The Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS”) met for its regular monthly meeting Thursday, May 26 at Mallory Town Hall, with many of the usual residents in attendance. During public comment, resident and meeting regular Susan Zeitler took issue with the 5G research and discussion of Selectmen Don Lowe and Joel D. Bruzinski from the April 28 BOS meeting. “We elected you to protect us.  We are going to our town leaders to ask that you take steps that other towns have taken, such as Easton (CT). Easton has a moratorium against 5G. We want you to take these steps to have our constitutional rights protected…,” Zeitler said, reading from prepared remarks. While the BOS listened respectfully, 5G was not an agenda item and no new information was discussed by the BOS.   

At a Town Meeting held just prior to the BOS meeting residents unanimously voted to approve the formation of a building committee to address the capital needs and repairs of the Sherman School building. Mr. Lowe announced those who were named to the committee: Pam Bonner, Christian DaCunha, Tim Laughlin, Joel Bruzinski, Matt Vogt, Carrie DePuy, Bob Gamper, Joseph Viola, and David Febbraio. Pursuant to Sherman School bylaw #7100 and the Sherman Board of Education, the BOS has the authority to name the members to such committee. The committee will report to the BOS. 

Martin O’Connor from the Candlewood Lake Authority (“CLA”) was present to continue discussion from last month’s meeting regarding a new building for the CLA in Sherman. The proposed project is only in the development stage.  Before moving forward, the CLA needs an “OK” from the BOS to proceed with a proposal to construct a new building in Sherman, after which the CLA can then begin discussions with all five towns (Sherman, New Fairfield, Brookfield, New Milford, and Danbury).  “I can’t go past go until you say it’s ok to build a building here … If you say it’s ok and what we’re looking to propose is reasonable and it’s going to look aesthetically nice and so forth, then we go forward to the other towns to let them know Sherman is going to let us build a building here and start working with funding with the other towns.  Also, we’ll probably do some fundraising as well,” O’Connor said.

Selectman Bob Ostrosky questioned Mr. O’Connor regarding how far the proposed new building would encroach upon the field at the location, which is used a lot by the town camp – a c oncern voiced by residents as well. Mr. Bruzinski had questions regarding an elevation of the gable end of the proposed building, which is also aesthetically important.  The sentiment from the BOS was clear – it likes the concept and is OK with the CLA seeking to build a new building in Sherman. The BOS look forward to hearing feedback from the other towns. However, much n eeds to happen before a new building becomes a reality – including approval of Sherman residents.

Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD”) Chief Chris Fuchs presented the department’s monthly report.  The SVFD responded to 153 emergency calls, year-to-date, including two serious motorcycle accidents the weekend of May 21, both occurring within ten minutes of the other.  One patient was brought to Danbury Hospital and the other was flown to Westchester Medical Center.

Chief Fuchs noted that the firehouse floor refinishing was complete. “It looks great! It’s safe, it looks beautiful. It’s going to look great for many years to come,” he said. He further noted the SVFD welcomed a new member this past month, they were currently washing their trucks getting ready for the upcoming Memorial Day parade and, as always, thanked the Town for its support.  

Pursuant to Connecticut General Statute §8-30j, the State mandates every municipality to develop an affordable housing plan to specify how it “intends to increase the number of affordable housing developments in the municipality.” The report is due June 1. Mr. Lowe made a motion to adopt Sherman’s Municipal Annex, to be joined with Western Connecticut Council of Governments’ affordable housing “Regional Toolbox,” to satisfy the statutory requirements concerning affordable housing, which motion was seconded by Mr. Bruzinski. The motion passed without opposition.  Sherman’s statement on affordable housing can be found online at www.westcog.org.

The BOS unanimously voted to bring to town meeting the following two items for approval: “Authorize an appropriation of $20,000 funded from the accumulated cell tower revenue for farm related maintenance and expenses for fiscal year 7/1/22 through 6/30/23” and “Authorize 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 fiscal year 7/1/22 through 6/20/23.”

Not all residents agree with the running of Happy Acres Farm and the town’s classification of the “resident farmer” as an independent contractor. Heated discussion ensued between one resident and the BOS regarding this issue, and where/how payments are made under the property management services contract. Mr. Ostrosky reminded the audience that the town voted overwhelmingly for the purchase of the farm. At the end of discussion, there was no resolution but the BOS asked for patience to see where the farm is at the end of this season – now that we are slowly coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that 4H has plans to come to Happy Acres, and there is talk about opening it up to the public as planned at the time of its purchase.      

Lastly, the BOS continued discussion from its Special BOS Meeting on May 12 regarding the potential purchase of the Schneckenburger house on Route 37, which is number 14 in the Historic District, as a potential home for the new proposed/adap ted Senior Center. The house, which sits upon six acres of land, has an asking price of $1.1 mil.  Prior to the meeting, Mr. Lowe toured another building, at Deer Pond, which was transformed from a residence to a municipal building, to get an idea of what is involved in such an endeavor. Discussion also ensued regarding a third party who offered to bridge the purchase between the Town and the Schneckenburger agent and hold the note on behalf of the Town. The bridge will cover the purchase and hold onto the property; if the Town decides to not move forward with the property the bridge will sell the house and forward any profit from the sell back to the Schneckenburger family.  Ed Hayes, Commissioner of the Commission on Aging, noted the importance of obtaining an engineering study of the building to answer questions that need answering before considering moving forward.

At the end, the BOS agreed more information and public input is needed.  A Town forum will be scheduled to discuss the issue further. 

The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Thursday June 23, 2020 at Mallory Town Hall.

By Michelle L. Santoro