By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman — In an uncharacteristic fashion, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”) met for its regular monthly meeting on July 23, discussed agenda items and adjourned the meeting within forty minutes; a welcome scenario on a warm summer evening. 

In furtherance of the topic discussed at the July 9 special meeting, First Selectman Don Lowe reported on the Town Beach dock slips project, noting the Board’s intent to investigate the idea of sharing docks with the Candlewood Lake Authority (“CLA”).  “Before we go through anything else, we’re going to explore this possibility because it’s monumentally less expensive and much more convenient,” Mr. Lowe said.  The First Selectman was hoping to meet with CLA Executive Director Mark Howarth and Firstlight Power Land Manager Brian Wood during the week following the meeting.

Lowe went on to mention his belief that CLA’s concerns over the intermingling of patrol boats with public boats may have lessened and that Sherman’s representatives at the CLA may be supporters of the idea.  “So, I have some hope that this will work out,” Lowe said.  If this project comes to fruition, residents may have six additional dock slips for use next summer.

A new, ongoing topic of discussion for the Board is scam awareness.  The First Selectman wants residents to be aware of an increase in the number of telephone scams and door-to-door solicitations, particularly those pushing paving services.  Lowe wished to remind residents that if someone calls in an emergency situation – a relative has been kidnapped or arrested and needs bail money, or something sounds too good to be true, or money is needed by the caller who is rushing you along—then it is a scam.  The selling of paving services by door-to-door solicitation is harder to see as a scam since the paving work is being done; however, Lowe went on to advise that the work is usually poorly performed.  Furthermore, he reminded all that no one, no company has permission from the  Town to engage in door-to-door solicitation.  The Board’s message to Sherman residents – if you receive an emergency call, or are approached by someone selling services, heed caution, take a pause – there is always someone to ask before proceeding.

Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or the “Department”) Chief Chris Fuchs forwarded the Department’s monthly report to the Board, which was relayed by the First Selectman.  July was “particularly busy” for the Department, in part due to “very severe storms,” during which the Department was called upon to respond to multiple emergencies in a short period of time.  Year-to-date, they have responded to 234 emergency calls, with a few requiring more than 7 hours to resolve, including the rescuing of an injured hiker.  SVFD members continue to receive training on the Department’s new mini pumper engine 3.  Selectman Joel Bruzinski, as a resident living near the firehouse, noted the frequency with which the SVFD is called upon for emergencies, and wondered whether Sherman residents are truly aware of how much the Department does when there is no longer a siren sounding to awaken us to these calls for help.

In closing, Chief Fuchs wrote, “We are looking forward to another great fireman’s ball,” which takes place Saturday, August 1.  Mr. Lowe volunteered to provide music during the dinner portion of the evening.  He said, “I hope you can all go … it’s a fun night.”  

Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone reported that all the roads that were previously chip-sealed are now fog sealed – a maintenance technique involving the application of an asphalt emulsion to the surface of “aged pavement.” PW plans to paint a single yellow line on Leach Hollow Road, like the line painted on Wakeman Hill Road.  Fazzone noted that the Town’s fields are “looking good” and the trails are “OK.”  With respect to a fuel management system, Mr. Lowe requested that PW provide the Board with quotes so a special meeting on the topic can be set.

In an update from the Sherman Senior Center Building Committee, Mr. Lowe reported that there are five finalists for architects.  Interviewing of the finalists will take place on Monday, August 3 and Wednesday August 5.  The Committee will choose their pick at the August 5 meeting and will request that the Board schedule a special meeting for purposes of finalizing a candidate.

Mr. Lowe and Town Treasurer Andrea Maloney continue to attend weekly meetings regarding the Sherman School renovation project.  Lowe said, “So far so good; you can see the progress being made.”  Some tiling has occurred inside, and the project is on schedule for students to arrive (in the new building) after the holidays.

Ms. Maloney reminded all that early voting begins in Sherman on August 3 and will continue until the 9th.  The Primary election is August 11.  The next regular Board of Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled on August 27.