EDC Funding, Skateparks, and More from the BOS

The Board of Selectmen had a lot on its agenda last week, including a few smaller items that did not require any action. Let’s dive into some of the meatier items. 

Economic Development Commission (EDC) budget

As we reported last month, the EDC has requested that its budget be reinstated, allowing it to do things like join the Main Street Development Center (MSDC). After receiving a formal request, First Selectman Bill Morrison brought it to the rest of the BOS. The problem is that after a protracted budget season, the town’s budget was actually cut, leaving little room for new requests.

“The EDC needs some sort of tool to work with, and funding is that tool,” said Selectman John Whetton. The challenge is finding that money. 

Selectman Rick Hartenstein said he would like to see more activity and a plan for where the money will come from before voting on the change. Morrison said he would go back to try and find the money, including asking the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) if they could help fund it. 

Invasive species

Milfoil plagues waterways across Connecticut, and Stafford’s lakes and ponds are no exception. In fact, this pesky weed and the expensive treatment involved in eradicating it are part of the reason many Staffordville Lake residents don’t want non-residents launching their boats on the lake. Meanwhile, this week, the resident of State Line Pond held their annual fundraiser to treat that lake. 

The problem isn’t going away. Morrison proposed creating a line item in the town budget and applying for grants or other funding sources to establish a fund for addressing the milfoil issue. Hartenstein pointed out that ARPA money was used to begin treating some of the lakes, and that a maintenance program would make sense.

A skate park and educational program

Brandon Mundell, owner of Life Cycle (aka the skate shop in downtown), shared his vision for a skateboard-based curriculum that helps teach kids other skills in the process. Not only would the program help kids learn to skateboard, but it would raise money to rebuild a skatepark in town. This discussion was had during the public comment section, so stay tuned for more official talks on this matter.

Potential changes to Staffordville Beach regulations

Despite attempts to give more locals access to Staffordville Reservoir/Lake, the town website still says, “Launching boats or watercraft is not allowed. This includes kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, pedal boats, row boats, or inflatable boats of any kind.” Meanwhile, town ordinance 8-1 says, “Boats on the lake shall be restricted to residents or property owners of the Town of Stafford, or their guests. For purposes of these regulations, tenants (renters) shall be considered residents of the Town of Stafford.”

Despite all this, the Lion’s Club Moonlight Paddle from Staffordville beach is becoming a bigger and more popular event each summer. So, Morrison wants to explore changing the language to allow the Moonlight Paddle to be officially held. First, though, he plans to hold an informational meeting, so stay tuned to see when that’s scheduled.

Honorable mentions

• Connecticut has received $720,000,000 as part of the state’s lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies over opiates. Towns will each receive a share, but must find a way to use it that is in accordance with the guidelines that come along with the money: “the proceeds will be spent on substance use disorder abatement infrastructure, programs, services, supports, and resources for prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction with public involvement, transparency, and accountability.” In March of 2024, CT Mirror reported that many towns still had not spent their share of the nearly $10 million given to cities in 2023, and Stafford was among them. Stay tuned for more discussion on how to spend that money.

• Stafford is still exploring the idea of regionalizing its Animal Control services. A state grant is being offered to help towns team up to provide these services. In Stafford’s case, we would be working with Willington, Tolland, and Mansfield. We would maintain our own pound, but duties would be spread out across the towns and their staff. The grant would cover 75% of costs in the first year, decreasing to 50% and then 25% over the next two years. After three years, if the towns decide the arrangement is not working, they can go back to providing all their own services.

• The Department of Public Works (DPW) software subscription expires in September, and, according to the new director, Whetton, it is obsolete. So, the department is switching to a new system that will allow residents to submit problems through a public portal, track the progress of their submissions, and receive email updates.