Too busy to look up what’s going on in town? This article covers selected information from minutes of various Boards and Commissions. If you want more detail, it can be found by going to suffieldct.gov, Agendas, Meetings, Minutes.
Board of Selectmen: The Landfill Policy is being reviewed to fix a couple of issues at the Landfill. The two major issues are permitting and fees.
Permitting has not been enforced for some time. The impact on reinstituting permitting and the actions of contractors utilizing the landfill was discussed. Permitting reinstatement should alleviate numerous daily complaints.
Fees have not increased in ten years. They need to be brought current to cover the costs of current services. All agreed with the proposed fees.
A Suffield Building Official wrote a letter outlining a summary of State laws authorizing municipalities to regulate and address blighted properties. The value of a blight ordinance and how it works was explained.
There were concerns about the impact to hoarders in town who are suffering from a mental illness and will be punished by having extremely high penalties imposed upon them.
Parks & Recreation: The basketball clinics held have been very successful. Pickleball has become very popular, and more sessions will be scheduled. Soccer and flag football have ended and had a successful season. Basketball registration is in progress with many teams already full.
Permanent Building Commission: The Commission reiterated the potential issues with the existing electrical system. The building and what can be done with the existing structure is their focus. The dog park and playground portions of the concept will come later.
An engineer’s assessment of the structure will be obtained before proceeding with the environmental and architectural designs.
Suffield High School’s roof warranty is expired. The town has a roof budget now; however, other building projects may take precedence in the future. It was recommended to create a plan for a phased replacement approach.
Planning & Zoning: Text amendments to two sections of the Zoning Regulations in response to requirements from Public Act 21-29 were made. Research from other municipalities and feedback from the Commission has been incorporated into the amendments as appropriate.
A request to set the performance bond for the Breezy Way Farm subdivision located off Mountain Road, West Suffield, was discussed. A 10% maintenance bond was recommended and approved.
Police Commission: Consultants have assessed the radio systems and peripherals with the goal of replacing the components and upgrading the space.
Officer recertifications, behavioral health assessments, and drug testing are in progress. Lieutenant and Sergeant standardized evaluation guidelines are complete.
The dispatcher position is filled. Additionally, six department members are in training for a drone pilot’s license.
Veterans Memorial Expansion Committee: Three ideas have been presented and discussed. The original design of two memorials that are 10 feet on a 12-foot base, two memorials that are 6 feet on an 8-foot base, and the same as the second with a “broken” edge.
The side facing Main Street would have the six emblems of the different branches in the order they were established, along with wording to honor those who served, both in war and peace. Design ideas depicting the memorial stone and base “broken”, or just the memorial stone “broken” with a clean base were discussed.
The side facing away from Main Street would allow for 180 names on each stone. Currently, the Committee only has 19-20 names. They need to determine how names will be added going forward and to finalize the design.
The Committee’s goal is to have the expansion installed by Veterans Day 2024.