Education, Workforce, Youth Development & Community Services Subcommittee - Regular Meeting

I'm sorry, I was muted. So, we're calling the meeting to order and our roll call includes Councelor Oliver and the chair of this committee, Anthony Harrington. Um, we are going to wait or pause a few moments to see if we have any more committee members coming on board. Okay. Okay. Great. Great. So, we have council deputy mayor. Thank you. Thank you. So, we're going to start with uh old business. That's a discussion and status update regarding the CNA program. So I did speak with uh our principal um Jesse uh last evening and he gave an update regarding uh the program. Approximately 19 students uh began the program. 15 have completed and have now been certified. Four students however are still going through completing the certification phase. So they have completed some of the certification phase but have not completed. So they are in anticipation of those other four passing. I also uh know that some of the 15 that have completed are working. So, uh, there was a push to try to create some internship opportunities, uh, for them around town. So, some of our local businesses have been participating. I don't have, uh, a

clear roster, but I do know they have been participating. So um the other question that was posed um you know to the principal was uh what was the forecast for the upcoming year and they are uh tremendously excited about this program for the fourthcoming year. However there has not been a clearcut uh decision on funding. So, uh, they are anticipating that it will be pos positive, but there's no, uh, clear indication yet. It's being funded in part by, uh, Capital Workforce Partners, and I believe some other collaborators, uh, are engaged as well. So, we're hopeful that they'll be able to uh, uh, create the program and have it extend another year. Um, next we have the uh discussion regarding the 2025 Bloomfield Summerbridge program. Now, with regard to this, uh, we do have four options that are on the table. Uh, one is a six-w weekek, 4 day a week program for 10 youth. Uh, the other is, you're going to get confused when I say it, but uh, Bloomfield uh, summer six weeks again, but five days in with 10 youth. Um, and then there's six week four days a week for 15 youth.

And the last is six week five days a week 15 youth. Now all of this must fit within a framework of $75,000. So we have uh management costs related to CWP as being $19,000. Supportive services are at 1,500. that's busing uh other supportive services. Um then we have MPCS being two workshops and then stipens being the the highest of the cost that being uh uh $21,600. Uh it varies from program to program. I wanted to throw out to council uh or to the members. Um last year we had 20 to 22 students and the wage was not at the level that we would have preferred and uh this way they're not being given uh closing costs. They're going to be given a stipen. So the hours that they work, those will be the hours that they will be paid. And I think that's right and appropriate for for this. So um uh OP has been the agency that we've been communicating with. As you all know, uh Blue Hill Civic Association was the last vendor that uh provided services. Um and uh we have moved and uh OP has

been with open arms uh you know with uh taking over the program. So [Music] um so to the members I just want to mention that there's four options. One is six days a week. I excuse me six weeks four days a week with 10 youth. Other is 6 weeks, 5 days a week with 10 youth. And the other is the flip side. 6 weeks, 4 days a week, 15 youth. My and then 6 weeks, 5 days a week, 15 youth. So, my thought and and please let me know what your thoughts are was to try to maximize the stipens. Um, we could either do I think 10 is too low cuz we're we're we're working with graduating seniors and rising seniors. So with those two options, I mean, we need to at least have 15 youth. Um, and last year I just felt that we didn't deliver on on the stipen part to the kids because during the summer, especially if they're going off to college or uh or starting their their lives, um, they want to leave that program with some dollars. So um uh the provider costs do change a bit um with these various you know analyses. Uh but basically there's

480 total earned in a bike bi-weekly $1,440 total earned in six weeks. Now, the other is six weeks, five days a week, and they could earn $1680 during that six week period. So, I'm just Yes, I see councelor Mahan's hand raised, please. Thank Thank you, Deputy Mayor. And uh I appreciate you repeating the uh the options. you did say we'd probably get confused and I was a little confused like that's a lot of options but I I appreciate you reiterating it. Um I think I I understand your point that um you know you want to maximize and and make sure there's more folks. Excuse me. Just one moment. Sorry about that. I I do understand your point to, you know, maximizing. You want to help as many folks as possible. You want to make sure that as many folks as possible get this benefit. Uh I do think there is some merit to having a more close-knit group. having those 10 individuals, they can uh have more more of an individualized experience. Uh more one-on-one time with instructors. Um I'm sorry, more personalized experience rather and uh more one-on-one time with instructors. Um I do see some merit in that. Of course, you know, Deputy Mayor, on on on this, I will uh pretty much yield to, you know, your preference on this. Um, but I I do want us to consider

that other end of things that um we could possibly you may help more people with 15, but you may have more quality in the programming and more substance if there's less folks. So um there there's two sides to that, right? So one one reason why I prefer to go with the larger number we've managed each year. This will be the fourth. We've had 18, 20, 22, and uh not to say that each level was was uh perfect, but 15 is a smaller level. Um and I I think with the new um vendor they they work with youth um you know year round and I think they would be better prepared um to manage uh the group and I just think we'd be able to support more youth. Um, so I I think 15 is still within the range of uh um you know an opportunity to to manage the group well given their success and experience in in this arena. But um you have another question so you have the floor. Yeah. 10. I mean, yeah, the difference between the 10 and the 15 isn't so much where I I don't think someone's experience is going to be dramatically reduced or or, you know, watered down going from 10 to 15. So, I like I said, I'm not on that one. I'm I'm I'm

flexible on that. The only thing that I do want to make sure is that you know if this program is going to move forward that we um ensure that there is uh adequate benchmarking with the program. I I can't remember if it was last year the year before you had some concerns around test scores that that came out of uh the program. Um and and so you know I think the the only way that we can ensure that we don't repeat that is to uh implement well I think it was test scores and and attendance uh with some folks right um I think the only way that we can ensure is like ensuring that we implement uh adequate benchmarking so that we're we're uh seeing where our youth are as they go along. Um yeah. Yeah. One one of the issues um and I I'll get to you counselor uh Oliver. One of the issues was that students were paid whether they were there the whole day or part of the day. And I'm I don't like that format. I believe that the students should be there every day and so they'll get paid every day. Um, so this will cut out what happened last year because they will earn every dollar and we do have uh NRF credentials that will be provided to the students. So they will have to earn this uh credential and a lot of the work will be in terms of free employment types of uh uh um coursework basically to adequately

prepare our young people for the next steps. So, resume writing, interviewing techniques, uh, communication skills, there's there's a a host of things that would better prepare them for the next stage in their career, whether it is uh, college or work. And uh, so, Capital Workforce Partners focuses on that. And then OP has a regular program that um they'll introduce uh to the students. Counselor Oliver. Thank you, Chairman. Uh yes, I would just like to congratulate you on doing what you're doing. I mean, I think it's awesome what you're doing, Tony. Uh and that, you know, sometimes, you know, it depends on what type of class this is, our training session it is. Um, I do understand what counselor Mahan is saying. Uh, but I think as long as you stay between 10 and 15 that you're going to be good and you know, I I would go with the 15 because some people might uh they might drop out and then if they drop out uh somebody that you told not to go might not be able to uh you know be part of it because the program's already up and running. So, um I I I I I agree with the 15 and I just want to tell you great job. Thank you. Thank you, Council Mahan. What I think uh um Council Oliver bring first. Council, the only two options are the are the 10 and the 15. So, we we don't have too much of a choice between those two. Um but the um uh my question is I think he brings up a phenomenal point of what happens uh when folks do drop out. Do uh I'm sure there's like a waiting list. What does

that what does that look like? Well, ideally there's a waiting list. The the issue here is timing. So graduation is June 11th. So, we're looking at less than a month to get the word out and solidify those who are uh interested in participating. Remember, these are only uh students who reside in Bloomfield. They can uh have gone to school at other locations within this area, but they have to be Bloomfield residents. So, [Music] um, in the past we have leaned on, uh, a few students that, um, were not registered at the outset. So, when someone left or didn't show up to start, we were able to fill back fill. I don't know at at this moment. um uh if that will be the case but [Music] um it probably le leads into the next discussion point. Um um so if we're if we know that it will be 15 youth do you think 4 days or 5 days? Councelor Oliver and councelor Mahan cuz you two are the only one I can speak to regarding I'm here. I'm here. I'm listening noise in the background and I didn't want to um to, you know, be on Zoom and have noise in the background. I'm not I'm out of town and

I got trucks driving by and it's kind of loud. So, I just didn't want to I'm not ignoring you. I'm here with you, brother. Yeah. Yeah. I'm ignoring you, Tony. Just messing with you. Um, so I, you know, I think, um, I mean, five, five is great to prepare, uh, folks like that. Freshman year of college, um, I know with my freshman year, they had us pretty much take uh, every day they had us uh, take classes. Um, as you go on to sophomore, junior, senior year, you typically that Friday class is more optional. Um, so I I I'll I'll pose both sides, you know. Okay. Five the fiveday course can allow folks to get maintain that continuity between high school and going off to uh whatever their post-secary opportunity is because even if they go to work, most likely they're going to be working like a Monday through Friday schedule or if they decide to go into car business like me, you're working Monday through Saturday. So, you know, they're they're going to have to get used to um doing, you know, that at least staying consistent with that um with that schedule. On the other end, it is summer and these kids do deserve a break. I I don't mean to say kids, but the these, you know, young people do deserve a break. You know, they have been going at it all semester. It would be nice if they had that Friday off. So there there is the other end of it. I'm I'm I'm seeing uh the the hand that raises four in our I don't want to say peanut gallery. That would be inappropriate. But others are

suggesting that that we go with the four days as well. My concern initially was I mean these are grown folks now. So, but my concern initially was parents are going to, you know, be prepared for a program that is 5 days a week and so they don't have to worry about opening the house or whatever. I don't know. Maybe that's a a concern that I really shouldn't be consider. Yeah, it's not my Okay. Thank you very much. Okay. All right. We're going to we're going to maybe work for the four days and uh see how that goes. What I do have in the four days. Okay. What I do have to mention is we now have to find a new location because in the past we were in the high school library and apparently there's going to be major renovations in that area over the summer. I'm going to talk with our superintendent tomorrow um to see if there possibly is another option because while having the classes in the library, we also had the benefit of free lunch uh at lunchtime. So the budget was set up in the absence of paying for meals during, you know, during lunch. So that that's something that we have to, you know, consider because we did reduce the budget by $12,000 recently. Um, so that took away that little piece. But um I'm going to I'm going to call on councelor Oliver and then I'm going to move to the to the next area because it does also involve finance. Thank you. Uh chairman, uh I

just wanted to say I agree with both you and Tony. I think uh you know four days you is is pretty good especially if it's a summertime thing. You want people to be able to breathe a little bit um without you know you know it's like okay I'm going to do the summer program. I'm going to get paid for it and I'm gonna have Fridays off to still be able to enjoy a little bit of my summer. So, I I do agree and I think that's a a good idea. That's all I wanted to have an input on. Okay. So, so I'm assuming that it's probably five hours each. So, it's probably 20 hours versus 25 or or maybe it's I don't know. I have to talk to the to the uh vendor. Um I would like to move to the next area. It's it's basically a discussion and possible action regarding funding surplus from 2024 Bloomfield Summerbridge program. So, uh, last year we found that, uh, CWP was able to, cuz they managed the program, they received $9,800 from the 75 of last year. Um, they pul they took that from Blue Hills Civic Association. So in our discussions because we were going to have to ramp up uh very quickly to get you know information out to the students and things of that sort in discussions with CWP some of that was going to be used to um for program startup because we've never had that. Uh we usually um would be further along in this process at this

point in time. Um again school is out June 11th and it is now May 13th 12th 13th. So, uh, we have roughly a month and, um, so, um, this is what we're anticipating to do and I'd like to hear from from, uh, the counselors to see what your opinion or thoughts are on that. Some discussion, gentlemen. Sorry, I was trying to I was trying to mute unmute here. Um, you know, I mean, it's your it's I'm on board with whatever you feel is best fit. You know, you kind of put this together. Um, you know, I I I I think like the decision isn't something that dramatically needs to be looked at from somebody outside of a person who's been doing this for quite some time now. um put putting all that time into it yourself. So I I wouldn't you know I would I would recommend to go whatever uh that you you feel is best fit for for the program. Okay. Thank you. I I see uh councelor Lloyd has joined us. So we're talking about the summer bridge program. Um we have roughly uh $75,000 um plan of which $9,800 is available to us from last year's program and we're looking to utilize some portion of that for startup because we have to get OP which is the the

vendor that we've agreed to use uh versus Blue Hills uh to start up and to come into the classrooms to promote the program. We do have some inquiries that have been made um in town by some residents who said, "I want my son or daughter in the program." So we do have a few that way but um we need to give them opportunity to come into the school and and talk about the program so we can get some buy in from the students and from the parents. So I just wanted to kind of give very fast and skinny. Is that is that mandatory to have it? Wait. Oh, first of all, are you saying that it's going to cost us to have them do that like um that I guess the advertising aspect of it? Well, what what has to be done in in the past, I've kind of done the pre-work by, you know, going into schools and promoting it and then getting applications completed, but it's no longer in my hands to do that. Um, so the vendor that we choose will actually be doing the bulk of of that activity. Usually CWP does that just like with with our summer program through through Bloomfield. They they kind of manage that process. Um so it it's not entirely different. It's just that uh OP would you know make the pitch to the students because they know the kind of uh uh NRF credentials that they'll be providing and they'll know the services

that they'll be providing to the students throughout the time period. So they're they're in a better position to explain and get the buyin from the students and and the parents. Rarely have we been in the school too much. It's all been word of mouth and that type of thing. I think this is a good process to get in the school first to, you know, maybe get the bulk of the students enrolled and then those others would come from, you know, uh, more word of mouth and promotion. I'm I'm sorry. I um I don't know if I I missed this because I'm I'm traveling from work. I may have hit a spot with um I think I I hit a spot with uh where the reception was a bit off. Um so I I'm trying to understand the onboarding cost aspect of this. Where where does that come into play? And I know you said there was some money that could be allocated over into this year. Um what I'm I'm just trying to figure out where that where that's coming into play. Okay. So, we had a program last year. Um I believe very honestly some of the students were um I don't want to say underpaid but the agency that was managing it um uh you know there were some food costs that we didn't have to pay because we had students uh getting food from from high school. So there were some costs that weren't incurred. Um Blue Hills could not just keep that money. They gave it back to the managing fiduciary which was Capital Workforce Partners. So

there was a total of $9,800 of the 75 that is the towns. And what was discussed was that we have a new uh vendor and it's going to cost for them to ramp up the this new program and administer it so we can get the 15 students enrolled based on, you know, town and CWP standards and um you know start the program. So, right now we're looking for housing, not housing, but you know, a location to to uh to administer the program. Uh, but in the interim, we need OP to begin launching its own efforts to secure the 15 students. They currently work with a number of Bloomfield students right now. So there probably are some students that are currently enrolled in their their regular programming that may be in 11th grade, may be graduating that uh may come right into our program. That has not been determined yet because we're just waiting uh for the go-ahad. So they've put the program together and they've submitted uh this. So we're we're just, you know, uh looking to move forward. So we'll go with the 15 students for 4 days a week. And I don't know what the exact

wages. I think it's $16 an hour. I don't know if it's 25 hours or 30, but based on the four days, we'll figure out what it is. Generally, it's like 9 to three, but I'm sure we'll just figure it out within the next coming days because I I do have a meeting with CWP uh tomorrow morning. No, tomorrow afternoon. And uh so I will have more more information to to provide. I I I have paperwork here that shows, but everyone's online. So, um I will certainly, you know, get this to you u within the next day. Councelor Mahan, sorry. So, I'm just trying to understand. I I may have missed it again. My apologies. is is um our piece of the pie looking to receive that um the the leftover money from the previous year's budget for their onboarding expenses. Did I mention that? But it's Yeah, CWP is is basically the fiduciary. So, just like they made sure we got the $9,800 from Blue Hills that wasn't spent, they're going to rightfully distribute, you know, this based on what they need to do to start up the program. the the figures I have here are once the program begins, you know, the hours and things of that sort. But what happens before then is is what we will use some portion

of the 9,800 for that. It's not said that the 9,800 will go to OP. It's just there will be some startup costs related to them coming to the schools and and ramping up the you know the program prior to prior to the start the actual start date. Okay. Sorry about sorry for um cutting off there deputy mayor. Um so uh they don't have a specific cost uh budget for the onboarding. Do will they like bill it retroactively or how how does that work? Um I will be talking to CWP uh within the next day about further information relating to this. Um we just know that we need to uh move post haste to uh contact the students to get the students interested in the program and then to register them. So um I don't believe it it will ramp out to be any huge amount. It's just very good that we have access to that because no CW, no CBO or any other organization is going to be willing to do a lot of work upfront with no dollars to be delivered. So, I just don't have that amount right now to to provide. I will speak with CWP regarding that um within the next day.

Thank you, Deputy Mayor. You're welcome. You're welcome. So, I don't want to, you know, belabor this too much, but but I'm looking forward to a great program this year. And uh and when we need to lean on uh leisure services or social and youth services or uh senior services, we will we will do that because they're in the room and they're always so helpful. And with that in mind, we're going to move to reports from town staff. We'll start with senior services. Miss Evette Hugh Panel, the new look. Is it on? Yeah, I just pressed it. Okay. Um, so I just wanted to report on some of the things that we've done. We did a paint night party with Parks, Recreation, and Leisure. On the 2nd, we had over 30 participants, was very crowded, people had a lot of fun, and we almost ran out of food, which never happens. Um, we had our Mother's Day, our premother's Day lunchon on Friday the 9th at um the Anony's Ocean View. It was a beautiful location. Unfortunately, it was raining, but the food was phenomenal and the dancing, people had a great time. Um we're engaged in a um partnership with the West Harford Bloomfield Health District and taking 15 uh attendees for 1-hour sessions for the next three months. Um one the first one is on May 12th which would just pass and so it's a chance for people to really start building up their strength and energy.

Um and if the program is successful we might be able to continue it. Um the uh 9th annual casual prom is taking place this Thursday. Students from the University High School of Science and Engineering come together with their decorations from their prom which was last weekend and they decorate the great room and uh we have 50 seniors who come and dance and have a great time and it's very casual. They play games, they win prizes. It's really kind of a neat thing. um many of them have never um had their own prom and so it's a chance to not have to get dressed up and something you can't afford but to still have a good time. Um I guess um not sure if Camila or Dave will talk about it but there's shred day coming up and I'm sure they'll give you some more information um and also small electronics recycling. Um we have a a program that we're partnering with the library to do on uh responding to dementia related behaviors. It's presented to us by the Alzheimer's Association and again it's on Monday the 19th of May at 5:30 in the great room. Um the senior center will be participating again in the memorial day parade and um the national senior health and fitness day um for the spring is taking place on the 27th through the 30th. So it's not really a day. We we make it the whole week so people have a chance to do some walking. um they put in a little um ticket every time they walk for each day and then we do drawings and we have gift cards and other um gifts for them. Um and then just a little heads up for next month. We have our fifth annual prejunth celebration which we have in the gymnasium. Um Dave lets us get in there and and do it up for the uh for the day. We have um African dancers coming and we have drummers and um also a steel steel band drummer and we have our own little drumming group that we've been working

with for the last 6 months and they'll come and perform as people are coming in and entering the room. Um we also started a walkers club. It was part of what we were going to do um with a grant um but we were able to do it without the grant. So everyone walks on Monday mornings. They get together, walk around the um campus. Um some people go around once, other people go. We start with someone in the front leading the group who wants to walk longer. And we also have um someone in the back end of the group for the people that walk slower, want to stop and rest. So that's my report. Any questions? No. Okay. Thank you. Well, it's pretty pretty exciting. I remember my mother participated in some of those proms and it's just nice to see folks kind of dressed up and feeling good about themselves and you know it's great. It's great. Um well, thank you very much. You're very welcome. Great job. And now we will have uh social and youth services. Good evening. Give a brief overview of um little bit about what we're doing in the department and then I'll turn it over to Angelica to discuss um some highlights about youth services. We are in the midst of collecting applications for renters's rebate started April 1st and we'll go through September 30th. Uh renters's rebate is a program similar to uh the homeowners tax relief program that the tax assessor's office does. However, this one is for renters who are age 65 and older or if you're under the age of 65 and you are receiving social security disability and you meet the income guidelines, you can apply for the program and get up to $700 um uh rebate from the state of

Connecticut. So, please contact our office for additional information. The state of Connecticut energy assistance program, which is run through community renewal team, also known as CRT, um will be coming to an end May 30th. Uh the worker that intake worker that we had in our office, her last week was last week. So, if anyone is still in need of an appointment for their heating costs, you'll have to call CRT at 860-560-5800 to schedule an appointment in another uh location because you won't be able to uh come to Bloomfield to apply. Again, you can also call our office for more information. Operation Fuel is still accepting applications to help with water bills. Um, we received quite a few phone calls today in our office because MDC is in the neighborhood doing shut offs of water if you have an a huge balance. So, please contact our office or you can go on to the Operation Fuel website. I think it's operationfuel.org and apply for assistance. Um, we are working to pull together a veterans group, uh, Dave Mlesco, and I still call it Leisure Services. It's a longer name now, but I'll just say Leisure Services because you know what I'm talking about. But um we've been talking about um pulling this group together to kind of serve as an advisory um board around activities and programs and planning um for all things veterans uh in the town of Bloomfield. So if you are interested in being a part of this and helping us and helping you um please reach out and give either of us a call. farmers market shopping cards. We're always waiting for that. That we're hoping to start distributing that in

June. Last year the card value was $50. This year it was decreased to $40. Um, and we're still receiving training, but it's for Bloomfield seniors who are age 60 and older, and you have to meet a certain income guideline. So, I would say give us a call sometime in June to see if we've started distributing that. Uh I bet mentioned about shred day, which is this Saturday, May 17th, at Bloomfield High School. Uh this is our second year um at the high school. We think it works better. It's a better flow of traffic. Uh we'll be collecting any of your personal items that need shredding as well as electronics. I don't have the list of all of the electronics that they accept, but if you go to the town website, you'll see more information there. um hours of shred days 9:00 a.m. to noon or until the truck is full. So there is a possibility that it can end earlier than noon. So we recommend that you get there early to get your items shredded. Um also on that day there will be a human trafficking awareness walk that will take place on the town green from noon to 2. Um the organization I have it in my phone. and I don't have it up here with me. I apologize. But they will be also collecting food for our food bank. Um, and again, that's noon to 2 on this Saturday, May 17th on the Town Hall Green. Um, and that concludes my report. I will turn things over to Angelica. Quick quick question for you. Yes. Yes. Where are we at right now in terms of the food bank? Are we fine? we're better, but um the donations that we received over the holidays are beginning

to dwindle. Um and we know we don't know what the future holds with SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps. So, we are starting to see a slight increase in usage of our food bank. So, we are always in need of food. Um that's the other thing I forgot to mention. I see counselor Oliver's hand is up as well. Um, the Department of Public Works will be hosting their annual food drive at Gistler's on Saturday the 24th in recognition of um I think it's National Public Works Week. So, they will be collecting food at Gistler's on both Friday the 23rd of this much this month and Saturday the 24th. So, that's another opportunity to donate food to benefit our our food bank. But we are always in need and we will never turn away a donation. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Council Oliver. Yes. Thank you. Uh chairman. Yes. I appreciate what you guys are doing over there. 330 Park. You guys are always busy. You're deep in the community. You're always doing great things. Um you will see see me out there this Saturday at some point. Uh but the question I have about CRT is can you at least apply online? I know that, you know, maybe, you know, the jobs are getting scarce and uh and they're and they're, you know, maybe merging things together. So, you know, they don't want to have it in Bloomfield, whatever it is, it is. But is there a way for residents that, you know, don't have the ability to drive all the way down to North Main or wherever the area is to to put their name on that list? Is there a digital can they go online? Um, things like that. That's that's basically uh my question to you. Sure. Sure. Thank you for the recognition and and always the support, counselor Oliver. And to answer your question, yes. Um, anyone can go online to apply. You have to go to um

you can go to either community renewal team's website or the state of Connecticut Department of Social Services and look for energy assistance programs. You can apply through there as well. You can also come into our office and pick up a paper application and you can manually fill out an application that either can be mailed in with the supporting documents or we can fax it over to CRT as well. So, thank you. That's a great question because there are other options. Thank you. It seems like there's more than a few options. So, that's a good thing to hear. Appreciate Yes. Thank you for the question. Yep. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening everyone. I'm just going to share our updates for the youth services department. We did have our youth summit on Saturday, May 10th. It was a collaboration with the parks and recreation department, the Bloomfield West Harford Health District and the town of Windsor. We had a really great turnout for the summit and support of the parents as well. they were really making sure the kids got there on time. Um the focus of the youth summit was on mental health, health relationships, and financial literacy. We received great feedback and we're looking forward to plans for the next year looking at things that we can add on to enhance the youth summit funding through town council initiatives. It was funded through town council initiatives along with town departments and the town of Windsor made this youth summit possible. In terms of our programs, we have our biking program with the Harford rolling anvils, with our tribe young men's group. It's a partnership also with the Bloomfield Police Department. You have the opportunity to learn about bike safety. They exercise and focus on healthy choices. Um, they learn about various biking trails and the mental

health funding through town council initiatives and councelor McLar's advocacy has provided the financial support for this program. this program. We do plan on continuing through the end of June to give them enough time to ride a couple of the trails to get some of that experience. But for the feedback, a lot of the youth have been enjoying the um trails and experience. So, this may be something we can try to explore how we can continue on for the next um session. for summer youth employment. The application closes May 30th for Bloomfield Youth and we service ages 14 through 17. Applications are currently under review and we're preparing to start the interview process. We are still in need of a few work sites. We do have a few um town departments and a few small businesses already secured. We just need a few more to make sure we have enough variety for the youth to participate this summer. In terms of funding, we're still awaiting the final approval through Capital Workforce Partners, which will determine the number of youth that were able to um participate this summer. Um last conversation sometime in June, we're going to get notice of our award slots, so we can kind of narrow down after the interviews who we can select, who will be on a wait list, and who we're not able to service for the program. So, that concludes my piece of the report. Does anyone have any questions? They can apply through the capital workforce website. So the application is a uniform application for all the providers in the region. They would just have to select town of Bloomville as the provider to get on our list. Thank you. I I would like to say uh every time we run Summerbridge, we end up coming back to you guys to see if you have any uh folks that you weren't able to um select or due to your uh

program already being filled. So, in the event that you have some of those after your last date, please uh consider uh letting us know so we can possibly help out as well. We'll do. Yes. Any uh questions from uh the committee or council Lori? No. No questions from me. Thank you for your report. Very good. Thank you. No questions. Thank you. Thank you very much. No questions. Same here. Thank you very much for your report. Okay. The next area to cover is other business. Excuse me. I'm sorry. Parks, Recreation, and Leiser Services. Oh my gosh. Deputy Mayor, I know. If you could if you could have seen the look on my face. Let let me say this, and I probably shouldn't. I was a senior at the University of Harford. We had a football team then. And not to brag, but I guess I I am. us best player, right? So, we were at our coronation, you know, ceremony and they got to the MVP part and everybody was like, "Hey, hitting you." And so, I got ready to stand and they said, "Someone else." Now, when you were walking up, it reminded me of that moment. But anyway, I'm sorry. This this is one young man that does great things in our community. So, uh, we will give you the mic. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Deputy Mayor. Um, most of the things are upcoming, but I I did want to at least mention and thank everyone for coming out for the successful uh Philly Park grand reopening that was held on May 3rd. Um, happy to report that there was approximately 100 people there. Um, we

had ice cream there and they gave out 96 ice creams there. So, it was real easy for me to keep track of attendance there. But, um, it was a beautiful day. we couldn't have asked for a nicer day. Um, so thank you to all and if you haven't had the opportunity to go and check out the park, please do. Um, there are a lot of people in there just reading a book in the the small gazebo after the fact. There was a there was a group home that came in and um it was able to use the uh the pavilion, have some pizza and just enjoy the day. Um, so I stuck around for a good hour, hour and a half afterwards. So was really nice. Thank you all. Um there everyone mentioned shred day for this upcoming Saturday, May 17th. Um Memorial Day uh was on May 26th. We will be starting off the day at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery for a small intimate ceremony. Um followed by the parade kickoff at 11:30 a.m. and immediately after that on the town green will be the town green ceremonies. Um, this year's speaker will be uh, retired Colonel Lori Wyn and our braid marshall will be Richard Barlo. Um, so hopefully you can come on out. I do apologize. I would have liked to have already had my invitations letter to all the members of the of the council by now, but you will be receiving it tomorrow. I've been working on it most of the day today. Just did not get to that part. Um, but you will get a formal invitation tomorrow from me. It's okay, Dave. We believe you. Um, Saturday, May 31st will be the fishing derby. Will be the third annual fishing derby. As part of that, um, they will be stock in the pond on May 22nd with bass. And as part of that, there will be over a dozen trophy trophy fish that'll be in there as well. I believe that there are anywhere between 12 plus inches in order to be considered trophy fish. Um after that we'll be uh stocking it with bluegills

as as well. Um but we won't stock it with bluegills until after the fishing derby is completed because we want the bass to be hungry and biting on the day of the derby. Um so um we finalized that u um advertisement today with councilor Mclary. Um so that'll be going out as well. Um after the following weekend, we'll be hosting the community cleanup day on June 7th. Uh we'll be meeting at 3:30 Park Avenue and then we'll be at that point in time, everyone will congregate, get their assignments, and then you'll go off to your locations throughout town. You come back after the fact and um um come on over and we'll enjoy lunch. I'm working with various departments. Uh I'd be um I' certainly don't want to miss out on office strategic communications and government affairs who's been vital in that as well as DPW. Um and then the next event after that will be the kickoff to the summer concert series which will be held on Thursday, June 19th with Latana Pharaoh. um as mentioned are open in concert and we are planning to try and do a little something special that day as well um that to be announced at a later date um since it is the uh uh June 9th Junth as well on that day. So we would like to make it a special day. So um we are in in process of planning something special for that. Um the following week on June 23rd will be the opening of our summer camps and our pool program. Um the pool program will actually begin the week earlier for for preseason hours, but the official kickoff to the pool season starts on the same day as our camps, which is the 23rd. Currently in final finalizing the carpentry program with counselor Oliver. We had a nice discussion today on um on how we were moving forward and maybe adjusting some of the dates around and what we could potentially do to still accomplish some of the training during

the summer months and then have the the practicum be during the month of September. So, we're in the process of trying to finalize that now. Um I would anticipate marketing material going out for that very soon because it's an aggressive time frame that we're looking at. So, we need to get the the kids into the program. Um, do want to mention the farmers market. I know that the farmers market, unfortunately, is not currently being funded, but I have been having discussions with Laura Pandre, um, who oversaw the farmers market last year, and she's doing with what she can to still potentially bring that program, um, keep it going this year without the funding that it received to make it a self-sustaining program and to work out and to see if she can get funds elsewhere. Um, so it's in developmental stages right now, but there is a good chance that we may be able to do something there. Um, again, more to come on that. Um, and then I also wanted to mention, I don't know if you've noticed, a little bit more activity down at the fields. Um, in addition to uh the soccer program that we do this time of the year, the Bloomfield Junior Soccer Association does. Um on the evenings they've been practicing and on uh Sunday, excuse me, Saturday evenings, the Connecticut flag football program has been using the fields at 3:30 Park Avenue. Uh it's been successful minus all the rain that we've had on Saturday evenings. So they've had some makeups on Friday nights and I think they have a makeup coming up on one of these Sundays as well. Um so that concludes my report. I'm happy to answer any questions. Council Oliver. Yes. Thank you, chairman. I just like to give you your kudos, man. I drove by every weekend I drive by and that building, that property, always something going on there. The sports, the soccer, the flag football. It it's it's I love 330 Park. You guys are really holding it down as a whole team together. Um, and just want

to give you your big kudos and I appreciate you. Thanks. Well, thank you. And on behalf of my colleagues, thank you. I have a question there. A couple of years ago, you had about my own a father's program or something. Um, we did a I think it was the hero day, dad's hero day. Yes. Um, so that was run by an outside agency. Um, and we were just helped collaborate on that day. Um, um, Mr. Crocker was instrumental in bringing that Yes. Yes. Yes to the to there and unfortunately Mr. Crocker is no longer with us and so I think with that the program has maybe shifted gears elsewhere. Um but it is something that we would gladly entertain that again. Yeah, it was really a wonderful program. So um I I'll try to check into that a bit further. Thank you very much. Uh and thank you so much for all you do for all you all do. um that that building is active as he has said and and then we also have so many programs for our seniors. You know, I I make the mistake sometimes of using the term elderly and and I get, you know, they get me real quick, especially considering the fact that I'm I'm part of that group. But um you know the the the Memorial Day parade that starts at what time? The parade itself will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Okay. Okay. And it'll follow the same route as the same route. Start at um Barard Lane, take a turn left onto Bloomfield. Basically Bloomfield Avenue, go head north to Tungstes, take a right onto Whittenberry onto Jerome Avenue, and then conclude here on Park Avenue. Okay. So, it's basically it's a big loop all

the way around the town center, right? Okay. Okay. Looking forward to it. Thank you. Me as well. Thank you. So, at at this time, we will entertain um any public comments. Well, okay. That's right. My apologies. That's when I intercepted the Okay. Hi. Hi. Good evening everyone. So, my name is India Rogers and in this role I'm speaking on right now, I am representing my department, strategic communications and government affairs. And it just dawned on me that this is the particular committee and perfect committee to report out things that 330 is not doing in the community and what we do in my department. So that would fall under our ribbon cutings and groundbreings that we do within the community. So I just wanted to let the public know that we support um the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce as well as the town and several ribbon cutings that occur throughout the community and we recently had one last Thursday for Fine Federal Dispensary on 10 Mosy Drive. That was an awesome event. We have an upcoming two um one is Collaborative Natural Health Partners. a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 21st at 5:00 PM. And that's going to be at 1 Northwestern Drive, Sweet 202. And we also have another ribbon cutting, Tecta America New England and Weathergard ribbon cutting at 12 noon and 400 Woodland Avenue. In addition to that, my department also supports a lot of our town boards and commissions with their programming events throughout the community. And on June 6, Friday, June 6th, at 5:30 p.m. at the front steps of town hall, we're going to be having our fifth annual Pride Day event. So come out and support that as well. And that's all I have for now, but I'll be back in front of you if I have events coming up on this given day. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I remember last year they had

a group of singers. They were very, very good. Oh, excellent. Excellent. Thank you. Now I can get back to the order. That was okay. So now we would like to um uh provide any public comments from online. We have one. Okay, you have the floor Wendy. Good evening. Wendy Williams, 48 Gab Road. So first I want to thank all of you, all of the heads, deputy mayor, India. You guys run the town efficiently, effectively. Tons and tons of things, things I don't even know about you're doing. So, I do want to thank you for that. I wanted to roll back uh Tony, I believe four days, as I chirped and there is the peanut gallery, which I'm sorry, but I I couldn't help myself. Um I do think four days for the young adults merging in. I think it is a great transition into the workforce as my as uh councelor Oliver and councelor Mahan said it gives them Friday off maybe or Monday pick a bookend you know but to give them four straight days of working and maybe that will help keep them coming for those that by you know the third day are kind of like uh I don't know if I'm feeling this the generation seems to be weary these generations about working four or five days in a row so I do um think that is important the other piece that you were talking about food. So if it is not located in a school, let's say it could be at leisure, you know, in 330 Park A, is there a possibility to have food potentially provided? So I I'm not going to speak out of turn because I am speaking on behalf of myself, but as the president of the Lions Club, I think we might be able to help support something like that if food might be an issue if nothing more than providing, you know, light snacks or provide breakfast or something something I'd like to put us on the table for as part of that

initiative, at least to have conversations futuristically um for 5 weeks to see if we could do something simplistic at least. you know, I don't want to commit to too much, but just seeing what you have budgeting wise. Um, I'd like to put myself in the club out there for that. Speak on behalf of Thank you so much. That something simple and it's not simple, but it's something that is what we can help provide, but it takes it off the table of having to have it funded for um through that money that we, you know, are unsure of. Right. The second thing goes to um Dave. So, dare I ask, how much is the farmers market to put on? Like, what is the cost to do that? I'm sure it's more than I want to know, but I knew it was taken out of the budget, but what is the cost to the the cost that was allocated last year was $30,000. The request this year was $35,000. That was to keep it going throughout the year. So, it would start up, I think it was either the second or third um weekend in June and then that would carry you throughout most of the month of October and then from October from that point you'd be able to go indoors um to 330 Park Avenue for this upcoming year. Um but if you're looking for donations or something along those lines, that's kind of where this is leading. um you know things could be modified, scaled down a little bit to still make things successful with it. So I think any any donation that would potentially go out there um you know and through it would um I'm sure would be appreciated and and used in a in a positive manner. But that that was the fun. I wish I had 30 grand to give you David that. But but no, I I just wondered and and I may speak to you off to the side too to scale it back even if it wasn't

full year but at least to bring it through the summer. I think it was a great addition to the summer concerts and I think that, you know, we are a we like to keep oursel that green town and it's kind of a shame we can't have a little farmers market, but definitely um I would like to see if we can find some ways to get funds, you know, possibly to at least do a portion of it. I don't know what that looks like or if it's even possible, but yeah, I do believe that it could be scaled down some to be able to accommodate, you know, a lower dollar denomination in order to make it happen. Um, you know, a lot of it went to subsidies and made it as robust as it was last year. Um, so it doesn't necessarily need to be as robust as it was last year. Um, there's a couple there's two or three key vendors that you need to have for there in order to make it happen and viable for them to continue to come every week. you have to guarantee them a certain dollar amount every week. And so if they don't make that in sales, they need to have it pick it up. Um and then we also were able to uh hand out coins to make it um some reduced costs for some of our residents as well. Correct. Thank you. You're welcome. Okay. Thank you very much. Deputy Mayor, I think that's it. Thank you. You're welcome. You're welcome. Thank you for being online. Do we have any more? Uh, Councelor Lloyd, thank you. Just took a brief moment. Thank everyone for coming out and providing your presentations. Um, we really do have more than anyone would think um going on in Bloomfield and to much of the credit goes to our staff and volunteers throughout town for making this always happen. And even as we endeavor a difficult budget season, we know we're still going to be robust in what we can do to provide services and benefit to our residents. And I did want to say um thank you to Wendy for offering to help try to support the kids in their in their meals um for the

summer bridge program. That was quite generous. And hopefully um you Wendy kids teenagers eat a lot. You you might you might eat them words. But anyway, thank you. Thank you so much for that. That was quite generous. Um, and I appreciate everybody on this call tonight. Thank you. Thank you. Do we have any more online public comments? We will ask one more additional time. Do we have any public comments? You may have the floor at this time. Hearing none or seeing none um we will close this portion and move to well we won't approval of minutes. We we are not prepared for that tonight. Uh it will be at our next meeting. There's a lot going on today. So uh we will now uh move to possibly adjourn. Is there a second? Second. Second. Okay. All those in favor? I I All right. The chair votes I. It is unanimous. Thank you so much for coming and sharing your time with us and we look forward to you having a great