By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – On a cold, winter evening, before a scant crowd, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”) met in Mallory Town Hall for its first regularly scheduled board meeting of the new year on Thursday, January 30, in-person and via Zoom.  The highlight of the meeting – the announcement of another anonymous donation for the Senior Center.  The Board voted unanimously to accept the gift – in the amount of $16,281.  To date, over $481,000 was given to/toward the building of a new Senior Center.  The Board also unanimously accepted $24,500 from Friends of Senior Center, for the purchase of a Jeep for use by the center.  Administratively, on motion of Selectman Robert Ostrosky, First Selectman Don Lowe was reappointed as a full member of the Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority, the entity responsible for the Town’s waste management and recycling.

The Town’s Business Manager, Liz La Via, reported favorable tracking seven months into the fiscal year and confirmed tax and state filings for 2024.  Ms. La Via announced that the trooper’s overtime grant for traffic enforcement was secured for March, April, and May with expected funding similar to last year.  Exact figures are expected in the next several weeks.  La Via anticipates two overtime shifts per week during that period.

Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or “Department”) Chief Chris Fuchs reported on emergency calls year-end/year-to-date totals, with those numbers at 425 and 36, respectively.  The last call of 2024 was a structure fire in Sail Harbor.  He was pleased to report the Department’s “good response times” with respect to ambulances arriving at the scene.  The Department is working on a new website to announce events and fundraisers, as well as facilitate online applications for new members.  Three members are “wrapping up” EMT classes and each expect to graduate in mid-March following certification exams. 

The Board voted to send a draft Open Burn ordinance to the Town’s legal counsel for review.  Selectman Joel Bruzinski said it was “logical and prudent.” Chief Fuchs noted the State leaves such ordinances to municipalities to draft.  He said the draft reflected “a very common-sense approach.” Also being sent to an attorney for review is language amending Section 3 of the Town’s real property tax exemption for retired SVFD members.  Discussion was had regarding eligibility criteria and benefit amount.  Mr. Ostrosky questioned the lump-sum payment and Mr. Bruzinski questioned how 25 years of service was defined.  Further discussion on both will follow legal review. 

Next up was a proposal to abandon Orange Pepper Road, a .6-mile road off Chapel Hill Road.  Mr. Lowe provided background information and noted that residential homes no longer exist on the road and no opportunity exists for the building of new homes; the majority of land abutting the road is owned by the Connecticut Audubon – Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary.  Mr. Bruzinski raised concerns about access – especially in the event of wildfires.  SVFD members in attendance concurred with Mr. Lowe’s assessment that the Department had access to the woodlands from several points.  Furthermore, an Audubon member in attendance advised there were six dry hydrants on their property to which the SVFD would always have access.  Following discussion and some questions, the Board voted to abandon the road.  Next, the Board’s approval of abandonment must go before Planning and Zoning. 

The Board listened to a Solar Marketplace Assistance Program (solar MAP) presentation by Edie Shelton of Connecticut Green Bank.  Established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011, the Connecticut Green Bank (“CGB”) is the nation’s first “green bank.”  CGB’s mission is to accelerate the green economy using “limited public dollars to attract multiples of private capital investment” thus making clean energy more affordable and accessible to consumers.  The Town is considering a solar project for Town Hall and other facilities.  CGB offers technical assistance and financial models, which could include a power purchase agreement or ongoing utility bill credits.   

Mr. Lowe discussed the tight timetable for Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) Grant applications.  Possible projects include adding four rooms to Mallory Town Hall, including an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant restroom, composting restroom facilities at Colonial and Veteran’s Fields or the Scout House – for which drawings already exist.  Applications, with drawings, are due February 22.

The Board of Selectmen’s Joint Special Meeting regarding the Sherman School renovation project was scheduled for Saturday, February 1.  Mr. Lowe said he tried to quell some anxiety over the meeting, which was to include participation by the School Building Committee, Board of Education, Planning & Zoning Commission, Inlands & Wetlands Commission, Park & Rec Commission, Building Inspector, Public Health Director, Land Use Enforcement Officer, Fire Chief and Marshal, and Public Works Supervisor.  In advance of the meeting, the Board voted to approve the Request for Quote (RFQ) for Code Review and related consulting services for the school renovation project.   Lowe also advised that he and  Town Treasurer Andrea Maloney scheduled a meeting with the bond rating agency for February 13.

The proposed Senior Center project is progressing.  Mr. Lowe mentioned meetings scheduled for February 5 and February 12, at which the committee will finalize costs and scope before bringing the proposed project to the town for approval. 

With respect to the sidewalk for ESF/Route 39N, Mr. Lowe had nothing to report other than his opinion that working with WestCOG might be the best way to proceed to move this project along. 

In the Supervisor’s absence, Mr. Lowe reported that Sherman resident Kyle Thompson was hired by Public Works.  He was scheduled to commence employment on February 3. 

On January 11, residents approved the following at a Town Meeting:

An expenditure of $50,000 from the Land Acquisition Fund toward the purchase (in conjunction with the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservatory) of  the 117-acre Glen Brook parcel contiguous with the Strauss Preserve to be left in Open Space into perpetuity. 

Wishing the First Selectman a Very Happy Birthday, which occurred prior to publication.  The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for February 27 at 7pm in Mallory Town Hall.