SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Road conditions, fire protection, e-bike safety and several town government items were among the issues reviewed by the Town Council during its latest meeting.
READ MORE: SW Council Pays Bill Tied To Election Fight
The meeting included public concerns about Schanck Road, a new step for a proposed dry hydrant system, Public Works Week recognition, committee appointments and other routine town business.
A public commenter raised concerns about Schanck Road, saying residents have dealt with poor road conditions, increased truck traffic and confusion over who is responsible for maintenance because the road is a right of way.
The speaker said potholes had become difficult for residents and said truck traffic has increased over the past year. A council member asked the speaker to leave contact information with town officials because the issue has come up before.
According to eyewitness reports, potholes on Schanck Road were patched this week after the concerns were raised.
The council also voted to refer a proposed dry hydrant system at 476 Niederwerfer Road to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review.
Officials said the vote does not give final approval to the project. It sends the proposal to Planning and Zoning for review as one step in a longer town process.
The proposal had previously focused on land known as the Wildlife Sanctuary, but officials said that site raised legal concerns because of restrictions tied to recreation and conservation use.
The new proposed location is town-owned land at 476 Niederwerfer Road. Officials said the parcel was obtained for drainage purposes and does not carry the same restrictions as the earlier site.
Mayor Craig Zimmerman asked whether the new location would provide a similar benefit to the earlier site.
“Are we talking about kind of the same partial solution to the problem?” Zimmerman said.
Officials said the new site would provide a comparable benefit, but stressed that a dry hydrant is not the same as extending regular public water service.
Councilor Liz Pendleton questioned whether the council had enough information before sending the new site to Planning and Zoning.
“I don’t want to vote on something that I don’t have the details to,” Pendleton said. “I don’t want to vote on something that may not come to fruition.”
Officials said the council would still have to review the proposal again before any final approval or funding decision.
Town officials also raised concerns about e-bike safety.
The town manager said police have written safety information available and are sharing it with residents. Officials said the goal is to keep riders and others safe as e-bikes become more common.
The meeting also included recognition tied to Public Works Week.
Officials recognized public works employees, volunteers and community partners for their service to the town. The department was praised for work that often happens outside the public spotlight until a problem needs attention.
Zimmerman said the recognition showed the value of town employees and volunteers.
“All the people that got awards today, and your entire staff, another great example of what makes our town special,” Zimmerman said.
The council also approved appointments to the town’s Energy Committee.
The committee will include regular members, alternates and ex officio participation from town and school facilities officials or their designees.
Councilor Steven King Jr. said public input helped bring attention to the committee structure.
“That’s exactly what we need from our residents,” King said.
The council approved a job classification change involving the fire marshal position. The title will now include deputy director of emergency management, and the town added a deputy fire marshal position to the non-union employee classification list.
Officials also set a June 1 public hearing on proposed changes to the Planning and Zoning Commission section of the town code. The hearing will focus on possible changes to a section dealing with member disqualification.
The council also accepted a suspense list from the collector of revenue and approved several tax refunds later in the meeting.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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