0:00One item at the meeting was the public hearing on the transfer of a liquor license for the Roma restaurant. Attorney Dan Kelly represented the petitioners, detailing the substantial investment of one million dollars by the new operators, who have been involved in the business since childhood. The board members expressed optimism about the new ownership, emphasizing the importance of family legacy and high standards, including a zero-tolerance policy for serving underage patrons. Following supportive comments from the audience, the board voted to approve the transfer of the liquor license.

Another item was the appointment of new call firefighters, including Dwight Gregar, who expressed enthusiasm for joining the Southwick Fire Department. Gregar, a firefighter and paramedic with nine years of experience, praised the department’s reputation and the familial atmosphere he had heard about. The board moved to appoint him without objection.

The board also addressed appointments for the Economic Development Commission, interviewing Steven Roach. Roach, a relatively new resident of Southwick, expressed a desire to get involved in the community. He noted the potential for recreational opportunities in Southwick and expressed a desire to contribute to the town’s success. Roach’s endorsement from the commission’s chairman underscored the need for additional members to support ongoing initiatives.

18:54The meeting continued with the review and endorsement of the Storm Water Management Plan, presented by Randy Brown, the storm water coordinator and Director of Public Works. Brown explained the yearly report submitted to the EPA detailing the maintenance and performance of the town’s storm water management systems. The board reviewed a scorecard tracking their work, including the number of inlet structures serviced and sediment levels monitored. Brown highlighted completed projects aimed at reducing erosive flows and noted collaboration with the Connecticut River Storm Water Coalition for outreach and messaging. Concerns were raised about the potential future need for a storm water fee to fund maintenance and inspection costs, similar to neighboring communities. The board conditionally endorsed the storm water management plan, pending updated documentation.

39:43The board then discussed the extension of an agreement related to Hudson Drive and San West, with no associated cost impacts. A motion to extend the agreement to February 28, 2025, was made and seconded, passing with a roll call vote.

In financial matters, the board approved the sale of a DPW boom mower to the Granville Highway Department for $5,000. There was some debate about the adequacy of the disposition without officially surplusing the machine or posting it for sale, but the motion ultimately passed.

The Town Administrator’s report included discussions on goals and objectives, emphasizing fairness in the reappointment process for boards and commissions. Concerns were raised about reappointment without interviews, particularly with multiple applicants for the same positions. The board agreed on the importance of discussing reappointments to avoid the perception of favoritism and recommended involving committee chairs in the appointment process.

The board proceeded with various appointments, including reappointing members to the high-speed internet committee and addressing vacancies in the Cemetery Commission, Conservation Commission, Cultural Council, Economic Development Council, Historical Commission, Lake Management, Local Emergency Planning Committee, and Master Plan Implementation Committee.

1:18:52The conversation also touched on the composition and roles of the newly proposed Master Plan Implementation Committee. Members emphasized the need for continuity and suggested including individuals with prior experience in the master plan process. The board agreed on the necessity of a written charge to define the committee’s responsibilities and prevent ambiguity.

An update from the North Pond Task Force included discussions on access to the parking lot, shoreline restoration efforts, and the possibility of a soft reopening of the parking area. The Local Permit Program (LPP) negotiations with Suffield regarding voting representation were also discussed, with concerns about the implications of granting a voting member from Suffield.