By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – As summer entered its final month, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” and/or “Board”) met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, August 24 at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall.  At the meeting’s outset, Hubbell Mountain Road residents Melissa and Joey Cipot expressed frustration over the ongoing saga of short-term rentals, particularly in their neighborhood, and – their perceived – inaction by the Town.  Speaking individually, both Ms. and Mr. Cipot asked the Board about the status of a Cease-and-Desist Order and restrictive ordinance discussed at the July BOS meeting.   First Selectman Don Lowe advised a Cease-and-Desist order was in process.  Ms. Cipot read a prepared statement detailing the history of the problem, going back to July 2022 when she first brought the issue to the attention of the BOS.  Ms. Cipot directed a question at the Board, “what is it going to take for the Town to take action?”  To which Mr. Lowe responded, “We are in a legal situation, and I can’t say a word about it.”  Mr. Cipot noted his dealings with the Town’s Zoning Officer and is concerned – if the zoning officer is the one to enforce zoning regulations and does not work weekends or holidays, who will enforce the regulations when many (short-term rental) zoning “infractions” occur on weekends and holidays.

Prior to the meeting, the BOS received correspondence from the Sherman School Building Committee (“SBC”) that included a supplement to a bonding analysis prepared by Munistat Municipal Financial Advisory Service for an August 1 Special Meeting.  Discussion ensued between the Board and SBC Member Tim Laughlin, and about, in part, projections based on 20-year versus 30-year debt.  The BOS agreed that carrying debt for 20-years is preferable to a 30-year term.  Town Treasurer Eric Holub said, ‘I think twenty years is prudent.”

The analysis contemplates the need to fund multiple potential projects simultaneously with the use of unassigned (surplus) funds to reduce the bonding amount.  BOS Member Bob Ostrosky warned of the potential for voter animosity if capital projects are lumped together – the school renovation project should stand on its own in any analysis an d when presented to the public.  “I just feel pretty strongly about that,” he said; while Mr. Lowe expressed his adamance against using surplus to fund the bond.  BOS Member Joel Bruzinski, who is also a member of the SBC, said the analysis provided was instructive for him.  “It was comforting for me to see that this project does not become a roadblock for the Town’s ability to do other large capital projects beyond it.”  He went on to note the need for an illustration of what the analysis means for the taxpayers, in simple terms – what it will cost per $100,000 assessment.

Mr. Holub questioned the state reimbursement rate noted in the analysis.  Mr. Laughlin reminded those in attendance that the state’s reimbursement rate is statutorily set for all 173 municipalities in the state of Connecticut.  The SBC and Board of Education will apply to the Department of Administrative Services Office of School Construction Grants and Review, who as Mr. Laughlin notes, interprets the law.  He said, as a “renovate to new” project, it is eligible for full reimbursement.  “It is highly likely 24.64% is what we will get.”

Find the letter from the SBC to the BOS in its entirety at The ShermanSchool.com.

The SBC has scheduled several public forums, the topic of which is school renovation.  The first forum will have occurred prior to the date of publication.  Public forums are scheduled on September 9, 10:00 a.m. at the Sherman School with a tour to follow at 11:30 a.m., and September 16, 7:00 p.m. at Charter Hall.  Residents can expect information about these forums in their mail.     

The Board voted to set a Town Meeting on the School Renovation Project on Saturday September 30 at 10:00 a.m. in Charter Hall.  It also voted to schedule a Referendum for Saturday, October 7 from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., also in Charter Hall.

Reading a prepared statement from Town Business Manager Liz LaVia, Mr. Lowe delivered the financial review.  In the second month of the fiscal year, the Town’s financials are tracking as expected.  The 2022/23 fiscal year audit is underway.  Ms. LaVia requested from the auditor a clarification on expanded uses for ARPA funds – the use of these funds for bridges and roads may be possible. 

JodiAnn Eure was selected as the new Part-time Program Coordinator at Parks & Recreation, beginning September 5.  This is a year-round position.  Mr. Lowe said it was not an easy decision; Ms. Eure was chosen from a pool of six “good” candidates.&nbs p;

Public Works Supervisor Kris Fazzone reported that paving on Church and Edmonds Roads is complete.  He spoke with the State regarding mowing on state roads and was advised, pursuant to statute, it is the responsibility of the Town and homeowners to keep sight lines clear.

Following a summary by Mr. Bruzinski, the Board voted to bring to a future Town Meeting a request for an amount not to exceed $5,000 from the capital non-recurring fund for a redesign to the Town’s website by REVISE.

Earlier in the month, Mr. Lowe applied for a $240,000 STEAP Grant for Sherman’s pickle ball courts.  In the event the Town is awarded the grant, the Board resolved to authorize Mr. Lowe to accept the grant on behalf of Sherman and to execute and enter into any contracts and documents necessary to obtain said grant.

Other items discussed at the meeting included the possibility of a No Wake Zone ordinance for Allen’s Cove, possible changes to Sherman’s Disabled Veteran’s property tax relief law, and the need for resurfacing of Wakeman Hill Road.  Mr. Lowe delivered the traffic enforcement report noting 64 stops were made between July 28 and August 15.    

The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall; however, it may be rescheduled to  September 21.