Donald Murphy

Key discussions during the meeting included updates regarding the posting of the vacant Public Works Director and Highway Superintendent positions, with plans for an interim Superintendent appointment shortly thereafter. The Board was asked to consider and review suggestions for the future of the Transfer Station facility and to reassess the Truck Leasing Program's cost-effectiveness, especially concerning off-lease equipment. In new business, the Board resolved to develop a policy for scheduling paving and drainage work based on pre-evaluation testing, and a request was made to contact the Terryville Post Office regarding driveway entrance potholes. During public comment, inquiries were made about leased equipment return policies and traffic calming measures on Route 6. Additionally, a resident expressed satisfaction with recent paving work and concern over the status of a State project, noting the expected 2027 completion date, and advocated for replacing Todd Bridge and establishing a Senior/Children's Center. The Board also reviewed and amended the 2026 meeting calendar.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included holding the approval of the April 8, 2025, minutes for clarification regarding charges to the Board of Education for police presence during educational activities. The board subsequently approved various prior meeting minutes spanning from March 20, 2025, through September 18, 2025, with one abstention noted for several sets of minutes. Newly elected board members were introduced, along with clarification that a specific Town Councilman serves as a liaison, not a member of the Finance Board. The Board of Finance 2026 Meeting schedule was discussed and unanimously approved, with specific dates set through December 2026. Discussions also covered a newly created expenditure report summarizing year-to-date budgeted versus expensed allocations, the final audit report timeline, and scheduling a meeting with the auditor. The board addressed correspondence, including Board of Education reports, and discussed the Risk Assessment report, with copies requested for future discussion. Furthermore, discussions covered capital planning, specifically IT, and coordination with the Library regarding a grant application requiring a special appropriation for Wi-Fi upgrades. Public comments requested copies of documents and transparency regarding reports. The meeting adjourned after all business was concluded.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a note on fire exits. A significant discussion point involved seeking clarification regarding a previous answer from April 8, 2025, specifically concerning whether the Board of Education is charged for utilizing police presence tied to an education activity. A motion was passed to hold the approval of the April 8, 2025, minutes until this clarification was obtained. The agenda also listed several minutes from March and April 2025 for potential approval.

The Board of Finance meeting included the election of officers, with Eugene Croce nominated as Chairman and Vicky Carey as Vice-Chairman. Public comments emphasized the importance of transparency and the availability of information to the public. Board members discussed monthly reports, budget formatting, and historical numbers. The Mayor discussed the preparation of monthly expenditure and revenue reports. Eugene Croce mentioned plans to address unapproved minutes, the Police Extra Duty fund policy, and the audit. The Finance Director noted the receipt of a rough draft from the 2024 audit.

The committee discussed updates from the State DOT regarding the N Main St realignment project, which has been delayed. There were discussions about changes requested by the Town, such as angled parking and a turning lane, which were declined by the DOT. The committee also explored funding opportunities, including Community Development Block Grants and HUD Grants, and reviewed Façade Improvement programs set up by other Towns. They considered combining public and private funding, partnering with local banks, and involving the school for community service. A meeting was scheduled with the Municipal Development Authority to gather information on funding sources and program eligibility. The committee also discussed strategies for keeping the public engaged and informed about the project's progress.