By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – With less than a full board, and very few residents in attendance, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”) met for its regular monthly meeting on May 28, at Mallory Town Hall.  An update was provided for all agenda items, with several, including additional docks at the town beach, warranting much discussion.

Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“Department”) Chief Chris Fuchs sent correspondence to First Selectman Don Lowe advising on the Department’s activities during the past month and noting that they have had multiple days where fire and ambulance calls have occurred simultaneously.  To date, the Department has responded to 137 emergency calls.  Members have trained on handling psychiatric emergencies, new mapping software for search and rescue, and fire equipment.  The Annual Fireman’s Ball is scheduled for Saturday, August 1.

Mr. Lowe advised he has an understanding as to the proposed changes to the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority ordinances; however, the item was tabled until next month when a full Board is expected.  Also tabled until next month was discussion regarding security at Mallory Town Hall.  Lowe noted delays for the Sherman Senior Center Building Committee due to the loss of its architect.  The committee has spent a great deal of time preparing a Request for Proposal for a new architect. 

The renovations to the restrooms at Veterans Field are complete.  First Selectman Lowe advised that the project came in under budget and under time.  Regarding renovations at the Sherman School, Mr. Lowe said there are anywhere from 80-100 people on-site at any given time.  He provided a brief update on construction progress and welcomed the public to attend the weekly committee meetings.  He noted that the Board of Education voted to change the school calendar, with an earlier than planned start date in September and a longer Christmas/winter break, to allow ample time for completion of the new space.  Staff and students will now move out of the temporary school space and into the new space in January.

Missy Alexander, President of the Sherman Players (“Players”), “relieved the Board of making hard decisions,” regarding a possible power upgrade at the playhouse, Lowe said.  Ms. Alexander said she will seek directions from the Players’ executive board regarding how to proceed. Any plans for proceeding will then be brought to the BOS to either accept or not.  The matter is tabled until more information is received from them.

Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone advised that tree cutting for the year is complete.  PW hoped to begin roadside mowing this week. Mr. Fazzone informed the Board that PW is beginning to research infrastructure  software to document and record (mapping) the location of roads, catch basins and signs, to name a few, and to rate roads and their condition.  Discussion ensued regarding the resurfacing of Anderson Road, which will cost approximately $600,000, with contingency costs. The project requires the replacement of about 30 catch basins and the complete regrading and paving of the road.  Other roads requiring consideration for repair include Sherwood Hill, Holiday Point and Chapel Hill.

The Town Beach Dock Slips project brought about a lively and lengthy discussion.  Mr. Lowe reported he met with FirstLight and the (town’s) engineer. FirstLight has not yet approved the town’s application for more dock slips on Candlewood Lake.  Back-and-forth ensued between Lowe, Selectman Ostrosky and Fazzone.  A possible water level problem, the potential need for dredging and location of the proposed docks were all discussed.  Mr. Ostrosky emphasized the need for comprehensive public input on and formal public forums to discuss the project.  Additionally, it was suggested that flexibility with the project’s application is warranted to allow for different options and future changes.

The next regular Board of Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 7:00 pm.