As summer is nearing a close and parents are readying for children to return to school, the usual number of residents found time to attend a Town Meeting on Monday, August 2 9, at Charter Hall to vote on items brought to them by the Board of Selectmen (“BOS”).    First Selectman Don Lowe called the meeting to order, and the Warning of Town Meeting was read, setting forth two items to be acted upon. 

The first motion heard was for the authorization of a $40,000 appropriation from American Rescue Funds (ARPA) to purchase rescue equipment for the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD”), including a new cutter, spreader, and ram – otherwise known as “jaws of life.”  The proposed new battery-operated hydraulic vehicle extrication tools, which are used to get people out of motor vehicles damaged following a motor vehicle accident, are more powerful than the to ols currently used by the SVFD and have an expected life of 15 to 20 years.  The motion for this appropriation passed unanimously. 

                Next on the agenda was for the approval of an amount not to exceed $7,500 from the capital non-recurring fund, or ARPA funds if those funds are allowed for such use, for the legal work performed, at the request of the Sherman School Building Committee, on a Request for Proposal (RFP) for design services for the Sherman School repair. Selectman and Committee Member Joel Bruzinski previously reported that the advisory committee found “massive” mechanical issues with the (school) building. Th e RFP, in part, covers roof repair, water reconnection, and addresses the historical wing. Although the motion passed, two residents voted against it.  Could this be a sign of things to come?

                All in all, the Town meeting was efficient, and brief and those in attendance were able to return home to their families before the sun finished setting.

By Michelle L. Santoro