Andrew J. Armstrong

The Pedestrian Facilities Management Plan for the Town of Cromwell formalizes existing and future pedestrian facilities and access within the Town's Right-of-Way. It encompasses town master planning, ADA transition plan requirements, design guidelines, and maintenance practices for pedestrian facilities. The plan details the Town's commitment to meeting accessibility standards, including ADA Title II requirements, through self-evaluation, corrective actions, and ongoing maintenance goals, aiming to ensure safe and accessible pedestrian routes.

Key discussions included member recruitment, requiring members to submit bios and photos, and reviewing spring and summer 2026 programs and volunteer opportunities. New business involved planning for the Family Resource Expo scheduled for March 10, including volunteer coordination and soliciting raffle prizes. An update on the proposed FY27 budget was provided. Standing reports covered various activities, such as legislative advocacy by the Connecticut Youth Services Association, the annual Valentine's for Veterans program which mailed over 1,300 valentines, enrichment activities at local schools focusing on stress management and healthy relationships, the upcoming switch of Recreation's registration software, and the Town's transition to a new website and .gov email addresses. Police Department reports noted the start of DARE at Woodside Intermediate School and plans for an Easter event. The Cromwell Middle School report detailed academic activities like Black History Month celebrations, science standards practice, concerts, map presentations, and dissections. Prevention efforts included conducting four QPR Suicide Prevention trainings for firefighters and reporting a significant increase in collected medications via the Prescription drop box.

The meeting agenda was approved unanimously. Key discussions included public comments regarding field conditions at CMS, noting concerns about new field lines, inadequate yellow fence stoppers for softball visibility, insufficient backstop protection for spectators, and uneven outfield surfaces presenting safety risks. The Perkins Eastman report covered the PV system update, where approval was sought to resubmit updated Phase 4 documents to the state to proceed with bidding for installation scheduled for July/August, with an estimated cost increase to $1.66 million. The Board of Education participated in a joint vote to approve these PV documents. The Newfield Report noted that eight punchlist items remain open pending favorable weather for final field work. Financial updates from Arcadis detailed the current Owner's Contingency amounts and the approval of invoices totaling $630,841.69 from various vendors. Additionally, the committee approved Perkins Eastman's extended services proposal with an upset value of $40,000.

The key discussion topic for this budget workshop meeting centers around the General Fund Budget Requests. Specifically, the council is scheduled to discuss and take action on requests from Public Works (including all divisions), the Town Clerk, Revenue Collections, the Assessor's Office, and the Board of Assessment Appeals. The agenda also provides time for general citizen comments and any other budgetary matters.

The special meeting primarily focused on a presentation from Weston and Sampson regarding the design of athletic field improvements at Woodside Intermediate School. Discussions covered existing soil conditions, including topsoil depth, composition, and drainage concerns, comparing three proposed options for reconstruction. The Council and Board of Finance inquired about field usability after rain, maintenance requirements, long-term costs, and subsurface drainage chambers, which are designed to store runoff from up to a 50-year storm. Citizens raised concerns regarding potential residential flooding, field durability under increased use, and the need for further groundwater testing before construction. Alternative drainage approaches and the scope of work affecting adjacent fields were also discussed. The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion.