Douglas E. Colter

The Commission conducted an election of officers, resulting in the selection of a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The Zoning Enforcement Officer presented reports regarding home occupation permits, cottage bakery regulations, and building activity. The Commission granted a second extension of time for a Temporary Certificate of Zoning Compliance requested by Tractor Supply Corporation. Additionally, the members initiated a review of livestock regulations, addressed a municipal referral from the Town of Franklin regarding a zone change, and received public comment on livestock management.

The board discussed and established the mill rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The Chairman provided a detailed review of current expenses, income, revenue, and budgetary status, along with a brief update regarding the status of the contract with the fire department.

The meeting included the adoption of an ordinance permitting archery hunting on specific town-owned lands and open space properties. Additionally, the assembly discussed and approved the appropriations for various divisions of town government, including education, general government, and capital expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions also addressed inquiries regarding the budget increase, the status of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, ambulance purchase transparency, and various infrastructure and planning line items.

The commission agenda includes a review of the financial status of various bank accounts, covering receipts and payments related to land transactions and cemetery expenses. Additional topics include the finalization of the property deed and closing documents for the Connell property, an update on parking lot proposals for the Bozrah Rural Cemetery Trail, the completion of stone wall maintenance, and a resolution regarding bank account signature updates.

The commission reviewed reports from the Wetlands Enforcement Officer concerning sediment issues at various local sites, including Gilman Bros. and Gesiak properties. New business included an application for a single-family dwelling that was subsequently withdrawn due to being incomplete, the acceptance of an application for a detached garage, and a discussion regarding draft language for upland review area regulations. Additional business included a briefing on administrative support services, the appointment of an interim Wetlands Enforcement Officer following a retirement, and status updates regarding logging operations and dam testing.