Board tables capital budget review, authorizes parks grant resolution and schedules Route 44 informational meeting
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Summary
After detailed budget discussion the Board of Selectmen tabled the capital budget until the first full March meeting, authorized a $250,000 parks-and-recreation grant resolution for the First Selectman to sign, agreed to pursue a streetlight application on Route 44, and scheduled a public informational meeting on the Route 44/384 project for March 10 at 6:00 p.m.
The Board of Selectmen spent a substantial portion of the meeting discussing the town’s capital budget, line-item reallocations and grant-match requirements. After debate about multi-year phasing of larger projects and accounting for reallocated contingency funds, a motion was made, amended and approved to table action on the capital budget until no later than the first full Selectmen meeting in March (motion recorded and approved 5 yes, 2 absent).
On a separate item, the board authorized the town administrator to finalize and the First Selectman to sign a resolution in support of a $250,000 Parks & Recreation grant application; the motion was approved and recorded as 5 yes, 2 absent.
The board also addressed a resident request for a streetlight near the Dollar General on Route 44. The town administrator reported the location is on a state road and that Connecticut Department of Transportation and the utility (Eversource) require permits and ongoing monthly costs (currently about $18/month per light). After outreach to nearby residents and review of potential costs, the board reached consensus to have the town administrator proceed with the application process and neighborhood outreach.
Members discussed a state presentation and a possible public hearing for the Routes 44/384 project. The board agreed to hold a public informational meeting on March 10 at 6:00 p.m., to be followed immediately by the regular meeting to allow discussion and possible action.
Other updates: staff reported the Wetlands Committee approved a community septic plan after meetings and a public hearing and that bid specifications are being prepared; an auditor (vendor: Casella) reported a 40% contamination rate in cardboard recycling and staff proposed an educational campaign (potentially involving schools) to reduce contamination and associated vendor charges. STV has completed site visits for a facilities review and will deliver a draft report in coming weeks.