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 Finance and Facilities Subcommittee—September 3, 2026:
Director of Facilities Larry Plano outlined the status of projects throughout various buildings. Most projects are being completed within acceptable timelines and on budget. Longer term projects such as a potential photovoltaic roof at Suffield High School and exterior work at Spaulding School are still in progress.
Superintendent Matt Dunbar discussed findings related to the Suffield Middle School Building Project new building site selection, as well as options associated with “Renovate as New.” There is a proposed meeting in the future between the Suffield Permanent Building Commission and the Board of Education to discuss these options in greater detail.
Board of Selectmen—September 2, 2026 Facilities Project Updates:
• Lee Corbert, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the Suffield Street culvert, which was closed after an inspection revealed a large crack and movement of the sidewall. The Town is pursuing a temporary bridge, estimated at $225,000–$250,000, to reopen the roadway while the permanent replacement proceeds. Installation is targeted for September 21, subject to utility coordination. The permanent project has been prioritized for engineering and permitting, with construction anticipated next spring. Mr. Corbert also reviewed the required engineering, soil testing and state and federal permitting involved in bridge and culvert replacements.
• Director Corbert also updated the Board on the High School/Bruce Park bridge project. He explained that the project is awaiting materials, with construction expected to begin in December and be completed by the end of January.
• He reported that the Copper Hill Road culvert and Hickory Street Bridge projects are progressing through design and permitting, with bidding anticipated in November and construction next spring or summer. Phelps Road work is also progressing, with roadway milling and reconstruction anticipated to begin by the end of September.
• Kevin Goff, Chairman and Glenn Neilson, Vice Chairman of the Permanent Building Commission provided an update on the Facilities Master Plan and school projects. The High School HVAC rooftop project is progressing, with exterior work completed and controls being installed, followed by commissioning to evaluate the overall system. The High School roofing project is moving forward, with a contractor recommended and materials expected to require a 60-day lead time, followed by approximately 120 working days of construction. The PBC is also seeking a special inspector for the project, while the solar portion is still being evaluated.
• The Middle School planning process has been delayed after soil conditions, wetlands, setbacks and vernal pools limited the previously considered expansion site. The PBC is working with the architects, consultants and other stakeholders to develop an alternative campus configuration that would avoid land acquisition, improve on-site bus and vehicle circulation, and increase capacity. Updated and independent cost estimates will be obtained, with the planning process now expected to extend into the spring. December 1 remains an important deadline for establishing the overall project budget and preparing bond information.
• Regarding the Firehouse 1 project, the PBC recommended constructing a new facility at the annex property, which would provide space for up to four bays and a drive-through garage. Additional evaluation of site grading and related improvements will be required. The PBC also reviewed approximately 670 responses to the community survey, noting that while the results were not statistically representative, respondents generally favored new construction over renovation. The Board and PBC agreed that updated construction estimates and continued public outreach will be important as the Facilities Master Plan progresses.