By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – On the eve of Memorial Day weekend, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“Board” or “BOS”) met for its regularly scheduled board meeting, Thursday May 25 at Mallory Town Hall, at which it voted to schedule a Town Meeting on Saturday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m.    

The Board voted in favor of bringing to Town Meeting the following items for residents’ approval:  (i) authorization for an appropriation of $20,000 funded from the Town’s accumulated cell tower revenue for farm related maintenance and expenses for the 2023/24 fiscal year, (ii) authorization for an appropriation transfer of $35,000 from the Happy Acres Farm Restricted Fund to the Happy Acres Farm Operating fund for contracted property management services for the 2023/24 fiscal year; and (iii) authorization for an amount not to exceed $4,000 from the capital non-recurring fund for the purchase of a Meeting Owl for ZOOM meeting capability. 

The OWL is a conference room webcam for hybrid meeting collaboration.  According to the product’s website, the system captures everything in a room with a 360-degree camera, microphone, and speaker, allowing for all to have an “immersive” experience.  The Board will provide a list of all agenda items to be voted on June 10 upon once the meeting is noticed, including a request from the Department of Public Works (“PW”) for an amount, not to exceed $9,000 from the capital non-recurring fund, to replace the rotting body of dump truck 3 with an aluminum flatbed body with a bulkhead.

 

The Board voted to set the Mill Rate at 17.82 for the next fiscal year.  All BOS members signed the Mill Rate letter effectuating the rate.

Chief Chris Fuchs of the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or “Department”) reported that the SVFD was busy the past few weeks having to respond to 2-3 calls per day.  The Department’s college-aged members are home for the summer and helping to fill the daytime gap, in addition to those from Public Works. 

Year-to-date, the SVFD responded to 175 emergency calls.  During the month of May, the Department underwent two water rescue training drills on Candlewood Lake, EMS training and education about and training on lithium-ion battery fires.  The Chief noted an array of things subject to these potential fire hazards, including, but not limited to, scooters, Teslas, and solar panels.  They welcomed one new junior member in May.   As mentioned at the last meeting, two members began Firefighter I training at the Litchfield County Fire School, and one member completed her Emergency Medical Responder class and will seek certification later in May.  Once certified, this member can assist with EMS calls. 

The Department continues to explore new initiatives and incentives for the recruitment of new members.  Both Chief Fuchs and First Selectman Don Lowe noted that the Town is “getting closer” to installing SVFD equipment at the cell tower.  Chief Fuchs said a site walk was planned during the week following Memorial Day.

During public comment, Ms. Kaufman, a resident in Town at Route 37 Center expressed concern about persistent speeding through Town. She noted the many homes, including those with children, close to the road and the speeding poses a danger to all.  Ms. Kaufman advised the Board of her communications with the Department of Transportation (“DOT”) regarding the issue.  Mr. Lowe assured Ms. Kaufma n of the Board’s resolve in staying on top of the problem.  He advised of his efforts at communicating with the DOT to combat the problem.  Mr. Lowe indicated an employee of the DOT was out to assess the problem and a report is pending with recommendations on what the Town can do to help control speeding.  Such recommendations can include crossing lights and speed tables.

Mr. Lowe provided a brief report on the Town’s continued traffic enforcement efforts.  He noted two drivers were clocked at 90 mph and 80 mph – both received speeding tickets.  On average, 7-8 tickets are issued for speeding during one overtime enforcement session; a portion of the fine collected reverts to the Town.  The Town will continue its efforts to curb speeding.      

Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone provided an update on current PW projects, including the completion of paving on Sawmill Road.  Mr. Fazzone advised that three more roads will be paved and “fitted” with speed humps, which should slow drivers down but are not expected to be a hinderance to/for snow plowing.  Completion of speed hump installation is expe cted before the start of summer camp. 

In other news, Mr. Lowe and Mr. Fazzone agreed that the issue of proposed building repairs to two buildings at Sherman Town Park – the white building and the red building on the hill – is best on the Parks and Recreation agenda before further discussion by the Board.  On the day of the meeting, the Town received a new report for the Scout House project from its architect.  Mr. Lowe will provide the updated report to the State Historic Commission for further guidance.  The Town will learn in February whether it was awarded the grant from WESTCOG for Old Greenwoods Extension Bridge.  A resident on the other side of the bridge who owns two of the homes on that side approached Mr. Lowe regarding the bridge; conversation ensued regarding the possible financial contribution to the project by the resident.  The bridge is not in the Town’s historical district, but Mr. Lowe said it is approaching the district.  The bids are out for the barns at Happy Acres Farm.  Work must be complete by August 31.  The Town applied for a $10,000 grant from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the construction of 14 or 17 additional boat slips on Candlewood Lake.  Discussion ensued regarding this.  Mr. Fazzone advised that he viewed new docks on the Lake in Candlewood Isle, New Fairfield. 

The Sherman Senior Center Building Committee met the week prior to the Board meeting and will continue to meet every third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.  Member Karen Cardillo was elected Chair. 

Selectman Joel Bruzinski reported that the Sherman School Building Committee (“SBC”) had two very productive meetings with the BOS and the Board of Education, and the SBC has narrowed the proposals down to two for school construction/renovation.  Two SBC member “experts” are currently pouring over each proposal, line by line for value management and to seek out any further, potential cost-savings.  The SBC is seeking a September referendum. 

The BOS voted to add a last-minute item to its agenda – short-term rentals.  Discussion ensued regarding a possible Town ordinance to deal with the issue.  &nb sp;

The next Board of Selectman meeting is scheduled for Thursday June 22, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall.