By Gigi Simko
(October 16, 2022) — The regular meeting of Haddam’s Board of Selectmen on October 11, 2022, at Old Town Hall was called to order by First Selectman Bob McGarry at 6:30 pm. Also in attendance were Selectmen Kate Anderson and Sean Moriarty and Administrative Assistant JoAnn Ricciardelli. The minutes of previous meetings on September 12, 2022, September 19, 2022, and October 3, 2022, were approved unanimously.
During public comment, Mark Stephens asked about other towns that have a Public Works Department in the center of the village or town, how it was done and what it looked like.
In his update, First Selectman McGarry announced that the Scovil Hoe purchase and sale agreement cleared the Office of Policy and Management and was returned to the Department of Transportation. VHB was selected as the environmental consultant to oversee remediation. T&B lodged a concern with the Department of Economic and Community Development, which has been addressed. Groundbreaking for the Swing Bridge project was held on September 23rd. There continue to be mechanical problems. However, the rumor that the project has been delayed one year is false. The box culverts on Beaver Meadow Road have been installed. Haddam Center sidewalks will be finished without moving the wire in the vicinity of Field Park Drive. Architectural firm Hibbard & Rosa was interviewed and selected for the Haddam Elementary School (HES) project. A flu vaccine clinic was held at HES on October 5th. Seventy-five shots were administered. Land records are now available online. The Haddam Volunteer Fire Department property at the old firehouse has been deeded to the town. A household hazardous waste collection was held at HES on October 1st. Elections will be held on November 8th.
Selectman Anderson reported that although the weather for Haddam River Days was not great, it was still a great turn-out. She thanked all volunteers who helped make the event successful. The Fall Festival is scheduled for October 28-30, 2022. It will include Grimm’s Haunted House, a tractor parade, trunk-or-treat, kids’ festival and concert. Tylerville will host a tree lighting ceremony on December 2nd at 4:00 pm. Haddam Neck will host its first tree lighting on December 3rd. The date for the tree lighting in Higganum Center is to be determined. A “Pop-Up Holiday Market” will be held at HES. Donations will be collected for the Haddam Fuel & Food Bank.
In the Board of Education update, high school student Alex Lara presented his drawing titled “Parabola,” which won the Congressional District Art Competition. The artwork is currently hanging in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., until June 2023. Athletic Director Lynne Flint announced the numerous athletic accolades from the 2021-2022 school year. She also reported that all athletic teams are fully staffed, including a full-time athletic trainer. Finally, the football team has begun wearing Guardian Caps on their helmets, which reduce the severity of concussions. Food Services is facing a staffing shortage. The efforts of Director Shettleworth to ensure department operation have been greatly appreciated, and talent management is looking at options to fill vacant positions.
David Solin and his team completed and submitted the annual state financial reports including two grants. Finance is continuing to support the work of the annual financial audit. High School principal Donna Hayward shared the upcoming move to a GPA distribution model instead of the current class rank model. This will align with the Board’s Vision of the Graduate in areas such as maintaining a growth mindset and reflecting upon feedback as opportunities to adapt and improve upon learning. Powerschool will continue to rank students and will be readily available upon request to parents. The positions of valedictorian and salutatorian will remain in place. The new GPA distribution model will be implemented with this year’s incoming freshmen, Class of 2026.
Peter Sonski communicated the status of air conditioning units which are original to the building and have begun to fail. Currently five units are not working and cannot be fixed or replaced due to outdated materials and technology. A long-term solution is not feasible within this academic year due to sourcing delays. Mr. Sonski made the request for the District to perform an analysis on how to best address this issue. The Board approved a proposal from Secure Energy Solutions to upgrade the lighting at Burr and Killingworth Elementary Schools to LED. The cost will be at a 0% interest rate over 48 months and approximately $30,000 per year each of the four years. The result will be long-term energy savings in both buildings.
Haddam Board of Education member Brenda Buzzi will resign from the Board, as she is moving out of the district. The 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, District Core Values and District Vision can be found on the RSD17.org District Website under “District.”
Selectman Anderson made a motion to accept tax refunds in the amount of $3,301.63. There was no discussion, and the motion carried unanimously.
Town Planner Bill Warner made a presentation to the Board on the Rossi property. Selectman Moriarty made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on November 2, 2022 at 6:30 pm to discuss the Rossi property. Selectman Anderson made a motion to schedule a Town Meeting for November 9, 2022 at 7:00 pm. There was no discussion, and the motions carried unanimously.
The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 14, 2022, at 6:30 pm. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.
