Jen Griger

The board conducted a review and discussion of the proposed FY2026-27 budget. Key agenda items included receiving public comment in favor of the Recreation and Leisure budget and executing several adjustments to the baseline budget proposal, involving various reductions and additions to line items such as road maintenance, state police funding, and the general fund. Ultimately, the board approved a total budget of $9,633,708.

Key discussions focused on website development, narrowing the third party pay vendor down to Donor Box, with the Town webmaster assisting in setup. Input was shared regarding donation tabs, and a QR code will be linked once the Donor Box URL is secure. The committee reviewed the submission of images and preferences for a planned drone show, noting that music accompaniment will be determined later. The mailing to area businesses and the 'Field of Flags' mailing are both awaiting the application of the Donor Box QR code. Updates included a forthcoming survey from the Superintendent to identify school-based activities and publicizing them on the America 250 calendar. Additionally, the process for finalizing food truck applications, including a $100 participation fee to cover costs like trash and upkeep, was discussed. Clarification is being sought regarding insurance coverage requirements for the event.

Key discussions included the election of officers, resulting in Shawn Curtis as Chairman and Karen Murdoch as Secretary. Correspondence covered a press release regarding new board elections, follow-up from the Land Use Department regarding new business startups, coordination on the POCD, and merging a business listing for America 250. Old business items addressed positive feedback on the Featured Business Update format, status updates on the Shoppes of Somers project, and brainstorming possible guest speakers for future meetings. New business involved the approval of the 2026 meeting schedule, confirmation of the 2026 budget balance, and initial review of 2026 goals focusing on increased liaison with the Land Use Office and inviting other Town committee representatives to meetings. The Commission also discussed Google Drive usage policies, delegated the Featured Business program leadership, planned to research local Chamber of Commerce involvement, and initiated the process to seek candidates for an open EDC vacancy. Business issues noted included inquiries about staff backup plans and concerns regarding decision timelines by Town Staff. A group photo was taken for outreach purposes.

The key discussion items included the presentation of the Library Budget and the Fire Department Budget for consideration. The Board accepted the resignations of Susan Peck from the America250 Ad-Hoc Planning Committee and James O'Hearn from the Economic Development Committee. Furthermore, the Board approved Scheduled Payments totaling $205,881.80. Regarding the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Village Players Building at 55 School Street, the Board recommended incorporating language from the Town Attorney and scheduling future consideration with the Special Projects Committee once its members are appointed.

The meeting included discussions regarding property management, specifically apartment rentals. Updates detailed move-ins for vacant units in Phase I and noted a vacancy in Phase II requiring refurbishment. Discussions also covered the condition of facilities, focusing on addressing snow and ice removal, which impacted staff time for routine work orders and necessitated the hiring of bucket trucks for roof clearing due to accessibility issues and leak concerns. The financial review highlighted that Phase I barely broke even in January due to snow contract fees, elevator repair, and firewatch fees, while Phase II was slightly stronger. The Resident Services Coordinator's activities were also reviewed, noting her assistance with snow removal inquiries and coordination with town social services for blanket distribution.