Cornwall’s wastewater project information forum is June 11

CORNWALL — A public information forum is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, on the town’s wastewater disposal project in the village of West Cornwall.

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway announced at a meeting of the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, May 3, that the explanatory text designed to describe the project has been approved by state elections officials, an important step toward eventually bringing the project to a town vote.

Ridgway announced that the selectmen will discuss and vote on the related bond resolution at their May 17 meeting. They will also vote their approval for calling the necessary town meetings, noting that the project has been under discussion and development for the past five or six years.

Details about the project and the upcoming meetings will be posted on the town’s website, Ridgway said.

The schedule anticipates a town meeting on Saturday, June 25, and a town-wide referendum on Saturday, July 9.

Renovation work is continuing at the transfer station with window installation and additional electrical work expected soon. Interior painting is happening now, according to Ted Larson, transfer station coordinator.

Selectwoman Janet Carlson suggested introducing a composting location at the transfer station, but Ridgway commented that such sites tend to attract animals, including vermin, and would need a state permit to operate according to mandated standards.

Bear warning

With increasing sightings of black bears in the area, Ridgway reminded residents to bring in their bird feeders at night. The warning was prompted, Ridgway said, by a resident discovering a bear in his car. Usually, bears are attracted to small vans, he noted, where they are more likely to find crumbs on the floor.