Mayor Tom Delnicki working to get town through challenges

Mayor Tom Delnicki remains positive that the town will continue to pull together during the current challenges. Photo by Martha Marteney.

South Windsor Mayor Tom Delnicki came well-prepared to a Jan. 18 interview with the ReminderNews, although not in his usual well-dressed mayoral attire. When serving in the role of mayor, Delnicki usually wears a suit and tie, out of respect for the position. However, in trying to balance his work responsibilities as a supervisor at The Metropolitan District Hartford, Conn., Delnicki came straight from the field, wearing a safety jacket and jeans. He noted that his knowledge of working with MDC facilities, technicians and parks is helpful in his responsibilities as mayor and Town Council member for the town.

Earlier in the day, Delnicki was at Oxford Performance Materials, located in South Windsor, which is the first recipient of the state’s Small Business Express grant program. “It’s a real bright spot for South Windsor to have this in town,” said Delnicki. Oxford Performance manufactures a rigid plastic that is used in medical and aerospace applications.

Delnicki highlighted other positive business activity in town, including Connecticut Studios, which is moving forward with the concept of a solar farm. At a Town Council meeting in January, Delnicki said he asked if Connecticut Studios would be pulling building permits in March, to which they said yes. “I think that’s what we all want to see,” said Delnicki, noting that the project has had a number of “false starts.” He also said, “If they can’t get it done, we need to know. We have a very marketable property there.”

Building permits have been pulled and construction has commenced on the FedEx facility. Delnicki said their goal is to be moving equipment in by September. “That’s a great economic victory for the town,” he said.

Delnicki is also very positive about the Regional Animal Facility. At the recent Town Council meeting, several issues were raised about the proposed facility at the former Company 3 Fire Station in South Windsor, including staffing, cost sharing and presenting the facility as a “good neighbor.” South Windsor Police Chief Matt Reed will be refining the proposal so that the Town Council can make a decision in February. “This is a very viable use of the building,” said Delnicki, who also recognizes the need for an animal shelter during times of emergencies such as last year’s October snow storm. “This is not a dog pound,” he noted. “This is some place you wouldn’t be embarrassed about.” He said he was pleased with the positive community support at the Jan. 17 Town Council meeting.

The budget will naturally be the focus over the next couple of months. Revenue projections are already down some $1.2 million. Last year, the town received approximately $800,000 in federal money through the Recovery Act, which is not available this year. Also, last year, the town realized $800,000 savings from teacher concessions, which this year will be reduced to $400,000. “I really have to thank them [the teachers] for stepping forward and offering these concessions last year,” said Delnicki.

Delnicki said the town has an important role in being diligent so that it receives back from the state the monies residents pay into the system through taxes. “A lot of folks are having a tough time making ends meet,” he said. When campaigning, Delnicki heard from so many that the economic uncertainty is a problem. “Everyone is concerned about taxes,” he said.

In terms of expenses, Delnicki said, “I know we can expect another good, transparent budget,” referring to submissions that will be forthcoming from Superintendent Dr. Kate Carter and Board of Education Chair David Joy. On the town side, there was a freeze on staffing and new hires, which sunsets in March and will be reviewed. He noted that the paving program needs to be brought into the mix, as well.

Delnicki expects the budget will include more storm debris pickup in the spring for some areas that still have not been fully cleaned up. “I think we did the right thing,” said Delnicki about the decision to proceed quickly with the storm clean-up. “We ensured safety for the community and we ensured a return to normalcy.” The town will be meeting with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the verification of the reimbursable costs. “Our paperwork’s in order, and that’s a relief,” he said, noting that the town’s portion of the $8 million total clean-up will run between $1.6 and $2 million. The Town Council has decided to fund this expense through bonds, at less than one percent over 10 years.

Other issues coming before the Town Council will be the discussion of a blight ordinance specifically directly to properties left vacant, foreclosed upon or overall neglected. While a strong supporter of property rights, Delnicki acknowledged that neighbors should not see their own property values decrease because of neglected properties, nor should there be safety issues from vacant properties.

The Town Council is creating several new committees to address a variety of issues. One will deal with the establishment of fair and equitable sewer rates. Another will develop a Citizens’ Survey. The issue of sidewalks will be further discussed in a new committee, as will athletic fields. “These are things that need to be looked at,” said Delnicki. The Emergency Response Committee will have the task of reviewing the great cooperation shown throughout the town during the recent tropical and early winter storms and see if a little “tweaking” can result in even better services.

Although the current economic situation in some ways will make this term a difficult one for the mayor, Delnicki also views it as a time of opportunity, because people recognize that they need to work together. Despite walking into the role of mayor just after the October storm hit, he said he found it heartening to see how the town came together in that emergency. “I’m looking forward to working with everyone,” said Delnicki. As he did in his mayoral acceptance speech, Delnicki again encouraged residents to voice their opinions and to be involved through the committees.

“I love to see the success stories in town,” said Delnicki about attending the many events as the mayor, from ceremonies at Oxford Performance Materials to Eagle Scout ceremonies. “It’s important that the mayor is there,” he said, noting that he takes vacation time from his day job to attend daytime events. “My boss is very understanding,” he added.