By Sharon Challenger.
This regular meeting of Haddam’s Board of Selectmen, held in the Town Hall on January 13, 2020, was called to order by First Selectman Bob McGarry. Also, in attendance were Selectmen Sean Moriarty, Kate Anderson and Administrative Assistant Joanne Ricciardelli.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, three additions to the agenda were approved which included reports from liaisons from other boards to the BOS, a discussion on Silver Spring property and the appointment of Joanne Woickelman to the Board of Assessment Appeals. The BOE has appointed Brenda Buzzi as our liaison and she will present BOE updates to the BOS on an ongoing basis. The Minutes from the previous 12/5/19 and 12/9/19 BOS meetings were approved as presented.
During public comment Sean Moriarty expressed thanks to the townspeople for their condolences on the recent passing of his sister. Richard Haase asked that there be no more kneeling during the Pledge of Allegiance. Sally Haase suggested that there should be a light to mark the entrance to Field Park Road to make it easier to find the entrance during hours of darkness. Marge DeBold said that she had noticed that the center yellow line on some town roads was faint and these should be repainted.
Selectmen’s update: It was suggested that First Selectmen Bob McGarry provide residents with information regarding ongoing projects in Haddam. He has agreed and it will be a part of the BOS meetings going forward.
Higganum Center: On December 11, 2019, a project report was put out by Mullin Associates, Inc. The report is on the Town website. Ten different areas were addressed along with a 90-day action plan. The EDC was tasked with helping merchants to create a Merchants Association. This would give the Merchant’s a chance to have input into any changes which may occur in Higganum Center. The EDC has reached out to Connecticut Main Street and they have agreed to make a presentation to the EDC at their February 15th meeting.
Town Planner Bill Warner, and First Selectman Bob McGarry had a brief meeting with Peter Rossi and Andy Becker regarding the Rossi property. It was an informal “meet and greet” to discuss the interests of both parties. All agreed that structural and environmental concerns would have to be researched by the town. First Selectmen Bob McGarry stressed that this does not mean any commitments were made. He explained, “The Town cannot sell, lease or purchase any property without the approval at a Town meeting.”
Possible future uses for HES: During the charrette’s meetings, Mullin Associates, Inc. suggested that we have the kitchen assessed to see if this could be leased out as a “commercial kitchen.” As a result, a meeting was set up with the owner of Iliano’s in Middletown to evaluate the kitchen. The conclusion was that it is suitable for a school but would not meet the standards for a professional commercial kitchen.
Leasing the School: First Selectman Bob McGarry and Town Planner Bill Warner met with a well-established private school that is interested in leasing HES. A meeting was held with their President, Chief Administrative Officer and Superintendent to discuss the possibilities. They were amenable to the idea of letting the Town use the gym, playground and all-purpose room however, further discussions will be needed to iron out any details. Their Board will be meeting on February 23 and the members will tour HES.
Community Septic system: the BOS is still looking into what we will need to do to make that project go forward. They will continue discussions with the State, DEEP and Department of Public Health.
Scovil Hoe property: Steps are being taken to get a grant for an environmental assessment of the building and site. Communication is ongoing with the DOT Real Estate Division about the town potentially acquiring the site. First Selectman McGarry reiterated that there have been no commitments on this, “we are simply exploring the possibilities.”
Higganum Center: Linkage of outdoor sites for activities. Bill Warner has a meeting with Conservation Commission this week to see what steps must be taken to move forward.
Dublin Hill Bridge: The bridge opened to traffic on New Year’s Day, but it is not paved. Work to finish the project will begin around April 1.
Candlewood Hill Road: “Phase One” design is underway (from center to Laurel Heights). The work will include sidewalks, widening the road, and making it a safer thoroughfare.
Tylerville Water: Roadwork is done for the season. The physical connections between businesses and the water main will continue in April. The final paving will be done when all the connections are finished.
Silver Springs: The dam has been repaired, inspected, and approved by the State. Scovil Dam is in the category where it needs to be inspected every two years. The initial inspection costs $4,500, after that it is $2,000 every two years. First Selectman Bob McGarry said that he is hoping the State will not require us to do another inspection since they have already approved the work. (If we own dam, we have to pay for inspections).
EDC Vacancies: At their last meeting there were two vacancies on EDC. Since then, a third vacancy has opened. Five people have applied to be on the commission and a decision will be made at their next meeting. The third vacancy is a result of an EDC member failing to meet the attendance requirements standards as per Haddam Town Charter section 5.10b.meetings. (Any member of an appointive board or committee who does not attend at least sixty (60%) percent of the meetings during each calendar year shall be considered removed. The Chairman shall give prompt written notice of such vacancy to the Board of Selectmen.)
Budget season: Almost all the budgets from the different departments have been submitted to the BOS. From there they will be presented to the BOF and then to a Town hearing and finally a Town meeting in the May 2020 timeframe. Anyone interested in having input into the process may contact the BOS and or BOF in writing. Residents are welcome to attend any of those meetings.
Tax refunds: Ten applications were submitted for a total of $10,787.99. Three were real estate, one personal property, five for vehicles, and one vehicle supplemental. A motion was made to approve the tax refunds. The motion passed unanimously.
Old Business: The November meeting was scheduled for November 10th because it was thought that the 9th was a holiday. This is not the case, so the meeting will be on Monday, November 9th as originally planned. A motion was made to approve the revised BOS meeting schedule. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business: RSD17 BOE Liaison, Brenda Buzzi reported that the BOE’s newly elected officials are Suzanne Sack, Board Chair, Peter Sonski, Vice Chair, Eileen Blewett, Board Treasurer, and Jennifer Favalora, Board Secretary. Elected officers serve for a two-year term.
Capital Improvements update: HKHS Field House Repairs. RSD17 is planning to remediate and replace the 40-year-old floor of the HKHS field house. The project, if approved, is expected to take 6-months beginning in April running through August. The BOE approved hiring an architect for project specifications, assembled a Public Building Committee, and applied to the State for partial reimbursement. Costs will be finalized after the architect’s report is completed. The project is planned to be funded through the Capital Fund.
Burr & KES need to have their underground fuel tanks replaced (as per State law) in the summer of 2020. The BOE expects a partial reimbursement from the State for the cost of the removal and replacement.
The BOE is reviewing the pre-school space needs for September 2020. The pre-school is currently located at Burr Elementary School. Other possible locations would be Killingworth Elementary School or the Central Office in Higganum.
BOE Director of Operations John Mercier presented the final report of the HK energy project to the BOE. Projects included the roof replacement, solar panels, replacement of the heating plant, lighting updates, and renovation of the auditorium. To provide final funding for the work, the District bonded $7.27 million dollars for ten years.
The BOE negotiated with STA and extended RSD17’s busing contract for three years. The negotiated three-year contract keeps our rate flat this year, with a 1.5% increase in year two, and a 2.5% increase in year three. Meetings and minutes for the BOE can be found on the RSD17 website. The schedule of RSD17 Budget meetings was provided to the BOS.
First Selectman Bob McGarry met with BOE Chair Suzanne Sack and Treasurer, Eileen Blewett. Ms. Blewett has a strong finance background and plans to investigate future projects and do cost benefit analysis on expenditures to see if they can cut costs.
Contrary to public opinion, Burr Elementary school is not overcrowded. Prior to the restructuring of the RSD17 District, Burr had a lot of extra space. While they have less today, it is not “at full capacity.” There are currently 324 students at BES and their full capacity is 440. When HES closed, there was concern that the projections of future enrollment were not accurate. However, the projections for the Kindergarten class turned out to be exact.
Sale of Town Dump truck: Charter Oak Utilities, a subsidiary of Arborio Corporation would like to purchase the 2006 Sterling 6-wheel dump truck that is no longer needed by Public Works. Assistant Director, Chris Corsa researched appraisals and determined that the Fair Market Value of the truck is $16,900. Director Corso and Arborio agreed to this price and would like to complete the sale pending the approval of the BOS. Selectman Kate Anderson asked if a replacement truck is already accounted for in our budget. First Selectman Bob McGarry said it is, however, one has not been purchased yet. Selectman Sean Moriarty suggested that for future sales, we consider getting assessments from a professional service. A motion to approve the sale was made. The motion passed unanimously.
Butterfly 5K Walk/Run August 16, 2020: A letter was submitted asking for approval to hold the Butterfly 5K Walk/Run in Haddam on Sunday August 16, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Over the past 3 years with the support of the Town and the BOE participants have raised over $18,000. A map of the streets where the race will take place, parking locations, and other details were provided. A motion to approve the race was made. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution of endorsements and authorization of Regional Performance Incentive Program – Lower CT River Valley River Cog Director Sam Gold addressed the BOS with information regarding five upcoming applications/projects they are working on. The River Cog Association is made up of 17 towns (including Haddam), in lower CT River Valley. The projects which they are seeking our endorsement are as follows: 1. Update the digital maps for 17 towns in our region (last one done region wide was in 2013) 2. Western Connecticut Council of Governments – Boundary survey of municipalities. Currently there are no digital maps of the boundaries of the towns. Every town maintains their own maps, but the boundary lines don’t line up from town to town (River Cog did this in 2013). 3. Valley Shore – to upgrade Regional Emergency communications systems. This will allow for better communication for all River Valley towns plus Colchester and Marlborough. 4. Radio upgrades for Chester, Deep River, and Essex. 5. Plans for Chester and Killingworth to investigate sharing a Building Department because it is difficult to find officials for each town. All these projects will not cost Haddam anything, they are just seeking our approval. A Motion was made to approve. Motion passed unanimously.
Appointments to Boards and Committees:
Sustainability Committee – A Motion to approve the endorsements of Melissa Oddo and Linda Talbot to the committee was made. The motion was approved unanimously.
Town Safety Committee – A Motion was made to accept Renee Keras-Johnson to represent the Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service. The motion was approved unanimously.
Street naming committee – A Motion was made to accept Rick Johnson to represent Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service. The motion was approved unanimously.
Assessment Appeals – A motion to accept Joanne Woickelman to the Board of Assessment Appeals. The motion was approved unanimously.
Silver Springs – Selectman Sean Moriarty suggested that the Town keep the Lake at Silver Springs as it could be a possible resource for the town. He would also like the community to be kept informed of any progress that is being made with the property and homeowners association. He suggested that the Town seek reimbursements for past expenses we have incurred, if the homeowners take control of the lake. First Selectman Bob McGarry restated that any sale, or transfer of property in the town would need approval via a Town Meeting. The Homeowners Association has reached out to the First Selectman and expressed wanting a meeting to discuss the matter.
Final Public comments: Neal Perron suggested that we try to allocate money in the budget for a fire & rescue boat for Haddam Neck.
Cell Towers: no change – we are waiting to hear from major carriers. Currently the ball is in Verizon’s court, but with 5G coming to CT in the next year or two – things may change.
Liz Bizazi spoke about a study that was done by the Higganum Vision group regarding the possible linkage of trails between the Cove and Higganum Center. She has a copy of it and will send it to the First Selectman. The detailed plan shows how to link the Res., Cove and Swan Hill in a loop.
A resident asked if we could get some of the funding for our radio updates from the State via the CT Lower River Cog grant. Director Gold stated that the application deadline for funding was Dec 31. First Selectman Bob McGarry reported that we already entered into agreement for radio upgrades with Motorola. Middletown entered negotiations with Motorola last year and was able to get an excellent discount on list prices. We also took advantage of the opportunity.
Dan Luisi asked if the upgrade applies to the 911 system and was told that it strictly applies to the emergency radios. The change moves us up to the high band which the FCC is pushing all emergency services to. This will free up the lower bands for commercial use.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Edited 1/17/20 to clarify BOE’s contract negotiation with STA.
