March 3, 2025
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Kelly Rome and Student Liaison Zainab Zafar. Also present: Town Manager Mike Walsh.
Library Long-Range Strategic Plan
Library Director Amber Wyzik, Library Board Chairman Judy Guarco and Laurel Farrer from the Strategic Planning Committee presented the long-range strategic plan for the library. It was developed with input from key stakeholders and reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing current and future library services and needs for the town.
FY 26 Board of Selectmen Budget
Walsh presented the FY 2025-26 Board of Selectmen recommended budget.
Special Permit for Alcohol Consumption
A request was received for alcohol consumption at Salmon Brook Park on Saturday, May 10, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The renter will provide the appropriate paperwork, permit and insurance coverage. Since this event falls outside of the date range allowing alcohol consumption at the park, it needed BOS approval. The board unanimously voted to approve.
First Selectman Report
Fiorentino said the negotiating team for the Kearns development project met with the developer and asked for high level options for the team to consider. He reiterated that the project is in the very early stages and no decisions have been made. Regular updates will be provided as the process progresses.
Fiorentino said the appeal of the decision by the Connecticut Siting Council on the KCE Battery energy storage project has been filed and served. The town has enlisted the support of State Representative Anderson to propose a moratorium on these types of facilities until the state develops minimum standards that either do not exist currently or are applied inconsistently by the council.
Public Session
Gerald Ledger, 85 Bushy Hill Road, provided a letter suggesting/requesting the following:
Move the public session earlier in the agenda to allow more residents to participate.
Plan and remedy emergency access to prevent potential disasters at the electrical storage station.
Hire a realtor for the restaurant on the corner of Route 10/202 and Murtha’s Way and improve the bus stop at this intersection.
Work with the state to protect pedestrians on the east side of Route 10/202 between Murtha’s Way and the Stop & Shop Plaza.
Complete the sidewalk from Murtha’s Way to the YMCA.