By Gigi Simko
(October 23, 2024) — The regular meeting of the Haddam Board of Selectmen on October 7, 2024, was called to order by First Selectman Robert McGarry at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall, 21 Field Park Drive, Haddam. Selectmen Kate Anderson and Peter Baird were present.
During Public Comment, Dan Ursini asked about cleaning and painting the Higganum Green gazebo and Christmas lights on the Green. Selectman Anderson provided details on the gazebo and shared that the topic of Christmas decorations was on the agenda of the upcoming Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting. Neal Perron thanked everyone who helped with Haddam River Days and the Silver Alert for Norm Manning.
First Selectman McGarry stated that one proposal was received for the Rossi property.
Selectman Anderson also thanked everyone who helped with Haddam River Days. Next up is the Fall Festival on October 25-27, 2024, at Haddam Elementary School. The Haunted House will run all weekend and Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday. Kristy Benson Amarante is organizing the Holiday Pop-Up Market that will be open from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Vendor applications are currently being solicited.
Selectman Anderson made a motion to adopt Resolution 457B, which authorizes First Selectman McGarry to sign documents related to the deferred compensation plan. Selectman Baird made a motion to adopt the Resolution Regarding Public Safety at Election Locations. Both motions carried unanimously.
The following members were reappointed to the EDC: Courtney Swokla, Michael Farina, David Law and Kate Anderson. Selectman Anderson thanks Doreen Staskelunas and John Pember for their years of service.
The motion outlining the Board of Selectmen Line of Succession carried. In the event that First Selectman McGarry is unable to fill the position, Selectman Anderson will fill in. If she is unable, then Selectman Baird will fill in.
Selectman Anderson and Selectman Baird expressed their happiness at the use of the new playground and increased number of people walking around Higganum center. Selectman Anderson announced that at the Special Town Meeting on September 19, 2024, Joseph Centofanti was voted in to fill the vacant RSD 17 Board of Education seat. The ordinances to dedicate the Higganum Cove as a preserve to be permanently protected and establish the Higganum Cove Preserve Commission as a permanent Commission passed. Finally, the transfer of the remaining Subdivision Open Space parcels of land in the Chatham Lake Subdivision on Silver Spring Road, including the dam and Scovil Reservoir, from the Town to Chatham Lake Homeowners’ Association passed.
At a Special Board of Selectmen Meeting, on October 10, 2024, the following businesses were approved for the Tylerville Business Interruption Loan Program for a grand total of $48,030.20: Cres Star Inc. (Gulf Gas Station), Oh Fudge and More, River Valley Provisions, Subway 15436 and Tony’s Package Store. Funds for this program come from the State under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., at Old Town Hall, 21 Field Park Drive, Haddam.
