January 21, 2025
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark C. Neumann, Frederick Moffa, Kelly Rome. Absent: Margaret Chapple, Town Manager Mike Walsh, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Student Liason Zainab Zafar.
APPOINTMENTS
Fiorentino informed members of appointments and reappointments to the following boards and commissions effective immediately:
Andrew Small (R) – appointed to the Conservation Commission for a term ending Jan. 12, 2026
James Szipszky (D) – appointed to the Conservation Commission for the balance of a four-year term ending Jan. 12, 2026
Valerie Eastwood (D) – appointed to the Park and Recreation Board for a term ending Jan. 8, 2026
Lynn Guelzow (D) – appointed to the Library Board for a term ending Jan. 10, 2028
Laurel Farrer (U) – appointed to the Library Board for a term ending Jan. 10, 2028
Ellen Whitlow (R) – re-appointed to the Agricultural Commission for a term ending Jan. 8, 2029
Sara Esthus (D) – re-appointed to the Agricultural Commission for a term ending Jan. 8, 2029
Shirley Murtha (U) – re-appointed to the Agricultural Commission for a term ending Jan. 8, 2029
Kimberly Becker (D) – re-appointed to the Commission on Aging for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
Jean A. Donihee-Perron (D) – re-appointed to the Commission on Aging for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
Jennifer Jalbert (R) – appointed to the Commission on Aging for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
Ellen Thomson (D) – re-appointed to the Commission on Aging for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
Lynette M. Simpson (D) – re-appointed to the Commission on Aging for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
William Madsen (U) – appointed to the Conservation Commission for a term ending Jan. 8, 2029
Kara R. Marshall (R) – appointed to the Conservation Commission for a term ending Jan. 8, 2029
James K. Caldwell (R) – re-appointed to the Development Commission for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
Kenneth O. Kuhl (R) – re-appointed to the Development Commission for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
Robert J. Rome (U) – re-appointed to the Development Commission for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
Fran Armentano (D) – appointed to the Park and Recreation Board for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
Anthony M. McGovern (U) – re-appointed to the Park and Recreation Board for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
Jared Barry (D) – appointed to the Park and Recreation Board for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027
The board unanimously approved these appointments.
Town Manager Project Update and Financials
Walsh said that the radio project grant submission was completed, and the Marcus contract signed. He noted that the acquisition of 229 Mountain Road is underway and working towards a closing date. The acquisition of 87 Simsbury Road is complete, and the “church” group is making solid progress on a recommendation. Work continues a terms sheet for the Freshies property. The Plus One budget document was compiled and distributed. GZA was hired for the Park Infrastructure Review/Master Plan kickoff on Jan. 17. He also said that recently the Town held a public presentation session on the Kearns Senior Housing concept.
Kimi Cheng, Finance Director Cheng addressed the December 2024 Budget Operations noting that the tax collection was higher than the prior year at 69 percent. She noted that the expenditures were consistent with last fiscal year at 59 percent and that the public works department overtime expense was $36,547.59 due to rainstorms that caused wash outs and fallen trees in August. Cheng noted that the Police Department’s overtime expense as of Dec. 31, 2024, was $95,433.38 due to the high school lockdowns, rifle training, and specific officers’ recertification.
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