By Michelle L. Santoro
Sherman – As the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” and/or “Board”) met for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, March 28, the contentious issue was the location of proposed pickleball courts. First Selectman Don Lowe noted, at a recent Town Meeting, it was decided that the proposed courts would be located at Volunteer Field (“VF”). However, there are two possible locations for the courts at VF and it appears the “factions” that support each are diametrically opposed. “I am thankful very much for the Park and Rec work on this,” Mr. Lowe said, and then the tension grew. Park and Recreation recommended the courts be constructed near the pond on the north side of the parking lot – proposing four courts be built, and Mr. Lowe, along with Selectmen Joel Bruzinski and Bob Ostrosky, prefer the courts be built on the “flat” ground at the beginning of the small soccer field, the one Lowe notes is too small to play soccer on, with the possibility of six courts being built.
Lively discussion ensued between members of Park and Rec and the Board, with neither side being swayed by the other side’s position. At the end of the discussion, which was the longest of the meeting for one topic, there was no agreement as to where in VF the courts should be constructed. The two sides did not agree on the number of courts that should be constructed either. One Park and Rec member voiced her concern about the possible (unwanted) influx of (too many) outsiders if more than four courts are built.
Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or “Department”) Chief Chris Fuchs delivered his department’s monthly report. To date, they have responded to 100 emergency calls. He noted some very busy nights recently, including four back-to-back calls on Saturday, March 23 followed by 3 back-to-back calls on Monday, March 25. Chief Fuchs reported that during the past month, members trained in EMS, technical rescue and other refresher skills. The Department welcomed one new member; another new member commenced Firefighter I-level training while one active member started Firefighter II-level training. Additionally, the SVFD Treasurer is putting together bid specifications for an air conditioner/dehumidification system for the Department’s classroom and workout room.
Following a request from Chief Fuchs for funds to purchase eleven automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), the Board voted to bring to a Town Meeting a capital request, not to exceed $20,000, from its cap non-recurring fund. Mr. Fuchs explained that the AEDs are carried throughout town by emergency medical trained members. If approved, the new AEDs will replace some AEDs that are fifteen or more years old.
In the delivery of his monthly report, Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone said, “generally speaking, things are going very well.” PW is waiting on new bases for the new softball field before plating anchors, however, Mr. Fazzone noted the new field is already in use. Tree work continued during the month. Mr. Fazzone met with the Tree Warden to discuss two trees that require removal, one of which may require a crane. He possibly jinxed the Town by reporting that sanders and plows were put away for the season. PW is creating a “pothole list;” once the asphalt plant is running, a hot blacktop will be used to fill them. Mr. Fazzone said PW did a “cold patch” throughout the winter, but the hot patch will create a more permanent fix. Lastly, PW sought approval of the BOS to auction three pieces of equipment. Discussion ensued regarding setting a minimum bid and platforms through which the auction could occur, as well as mention of a fallen tree around a bend (not in road, but dangerous) of Route 37 S (near American Pie) that needs removal before an accident occurs. At the request of Mr. Ostrosky, Mr. Fazzone will reach out to the state.
The Board voted to proceed with an auction of three pieces of PW equipment. They are: (1) a 2000 International 4700 cab and chassis with plow – it has been in use for 8,900 hours and has clocked 94,000 miles, (2) a 2012 1.5-yard Ace Torwell electric sander/spreader; and (3) a 2004 International 7600 6-wheel dump truck with Cummins engine with 59,900 miles, wing plow, and Everest 11’ plow and all season sanding body. The third item is not yet available for sale.
Discussing Trooper Wayne’s traffic enforcement report, Mr. Ostrosky was “super happy” to read the trooper arrested a motorist traveling 86 mph. To which Mr. Lowe commented, “that’s a really expensive fine.” Selectman Ostrosky noted, in the past month twenty speeding tickets were issued, with “a bunch more stops and one arrest. He jokingly referred to Sherman as the “speeding ticket capital of the world.”
Added to the agenda at the meeting’s start, Mr. Bruzinski reported on the needed hook-up for a generator at the Senior Center/Social Services offices. Three bids were received – ranging from a low of $2,799 to a high of $4,950. The Board voted unanimously to employ Hantsch Electric Inc. of New Milford and will bring to a Town Meeting a request for funds, not to exceed $3,300, from LOSIP, the General or Capital Non-recurring funds for the project. Mr. Bruzinski also reported that installation of the previously approved purchase of new computers, and ancillary network work, for the Senior Center/Social Services is complete. He said, “So, they’re all happy, they’re all smiles. They have computers that work, a network that works, Wi-Fi that works and it’s a beautiful thing.” Mr. Bruzinski also announced the new Town website was built and will go “live” in May.
In a brief report of the Town’s finances, Business Manager Liz La Via provided a “snapshot” of the general fund, noting it is “trending as expected.” Following “better advice” from the Town’s auditor, due to sufficient interest income, the Board voted to raise the revenue fund by $35,000, and in turn increase the general fund expenses $35,000 for the counsel and court line item. The Board then reversed its February motion that transferred $35,000 from the Town’s reserve fund, held within its general fund, to general counsel, land use counsel and ongoing litigation (Counsel and court line items).
Park and Recreation Commissioner Stephen Frattini mentioned its committee was moving forward with the Town’s First Annual fireworks display – tentatively scheduled for July 13. Mr. Frattini is working closely with Chief Fuchs and a fireworks company to bring this to fruition.
Two residents were appointed full Commissioners to the Historic District Commission, both for five-year terms to expire January 1, 2029. Jan Desiato was appointed alternate Commissioner. Don Lowe, who abstained from voting, Bob Ostrosky, who abstained from voting, Andrea Maloney and Jim Best were all appointed to the School Building Committee.
Reporting on the Senior Community Center Building Committee, Mr. Lowe announced they met with their chosen architect on sight, who brought with her two consultants. The drawing of initial plans has commenced, which plans, when complete, will bring the project “to referendum,” Mr. Lowe said.
During public comment, Mr. Frattini inquired about movement in approaching the State regarding a speed study in Sherman and speed indicators. Discussion ensued. Mr. Ostrosky believes the State will now allow “School Zone” signs on state roads. Cara Kaufmann suggested taking the road back as a town road, at which point the Town can install whatever signs it wishes, including “No Through Traffic.”
The next Board of Selectmen meeting, which will include discussion about changes to the Town’s Bidding Ordinance, is scheduled for Thursday April 25, at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall. The next Senior Community Center Building Committee meeting is scheduled for April 10 at 7pm in Town Hall.