[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6286825,"mediaKeyId","2556594-458f3727eb3bde6d5de280860704504f","parentId",2556594,"title","Town Manager outlines 2025 goals; council discusses sidewalks, fiscal priorities, staffing and open-space planning","audioSeconds",5233,"startMs",3973000,"endMs",9206000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556594-458f3727eb3bde6d5de280860704504f&start=3973&end=9206","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556594-458f3727eb3bde6d5de280860704504f/thumbnail_3973000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6286825/Connecticut/Town-Manager-outlines-2025-goals-council-discusses-sidewalks-fiscal-priorities-staffing-and-open-space-planning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286825-e605c83009f47b09605bc47a549b5657/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136739&Signature=RVPYxxDlZXHUEwUEDQHBkYkwIrA1Pm9PCUfERZyrr1~MVVrFOuBWK7Q2Sm4EUeHkLSlKg~cAf7-AfFI8hVd4hNz211d2Q61BuVc0GIkhAsfDXq-z6EinqgxueKW-CsZ0CKfOnA~-WTdlSxG7k-OC8bIVUinFGY4BihwHmlijZYeaLyfP6LCpyelumBKsQoyHhOrBgTlSDoZu6-4Fku30DS6s6G6jaMPU~aEBUB2FLecirZJbEqpW078EH5MTNL7UjtmciSUm8gOsZTcSQI2XkhGcSbCTkPSyaJKxi0wk-5xMf3hwdK57FwFe~q3epRXLsb9L-63Xmbp-5P9YHvIgNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Cheshire, CT","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","Cheshire — At a special meeting Feb. 25 the town manager, Sean M. Kimball, reviewed a draft set of his 2025 goals and objectives and led an extended council discussion about priorities and timelines for capital projects, staffing and community initiatives.

Lede and scope: Kimball said the document (shared with the council and in the meeting packet) groups priorities across general government operations, finance, public safety, education, recreation and sustainability/transportation. He noted that “what is in blue” in the document indicated items that were new or substantially changed from the prior year’s goals.

Key priorities discussed

- Fiscal management and mill rate: Council members, led by John (council member), asked that the manager include explicit language to look critically at town expenditures during this transitional period to minimize impacts on the mill rate. Kimball said he would update the operating/capital budget language to reflect minimizing taxpayer impact while maintaining essential services.

- Employee recruitment and retention: Kimball identified recruitment and morale as an ongoing town priority and discussed exploring strategies short of salary competition — including scheduling flexibility, recognition and other nonwage incentives — to retain staff. Several councilors said collective bargaining agreements (including the police contract) factor into recruitment and that finalizing open contracts is part of broader retention work.

- Sidewalk and school-area safety: Councilors pressed for continued progress on sidewalk expansion projects tied to schools (Jarvis/Marion to the North End elementary school, Lanyon Drive, and gaps on Route 10). Kimball said Jarvis/Marion design was nearing completion and that sidewalk projects will move forward as funding and neighborhood approvals permit; he agreed to rephrase the document to prioritize sidewalk projects proximate to schools.

- Traffic and circulation around Cheshire High School and Route 10: Members discussed long-standing traffic congestion and left‑turn conflicts near Cheshire High School and Bartlett Road. Kimball said engineering work and legal title issues (for potential alternate access) are under review and that the multimodal transportation study consultant could inform potential solutions.

- Yankee Highlands and open-space planning: Councilors asked staff to keep Yankee Highlands open-space planning and the feasibility of a second access/parking area under active consideration. Kimball and councilors discussed field and trail needs, access challenges and the idea of targeted soils/feasibility studies to inform future capital planning for the parcel.

- Parks, pools and recreation: Council members requested continued emphasis on a Cheshire Community Pool master plan (capital needs and lifecycle items), Mixville Park improvements, and parking/field capacity planning at Cheshire Park given new uses such as pickleball and disc golf. Kimball noted current and planned design work and emphasized the need for master planning to prioritize capital funding.

- Historic documents grant and municipal projects: The manager flagged grant applications and other funding approaches (for example, the Connecticut State Library historic documents preservation grant) that will support records storage and other small capital needs.

Process and timing: Kimball said the goals should remain a “living” document. The council directed staff to recirculate a finalized version and scheduled to vote on the adopted goals in March. Council members agreed to revisit the list in late summer (August/September) to adjust priorities if needed ahead of finalizing the FY26 operating and capital budgets.

What the council did not decide: The meeting included extended discussion but did not produce new ordinances or formal votes about most items on the goals list (for example, no formal decision tonight on the North End fire station nor on changing land-use designation for particular parcels). Councilors asked staff for follow-up analyses and to return with cost estimates, feasibility studies or draft budgets as appropriate.

Why this matters: The goals document shapes staff priorities and ties into FY26 budget planning and major capital projects including two new elementary schools. Items discussed — sidewalks around schools, open-space stewardship, and employee retention — all have operational and budget implications for the 2025–2026 planning cycle.

Next steps: Kimball will revise language per council feedback (including explicit language on minimizing mill-rate impact), recirculate an updated draft and return to the council for final adoption in March. The council also set a revisit window in late summer to re‑prioritize or adjust objectives ahead of budget season.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cheshire Town Council 2-25-25","oneSentenceSummary","Kimball presented a draft set of 2025 goals and objectives and asked councilors for additions or edits; the council discussed fiscal management, sidewalks, employee retention, open-space planning, and recreation master planning.","taxTitle","Town of Cheshire, New Haven County, Connecticut","taxId",70158,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6286820,"Votes at a glance: Feb. 25 special meeting — school name, donations, grants, committee appointments and agreements",1028,1279000,2307000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556594-458f3727eb3bde6d5de280860704504f&start=1279&end=2307","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556594-458f3727eb3bde6d5de280860704504f/thumbnail_1279000.jpg","/articles/6286820/Connecticut/Votes-at-a-glance-Feb-25-special-meeting-school-name-donations-grants-committee-appointments-and-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286820-8bddfb2dfea32a1fd609b9ae0cff28c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136739&Signature=Ct-v1ENk5kQ-CEF~G9FRLC~HQ-YfX-j4Xu1JNkkrARe6NIIF5IqxJ84jc-XBUyLHuNF565YcJhr1eBnZ0L2Z2KQ-m50d5jubbhHNMuDy1o4P7D~9SNx3YyLinfRx1TH83K1xVdaoS-GihOgBN8DX4CTQjrpUq2f7DV9UzPHYF~lwCHyUAcnXBPkC-btLYGAjP-gwDUm~WfCJE8COrncEpIBMKhwHxFv3RK1EbqWLCavdz~TrKLhLNXNgL0YvjH1F6ExAYFnOQASmCbjKCQ2gOQcIGPvUW3DtT~50B87aDp-cQHQ~6I8qJut0SFuvb-9Ahx0uIgJL0fpZ62wKd~xiAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cheshire — The Town of Cheshire Town Council approved several resolutions Feb. 25 during a special meeting. Most votes were unanimous and processed as consent or limited-discussion items.

Key actions approved (all motions passed unanimously by those present unless otherwise noted):

- Resolution 022525-1: Adopted the name Barnum Elementary School for the new North End elementary school, honoring Colonel Harvey C. Barnum Jr.; moved by Mister Jenks, seconded by Fiona Pearson.

- Resolution 022525-2: Accepted and appropriated $4,623.25 from the town’s Lost and Paid account to the library gift account for general purposes.

- Resolution 022525-3: Accepted and appropriated a $200 donation from John and RoseAnne Pirtle to the library gift account for general purposes.

- Resolution 022525-4: Accepted and appropriated $3,127.30 from “Tours of Distinction” to the Human Services gift account for the senior center.

- Resolution 022525-5: Authorized application for and acceptance of the 2026 Historic Documents Preservation Grant from the Connecticut State Library in the amount of $7,000 for record storage equipment; authorized the town manager to execute necessary agreements.

- Resolution 022525-6: Approved street tree planting agreements with property owners along South Main Street, authorizing the town manager to execute agreements subject to town attorney approval (see separate article for discussion).

- Resolution 022525-7: Established a temporary semi‑quincentennial steering committee (to plan activities related to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence) and appointed municipal contact and three resident members; designated Assistant Town Manager Andrew Martelli as municipal contact to the America 250 Connecticut Commission.

Other items: Several committee appointments and referrals were made (demolition delay ordinance referred to the Ordinance Review Committee; an adaptive field administrative study group formed with staff and community representatives). The council also moved to recess for a photo and reconvened to review the town manager’s goals (see separate coverage).

Record: The roll call at the meeting’s start listed nine members present; votes that passed were announced as passing “unanimously by those present.” The transcript does not record individual roll-call votes for all consent items.

Closing: The council recessed and later entered executive session to discuss the town manager’s contract.","Cheshire — The Town of Cheshire Town Council approved several resolutions Feb. 25 during a special meeting; most motions passed unanimously by those present.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6286830,"Council approves street tree agreements for South Main Street; beautification committee to coordinate plantings",379,2569000,2948000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556594-458f3727eb3bde6d5de280860704504f&start=2569&end=2948","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556594-458f3727eb3bde6d5de280860704504f/thumbnail_2569000.jpg","/articles/6286830/Connecticut/Council-approves-street-tree-agreements-for-South-Main-Street-beautification-committee-to-coordinate-plantings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286830-9717bb4c292e8f1fe235c3380e257097/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136739&Signature=SK2GCCf~B-84g43uGiqFs098-MdwRgeMTpR4bAa0uPmbshW~~lyM6qXU986KGW~tL3XYhrwtIV2JnUki6WT7dv17FVMa1FthxgRUes2ps5YHm3V8WRGE2QYPbaSOlQFc0K2OukQQwS6s0DhBWz0kIo7xRFUI9v9KwaC2dvA6Bapl6w6aPPP45FuZKIFJ2Ba2hq-SaLgkYkzXPvdmr7TcU4I1BfIZU1e0ub4~cj3GCPvpI260xFWGRuy4sXn4td7p73tV6HU2skaFvBUdSCMEASvQy6pw6eA~gz6JwazslDvRrEaGnBhlFSWZGmGmVbtp39z~WoMkHA3IX3f9BfPkBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cheshire — The Town Council unanimously approved Resolution 022525-6 on Feb. 25 to authorize street tree planting agreements recommended by the town beautification committee. Council members and staff described the measure as a public-private partnership with property owners along South Main Street.

Resolution and scope: The resolution authorizes the town manager to execute planting agreements, subject to town attorney approval. Councilman Don Walsh said the committee contacted roughly 15 property owners from the town center toward the former Sweet Lodge location; the plan anticipates about 25 trees placed on properties where overhead lines are not present so larger street trees can be planted.

Implementation details: Assistant Town Manager Andrew Martelli and committee members told the council that property owners had largely agreed — 14 yeses, one no and three maybes — and beautification committee members will meet property-to-property to match species and exact locations. A contractor (to be procured by competitive bids) will plant the trees in spring, and the planting contract will include a one-year establishment and watering/maintenance obligation by the contractor. If a tree fails during that first year, the contractor is responsible for replacement under the proposed agreements.

Why it matters: Council members said the project aims to increase tree canopy and shade on the East side of Route 10 where overhead utilities are not present, improving streetscape character and supporting the business district. Councilors noted the program’s emphasis on “right tree, right place,” and that large street trees are prioritized to create canopy over time.

Concerns and clarifications: Councilors asked about species choices and potential nuisance fruit from some smaller ornamental trees. Staff clarified the program’s emphasis on larger street trees; smaller ornamental specimens were on a backup list in case property owners preferred them. Questions about funding were raised: the beautification committee has limited funds and may not have budget to cover all 25 plantings; project advancement depends on available budget and contractor estimates.

Council action: The council voted to authorize the agreements and to allow the town manager to execute them, with the town attorney reviewing form and function. The motion passed unanimously by those present.

Next steps: Staff will solicit pricing from three contractors after finalizing species and locations, award the planting contract to the most qualified bidder, and schedule spring planting with one-year contractor maintenance provisions written into the contract. The beautification committee and town staff will coordinate property-owner communications and maintenance expectations.

Community context: The planting program is part of wider downtown and commercial-area improvements; council members asked staff to explore matching grants and design opportunities to complement streetscaping work on South Main Street in coming budget cycles.","The Town Council unanimously approved agreements to plant roughly 25 street trees along South Main Street, authorizing the town manager to execute contracts following property-owner agreements, with planting and one-year contractor maintenance planned for spring.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":80,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":83,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6286834,"Town Council names new North End elementary school for Medal of Honor recipient Harvey C. Barnum Jr.",918,2197000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556594-458f3727eb3bde6d5de280860704504f&start=1279&end=2197","/articles/6286834/Connecticut/Town-Council-names-new-North-End-elementary-school-for-Medal-of-Honor-recipient-Harvey-C-Barnum-Jr","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286834-fc7151c293bb37bd3f784bb7953fb4cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136739&Signature=aRWYUznRsHPnqWF4OPX43rJDutRbBFqngrziHWX5PMAaX5kIZFNXPzMhBxzIHmJH5o7ogXAlRgvB9Aznv1~iWm6-~UucmctcxzL6JgvU415ASpDGJP0NWuUvOf2fHXLauh5whtx~nc7HdAOhyj-M6l2OMZaO9xGO2RT0CLVTmPyIawDQLVxZ7JdloxYKc7XcsyKCma7daS~q0nEdb31E0GSQzuZAadfnvHkJ9v6iHX~2hkxAgAhqR4-UWbHdOHrNbPXXbz23R9L-wMd3Zj~-D76bvQxi6Mo4ebaqSM5ltJWtMcqmFhVFwn9rp5KX0tI3t9Rq73sgB~5vS5BlTLIlFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barnum Elementary School — The Town of Cheshire town council voted unanimously Feb. 25 to adopt Resolution 022525-1 to name the new North End elementary school in honor of Colonel Harvey C. Barnum Jr.

The resolution, moved by Mister Jenks and seconded by Fiona Pearson, formalized the recommendation of the town council and Board of Education planning committees following a Jan. 16 public hearing on proposed names. The council meeting packet and speakers at tonight’s meeting credited a multi-step public process: solicitation of names, a joint review by the planning committees, rubric scoring against the town’s naming policy, and the committees’ recommendation to the full council.

The naming matter drew support from veterans and residents at the meeting. Haley Fark, who brought forward the nomination in late 2022, told the council she was grateful for the action and called naming the school after Barnum “such an honor in so many ways.” Mayor Peter J. Talbot said Barnum is a Cheshire native, a Medal of Honor recipient and longtime town volunteer, and noted the community’s pride in having a recipient from Cheshire.

Why it matters: The new school is the town’s marquee education capital project and will open at the Marion Road/Jarvis Street site in the North End. Council members said naming the building after a local Medal of Honor recipient creates an opportunity to teach students about civic service, veterans’ contributions and local history.

What the council decided: Resolution 022525-1 reads in part that the Town Council approves the recommended name Barnum Elementary School and authorizes the Next Generation School Building Committee and town manager to finalize steps necessary to implement the naming. The motion passed unanimously “by those present.”

Process and context: Council members described a transparent process that began with a public hearing on Jan. 16 and included review by a joint committee of Town Council and Board of Education planning committees, use of a rubric consistent with the town’s naming policy, and public comment. Several council members, including Don Walsh and Don Malone, said they learned more about Colonel Barnum’s military and civic record during the review and supported the choice.

What happens next: The council authorized the Next Generation School Building Committee and the town manager to complete administrative steps needed to implement the name. The town manager and school building committee will handle signage, communications and any formal changes to construction documents or school records.

Support and reaction: Council members praised community input and veterans who attended the meeting. Peter Talbot thanked veterans in attendance and noted the evening’s other recognitions. Public comment in the meeting also included tributes to local veterans and Eagle Scout recognitions that preceded the naming item.

Votes and record: The council called for the vote after public comment and member discussion. The mayor announced, “All those in favor? Motion passes unanimously by those present.” The council did not record individual roll-call votes in the meeting transcript; the clerk’s prior roll call showed nine members were present.

Ending note: The Barnum name will appear on the new North End school and the town manager and school building committee will take the actions necessary to effect the name change in school communications and project materials.","The Town of Cheshire voted unanimously Feb. 25 to name the new North End elementary school “Barnum Elementary School,” honoring Colonel Harvey C. Barnum Jr. after a public hearing and joint committee recommendation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Town Manager outlines 2025 goals; council discusses sidewalks, fiscal priorities, staffing and open-space planning

Votes at a glance: Feb. 25 special meeting — school name, donations, grants, committee appointments and agreements

Council approves street tree agreements for South Main Street; beautification committee to coordinate plantings

Town Council names new North End elementary school for Medal of Honor recipient Harvey C. Barnum Jr.