David Rogers

The meeting included a review of the final 2025 Profit and Loss statement, which showed a loss of $10,581, and current cash on hand of $4,446. Financial statements and insurance policies, including the Workman's Comp policy, were forwarded to Litchfield and Morris Town Halls as required by the MOU. Discussions centered on the sustainability of running the beach at a loss, leading to a decision for the Chair to request an increase in municipal funding from Litchfield to cover operating costs due to factors like increased minimum wage, noting that SBC has not requested an increase in over 15 years. Other topics included making necessary changes to the Commission's rules document, updating the roof repair status (awaiting acceptable weather), and general discussion on recruiting new commission members from each town.

Key discussions included updating the Open Space Plan, specifically agreeing not to identify particular properties on maps but using them for developer subdivision evaluation, and concluding that setting an open space percentage goal was not useful. The commission addressed financing, noting the Town Attorney's opinion that Open Space Acquisition Funds cannot be used to enable the Land Trust to purchase property. The website's outdated open space map needs replacement with the current version. The Natural and Community Resource Inventory Project status was reviewed, with plans to obtain necessary maps and cost estimates. The enforcement of conservation easements was discussed, with some easements being very small, prompting a review of procedures for transferring them back to landowners. The commission also coordinated with Sustainable Litchfield regarding the Open Space Plan and agreed to sponsor a walk on the Greenway for Trails Day due to the Litchfield Community Greenway board's bandwidth limitations.

The meeting included the appointment of a regular seat member and discussions under Old Business concerning the Open Space Acquisition Project. The commission decided not to pinpoint specific parcels for preservation but rather to describe characteristics of valuable areas. A motion was passed to utilize scenic roads data as a criterion for evaluating open space parcels. Under New Business, the 2026 meeting schedule was adopted by unanimous consent. Coordination efforts were planned regarding the Open Space Plan with the P&Z and Sustainable Litchfield groups. Review of Action Items noted outstanding reimbursement for expenses and lack of follow-up from a member regarding the Town Attorney and a list of conservation easements.

The Design Review Advisory Committee provided favorable recommendations for several applications. This included the proposed modification to the Litchfield Community Center exterior by enclosing the north patio area, with adjustments to columns and door placement. Favorable recommendations were also given for proposed signage modifications for Webster Bank to align with their new color/logo combination. Furthermore, the committee recommended approval for View Point Enterprises to use the patio area on the north side of their façade for an outdoor display/showroom of custom furniture and outdoor kitchen layouts.

The meeting covered several operational updates and grant discussions. The Bantam Falls Rehab Project under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is reported as complete, pending one outstanding issue with outside garage lighting. An update on the State Sponsored Housing Improvement Program (SSHIP) indicated that the ConnApp for funding is nearly finished, and environmental testing results are awaited. The authority received $45,000 in partial funding from the Seherr-Thoss Foundation for bathroom remodeling at Wells Run, with one walk-in shower already installed. The Executive Director reported on overall snow cleanup success and provided timelines for recent unit inspections at Bantam Falls and Wells Run. The Director also noted upcoming training seminars on Bio Hazard Cleanup/Hoarding Management and the HARP fund. Financially, the Board accepted the December 2025 financial reports, including bank balances for various accounts. Under New Business, the Board selected interior finishes (paint, carpet, cabinets) for new units at River Bend, opting for the 'Cool Pallett' with a slight carpet modification. The session concluded with an Executive Session to review year-end bonuses.