By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – Perhaps saving energy for the budget season, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” and/or “Board”) met February 27 for a brief regularly scheduled meeting, quickly moving through its monthly agenda.  The Board voted unanimously to bring the following to a Town Meeting: An Open Burn Ordinance, as last presented, and language amending Section 3 of the Town’s real property tax exemption for retired Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD”) members, also, as last presented to the Board.  Both the ordinance and proposed amended language were discussed at last month’s BOS meeting, after which the drafts were sent to the Town’s legal counsel for review.  A Town Meeting is expected later this month.

Budget meetings were/are scheduled March 5 and March 10.  Selectman Bob Ostrosky conveyed his appreciation for the Board of Education having submitted their proposed budget.

In the Supervisor’s absence, Mr. Lowe provided an update on Public Works (“PW”) activities, as summarized in written communications received by the First Selectman.  PW was busy in recent weeks with snow clearing and cleaning roads but advised there is still no need to buy and/or replenish the Town’s sand supply.  Mention was made regarding road repairs, to which Mr. Ostrosky requested a list of roads needing repair and the level of repairs needed – “good, bad or ugly.”  The list should include road name, length, and status level 1-5 (with 1 being great and 5 being “needs doing soon.”)

Following last month’s Solar Marketplace Assistance Program (solar MAP) presentation by Edie Shelton of Connecticut Green Bank, Mr. Lowe indicated he did not wish to move forward with the project.  Discussion ensued among the Board.  Selectman Joel Bruzinski did not believe it was “a good use of taxpayer dollars.”  The Board was in agreement that the project is not a good endeavor for the Town.

Regarding a sidewalk for ESF/Route 39 N, the First Selectman indicated he contacted everyone who needed contacting and has received responses.  He discussed the possibility of applying for a Community Connectivity Grant (“CCG”). The Board discussed, including its guesstimates as to total project cost.  Mr. Lowe will further research the grant program and begin the application process.  The CCG Program seeks to “ improve accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians in urban, suburban and rural community centers. The goal of the CCGP is to make conditions safer and more accommodating for pedestrians and bicyclists, thereby encouraging more people to use these healthy and environmentally sustainable modes of travel.” (CTDOT)  Solicitations for the CCG Program opened February 11.   

Mr. Lowe reported “good news” on the Town Beach dock additions and redesign work.  Earlier in that week he met with First Light and engineers.  He said, First Light “pretty much liked everything” presented, with only minor changes for the engineers, who, Lowe reported, were working on them.  Once changes are completed, the application will be readied, leaving only the question of whether the project is “within the realm of possibility” before submitting the application for approval.  If not, there will not be new dock slips; however, the Town must still address the sea wall.

Other business included discussion on the Scout House project and the proposed Sherman Senior Center.  On the former, Mr. Lowe advised two bids were received.  He expected to make a decision on Friday morning.  Regarding the latter, Lowe said the Senior Center committee was still seeking to ascertain whether the cost for the proposed building is “as high as it came in.”  The committee seeks a construction manager to analyze the proposed project and the submitted costs.  If the project, as proposed, is as costly as estimated, the proposal will be readdressed to make the project/building less expensive.

Mr. Lowe added Town Signage to the BOS agenda as a feeler – to see if there is interest in pursuing signage like those that appear in Kent and other nearby areas.  Mr. Ostrosky admitted he was “always a fan of “Welcome to Sherman” signs,” but questioned where it could be placed.  He said the topic was “not a bad thing to talk about, but what does it mean?” and reminded the Board that the main roads in Sherman are state routes, which would require permission for signage.  The Board will continue to consider the topic. 

With respect to the Sherman School Renovation project, which Lowe jokingly referred to as “the little project going on over there,” there was nothing new to report. Prior to adjourning the meeting, Mr. Lowe noted the Board was not provided “with a very exciting meeting tonight.”  Discussion followed with Mr. Bruzinski talking about traffic enforcement and where the trooper “stakes out.” Lively discussion ensued among all in attendance about residents’ experiences with traffic and driving through town. In closing, Mr. Lowe conveyed his expectation that BOS business will get busier in the coming months. 

The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for March 27 at 7:00 pm in Mallory Town Hall.