Dear Southbury Citizens,
As we head into Spring, we have a lot to be excited about. Our public works team is getting the parks and fields ready for use, work is progressing on our new town pool and restoring the Southbury Library, and free events are back starting with our Spring Extravaganza on April 5th.
I would like to thank all our town employees for their important contributions to our Town. From the recovery efforts of the flood and working with FEMA to our day-to-day operations, the amount of work we are accomplishing together has been truly remarkable.
It is worth noting that many of Southbury’s employees and police officers are being recognized on state and regional levels for their performances. These recognitions validate our accomplishments and highlight the level of expertise and teamwork within my administration. My goal is to continue to provide outstanding services and quality of life to Southbury residents by attracting and retaining talented and knowledgeable individuals in their respective fields to work in Southbury government.
Happy Spring!
Jeff
Jeff Manville
First Selectman, Town of Southbury
MAYOR’S ROUNDTABLE
The Greater Waterbury Regional Chamber invited me back this year to participate in their Mayor’s Roundtable for their Leadership Program’s Government Day at Waterbury City Hall. On March 19th, I joined Mayor Pernerewski, Mayor Hess, and Mayor Chatfield for a panel discussion on municipal government.
SOUTHBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Purchase orders are beginning to be issued for Southbury Library repairs. We applied for a state grant in addition to continuing to work with FEMA on our federal grant application. Currently, the library remains on schedule to open to the public in November.
On February 14, 2025, Southbury Public Library held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their new temporary location in the Heritage Village Hotel and Conference Center. Valentine’s Day could not have been a more suitable day for the event to tie into the library’s Heart of the Community theme. Library Director Heather Aronson and her team have done a phenomenal job after the library closed due to the flood, providing services to the community under difficult circumstances. I am incredibly pleased we have a temporary library space to welcome patrons until our library gets restored. The library staff are thrilled to see so many of your friendly faces again.
The library will be closed for Easter Sunday on April 20th. For more information on the hours of operation, services and programs offered at our temporary location, please see the Southbury Library website.
TOWN BUDGET 2025-2026
Our Fiscal Office has been diligently working with department heads to prepare the Town’s 2025-26 Budget. The Board of Finance will have a public meeting on April 1, 2025 at which time they will adopt a proposed budget to be presented at a referendum on May 7, 2025.
OUT IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Southbury Economic Development Director Kevin Bielmeier and I have been getting out in the business community with the goal of maintaining relationships, listening to any concerns owners may have, and offer assistance if needed.
Recently, some new businesses have opened in Town: JCrew Factory Outlet, AM Coffee & Co., and soon to come is a new Barnes & Noble. Starbucks renovations are complete and they have reopened for business.
Don’t miss Southbury Restaurant Week March 28 to April 5, which features twenty one local restaurants offering special Prix Fixe Menus at a reduced cost.
SOUTHBURY EMPLOYEE NEWS
- The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities invited Steve Schnell, Southbury Emergency Management Director, to share his expertise on a panel at the upcoming 2025 Connecticut Emergency Management Symposium on April 1, 2025.
- The Connecticut Economic Development Association elected Kevin Bielmeier, Southbury Economic Development Director, as their new President.
- The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities invited my assistant, Bonnie Rado, to join their Women in Government Advisory Board.
- Anise Cumberbatch was recently promoted to an Accounting Associate.
- Sanya McAndrews, Land Use Administrative Assistant, passed the Level 2 CAZEO exam. By passing both Levels 1 and 2, Sanya has completed the requirements for the Administrative Zoning Technician Certification.
- Please join me in welcoming Southbury’s newest employees!
- Julia Albino, Aquatics Supervisor
- Steven Cifone, Deputy Police Chief
- Frank Farrell, Custodian
- David Mahoney, Jr, Facilities Foreman
- Paul Malaspina, Police Recruit
- Deandra Nevin, Land Use Enforcement Officer
- Phoumareth Phouangphiarith, Police Officer
- Brian Saunders, Facilities Technician
SOUTHBURY POLICE DEPARTMENT
On February 20, 2025, the Southbury Police Department celebrated its first ever awards and promotional ceremony since the department became independent. Congratulations to all those recognized and promoted!
PD SPEED ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN
Southbury Police Department was approved for the High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign grant aimed at improving roadway safety and reducing speed-related crashes on rural roads. Running until May 30, 2025, Southbury Police are increasing speed enforcement on various roads in town for the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
NEW SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTED
Our IT Department implemented new multi-purpose software providing automated communication with on- and off-boarding between team members in Human Resources, Fiscal, IT, and Emergency Management. The software is also being used to track and manage Town assets and for IT ticketing.
HERITAGE VILLAGE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION
On March 18, 2025, our Emergency Management Director, Steve Schnell, shared important emergency management information with residents from one of the clusters at Heritage Village. Please remember that preparation is key to helping you in an emergency. Please see the Town’s Emergency Management webpage at www.southbury-ct.org/OEM for information on how you can create an emergency plan and an emergency kit to be prepared in an emergency.
THE VOICES TOWN GUIDE
Last week, the Town prepared updates for The Voices’ Town Guide. Please keep an eye out for this informative guide to navigating town departments and services in Southbury.