James Carroll

The Board of Selectmen meeting covered several operational and administrative reports including the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Public Works, Fire Department, Fire Marshal, Finance Manager, Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Town Treasurer, Library, and Custodial department updates. Public comments addressed drainage and speeding concerns on local roads. Old business included updates on the Traffic Authority sign installations, Church Street reconstruction, the Rimmon Schoolhouse lead remediation project, 250th-anniversary planning, and the Master Fee Schedule. New business involved various board appointments and reappointments to commissions such as the Conservation Commission, Parks and Recreation, and the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, as well as the approval of tax refunds.

The commission reviewed new applications, including a stormwater management application for 75 Pent Road and a stormwater management application for 340 Burton Road, both of which involved discussions on fee deferrals and conditions of approval. The commission also finalized and adopted the amended 2026 Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Map. Additionally, members received reports on various active permits and discussed ongoing maintenance concerns for detention and retention ponds.

The commission held its monthly meeting to discuss organizational updates, including the welcome of a new member. The primary focus was an update on Trails Day 2026, scheduled to feature morning and afternoon hikes at Acre 39 and Matthies Park, respectively, along with plans for digital promotion of the event through the town website and school communications.

The meeting covered the review of the Water Treatment Plant upgrade project and infrastructure improvements for North Main Street and the Century, Division, and Maple areas. A response from the First Selectman regarding project jurisdiction was read into the record, leading the Chairman to request a review of town ordinances and WPCA regulations to clarify the board's purpose and duties. Additionally, the commission discussed a sewer replacement application.

The commission addressed various old and new business items, including an excavation and grading permit for 40 Lancaster, updates on pending litigation for the Hawks View Subdivision, and an amendment to zoning conditions for Hopp Brook Estates. Regarding new business, the commission approved an attached accessory dwelling unit at 26 Fairfield Place and accepted an application for excavation and grading at the Pines Bridge Industrial Park, scheduling a public hearing for June. Additionally, discussions were held regarding the land use fee schedule, member training requirements, and general property maintenance and blight enforcement issues.