Steven V. Bielenda

The meeting included an update and presentation on the Nutmeg Solar Project by NextEra Energy Resources. Key discussion points covered the project's location, size (19.6 megawatts over 131 acres), estimated annual energy production (37,000 megawatt hours), and construction timeline aiming for completion by November 2020. The presentation detailed completed environmental and engineering studies, including DEEP concurrence in July/August 2018, and subsurface testing showing no bedrock concerns. The council was informed about the pending declaratory ruling petition with the Siting Council, which has a hearing scheduled for January 10th. Discussions focused heavily on the partnership aspects, including progress on a tax stabilization agreement projected to bring over six million dollars in tax revenue over 20 years, and community feedback incorporation, such as using agricultural fencing and a 15-foot vegetative screening buffer. Concerns raised by council members related to soil mitigation/restoration after project life, the nature of the agricultural fencing, required maintenance (mowing schedule), and visual impact from the roadway. The meeting also transitioned into setting ground rules for a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 14 sections 14-171 through 14-187, Property Maintenance Ordinance for the Town Code.

The meeting featured presentations from several organizations seeking funding. Survivor Journeys detailed its mission to provide emotional, social, and educational support for cancer survivors, including support groups and a national mentoring program, requesting $5,000 for expansion. Enfield People For People and the Enfield Safe Harbor Warming Center presented their work providing a safe, warm space for the homeless, requesting $10,000 primarily for staffing to extend operating hours and transportation, noting successful placements in permanent housing for some guests. Educational Resources For Children requested $15,000 in level funding to subsidize children for their summer camp, which focuses on preventing summer learning loss through educational and recreational activities for students in grades K-8. The Asnuntuck Community College Foundation presented on their food pantry addressing food insecurity among community college students, requesting funding to support operations, volunteer training materials, and supplies.

The discussion centered on the town's roofs, led by a presentation from Jeff Leonson, Deputy Director of Public Works Operations, following work by the Joint Building Committee and Joint Facilities Committee. The initial hope for a referendum on roofs and roads did not materialize. The presentation provided a primer on the current state of town roofs, which have an average age of 20 to 25 years, detailing a roofing condition analysis using a management index where many priority facilities were rated as poor (end of life). Key operational concerns were highlighted, including the current slow pace of replacement under pre-referendum limits (18+ years for elementary schools) and annual direct costs of approximately $62,000 for leak repairs. A proposed aggressive six-year capital improvement program (CIP) plan was introduced to address priority targets—facilities whose shutdown would significantly disrupt town services—by completing multiple roof projects concurrently. This plan emphasizes leveraging state reimbursements for Board of Education properties to establish a sinking fund for future work, allowing for a faster transition away from the protracted replacement schedule. Specific FY2022 targets include Police Department replacement and preservation efforts for the Senior Center and Central Library. The strategy aims to complete over 436,000 square feet of preservation or replacement across 11 facilities in six years, with a projected $9 million in state reimbursement over six years.

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting addressed the approval of previous minutes with a minor correction requested regarding the term "fending" to "fencing". Key discussions focused on public hearings: continued public hearing 2974 was tabled to June 11, 2020, due to applicant issues with requested plans. New public hearing 2973 regarding 55 Cottage Road was tabled to allow staff and the applicant to resolve compliance issues related to building coverage and a potential zoning board of appeals variance. Under new business, the Commission reviewed a referral (8-24) concerning the Town Council's plan to acquire 800 Enfield Street, discussing its proposed use for non-contactless permitting and the potential implications of the drive-through facility, ultimately issuing a positive referral. Subsequently, the Commission reviewed a site plan application (XSP R2007) for converting the former bank at 800 Enfield Street into a government office, specifically debating the allowance of the existing drive-through for government use versus its current allowance only for financial institutions or take-out meals, and a motion passed to approve the site plan review with conditions. Other business included updates on Requests for Proposals (RFQs/RFPs) for consultants and general discussion regarding outdoor dining patio approvals.

The discussion primarily revolved around planning a public engagement event, structured as an open house with eight activity stations, designed to gather community feedback for the Plan of Conservation and Development. A significant portion of the meeting focused on defining the geographic area considered 'Thompsonville,' with multiple perspectives offered on its boundaries, and discussing the use of maps for resident orientation and activity participation. Specific activities planned included identifying neighborhood 'prouds and sorries,' identifying community assets, ranking issues on continuums, and a mock investment exercise using play money. The group also discussed strategies for widely advertising the event, including distribution at local businesses, social media, community events, and key locations like libraries and social services facilities. Additionally, there was an update on the reformatting and review of the overall Plan of Conservation and Development document, emphasizing the need for high-level policy feedback.