The Just for Fun Dog Show will be held this Thursday evening on the town green. This annual event is sponsored by the Town Clerk’s Office to promote the month of June as dog licensing month and all participants must have a new dog license. Registration (and the opportunity to purchase a new dog license if you need one) begins at 5:30 PM. Judging begins at 6:00 PM. Members of 4H will be selling hot dogs. For more information, call 285-1902.

Both S&P and Moody have reaffirmed the Town’s bond rating at AA2 and AA respectively. The agencies cited the town’s diverse tax base, consistent reserve levels, economic development and redevelopment efforts, along with a relatively quick pay down of date with over 70% being paid off in 10 years or less.

This past week the town sold $5.74 million dollars of bonds to finance the Library project and the reconstruction of Elm Street. The interest the town will be charged is 4.03%. The issue was structured so there are interest only payments in FY 06 and FY07, with both principal and interest payments starting in FY 08.

With the passage of the State budget for FY 06 a majority of the state aid amounts are now known, although we are awaiting figures on the machinery and exemption program and a few smaller grants such as our per capita Health and Social Service.

The statutory formula grants that are used as General Fund Revenues total $987,476, which is $11,884 shy of the adopted budget. This category includes PILOT (state owned property), Pequot Grant, Public and non-public School Transportation, Adult Ed, and Education Cost Sharing.

Town Aid for Roads is approximately $56,000 higher than the budgeted and LOCIP reimbursement grant is as budgeted at $186,000. The Town Aid for Roads is limited to purchasing materials and supplies and paying for contractual services. These additional funds will be used towards costs associated with snow removal and road maintenance and repair.

As mentioned in the Public Building Commission’s report the library project is moving along and the contractor has proposed that the remaining administrative offices in the Mather House be relocated so that renovations of that space can be completed concurrently with the rest of the project. With the rail station being vacated this month by the existing tenant an opportunity presents itself. Staff concurs with the temporary relocation of library administrative operations. Moving out of the Mather House does make sense from a project management perspective in that it helps with the coordination of sub-contractors and facilitates the entire project to finish on time, if not early.

All relocation costs are being borne by the contractor. These cost include voice and data communication, moving of furniture and equipment, as well as utilities.

It is expected the move will happen in mid-July and then staff would relocate to the main library in February.

This provides town staff the ability to work over the summer and fall in determining a reuse and marketing plan for the unique space the Rail Station and Freight House provides.