ORANGE, Conn. -- The Board of Selectmen this week scheduled a referendum for April 18 so residents can vote on securing bonding to finance $14.9 million for 14 capital improvements to schools, the police station, roads and town buildings.
Of that amount, about $5.3 million would be paid by the state, provided the state stays "solid," First Selectman Jim Zeoli said during the meeting, referring to the state's budget crisis.
The referendum voting will be from noon to 8 p.m. and while absentee ballots are available, they need to be picked up at the Town Clerk's office rather than mailed.
The city's bond expert said that because Orange has an AAA bond rating -- the highest designation possible -- the cost of borrowing money for 25 years is low. Zeoli said the improvements have a life of at least 30 to 50 years.
The improvement projects through the proposed bonding include: complete renovation of the south wing of High Plains Community Center; updating of the Capecelatro Pool locker rooms -- which haven't been significantly renovated since opening 41 years ago; rehabilitation of the Derby Milford Road bridge; widening of a portion of Derby Milford Road; road paving; repaving of the 50-year-old Turkey Hill School parking lot; rehabilitation of the driveway and parking lot at Race Brook School; a new police communication console; paving of the police, fire and highway department lots; a new police department generator; dehumidifier for the town pool; exterior renovations to the library; upgrade of Turkey Hill school to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and driveway work at Fred Wolfe Park.
The Board of Selectmen took comments from residents during a special meeting on the proposed bonding, and while there was no controversy or opposition to the projects, resident Jody Dietch suggested a dog park be made at Fred Wolfe Park.
Dietch suggested raising the money for a dog park -- which entails fencing -- by raising the longtime dog licensing fee of $7 to $15 and putting $8 of that aside for the dog park. Dietch estimates based on other communities that a dog park would cost about $10,000 and under the fee increase plan, with about 800 licensed dogs in town, the money would be there in two years.
Dietch also suggested naming the park after the late Bridget Albert, a former Register reporter and dog lover.
Zeoli didn't dismiss the concept, but said when he spoke with the town's insurance carrier, they raised issues about liability. Dietch suggested covering any increased insurance costs through the higher license fee once the dog park is created.
