Fundraiser slated Wednesday for Derby mayor's re-election bid

Mayor Anita Dugatto meets with constituents. / Photo from Facebook

Sharing this information from a Facebook event page:

"Join us for a fundraising reception honoring Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto at The Hops Company Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.

"Enjoy food and drinks while hearing why Mayor Dugatto is the right person to lead Derby forward. Bring your friends and family. 

"If you would like to donate before, please visit our campaign website at dugattoformayor.com. 

"We look forward to seeing you there!"


The Hops Company is at 77 Sodom Lane, Derby.

Gentile hails expected $5M in state bonding for Derby redevelopment

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, today announced Derby is set to receive $5 million in funding to be used towards the city’s downtown redevelopment.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve this funding during a meeting May 12   at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building.

The City of Derby recently submitted its request for this grant-in-aid to DECD, with Gentile’s assistance.

The funding this grant provides will be used to assist with utility infrastructure, road and sidewalk construction, and streetscaping associated with downtown redevelopment. 

“This $5M grant will be an enormous help to the City of Derby for its downtown redevelopment,” Gentile said. “It will breathe life into the vision that was created through an open process that incorporated public ideas into a comprehensive, yet realistic plan to transform Derby's downtown into a vibrant hub of economic activity.

"It will help with the utility infrastructure, road and sidewalk construction and streetscaping associated with the project. I am grateful for Governor Malloy's support, and for the help and assistance of DECD and OPM.”

“This is a monumental day for the citizens of Derby,” Mayor Anita Dugatto said. 

“This funding award will allow us to take the next critical step in restoring our city center to economic prosperity. We eagerly look forward to the day when our downtown streets are once again bustling with activity.  

"I want to especially thank OPM, State Rep. Linda Gentile, and DECD Deputy Commissioner Tim Sullivan for seeing the value in investing in our great little city. And to all the developers who have been waiting in the wings, Derby is moving forward!”

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Derby official shares message about closings, cancellations

From Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo:


"Based on the directive of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy regarding nonessential state employees, Derby City Hall, Derby Senior Center, and the Derby Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 due to the storm. - http://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/Winter-Storm-Updates-March-14-2017

"Regarding Wednesday March 15, 2017, please refer to the City of Derby Website for any further information.

"Also, all City of Derby government meetings scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday March 14, 2017 have been cancelled. - http://www.derbyct.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.eventCalendar&typeID=40422

"Mayor Anita Dugatto, in cooperation with the Derby Police Department, Derby Fire Department, the Storm Ambulance Corps, and the Derby Office of Emergency Management have instituted a Winter Storm Eugene Web page as part of the City of Derby Website - http://www.derbyct.gov/Office-of-Emergency-Management/

"On behalf of the entire City of Derby, please be safe during the coming storm," Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo said in the email.

2nd Downtown Now! workshop slated Wednesday in Derby

DERBY - The City of Derby is inviting residents to the second public workshop of Downtown Now! Derby’s Blueprint for Progress. 
The workshop, Community Choices, will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at The Ballroom, 33 Elizabeth St.


The Community Choices Workshop follows the successful Community Voices Workshop held Sept. 22. 

More than 100 residents, business owners, and other stakeholders attended the September event to voice their opinions about downtown Derby as it exists now and how they would like to see it in the future.

“Community Choices is a critical meeting,” said Mayor Anita Dugatto. “It’s where we begin the process of reconciling the ideas we collected at the Community Voices Workshop with the realities of the redevelopment site.”

The redevelopment site encompasses nearly 14 acres of publically and privately held land on the south side of Main Street in downtown Derby.
The community’s ideas will be measured against land use, economic, and infrastructure conditions with the help of the consulting firm DPZ Partners and its project team.

DPZ Partners was selected to lead Downtown Now! through a Request for Proposal process. The project is fully funded by a grant from Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development.
“The activities that will be conducted at the Community Choices Workshop will enable us to to create an implementable development plan that is in sync with the vision of Derby’s residents,” Dugatto said.
The workshop will consist of several segments. 

It will start with a summary of the ideas collected at the Community Voices Workshop. 
At the September workshop, participants mapped places downtown they liked and disliked; then they brainstormed on different development opportunities that could improve downtown and ultimately the entire city.

3 presentations
The Community Choices Workshop will then continue with three presentations by the DPZ team: 
1.) challenges posed by the redevelopment site; 
2.) demographic and economic forces at play; and 
3.) infrastructure conditions.

“One of the most important tasks we have is to help Derby residents refine their vision so that it is implementable,” said Marina Khoury, DPZ’s team leader. “To do this, we will ask participants to address any discrepancies between their vision and the realities. From there, we will have them establish preferences and set priorities.”

Each of the presentations will be followed by a question and answer session that will use electronic keypads to record responses. The electronic keypads provide instant feedback - the results of each question will be projected on to a screen within seconds.
“By the end of the evening, we will have a good idea of where we are going from here. That will set the stage for the next step of the process: design,” Khoury said.

Following the Community Choices Workshop, public engagement for Downtown Now! will continue with the Derby Charrette. The charrette is an intensive design activity involving all members of the DPZ team. 
As planners design and develop alternatives, the public will have several opportunities, through drop-in sessions and formal presentations, to weigh-in and help shape the redevelopment plan.

The City of of Derby has appointed a citizen Advisory Committee to guide the development of the plan. Advisory Committee members include: Shane Mangado, Jack Walsh, Christian Meagher, Jim Gildea, Christina DiMartino, Natasha Kelly, Virginia Russo, Willetta Capelle, Beth Colette, and Sarah Widomski.
With offices in Miami and Washington, D.C., DPZ Partners is one of the country’s preeminent urban design and planning firms, having designed over 400 new and existing communities in the U.S. and abroad.
For Downtown Now! DPZ Partners has joined forces with CDM Smith who will provide infrastructure and environmental engineering support; The Williams Group who will conduct market analysis to determine what the market can support, develop, and finance; Urban 3 who will analyze the tax revenue implication of proposed alternatives; Gianni Longo and Associates who will lead public engagement; New Haven-based Robert Orr Associates who will focus on the unique character of Derby’s urbanism and architecture; and Good Earth Advisors (GEA), also based in Connecticut, who will assist with community outreach and act as a local liaison. 


This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.

Dugatto: Derby's sewage treatment system upgrade moving ahead

DERBY – A significant milestone has been reached in Derby’s effort to upgrade its wastewater treatment system.

Last month, Mayor Anita Dugatto signed off on key contracts to rebuild two of the City’s four pumping stations: South Division Street and Burtville Avenue.

Both pumping stations were constructed in the mid-1960s; no notable upgrades have been performed at either facility in nearly 50 years.
The contracts were awarded through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. 
The winning bids were within the approved budget for that part of the overall project.
“Derby has been struggling for years to maintain the operational efficiency of both of these pumping stations, often resorting to a ‘spit and rubber bands’ approach to critical repairs,” Dugatto said.

When residents were given the chance to weigh in on financing the long overdue upgrades and repairs in November 2014, they spoke loud and clear by approving $31 million in bond funding.
“Their vote of approval spoke volumes. Residents were no longer satisfied kicking the can down the road – even if that meant assuming the burdensome cost,” Dugatto said.
It is now the responsibility of Derby’s Water Pollution Control Authority board to ensure that the upgrades are implemented in a responsible, cost effective manner with all the appropriate checks and balances in place.

“The overhaul of Derby’s outdated sewage treatment system is a massive undertaking, one that requires due diligence and careful planning. And our actions must be consistent with requirements set forth by Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP),” said Jack Walsh, Chairman of the WPCA board.
DEEP is the authority that licenses all sewage treatment facilities in Connecticut.

“We have to consider Derby’s current needs; but we also have an obligation to plan for the future. We must likewise be mindful of the state’s vision for providing sewage treatment services down the road,” Dugatto said.

To that end, Derby has elected to participate in a study being administered by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments to examine the feasibility of consolidating wastewater treatment operations in the region. The study is being funded by a $1.35 million grant from the state of Connecticut and includes Derby, Ansonia, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, and Seymour. 
The grant was awarded in June, 2016.
Dugatto points out that the regionalization of operations would not negate the need for Derby’s pumping station improvements currently underway.
“It’s important for Derby residents to understand that the bond funding they approved includes the modernization of Derby’s pumping stations. We need those pumping stations to be fully operational, even if we elect to consolidate processing functions down the road,” Dugatto said.
“A big reason to pursue the regionalization of any municipal service is cost savings. That being said, we have an obligation to our taxpayers to explore a regionalization scenario for our sewage treatment system,” Dugatto said.
Dugatto also spoke to her concerns over the current location of Derby’s sewage treatment plant, which is situated in Derby’s downtown redevelopment zone at the confluence of the Housatonic and Naugatuck rivers.
Dugatto’s concerns were echoed by residents who attended the 2016 Plan of Conservation and Development public outreach meetings, as well as the most recent Community Voices Workshop for the City’s comprehensive downtown revitalization project Downtown Now!.

“We need to take a hard look at all our options each step of the way to ensure we are best serving the immediate and long-term needs of our taxpayers. So, implementation needs to remain a fluid process,” Dugatto said. 

Dugatto announces 3 new members of Derby Hall of Fame

DERBY – Mayor Anita Dugatto has announced the induction of three new members into the Derby Hall of Fame. 
Class of 2016 includes Harry Haugh, Josiah Holbrook, and Charles A. Sterling.

“Derby’s Hall of Fame is a wonderful tradition honoring the legacy of Derby citizens who have made their mark in American history,” Dugatto said. “This occasion is a proud moment for the City of Derby.”

The Derby Hall of Fame was established in 2007 to recognize Derby natives and residents who helped shape history through their achievements at local, state, national, or international levels. 
In one way or another, these individuals enhanced the quality of life of all Americans.
Harry Haugh improved the flow of automobile traffic across the United States through his invention of the electro-matic traffic signal, a device that measures the flow of traffic and controls the timing of the changing of automatic traffic control lights.

Josiah Holbrook developed a new approach to adult education. The Lyceum Movement — with its lectures, dramatic performances, class instructions, and debates — swept the country and contributed significantly to the education of adult Americans throughout the United States.

Charles A. Sterling, owner of the Sterling Piano Company, one of the most prestigious and best known businesses ever to locate in Derby, manufactured quality organs and pianos sold all over the world.

Members of the Class of 2016 will be commemorated with a special brick engraved with details of their achievements. The bricks will join those of previous inductees surrounding the National Humane Alliance Fountain located at the Division Street entrance of the Derby Greenway.
The official unveiling will be held on Derby Day Saturday.

A complete description of the contributions of these individuals, along with a listing of all 44 Derby Hall of Fame members, can be found at electronicvalley.org. 
A link to the Derby Hall of Fame is also available on the City’s website at derbyct.gov.

This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.

Derby selects urban planners for downtown revitalization project

DERBY - In January, the City of Derby issued a Request for Proposals (RFP #2015-034) seeking a multi-disciplinary consultant team to develop and steward a credible detailed development plan for the revitalization of the long-dormant south side of Main Street.

“The ultimate goal of this project is to create a clear path for development - one that residents can rally behind - that best positions the City for private investment,” Mayor Anita Dugatto said.

On Wednesday the City announced that DPZ PARTNERS has been selected for the Downtown Derby Revitalization Planning Project.

DPZ is a major leader in urban planning, having designed over 400 new and existing communities in the U.S. and internationally. Among the qualities that distinguish DPZ is their volume of built and implemented work.

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” said Ted Estwan, selection committee member and Derby Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman. “The project attracted a tremendous amount of talent.”

Eleven firms from across the United States submitted proposals in response to the City’s request. 
Most proposals were comprised of a team of experts including representatives from transportation, housing, environmental studies, urban planning and design, real estate, and economic/market analysis fields.

To aid in the firm selection process, Dugatto appointed a bi-partisan selection committee. The committee reviewed the proposals, rated them on criteria that reflected the project’s objectives, and interviewed the top six firms to further evaluate their approach.

Carmen DiCenso, selection committee member and Derby Board of Aldermen President pointed to the value of the interview process. “Not only did the interviews allow us to ask important questions of the firms and their team members, but they also provided us with insight which ultimately strengthened our approach to the project.”

Following the interviews, the committee once again rated the firms and selected DPZ PARTNERS. 
The committee concluded that DPZ had the right mix of highly qualified sub-consultants and a unique approach to the project; their implementation record was likewise impressive.

DPZ is partnering with the following firms for the Downtown Derby project: Robert Orr & Associates, Gianni Longo & Associates, CDM Smith, Urban3, The Williams Group Real Estate Advisors, and Good Earth Advisors.

The City of Derby will soon enter contract negations with DPZ PARTNERS for the project, which is being funded by a grant from Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development. 


This is a press release from Mayor Anita Dugatto's office.

Derby strengthens economic development team

Dugatto appoints former Hamden official as Chief of Staff
DERBY – Mayor Anita Dugatto favors a multi-faceted team approach to economic development.

Business retention and recruitment, strategic grant applications, and well-planned infrastructure investments are critical to advancing the well-being of the Derby community in a fiscally responsible manner.

However, responsive city services, attractive community amenities, a strong public transportation system, and long-term planning are also key components of a successful economic development program.
“These components allow us to market Derby as an attractive place in which to live, work and invest,” Dugatto said.
Dugatto believes successful economic development arises through a collaborative process between city departments, boards and commissions, and outside agencies including the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Connecticut’s Department of Community and Economic Development. 
Derby citizens are part of this collaborative process as well.

“As I see it, Derby needs an economic development team, rather a single person, to adequately address all of the important components of a comprehensive economic development program. It doesn’t make sense to assign responsibility for the advancement of our community to just one person,” Dugatto said.

Derby’s economic development team was recently strengthened by Dugatto with the appointment of Leslie Creane to the position of Chief of Staff.
Though titled Chief of Staff by city ordinance, the position’s description aligns it with the role of a community and economic developer.

Creane has extensive experience in municipal community development, most recently serving as Town Planner for the Town of Hamden for the past 10 years. She has served on anti-blight enforcement, civic improvement, and neighborhood revitalization task forces. 

Creane was also a liaison to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on the largest environmental remediation project in Connecticut state history. Her professional experience includes writing successful grant proposals.
“I’m excited about being part of a team that is passionate about advancing opportunities that exist in the community. That’s what attracted me to Derby,” Creane said.
Dugatto said it took her longer than she had hoped to fill the position. 
“I was determined find the right person for the job,” Dugatto said. “I believe Ms. Creane’s extensive skills and municipal experience will complement our economic development team very well.”

As Chief of Staff, Creane’s responsibilities will include coordinating local brownfield initiatives, conducting outreach to the local business community, recruiting new investment, and seeking out grant opportunities that align with city initiatives.
Creane will work with Derby’s Building and Land Use Office to enhance the delivery of municipal services critical to doing business with the city.
According to Dugatto, the work Creane will be doing will add to the successes her administration has had to date.

The city’s business community has grown with new establishments such as New England Auto World (at the site of the former blighted Dworkin Chevrolet property), The Hops Company, River Rock Tavern, and Connectikidz Pediatric Dentistry. 
These new businesses are in addition those along Pershing Drive, including Panera Bread, Planet Fitness, Jersey Mike’s Subs, ALDI, and PhysicianOne Urgent Care. Recent growth includes the expansion of existing Derby businesses including the The Edge Fitness Clubs and On Time Printing.
Derby has been awarded a number of grants under Dugatto’s administration. 
One notable award is a $445,000 grant from the Connecticut Department of Community and Economic Development. This grant is being used to revitalize the long dormant south side of Main Street. Additional funds have also come to Derby to support education and road improvement projects, important components of economic development.
Progress in the city is not exclusive to commercial investment. Residential neighborhoods have been improved through the efforts of Derby’s Blight Subcommittee, established under Dugatto’s administration. Five deteriorated properties have been demolished and numerous others cleaned up under the recently adopted Clean & Lien ordinance.

Long-range planning is also important to the economic development process, according to Dugatto. Such planning sets a framework for growth that is consistent with the vision of the Derby community. Comprehensive planning is defining priorities for seeking grants, identifying opportunities for improvements to the City’s existing zoning regulations and ordinances, and determining the most efficient allocation of municipal investments. Furthermore, it is letting investors know where the City is headed.

“Planning, though not as glamorous as brick and mortar projects, is essential to creating a path for efficient, sustainable development,” Dugatto said.
Dugatto said that is why her administration has put so much time and energy into drafting an update to the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development, which was last addressed in 2002. The draft document will be available for public review and comment shortly.

“My administration is always looking to advance the things that make Derby a desirable place to live, work, and play. The results of these efforts strengthen our ability to retain and attract residential and commercial investment. That’s how the economic development process comes full circle,” Dugatto said. 


This is a press release from Dugatto's office.

Derby mayor asks flags in city be lowered to half staff

DERBY -  Mayor Anita Dugatto has asked that all flags in the City of Derby be lowered to half staff effective at 2 p.m. [today] until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 out of respect for the days of the wake and funeral of Past Chief and Deputy Fire Marshal James J. Butler.

“During these next few days, we mourn the loss of a son Derby who was an experienced leader in the Fire Department, a long-time coach, and a dedicated volunteer in Troop 3 Derby Boy Scouts of America. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Butler family as we grieve together.

"May 'JB' rest in peace knowing he served his City and family well," Dugatto said.

Derby, Post University partner to boost higher education opportunities

Signing ceremony slated Feb. 4
DERBY - The Board of Education and the city have entered into a partnership and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Post University officials.

The intent of this memorandum is to outline the understanding between the Board of Education, acting on behalf of itself and the City of Derby, and Post University is to provide access to educational benefits as a means of improving employee recruitment, retention, and qualifications and affordable access to higher education for all Derby residents.

Post University will provide access to a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs that meet the needs of residents and employees of the BOE/City and their dependents. 

Individuals will have the flexibility and convenience of taking accelerated degree program courses online, at any of Post University’s Regional Locations in Connecticut or a combination of both; or enrolling at Post University’s traditional, four- year main campus in Waterbury.

Post University will offer a 15 percent tuition grant to individuals taking undergraduate and graduate courses at Post University. 
This offer is extended to employees of the Board of Education, city, immediate family members (including spouses and children) as well as all city residents.


First of its kind
Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway said, “We are thrilled to partner with Post to provide Higher Education learning opportunities to our employees and residents while promoting the vital importance and need for college education in today’s competitive work environment.” 
This partnership is the first of its kind between Post University and a municipality. 

Mayor Anita Dugatto commented, “This partnership represents the great working relationship we have with our schools and the value we place on higher education for all.”

Post University President Donald W. Mroz said, “I’m thrilled to welcome the residents and employees of the City of Derby into the Post University family! 
"This is a wonderful example of how two institutions can work together to provide students with the education they desire, in the way they need it. Partnerships like this recognize the growing need to offer flexible ways for working professionals to leverage their education and experience and accelerate their path to a college degree.” 

Post University provides students with the knowledge, personal skills, and experience required to be leaders in their chosen fields. 
Located in Waterbury, Post University offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for on- campus and online students of all ages, and is known for its quality, career-driven academic programs, small classes, competitive NCAA Division II athletics, and a growing Honors Program. 
The University’s full-and part-time students come from the United States and abroad, and are supported by faculty whose mission is to prepare students to compete and succeed in today’s global workplace. 

To learn more call 800-345-2562, or visit www.Post.edu or http://blog.post.edu.

This is one of two partnerships Derby Public Schools is entering into with Post University. The other partnership provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits while enrolled at Derby High School.
An official signing ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 4 at Derby High School. 


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Derby to hold inauguration of Mayor Dugatto, city officials Dec. 5

Derby donates retired fire truck to New Haven FD

Pictured from left, Derby Fire Commissioner Mike Kelleher, New Haven firefighter and Storm Engine Ambulance Corps Chief Lou Oliwa, New Haven Fire Department Chief Matt Marcarelli, Mayor Anita Dugatto, and Storm Engine Company firefighter Jim Anderson. Dugatto is presenting old Engine 12 to Marcarelli, which was retired by the Derby Fire Department and replaced this year with a new Engine 12. / Contributed photo


DERBY – On Nov. 12 the Derby Fire Department passed along the keys to retired Engine 12 to Assistant Chief of Operations Matt Marcarelli of the New Haven Regional Fire Training Academy.

Derby replaced the 1989 canopy-cab pumper truck with a modern, state-of the-art closed-cab truck in accordance with recommendations by the National Fire Protection Association.

Funds for the purchase of the new truck were allocated under the city’s capital plan, which provides for long-term capital expenditures.

The donation of the retired pumper was in exchange for four years of training at the New Haven Regional Fire Training Academy’s burn facility for compulsory live structure fires.

The training facility on Ella T. Grasso Boulevard in New Haven is only one of three in the state that can conduct live-burning exercises.

Marcarelli said the training facility has been in need of a fire pump for training purposes, but hasn’t been able to acquire one due to financial reasons.

Now, with Derby’s donation, firefighters around the state will be able to train on equipment similar to what they are using in their departments today, while avoiding the logistical challenge of bringing other trucks into the facility.

Dugatto praised the transaction. “There are so many upsides to this agreement," she said. "Most importantly, however, is that Derby’s firefighters will have the opportunity to train, at no cost to the city, in areas critical to their safety and that of our citizens."

The exchange received the required approval from Derby’s Board of Aldermen.

“We saw this opportunity as a win-win situation,” said Board President Art Gerckens.

Both the Mayor and President of the Board of Aldermen praised Fire Commissioner Michael Kelleher for his stewardship of the project. 


This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.

Derby mayor, officials welcome The Hops Company

An official ribbon cutting was held Nov. 10 at The Hops Company in Derby./Submitted photo

DERBY – Mayor Anita Dugatto was among those in attendance on Nov. 10 for the ribbon cutting of one of Derby’s newest businesses, The Hops Company, at 77 Sodom Lane.
The business occupies the former Grassy Hill Lodge, a catering and banquet hall that served the area for many years.
Patrons of The Hops Company will have the opportunity to enjoy food and drinks in a casual beer garden setting that includes a 40-seat bar, couches in front of the building’s two fireplaces, and an outside bar.

Owners Umberto Morale and his wife, Lisa, plan to highlight Connecticut-made beers among some of the 36 beers on tap. 
However, beer will not be the only offering. In addition to a full bar, The Hops Company will feature casual food from in-house vendors including Zuppardi’s Apizza and Ricky D’s Rib Shack.
“We know a lot of communities would have loved to lay claim to this exciting new business. We’re proud that Umberto and Lisa have chosen Derby to be their home. We wish them the best of luck,” Dugatto said.

For more information about The Hops Company visit www.thehopscompany.com.
Additionally, the Valley Chamber Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly networking event “Jingle & Mingle Annual Holiday Gathering” at the The Hops Company Dec. 1 from 5-7 p.m. 
The event is sponsored by People’s United Bank. The event will also collect new, unwrapped toys for TEAM, Inc.'s annual Toys for Kids project. 


This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.

Derby thanks veterans at annual ceremony

Photo by Markanthony Izzo. 

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto was among those invited to speak at the city’s annual Veteran’s Day ceremony Wednesday on hosted by the American Legion, John C. Collins Post 24.
Though rain forced the ceremony to be moved from the Green to the Veterans’ Memorial Building, it was no less significant. 
The ceremony concluded with a catered luncheon for all those in attendance, compliments of the Derby Inaugural Ball Community Fund.
Dugatto honored veterans for their courage and selflessness. 
“Many of them didn’t ask to leave their homes to fight on distant battlefields," she said. "They didn’t go to war because they loved fighting. 
"They were called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times,” Dugatto said.

She also expressed appreciation to the family members of our service men and women for their sacrifices. “We know they have lived through difficult times and have often taken on heavy loads in the absence of their family members,” Dugatto said.
The annual ceremony, marked with a traditional salute and taps, is only one of many ways the community has chosen to honor its veterans over the years.
Derby is host to several memorials erected throughout the city in honor of veterans dating back to the Civil War. Notably, a 144-acre park on the east side of Derby is named in honor of World War II veteran Frank P. Witek, Derby native and Medal of Honor recipient who lost his life in 1944 on the island of Guam.
The city of Derby also supports the efforts of the Catholic War Veterans St. Michael’s Post 1562 annual holiday fund drive that distributes monetary gifts to local men and women serving in the military at home or abroad during the holidays. 
Information about this year’s drive will be released soon.
“Today, we should all take a moment to say Thank You to those who served our country,” Dugatto said.


This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.  

Derby recognized for clean energy commitment

Contributed photo

DERBY - Communities across the state came together Wednesday to celebrate their achievements in energy efficiency at Oakdale Theater in Wallingford.

The city of Derby was honored as a high-achieving participant in Clean Energy Communities, an Energize Connecticut program sponsored by United Illuminating Co. and the Connecticut Green Bank.
Curt Spalding, EPA Administrator for the New England region, was keynote speaker at the morning event.

Mayor Anita Dugatto was presented with a plaque and statuette on behalf of the city.

According to Energize CT, 541 homes in Derby have participated in residential energy savings programs. Additionally, 72 business and municipal energy-saving projects have been completed in the last couple of years.

Dugatto accepted the honor on behalf of the city. “I am very pleased that we have made an investment in energy-saving initiatives over the last two years," she said.
“We need to continue to use our creative energy to save our taxpayers money through the use of green energy. I congratulate all those who participated in these programs and encourage all citizens to consider energy efficient options for power consumption.”

Dugatto and her administration initiated a solar panel project last year at the Derby Transfer Station that will save the city significant energy costs over the next several years. 
That project is expected to begin construction in the next month. 


This is a press release from Mayor Anita Dugatto's office.

Derby opens new footbridge at Witek Memorial Park

Lower spillway at Witek Memorial Park was recently repaired. / Contributed photo

DERBY – Just in time for the arrival of the fall hiking season, the new footbridge at Witek Memorial Park is officially opened to the public.

The project was the result of successful collaboration among city staff, Derby aldermen, and community business partners including D’Amico Associates, DiGiovanni & Sons Construction, and A Quick Pick Crane and Rigging Service.

The nine-foot by 22-foot wooden bridge will enable hikers to now safely travel over the spillway and around the lower reservoir without having to traverse the steep hill below the dam and enter Academy Hill Road. 

The bridge includes aprons at either end to allow for wheelchair access.

The footbridge is only one of the projects Derby Public Works recently completed at Witek Memorial Park, a 144-acre park on Derby’s east side. 

The park features two reservoirs, several walking and hiking trails, and two soccer fields.

“Because the bridge was built by DPW employees, labor and materials only cost the city about $8,000,” said DPW Director Anthony DeFala. “If we had outsourced the job, it would have probably cost about $50,000,” DeFala said. Additional improvements recently completed at Witek Park include:

• Replacement of the roof on a small accessory building near the spillway

• Installation of new fencing

• Newly landscaped entry way 

• Repairs to the parking lot and drainage system along Academy Hill Road 

• Improvements to the parking area near the soccer fields

• Repairs to the lower spillway in accordance with mandates by state dam inspector

Mayor Anita Dugatto praised the improvements. “The work done at Witek Park was motivated by a concern for public safety and persistent maintenance needs. By doing as much work as possible in-house, we controlled our costs and were able to maximize our investment in this community asset,” she said.

This is a press release from Mayor Anita Dugatto's office.

Derby installs sidewalks near Ryan Field

New sidewalks along Chatfield Street in Derby. / Submitted photo

  

DERBY – Derby High School and Pop Warner events generate a lot of foot traffic in and around Ryan Field, especially during football and soccer season. 

Thanks to the combined efforts of Derby Public Works and the Derby Board of Aldermen, football fans and other visitors have a safer path to travel.

New sidewalks have been installed on Chatfield Street so pedestrians don’t have to walk on the busy roadway.

“This is just one of the many projects completed by our public works department for the betterment of our community,” said Mayor Anita Dugatto.  

DPW has made improvements at Witek Memorial Park, the Derby Green, Derby Senior Center, Derby Greenway, and the Picnic Grove on Nutmeg Avenue.  Many street islands have also been cleaned up and refreshed with new plantings.  

All of the improvements were completed within DPW’s existing budget.

“These initiatives are not only about improving Derby’s curb appeal.  In many cases, they are in the interest of public safety,” Dugatto said.

Ryan Field visitors will also benefit from a new crosswalk on Hawthorne Avenue.  The crosswalk leads to a “new” sidewalk.  The sidewalk, buried for years under brush and weeds, was uncovered during DPW’s maintenance work and restored to full use.

“I live in this neighborhood, and there is substantial foot traffic in and around the field each day.  The city not only addressed a huge safety concern, but our Department of Public Works really stepped up to the plate and made the area around the field look more attractive,” said Art Gerckens, President of the Board of Aldermen.  

This is a press release from Mayor Anita Dugatto's office.

Derby mayor recognizes National Diaper Need Awareness Week

David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO and Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto at City Hall./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto Monday presented David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO a proclamation recognizing the week of Sept. 28 – Oct. 2 as National Diaper Need Awareness Week.  

A signature initiative of the National Diaper Bank Network Diaper Need Awareness Week features a range of activities focused on diaper need and its prevalence in communities across the country. 

“Derby is proud to be home to the TEAM Diaper Bank that recognizes the importance of diapers in helping to  produce economic stability for families and distribute diapers to poor families through various channels," Dugatto said. 

“I encourage the citizens of Derby to donate generously to the TEAM Diaper Bank and those organizations that distribute diapers to families in need to help alleviate diaper bank need in Derby and the surrounding communities.” 

Though diapers are a basic need for every child in their first years and are essential to the health and well-being of the child, safety net programs that provide assistance to low-income families such as SNAP (food stamps) and WIC do not cover the purchase of diapers. 

To address the needs of families in the Valley, TEAM Diaper Bank provides monthly diapers and wipes to more than 200 eligible families residing in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton.  Since opening in 2013, TEAM has distributed over 300,000 diapers to Valley families. 

As part of Diaper Need Awareness Week, TEAM Diaper Bank will be hosting a workshop providing diapering and potty training support for all families with young children in the community. 

The public is invited to register for the workshop being held on Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at TEAM Early Education Center, 80 Howard Ave., Ansonia.

Individuals and organizations can get involved in Diaper Need Awareness Week by donating to the Diaper Bank or hosting a diaper drive. 

For further information about TEAM Diaper Bank or to donate, contact Ayanna Williams at awilliams@teaminc.org or 203-736-5420 ext. 204.

This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501c (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. It aims to achieve its mission by conducting activities that address the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and families including resource mobilization, education, advocacy and service delivery. 

TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge.