Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting – October 13, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. and adjourned at 6:43 p.m. The board discussed and voted on meeting minutes, received progress reports on Flatwood Park upgrades, transfer station fees, and the library beech tree, held public comment sessions, and covered election information and school visioning workshops.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of August 18 and September 8, 2026 with corrections (a quote correction in the September 8 minutes regarding a statement by Selectman Gates). Vote: 3 in favor, 0 opposed (one member abtained due to not being present for the September 8 meeting).
• Approved minutes of September 22, 2026 as presented. Vote: 2 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abtaint (the member not present for that meeting).
• Discussion and approval of special meeting minutes (September 23 and October 5) were tabled until the next meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First Audience: Steve (46 River Street) commented on re-painted lines on River Street, noting the yellow line extends to the crosswalk in front of Hallie Joe's with no stop white line, causing cars to block the crosswalk and impede left turns. He requested the line be moved back about 15 feet, similar to the opposite side. The board acknowledged the observation.
• Second Audience: Gary Clark (464 River Drive, via online) asked two questions: (1) Regarding the Flatwood Park concession stand, he confirmed it was covered by the grant and asked if any added costs would require a town meeting. The board responded that the grant is $433,500 with a $50,000 town match approved by town meeting, and any significant additional expenses would be brought to public discussion. (2) Regarding the library beech tree, he stated it is a liability and should be removed via an RFP. The board noted community attachments and planned a public hearing and RFP, with estimated removal cost of about $15,000; Mr. Clark suggested it could be done for less. An additional unanmed resident then commented on lack of oversight at the transfer station, with people mixing metal items into bulky waste, increasing disposal costs. The board agreed with the frustrations.

Discussion Items

• Transfer Station Committee Progress Report: No committee representative attended. First Selectman summarized recent discussions on a new fee schedule for brush and bulky waste (e.g., rugs, couches) to address rising costs ($110/ton for bulky waste) and perceived abuse. Proposed fees will be presented to the town of Chester (joint contract) before implementation.
• Flatwood Park Upgrades:
  • A prefab concrete concession building with ADA restrooms was delivered and set on its foundation (awarded to Running Brook Farm for $399,059). The $433,500 grant includes a $50,000 town match approved by town meeting. Kitchen equipment was added with state permission.
  • A separate playground grant (about $42,000 remaining) provided new equipment including adaptive pieces and swings, now at the town garage awaiting installation.
  • Completion expected by spring 2027.
• Harbor Master Position Update: Deputy harbor master needed; Nick Kornacki will continue as harbor master. Interested individuals can contact the board. Interviews to be scheduled.
• Sustainable Deep River: The Sustainable Deep River committee earned the Climate Leader Designation (tied to its 2024 silver award), with a $16,667 prize for a municipal climate mitigation project. Committee members listed: Sarah Connor (chair), Lenore Grunko, Jeffrey Gross, Tom Growe, James Lockhart, Nancy O'Neill McGee, and Brittany Gagnan. An awards ceremony will be held November 10 at the Wadsworth (in Hartford, 4–7 p.m.); the board considered canceling or postponing its regular meeting that night to attend.
• Library Beech Tree: The beech tree in front of the library is at the end of its life, posing trip hazards (uplifted sidewalks), dropping large limbs, and risk of total failure. The tree warden will hold a public hearing (tentatively last week of October, pending availability of an arborist). Options include carving the stump or using the wood for a library table. The board agreed to cone off the area, especially given increased election activity.
• Election Information: General election November 3 (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) at the library community room. Early voting October 19 – November 1 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours October 27–29). Absentee ballots available. Curbside voting available upon request.
• Region 4 School Visioning Workshops: Three community engagement sessions: October 28 (Chester Elementary, 6:30–8:30 p.m.), October 29 (Deep River Elementary, 4–6 p.m.), November 4 (Essex Elementary, 7–9 p.m.), and a culminating meeting November 10 (John Winthrop Middle School, 7–9 p.m.). All community members invited.
• Other Selectman Reports:
  • Follow-up on proposed ordinance: waiting for attorney input; Planning and Zoning will discuss at its October 21 meeting.
  • Holiday events: Festival of Trees (registration ends early November); Light Parade and Holiday Stroll December5.
  • Proposing a special meeting to discuss ideas for spending $1.8 million in ARPA funds before the next Board of Finance meeting.
  • Need for a meeting with the Housing Authority (likely executive session).
  • B&W Paving scheduled a site walkthrough for River Street and High Street issues.
  • Fire house building committee is reviewing alternative sites beyond Union Street.

Key Outcomes

• Meeting minutes approved as detailed.
• Transfer station fee changes will be developed and coordinated with Chester.
• Flatwood Park concession building delivered; new playground equipment ordered; project expected complete spring 2027.
• Deputy harbor master position open for applications.
• November10 meeting may be rescheduled to allow board members to attend Sustainable Deep River awards.
• Library beech tree public hearing set for late October; removal RFP expected.
• Community engagement for school visioning encouraged.
• Special meeting on ARPA spending to be scheduled.