S O M E R S P U B L I C S C H O O L S
1 Vision Boulevard, Somers, Connecticut 06071
(860)749-2270 Fax (860)763-0748
Somers Board of Education
Anne Kirkpatrick, Chairman
Policy Committee Agenda
June 29, 2023
6:00 pm
Approve minutes of February 13, 2023
Review:
1230 Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs (new policy)
5144.4 Physical Exercise & Discipline of Students (revised required policy)
5141.4 Reporting Child Abuse (revised required policy)
5145.511 Sexual Abuse Prevention & Education Program (revised required policy)
7230.2 Indoor Air quality in schools (revised recommened policy)
Next meeting: TBD
BOE Meeting
– June 26, 2023
Somers Board of Education Meeting
Monday, June 26, 2023 7:00 PM
Somers Board of Education Chambers, 1 Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT 06071
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the June 12, 2023 BOE Draft Minutes
The Board to review and approve the minutes from the BOE meeting on June 12, 2023.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Warrant of June 26, 2023
The Board to review and consent to the warrant of June 26, 2023.
2. Resignation
Emma Wilson, SHS Paraeducator, resigned effective June 9, 2023.
7. OLD BUSINESS
8. NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of Teacher Evaluation Flexibility Plan
The Board to review and approve the Teacher Evaluation Flexibility Plan. Mrs. Senecal will be in
attendance to discuss any questions with the Board on the attached report.
Zoning Board of Appeals – Special meeting CANCELED
June 27, 2023
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 – 6:00 P.M., Town Hall, 600 Main Street, Somers, CT
CANCELED
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARING:
ZBA23-004 – Ken Prior, 364 Mountain Road, Somers – Appeal of Zoning Enforcement Officer’s decision that special events being held on multiple occasions, for do-it-yourself workshops are allowed at the Farm Winery.
PUBLIC HEARING DISCUSSION/DECISION:
ZBA23-004 – Ken Prior, 364 Mountain Road, Somers – Appeal of Zoning Enforcement Officer’s decision
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 15, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
Board of Finance
– June 27, 2023
TOWN OF SOMERS
BOARD OF FINANCE
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
7:00pm
Somers Town Hall Auditorium
Call to Order
Members Present
BOE Update
Selectmen’s Update
CFO Update
Bond Appropriation Update
America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Status Report
Transfers & Appropriations
Approval of Minutes
05/23/23 Regular BOF Meeting Minutes
Other Business
Adjournment
This meeting is also being live-streamed and video-recorded and will be available for viewing on the Town’s website in both real-time and after-the-fact.
Town of Somers Economic Development Commission Meeting Agenda for June 28, 2023 Somers Town Hall 6-7PM
1. Call to Order
2. Review and approve minutes
3. Correspondence – Beth Frechette
4. Old Business
a. Business Directory re-location
b. Update on shuttle advertising
c. Review standards for Business of the Month and
publicity announcement
5. New Business
a. Report on new and potential businesses
b. Business Issues
c. Ribbon Cuttings
d. Potential EDC members
6. Suggestions for September agenda
7. Adjourn
29June 29, 2023
30June 30, 2023
1July 1, 2023
2July 2, 2023
3July 3, 2023●(1 event)
Zoning Commission – cancelled
– July 3, 2023
MEETING CANCELLED – A SPECIAL MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 5TH AT 6PM
4July 4, 2023●(1 event)
Independence Day-Offices Closed
N/A July 4, 2023
5July 5, 2023●●(2 events)
Zoning Commission Special meeting
July 5, 2023
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 6:00pm
Town Hall, 600 Main Street, Somers, CT
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC HEARING:
Application #23-003: Mark and Karen Murdoch, 359 Mountain Road, Somers seeking a modification of the Special Use permit and Site Plan; for operation of farm winery, amending the conditions of approval:
#3 regarding parking, increasing the number of parking spaces 195,
#4 allow food trucks,
#5 outdoor amplified music and
#6 pop-up tents maximum size of 12’ x 12’; and
allow an 8’ x 40’ storage container at the rear of the Sugar House.
DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE DECISION:
Application #23-003: Mark and Karen Murdoch, 359 Mountain Road, Somers seeking a modification of the Special Use permit and Site Plan; for operation of farm winery, amending the conditions of approval site plan.
ADJOURNMENT
The Zoning Commission appreciates citizen input. Please contact the Land Use Office (860) 763-8220, during Regular business hours or in writing to find out the best way to communicate your concerns.
Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Amended Building and Mechanical Fee Schedule. Todd Rolland
Local Traffic Authority Request – Request to Install Two Winery Traffic Ahead Signs on Mountain Road. Todd Rolland
Discussion and Action on the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Somers and the Somers FD Local Union 4284. Brian Wissinger
Adopt a Resolution to amend the Town of Somers 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan for the CARES Act. Brian Wissinger
Adopt a Resolution to Implement SECURE Act and Other Law Changes to the Town of Somers 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Brian Wissinger
Authorize Michael Marinaccio to sign the Agreement for Changes to the Town of Somers 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Brian Wissinger
To Set a Town Meeting Date to Appropriate Funds for the Emergency Management Director’s Salary of $28,080.00. Brian Wissinger
Accept the Resignation of Kate Chisholm, Land Use Technician, Effective July 13, 2023.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes of June 15, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
The Board of Selectmen waives the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting from June 15, 2023, and that minutes of said meeting be approved.
ADJOURNMENT
7July 7, 2023
8July 8, 2023
9July 9, 2023
10July 10, 2023●●(2 events)
Board of Education
– July 10, 2023
Somers Board of Education Meeting Monday, July 10, 2023 7:00 PM Somers Board of Education Chambers, 1 Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT 06071
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the June 26, 2023 BOE Meeting Minutes
The Board to review and approve the minutes from the June 26, 2023 BOE meeting.
4. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Superintendent Update
2. Update on HVAC
Brian Hamel from CES will be available remotely to discuss the HVAC report.
5. OPPORTUNITY TO ADD/DELETE AGENDA ITEMS
6. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Warrant of July 10, 2023
The Board to review and consent to the warrant of July 10, 2023.
2. Leave of Absence
• Jennifer Sugarmeyer, 5th Grade Teacher, will be taking an anticipated leave of absence from mid-
November through the rest of the 2023-2024 school year.
• Jessica Wolf, MBA and SHS Band Teacher, will be taking an anticipated leave of absence from October
7, 2023 through December 2023.
3. Resignation
Laura Bittner, Grade 6 ELA Teacher, will be resigning effective immediately.
4. Retirement
Kathy Brewer, Administrative Assistant to the Senior Director of Curriculum and Instructional
Operations, will retire effective August 21, 2023, after nine years of service in SPS.
7. OLD BUSINESS
8. NEW BUSINESS
1. First Posting DBS Code 5141.4 – Reporting of Child Abuse, Neglect and Sexual
Assault
2. First Posting DBS Code 5144.4 – Physical Exercise and Discipline of Students
3. First Posting DBS Code 5145.511 – Exploitation: Sexual Harassment/Sexual Abuse
Prevention and Education Program
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Please call Daniel Parisi at 860-335-2154 if you are unable to attend this meeting. Thank you.
Zoning Board of Appeals – Cancelled
– July 11, 2023
TOWN OF SOMERS
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS REGULAR MEETING
**JULY 11, 2023 MEETING CANCELLED
DUE TO LACK OF QUORUM**
The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2023.
Questions or concerns should be directed to Jennifer Roy in the Land Use Department #(860)763-8220 or jroy@somersct.gov.
12July 12, 2023●●(2 events)
IT Governance – CANCELLED
– July 12, 2023
Cemetery Committee
– July 12, 2023
Somers Cemetery Agenda July 12, 2023 Town Hall lower level meeting room 6:30 PM
1. Call to order:
2. Members present:
Guests:
3. Public Comment:
4. Vote to approve May 10, 2023 minutes
5. Committee reports:
a. Finance:
b. Sexton:
c. Landscaping:
d. DPW: (if needed)
e. American Legion: (if needed)
6. Old Business:
a. Concern form (standard inclusion starting 9.2023) Resolution information.
b. Discussion of choice of landscape architect for expansion of Center Cemetery. Bid process if needed.
c. Discussion of Rules packet (report from David Morgan)
d. Plan special meeting to engage vendors for digital storage program of all cemetery data. Create list of information we’d like in the data base.
7. New Business:
a. Concern form ( standard inclusion starting with 7.2023)-Forms from Town Hall office to be reviewed. Discussion on how to proceed with responses.
b. Request to provide a specific section for our Jewish friends through Ann Levesque. Add to information for landscape architect.
c. Proactive discussion on newly designed space in outer ring. Estate plot size allowed, construction requirements, # of burials, addition of driveway(s), pricing.
d. Report on request to use SPD electric sign for Clean-up announcements.
e. Report on Cemetery News page on the town web page (pull down tab).
f. Vote on any decisions from Old Business
Minutes are not official until voted on at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Adjournment:
13July 13, 2023●●(2 events)
Pension Board
– July 13, 2023
PENSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING
JULY 13, 2023, THURSDAY 9:00
TOWN HALL
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING APRIL 20, 2023
REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SOMERS CFO: MIKE MARINACCIO AND BRIAN WISSINGER
Report the Office of Finance and Treasury
Town Fund: cash and benefit payment needs
Firefighters Fund: cash and benefit payment needs
INVESTMENT REVIEW AND DECISIONS FOR THE TOWN FUND: KEVIN NICHOLS AND JOE MATTHEWS
INVESTMENT REVIEW AND DECISIONS FOR THE VOLUNTEER FIRE FUND:
KEVIN NICHOLS AND JOE MATTHEWS
DISCUSSION: CASH FLOW, PAYING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, AND RELATED MATTERS
ADJOURNMENT
Planning Commission
– July 13, 2023
MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, July 13, 2023 – 6:30 PM
Somers Town Hall Lower Level Conference Room 600 Main Street, Somers, CT
CALL TO ORDER
NEW BUSINESS
Request for release of Letter of Credit dated July 8, 2014 for Hinkley Construction Inc., North Farm Estates, Ninth District Road.
REVISED Zoning referral – Application #23-003: Mark and Karen Murdoch, 359 Mountain Road, Somers seeking a modification of the Special Use permit for operation of farm winery, amending the conditions of approval regarding parking, food, music and tents. **modification request has changed**
DISCUSSION/DECISION
Zoning referral – Application #23-003: Mark and Karen Murdoch, 359 Mountain Road, Somers.
OLD BUSINESS
Pending matter – 218 Wood Road, Somers Lot 1 of an expired subdivision
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 11, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
14July 14, 2023
15July 15, 2023
16July 16, 2023
17July 17, 2023
18July 18, 2023●●(2 events)
CIP – Special Meeting
– July 18, 2023
TOWN OF SOMERS
CIP COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Town Hall
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
3:00 pm
Call to Order
Members Present
Presentation and Approval of School HVAC Project Proposal
Approval of Senior/Community Center Project Proposal
Request for additional appropriation for BOE Pickup Truck and BOE Boom Lift
Approval of Minutes
May 11, 2023 – Special Meeting
Adjournment
Sidewalk Ad Hoc Committee
– July 18, 2023
TOWN OF SOMERS SIDEWALK AD HOC COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, July 18th, 2023, 4:00 PM
Lower Conference Room
Town Hall
1. Call to Order
2. Members Present
3. Open Discussion
a. Results of the Sidewalk Survey.
b. Recommendations.
c. Next Steps.
4. Approval of March Meeting Minutes
5. Adjournment
19July 19, 2023●●(2 events)
Housing Authority
– July 19, 2023
Housing Authority of the Town of Somers
Meeting July 19, 2023 – 1:00 p.m.
71 Battle Street
Meeting Agenda
Call to Order
Attendance
Discussion with individual residents
Old Business
Management of Property (REDI)
Apartment Rental – Update
Review plans and prospects for retaining 25% units in Phase I
Review Condition of the Facilities and work orders
Review Financial Condition
Review Resident Services Coordinator’s activities
Other
New Business
Other
Approval of minutes from May 17, 2023
Resident Questions/Concerns
Adjournment
Zoning Commission Special Meeting
July 19, 2023
TOWN OF SOMERS – ZONING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 6:00pm
Town Hall, 600 Main Street, Somers, CT
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PUBLIC HEARING:
Discussion of: Article IV Fees for significant Land Use applications
Section 114-8 – Additional costs for certain applications (related to independent peer review) for application #23-003
Discussion of: Kenneth J. Prior – Petition to intervene on application #23-003
Application #23-003: Mark and Karen Murdoch, 359 Mountain Road, Somers, seeking a modification of the Special Use permit and Site Plan; for operation of farm winery, amending the conditions of approval:
#3 regarding parking, increasing the number of parking spaces 195,
#4 allow food trucks,
#5 outdoor amplified music and
#6 pop-up tents maximum size of 12’ x 12’; and allow an 8’ x 40’ storage container at the rear of the Sugar House.
III. DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE DECISION:
Application #23-003: Mark and Karen Murdoch, 359 Mountain Road, Somers seeking a modification of the Special Use permit and Site Plan; for operation of farm winery, amending the conditions of approval site plan.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
The Zoning Commission appreciates citizen input. Please contact the Land Use Office (860) 763-8220, during Regular business hours or in writing to find out the best way to communicate your concerns.
Boards and Commissions: Appointments/Resignations:
Appointment of Matthew Cox as the Municipal Agent to the Elderly
OPPORTUNITY TO ADD URGENT AGENDA ITEMS –
FINANCE
Transfers and Appropriations
CFO Finance Report/Updates
Presentation of Scheduled Payments
UPDATES FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSION
PENDING BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Fire Department Update – John Roache
Authorize the First Selectman to Execute the Construction Agreement and all Associated documents for the Pleasant View Drive Reconstruction Project. Todd Rolland
Authorize the First Selectman to Execute the Hurds Lake Dam Design and Opinion of Probable Construction Costs Proposal. Todd Rolland
Accept the Resignation of Florence Hurley, Senior Center Program Coordinator, Effective June 30, 2023.
Authorize the First Selectmen to Sign the Contract between the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, the Division of State Police, and the Town of Somers.
Discuss and Approve the Buyback of Lot 209 in Somers Center Cemetery – Brian Wissinger
Appropriation and Bonding Resolutions- Brian Wissinger
Discussion and vote to adopt and recommend to the Board of Finance and to the electors and citizens eligible to vote at Town Meetings of the Town the following Resolutions:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPROPRIATION OF $13,200,000 FOR THE SENIOR/COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT and THE FINANCING OF SAID APPROPRIATION BY THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF SUCH BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $13,200,000, AS WELL AS ESTABLISHING A DATE FOR A REFERENDUM
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPROPRIATION OF $10,500,000 FOR THE HVAC AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT and THE FINANCING OF SAID APPROPRIATION BY THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF SUCH BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,500,000, AS WELL AS ESTABLISHING A DATE FOR A REFERENDUM
Notice of Special Town Meeting and Referendum
Provisionally call for a Special Town Meeting to be held at the Somers Town Hall Auditorium, 600 Main Street, Somers, Connecticut on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 7:00 pm to consider and discuss, but not vote on, the resolutions.
Remove the resolutions from the agenda of the Town Meeting and approve vote by voting machine and set the date for referendum on November 7, 2023.
Authorize the preparation and printing of explanatory text and other materials in accordance with section 9-369b.
Discussion and vote to approve the following Resolutions:
a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SOMERS BOARD OF EDUCATION TO APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND TO ACCEPT OR REJECT A GRANT FOR THE SOMERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HVAC PROJECT AT THE SOMERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
5227563RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOMERS HVAC BUILDING COMMITTEE WITH REGARD TO THE SOMERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HVAC PROJECT AT THE SOMERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AT LEAST THE PREPARATION OF SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS AND OUTLINE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SOMERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HVAC PROJECT AT THE SOMERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes of July 6, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
The Board of Selectmen waives the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting from July 6, 2023, and that minutes of said meeting be approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Special Town Meeting 7:00 pm
– July 20, 2023
Legal Notice
Special Town Meeting
Town of Somers
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Town Hall Auditorium
A Special Town Meeting will be held at the Somers Town Hall, 600 Main Street, Somers, CT. on Thursday, July 20, 2023, Beginning at 7:00 PM.
Elect a Moderator
Vote on an appropriation of $28,080.00 from the General to fund the Emergency Management Directors Salary for FY2024.
Adjournment
Dated at Somers, CT, this 11th of July 2023
Board of Selectmen
Tim Keeney, First Selectman
Bill Meier, Selectman
Bob Schmidt, Selectman
Publication Date: Friday, July 14, 2023
21July 21, 2023
22July 22, 2023
23July 23, 2023
24July 24, 2023
25July 25, 2023●(1 event)
Board of Finance
– July 25, 2023
TOWN OF SOMERS
BOARD OF FINANCE
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Town Hall – Auditorium
Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 7:00pm
Call to Order
Members Present
Board of Education Update
Board of Selectmen Update
CFO/Finance Department Update
CIP Update
Appropriation and Bonding Resolution
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPROPRIATION OF $13,200,000 FOR THE SENIOR/COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT AND THE FINANCING OF SAID APPROPRIATION BY THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF SUCH BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $13,200,000
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPROPRIATION OF $10,500,000 FOR THE HVAC AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AND THE FINANCING OF SAID APPRORPIATION BY THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF SUCH BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,500,000
Approval of Minutes
06/27/2023 Regular BOF Minutes
Adjournment
This meeting is also being live-streamed and video-recorded and will be available for viewing on the Town’s website in both real-time and after-the-fact.
Boards and Commissions: Appointments/Resignations:
Accept the resignation of Ray Wolters from the Economic Development Commission.
Appoint Melissa Zelek as a full member of the Economic Development Commission to fill the vacancy with a term expiring 12.22.23.
Melissa is a business owner in Somers. She owns and operates Vintage Furniture Refinishing on Maple Street in the old Mill building. She has taken an active interest in the EDC and expressed a desire to help businesses grow in Town.
OPPORTUNITY TO ADD URGENT AGENDA ITEMS
FINANCE
Transfers and Appropriations
CFO Finance Report/Updates
Presentation of Scheduled Payments
UPDATES FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSION
PENDING BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Staffing Request for Land Use Department – Request to hire Mary Mitta Per Diem with an hourly rate of $25.00, not exceeding 20 hours per week. – Todd Rolland
Separation Payout Request – Request to pay out the remaining sick and vacation time for Cecelia Becker at her determined hourly $31.30/hour, based on her retirement date 8/1/23, in the amount of $2,644.85. Brian Wissinger
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes of July 20, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
The Board of Selectmen waives the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting from July 20, 2023, and that minutes of said meeting be approved.
