Building Inspector

I move to appoint Jeffrey Blackwell as Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer.

Resignation Marion Godzik

I move to accept Marion Godzik resignation as an alternate Conservation Commission member effective July 27, 201 and ask our Town Administrator to send a thank you letter to Mrs. Godzik for her years of community service.

Matt,

As of today I am resigning from my position as an alternate from the Conservation Commission. When I joined it was something I loved to do. I was, and still am today passionate about nature and conservation of our natural resources. This is no longer happening. In the past 6 months it has become all about the money. Voices from the experienced members is no longer being heard. During this time we have lost 50% of the Conservation Commission. People have been driven out, people with longevity and knowledge of the RSA’s that govern Conservation Commissions. The BOS has become the new leaders of the CONCOM. Again all about the almighty dollar. Now the funds are being nickel and dimed away. Look at how it has been used in the past 6 months.

The commission wanted to purchase a new lawn mower for the conservation property. Somehow it has now become a huge tractor with a loader bucket, mower deck a hitch that be raised and lowered hydraulically. This is overkill. Remember that we only have a few properties to mow. The cost for these things are over $35,000. We started out discussing the cost of a zero turn mower.

Several projects this year have started out gusto and not come to fruition. The community garden, which I know people were looking forward to using this summer, has come to a standstill, unusable delay after delay.

Now there are people wanting twice a month meetings. Remember the board is staffed by volunteers, not paid for attendance like the BOS. I don’t want to worry about the “bean counters” watching for attendance. I have noticed that there are many absent members on all boards at their meetings.

I will continue on as a volunteer in Litchfield, just not wit anything in political nature.

Good luck in the future!

Marion Godzik

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA)

Signed into law in March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a $1.9 trillion package intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts. A key provision under ARPA, known as the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFR funds), provides $350 billion in relief to states and local governments to combat the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States Department of Treasury (Treasury) published the interim final rule (IFR) on May 10, 2021, through an expedited rule-making process. The IFR outlines the requirements for CSLFRF and went into effect immediately upon issuance, despite the fact that Treasury is seeking comments on all aspects of the rule. If warranted by public comments, the IFR may subsequently be modified.

According to the Treasury, the SLRF funds provide eligible local governments with a substantial infusion of resources to meet pandemic response needs and rebuild a stronger, and more equitable economy as the country recovers. Recipients may use these funds to:

• Support public health expenditures, by, for example, funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff

• ​Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector

• Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic

• Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors

• Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet

Notes:

Ask CIP Committee to develop Plan

First payment $452,311.63 or the expected $904,623

Potential Uses

Water, sewer & broadband infrastructure

Replace loss revenue

Public Health issues

Premium pay for essential workers payment

December 31, 2024 funds committed

December 31, 2026 funds expended 100%

Town Administrator Report

Local contractor renovated the Police Department shooting range.

Selectmen Reports

1. Planning Board Representative - Kimberly M. Queenan

2. Emergency Management Team - Steven J. Webber

3. Recreation Commission Representative - Steven J. Webber

4. School Facilities Improvement Committee - Steven J. Webber

5. Capital Improvement Committee Representative - Steven J. Webber

6. Budget Committee Representative - F. Robert Leary Sr.,

7. Conservation Commission Representative - Kevin A. Lynch

8. Heritage Commission Representative - Richard W. Lascelles