Patterson and Kelly sworn in as councilmen

Jensen Jennings
Posted 1/8/21

The first Torrington City Council meeting of the New Year saw City Attorney James Eddington swear in two new councilmen and say goodbye to former councilman Bill Law.

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Patterson and Kelly sworn in as councilmen

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TORRINGTON – The first Torrington City Council meeting of the New Year saw City Attorney James Eddington swear in two new councilmen and say goodbye to former councilman Bill Law.

Mayor Randy Adams started the meeting by saying a few words about Law and presented him with a plaque to honor him for his eight years of service to the city of Torrington. Adams allowed Law to speak on his final day in public office.

“It’s been a pleasure and as I look back, I cannot believe how fast these eight years have gone,” Law said. “I think it’s because of you people that I enjoyed it that much.”

After Law said his farewell as a councilman, Richard Patterson and Dennis Kelly were sworn in by Eddington to their new positions as councilmen in Torrington.

There is still one more open position that remains on the city council. The deadline for submitting a resume to Clerk-Treasurer Lynette Strecker is Friday, Jan. 8, at 4 p.m. To be considered for the position, applicants must be registered voters living within the city of Torrington. The new councilmember will be sworn in and seated during the next meeting on Jan. 19.

The county’s COVID-19 cases have fallen from over 100 cases two months ago to 14 active cases currently. There is also currently just one person in the hospital due to COVID-19. 

“We here at the city of Torrington very much appreciate the serious effort on the part of our citizens in cooperating with the mask mandate,” Adams said. “The mask mandate is obviously working, and we implore the public to continue being diligent with their precautions against the spread of the disease.”

There’s also been a number of health care workers that have been vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine. It’s been given to health professionals, emergency responders and residents and staff at senior care facilities.

“Over time, more and more people will be vaccinated against the disease,” Adams said. “Please remain patient, stay safe, and we’re going to get through this.” 

With the recent snowfall in the city, some residents were concerned that sidewalks had not been cleared. Adams wanted to remind citizens that it is their job to remove snow from their sidewalks 24 hours after a snowfall.

“In the past, our people have done a great job keeping the walks clear and we’d like that habit to continue,” Adams said. “There are many many good citizens in this community who go out of their way to help those who are unable to do their walks. Please let us know if you can’t get someone to get yours cleared; we’ll try to find someone to help you out.”

The first action item for the night was the appointment of eight people to public offices: James Eddington City Attorney, Matthew Johnson Chief of Police, Lance Petsche as Fire Chief, Lynette Strecker as Clerk-Treasurer, Jeff Harkins Director of Public Works, John Patrick as Municipal Judge, Herbert Doby Associate Municipal Judge and Ken Brown Associate Municipal Judge. All eight were appointed unanimously.

The second action item was the unanimous approval of councilman Ted Kinney to be named as mayor pro tempore.

Kinney wrapped up the meeting by bringing forward a plan by president-elect Joe Biden, to light up public buildings and ring church bells at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 to memorialize all the people who have fallen victim to the coronavirus. All public buildings will be invited to light up and church bells will be asked to ring in a national moment of unity and remembrance.

The next meeting of the Torrington City Council will be Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Torrington City Hall. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.