I Support the STEAP Grant for the Lighting of the Athletic Fields and Tennis Courts at EHS.

Why on earth would we spend $750k plus more tax money on a town hall office when we could get lights for free? This is just common sense.

Update to all, I was informed that the State awarded The Town of Ellington $500,000 for the addition to the town hall this morning. This does not mean we do not need your support tonight, it means we need it more then ever. We need to ask the town so many question: 1. What was the process and rationale for determining the prioritization of the two grants? 2. Has there been any conversation and/or planning by the BOS to fund the proposed projects should State funding not be awarded? and so many. 3. The Town invested about $40,000 during the original construction of the field as well as an additional investment in the overall cost for construction of the Tennis courts. Why are you leaving the projects incomplete by not prioritizing phase II of the overall construction with the installation of lights. The construction of the field occurred more than 10 years ago. Where is your plan to complete the projects? 4. Why is Ellington lagging so far behind our neighboring, peer and aspirant towns whom we compete against? Avon, Grandby, Enfield, Suffield, South Windsor, Canton, Tolland and Stafford? We remain grateful to a governor that supports development in small towns. This is not over, Please come to the meeting and show your support. And ask the questions that need to be asked. Meeting is tonight at Town Hall at 7:30

I think Neal Janiga said it best "will forever be an unforgettable night for me" when he was referencing the 1st and only playoff football game to be played at EHS back in 2011. If we do not get light our student athletes will never get this feeling or memory. Neal Janiga - "Being a part of the Ellington Knights football team for my entire high school career, I knew what it felt like to play under the lights. It was an honor to go out, and represent your school, especially on your own home turf. The home playoff game against Wolcott High School will forever be an unforgettable night for me. The whole set-up had given our team incredible energy, and allowed us to play with Wolcott the entire game, despite being underdogs. I think the best part of a night game is the bond that it creates. I know for me, having a night game was such an exhilarating feeling, with the entire student body filing in to the bleachers, completely packing the stands. For me, that was the best part. To see the whole student body rally around our football team as if they were a part of the team. And not even just the student body, the whole town showed up to the game because it was such a special event. And in turn, this helped bring our team even closer. I think it was these bonds that were established that night that helped to create this lasting memory. And I hope that these kids can share this feeling as well, because frankly this is no other like it." So we need as many people to be at the town meeting on the 19th at 7:30pm at the Town hall. To Support the STEAP Grant for the Lighting of the Athletic Fields and Tennis Courts at EHS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7aycuiV_Fo

The kids need these fields!! My son plays lacrosse and trying to get practices in before it gets dark is a nightmare. Pick the lights.

UPDATE: The First Selectmen is refusing to allow the Boosters to be a part of the agenda on May 19th. We the Ellington United Sports Boosters find this position to be unacceptable. The people of Ellington should be heard as to which project is the priority of the people. A refusal to hear the opinion of the people is contrary to the mission of the council.

To All Parents in Ellington, As you may or may not be aware, the Ellington United Sports Boosters have been actively attempting to bring lighting to the back athletic fields and tennis courts at Ellington High School for the better part of two years. This effort began in earnest when the state moved to disqualify schools without illuminated fields from hosting state playoff games. Ellington High School is on the list of schools that cannot host such contests. Because of this rule change, as well as the belief that night games enhance a feeling of community, attendance and school spirit we have strongly advocated for the installation of field lights. Earlier this spring the town submitted two state grant applications. The first was for an expansion of town hall and the vault within the town hall. The second is for the lighting of the back athletic fields and tennis courts. However the state can award only one project a grant per year. The town has informed the state that its priority is to expand the town hall. If this grant remains the town priority and if awarded by the state, an additional $250,000 will have to be approved by the people of the town. The lighting project would be 100% covered by the grant that has been applied for and would cost the town nothing. The Ellington United Sports Boosters have requested the opportunity to have this issue placed on the May 19, 2014 town council agenda, to demonstrate that the vast majority of Town residents support the initiative to light the fields over the town hall project. Subsequently the Boosters wish to formerly request the Council reverse its prioritization of the two grants in favor of the lighting project. However, in spite of numerous requests, the council has remained silent on the Boosters request. Though the council is only required to post the meeting agenda 24 hours in advance of the meeting, the boosters wished additional time so as to notify town residents of the meeting and the opportunity to s

If its no cost to the town then this is a no brainer. Stop making this so complicated and listen to the taxpayers for once.

TOWN HALL RENOVATION IS NOT A PRIORITY. FIX THE FIELDS.

Nobody wants more office space for town employees. Give the students the facilities they deserve.