By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – In their usual efficient fashion, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”) met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, April 23, in Mallory Town Hall.  Before a scant audience, the Board quickly, yet thoroughly, went through the agenda, approving five matters, four of which will go to a town meeting for residents’ consideration.

The first item to be sent to a Town Meeting is the request for authorization of an appropriation of $25,000 funded from the accumulated cell tower revenue for Happy Acres Farm related maintenance and expenses for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. First Selectmen Don Lowe explained that the request includes a $5,000 increase over such appropriation for the past six years.  Also increased is the request to authorize an appropriation of $42,000 from the Happy Acres Restricted Fund for contracted property management services for the upcoming fiscal year.  Mr. Lowe reminded all that during budgeting, the BOS agreed to increase the stipend to the farm’s property manager.  It has remained at $35,000 for the past six years.

After discussion with Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone, the Board voted to send to Town Meeting a request, not to exceed $45,000 from the capital non-recurring fund, for basketball court resurfacing at Veterans Field.  Mr. Fazzone obtained a quote from S&S Asphalt Paving Inc. (“S&S), which includes the cost of asphalt but not fence removal or painting, but noted that the quoted price is only good while the company is in Sherman repairing other roads, because the project is small.  Fazzone anticipates the resurfacing to take place when the courts are not in use by the school or for Parks and Recreation programs.  The plan is to keep the fence that faces the soccer field; PW will cut, rip out and remove asphalt.  S&S will bring in 75 tons of gravel for the resurfacing.  Painting of the resurfaced courts will take place at a later date, along with repainting of the tennis courts.  

Lastly, correcting an error in wording and following the tabling of this item at the April 18 Town Meeting, the Board voted to send to Town Meeting a request to approve an item to amend Building and Health Department Fees, which was discussed in greater detail at the two previous regular BOS meetings. 

The Board discussed refreshing and “spiffing up” the restrooms at Veterans Field.  Lowe toured the facilities earlier in the month and said, after eight years the facilities “need love and care.”  He received a quote from a local resident with “extensive construction and property management experience” who has done a “great deal of work for the Sherman Players.”  Since the quote is under the threshold, no further quotes are needed.  Selectman Bob Ostrosky inquired about the roof; the Board was told repairs/replacement are not needed at this time.  The Board voted to move forward with this project for an amount not to exceed $4,950.  One at a time, both the men’s and ladies restrooms will be “refreshed.”    

Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (the “Department”) Chief Chris Fuchs delivered the Department’s monthly report.  To date, they have responded to 99 emergency calls and, with the warmer weather approaching, Chief Fuchs expects to see an increase in motor vehicle accidents.  He said members will soon begin boat training for the season and advised that the recently purchased “mini pumper” arrived in Connecticut the day of the meeting and is expected to be in service early June.

With respect to the Sherman School renovation project, Mr. Lowe said he and Town Treasurer Andrea Maloney continue to attend weekly meetings.  “So far everything is going very well.  On budget.  Scheduling wise, it’s touch and go, but otherwise good.”

In PW news, Mr. Fazzone advised that four days’ worth of tree work was completed, including removing 2 dead trees and raising the canopy on Cedar Lane, and sweeping around town is finished.  There is enough in PW’s budget for two more days’ worth of tree work. PW is getting ready to begin chip sealing and they are preparing for summer camp.

Discussion was had regarding the fuel management system and where the annual fee would be charged.  Fazzone noted he still only has one quote.  Ms. Maloney spoke about accessibility, including parking, for boating.  

Mr. Lowe discussed the Sherman Senior Center Building Committee RFP, which was to be reviewed at their April 29 meeting to ensure correctness per insurance guidelines and attorneys’ advice.  The First Selectman said he was approached about placing a historical plaque at the Scout House, the original home to the Sherman Church.  He will discuss with the Sherman Historical Society, and if approved, the matter will be put on the Board’s agenda.

Selectman Joel Bruzinski advised that a third bid was received with respect to a power upgrade at the Sherman Playhouse.  However, Mr. Bruzinski said more diligence must be performed.  He requested that the matter be tabled to a future meeting.  The HHRA Member Ordinances item was also tabled.  Mr. Lowe noted that drafting of the ordinances is not complete.

Town Business Manager Liz La Via said everything is still tracking as normal.  She reminded the Board that the Mill Rate will need setting once the budget passes.

The Board appointed new resident Michael Conforti as a full Commissioner to the Conservation Commission for a three-year term.

The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for May 28 at 7:00 p.m.