Goshen Board of Selectmen
1/13/26
Present: First Selectman Seth Breakell, Selectman Scott Olson, and Dexter S. Kinsella.
The Board began by approving corrections to the minutes from the Jan. 6 meeting. The corrections included adding David Bonaguide and John Krukar to the attendance record and removing an item that had been added in error. The motion passed unanimously.
First Selectman Seth Breakell addressed the loss of the Zoom connection that occurred during the previous week's meeting. He reported that CT FOIA (Freedom of Information Act [Commission]) was contacted, and proper procedures were followed to address the issue and how the meeting was adjourned. Correspondence from Susan Wheeler provided additional information on procedures for handling lost Zoom connections.
The Board reviewed several budget requests for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including Contingency, Capital Expenditure for Recreation, Fire Protection, Rescue, Waste Removal, and Town Office Building. The Fire Capital budget included the first $10,000 repayment of the $100,000 that was deferred from last fiscal year's budget for fire truck replacement. The Board voted unanimously to receive the budgets and forward them to the Board of Finance for their review and consideration.
The Board approved an update to the Town's purchasing policy. Previously, most departments had an initial spending threshold of $0-$1,000, while only Public Works had a threshold of $0-$2,500. The updated policy now provides all departments with an equal initial spending threshold of $0-$2,500. All other purchasing guidelines and policies remain unchanged. The motion passed unanimously.
David Bonaguide provided an update on the Ethics Committee's ongoing work to create an "Ethics Draft" for the Town. The Board of Selectmen conveyed their continued support for developing Ethics Policies for Goshen. Once the draft is completed, it will be subject to review by the Town Attorney before final approval.
A call for a Special Town Meeting was tabled, and a new date was to be determined and announced at a later time.
1/20/26
Present: First Selectman Seth Breakell, Selectman Scott Olson, and Selectman Dexter S. Kinsella
Breakell praised the Public Works Department for their excellent work keeping roads clear and safe during recent snowfalls. He announced that Goshen's newly purchased fire truck has arrived at the firehouse and will be sent to Firematic for final equipment installation. The Board also learned that Spencer Musselman, the town's Zoning Enforcement Officer, has resigned, and the position is currently being recruited.
The Board reviewed and unanimously approved Public Works budget requests for 2026-2027, including the projected budget, truck replacement capital budget, 10-year capital plan requests, and expenditure requests, forwarding them to the Board of Finance for consideration. During public comment, Audrey Blondin inquired about the postponed Special Town Meeting and was informed it had been tabled to add an item, with a new date to be determined.
1/27/26
Present: First Selectman Seth Breakell, Selectman Scott Olson, and Selectman Dexter S. Kinsella
The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the January 20th meeting and authorized the Payroll and Warrant for Jan. 29.
Breakell again praised the Public Works Department for their continued excellent work maintaining safe roads during ongoing snowfall events. He also extended special thanks to the Goshen Fire Company volunteers who stayed overnight at the firehouse to be ready to respond to any emergency calls. Breakell announced that Lucille Paige, First Selectman's Aide, will be resigning effective February 1, 2026. There were no budget reviews, correspondence, old business, new business, appointments, or public comments.
