Edward Bixler

The meeting involved the approval of the Payroll and Warrant dated January 29, 2026, totaling $67,435.09, which included payments to Dime Oil, Innovative, Sepples Tree Serv., and Sinnamon & Associates. The First Selectman commended the Goshen Public Works Department for managing repeated snowfalls and thanked the Goshen Fire Company volunteers for their readiness. It was announced that Lucille Paige would resign effective February 1, 2026. No items were discussed under Budget Review, Correspondence, Old Business, New Business, New Appointments, or Other Business.

The meeting commenced with a call to order. Key discussions included a report from the First Selectman acknowledging the Public Works Department's efforts regarding snow removal and noting the arrival of the newly purchased fire truck, which is scheduled for equipping. It was also announced that the Zoning Enforcement Officer has resigned, and a replacement search is underway. During the budget review, the Board voted to receive the Public Works Budgets for 2026-2027 and forward them to the Board of Finance. A warrant dated January 22, 2026, for $101,708.87 and payroll for $31,576.07, totaling $133,284.94, was approved. Public comment addressed the tabling of a Town Meeting and commended the Public Works Department.

The Board of Finance conducted its regular meeting, which included the election of officers, confirming Ned Bixler as Chairman and Robert Valentine as Vice Chairman. The board received and reviewed various financial reports, including the Tax Collector Report and the Selectman Report, where guidance on grants was requested. Key discussions involved the budget requests and capital proposals for several departments: Lake Weed, Selectmen, Fire Protection, Rescue, Public Works, Recreation, Town Office Building, and Waste Removal. Specific focus areas included salt shortages and potential additional expenses for Public Works, reasons for salary increases in the Recreation Department due to minimum wage changes, and discussions regarding the Town Hall window replacement and website upgrade costs. The Board of Selectman will coordinate with the Board of Finance to review and appropriate funds for unapproved expenses related to the Public Works Facility STEAP Project and West Hyerdale Bridge Project. An Interlocal Agreement was also endorsed and approved.

The meeting commenced with a call to order. Key discussions included the approval of a Payroll and Warrant dated January 08, 2026, totaling $55,648.38, which included specific disbursements for C&M Electric, Cardmember Services, and Morton Salt. In the First Selectman's Report, appreciation was extended to the Public Works Department for snow removal efforts, and information was provided regarding the Connecticut's 250 years celebration task undertaken by Litchfield. Under Old Business, discussion focused on the draft Code of Ethics, where a committee member presented the initial steps taken, and the Board expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts.

The meeting addressed procedural matters concerning the loss of the zoom connection during the previous week's meeting, ensuring CT FOIA compliance. Key discussions included reviewing and forwarding the 2026-2027 Budget requests, which totaled several line items including Fire Protection and Recreation, to the Board of Finance for consideration. The Board also received an update from the Ethics Committee regarding the ongoing development of 'Ethics Draft' policies for the Town. In new business, an announcement was made regarding a one-time 'Grief Support' Group meeting hosted by Goshen Community Care. Furthermore, the Purchasing Policy was updated to equalize the initial spending threshold across all departments from $0-$1,000 to $0-$2,500.