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 16
Suffield High School Family Consumer Sciences Teacher Julie Haefner and Suffield High School Student, Danielle Fanska, showed their appreciation to the Board with treats that were made by students in the Family Consumer Sciences classes. The presentation also highlighted the Intro to Foods and Nutrition class, where students learn about nutrition and recipe development, and participate in hands-on experimentation.
The Board received an update on the beginning teacher support program, which fulfills statutory requirements and pairs new teachers with mentors to guide professional learning. The program focuses on teacher retention and developing reflective practitioners during the first few years in the profession. The program includes five modules: classroom environment, planning, instruction, assessment practices, and professional responsibility. For Modules 1—4, beginning teachers work with mentors for approximately ten hours per module, setting goals and implementing practices in the classroom. Module 5 is facilitated by Assistant Superintendent Laura Norbut. This year, nine beginning teachers are participating.
Board of Selectmen —March 18
Director of Community Services Peter Leclerc provided an update on the Parks and Recreation Department. He highlighted a request submitted to ACCE for a master plan study focused on the Parks and Recreation program. The study, which is not related to buildings, is intended to guide the development of a three, five, and ten-year strategic plan. He explained the scope of the study, who would conduct it, and how it would inform future decision-making for the program. He shared examples of similar initiatives undertaken by other municipalities, including Glastonbury and Simsbury.
Mr. Leclerc also reported on Summer Camp registration, which sold out within 15 minutes of going online. He provided updates on the upcoming summer concert series and movies on the Town Green, as well as the installation of new flooring at the Senior Center. In addition, he highlighted ongoing initiatives including the mini-bus program, the popular senior lunch program, and youth services.
Library Director Amy Vesella addressed the Board of Selectmen and reported strong library usage statistics. She noted that 32% of Suffield residents currently hold library cards and expressed her goal of increasing that number through a planned library card drive.
Ms. Vesella also provided an update on the Atrium project and noted that the Rotary has generously donated furniture for the new space. She shared that the popular chicken hatching program will be returning, with a live feed allowing residents to follow the chicks’ progress.
Economic Development Commission—March 19
Commission Projects Update:
• The electronic touch screen kiosk with Town information to be put in front of the Kent Library will be installed in the coming weeks.
• Chad Kuzontkoski, Economic Development Specialist, reported on the Sunrise Park Entrance project. The plans have been submitted to the Police Chief for his input and the police will present the request to the State Department of Transportation because the entrance is on a state highway. The new entrance will be a safety improvement.
Historic District Commission—March 16
N. Main Street — Bandstand Replacement:
Robin Zatony presented a finalized design for the proposed Town bandstand, which will replace the existing structure on the town’s middle green. She submitted detailed plans, including measurements, photographs, and diagrams, for the commission’s review.
Ms. Zatony explained that the new bandstand will be painted white with a pitched roof finished in architectural shingles. The steps will face Main Street, and the west side will feature a zero-threshold entrance to meet ADA accessibility requirements. The structure will include electrical service housed in a panel on the rear, a stamped concrete base, and stamped concrete stairs with a matching pattern. An unlit copper cupola with glass panels will be installed at the top.
During discussion, commission members raised concerns that the originally proposed black shingles might appear too stark against the design. Ms. Zatony provided alternative options for consideration, and the commission expressed a preference for a color identified as “Virginia Slate” in place of black.
Commisioner Moore- Manwaring moved, and Commissioner Tracey seconded, to approve the application for the Bandstand Replacement as submitted, with the modification that the roofing material be changed to the color “Virginia Slate” in lieu of black. Vote: 5-0 in favor. Motion passed unanimously.