Chair Report: February 28th Meeting Review

Good Afternoon, and a happy first Friday of March! From the council chair, providing a review of our February 28th regular Town Council meeting

On Tuesday, February 28th, the Town Council met for our second regular meeting of the month. First, a proclamation congratulating Emma Tremblay on receiving their Gold Award from the Girl Scouts, the highest honor in their organization, was read into the record after being presented to her at a special event held on Sunday the 26th.

Following this recognition were two regular business items. The council first unanimously authorized the finance director to sign documentation that will allow for settlement funds from claims against various pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers to be deposited into the Capital Non-Recurring Expenditure Fund (CNRE). These settlements include payments that will be disbursed over the next six to 15 years.

Questions were asked by council-members regarding the use of these funds and which local organizations could have access to these funds to combat opioid-related issues in our community. There will be an upcoming seminar held by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) regarding appropriate use of these funds as well.

The second item of business was a unanimous approval of several ARPA Subcommittee recommendations. These recommendations from the town’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) included Tolland Intermediate School updates to a seclusion room and their Nurse’s area as well as a public works heavy duty truck for a total of up to $394,000 being taken off long-term debt obligations.

Additionally, funding for Phase II of a forestry management plan for the Conservation Commission at $15,000, a variety of field improvements for the Tolland Little League at $63,000, and an Ice Skating Rink Replacement through the Recreation department for up to $10,000 were also unanimously approved. Inquiries were also made by council members regarding ARPA requests from other departments and efforts to utilize remaining funds to assist the Economic Development Commission or economic development in general.

After these approvals, Tolland will have $2,368,964.62 remaining for use towards other expenditures.

The Tolland Town Manager Brian Foley also provided an update on several ongoing initiatives in the town, including ADA Accessibility projects, potential sale of the Tolland Water system, returning the farmer's Market to the Tolland Green and other projects.

For the February 28th meeting minutes and packet, please visit:

Minutes - https://ecode360.com/TO1208/document/712634739.pdf

Meeting Packet - https://www.tollandct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3921/f/uploads/february_28_2023_council_packet.pdf

Thank you for taking the time to review this report and the attached links above. As the Town moves forward in the community planning and budget conversation, please check out https://www.tollandct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3921/f/uploads/budget_schedule_12.pdf for the full schedule of upcoming meetings and hearings for March. If you would like to submit any questions or comments to the Town Council, please email us at towncouncil@tollandct.gov.

Have a great weekend and stay safe on the roadways as more winter weather makes its way through our region!