By Sharon Challenger
The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on Monday September 14, 2020 (via GoToMeeting).
First Selectman Bob McGarry called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm Kate Anderson and Sean Moriarty were present. Assistant to the First Selectman, Joann Ricciardelli, took minutes. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
First Selectman McGarry added a new item to the agenda, a request to hire a new part-time Transfer Station employee, and a new full-time Finance Director for the Town.
Selectman Kate Anderson made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. The motion was approved unanimously.
Next on the agenda was the approval of two sets of BOS Minutes: August 17, 2020 & August 26, 2020. Both were approved with minor changes.
There no comments from the Public.
Selectman’s update: Tylerville water update hookup is 95% complete. Service to Little Meadow Rd., which is a back lot, continues to be an issue. The BOS are looking into ways to make that connection without incurring significant expense. If it cannot be resolved with the property owner, Eminent Domain may have to be considered.
Road work news: Pavement has been completed on Christian Hill Road. The Town crew will go back to do finish work, i.e. curbing. They are looking to begin work next on Lt Schubal or Old Turnpike Road.
Covid 19 Update: Cases continue to climb due to large gatherings of people. Haddam had 45 cases as of the last BOS meeting. We are now up to 53 cases. A number of those were related to the same event, a party in RI followed by an outing on the CT River in Haddam. Eight of the ten participants from that event are from Haddam and were infected. FS McGarry stressed that Covid 19 is still around and people need to maintain social distancing and wear masks to help prevent the spread of this disease.
Upcoming Presidential election: The Secretary of State’s office plans to begin mailing out Absentee Ballot applications to all registered voters shortly.
The Higganum Farmer’s Market will continue to be held Fridays from 3:30 pm – 6:30 through at least Oct 9th. Selectman Anderson encourages residents to come on out to enjoy the market. FS McGarry thanked all who work to make the Market a success.
Board of Education update: BOE member, Jen Favalora reported that the Board worked on fine tuning the details of how the Region would reopen the schools. RSD17 decided on a “Hybrid plan” for the first 4 weeks with the choice of full home schooling for those who preferred that for their children. The District will continue to reevaluate the circumstances and will communicate with families.
Amendments made in reference to COVID 19 policies, i.e. limiting visitors in the schools and internet safety, which were approved and emailed to parents.
Newest member, Prem Aithal will serve the remainder of the term left by Gerry Matthews. He will be working as a member of the Finance Committee and Chairing the Strategic Planning Committee.
A Committee of Diversity was established to enhance topics of multiculturalism in the curriculum.
The Oil tanks for BURR and KES will be installed in September. A temporary tank was placed at BURR to produce hot water until a permanent tank can be installed.
The Field House renovation has progressed over the summer. Crews have been working weekends but COVID 19 and other issues have delayed the project completion into October.
The Board meetings are videotaped and posted on the RSD17 Website under Board of Education, BOE Meeting Schedules & Minutes for public viewing. http://www.rsd17.org/district2d.shtml
Tax Refunds: There were 10 requests for tax refunds (Motor Vehicles) totaling $1,897.46. Selectman Anderson made the motion to approve the tax refunds as noted. The motion was approved unanimously.
Resignations: Barbara Bertrand, Finance Director, submitted her two weeks’ notice a couple weeks ago. Her last day was Friday, September 11, 2020. A copy of the resignation was given to the BOS members. Selectman Moriarty wanted to thank her for her service to the town. FS McGarry commended her work on setting up the initial requirements of the office and he thanked her for her service. Selectman Anderson said Director Bertrand was always helpful in answering complicated questions regarding Finances.
New Business: Part time Transfer Station position. Assistant Director Chris Corsa reviewed applications and has interviewed people for the position. There were 25 application narrowed down to 3, then a finalist selected by A.D. Corsa. FS McGarry asked BOS members if they wanted to review the resumes of applicants or proceed to accept the recommendation for the filling of the position. Both Selectmen agreed that they would like to review the resumes since this is only the 2nd time the BOS has had to make this type of decision. Selectman Moriarty said he would like to see at least the resumes of the three who were considered for the job. A Special BOS Meeting will be scheduled where members can meet with A.D. Corsa to discuss the resumes of the applicants.
FS McGarry said they are in process of finalizing the job description for Finance Director. Selectman Moriarty expressed a desire to see resumes of applicants, and to be involved in the interviews. He feels it is important to get a better idea of the person who would be making financial decision going forward. Selectman Anderson agreed. FS McGarry said the job description will be posted and a Special BOS Meeting, with Exec Session, will be scheduled to narrow down the candidates.
The Financial Director position is salaried, 30 hours.
A Motion to adjourn for EXEC Session was made by Selectman Moriarty. The Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 7:22 pm.
- Executive Session: Pursuant to C.G.S. Section 1-200(6)(D): Review and Discussion of a Draft Purchase & Sale Agreement between the Town of Haddam and The Rolumco Corporation regarding property located at 300 & 305 Saybrook Road, Higganum, Connecticut. Invited to the Executive Session: Attorney Rich Carella and Town Planner, Bill Warner.
After Executive Session was over the Regular meeting resumed.
FS McGarry explained that this was the first step in regard to purchasing the Rossi property. By law, several steps must happen before any sale could be completed. Due Diligence – Environmental studies, Structural Studies, etc. must be done. If all looks good, then it would be necessary for the Board of Finance to give their approval, as well as the P&Z Commission. If they approve, a Town Hearing would have to be scheduled, and it would go to a Town vote. The price of the property was stated as 2.5 million.
McGarry sought approval for signature on the Draft Purchase and Sale Agreement to start the process. Moriarty made the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously.
All business concluded; Selectman Anderson made a Motion to adjourn. Motion passed and meeting ended at 7:25 pm.
