By Meghan Peterson, Ph.D.
The Haddam Board of Selectmen held its November meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019 instead of Monday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). This was the final meeting under First Selectwoman Lizz Milardo’s administration. Milardo did not seek re-election after having served two terms. Bob McGarry won the Nov. 5, 2019 municipal race for Haddam’s new First Selectman. Kate Anderson and Sean Moriarty will serve on the Board. Larry Maggi and Melissa Schlag did not seek re-election for the selectmen seats.
First Selectwoman Milardo, Selectman Maggi, Assistant JoAnn Ricciardelli were present; Selectman Schlag was absent. The agenda was as follows:
Call Meeting to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comment (Will be kept to a limit of three (3) minutes per resident).
Approval of Minutes (October 15, 2019)
Tax Refunds
New Business
Award bid for Chipping of Brush & Wood Pile
Public Comment (Will be kept to a limit of three (3) minutes per resident).
Adjournment
During the first public comment section, Clifford Potter of North Branford and a veteran who has been regularly attending Haddam BOS meetings, expressed how Haddam is a “great town here.” He encouraged the townspeople to “work constructively” and not to “lose the beauty and culture you’ve got here. Do the best with what you’ve got.” He concluded with “take care of your veterans.”
Minutes from the Oct. 15 BOS meeting were approved. Tax refunds were approved – all Motor Vehicle – totaling $777.15.
The low bid of $13,150 was approved for the chipping of brush and wood pile near the Transfer Station.
During the second and final public comments section, Chip Frey said “thank you for two great years” to Milardo and Maggi. Residents gathered gave a round of applause. One resident asked about cell phone towers. Milardo said that she last received an update about two weeks ago, and that “contracts are sitting on Verizon’s desk,” and that “we are just waiting.” A question was asked about the Dublin Hill Bridge. Milardo said that the bridge work is “moving along,” and “will be open to traffic in mid-December.”
Lizz thanked “everyone for their support over the past four years” and hopes that the BOS continue to “move forward.” She noted that a lot of “roads were done, bridges, infrastructure, water going to Tylerville, Bill Warner is a great planner…I feel very good as to where I am leaving you.” She closed with how she is “in awe of how much people care. I made a lot of friendships…and it was time well spent.”
Editor’s Note: The video of this meeting can be found on VSCTV HERE.
