Selectmen hear updates on town hall renovation, bridges, roads and enrollment; speed ordinance fails at Town Meeting

First Selectman Dana Barrow Jr. used the Selectmen’s Report to update the board on multiple town projects and community issues.

On the Town Hall renovation, the committee received cost estimates that exceed available funds; Barrow said the committee is exploring cost reductions, in‑house work and additional funding sources. He reported $274,000 in Town Hall project costs to date with $237,000 in reimbursements, leaving the town’s portion around $37,000 so far, per the Treasurer’s report.

Barrow said public works has taken delivery of a new Massey Ferguson tractor with a larger climate‑controlled cab that can use a mower purchased in 2023. The board also discussed Kemp Road and the Bass Road bridge: the financing vote for bridges passed at the Oct. 7 Town Meeting and the board interviewed and selected a company for the Bass Road bridge inspection; the town awaits Connecticut Department of Transportation approval before awarding the contract.

On road safety, Barrow said a proposed speed ordinance failed at the Town Meeting in a tie vote and that a group of concerned residents will compile more information before the board likely brings it back for another vote in the spring. He also noted the Siting Council is considering a cell tower on Bass Road near the Scotland line and urged residents who oppose it to submit comments.

Barrow closed with an update on fire department staffing statewide and locally: since 2018 Connecticut has lost 51% of volunteer firefighters and the State is developing a multi‑year program to address the downturn; Barrow expressed appreciation for the town’s volunteers.

The board adjourned at 7:52 p.m.