Goshen Board of Selectmen

Krista Rizzo

04/28/26 5 PM

Present: Seth Breakell, Dexter Kinsella, Scott Olson

Upon unanimous approval of the minutes from the prior meeting and the payroll and warrants for the week, Breakell had only one item to discuss in the 1^st Selectmen’s report, an update on the Region 20 budget referendum. The Region 20 budget meeting was scheduled for Monday, May 4th at Lakeview High School. The budget was a 4.24% increase, driven mostly by teacher contracts. Voting on the budget in Goshen was scheduled for Tuesday, May 5th at Camp Coch. The Board of Selectmen (BOS) and Board of Finance had all been involved with Region 20 budget discussions and “we’re all on board with that budget, we think it’s a good budget,” Breakell said. Goshen’s portion will be 0.94% based on student headcount, which is only a little over a $79,000 increase this year. “We made out pretty well” Breakell said. The budget was available to review on the R20 website and was broken out with line-by-line details. Breakell encouraged the community to take a look.

Next, Goshen resident Ken Strong made a presentation about invasive species that are located throughout the town of Goshen. The informative and detailed presentation is available on the town website.

Sarah Leonard spoke during public comment urging the selectmen to keep the printed version of Town Topics. She talked about the importance of Town Topics for the community as it offers valuable information and keeps our aging population engaged. Leonard asked the BOS to reconsider and allow residents input. Josephine Jones seconded Sarah's comment and said she also views it as a valuable resource.

Courtney Zeiner rounded out public comment by asking for an update on Bill 5323, specifically for the forensic audit. She questioned if the cost would be the responsibility of the town or state. (Note: The bill is entitled “AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO THE EDUCATION STATUTES”.)

05/05/26, 5 PM

Present: Seth Breakell, Dexter Kinsella and Scott Olson

During the 1^st Selectman’s Report, Breakell stated that May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Torrington Area Health District would be on site at Town Hall with a resource table set up giving away free safes and gun locks on May 6th.

He then reminded the community that the POCD survey link is now on the front page of the Town website, along with available paper copies in Town Hall. He urged people to take the survey. There was a public forum scheduled by the Planning & Zoning Commission on Saturday, May 9th in the Center School gym at 9am.

Breakell let residents know that Town Topics are not going away, “we are trying to make it a monthly newsletter so people can stay more up to date” digitally on a monthly basis. It will be supplemented with a hard copy.

The American Legion Unit 46 sent a letter regarding the Memorial Day poppy campaign. Donations are gratefully accepted and support veterans and their families in Thanksgiving for their service. National Poppy Day was Friday, May 22nd.

During old business, there was the Approval of a special event permit for Climb Higher, the Atlantic Union Conference Camporee. A motion was made to approve the event by Dexter Kinsella and carried unanimously.

Breakell made two re-appointments, Mark Beeman, and Matthew Grosclaude. They will both be regular members on the Zoning Board of Appeals for a two-year term through April 23, 2028. A motion to approve both appointments passed unanimously.

The meeting then adjourned to Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Following executive session, a motion was made by Dexter Kinsella and seconded by Scott Olson to move out of executive session with no action taken. The motion carried.

O5/12/26

Present: Seth Breakell, Dexter Kinsella and Scott Olson

In Breakell’s 1^st Selectmen’s Report, he reminded the community about the budget hearing taking place on Wednesday, May 13th at 7:30pm in the Town Hall conference room. Budgets can be found online and in town hall. The BOF would be taking public comment during the meeting with no action being taken. The final budget meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, May 27th.

He then reminded everyone about the POCD survey that was still available, and urged residents to spend a few minutes to participate in the survey.

An item of old business came up to approve the special event permit for this year’s Goshen Stampede. A motion was made, and carried unanimously to approve the permit.

In this week’s appointments, Breakell re-appointed Audrey Blondin to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a two year term, which was voted on unanimously.

Mike Leonard spoke during public comment about the annual Kobylinski Fishing Derby that was held on Saturday, May 9^th. (GN note: The Derby is held in memory of Richard "Poppy" Kobylenski who served as a First Selectman for the Town of Goshen. His nephew, Dan, keeps the tradition going by taking on the task of stocking the fish. Trophies for most weight of fish over all, and biggest fish.-Taken from the website -Poppy’s Annual Fishing Derby).

05/19/26 5 PM

Present: Seth Breakell, Dexter Kinsella and Scott Olson

During the 1^st Selectmen’s Report, Breakell reminded the town that there is still time to submit a survey for the POCD. The survey ended May 23.

He then reminded the community of the Town Meeting that will take place on May 27 to approve the final budget.

Next up was an announcement that Community Services and the Library are working together to host a month-long food drive to benefit the Goshen Food Pantry. This will take place at the parish hall at the Congregational church. Donations received will come with an optional entry to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

In new business, Dexter Kinsella read the Call of Hybrid Annual Budget Meeting and Special Town Meeting that will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Details of the budget are available on the town website.

The 2026-2028 tree bid for Public Works was the next topic of discussion. Goshen received one bid from Sepples’ Tree Services on May 18th. All the paperwork required is in order for the bid submission.

The bid includes:

3 men, 75' bucket truck or 70' spider lift, chipper and dump truck $275 for per hour
Bucket truck with a 75’ ht and operator for $150 per hour
Chipper & Truck with box & Operator for $100 per hour
Each Additional Ground Man is $65 per hour
Crane & Operator with Additional Man is $300 per hour
Stump Grinding is $125 per hour