Town News You May Not Know

Too busy to look up what’s going on in town? This article covers selected information from various Town Boards and Commissions. If you want more detail, it can be found by going to suffieldct.gov, Agendas, Minutes and Recordings.

Charter Revision Commission: There was discussion about moving away from an elected First Selectman to a Town Manager form of government. This reflects the community’s preferences on how they wish to be governed. Traditionally, residents have kept the community aspects of a First Selectman rather than a Town Manager hired by a Town Council. Also discussed was a more detailed representation of information regarding Tax Collectors, Town Clerks. and Treasurers in Connecticut.

The Commission determined more time is needed to consider the Treasurer Position. Extensive discussion ensued among all commission members regarding the responsibilities of the position, how other towns handle this position, statutory requirements of a Treasurer and, what the position would look like if it were absorbed into the Finance Department. A recap was provided to the Board of Selectmen and all agreed the Commission’s tasks could be completed for the Board’s November meeting.

Conservation Commission: The water level of White’s Pond is low so there is no need to lower it further for the winter months at this time. The Eagle Scout project constructing the fire ring is ongoing.

The agenda for Phase 2 of Eastwoods Active Adult Housing on East Street South is similar to what was previously approved by the Commission back in 2003. The Commission determined this should be a Public Hearing scheduled for October 22, 2024.

A Public Hearing was held regarding the pig enclosure, fencing, and manure composting proposed on Hill Street. State regulations indicate that farming in wetlands is a use as of right. Therefore, pigs can be raised within wetland areas. The Town attorney concluded by stating that the Commission has limited jurisdiction over the proposal and has no authority regarding smell, manure storage, or the slaughtering of animals. He asked the public to limit their comments to what the Commission has jurisdiction over. A manure disposal plan has not been finalized, many public comments were heard. and the discussion was tabled.

A building permit application for solar panels and power access being proposed within a wetland area on East Street South next to Boston Neck Road was discussed. A revised plan has been submitted which shows the proposed panels to the rear of the existing home. The Commission stated that the revised plan can be approved through the building permit process once a soil scientist confirms that the revised panel location is not within the wetlands.

Economic Development: A suggestion to have educational programs for businesses and working with UConn to have programs on topics of interest was discussed. Another topic was to have information available to hand out at restaurants and other establishments detailing what there is to do in Suffield. They also discussed having a “Shop Local Passport” again in November as a weeklong event and expanding the program to cover more businesses.

An update on the Enviro Kiosk was provided. It could be located at the library for people to access information on self-guided tours and other pertinent information. Other topics discussed included the Tax Increment Financing grant program, the light industrial area, the commercial area, Town Center activities, and the West Suffield beautification project.

Planning & Zoning: A Public Hearing was held to discuss a request for a two-lot re-subdivision and associated special permit for a rear lot at 1311 Newgate Road. The new rear lot will have 12.3 acres leaving the existing home on a reconfigured lot of 13.1 acres. The house will be served by well and septic. Final approval of the septic system will be required when the house design is complete. Driveway changes are required as it exceeds 250 feet.

A second request for a two-lot re-subdivision located at 1071 River Boulevard was also discussed. The plan is to re-subdivide the existing 4.2 acre property which has an existing house and garage. The resultant parcels will include a 2.85-acre building lot and a 1.35-acre lot with the existing house.

Waivers for sidewalks, curbs, and gutters were approved for both, as well as a $3k fee in lieu of open space for River Boulevard.