Board of Selectmen: “No Need” for Public Works Expansion, Need for Fire Co. Expansion, Code of Ethics/Code of Conduct, Spending Freeze
01/07/25
On Tuesday January 7th, the Board of Selectmen held their first meeting of the month. All three Selectmen were in attendance including First Selectman Todd Carusillo and Selectmen Dexter Kinsella and Scott Olson. Also in attendance were Land Use Commission Clerk Lori Clinton and Public Works Supervisor Garret Harlow.
For the First Selectman’s Report, Carusillo responded to Janet Hooper’s previously-expressed concern about Goshen’s lack of a social services employee and her request that he contact other towns to see how they handle the issue. He said he spoke with the First Selectmen Tom Weik of Morris, who claimed his executive assistant Laurel Gillotti conducts social services, and Matthew Riiska of Norfolk, who claimed Norfolk does host a Social Services Department headed by Director Tara Yard but this position is only part-time. Carusillo is waiting to hear back from other municipalities.
Selectman Scott Olson reviewed a needs assessment he conducted for the proposed storage facility and other renovations at the Public Works Department’s site at 38 Torrington Road. The proposed site plan included new leach fields, the enclosing of a roofed overhang area connected to the existing garage building, a new 120 ft x 40 ft x 24 ft storage building, a paved staff parking area in the existing gravel parking area, and two new gravel parking spots by a generator. “The purpose of this assessment was to try to determine whether there exists right now a gap between what we have as far as the current storage situation versus what may be the storage situation should be as it pertains to the equipment that we have over there,” said Olson. According to Public Works Supervisor Garret Harlow, 13 pieces of equipment needed to be stored indoors but Olson determined that only four were in dire need of being stored indoors, such as a $140,000, 2022 John Deere roadside mower, a 2005 Kubota tractor, a 1988 Champion grader, and a 2005 CAT excavator. It was estimated that the storage facility expansion would cost just over $1 million.
“I don’t know that we’ll ever get the true value of this equipment up high enough to justify the building,” Olson explained. “...with upcoming budget season and knowing that we have a mountain to climb and get over when it comes to the additional expenditures that we’re going to have to shell out for the Region 20 situation, I don’t know that right now we could do a very good job representing the interests of the people of this town if we’re looking to spend money to build the building today for equipment that we may own in the future.” Kinsella expressed concern that Goshen may lose grant money if the storage facility project is not approved and Carusillo advised the Selectmen that they have until Tuesday, July 1st to secure the grant money. Olson suggested they attempt to use the grant money to install a new septic system and complete other proposed projects at 38 Torrington Road.
Land Use Commission Clerk Lori Clinton continued her discussion of Goshen’s proposed Code of Conduct. Clinton noted that this is a working document for unpaid elected officials, not town employees. Clinton further clarified that a Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics are, “... two different things. A Code of Conduct governs actions, and a Code of Ethics governs decision making.” She recommended that Goshen create both a Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics. Kinsella agreed but expressed concern as to how the two codes will be enforced and how they could be manipulated for personal political gain. He also said that the Code of Conduct will have to be ratified by the town and that, “we as selectmen have the duty and obligation to protect our employees from harassment.” Olson then motioned for the Board of Selectmen to create a committee to create a proposed Code of Ethics with an outline of how it will be enforced by an Ethics Commission, and how it will be implemented in town ordinances. The committee would be made up of five town electors. After a brief discussion, this motion was unanimously approved.
The Board of Selectmen then reviewed 2025-2026 Budget Projection materials. Kinsella motioned to receive the budgets and forward them to the Board of Finance for review. This was unanimously approved.
01/14/25
On Tuesday January 14th, the Board of Selectmen held their second meeting of the month. All three Selectmen were in attendance.
For the First Selectman’s Report, Carusillo said he spoke with an Eversource representative regarding recent strong winds and potential upcoming winter storms. If people lose power or see downed power lines from fallen trees or branches, Eversource requests that people call them directly at 1-800-286-2000 instead of calling the First Selectman’s office to notify them of the power issue. Carusillo attended a Northwest Hills Council of Governments (COG) meeting and reported that the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) may raise tipping fees to $202 per ton of trash. He plans on opting out of Goshen’s deal with MIRA due to these rising costs as soon as he finds another hauler to take the town’s trash. He additionally announced that Goshen Public Library’s Children Coordinator resigned due to a misunderstanding with the library’s new Director, Linda Senkus Benedict. The library is now looking to hire a new Children’s Coordinator as well as a Library Aide. Note: This is the 7th library employee resignation in the past 2 years.
The Goshen Land Trust sent a letter to the Board of Selectmen informing them of their decision not to purchase the 190 Sharon Turnpike property due to a conflict of interest with some of its members. The Land Trust first expressed interest in purchasing the property in August, when Carusillo announced that he would contact land conservatories to see if they’re interested in the property. At that time, Carusillo suggested that if no conservatories express interest, they may have to organize another town meeting to vote on selling the property in an open market.
01/21/25
On Tuesday January 21st, the Board of Selectmen held their third meeting of the month. All three Selectmen were in attendance. Also in attendance were Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Seth Breakell and Emergency Management Director Shilo Garceau.
For the First Selectman’s Report, Carusillo announced that a Ford 550 truck was sold at auction for $8,700. Carusillo, Warren First Selectman Gregory LaCava, and Morris First Selectman Tom Weik met with former Region 20 Superintendent Chris Leone. Litchfield First Selectwoman Denise Raap was unavailable for the meeting. According to Carusillo, Leone only claimed that he had a proposal for the school district. LaCava sent an email request to Region 20 officials.
For Old Business, Olson motioned to add a memorandum from Public Works Supervisor Garret Harlow to the meeting’s agenda to allocate Town Aid Road (TAR) funds. Harlow requested that $200,000 be allocated from the TAR fund to cover a December bill for asphalt used at Newcomb Road and parts of Beach Street. This was unanimously approved.
Carusillo intends to issue a spending freeze for the Town of Goshen. “Because of the expenses we’re going to be inheriting from Region 20 and Region 6, I’m imposing a spending freeze,” Carusillo explained. Kinsella and Olson suggested tabling the freeze until the next Board of Selectmen meeting in order to get more details. Carusillo agreed.
Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Seth Breakell presented a needs assessment for the Goshen Fire Company. Breakell explained that the needs assessment was conducted by Litchfield Deputy Fire Marshal and Waterbury Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 1339 Secretary Samuel Kinkade. The needs assessment detailed that the Goshen Fire Company is residing in the same building at 181 Sharon Turnpike that it has used since 1972, when the building was first constructed. This building contains five garage bays which house a 2022 pickup truck support vehicle with towing trailers, a 1989 brush truck, a 2017 ambulance, a 2006 ambulance, and an airboat with another inflatable boat. Another trailer is located behind the ambulances while a work bench is located behind the trucks without proper space to properly maintain equipment. In the 1980s, an addition was added to the building with four more garage bays that house a 2001 pumper truck, a 2010 pumper truck, a 1989 tanker truck, and a 1998 dive rescue truck. Two quads are additionally located behind the dive rescue truck on a trailer. Kinkade’s needs assessment concluded that the Goshen Fire Company lacks adequate storage space and should add a utility area for equipment maintenance, an emergency medical supply room, more garage bays for trailer quick access, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and maintenance area, and another garage bay to house an upcoming replacement for the 2001 pumper truck. Currently, cleaning supplies, training equipment, bottled water, SCBAs, and SCBA bottles are stored in stairwells in direct violation of Connecticut Fire Safety Code. According to Breakell, the Goshen Fire Company will receive a new fire truck around January 2026 and a new ambulance around January 2027. In response to the needs assessment Breakell and the Fire Company are asking for funds to hire an architectural designer to determine how the Company can expand their storage and estimate how much it will cost. Breakell additionally requested funds to restore, display, and use the 2001 pumper truck for community events.
Emergency Management Director Shilo Garceau discussed Governor Ned Lamont’s cold weather plan. On Sunday, January 19th, Lamont activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol and ordered it to remain in effect until 12 pm on Friday, January 24th. Anyone who lacks shelter or is looking for a warm center can call 211 or visit 211ct.org to receive assistance in getting to available locations. In a press release, Lamont wrote that, “...being outdoors in these frigid conditions for extended periods can be dangerous and even life threatening. Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut, and transportation can be arranged if needed. We also want to remind everyone that leaving pets outdoors in these conditions can cause frostbite and hypothermia just like in humans, which is why everyone should protect their pets from this harsh weather.” Garceau additionally recommended residents check on their neighbors to see if they need any kind of assistance during this severe weather occurrence. Residents may also call Carusillo’s office at (860)- 491-2308 ext. 221 for assistance.
01/28/25
On Tuesday January 28th, the Board of Selectmen held their fourth meeting of the month. All three Selectmen were in attendance. Also in attendance were Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Seth Breakell and Land Use Commission Clerk Lori Clinton.
For Carusillo’s First Selectman Report, he announced that he will host a monthly meeting on Thursday, January 30th from 4-7 pm to answer questions from residents. The Selectmen received a letter from Region 20 Board of Education member Krista Rizzo and an email from David Bonaguide expressing interest in membership for Goshen’s Code of Ethics Committee. The Selectmen additionally received a letter from DCR Plumbing’s Drew Roehl suggesting the Public Works Department clean their facility to boost morale and explaining that he would complete work in bathrooms for free as long as the Town of Goshen purchases bathroom fixtures. Carusillo additionally announced withdrawal of the proposal for a new storage building at the Public Works Department facility at 38 Torrington Road, in order to save costs for debt payments towards Region 20.
Scott Olson spoke with Goshen Agricultural Council Chairman Clint Thorn about haying done on town property on East Street South. He suggested Goshen not put the property out to bid and instead award a five-year contract to a local farmer to keep the hay in town and ensure a good harvest. The farmer would be required to provide Public Works with 50 bales of hay and continually maintain the field. Thorn agreed and will have the Council select which farmers are interested and best suited for maintaining the field. The Board of Selectmen previously authorized Chase Jespersen to hay the field in April 2024 with the requirements that he had liability insurance, donated 50 bales to Public Works, and maintained the perimeter of the field. Kinsella requested to learn the criteria for how the Council will select farmers. Olson will ask the Council at their next meeting.
Carusillo officially issued a spending freeze for the Town of Goshen effective Tuesday, January 28th until at least Monday, June 30th, due to Goshen having to cover Region 6 pensions and Region 20 overages costs. He expects Goshen will have to cover up to $890,000 for the school districts. The freeze will impact all non-essential spending including both capital and operating line items. “Any expenditures that are not essential to your operation will be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance,” Carusillo explained. The spending freeze will not impact employee salaries or day-to-day operations. Recreational town programs will still occur. Carusillo later clarified for Breakell that the Goshen Fire Company’s training and the purchasing of a new fire engine and ambulance will still be covered.
In response to confusion regarding the Code of Conduct, Land Use Commission Clerk Lori Clinton will begin reviewing sections of the Code draft in Board of Selectmen public comments. She began with the introduction of the Code, “In public meetings, practice of civility, professionalism, and decorum in discussions and debate. Difficult questions, tough challenges to a particular point of view and criticisms of ideas of information are legitimate elements of a free democracy in action. This does not allow, however, members to make belligerent, personal, slanderous, threatening, abusive, or disparaging comments. No shouting or physical actions that can be construed as threatening will be tolerated. Members should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.”
02/04/25
All three Selectmen were in attendance.
Carusillo’s announced that his first meeting to answer questions from residents with coffee on Thursday, January 30th from 4-7 pm was a success. While most discussions pertained to clarification regarding Region 20 budgets, Carusillo also responded to concerns regarding an excavator seen on 190 Sharon Turnpike. According to Carusillo, the excavator was used to remove leftover cement, rocks, and tree stumps so that farmers could easily hay the property later this year.
For Correspondence, Joe and Joanne Rocco of the Goshen-based Joe Rocco Carting Inc. sent a letter offering town customers an opportunity to purchase bear-resistant bins for $395 or rent them for $10 per month. Full-time customers were additionally offered four months of free service. According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection map of black bear sightings in the state, 13 sightings have been reported in Goshen so far this year.
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the following budgets for the 2025-2026 fiscal year: Animal Control, Civil Preparedness, Goshen Public Library, Board of Finance, Town Clerk, Professional Services, and Fiscal Office. Olson motioned to receive and forward the budgets, with the exception of the Town Clerk’s budget, to the Board of Finance. This was unanimously approved. The Town Clerk’s budget will be further reviewed at the next Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday, February 11th.
In Public Comment, Lori Clinton continued her review of sections of the Code of Conduct draft. “It is the responsibility of the chairperson to keep the comments of members on track during a public meeting,” Clinton explained. “Members should honor efforts by the chairperson to focus discussion of current agenda items. If there’s a disagreement about the agenda or the chairperson’s actions, those objections should be voiced politely and with reason following procedures outlined in parliamentary procedure. Avoid personal comments that could offend other members. If a member is personally offended by the remarks of another member, the offended member should make notes of the actual words used and call for a point of personal privilege. That challenges the member to justify or apologize for the language used.” Clinton additionally clarified that this section of the Code of Conduct could be used for members to handle “uncomfortable” situations in public meetings when issues arise regarding board or committee members comments.
