about $32,800 of this total is the estimated cost of the freeze portion of the program. However, and as you know, the actual cost of this combined program won’t be available until a few weeks after the application period closes on May 15, 2008.

Your (Derf) last inquiry dealt with the Sewer Use fee and whether it can be constructed as a tax. I don’t think it can be as currently constituted, but I have asked Town Attorney Dwight Johnson to research this and I will get back to you with that information.

I hope I have answered the questions that you raised, but if you need any additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my staff.”

Very truly yours,

Michael A. Milone

Town Manager