As we move into the spring season, I’m excited to share news about ongoing projects, upcoming events and our continued efforts to enhance community engagement. Let’s take a closer look at what’s been happening in our town this past month and what you can expect in the weeks ahead.
Recently, the Board of Selectmen approved a solar lease to Verogy to use approximately six acres on the Town owned property at the Landfill. The lease agreement will generate up to $65,000/year over an initial 20-year period. Site plan review still needs to go through the appropriate Boards and ultimately a Town Meeting vote. More information to come as the project progresses. On a side note, residents often ask me about zoning in regard to large solar installations and what the Town will be doing to support or deny these projects. For clarification, the Town does not regulate or control private projects, but rather, these projects go to CT Siting Council and are approved or denied at that State level. Siting Council meetings are open to the public, and I recommend abutters to attend any meetings there that may impact them.
The Board of Selectmen also approved a renewed Local Permitting Program (LPP) agreement with the Town of Southwick. The agreement covers permit costs associated with boats and docks and assists to cover costs to manage Lake Congamond. New to the agreement is allowing representation from our Town to participate in Southwick Conservation meetings in matters regarding the lake areas. For anybody living in that area, please reach out to my office if you have an interest in being that representative.
The Charter Revision Commission recently completed their work and recommended to the Board of the Selectmen to consider moving the Town Treasurer position from an elected position to an appointed/hired position. The Board of Selectmen had asked that they look at the following three elected positions and to consider whether they should stay elected or be appointed: Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Tax Collector. The Charter Revision Commission thought it would be best to only move one position forward to gauge the appetite for this type of change from our residents. The Board of Selectmen approved this recommendation and currently plan on adding it to this November’s municipal election. As we get closer to that time, I will discuss the arguments for the change in a future Selectman’s Update article.
Large Infrastructure Grant funded Project updates:
- We hope to wrap up all engineering work on the Farmington Canal Trail and begin repaving this spring or summer.
- The Quarry Road project goes out to bid this month with work expected over the summer and fall.
- We continue to work with DEEP and the Town of Windsor Locks to get approvals for changing the Windsor Locks Canal trail from an asphalt surface to a stone dust trail.
- The State DOT is working with us on Bridge Street to allow for a walking path/sidewalks that would continue them to East Street.
On April 1, LT. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and my office will be holding a Vietnam Veterans’ Ceremony at the High School at 4:15 p.m. The ceremony will recognize those who served and fought during that period. Invitations will be sent to those individuals welcoming them and their family members.
I recently wrapped up my First Selectman Tour around town. It was a great experience with good conversations. Thank you to the residents who took the opportunity and welcomed me into their homes.
Hopefully everybody enjoys the warmer days ahead and as always, my door at Town Hall is always open.