Joseph A. Pajak

The board discussed correspondence regarding traffic safety and solar array development. Updates were provided on town administration matters, the Plan of Conservation and Development, the Murdock Solar project, and the Killingly/Pomfret sewer agreement. The board also addressed general town topics including bulky waste event scheduling, road conditions, and the Green Team's Earth Day planning. Discussions were held regarding the upcoming fiscal year budget workshop, firefighter tax abatements, tax refunds, and bridge replacement projects.

This Branding Strategy for Pomfret, Connecticut, aims to define and promote the town's unique identity. It establishes the core brand essence around Beauty, Charm, History, and Proximity, intended to represent Pomfret's rural lifestyle, attract businesses and visitors, and foster community pride. Key recommendations include forming a Brand Leadership Team, updating zoning regulations, developing a social media-focused marketing plan, and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities.

The meeting included the addition of two proposed items to the agenda: a letter to State Education Committee Members regarding funding percentages from the ECS and Excess Cost Grant, and a discussion concerning the necessity of a scheduled March 23rd meeting, which was retained as a workshop. Key new business involved presentations of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budgets. The Board of Selectmen presented a General Government budget totaling $3,596,769, an increase of 4.63%. The Board of Education presented its budget totaling $12,240,903, representing a 4.4% increase. The Board approved sending a drafted letter to Connecticut's Education Committee Members concerning small school dynamics and funding impacts. Other business included confirming meeting schedules and retaining the March 23rd meeting as a workshop. Correspondence included a FOIA request for records related to the April 2025 BOF meeting concerning the BOE Non-Lapsing Fund.

The Board of Trustees reviewed the Treasurer's Report, noting that the budget is satisfactory. The Librarian's Report indicated that the Board of Selectmen established an Artist Laureate position instead of a Poet Laureate. The Board accepted the guidelines and application for the Artist Laureate role. The Building Committee provided an update, stating the library expansion project is nearly complete, with an open house scheduled for April 11th. Under New Business, the Board reviewed building use policies from other towns and decided to finalize their own policy at the next meeting, allowing the librarian discretion in the interim. Additionally, the Board approved a request for $3,500 from the Margaret G. Deal fund to be granted to the Friends of the Library to cover miscellaneous expenses related to the new addition.

The meeting covered several significant topics including updates on the Pomfret Proprietors' activities in preparation for the America 250th Celebration and the Town-Wide Tag Sale. The Sustainability Commission recommended using grant funds for an energy audit on the community center, and discussions touched upon upcoming equity training and collaboration on Dark Skies regulations. An update on the ERTD grant indicated a smaller award than anticipated, presenting challenges for the mapping project. The POCD Commission reviewed land use and planned subsequent zoning discussions. In new business, the group discussed defining affordable housing, noting the pending expiration of the current Affordable Housing Plan. Several items, including build-out parameters, zoning regulations review, and business attraction/retention, were tabled for the next meeting, with an agreement to review POCD survey results next month.