Haberek Makes The Case For Cutting Larkin

First Selectman Edward Haberek Jr. came to the Planning and Zoning Commission special meeting Tuesday night to make the case for why Zoning Official Joseph Larkin’s position, held for nearly three decades, should be cut from full to part time.

Money, or the lack thereof was the reasoning—Larkin is one of seven town employees that will see their hours cut or diminished in the current $55 million town operating budget—but Haberek also alluded to a preferable staff dichotomy in the planning and zoning department, one not as “territorial” and where “people work together to get the job done.”

“Instead of his territorial approach—‘what I say goes’—try the better approach where people work as a team, bounce things off each other,” Haberek said. “It shouldn’t be two to three weeks to get a permit out. It’s ridiculous.”

Haberek also has claimed the zoning workload has decreased a position on which Larkin—and PZC chairman John Swenarton—disagreed.

“Actually, it looks like we’re on track,” Swenarton said, meaning the number of zoning permits is running at about the same number as recent previous years. “Our concern is on the reduction of enforcement and staffing. I’m trying to get the data straight.”

PZC member Ben Tamsky questioned why the town would consider cutting Larkin who has “been here the longest and has the most institutional experience.”

Haberek was quick to respond: “Just because someone is here 30 years doesn’t make him better or worse than someone who has been here 10 years.”

There are six staff members in the planning department; Larkin, two planners, two administrative staff and another zoning officer who also has wetlands enforcement certification  and health safety certification, though she is part time.  

Haberek’s position is there are enough staff to handle the work load and indeed have the “authority and ability” to do so. At a 2004 meeting, the PZC “voted and assigned enforcement authority” to the planning department which allows for the director to “delegate said authority as (he) sees fit.”  

When asked if there’s any chance Larkin’s position could be restored Haberek said “we’re still in a await and see approach.”

Larkin is working under Stonington Public Administrators Association contract that is not set to expire until the end of fiscal 2012. Under the terms, he keeps his full time post with benefits, including health insurance and longevity pay through the end of the contract period. But given Larkin’s position will be cut from full to part-time beginning July 1, it is that move by the town that may be at the heart of the union grievance against the town, though Larkin has declined to comment or confirm the exact nature of the complaint.   

Larkin told the PZC his job is “not easy” and offered that the public may not appreciate the inconvenience of having two part time zoning officials.

“Someone comes in and needs an inspection, says ‘we have a closing on Friday.’ I say, ‘well I’m not going to be back until next Tuesday.’ Not good.”