Douglas Beaudoin

Key discussions during the meeting included the review of the 2025 calendar-year financial report and comparison with previous years, noting no Q4 cabin rental revenue. The Commission discussed park usage and rental policies, ultimately deciding to limit Small Event Rentals for 2026 due to personnel constraints; rental summaries were ordered to be published. In maintenance, the resignation of a Woodstock representative was noted. The final As-Built Report for the Trout Pond Dam Project was received and submitted to close out the project, costing $80,505 split between Woodstock and Eastford. Updates were provided on invasive species removal efforts, including the acquisition of a 2018 Yale Forestry study. A contractor bid will be sought for rebuilding the causeway embankment. Progress on the Disc Golf Course included work on a Tee Sign Sponsorship program and a Membership Program, with one new aluminum tee sign installed via sponsorship. The floor was opened to discuss relocating and fencing the dumpster.

The special meeting focused primarily on the Ivy Glenn Boiler Project. The agenda included a formal bid opening, where three bids were received from Cowan Family Plumbing (two bids) and Paige Co., Inc. Following the bid opening, the Selectmen discussed the proposals and voted to accept the proposal from Paige Co., Inc., including the addition of glycol, as it was deemed the best value despite not being the lowest bid.

Key discussions included the review of the current budget, with instructions for the Chair to distribute fund usage details. The commission discussed honoring a long-time member, Anne Latham, with a memorial sign at the native plants garden, aiming for installation by Earth Day 2026. Progress on the Natchaug Watershed Study, funded by an EPA grant, was reviewed, noting subgroups examining topics like pollinator gardens and fish travel paths, with a public event scheduled for May 2026. Planning for the Experience Eastford Day event in June 2026, where the commission will have a booth, was addressed. The commission also initiated an inquiry into the pros and cons of historic designation for the Ivy Glenn building. Furthermore, plans were discussed for participating in the Quiet Corner Garden Club's white oak tree planting initiative to commemorate the USA's 250th anniversary, contingent upon the town agreeing to care for the tree. Finally, insights from the UConn Pollinator Conference were shared.

The special meeting included the acceptance of Carl Ringuette's resignation with thanks. Key discussions involved adopting the Ivy Glenn Orin Carpenter Fund Policy and Procedure. Updates were provided regarding the replacement of the Ivy Glenn boiler, which failed state inspection, and the repair under warranty for the Town Office Building's furnace heat exchanger. The Board reviewed the CT DOT Guidelines for Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices. Updates on open positions for Snowplow Drivers and a TS Attendant were also provided. A motion to review the draft of the updated Town of Eastford Employee Handbook was tabled. The Plan of Conservation and Development Survey was distributed to encourage resident participation.

The commission discussed a re-subdivision application from Richard and Amy Bowen, focusing on driveway length, bump outs, and sight lines, and set a public hearing for January 13, 2026. They also reviewed and discussed the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), with Mary Hawley, the Assessor, providing insights on the PA 490 program and open space policies. The latest draft survey was reviewed, and the town planner reported on COG reviewing HB8002. Additionally, there was a notice of violation for an 8-unit apartment on Ashford Road and paving of Ashford Lake Drive.