Board of Selectmen Actions
At its September 14 regular meeting, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions:
- Authorized the Chief of Police to create a Community Service Dog program provided that funding for the program come only from fund-raising activities. In taking this action, the Board acknowledged other urgent law enforcement needs, particularly the Stop Speeding effort, and the strength of the fund-raising effort for the service dog program to date. Leo, the candidate service dog, attended the meeting.
- The Board reviewed a Business Development Tax Abatement application from the owner of 401 Albany Turnpike LLC. Because the applicant had reduced its request, the Board asked the Chief Administrative Officer to revise the Tax Incentive Summary to accurately reflect the new request. The Board will consider this revised request at its next meeting.
- The Board requested that the Planning and Zoning Commission review a request from the owner of 160 Bahre Corner Road for an easement over Town property to access his property.
- The Selectmen requested the Board of Finance approve a Town Meeting to transfer funds to cover approximately $275,000 in excess 2022–2023 expenses caused by inflation. An additional $181,000 will be requested at this meeting to cover a deficit in EMS costs. While excess revenue will cover some of these costs, the trend of deficit spending does not bode well for the Town’s fiscal future.
- The Selectmen accepted a donation of $6,500 from the Canton Little League to fund the completion of the Little League Softball field. The Selectmen also accepted a donation of $2,000 from Focus on Canton to the Senior Social Services Department to assist residents in need of housing.
- The Board approved a waiver of facility use fees for the Farmington River Watershed Association’s annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival.
On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions:
- The Board presented a proclamation to Linda Smith in recognition of her 22 years of dedicated service to the Town. She is retiring as Town Clerk on September 8.
- The Board dissolved the Temporary Senior Tax Relief Committee following its submission of a highly successful proposal to improve the Town’s Senior Tax Relief benefits. This proposal was approved by a Special Town Meeting on May 24, 2023.
- The Selectmen voted to proceed with the construction of two showers at the Community Center. This action helps realize the Town’s goal of having a complete Emergency Shelter at the Community Center. The Selectmen moved $17,000 from the undesignated portion of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to another CIP account entitled “Community Center Showers” and to award a contract to Mutch Nicer Enterprises for the work.
- The Board formally requested the Economic Development Agency (EDA) to generate a strategic plan that identifies and quantifies the many paths open to the Town over the next ten years. The plan should provide milestones and update points so the Town can make adjustments to its economic strategy based on evidence. The Board asked that the EDA provide a draft Strategic Plan in six months.
On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen held a special meeting followed by a regular meeting. The special meeting was held to interview a candidate for the position of Town Clerk. Immediately following the special meeting, the Board of Selectmen took the following actions:
- The Selectmen appointed Tracy Morrocco to the position of Town Clerk for the Town of Canton, effective September 9, 2023.
- The Board accepted the gift of flower beds and benches from Nathan Beadle as part of his Eagle Scout project. The project has been installed at the entrance to Mills Pond Park.
- The Board approved the submittal of a Small Town Economic Assistance Grant of $468,105 to fund sewer system improvements.
- The Board approved the submittal of a Homeland Security Grant application and acceptance of the resulting Emergency Management Performance grant in the amount of $5,000.
- The Selectmen approved a naming policy to govern the process whereby Town facilities could be dedicated to an individual.
- The Selectmen granted an easement to Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG) to relocate its gas line for the new Fire and EMS facility on River Road.
- The Board reviewed a plan to remove two non-structural pillars in front of the Canton Library. These pillars are leaning toward the building and threaten the safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area. The Selectmen recommended that the Town not expend funds to replace these pillars.
At its regular meeting on July 26, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions:
- The Selectmen authorized the Town Attorney to take legal action against the owner of 31 Garrett Road for violating a Cease and Desist order that was issued in April.
- The Board reviewed and approved a proposal to install showers at the Canton Community Center. The showers will allow the building to be used as a full service emergency shelter. An additional $11,872 will be needed to complete the installation. Funding is available in the undesignated portion of the Capital Improvement fund.
- The Selectmen commented on the first draft of a policy to govern the naming of public facilities. Overall, the Selectmen were pleased with the policy as presented and recommended no changes. The Board will consider approval of the policy at its next meeting.
- The Board authorized the First Selectman to execute a contract with the Pilobolus dance troupe for an all-ages performance at Mills Pond Park on Sunday, August 27 at 6 pm. Thanks to donations from the Canton Arts Council and companies based in Canton, the town’s share of the performance cost will be no more than $3000. Public admission to the performance will be free.
On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
- Appointed Kevin Witkos to the Permanent Municipal Building Committee.
- Appointed Norm Sinnock, Michael Carstensen, Mary Tomolonius, Lisa Coggins, Lee Pierce, Jordan Toussant and Sue Therrien to the Temporary Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee.
- Approved the Historic Document Preservation Targeted Grant for FY2024 in the amount of $6000.
- Approved submitted of the 2023 DOT Community Connectivity Grant to fund sidewalk and crosswalk improvements on Maple Avenue and River Road.
- Approved a Business Development Incentive tax abatement for the Blue House Bagel shop.
- Referred an application for a Business Development Incentive tax abatement for apartments under construction at 401 Albany Turnpike to the Board of Finance for review.
- Approved the submitted of a grant application in the amount of $31,922 to the Department of Aging and Disability Services to help fund improvements to the Canton Senior Center.
On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions their regular meeting:
- The Board held a Public Hearing on the Tax Abatement Ordinance for Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department Personnel. After the Hearing, the Selectmen approved the ordinance. The Fire and EMS leadership agreed to report on the status of volunteer participation in the program every three months.
- The Selectmen reviewed a proposal from GZA to develop a Remedial Action Plan that will address the soil and groundwater PFAS contamination at Cherry Brook Primary School. The Board authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into an agreement with GZA for fees up to $250,000.
- The Board approved a Complete Street Policy.
- The Board approved the transfer of current and future Opioid Settlement Funds to the Senior and Social Services Special Revenue Fund. To date, these funds have totaled $25,707.
- The Selectmen accepted a $20,000 donation from the Friends of the Canton Public Library.
- The Selectmen discussed several junk and nuisance ordinances from other towns. Three selectmen expressed their discomfort with the idea of regulating the appearance of private properties. Two selectmen wanted to draft an ordinance to encourage property owners to clean up debris that has accumulated over a period of years.
- The Board reviewed proposed easements and deeds involved in the transfer of the 37 Bridge Street property. The Board reached a consensus that the Town and the owner of the 39 and 41 Bridge Street properties would have equal access to the boat ramp. The Town would assume maintenance responsibility for the ramp.
On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
- The Board presented Richard Hutchings a plaque acknowledging his 36 years of service to the Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department. Richard was the first town wide Fire Chief.
- The Board approved a proclamation honoring David Sinish for his years of service as Chair of the Board of Assessment Appeals, commissioner on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, Director of the Farmington River Coordinating Committee and his advocacy for the health and management of the Farmington River.
- The Board approved a proclamation honoring Kevin Case for his 16 years of award-winning service as Canton's Superintendent of Schools.
- The Selectmen reviewed an ordinance that would abate some property taxes for active members of the Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department. The Selectmen set June 28, 2023 at 7:00PM in the Community Center as the date, time and location for a Public Hearing on this ordinance, after which the Board will consider its adoption.
- The Selectmen awarded a contract to Yield Industries LLC, to construct the boat ramp at 50 Old River Road. The Board also approved the transfer of $40,073.93 of undesignated CIP funds to the River Access CIP account to cover added costs for this project.
- The Selectmen authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to negotiate a Power Purchase Agreement with Distributed Solar Development LLC, for energy produced from solar panels newly installed on the High School roof.
- The Board approved the conveyance of an easement of 0.07 acres of land in favor of the Connecticut Water Company, located at 50 Old River Road, to replace the fire hydrant located near the Water Treatment plant with a new water line.
On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
- The Board voted to proceed with an ordinance that would grant tax abatement of up to $2000 to Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department volunteers who respond to a prescribed number of calls. The next step in this process is Selectmen’s review of the proposed ordinance on June 14. If the Selectmen approve, they will set the time and date for a town meeting to approve.
- The Selectmen created a seven member Temporary Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee to make recommendations aimed at improving the safety of all modes of travel within Canton. The Committee will work closely with the Chief of Police, Director of Public Works, and Director of Planning and Community Development. Recommendations will go to the Selectmen for review and implementation.
- The Board accepted a $60,000 grant from the CT DEEP Recreational Trails Fund to cover expected costs involved in designing an extension of the Farmington River Trail.
- The Board accepted a $6,000 grant from the Canton Community Health Fund to offset approximately half of the cost for a new drone for the Canton Volunteer Fire Department.
- The Board accepted a grant of $4,000 from Canton Community Health Fund to purchase of two Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) for the Town's recreational fields.
- The Selectmen discussed a proposed ordinance to regulate the hours during which construction contractors could work in Canton. Members decided not to take action until they received more information on the number and extent of complaints received to date.
On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
-The Board voted to authorize R. Skinner to draft a resolution to establish a Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, which will be reviewed at the next BOS meeting. The committee will advise the Selectmen on ways to improve the safety and effectiveness of all modes of travel within the Town of Canton including roadways, bikeways, and walkways.
- The Board endorsed the idea of changing the Temporary Committee on Sustainable Waste Management to a permanent Town committee. This change reflects the ongoing effort that will be required to improve eco-sustainability in Canton.
- The Board discussed the creation of a town-wide blight ordinance, but took no action. Several Selectmen expressed concerns about property rights and nuisance complaints as the downside to ordering the clean up of chronic blight situations by ordinance.
- Based on the recommendation of the Committee on Sustainable Waste Management, the Selectmen voted to allow any resident to discard metals at the Transfer Station without a permit. A test "Free Metal Month" conducted last year yielded highly favorable results.
- The Selectmen approved the referral of two Neighborhood Assistance Act applications to a Town Meeting on May 24. The applications are from the FOCUS Center for Autism for Energy Efficiency Upgrades, and from New Horizons for Energy Efficient Windows for the Cherry Brook Health Center.
On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
- The Board decided unanimously to leave the sycamore tree on West Mountain Road untouched. Furthermore, the Board voted against transferring ARPA funds designated for showers at the community center to a new ARPA account for a safety study of the intersection of Cherry Brook and West Mountain Road. Instead, the Town will work with the Connecticut DOT to repaint the stop line and lane boundaries at the intersection as part of the Cherry Brook repaving project. Additional markings in the road will be considered to protect the tree.
- The Selectmen received the Preliminary Report and recommendations from the Temporary Committee on Senior Tax Relief. The Selectmen complimented the committee on its report and decided to begin the process of implementing the Committee's recommendations.
- The Board reviewed a draft ordinance that would regulate the consumption of cannabis in Canton. The Board set a Town Meeting for 7:00 pm on May 24 in Room F in the Community Center to consider and possibly approve this ordinance.
- The Board extended the Temporary Part-Time position requested and funded by the Youth Services Bureau into fiscal year 2023-2024.
- The Selectmen instructed the First Selectmen to write to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the improper installation of metal flex beam guardrails on Maple Avenue, a State designated Scenic Road within the Collinsville Historic District. The First Selectmen will ask the DOT to correct the guardrails by installing guardrails that are acceptable to the Collinsville Historic District Commission.
On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
-Approved a motion to name the new little league softball field after Stan Krzanowski in honor of his 50+ years of service to little league baseball and softball.
-Approved a private duty policy that requires third parties requesting the use of Fire & EMS Department personnel and equipment to reimburse the Town for the cost of the personnel and equipment. The policy is similar to the Police Department’s private duty policy and includes an administration fee for the Town.
-Approved the installation of permanent speed tables on Case Street. The cost, approximately $14,000, will be borne by the pavement management fund. This action allows the temporary speed tables to be used elsewhere in Town as a traffic calming measure.
-Considered funding a West Mountain/Cherry Brook Road intersection safety study. After discussing an engineering report about this intersection donated by Lansford Perry, the Selectmen tabled a motion that would have transferred $25,000 of ARPA funding from an account entitled Showers at Community Center to a new account for the study. CAO Bob Skinner was asked to reach out to Hesketh Associates for an estimate of services required to answer additional safety questions about the intersection. Hesketh is the firm hired by Mr. Perry.
-Approved a request by the Parks & Recreation Committee to utilize Parks & Recreation Special Revenue Funds to replace the entrance sign located at Mills Pond Park in an amount not to exceed $4,500.
-Authorized the Town Clerk to prepare concise explanatory text regarding the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget to be distributed ahead of the budget referendum on May 9, 2023. The text must be approved by the town attorney.
-Approved the Town’s participation in the 2023 Neighborhood Assistance Act Program. The Selectmen set May 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm in Room F at the Canton Community Center for the required public hearing and May 24, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the same location for the Town Meeting to consider approving applications to be submitted to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
- The Board received an update on the Cherry Brook Elementary School PFAS containment and remediation project. The Town's consulting environmental engineer, GZA GeoEvironmental Inc, reported that PFAS concentrations have not been detected in potable water supply wells in the local area. PFAS concentrations in the groundwater directly at the release location have decreased somewhat; however concentrations have spread to the south and east. The full PowerPoint presentation can be found HERE.
- The Board approved three grant submittals. The first was for a Historical Documentation Preservation grant for $6,000. The second was submitted by the Council on Aging to the Canton Greater Together Community Fund for $6,989 to purchase a commercial dishwasher for the Canton Community Center. The third grant was submitted by the Parks and Recreation Department to the Canton Community Health Fund for $5,000 for Automatic External Defibrillators for Town recreational fields.
- The Selectmen reviewed Board of Finance recommendations for $115,000 in spending cuts to the proposed FY2024 Board of Selectmen budget. The Selectmen received a list of possible cuts from Chief Administrative Officer, Bob Skinner, and agreed in principle to those cuts. These cuts will be reported to the Board of Finance at their meeting on Monday, April 3. Final budget cuts will not be determined until the budget is approved by referendum on May 9. The public is encouraged to attend the April 3 meeting and the Town budget hearing on April 24.
- The Selectmen reviewed a report from the public works department regarding the large sycamore tree growing in the intersection of West Mountain and Cherry Brook Roads. The public works report can be found HERE.
- A member of the public asked the Selectmen to consider a Town-wide ordinance that would govern public consumption of cannabis in Canton. The Selectmen agreed to review similar ordinances at work in other towns during a future meeting.
On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their Regular meeting:
- Canton Fire Marshall, Tim Tharau, presented the Town of Canton Fire Prevention Poster Contest Award to Angelina Lu. Angelina is a fifth-grade student of art teacher Mrs. Costello at Canton Intermediate School. Angelina's poster was selected as the best in portraying a positive fire safety message. The Town is grateful to the Shoppes at Farmington Valley for their generous prize donation.
-The Board heard a presentation by the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) on the services and benefits it provides to its municipal government members. Canton is a current member of CRCOG.
- The owner of property at 18 Albany Turnpike asked if the Selectmen would entertain a request that the Town abandon a portion of Old Route 44 abutting this property. The Selectmen indicated that their openness to hearing the request. The eventual decision to convey will require Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and/or Town Meeting approval depending on the value of the property.
-The Board set March 22, 2023 at 7:00 pm in Room F of the Canton Community Center as the date, time, and location for a Special Town Meeting to approve an appropriation to pay this year's debt service.
On Thursday, February 23, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen (BOS) took the following actions:
- Approved a$130,247 reduction in the proposed BOS budget for fiscal year 2023-2024. The revised BOS budget that will be forwarded to the Board of Finance for review is $13,095,264. This amount is $732,524 more than the current BOS budget and would represent a 5.93% increase if approved by the Board of Finance and the Town. Without the reduction, the recommended increase would have been 6.98%.
- Recommended that the Board of Finance authorize a Town Meeting to consider a special appropriation of $273,283 to fund the balance of interest owed on the bond to construct the new Fire and EMS House.
- Transferred $43,750 from unexpended American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to enhance the Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department’s Pay-Per-Call program to attract and retain volunteers.
The week of February 13, 2023 the Board of Selectmen spent much of the week reviewing the FY2023-2024 Town Budget. The Selectmen are responsible for the Town Hall/Town Government portion of the overall Town of Canton Budget. The Board of Education contributes the Town Schools portion of the budget. The Board of Finance is responsible for assembling the entire overall Canton Town Budget and setting the tax rate. The Selectmen will vote on their portion of the budget at a special meeting on February 23.
At its special meeting on Wednesday Feb 15, the Board of Selectmen took the following actions:
- Approved an application for a $5,000 Rural Roads Speed enforcement grant.
- Approved an application for a $60,000 Recreational Trails grant to design the extension of the Canton Rail Trail bike path through the Shoppes.
- Re-allocated $80,581 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Trail Improvement project to the ARPA Splash Pad at the Mills Pond Pool. This will help cover the higher than expected cost for this project. The Trail Improvement project is already complete.
- Agreed to join Simsbury, Avon, and Farmington in a regional Juneteenth event at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on June 17. The Selectmen approved $2000 as seed money for the event.
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions:
- The Selectmen authorized the Town's Chief Administrative Officer to execute a contract with Millennium Builders to construct the new Canton Fire and EMS House for a cost not to exceed $4,950,000.
- The Selectmen approved the transfer of $360,000 from the Fire/EMS Air Packs line of the Town's American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding to the undesignated line of the ARPA funds. The Fire/EMS department expects to pay for the Air Packs with a grant to be submitted in February. If the grant is approved, the ARPA money can be transferred to other Town projects.
- The Selectmen appointed Len Dunston as a regular member of the Canton Housing Authority.
On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
-Accepted a donation from Logan DeLoureiro of three new play structures for the Canton Dog Park. Logan built these structures as part of his Eagle Scout project for Troop 77 in Canton.
-The Selectmen approved an agreement with Canton Hydro LLC to set the rate of its municipal property tax at $30,000 per year. This tax will increase by the same rate as the mil increase each year, and will not decrease in reevaluation years. The agreement is part of the stipulated judgement in the matter of Canton Hydro LLC vs. the Town of Canton.
-The Chief Administrative Officer reviewed the latest proposed design of the new Canton Fire and EMS House. The design incorporates a number of changes intended to hold the cost to the $5.4 million approved by referendum in 2021 and bonded in 2022. It is anticipated that the Board of Selectmen will approve the proposed changes at its next regular meeting on January 25, 2023.
At its final meeting of 2022 (Dec 28, 2022), the Canton Board of Selectmen set the date for the Annual Town Meeting for January 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Canton Community Center. The Selectmen set the following topics for this meeting:
• Receipt and dedication of the Town Annual Report;
• Discussion of the Town's response to speeding and reckless driving; and,
• A presentation of the Farmington Valley Health District's Community Health Assessment.
The Board also authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to transfer $64,000 to the Canton Youth Soccer Association for improvements at Memorial Field. These funds were part of the Town’s portion of American Rescue Plan Act funding. Transfer of these funds was contingent on a long term lease between the Canton Youth Soccer Association and the Collinsville Fire Corporation. This arrangement was reviewed and approved by Town Meeting on July 27, 2022. The lease was finalized on December 9, 2022.
On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, the Canton Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
-The Canton Energy Committee presented a proposal to add solar panels to the Canton High School plus four solar-powered Electric Vehicle charging stations in the school parking lot. Following the presentation and discussion, the Board authorized the Canton Chief Administrative Officer to enter into an agreement with Earthlight Technologies to plan and execute the project.
-The Board authorized the Canton Fire/EMS to spend an additional $5,000 to complete the installation of lights, radios, and sirens on the new department “duty vehicle.”
-The Board set the date and time for a public hearing on a proposed tax agreement with Canton Hydro. The public hearing is set for January 11, 2023 at 7:00PM.
On Tuesday, November 22, 2022, the Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
- The Selectmen re-appointed John Gotaski to be Chief of the Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department for a four year term beginning January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2026.
- The Board appointed all five members of the new Temporary Committee on Senior Tax Relief. The members are: Richard Barlow, Brian First, Barbara Schori, Gail Deutsch, and Linda Spiers. The Committee is charged with studying current tax policies and recommending new policies that provide tax relief for seniors. The Committee is expected to report back to the Selectmen in mid-April.
- The Selectmen reviewed the current cost estimate for the new Collinsville Firehouse. One year ago, the Town approved bonding for $5.4 million to design and construct the new firehouse. The current design bears a cost of $8.1 million - $2.7 million above the bond. The Board tasked the Permanent Municipal Building Committee to determine what can be built for the $5.4 million appropriated.
- The Selectmen accepted a donation from Northwest Community Bank Foundation of $3,000 for funding the Senior Meal Program.
On Wednesday, Nov 8, 2022, the Board of Selectmen took the following actions at their regular meeting:
- The Selectmen approved a contract with Mutch Nicer Enterprises for the construction of a concession stand and dug outs at the new girls’ softball field in the amount of $76,655.8.
- The Board re-appointed Kathy Taylor as the Town Historian and appointed Carolyn Woodard and Christopher Hager as Deputy Town Historians. The Board also appointed Virginia Shreve as the Town Poet Laureate.
- The Selectmen appointed Jodie Enriquez as new Town Tax Collector starting November 28, 2022.
- The Board accepted a donation from the Canton Food Bank in the amount of $2500 to help support Thanksgiving meals.