By Michelle L. Santoro

 Sherman – At the February 26 Board of Selectmen (“BOS” and/or “Board”) meeting, the Board welcomed from Newfield Construction, the School Renovation Project Manager Benjamin Chasse, who is on-site everyday with 30-40 tradesmen and workers, and John Flis.  Mr. Chasse announced the project is on schedule, despite the tremendous snowfall this winter, with significant progress in foundation work and steel fabrication.  

 Chasse continued, conduits and plumbing lines were inspected by the Town, while workers move toward finalizing window openings, and setting door and window frames.  He gave  a shut out to the School Building Committee (“SBC”), saying they are “great to work with.”  Discussion ensued with Selectman Bob Ostrosky posing some questions, all of which were answered; Chasse noted his team seeks to keep all communications open. First Selectman Don Lowe conveyed the Board’s invitation to Chasse and his team at any future BOS meeting.  Mr. Lowe and Town Treasurer Andrea Maloney continue to regularly attend weekly SBC meetings.

 Mr. Ostrosky’s motion for the Board to accept, on behalf of Public Works (“PW”), two trucks from the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or “Department”), both of which will require some work, passed unanimously.  Brush truck # 4, a 2004 model with roughly 14,000 miles, will be used as more of a maintenance vehicle.  PW Supervisor Kris Fazzone said it needs a generator, an air compressor, assorted tools, and a rear lift gate.  Engine 3 will require work/modification, including new hydraulics and a plow.  It is a 1997 model with approximately 7,000 miles.  Town Business Manager Liz La Via advised that the value for these donations is needed for the auditors. 

 The Board also approved an emergency expense, not to exceed $8,000, from the Happy Acres Restricted Fund for the replacement of a 60-year-old fuel tank at Happy Acres Farm.  Uncertain about the extent of contamination, if any, the Board thought it best to act proactively.  Next steps, the fuel tank was ordered, and a Town Meeting is required for retroactive approval of this emergency expense.

 A few appointments were made; they are to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Ged Diemer and Christina Warner, both as alternate commissioner for two-year terms expiring January 1, 2028, and to the Commission for the Arts, Caitlin Mandracchia, Donna Kennedy and Brett Pransky, all as commissioner for 3-year terms expiring January 1, 2029.

 Without SVFD Chief Fuchs in attendance, Lowe provided a brief monthly report.  He attended the recent Awards Banquet and said he received an inquiry from a potential new member.  The Department responded to 388 calls in 2025, which is more than the days in a year; and it recently welcomed two new members.

 For his PW report, Mr. Fazzone joked about snowfall this winter.  He said salt is their biggest concern; PW has waited more than one month for delivery.  Fazzone noted, PW has enough for 1 more storm; they expected a delivery of two loads on February 27, but it was not guaranteed.  Sherman uses a salt/sand mix allowing for more grit.  Fazzone advised that PW’s fuel management system is failing.  He explained the importance of the system for tracking fuel usage and budgeting purposes.  Sherman School buses, PW, the Senior Center and SVFD all use town fuel.  Fazzone proposed a new cloud-based system at a cost of $29,000, which includes the first-year service contract and training, and a 10% government discount. This request was tabled until next month’s meeting, which will allow time for due diligence.

 Selectman Joel Bruzinski provided an update on a potential power upgrade at The Sherman Playhouse.  The project would include a power upgrade from 200-amp single phase to 400-amp single phase.  An initial estimate came in at $30,000; however,  Mr. Bruzinski said a more efficient plan brought the cost down to $15,000.  He advised he will follow the

Town’s Bidding ordinance and obtain an additional bid.

 Mr. Lowe received a request from the Land Use Office for fee increases.  While Mr. Ostrosky suggested tabling the request for budget discussions, the asked for increases range from $3 (additional value per $1000 building permits, from $12 to $15) to $100 (subdivision septic proposal 4 lots, from $400 to $500). It was noted that 2019 was the last time fees were increased.

 The Board discussed the possibility of providing a storage shed for the Scouts, which shed was previously approved at a Town Meeting.  However, Mr. Lowe said further research into the Scout’s storage needs is necessary before proceeding with the project.  They also discussed the possibility of obtaining Cyber Insurance, which will be further discussed during budget deliberations.  

 Ms. Liz La Via provided the Board with a brief financial review, noting that all is still tracking as expected.  She anticipates having to make a request for Happy Acres in April.  The next Board of Selectman’s meeting is scheduled for March 26 at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall and via Zoom.