By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – Despite a full agenda, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”) moved quickly and efficiently through its agenda at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting on April 25 before a sparse crowd.  With no public comment or correspondence for discussion, the Board speedily moved through its usual administrative items, veering from the agenda only to table the appointment of a Deputy Fire Marshall for a future meeting.   

Business Manager Liz La Via’s financial review was brief, noting that ten months into the fiscal year, the budget is tracking as expected.  With no surprises, and thus no questions from the Board regarding finances, First Selectmen Don Lowe commenced with relaying Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or “Department”) Chief Chris Fuch’s emailed report.  SVFD President James Mandracchia a ttended the meeting to answer any questions posed by the Board or residents.  To date, the Departme nt has responded to 122 emergency calls.  Marine 7, the Department’s primary response boat, was placed back in service at its dock on Candlewood Lake.  Earlier in the week, the Department hosted the Fairfield County Fire Chiefs’ meeting, which Fuchs wrote was well attended.   Saturday, the Department hosted an All-Hazards Emergency Response class.  The Community Outreach Committee is working to arrange fire prevention and firehouse tours for school-age groups and the Recruitment and Ret ention Committee arranged team building events for members.  Before ending, Chief Fuchs wrote, “we are very grateful for our continued community support of our most recent fundraising campaign.” 

The Board discussed several items which will be brought to Town Meeting for action by residents.  The first – SVFD’s recommendation to award a bid to Mulvaney Mechanical Inc. for the installation of an HVAC and AC work for the Department’s classroom and fitness center.  By a unanimous vote, the Board approved the motion to bring to a town meeting the request for an amount not to exceed $17,000.  Next, the Board voted unanimously to bring the following items to town meeting: approval to move $20,000 of accumulated cell tower revenue for farm related maintenance, small repairs, utilities and refuse removal at Happy Acres Farm for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024; approval to move $35,000 from the Happy Acres Farm Restricted Fund to the farm’s Operating Fund for contracted and property management services at the farm; and, approval for an amount not to exceed $135,000 from the capital non-recurring fund for the Sherman School’s Roof Recovery Project, which includes the architect’s fees. 

During a brief discussion, Mr. Lowe noted such that request – moving money from the accumulated cell tower revenue – is made each year and was clear to advise that the funds are used only for costs associated with the farm, no such funds are used toward personal expenses and/or costs of the property’s manager.    Ms. La Via advised that the farm’s five-year lease expires in 2025.  With respect to the school’s project, Selectman Lowe is “delighted that this is moving forward.”   Answering a resident’s question, Selectman Bob Ostrosky noted that the school’s roof will be coated, which comes with a five-year “leak-free” guarantee.

Mr. Lowe indicated the Town Meeting will be warned for May 11. 

In his usual fashion, Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone provided some comic relief, once again thanking the Board for his department’s “continued rise up the agenda.”  On a more serious note, he thanked the BOS for its support of PW.  Mr. Fazzone advised the body of the new PW truck is being built in Stephentown, New York; completion in mid-May is anticipated.  To the happiness of those who enjoy the outdoors, Fazzone noted the town parks are “shaping-up well” for the spring and summer seasons, while the softball fields are already in use.     He also advised that the “hazard” tree on Leah Hollow Road will be removed, the cost of which will likely deplete most of PW’s tree budget.   However, Mr. Fazzone doesn’t anticipate doing anymore tree work this budget year. He reported that the Tree Warden visited both the hazard tre e and the “problem” pine tree located near the cemetery, which is still alive but close to falling.  Selectman Joel Bruzinski questioned why money is being spent to save a tree that isn’t handsome.  The PW supervis or may seek a second opinion of the tree warden. 

Other matters discussed by the Board included Park and Recreation’s proposed Fourth of July Display.  Mr. Lowe noted that Steven Frattini is still working on the event and hopes to have enough funds to follow through.  A concern is the added expense of the fire watch that the SVFD must perform as required by the State.  If this display comes to fruition, it is planned for July 13.   At the last meeting of the Sherman Senior Center Committee, the architect provided rough drawings for the committee’s “wish list” for between 3600 – 4400 sf. of space.  Mr. Lowe expects more specific drawings at the Committee’s next meeting on May 15. 

The First Selectman met with the group who will work up a proposal and then go to bid for the Town with respect to the pickleball courts.  The wetlands application was to be submitted during the week following the meeting.  Mr. Bruzinski said the Sherman School Building Committee (“SSBC”) was doing its best to include as much committee information as possible on the Town’s new website.  Mr. Lowe said he was cautiously optimistic about the SSBC’s progress. 

With respect to the Town Beach Dock addition redesign work, Mr. Lowe said progress is being made.   Tony Iadarola presented Lowe with new maps that are available in the First Selectman’s office for viewing.  The Town’s goal is to prepare a plan with the advice of and alignment from First Light, and then proceed with an application to FERC.    During the week prior to the meeting, the Town was visited by OSHA officials.  Mr. Lowe reported that the Town is in great compliance on all things except the boiler room where the Town stores items.  Echoing the Town’s Fire Marshall, OSHA advised the Town must stop storing items in the boiler room.  Ms. La Via suggested, and Mr. Lowe agreed, that the Town purchase a storage shed for those items.  Following discussion, and acknowledgement that the Historic Commission must be included, Mr. Bruzinski offered to take the lead in obtaining cost estimates for such endeavor.  Discussion was also had regarding the possible remodel of the boiler room – the Town also utilizes under the stairs for storage.  La Via noted OSHA’s suggestion of metal lockers that fit under the stairs.  The Board agreed the problem must be addressed, given OSHA’s  visit.

Though acknowledged not an urgent issue, the Board discussed revisions to the Town’s Bidding Ordinance and Purchasing Agreement.  Currently, three bids are not required if the cost is under $1500; all members agreed the numbers are outdated.  However, all hope to receive input from residents before proposing revised language.  

As per usual, the last agenda item discussed was Sherman’s traffic report.  The Board happily noted there were “lots of stops, lots of tickets, and one reckless driving arrest,” where the driver was clocked at approximately eighty-six miles per hour.  Mr. Ostrosky said there were almost fifty infractions in the past month and just as many drivers were stopped.  Ms. La Via noted approximately $2,000 remains on the trooper’s grant, which should take the Town to May.  She is working on other grants and summertime extensions.  Mr. Lowe mentioned the Your Speed signs, the purchase of which was just approved at the April 20 Town Meeting.  However, before purchasing, the Town’s Treasurer advised that the Town can “borrow” the signs from the State for a period of sixty days to ensure they’re working.  Discussion ensued regarding the problem with third party dump trucks driving through town as they haul. 

CORRECTION:

It was brought to my attention that Doug Kastilahn, a Trustee of Holy Trinity church, which was merged into St. Edward the Confessor Parish, was incorrectly identified in an article published earlier this year.