By Meghan Peterson
On Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, the Haddam Board of Selectmen (BOS) held a regular meeting at the old Town Hall building (21 Field Park Drive). First Selectman Bob McGarry called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Selectmen Kate Anderson and Sean Moriarty, along with Assistant to the First Selectman, JoAnn Ricciardelli, were present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the meeting’s agenda was approved, and meeting minutes were approved for the Board’s Aug. 9 and Aug. 18 meetings (with a motion to amend the Aug. 9 meeting minutes indicating that Selectman Moriarty was not present at that one).
First Selectman McGarry opened the floor for the first public comment period. Mr. Maurice Adams provided suggestions as to how to move projects forward in Haddam. Specifically, he noted that the Town has a “stated $2.5M for the purchase price” of the Rossi property and could award $100K to the top 25 best project idea bidders for things like how to utilize the Rossi property or how to implement green energy initiatives in partnership with entities such as Connecticut Yankee. Moreover, Adams recommended that these bidders be Haddam residents and they could present project ideas before an impartial panel, such as the Board of Selectmen. Adams offered that such an endeavor could bring the community together. There was no other public comment at this time.
Next, First Selectman McGarry relayed updates on several fronts. On the Rossi property and Scovil Hoe topics, he stated that there was nothing changed at this time. With regards to the Bridge Road project, McGarry explained that the CT Department of Transportation (DOT) informed him that inspections on the Swing Bridge would occur this week and the following. To that end, McGarry said to anticipate potential delays. In terms of road work progress, chip sealing is concluding and spring road work plans are in process. The Town received a public health grant for design of a community septic system. Jacobson and Associates will be the design firm, and they are also the Town’s engineering firm. As a result, Jacobson has “background knowledge,” for the project, according to McGarry. The objective is to have a plan ready by end of the year. Brookes Court apartments (in the Tylerville section of town) formally applied for a building permit. Groundbreaking is expected to begin early next month. A tree trimming schedule has been discussed with Associate Director of Public Works, Chris Corsa, as well as with Eversource. On the coronavirus topic, McGarry noted that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a downturn in national new cases, with the Delta variant appearing to phase out. McGarry noted that for Haddam, the caseload is rising. In July, there were 5 reported cases. In August, there were 17. At the time of this writing, there have been 8 reported, with two additional not yet being reported in the case count, according to McGarry. These latter two are breakthrough cases (cases from individuals who obtained the shot). Selectwoman Anderson inquired about the breakthrough cases among reported cases in town. McGarry added that the age range for cases is 7-70 in Haddam. Booster shots are expected later this autumn, with Greg McKenna of Nutmeg Pharmacy preparing potentially to utilize HES as a site for conducting them. Flu shots are recommended this season as well, “just like last year,” McGarry explained. Contract negotiations are in process with the Public Works. McGarry also sat on an interview panel on Sept. 2 to hire a Resident Trooper to fill a Trooper vacancy in town. There are 5 Troopers applying. McGarry highlighted that he issued a proclamation to honor and celebrate Neal Blodgett’s 100th birthday (Haddam Killingworth News highlighted this story in our September 2 and September 9 editions). The Haddam Neck Fair was “extremely well attended…people happy to get out and about,” McGarry said. The Brainerd Memorial Library had its ribbon cutting for phase 1 renovation completion last week and is now open to the public. The Higganum United Methodist Church celebrated its 160th anniversary. A proclamation/recognition celebration for Elizabeth Hart Malloy was held on Sept. 12 to honor her 20-years service as Executive Director of the Haddam Historical Society.
Discussion next turned to the autumn Farmer’s Market at the former HES building/property. It resumes Sept. 17 and runs for 5 weeks. Anderson said that the time, 3:30-6:30 p.m. may be adjusted depending on how dark it gets. According to Anderson, there will be “new vendors” and will be “very fall-themed.” The Haddam River Day is slated for Saturday, Oct. 2, combined with a car cruise evening, community organization tables/booths, and fireworks at the end – all pending approval from the State. She recommended that if any organization wants to set up a booth to please reach out. Selectman Moriarty commented on the “great job” of chip sealing that was done on Jackson Road but noted there is a need for a new street sign. He updated that the State has approved a tree planting in honor of Melissa Schlag (a former First Selectwoman) by Eagle Landing State Park. He is working on a date for when that can occur.
Jennifer Favalora, Regional School District 17 Board of Education (BOE) Secretary, spoke about the opening of HK schools and the plan to open schools safely. There are weekly meetings with state epidemiologists, CT Department of Public Health, (DPH) Department of Education (DOE). Governor Ned Lamont’s current executive order calls for the wearing of masks until Sept. 30, but Favalora said to “stay tuned,” as they try to figure this out, as the “decision is not in our hands at this time.” Different transportation logistics are being looked at, strategic planning is ongoing and is a top priority of the district. The idea is to have 18 focus groups from employees to students, parents to alumni, BOE candidates to civic leaders and community members to draw up a district plan for the next few years. An online survey will be available on the RSD17 website in November as well “to capture everybody’s thoughts about where we should be going.” A 3-year contract with the nurses’ union was approved to include LPNs along with RNs. The cost-share is equal to all other bargaining units, Favalora stated. There is a $2.75 equity adjustment for the RNs and a $1.00 equity adjustment for the LPNs during the first year of the contract. HKYFS has a mentoring program at the various schools and is seeking additional mentors – including specifically male mentors. The HKYFS is also seeking to increase diversity on its board of directors. Over the summer, several maintenance and repair projects were conducted, including the implementation of new stadium bleachers and lighting. Favalora pointed out that all updates, including coronavirus protocols, the superintendent’s presentation on a safe return to school and dashboard of positive coronavirus cases are available on the RSD17 website.
McGarry then moved to tax refunds, of which McGarry said there were many due to adjustments from the Tax Assessor – either from people moving out of state or selling vehicles. The Board approved the refunds as presented. Other final items of business included the reappointment of 7 members to the Economic Development Commission. There is now one vacancy. Anderson said to feel free to reach out to her if interested in serving on the Commission. Meanwhile, Dave Costa was reappointed to the Inland and Wetlands Commission.
The Board authorized McGarry to receive the $15K CT Housing and Urban Development technical assistance writing grant and develop an affordable housing plan, as required by state law. Town Planner Bill Warner has done these applications before and is confident can do it again, according to McGarry. An elderly tax relief appeal was granted. The brush chipping and wood pile removal by the transfer station was awarded to Northeastern Clearing at $32K. The original bidder, Running Brook Farm ($26,500) withdrew its bid due to an emergency. HK Youth and Family Services submitted a letter requesting funds for potential renovations pending an ongoing process of determining and receiving official word on re-location/space. According to HKYFS Board Chair, Jane Baird, the primary concern is that the “agency’s programs remain accessible to families with everything that has been going on.”
Discussion then moved to abandonment of the Old Chester Road. Private property owners would retain legal right of way access.
There was no public comment during the second and final public comment period. The next BOS meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 12.
