Tai Kern

The committee reviewed its assigned charge, focusing on two principal goals: discussing required renovations necessary to preserve the Swift House property or determining the measures required if the property were to be sold. Discussion included determining potential uses of the property to influence renovation costs, reviewing interest from a potential local buyer interested in preserving the property for town benefit, and exploring private funding sources. A critical element discussed was the importance of establishing a Preservation Easement to ensure preservation regardless of future ownership. The committee also verified the availability of capital plan funds for ADA compliance and renovations, and discussed listing the Swift House on state and national historic registries. The course of action forward determined was to compose a list of possible uses, preview the previous Task Force's report and survey results, and prepare easement language. Public comments included opinions on collected data, zoning regulations, and parking.

The key discussion focused on reviewing appeals of the October 1, 2025 grand list for several owners, including appeals related to property at 26 Elizabeth Street and 196 Kent Cornwall Road. Hearings for these appeals were scheduled for March 14, 2026. Furthermore, an appeal from Howard Sabin and Traci Slatton regarding 221 Fuller Mountain Road was denied due to missing the February 20, 2026 submission deadline. Notices for the three appeals reviewed will be promptly mailed to the appellants, and a subsequent special meeting was scheduled to conduct the hearings and make related decisions.

The meeting included the elevation of alternate members as necessary. Key discussions and possible actions centered on the election of Commission Officers, resulting in the unanimous re-election of Rufus de Rham as Chairman and the election of Kevin Frost as Vice Chair after a nomination process. The meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter. The document also contains the Town of Kent Parks and Recreation Commission By-Laws, detailing objectives, officer duties, election procedures, operating funds, program guidelines, and amendment protocols.

The commission approved the amended agenda and the minutes from the previous regular meeting. Key old business discussions involved the Forest Management Plan for Emery Park presented by the Forester, Jim Gillespie, focusing on tree health, invasive species control, and recreation emphasis over logging, leading to the plan's acceptance with future addendums. New business covered amendments to the Parks and Recreation Commission By-Laws to align with FOIA requirements for voting and clarity, and an expression of interest in solar power for park uses such as lighting and charging stations. The commission also approved several youth spring sports programs, including wiffleball, flag football, tennis, and softball. Capital project discussions included an update on the Emery Park Swimming Area Project RFP, for which bids were rejected by the Board of Selectmen. In the Director's Report, the upcoming Spring Equinox Hike and budget discussions were noted. Furthermore, the commission addressed job descriptions for the Camp Kent Director/Assistant Recreation Director and the Counselor in Training Coordinator positions. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the After School Program, resulting in a motion to reopen the budget to allocate funds for hourly employees for the next fiscal year and the establishment of a subcommittee to propose a viable operating model. Finally, the commission requested the Board of Selectmen incorporate a new dedicated line item for senior trips into the budget.

The Commission addressed several applications under Old Business. For Application 1392-25 regarding a single-family home construction, approval was granted contingent upon the submission of a final site plan containing all required information, noting that the submitted as-built showed a non-conforming garage setback requiring ZBA approval. Application 1395-26, concerning the removal of downed trees from a brook, was approved with conditions for removal during frozen ground conditions. Application 1396-26, a wetlands crossing for a driveway, was approved pending submission of a map showing the pull-off area outside the regulated zone; it was also noted this lot requires a future subdivision application. Under New Business, no items were addressed. Communications included accepting an alternate's resignation and noting pesticide renewals. The Commission discussed the Herbicide Working Group matter, determining enforcement purview lies with DOT and DEEP, and resolved to encourage DEEP enforcement while notifying the First Selectman of their concerns.