By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – With many of the same agenda items from November reappearing, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”) met in Mallory Town Hall on Thursday December 19, in-person and via Zoom, for its last regularly scheduled board meeting of the year.  They discussed various operational updates and plans for the Town.

Liz La Via discussed a new Connecticut law, effective January 1, which allows part-time employees to accrue paid sick time after working 120 days, regardless of the number of hours worked.  The Town has eight employees who qualify for this benefit.  Part-time employees who meet this criterion will earn 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.  La Via explained there are two ways to handle the accrual – front loading 40 hours per person per year or approving sick time when earned.  She went on to note that while front loading simplifies record keeping, it requires more budgeting.  While the benefit is considered a good thing for long-term part-time town employees, the Town needs to decide which approach it will follow.  The Town’s attorney is clarifying the law and its implications.   

Unable to attend the meeting in person, Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or “Department”) Chief Chris Fuchs delivered his report electronically advising the Department had responded to 409 emergency calls. He was pleased to announce that the replacement ambulance was inspected and brought back to Sherman. The Department expected to begin the installation of the power-load stretcher, radios, and equipment during the holiday season, followed by a state inspection and training program for its responders. Once complete, the ambulance will be placed in service for emergency response.  Chief Fuchs reiterated the Department’s appreciation of the Sherman community’s support at its recent holiday fundraisers including the pancake breakfast with Santa and annual Christmas Tree Sale.

Ongoing work drafting an Open Burn ordinance for consideration was discussed.  It is hoped a draft will be available for the Board’s January meeting. 

Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone reported that their snow removal equipment is functioning well, and they plan to hire an additional worker to reduce workload.  PW rented a screen to process topsoil for road edges, fields, and other spots that require fill.  Mr. Fazzone reported future maintenance needs at the Sherman School were being discussed with school officials; a meeting with Board of Education member Tim Laughlin was expected later in December.  PW is responsible for mowing at the school.   

First Selectman Don Lowe reported on the proposal of the Land Acquisition Fund Board (“LAFB”) to contribute $50,000 toward the purchase of land connected to the Strauss Morrissey Preserve on Edmonds Road.  This item was first discussed at the Board’s November meeting following a presentation by the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC). The acquisition would include expanding the property, hiking trails, and public parking.  The Board unanimously voted to seek residents’ approval of the LAFB’s proposal to contribute the requested fund at a Town Meeting, which the BOS voted to schedule January 11 at 9 a.m.

Discussion ensued regarding transitioning the Town’s email and website to a government-compliant cloud service and a transition from Zoom to Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.  The discussion highlighted additional functionality and security features.  SharePoint will be used as a centralized storage solution, like OneDrive or Dropbox, with better control and security.  Questions followed discussion, including those related to costs to the Town.   The Town will save money by switching from a Zoom subscription to Microsoft Teams, which includes more features and support, and will benefit from additional security measures and compliance with government standards.  The switch involves changing email domains but will not affect existing email functionality. 

Selectman Joel Bruzinski updated the Board on a new, used 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited vehicle for use by the Sherman Senior Center.  Registration of the vehicle was underway.  Mr. Lowe mentioned the possible relocation of the registrars to the assessor’s office.    

Discussion ensued regarding an advisory meeting for the Sherman School Renovation Project, which Mr. Lowe referred to as a “stakeholders” meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding project planning.  He wished to invite representatives from other commissions and boards, including Planning and Zoning and the Building inspector.  The goal of such a meeting is to avoid delays potentially caused by different commissions, and to keep the project on schedule.  The meeting is planned for late January/early February.    

With respect to the Scout House project, Lowe’s report was brief.  He was awaiting terminology regarding the scope and then expected to have bid specs out mid-January. 

Next, Mr. Lowe discussed the proposed Senior Center and the need for updated building plans.  He advised that a new price estimator will provide more accurate cost estimates, which are currently higher than expected.  A workshop was scheduled for January to review updated materials, plans and estimates.  Questions were posed by Selectman Bob Ostrosky and Ms. La Via.  Lowe said the new parking lot would provide additional spaces for activities.

Lowe reported that the Town Beach dock additions and redesign work application went through the town engineer and is now with First Light.  He advised it is a slow process but planned to reach out to a contact to speed it along.

Mr. Lowe questioned whether the Town would obtain a grant for traffic enforcement, which Ms. La Via pondered might not materialize until summer 2025.  Discussion ensued regarding a recording system for identifying vehicles proposed by the troopers.  While such a system would benefit the police in helping track and identify vehicles involved in crimes, the Town discussed the benefits and potential public perception if such a system were used in Sherman.

Mr. Lowe awaits a response from the DOT with respect to a permit for a sidewalk for ESF/Route 39N. 

Earlier in the month two Town Meetings were held on December 7 and 19, at which the following resolutions were passed:

(i) Authorization for an appropriation not-to-exceed $105,000 from the capital non-recurring fund for the purchase of a Kubota KX057-5 excavator and attachments requested by Public Works supervisor Kris Fazzone, which passed unanimously; (ii) authorization for an appropriation not-to-exceed $34,000 from Local Capital Improvement Project funds to purchase and install a new boiler at Mallory Town Hall, which passed unanimously; (iii)  authorization for an appropriation of $10,000 from the capital-nonrecurring fund to cover the application costs to FERC (Federal Regulatory Commission) for the increased dock slips and Town Beach Park reclamation project. On motion made by Mr. Fazzone, seconded by Brian Meenan and after explanation by Mr. Lowe, the motion passed; and (iv) authorization for an appropriation of $129,541 from the capital non-recurring fund for the purchase of a 2024 Ford T-350 van with Startrans Bus body, which also passed unanimously by a show of cards.

The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for January 23 at 7pm in Mallory Town Hall. There are two pre-budget meetings scheduled: February 19 at 7pm and February 22 at 9am – both in Mallory Town Hall.  A Town Meeting is scheduled for 9am on Saturday, January 11.