By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – On the eve of the season’s first Nor’easter, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”) met for its regular meeting on Thursday, September 24. First Selectman Don Lowe opened the meeting and the Board quickly moved through the administrative items.  Paul Jaehnig was appointed to the Commission on Aging and Aldo Pascarella was appointed as Sherman’s Representative for the Aquarion Water Policy Board.

In lieu of attending, Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (the “Department) Chief Chris Fuchs provided the Department’s monthly report via email.  As is becoming the norm, September was a busy month.  The Chief wrote that its “members have responded to many Ambulance calls, several search-and-rescue incidents, and a number of fire alarm calls.” They trained on the use of hose line advancement, search and rescue navigation, and geriatric medical emergencies.  He said that the Department’s officers and members were prepared for the Nor’easter.

The Chief reported that the Department was selected to be a 2026 Volunteer EMS Service of the Year award recipient by the EMS World organization.  EMS Lieutenant Ken Hoffman traveled to Orlando, Florida this week to receive the award on behalf of the Department.  “This is a distinct honor for our all-volunteer Department,” Fuchs said. 

Tree work in Sherman is ongoing.  Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone advised about a tree removal on Anderson Road and said that the number of trees that need removing is “ever growing.”  He then briefly summarized the roads on which patching occurred and announced that 9 of the 32 catch basins on Anderson Road were done and the road needs edging.  He’ll provide the First Selectman with dates so the public can be informed.  Fazzone was to meet with the fuel management company on Friday, 9/25 – the “kickoff meeting.” Prep work on the fields started for the October 3 tournament.

Fazzone went on to discuss roads that “need attention,” including Cozier Hill Extension and Chestnut Hill Road where it intersects with the turnaround; such attention is within PW’s budget. In the future, he said Sherwood Hill Road will need complete resurfacing, including grinding.  “It’s a spiderweb.”    

During discussion of a new F600 truck needed by PW, Selectman Bob Ostrosky noted the need for an updated capital plan. He believes that information, along with an accounting of the capital non-recurring fund – what was spent, what remains, should be on hand at BOS meetings.

Business Manager Liz La Via advised that a new server is needed.  While the Board indicated they are leaning toward a cloud-based server, they would like a presentation from IT on the options before deciding. 

Both Mr. Lowe and Selectman Joel Bruzinski advised that the school renovation project is experiencing supply chain issues, which they hope will resolve so that the planned opening remains on target.  

Discussion ensued regarding Sherman’s continued membership in the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (“WESTCOG”), with one member of the public commenting during the appropriate time.  It is not a secret that the First Selectman is not overly pleased with being in WESTCOG, which is “a good organization, but not necessarily a good organization for Sherman.”  He is exploring the possibility of switching to a different “COG,” one that has more in common with Sherman.  However, the process to switch is difficult and in so doing, assistance is needed.  They discussed ways in which Sherman can switch COGs and will continue the conversation at future meetings.

Also at future meetings, the Board will revisit the (Traffic) Enforcement Grant and Mallory Town Hall security.

The next regular BOS meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 22.  The Sherman Senior Center Building Committee’s next meeting is on Tuesday, October 13.