THANK YOU to the volunteers of the Friends of Suffield for their MANY years of service, in particular for hosting a beloved tradition, Suffield on the Green. This year’s SOTG felt particularly festive given last year’s cancellation. It was wonderful to see so many friends and neighbors on the Green! Thank you also to SHS Class of 2022 for the “guest of honor” seat in the dunk booth and giving residents the opportunity to air their grievances! I think my daughter was first to line up!
Upcoming Events
Check out www.suffieldct.gov for more info.
• 350th Celebration ~ October
o Parade: Main Street, 10 a.m.
o Block Party: Suffield Middle School, post-parade
o Sports Day: Suffield High School, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
o Fireworks: Bruce Park, 8 p.m.
• Town Meeting ~ October 12
o Update on Findings of Facilities Master Plan
o Approval of Preserved Farmland
o Stormwater Ordinance
• The Great Halloween Drive-Thru ~ October 20-24, 27-31
Formerly the Halloween Spooktacular; now primarily run by hologram vendor
o New Location: Sunrise Park
o Suffield Days ~ October 20 & 24
Free to Suffield residents (these days ONLY)
Donations encouraged to bring back annual fireworks.
• VOTE at Municipal Elections ~ November 2
Includes Charter Revisions!
• Suffield Alight ~ December 11 (Rain date December 12)
2nd Annual promises to be brighter than ever!
Charter Revision
Connecticut State Statutes mandate that towns review their Charter every five years to ensure this governing document represents best practices and each town’s unique needs and desires. After extensive review, research and discussion, the Charter Revision Commission (CRC) makes its recommendations to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) at which time that board weighs in as well. Ultimately, the residents of Suffield approve any and all changes to the Town Charter by voting their approval/dissent at the November 2, 2021 municipal elections.
Since being appointed by the BOS on June 10, 2020, the 12-member CRC – comprised of seven Republicans, four Democrats and one Independent – held bi-monthly public meetings and two public hearings. Public comment was offered at each meeting. The CRC, headed by Chairman Jerry Mahoney (R), solicited and heard feedback from a number of Town departments, board members and current/former officials including
First Selectman – Mack, McAnaney, Lingenfelter, Frenaye, Skinner
Town Attorney – Donnelly, Alfano, McAnaney
Town Treasurer – Davidson, Henrie
Finance – Cerrato (Director), Anderson (BOF Chair)
Planning & Zoning – Hawkins (Director), Winne (P&Z Chair)
Human Resources – Ziemba (Director)
Police – Brown (Chief), Canon (Captain), Pascoe (Commission Chair) Trombly (Commissioner)
Fire – P. Christian (Commission Chair), Plakias (Commissioner)
WPCA – Kreller (Director), Lord (Counsel), Davis (Chair)
Conservation – A. Christian (Chair)
Social Services – Michalman (Chair)
These discussions provided a jumping off point for the review process. One year later, the CRC unanimously voted to approve transmission of its recommendations to the BOS on June 15, 2021, followed by a Public Hearing on August 5, 2021. The BOS considered the recommendations on August 18, 2021 and referred them back to CRC to provide greater clarity around the First Selectman versus the Police and Fire Commission roles relative to operations. The CRC issued its final recommendations to the BOS on August 30, 2021 which were approved unanimously on September 1, 2021. Please refer to the Election section for an article by CRC Chair Mahoney which provides further explanation for the recommendations. Additional helpful documents can be found at www.suffieldct.gov/government/crc and include:
• Final Ballot Questions
• Explanatory Text
• Proposed Redlined Town Charter
• CRC Letter Outlining Proposed Revisions
• Agendas & Minutes
o April 20, 2021 Minutes detail discussion and decision to NOT recommend changes to Suffield’s form of government, including consideration of a Town Manager form.
Happy Fall!