Too busy to look up what’s going on in town? This article covers selected information from the minutes of various Town Boards and Commissions. If you want more detail, it can be found by going to suffieldct.gov, Agendas, Minutes, Recordings.
Board of Education
March 3, 2025
Business Manager’s Report: Capital projects are moving forward. The installation of the McAlister boiler replacement is expected by late spring. The high school HVAC rooftop replacement project equipment has been ordered through Carrier and installation is scheduled before school starts in August. The Suffield High School campus may be closed for several days throughout the project. The roof replacement project is planned for the summer of 2026.
Summer School Update: Assistant Superintendent Michelle Zawawi gave an update on the various summer programs that the district offers.
- Kindergarten Experience is open to all incoming kindergarten students and is fully funded by the Board of Education.
- Extended School Year (ESY) is offered to special education students based on their Individual Education Plan (IEP) and is funded by the Board of Education.
- Suffield Middle School offers recovery programs in English Language Arts and math for students who are in academic jeopardy and is tuition-based.
- Boot camps for pre-algebra and algebra are offered online with office hours and are tuition-based.
- The highly popular Music Summer Camp is tuition-based.
- Summer enrichment courses require at least 10 students per session and are tuition-based.
- Offerings will take place at Spaulding, McAlister, and Suffield Middle School. Suffield High School will not hold any sessions due to the summer maintenance projects.
Board of Finance
April 7, 2025
Mr. Kost moved to approve a FY 2025-26 Budget of $69,100,316 with a proposed mill rate of 23.41 for the Public Hearing to be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Suffield Middle School at 7:00 pm. Motion passed.
Board of Selectman
March 12, 2025
First Selectman Moll opened the special meeting of the Board of Selectmen to discuss the adoption of a modified schedule of depreciation for motor vehicles, as per HB 7067, Section 7 (b). Assessor Lisa Trase explained that the legislators changed the valuation method for motor vehicles, which led to a decrease in the town’s grand list.
Selectman Harrington moved to approve adoption of the local option allowed under HB7067 Section 7 (b) to elect to apply a modified schedule of depreciation as outlined with respect to motor vehicles based upon the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of such motor vehicles provided no motor vehicle shall be assessed at an amount less than five hundred dollars. Motion passed unanimously.
Board of Selectman
March 19, 2025
Open Public Hearing on Landfill Fees Increase: Selectman Harrington suggested continuing the Public Hearing to allow the public time to review the revised fee schedule. She moved to continue the Public Hearing to the next scheduled Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting and in the interim post the Landfill Policy and Fee Schedule Update Summary online on the town website. Motion carried.
Library Commission
March 11, 2025
Report of the Director: The library director, Amy Vessella, provided updates on various aspects of library operations. Door count was down in January and February compared to the previous year, but programming attendance was high, especially for winter reading programs. She reported on personnel changes, including a clerk position that needs to be filled. She discussed a recent fire alarm incident and the need for an evacuation plan, as well as facility repairs needed for the emergency exit stairs. Ms. Vessella and staff will be attending the Connecticut Library Association’s Annual Conference in April for professional development.
Social Services Commission
March 21, 2025
Department Update, Suffield Community Aid — Administrative Assistant Joe Dziobai retired after ten years. The sport and sneaker drive provided twenty-four individuals with shoes and sporting equipment. Over fifty families are enrolled to receive spring baskets.
Stephanie Salerno’s team is going door to door to collect food for the food pantry. The mammogram mobile is coming April 12. There are still a few spots available.
Camperships are open for the summer. 80% or up to $450 for those who make the income requirement. Rental Rebate is opening on April 1, 2025. It is a rebate for lower income to receive up to $200 back on their rent if they meet the income qualification requirements.
Stamp Out Hunger event is scheduled for May 10, 2025. The postal service will pick up food at homes and that is brought to food share.