Morris Board of Selectmen
Present: First Selectman Tom Weik, Selectmen Laurey Weiner and Denise Weik.
When the Morris Cares Food Bank opened nearly three years ago, the space was adequate, but they are experiencing some growing pains. First Selectman Tom Weik told the Board of Selectmen on Aug. 4, the pantry needs more space.
He said they are currently not using the enclosed porch or front middle room of their 12 North Street location, and would allow Morris Cares to use the additional space. “I think it’s a no brainer,” he said, adding, “They need the space and it’s available. Why not?”
Laurey Weiner made a motion to add the extra space to the lease, so the food bank can use the extra space, and Denise Weik seconded it.
They also discussed the use of the basement for longer term storage. The basement could not be used by patrons because of the steep stairway, but there will be discussion in the future about making improvements to lighting and the downstairs space to make it more useable.
Weik also brought up the issue with higher energy costs because of refrigeration and freezer use. With the heating season coming, and the need for more space, Weik said they will need to look at averages over time and make some decisions.
“I’ll get some bills together and see what they look like, then we can come up with some idea,” he said. “I realize if you work off of donations and grants, and there’s not a lot of money available to cover some of the expenses, so, maybe we can work together on that at a future meeting.”
The Town of Morris stands to gain from a potential solar array being proposed by a company called Green Sky. Weik said he will be talking to attorneys about the proposed energy system, but through the state’s Uniform Capacity Tax.
He explained that there’s a potential for $50,000 because the tax requires owners to pay $10,000 per year for each megawatt the solar panels produce. There is currently a small array at the transfer station, which nets the town $25,000 per year through a lease agreement, but Weik said that will not be subject to the same tax as the new solar array.
He will not only be talking to attorneys, but the developer and Board of Finance as well.
Another issue the Selectmen hashed over is the Town Boat Launch. Weik told the Selectmen there’s been a problem with access. “Sadly, there’s been someone that has gained access to the key that changes the combination on the lock, so they open the lock, and they change the combination.”
When that happens, no one can use the lock, he explained, adding, “Twice people have gotten locked in at the Town boat launch.”
He said he ordered a new lock that he hopes will correct the problem, but he also suggested looking at the system that Litchfield uses for access. Litchfield is open to residents with access using a key FOB to open the electric gate. Out-of-town visitors pay a daily fee at the gate.
Weik said he would look at the feasibility of changing to a key FOB, to avoid a recent incident where someone was locked in and state police were called.
