By, Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – What started out as a usual monthly Board of Selectmen’s meeting (“BOS” and/or “Board”) morphed into an extended and lively discussion among the Board and Park and Recreation (“Park & Rec”) members.  With a special mid-month meeting of Planning and Zoning Commission occurring at the same time in Mallory Town Hall, the BOS met in Charter Hall to discuss its agenda, including summer camp fees charged by Park & Rec.

Selectman Joel Bruzinski began by stating the Town’s calculation on Park & Rec expenses during budget discussions were higher than what Park & Rec reports.  There were hints that perhaps the difference should be made up by increasing fees – particularly fees for the extremely popular and successful summer camp program.  Mr. Bruzinski noted that Sherman’s camp fees are a fraction of what surrounding towns charge for their summer camp programs.  Representatives from Park & Rec replied, its goal is to keep the camp affordable; however, it noted the increase in fees for out-of-towners this year. 

The Board’s and Park & Rec’s philosophies differed.  On the one hand, there is a belief that by not charging a “proper” rate to those who use the camp, taxpayers who never use it are being hurt; and on the other is the belief that taxpayers should get more for their tax dollars and that is achieved by keeping the camp program affordable.  Initially, a discussion about fees charged, it graduated into one about how Park & Rec programs are run – some are self-sustaining – preparing projected/proposed budgets and transparency.   Selectman Bob Ostrosky mentioned the possibility of Park & Rec revisiting how things are run.  In the end, Park & Rec noted its intention to offer an “Early Bird” incentive for camp registration this year, then charging a “late” fee for any family registering after a date certain (anticipated to be May 20).  Out-of-town families will be charged a higher late fee.  Park & Rec will provide an overview of historical data and its budgeting approach for programs over the past 5-7 years to better understand the trends and variances.  Further discussions between the Board and Park & Rec are expected on how to manage the programs’ finances in a transparent and accountable manner, potentially incorporating them i nto the Town ’s general budget.

Upon request of the Sherman Board of Education (“BOE”), the Board approved the use of monies from the capital non-recurring fund in an amount not-to-exceed  $35,000 for use by Sherman School for electrical enabling repair work as noted in written correspondence from BOE member Tim Laughlin. 

Last June, the Town approved a request for $50,000 to conduct specific repairs to the school.  Of that amount, $35,000 remains.   Some repairs were completed.  That project needs closing out and the remaining funds “returned.”  Because the original request was for specific repairs, Mr. Ostrosky opined that the Town  must vote to rescind $35,000 of the original $50,000 approved (returning the money to the Town) and then vote to reallocate those monies back to the capital non-recurring fund.  First Selectman Don Lowe will re-Warn the April 19 Town Meeting to include this request. 

At a Special Meeting on M arch 24, the BOE reviewed the temporary school and current facilities, stabilizing and enabling repair projects. It voted unanimously to bring the following to the BOS, acting as the Board of Finance: sole source procurement for United Alarm Services, (i) related to the fire panel in an amount not to exceed $15,000, and (ii) related to the system and access control in an amount not to exceed $9,000, for the reconfiguration of the burglar alarm in the area to be used as the temporary school facility.

Reading from correspondence submitted by Sherman Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chris Fuchs (“SVFD”), Selectman Lowe reported that the SVFD was experiencing a “busy month of calls and training.”  Firefighters trained on searching and removing victims from a burning building using safe, self-contained breathing apparatus and radio communications.  The EMTs conducted CPR recertification and trained on how to care for patients suffering a stroke.  Currently, two members are finishing their initial EMT certification, one member is beginning EMT certification, and one member is beginning Firefighter 2 training.  As the warmer weather approaches, SVFD members are gearing up to train with apparatus and pumps, and water rescue equipment.  Chief Fuchs wrote reminding residents to apply for burn pit permi ts from the Fire Marshal’s office.

The Board voted to bring to the April 19 Town Meeting an emergency request by the SVFD for $7,005.64 to repair water leak damage. 

Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone reported that sweeping is underway in the Town (he even underwent sweeping training), which revealed numerous potholes.  Fazzone advised that once sweeping is done, PW will begin prepping for pothole filling.  Following up on request from the BOS last month, the supervisor submitted a “scoring of the roads,” which will be discussed at next month’s meeting.

The Board voted to accept the 2025/26 Town and BOE budgets of $6,546,632and $9,931,764, respectively, for a total of $16,478,396.  It also voted to bring the proposed budget to the April 19 Town Meeting. 

By Michelle L. Santoro

With the assistance of Business Manager Liz La Via, and the approval of the Board, Mr. Lowe will proceed with a Connectivity Grant for a sidewalk for ESF/Route 39 N.  The school provided the Board with already completed drawings. An RFP for a construction manager for the proposed Sherman Senior Center appeared in last week’s edition of the Town Tribune and is on the Town’s website.  Discussion was had between the Board and Park & Rec regarding the Town Beach dock additions and redesign work, including discussion about the number and proposed location of the proposed docks.  The Board does not anticipate easy passage of the project once/if brought to town vote.

Mr. Lowe commented that 52 traffic stops were made in March.

Administratively, the Board approved minutes from several meetings that occurred between February 19 and March 10 as well as a tax refund(s) in the amount of $10,377.  Scott Murray was appointed as a full-time commissioner to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Brett Pranski was appointed  to the Historic District Commission.  Both men were appointed to five-year terms.

The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for April 24 at 7:00 pm in Mallory Town Hall.  The Budget Referendum is scheduled for May 3 and a Town Meeting to vote on Orange Pepper Road discontinuation is scheduled for May 20.