By Michelle L. Santoro
The Sherman Board of Selectmen (“Board” or “BOS”) met for its regularly scheduled board meeting, Thursday, June 22, the first full day of summer following the solstice, at Mallory Town Hall.
First Selectman Don Lowe announced the names of five individuals for appointment to the Sherman Commission for the Arts board (“SCA”), all of whom were confirmed by the Board; they are as follows: Mary-Jane Magoon, Linda Hubbard, Denise Schlesinger, Ashleigh Blake, and Terry Hahn. Other individuals are being considered for the two remaining seats; until then, the SCA is moving forward, Mr. Lowe reported. Upon recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Board also voted to appoint Bill Teman to that board.
The Board voted to set a Town Meeting on Saturday, July 15 at 9:00 a.m. in Mallory Town Hall. The items to be presented to residents to act upon include a request for an amount not to exceed $160,000 from the Happy Acres Farm restricted fund for the repair, resurfacing, and repainting of two barns and two silos on site and roof repairs to the main barn. Residents will also be asked to vote upon an amount not to exceed $18,000 from the Happy Acres Farm restricted fund for electrical work at the farm.
During public comment, Ms. Hahn provided an update on the cell tower. She reported that AT&T’s portion was installed and the “fire department is almost there,” noting the need for additional brackets and a generator. Completion is expected in late July.
In Liz LaVia’s absence, Mr. Lowe provided a brief review of the Town’s finances. He expected the Fiscal Year to end in the black, noting that all “things” were tracking normally.
Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or “Department”) Chief Chris Fuchs was unable to attend the meeting but provided the Board with an email summarizing the Department’s monthly report. Year-to-date, the SVFD responded to 207 emergency calls, including two backcountry trail rescues, each exceeding four hours in duration. The calls also included several motor vehicle accidents and multiple medical emergencies. SVFD training included advancing hose line while utilizing breathing apparatus to suppress fire and obstetric emergencies. The Department continues its discussion and efforts to bolster daytime EMS coverage and hopes to implement new ideas in the new fiscal year.
Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone provided an update on PW and its projects during the past month. He reported that Saw Mill Road is paved, and the speed humps are complete. Two signs were ordered for the beginning of the road and near Veteran’s Park. Mr. Fazzone advised that Truck 3 is at the shop being fitted with a new body; a project recently approved by the Town.
The Department of Parks and Recreation (“P&R”) seeks the creation of a part-time program coordinator position. Discussion ensued between the Board and members of P&R in attendance. There was also discussion regarding additional boat docks, which could potentially be a capital project; renovations to/addition of pickle ball courts, for which Selectman Bob Ostrosky requested another estimate; and Town Park buildings, including the outhouse.
When the Board began discussing revisions to the Town website and costs therefore, Town Treasurer Eric Holub suggested it might be prudent for the Board to prioritize projects being considered to determine how the same will be paid for.
Armed with notes from a prior meeting with the Town’s attorney, Mr. Lowe commenced discussion on continued complaints from residents regarding short-term rentals/Airbnb’s, of which there are an estimated eight active rentals in Sherman, and that number is expected to rise during the summer months. The Town’s options for dealing with this “problem” were discussed. One, the Town can seek to enforce its ordinance, which according to the attorney is quite strong against short-term rental. Another option is to change the zoning laws to address the issues; but enforcement would then fall on the zoning enforcement officer. A third option is drafting a restrictive ordinance against such rentals. Mr. Ostrosky suggested the need for public feedback on the issue, while Selectman Joel Bruzinski noted the importance of laying out potential costs and/or benefits to the Town.
Next month, the Town will learn whether it was chosen to receive a grant from WESTCOG for Old Greenwoods Extension Bridge. However, Mr. Lowe indicated that if chosen, the Town is unsure whether it will accept the grant. The project may be completed by the Town with the assistance of others.
The Sherman Senior Center Building Committee had its second joint committee meeting. The Committee is working on narrowing down choices for an architect and builder, both possibly being from the same firm.
Mr. Fazzone provided a summary of the Town’s speed limit enforcement efforts. He expects to start emailing reports to the Board more regularly. Trooper activity is prevalent. Mr. Lowe noted a complaint he received from one resident that “it feels like a police state around here.” Efforts to combat speeding in Town will continue.
Lastly, Mr. Bruzinski recapped the joint meeting of the Sherman School Building Committee (“SBC”), BOS and Board of Education (“BOE”) at which two schematic designs were chosen for the architects to revise and “tune-up” before (re) presentation to the BOE, which then provided its feedback to the SBC. The BOE indicated either of the two proposals will work and meet its educational purposes, the only difference being the square footage, and requested feedback from the SBC. The SBC recommended the less expensive and smaller of the two proposals. Mr. Bruzinski said the SBC chose “a leaner, meaner, and more compact version of the school,” while eliminating dealing with the “trouble areas” of the current building, which areas can be demolished and moved out. This proposal has a projected cost of $45.9 mil. prior to State reimbursement. A question that remains is whether it makes more sense, and will cost less, to construct an entirely new, modern, state-of-the-art facility then to renovate what currently exists.
Among the items expected to be discussed at next month’s meeting is the Happy Acres Farm bailer, whether the Town wishes to rescind the Septic Walk-over Ordinance, and the Scout House renewal project.
The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall.