Barkhamsted Reviews Infrastructure

BARKHAMSTED - From "going green" to designing a new town facilities complex, Barkhamsted selectmen have begun to take on a range of infrastructure projects in a short period of time.

On Feb. 12 the Board of Selectmen met to discuss adding Barkhamsted to the list of Connecticut's Clean Energy Communities. Inland/Wetlands Chairman John Greaser presented the board with a plan for the town to purchase 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2010. In addition to the town's own participation, a task force would be formed to recruit residents.

Preliminary projections suggested that if between 100 and 200 homes participate, the Clean Energy Fund would donate a 1-kilowatt solar panel (producing about 2,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year) to the town, to be mounted on a town building to help the town save money and go green.

First Selectman Don Stein said the town has several options for purchasing renewable energy, from wind resources to photovoltaics, but ultimately cost will be the determining factor.

"We basically have to look at our kilowatt usage," said Stein.

While a long-term goal of using renewable energy throughout town to save money would be ideal, Stein said the ultimate decision will be made based on cost and benefit to the community.

"When you look at the environment, it's the right thing to do, but you also have to look at the economic value as well," he said.

Also brewing in Barkhamsted is a plan to rebuild and possibly relocate the town garage.

"We are going to kick off, the first week of March, a building committee to do some feasibility studies and decide what to do with the town garage. The intention is that within about 90 days we have a strategy for what to do there," said Stein.

The current town garage, located on Route 44 near the regional refuge station, is in need of repair and is not meeting the needs of the town.

"It's basically antiquated," said Stein. "We can't put all of our equipment under cover. We can't wash the trucks there.

"One of the good things to do with trucks is to keep them under cover so they are not facing the elements all the time," said Stein. "It saves in maintenance costs."

To date, the town has approximately $592,000 in a capital expenditure fund that is earmarked specifically for a new town garage.

Serving on the committee is Tom Cook as chairman, Bill Downes, Chris Sullivan, Paul Duran and Rich Novak. They are charged with several objectives, which include evaluating the current site and determining if an alternative site would be more beneficial; determining a sales value and/or income potential for the current site; considering whether the Town Hall should be joined with the town garage to "create a facility that houses all town functions"; determining the appropriate modifications and costs for improving the current structure; and estimating a project schedule for each option.

A third issue discussed in detail at the selectmen's meeting had to do with eliminating truck traffic or reducing the speed of traffic on Ripley Hill Road.

"I talked with the DOT yesterday and I am waiting to hear back from one of the people who had looked at [the situation]," said Stein. "I am waiting to get together with the proper officials in the state department."

Stein said he recognized the concerns residents in the area have about speed and safety, with the elementary school stationed at the bottom of the hill; however, changing that particular roadway is not at the top of his to-do list.

"There are a couple of town intersections that are worse," said Stein.

Stein could not recall any serious injuries or fatal accidents on Ripley Hill Road, but said he understands the residents' determination in wanting to avoid an accident before it happens, rather than trying to fix the problem after someone does get hurt.

Until Stein hears back from the state of Connecticut Department of Transportation, he said his hands are tied.

"The town can't commit to do anything. All we can do is work with the state to come up with the best solution."

The next selectmen's meeting is scheduled for March 11.