Winsted Board of Selectmen Feb. 3rd meeting- Economic Development Plan, New Fire Chief, Town Property Sale Prices Set, Federal Funding Freeze
Winsted Town Manager Paul Harrington said he’s unsure how President Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze will play out, but for now, the town is trying to speed up federally funded work already begun. “I’ve engaged Congressman Larson’s Office for support and guidance…Initial indications are that the existing funding that was secured seems that it’s going to be okay.”
Harrington said the town is going to expedite federally projects, like new water lines for the town. “We’re talking millions and millions of dollars that we desperately need.”
Continuing his report, Harrington said the town is down to the final candidate for a new fire chief. He said he hopes to present the proposed fire chief to the selectboard at its Feb. 18th meeting.
The Sue Grossman Trail Project, supported by federal funds, is one of the projects Harrington said the town wants to speed up to ensure it can use the dollars already allocated. Harrington appointed two selectpersons, Candy Perez and William Hester, along with several others, to come up with a plan to finally finish this project. Harrington named it the “Sue Grossman Shovel-Ready Committee.”
Harrington told the board the town is working with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on a final report for the town.
The Northwest Transit District, on whose board Harrington sits, approved a budget with about a $1,800 increase. Harrington voted against this proposal, saying he believed there were more savings.
Selectman Troy Lamere discussed nominations to and resignations from a few town boards, including Sheila Sedlack from the Historic Commission. Lamere thanked her for her time and service. Jonathan Morhardt resigned from the Laurel Commission, while Eric Richard was appointed as an alternate member to the Economic Development Commission. Lamere motioned for the appointments, and the board approved them unanimously.
“There’s one commission that has hardly any members, the Cultural Commission,” Lamere said, inviting interested residents to join that body. Harrington said he would advertise that opening, and openings on several other boards. One of those is the Laurel Committee.
Moving on to unfinished business, the board unanimously approved revisions to a town traffic control ordinance.
Selectman William Pozzo opened discussion of new business, saying he met with renewable energy consultant RPI Development. Pozzo said he was suspicious of the company’s saying it could bring about $450,000 to the town.
“There are no hitches, it doesn’t lock us into future solar [development],” Pozzo said.
Now, the town manager will work on a contract with the company, which he will bring to the board at a later date. Pozzo motioned to allow the town manager to begin negotiations, and the board unanimously approved.
Next, Economic Development Commission Chair Dewees Yeager reviewed the commission’s annual plan with the selectboard.
“Probably the number one area to look at is business development,” Yeager said. He said the commission frequently discusses underutilized properties and proceeded to list a number of properties that could potentially be improved. Yeager said communication between his commission, other town boards and the town manager is important to finishing projects smoothly. He said marketing is a constant focus for the commission. “The more we can get our name out there, our brand, the better,” he said. “That’s always on our list.”
The board discussed the challenges of attracting new businesses and retaining existing ones, calling economic development a top priority.
The board entered an executive session to discuss selling town-owned properties. When the board returned, it set sale prices for eight properties:
- 19 Hill Street, $23,000.
- 124 Rockwell Street, $29,000.
- 48 Bridge Street, $23,900.
- 99 Hubbard Street, $49,900.
- 269 Walnut Street, $49,900.
- 109 Marshal Street, $89,900.
- 104 Norfolk Road, $39,900.
- 50-52 Cottage Street, $39,000.
Selectman Paul Marino motioned to set the prices, and the board unanimously approved.
