Sherman – With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”) met earlier in the month than usual for it s regularl y scheduled meeting on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Mallory Town Hall. First Selectman Don Lowe called the meeting to order before a scant audience. While many items were discussed, other than the approval of administrative items, nothing was voted on by the Board.

Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or the “Department”) Chief Chris Fuchs sent the Board the Department’s monthly report, which was read by Mr. Lowe.  To date, the SVFD responded to 338 emergency calls.  The new battery powered hydraulic rescue tools, recently purchased by the Department, were placed in service earlier in the month. “These tools greatly enhance our ability to rescue victims of motor vehicle accidents,” Chief Fuchs wrote. Also in November, firefighters conducted a live-fire training session at the Litchfield County Fire School.  Skills practiced included fire attack, searching for victims and ventilation techniques. The Department will begin its Annual Christmas Tree sale fundraiser on Friday. It will continue until the last tree is sold.

Pam Bonner, Chair of Sherman School Building Committee announced, notwithstanding tower sway, the playground was set to open November 18. “It’s a phenomenal playground,” Ms. Bonner said. She assured the BOS that the structure was safe; however, since the Committee expressed concern to the manufacturer, they will come back and install supports under the wire cages to lessen the sway.  Installation of the permanent surface is delayed due to the manufacturer and now weather temperatures. The manufacturer provided wood chips for the surface, at no additional cost, which will be moved to other areas once the permanent surface is installed in the spring. 

Department of Public Works (“DPW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone provided the Board with an update on the DPW and its projects. He reported that delivery of the Avant tractor and corresponding utility attachments recently purchased by the DPW is delayed approximately three weeks.

Mr. Lowe provided the traffic enforcement report. The Board is pleased with the numbers and will continue “as is” for at least one more month. Mr. Lowe also reported that repair work to/on the walkways and chimney, as well as the roof, at Mallory Town Hall is complete. The roof work was “right to the number,” Mr. Lowe indicated, while the chimney work was over-budget. The final bill for the walkways was not before the BOS at the time of its meeting. 

Mr. Lowe mentioned the issuance of recycling stickers by Three Veterans Recycling, LLC, the company that runs the New Milford Recycling Center, which serves Sherman. Selectman Bob Ostrosky suggested a Town Meeting to advise residents of the Board’s intent to allow the company “take the reins” from the Town with respect to the issuing of recycling stickers to streamline the process.  The Board also discussed a po ssible proposal to create a Sherman Arts Commission and renewal of the Sherman Playhouse lease. 

Earlier, a larger-than-usual crowd turned out for a Town Meeting on November 10, perhaps due to the nature of the item voted on. With a vote of 59-6, residents voted to approve a request from the Sherman School Building Committee for an amount not-to-exceed $175,000 from the capital non-recurring fund to be used to finance architectural services, pre-construction management and planning services, schematic design and e ngineering services, and legal services to advance the repairs of the Sherman School facility.

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

By Michelle L. Santoro