Goshen Board of Selectmen: Much Ado About Minutes

10/7/2025
Present: Todd Carusillo, Dexter Kinsella, and Scott Olson.

The meeting opened with the approval of minutes from the prior session. Kinsella requested that the approval be tabled to correct inaccuracies and noted that excessive elaboration during public comment is unnecessary. He also requested the removal of the phrase “unruly and disrespectful” from the Sept. 25 minutes, as those words were not quoted during the meeting. The motion to amend was approved unanimously.

Olson raised concerns about missing motions from the Sept. 25 minutes, including those related to the approval of payroll, warrants, and redacting public comment. He emphasized the importance of accuracy and transparency, noting that incorrect information under correspondence must be corrected. The vote on the minutes was postponed to the following week.

New Town Attorney Kevin Nelligan attended the meeting to introduce himself and discuss his new role with the Town. The selectmen plan to meet with him and committee chairs to outline how his services will be utilized.

In his Selectman’s report, Carusillo announced upcoming meetings with the 1st Selectmen of Warren and Morris to discuss unemployment interest in the Region 6 bills.

Under correspondence, letters and emails were received from Lynnette Miller, Henrietta Horvay, and Lester Ross—all addressing concerns about inaccurate meeting minutes. Todd reminded the board that minutes do not have to be verbatim, while Scott clarified that the issue is not word-for-word transcription but “gross misrepresentation.” He suggested including all written correspondence in future meeting packets for transparency.

Olson also noted that the agenda often fails to reflect the items discussed during meetings. The board subsequently voted to add additional topics to the agenda. The resignation of Marty Harris from the Lake Weed Committee was accepted.

Two bids were received for mini-split AC units for the firehouse: one from Action Air Systems for $27,085 and another from Savmor Cooling & Heating for $16,800. Both included references and hold-harmless agreements. Dexter moved to forward both bids to the Board of Fire Commissioners for review. Public comments from Miller, Sarah Leonard and Lori Clinton addressed inaccuracies in the minutes, calls for civility, and reminders regarding Freedom of Information Act guidelines for public comment summaries. 

10/14/2025
Present: Todd Carusillo and Scott Olson; Dexter Kinsella was excused.

The meeting began with approval of the minutes from Oct. 7. Olson made a motion to approve the minutes with corrections, noting that Section 2, “Approval of Minutes,” included inaccurate language beginning with the sentence, “After this motion was not seconded at this time.”

Olson explained that no motion had been made to approve the minutes because they were tabled due to inconsistencies, and the section should reflect that. Olson emphasized the importance of maintaining clear and accurate records, cautioning against “getting into murky waters” by continually correcting minutes from multiple meetings. He also pointed out that, under Correspondence, the minutes incorrectly listed none, even though four items were discussed—from Lynnette Miller, Henrietta Horvay, Lester Ross, and Marty Harris—and he requested they be properly included.

During new business, a motion was made and unanimously approved to add the opening of bids to the agenda. Payroll and warrants totaling $1.477 million were also approved, with the largest payment of $1.401 million issued to the Region 20 School District, alongside payments for tipping fees and recycling costs. In his report, Carusillo noted a series of break-ins on North Goshen Road, reminding residents to remain alert and keep garages and barns locked. He mentioned that the local junkyard had recently been sold, and new workers in the area had drawn concern, prompting a call to police.

Carusillo also reported that the individual responsible for the “Goshen Pisser” TikTok account was identified as a minor who will complete community service; no arrest was made, and the case is being handled by the State Police. He added that the Northwest Resource Recovery Authority requires a formal appointment for his position on the board.

Under old business, Olson revisited the Sept. 30 meeting minutes, which remain tabled for approval until Kinsella returns. During new appointments, Olson made a motion to formally appoint Carusillo as Goshen’s representative to the Northwest Resource Recovery Authority, with Carusillo seconding. The motion passed unanimously after clarification that the committee oversees waste management operations within the Northwest COG and works with the Department of Administrative Services on transfer station oversight. During public comment, Sarah Leonard, representing Goshen Community Care, invited residents to the organization’s first Community Dinner on Oct. 22 at the Goshen Congregational Church, a free event designed to strengthen community connections.

Ross expressed continued frustration over inaccuracies in past meeting minutes, urging the board to take residents’ concerns seriously and to attach his correspondence for public transparency. Olson clarified that moving forward, meeting minutes will list the names and addresses of those who speak during public comment, along with any written correspondence submitted.

10/21/2025
Present: Todd Carusillo and Scott Olson; Dexter Kinsella was excused.

In a brief eight-minute meeting, the board approved the minutes from Oct. 14, with a motion by Olson and a second by Carusillo, passing unanimously. Payroll and warrants totaling $55,700 were also approved. During the Selectmen’s Report, Carusillo shared that the town successfully locked in pricing for heating oil, diesel, and gasoline for the season. There were three bear complaints in town, and residents were reminded to secure garbage and pet food.

A new state requirement now mandates that all burning permits be completed in person, with Carusillo serving as the burn official responsible for inspecting brush piles prior to approval. The board also discussed the St. Thomas Church’s offer to convey the Scoville Park property to the town for a $1,000 donation. Carusillo plans to request an appropriation from the Board of Finance and apply for a $100,000 Historic Preservation Grant to restore the structure as a post-and-beam community space for farmers markets, concerts, and local events.

Under new business, Maddy Flynn was reappointed to the Connecticut Tourism Board, and Patrick Flynn was appointed to the Lake Weed Committee following Marty Harris’ resignation. The Sept. 25 minutes remain tabled pending Kinsella’s return. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 5:08 p.m.

10/28/2025
Present: Todd Carusillo and Scott Olson; Dexter Kinsella was excused.

The meeting began with approval of the minutes from Oct. 21. Olson made a motion to approve the minutes with no corrections, which was unanimously approved.

During the First Selectman’s Report, Carusillo shared details from a recent meeting he attended with the Region 20 CFO and Superintendent, and the first selectmen of Warren, Morris, and Litchfield regarding the new Region 20 audit. The audit revealed a $400,000 check made payable to the Litchfield School District, dated July 14, 2024, and signed by Della Volpe, Areola, and Cole.

Region 20 is now seeking reimbursement of the $400,000 from the participating towns. As a result, Goshen’s share of the associated debt has risen from $118,000 to $180,000, with $69,000 allocated to Goshen. Carusillo noted that a new agreement will be drafted for the selectmen to review and sign.

Carusillo also issued a warning to residents about a current scam circulating among Connecticut residents, falsely claiming to be from the Secretary of State’s office and requesting social security numbers.

There was no correspondence or old business to discuss. Under new business, the board officially appointed Attorney Kevin Nelligan as Town Counsel effective Nov. 1, under the same one-year contract terms. Olson made a motion to approve the appointment, which passed unanimously. The board also announced that, due to Election Day on Nov. 4, the next selectmen’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 5 p.m. at Town Hall.

During public comment, Andy Savage expressed gratitude toward Carusillo for his hard work and dedication over the past four years as 1st Selectman, acknowledging the challenges he has faced in recent months. Savage also questioned Olson about cell phone use during meetings and the renting of structures zoned for agricultural purposes, though Olson did not respond.

Marianne Stilson reminded residents that early voting is underway and requested that future early voting sessions be moved back to Town Hall from Camp Coch for greater convenience, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing local residents.

Marissa Wright, who recently lost a loved one, took a moment to speak on the importance of honesty, integrity, and kindness in leadership, saying, “Life is short—there is no room in this town for vendettas.” She thanked the selectmen for their service and expressed appreciation for those running in the current election.