August 11, 2026
Members present: David Desiderato, Zach Donais, Will Madsen and Kara Marshall.
Continued Farm Lease conversation
Marshall spoke to Ellen Whitlow of the Agricultural Commission about soil testing. Whitlow said the Ag Commission does not have the resources to support further testing at this time, and she was unsure about the value additional testing would give the town. Commissioners were interested in continuing to explore a plan to support future calls for proposal for the leased land. Donais said that soil testing may be available for free from the Ag Extension center, and that commission might find a high school student interested in conducting the testing.
Marshall will reach out to a contact at the Suffield High School Agriscience program about whether a student might want to support soil testing work or be a recording secretary for the commission. Desiderato to continue to explore grants to support testing.
Energy conservation and renewables on town property
Marshall reported that she had discussed the projects with a colleague at Eversource. No further action has yet been taken by the town on No-Cost Weatherization offered by Eversource. Support for the Middle School may also be available through the New Construction program at Eversource. No movement yet on the Renewables for Town Properties. Marshall to update Mike Walsh on the status of this item. Donais to follow up with Kent McCord.
Composting
Madsen is working with David Aldridge of the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resource Recovery Agency to have him speak to the town in September or October. Madsen is also seeking to invite representatives of the Simsbury Conservation Commission and East Granby Inland Wetlands Commission. Madsen envisions a three-town collaboration to support a micro-composting unit with regional drop points in each town. This would provide industrial composting services that can accommodate even wood and meat, which home composters are less likely to take on.
Similar programs have been implemented in New Haven and by the Housatonic Regional Resource Recovery agency with big impact. Composting can reduce tipping fees and save the town money. Donais reported that DEEP expects to open a call for grant proposals before the end of the year. Last year DEEP awarded $15 million. Madsen will work with library staff for possible co-host opportunity, and to set a date.