Council ratifies independent contractor agreement to keep Homesteaders Museum staffed

The Torrington City Council on Oct. 7 ratified an independent contractor agreement to retain a Homesteaders Museum aide after the program that previously funded the position ended.

City staff explained the background: the museum relied on a program (staff described it as an AARP employment program for retired workers) that paid a part‑time aide, Kathy Martinez. Staff said they received one day’s notice that the program’s funding would stop and that the museum had moved to an interim agreement to keep the aide through peak tourism season. The agreement presented to the council formalizes that arrangement on an independent‑contractor basis while staff and local partners seek longer‑term funding.

Museum and tourism representatives told council the visitor center located at the museum has recorded a busy season and staff believe the position helped support outreach and visitorship. The museum director and staff said museum payroll can cover the expense for the current year; staff reported the aide would be paid at federal minimum wage ($7.25 per hour). Councilmembers discussed other possible funding partners — lodging tax board, Go Goshen, Volunteers of America, and alternative senior employment programs (one suggested: AMAC) — and said staff would explore those options.

Councilman Victorin moved to ratify the agreement; Councilman Kelly seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote with no nays recorded. City staff said the ratification did not add unplanned city expenditures for the current year because the museum director’s budget can absorb the payment this year; staff also said the city will continue outreach to tourism and lodging‑tax partners for potential future support.

Council members and staff emphasized the museum’s role as a visitor center at a key highway approach into town and noted it is positioned to serve tourists heading north toward regional destinations.