Library Commission - May 13

New Library Director Jackie Hemond provided statistics and comparisons on library items usage, as well as a summary of the meetings she has had since arriving, initial "issues" she sees to focus on, and future items to consider in preparing our Strategic Plan. Jackie updated us on the desktop computer problems, and five options she is aware of for the temporary site of the library during renovations - none seeming very attractive. She added comments about improvements she felt necessary for security of the building, and the Historical Room and protection of the contents, as well as minor items to help staff. Jackie also understands that electrical will NOT be improved during this renovation. She advised us of EDGE Initiative software that libraries use for Strategy Planning.

The Town has finally chosen a final contractor for the ADA update, but bids have not yet been sent out.

Bruce Reitberg advised he is still to get strategic plan notes from Lynne Cigal regarding the PTO focus group meeting, so he can synthesize things. It was suggested we also visit Ed McAnanay (BofS) and someone from BofF to add their comments, since they need to approve all we plan.

Sam Coatti and Chris Rago said the annual Book Sale by the Friends of the Library during Suffield-on-the-Green may now take place at Hathaway House if the library is closed and under construction. Bob White was not present to update us. This will change our plans for SOG and we will consider having a location with them as well as one on the Green.

Bruce Reitberg updated us about the meeting with Andrew "Andy" Preissner regarding the proposal by the Suffield Chamber of Commerce and the Suffield Rotary to assist us in updating the patron desktop computers. Bruce also mentioned the high school getting Chrome Books for the students, and he will investigate obtaining 5-6 used or new laptops/Chrome Books for our patrons to use in circulation and for the computer class in the library to free-up our resources.

Conservation Commission - May 27

Under Decisions, the Commission started with Permit # 1618 - Cervione - Single Family Home - South Main Street. This property is located on the east side of South Main Street, nearest intersection being South Street.

Consultant Morris presented this application for construction of a single family home on South Main Street. The application is complete and there is no work proposed within regulated areas. A discussion followed on extending the tracking pad and replacement of the existing sidewalk should it be damaged during construction. The Commission approved the application with the following conditions:

• 1-11) Suffield Conservation Stipulations 1-11 shall apply (copy attached). 

• 12) A preconstruction meeting shall be held on site after soil and erosion controls have been installed. The meeting shall be attended by Commission members and/or their consultant, the applicant, and the site contractor.

• 13) The tracking pad shall be extended 25' and maintained in good working condition. If necessary, the street shall be swept.

• 14) If necessary, the sidewalk shall be replaced after construction is completed.

Next, they considered Permit # 1619 - Zaczynski - 2 Lot Subdivision - South Main Street. This property is located on the east side of South Main Street, nearest intersection being Limeric Lane.

Consultant Morris explained that this application is only for the resubdivision of land with no construction proposed at this time. After discussion, Vice Chairman Neilson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Vincent, to approve the application of Mathew Zaczynski for the resubdivision of land with no activity proposed at this time. The motion was made and carried unanimously.

The last Decision to be considered was for Permit # 1620 - TMC New England 2 LLC - CVS Pharmacy - Mountain Road. This property is located on the South Side of Mountain Road, nearest intersection being Ffyler Place.

Consultant Morris updated the Commission on this application for the construction of a CVS Pharmacy on Mountain Road. A small amount of work proposed within the regulated area is limited to removing the existing pavement and replacing it with lawn area with plantings. Mr. Morris also stated that each Commissioner has a memo from the Town Engineer regarding the proposed drainage for the site. The Town Engineer has conducted a preliminary review of the proposed drainage system and agrees with the overall concept.

Attorney Dan Klein introduced himself and project engineer Shannon Rutherford of VHB to the Commission. Ms. Rutherford presented the proposed plan to the Commission.

Chairman Christian asked about the condition of the two existing outfalls that the proposed drainage system shall tie into. A discussion followed on the condition of the existing pipe system to be utilized. Ms. Rutherford stated that they are in talks with the property owner to obtain permission to inspect these areas and make any necessary upgrades. Vice Chairman Neilson then asked if there had been any hazardous wastes studies done on the site. Ms. Rutherford stated that a Phase I and Phase II study had been done. A discussion then followed with Commissioner Krar and details of the catch basins shown on the plan.

After discussion, Vice Chairman Neilson made a motion, seconded by

Commissioner Reilly, to approve the application of TMC New England 2 LLC, with the following conditions:

• 1-11) Suffield Conservation Stipulations 1-11 shall apply (copy attached). 

• 12) A preconstruction meeting shall be held on site after soil and erosion controls have been installed. The meeting shall be attended by Commission members and/or their consultant, the applicant, and the site contractor. The Commission's consultant shall be periodically updated of progress during the demolition and construction phases of the project. This can be done via email.

• 13) The existing outfall pipe to the south shall be inspected and replaced if necessary. The Commission's consultant shall have the authority to review and approve any improvements/upgrades that are necessary to the existing outfalls.

• 14) The applicant is required to retain a soil and erosion control specialist who will provide biweekly updates to the Commission via email. He shall have the authority to require additional erosion controls and repairs to existing controls.

• 15) The Commission shall be given copies of existing hazardous waste reports conducted for the site and shall also be given copies of the manifests for the disposal of materials from the demolition of the existing structures on site.

Consultant Keith Morris updated the Commission on the violation on Austin Street, and fill that was being placed in and adjacent to a wetland on Halladay Ave. East. Mr. Morris also stated that the Town is in the process of hiring a landscape contractor to do additional work at the VOAG site.

Board of Selectmen (Special) - June 4

First Selectman McAnaney began by saying that, for purposes of this contract, the Town Hall union and the Dispatchers union negotiated as one union and approved the contract as one union but that in the future they would be two separate unions and would negotiate separately.

Mr. McAnaney outlined the changes between the current and new contracts in the area of health benefit deductibles and premium cost sharing for current employees, new employees and retirees. He also noted that new union employees will have defined contribution pension vs. a defined benefit pension. Additionally, the wage increase schedule was discussed. Selectman Chafetz asked about contract language changes and the First Selectman reported that they were minimal. Mr. McAnaney reported that the Town Hall Union, including the Dispatchers, ratified the contract on May 30th. Selectman Fitzgerald asked the First Selectman if he recommended the contract approval to the rest of the Board and he replied that he did.  The Board approved the contract on a 5-0 vote.

The Board then entered Executive Session to discuss Union Negotiations for the next hour.