By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – Less than two days before the autumnal equinox, before a scant crowd and without Selectman Bob Ostrosky, the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” and/or “Board”) met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday September 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall. Breezing through the usual administrative items, First Selectman Don Lowe announced the receipt by the Town of a private gift of $25,000 gift from a foundation for use by the Town toward the building of a new senior center.  The Board voted to retroactively accept the generous donation. 

The only other motion of the evening, Selectman Joel Bruzinski moved to bring to a town meeting a request from the Board for an amount not to exceed $5,000 for the redesign of the Town’s website by Revise.  The motion passed without further discussion.

Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“Department” or “SVFD”) Chief Chris Fuchs was present to deliver the Department’s monthly report.  To date, the Department has responded to 335 emergency service calls.  Chief Fuchs noted the past month was exceptionally busy with multiple ambulance calls each day, including motor vehicle accidents, and numerous calls between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.  The Department also responded to a structure fire, likely due to a lightning strike.

Chief Fuchs advised that the Department welcomed one new member and enrolled two members in an EMT class in Brookfield.  The Department has a food drive planned for October and planning for its December annual events – the Santa Run, Christmas Tree sale and breakfast with Santa – has begun.  On the Agenda for the first time, Chief Fuchs advised, the Department seeks to consolidate its Engine 3 and Brush 4 trucks with a smaller apparatus – a 4-wheel drive on a 550 chassis – that can handle brush fires, traffic control, tow trailers, and respond to structure fires , particularly in areas of town with tight roadways.  The SVFD will seek $500,000 from the Town, with the remaining $125,000 representing the Department’s share.  The matter is expected to be discussed again at the Board’s October meeting.  Chief Fuchs noted that this consolidation is part of the Department’s future capital plan; however, given the time it takes for delivery of such equipment after ordering – approximately two plus years – it is prudent for the Department to make such a request now.  

Public Works (“PW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone reported that tree assessment continues, and Truck number 6 is at the body company.  Its estimated delivery is end-October.  PW is preparing certain roads for spring chip sealing.  Mr. Fazzone advised soccer has started on both Town fields and said, “Everything looks awesome.” 

Mr. Lowe provided an update regarding Allen’s Cove and the possibility of a No Wake Zone.  He advised that DEEP and the Candlewood Lake Authority were assisting the Town; and the question remains whether an ordinance or a regulation is needed. 

The Board discussed a possible change to Section 7 of the Sherman Veteran’s Property Tax Relief Ordinance, which reads: “Upon the death of the owner qualified for the Additional Exemption under this ordinance, unless the surviving spouse or child residing on the premises otherwise qualifies for such exemption, the exemption shall immediately terminate and taxes thereafter due shall be payable on a pro-rata basis as if no exemption had been granted.”  The Board is considering revising the ordinance and discussed to whom the exemption might pass upon the death of the veteran receiving such benefit.

The Board and Fire Marshall Dave Lathrop discussed the possibility of a generator hook-up for the Senior Center.  Mr. Lowe summarized the efforts of the Sherman Senior Center Building Committee (the “Committee”) noting proposals were received from four architects.  The Committee hopes to decide on an architect at its next meeting, scheduled for September 27.  Mr. Lowe also delivered the traffic enforcement report noting the trooper is working hard, though the Town may seek to “up” its efforts. Discussion ensued.     

Lastly, Mr. Lathrop advised that he and Chief Fuchs were working on an ordinance respecting new subdivisions; and advised about the discovery of two dry hydrants – one at the structure fire in/at Green Pond, and another hydrant that was hidden and not working.  Mr. Lathrop advised abatement orders were issued to clean, clear and have the hydrants in working order.  

The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall.