Dear Residents,

               This summer has seen every kind of weather we get in southern New England, from searing heat in July to an abundance of rain in August.  I hope this is setting the stage for an autumn filled with crisp air and beautiful color!  Throughout all the heat and rain, it has been a busy summer for our Canton Department of Public Works. As you drive around, you have probably noticed a number of paving projects that are either underway or completed.  Every year town staff gives careful consideration to the streets that need repair or repaving, and the budget we have to work with.  While we cannot immediately address every street that is need of work, we continue to make good progress while staying within our pavement management budget.  If you have concerns about a particular street, please notify me or the Department of Public Works. Here is a LINK to the complete, two-page list of streets and the nature of work done or to be completed this year.

               Construction of the new Department of Public Works facility on River Road began in April and continues to move along on schedule.  Although we were challenged in the early stages by the need to remove and replace contaminated soils from certain areas of the site, we expect the DPW to move into the new garage by the beginning of November, in time for the winter season.  The DPW facility subcommittee and town staff continue to work diligently to ensure the design and construction of the new garage and salt shed complies with the approvals given by Canton’s Land Use boards and is within budget. 

Volunteer members of our community have also been diligently working on various Town matters through the summer months.  The Fire/EMS Temporary Study committee has been evaluating the status of these volunteer emergency services, the need for additional volunteer members, and the overall structure of the departments.  The Senior and Social Services Temporary Strategic Planning Committee is looking at the delivery of senior and social services in town and determining long-range goals for this important department.  The Charter Revision Commission is undertaking a review of the Town Charter, taking input from various community stakeholders, and will be holding public hearings and may make recommendations for changes to the Charter.  These, along with all Town agencies, hold regular public meetings and their agendas and minutes are posted on the Town website.  If you are interested in volunteering for one of the many Town boards and agencies, please fill out a volunteer application for one of the positions on the list of vacancies. 

               I hope you enjoy these last weeks of summer and wish you all a safe and healthy fall.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at lhill@townofcantonct.org, or 860-693-7847. 

Best regards,
Leslee B. Hill
First Selectman