By Jaycek Simko
(April 15, 2024) — The regular meeting of Haddam’s Board of Selectmen on April 8, 2024, was called to order by First Selectman Robert McGarry at 6:30 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 21 Field Park Drive, Haddam. Selectmen Kate Anderson and Peter Baird were present.
During Public Comment, resident Curtis Browne sought approval for the second round of Tylerville Business Interruption Grants for the Swing Bridge and Rotary construction. He was supported by Mark Lundgren.
Haddam Beautification Committee founder Mike Karam wrote to the Board of Selectmen regarding the aesthetic appeal of the town, urging them to prioritize beautification efforts in the town’s future budgets and planning initiatives. He also introduced the idea of creating a blight ordinance.
First Selectman McGarry provided the following updates:
- The Department of Economic Community Development (DECD) has granted a six-month extension on the remediation funds for the Rossi Property.
- At Scovil Hoe, Parker Benjamin’s demolition contractor conducted work outside the scope of their demolition permit. They were ordered to stop work until plans were approved for a mezzanine and a plan was created for addressing hazardous material. DECD has frozen remediation expenditures and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has been notified. Parker Benjamin has hired Connecticut Environmental & Demo LLC to address the issues at Scovil Hoe.
- There have been two informational meetings regarding the former Haddam Elementary School to review the architect’s report and present the Rak proposal. It would cost $9.5 million to convert the old wing for a Senior Center, Community Center, and the Connecticut State Police and Registrars’ offices.
- Work has started on the rotary constructions. The current plan is to do off-road work this year.
Selectman Anderson shared that there is a proposed cell tower in Haddam Neck on Ague Spring Road. Public Comment can be made to the Connecticut Siting Council until April 20, 2024 at siting.council@ct.gov.
Selectman Anderson made a motion to accept the April 2024 Tax Refunds of $1,128.03. The motion carried.
Selectman Anderson made a motion to appoint Neal Perron to the Sustainability Committee. The motion carried.
Selectman Baird made a motion to appoint Lynne Cooper as the Deputy Registrar. The motion carried.
Selectman Anderson presented to the board the current need for a second round of Tylerville Business Interruption Loans/Grants.
Selectman McGarry made a motion to approve a second round of business interruption loans/grants with an increase to $6,000 per month and other recommendations the Economic Development Committee proposes. The motion carried.
The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., at the Haddam Neck Fire House, 50 Rock Landing Road, Haddam Neck. The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
