It was business as usual for the Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”) as they met on a warm evening before a larger than usual audience at Mallory Town on July 28. First Selectman Don Lowe called the meeting to order and commenced with public comment. First to speak was Jessica Williams about a topic that is not new to the BOS – upgrades to the Parks and Recreation (“Parks n Rec”) website, including the ability to pay for programs online. Selectman Bob Ostrosky requested that members of Parks n Rec be invited to the next BOS meeting to discuss updates to the website, including the ability of residents to make online payments for programs.
Following a Special meeting on July 8 on the subject, at which the BOS unanimously voted to change the wording, the Board continued its discussion of a possible referendum on whether the Town shall lease fifteen plus acres of land located behind the American Pie restaurant, and whether that land is deemed suitable for senior housing. The language considered by the Selectmen was: Shall the Town of Sherman lease the 15.229-acre property located behind the American Pie restaurant for the purposes of Senior Housing at $1 per year for 100 years to an entity to be determined by the legislative body of the Town?”
Mr. Ostrosky noted that since the last BOS meeting, he has only received negative feedback on the issue and voiced his concern that if the issue is brought forward, in its current form, “it will be lost for a generation.” Selectman Joel Bruzinski, while acknowledging the shortcomings of survey results, did echo the sentiments of Mr. Ostrosky and he too believes that a referendum, in the form proposed, would fail. Housing Committee member Ted Hollander agreed that the wording still is not right and does not adequately reflect what the Committee is asking. “In simple terms, we’re just asking for the Town to agree that that piece of property, that a suitable use for the property would be senior housing,” Mr. Hollander said. He went on to say that the proposed language is “worded in such a way that it almost seems like we have a developer in our back pocket who is waiting to come in with a proposal …” Following Mr. Hollander’s passionate reminder that Sherman lacks senior housing and assisted living facilities for its residents, and the Town’s responsibility to its senior population to rectify that, it was agreed that the Committee will undertake more educational outreach for the public regarding what it seeks before resuming discussion on referendum language.
Andrea O’Connor and Scott Guinta were appointed alternate commissioners to the Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”), both to two-year terms expiring July 1, 2024. Mr. Guinta was previously appointed to the Board of Assessment Appeals. Governed by statute, the ZBA hears, considers, and decides (i) applications requesting a variance of zoning regulations, (ii) appeals claiming errors in orders, requirements or decisions of a Zoning Enforcement Officer, and (iii) special permits, exceptions and exemptions.
Chief Chris Fuchs of the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or the “Department”) delivered the Department’s monthly report. To date, it has responded to 240 calls. Chief Fuchs noted that the Department has been particularly busy since June; and, since May, has responded to eleven calls to Candlewood Lake, including the recent drowning, which represented the third person to die on the Lake since the end of May. Chief Fuchs summarized for the Board the multi-agency review session that occurred following the multi-jurisdictional rescue operation.
Saturday August 6 is the SVFD Annual Roast Beef BBQ fundraiser from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased on the Department’s website using the PayPal link. Guests are welcome to enjoy their food on the green while listening to music until 8pm.
Chief Fuchs and Fire Marshal Dave Lathrop discussed the Department’s request to purchase new, battery-operated hydraulic tools – otherwise known as “jaws of life,” vehicle extrication tools used to open cars and get people out of motor vehicles damaged following an accident. Both gentlemen explained that the Department is “limping” along with tools that are leaking hydraulic fluid for which they can no longer find replacement parts; and the new, battery-operated tools are more powerful, with an expected life of 15-20 years. A motion for a Town Meeting to request the sum of $40,000 from ARPA funds for the purchase of hydraulic rescue tools for the SVFD passed unanimously.
Other notable items discussed by the BOS included moving away from the Schneckenburger house on Route 37 as a potential home for the new proposed/adapted Senior Center. Mr. Bruzinski noted that survey responses were negative regarding a new senior center in general, to the dismay of at least one resident in attendance. “What I find most disheartening is the universal negative response to doing anything at all, that’s got to change, and it’s got to change starting with the leadership trying to move this program forward,” said Rick Hudson.
While there is no consensus among the residents, the working group or even the BOS on whether or where a new senior center should be built, what residents do seem to want is better, more programming, more events offered for seniors. Mr. Bruzinski noted that the Town has beautiful meeting spaces – the library, or barn, that can be used to house events and programs for seniors. It was suggested that perhaps, if more programs were offered, and attended, then maybe more public support would be had for a new building – the need would support the desire. Mr. Lowe noted he would like to see a bigger push for senior programming.
Mr. Bruzinski and Pam Bonner, Chair of the School Building Committee, provided an update on the Committee’s RFP for design services. Mr. Bruzinski reported that the advisory committee found “massive” mechanical issues with the building. Ms. Bonner noted that, if approved by the Board of Education, the RFP was expected to be released July 29 and it was an “all-encompassing RFP to renovate the school back to complete use in a safe environment,” covering roof repair, reconnecting water, addressing the historical wing, among other items. Following the report, the BOS agreed to bring to Town Meeting a request for $7,500 for attorney’s fees for legal services rendered for an RFP for the Sherman School renovations/repairs from the Capital non-recurring fund, or ARPA funds, if allowed. Ms. Bonner also provided an update on the playground installation.
Lastly, the Board voted to change the fourth word under “job summary” for the Public Works Supervisor job description from “may” participate to “will” participate.
In the second round of public comment Mr. Lathrop publicly praised Chief Fuchs for the work he does for and with the SVFD, which praise was echoed by the Board and other residents in attendance.
Come out and support art this weekend at ARTFEST 2022 at the Jewish Community Center, 9 Route 39S in Sherman. Eighteen artists will be represented at this collaborative endeavor by the Sherman Artists Association and the Jewish Community Center. An opening reception is planned from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday August 5, with light refreshments and live music. Show hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday August 6 and 7.
The next Sherman Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for August 25 at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall.
By Michelle L. Santoro