Three Things

The February 11th Town Council Regular Meeting had a relatively light agenda but there were several important actions taken. But before we get into this month’s ‘Three Things,’ our usual stage setting:

Most of what we do at Council is fairly routine and not controversial. Nonetheless we are doing the ‘people’s business’ and voters should know more about what’s going on. Transparency, understanding and public input is important to our democracy and the best functioning of our town. For this series we’ll highlight and expound on ‘three things’ from the meeting. These will usually be the most important or notable debates and/or decisions made by the Town Council at the meeting. Our usual disclaimer is that this is more commentary and information not ‘news.’ We’re not reporters. We’re presenting our perspective and we’re also endeavoring to represent the objective truth but you’re always welcome to watch the meeting on YouTube Channel 14 for an unvarnished version. Follow this link February 11, 2025 to view the meeting.

North End Development Steering Committee

The State of Connecticut previously conveyed sixty acres of property to the Town of Cheshire. The property is behind and adjacent to the commuter parking lot across the street from Stonebridge Crossing, the large commercial development currently under construction near I-691.

The conveyance of the property from the State was based on certain conditions - namely the land must be used for economic development and be completed within five years. Also, once the property is sold, the proceeds of the sale go to the State’s Transportation Fund. Once the property is developed, the property tax revenue goes to the Town. It’s a great deal for Cheshire.

The Town issued an RFP seeking proposals from developers for the property. As of last week, several responses were received by the submission deadline. The Town’s vision for the property includes commercial and light industrial development. At the Council’s February 11th Meeting a steering committee was established to review the RFP responses and make a recommendation to the town. The appointed members of the steering committee include Town Council Vice Chairperson Jim Jinks, Town Councilor and Council Planning Committee Chairperson Greg Wolff, Town Councilor Don Walsh, Economic Development Commission Chairperson Derek Gromko, Economic Development Commission member David Pelletier, former Planning & Zoning Commission member Lou Todisco and Patrick Wellspeak, Cheshire resident, business owner and an expert in commercial property valuation.

STEAP Grant Application - Mixville

STEAP is a State of Connecticut grant program that helps to fund ‘small town’ capital projects. Per the STEAP page on the state website - ‘Preserving the historical integrity and beauty of our small towns is vital to our economy and quality of life. The Small Town Economic Assistance Program funds economic development, community conservation and quality-of-life capital projects for localities that are ineligible to receive Urban Action bonds. This program is managed by the Office of Policy and Management and grants are administered by various state agencies.’

The Council approved the Town to apply for a STEAP grant this year. The Town’s proposal will include a number of improvements at Mixville Park including but not limited to replacing the aging pavilion structure, adding a small bridge to replace the current (and problematic) ‘stepping stones’ and expanding ADA access to the beach area. Being awarded a STEAP grant this year isn’t guaranteed but in recent years the Town has submitted several successful proposals. Fingers crossed!

Public Comment - Animal Control

A number of animal advocates participated during the public comment portion of the Council meeting. They expressed their concerns over the treatment of dogs the Town had been housing in the Animal Control Facility (located adjacent to the Police Dept.) Prior to the meeting the Town addressed these concerns and posted a statement and update. Click here to view the Town’s statement.

At the meeting, Town Council Chairperson Peter Talbot also made a statement, on behalf of the Council, and announced the Council and Town’s decision to initiate an independent investigation (see below.) To hear/watch Councilor Talbot’s statement click here. His statement begins at about minute 3:40 of the video.

THE CHESHIRE TOWN COUNCIL HAS, SINCE LATE LAST YEAR, BEEN CONTEMPLATING A FULL INVESTIGATION OF MATTERS RELATED TO THE TOWN’S CUSTODY OF DOGS SEIZED DUE TO ABUSE IN OCTOBER 2022. DUE TO ONGOING LITIGATION IN BOTH SUPERIOR AND BANKRUPTCY COURT, COMMENCEMENT OF THE INVESTIGATION WAS DELAYED. THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE DEFENDANT’S COUNTERCLAIM IN THE SUPERIOR COURT CASE WAS FILED WITH THE COURT ON JANUARY 30TH 2025. WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF THAT WITHDRAWAL, A HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED INVESTIGATOR WAS ENGAGED TO CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY INVESTIGATION. TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF THIS INVESTIGATION WE WILL HAVE NO FURTHER COMMENT UNTIL THE INVESTIGATION IS CONCLUDED.

THIS TOWN COUNCIL IS A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS, WE WERE ELECTED BY THE CITIZENS OF CHESHIRE AND WE HAVE SWORN AN OATH THAT WE WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE, ACCORDING TO LAW, THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE. WE HAVE ALL BEEN TRUE TO THAT OATH. WE HAVE LISTENED, FOR WHAT WILL BE THREE MEETINGS NOW, TO YOUR CONCERNS. CONSISTENT WITH OUR DUTIES, ALBEIT TO THE FRUSTRATION OF MANY OF US, WE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO SIT SILENT IN THE FACE OF VERBAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA ATTACKS. BECAUSE OF ONGOING LEGAL MATTERS, PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF WHICH WOULD UNDERMINE THE TOWN’S INTERESTS, WE HAVE HAD TO REMAIN SILENT. IN ADDITION, PERSONNEL MATTERS INVOLVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS UNDER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS AND TRIGGER VARIOUS STATUTORY PROVISIONS AND LAWS, NOT TO MENTION CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS TO DUE PROCESS. WE DO NOT DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS IN PUBLIC. NOW, TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY AND OBJECTIVITY OF THE INVESTIGATION, WE AS A COUNCIL WILL NOT ENGAGE IN A PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF THESE ISSUES. AS I STATED AT THE MEETING IN DECEMBER, EVERYONE AT THIS DAIS IS A PET OWNER, THE VAST MAJORITY OWN OR HAVE OWNED RESCUE DOGS. DO NOT INTERPRET OUR LIMITED REMARKS AS A LACK OF CARING OR EMPATHY.

There will likely be more to come on this issue, once the investigation is complete. The town is operating the Animal Control Facility under a consent order from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. The ordered updates and renovations have been completed and/or are underway. The town is posting monthly public reports about the progress on the town website. View these reports here.

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P.S. - A friendly reminder to participate in the Plan of Conservation and Development survey. It’ll only take a few minutes. Thanks.

Upcoming Town Council meetings:

February 25th, 7pm, Special Meeting, Town Council Chambers

March 11th, 7pm, Regular Meeting, Town Council Chambers