Gym floor, facade grants discussed at town meeting Oct. 23

CORNWALL — The annual town meeting Oct. 23 came with a somewhat light agenda. It is normally held on a Friday evening to accommodate weekenders, but a scheduling conflict prompted First Selectman Gordon Ridgway to move it to Thursday.

With no weighty matters for residents to discuss and vote on, town officials fearlessly tempted fate with that temporary scheduling move. It seemed it would be one of those annual meetings that can only be had in a small town. With acceptance of the town report on the call — actually a compilation of reports from town offices, boards, commissions and regional agencies — pretty much any topic is appropriate for discussion.

Moderator Norma Lake fielded comments about the cover’s two striking photos: a scenic of Coltsfoot Mountain and a group of local children, most in soccer uniforms, leaping on hay bales at the agriculture fair. There were compliments about the clip art used by Barbara Cantoni to spice up reports. The lack of a report from animal control officer Rick Stone, who had no amusing rescue tales with which to regale readers this time, was regrettably noted.

The first question was on a surprising topic and was met with some hesitation. But it was allowed. And with Phil Hart, the town’s Region One board representative in the room, it was efficiently answered.

Judy Herkimer wanted to know the status of the gym floor replacement at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. It’s been more than three years since a storm shattered a skylight and the gym was flooded. A section of flooring was replaced.

“Over the years, the floor has buckled to the point it might be to the home teams’ advantage to know how the ball will bounce,� said Hart, known for his quick, dry humor.

He said the standing building committee has an estimate of up to $200,000 to repair and replace the entire floor. Samples from under the floor will be taken to determine the extent of hidden damage.

“At our last board meeting, we discussed potential financing. The board has the right to retain up to 1 percent of its budget as capital reserve, and we’ve put aside some of those funds toward the floor. The goal is to do the work within two years.�

Voters approved a change to a town ordinance that designates official town meeting posting sites, such as post offices and general stores. Approval was given to remove the closed  “West Cornwall Market, aka Yutzler’sâ€� and add Berkshire Store. Added to businesses on the list is the wording, “as long as open to the public,â€� to prevent the town from being out of compliance. Other official posting sites are Baird’s Store, Cornwall Package Store and The Wandering Moose Café.

A final agenda item was approved, authorizing the Board of Selectmen to apply for a $150,000 state STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) grant for a facade improvement program and traffic calming initiatives for town centers.

Herkimer opened a discussion of who will make decisions on the grant. She promoted opening the committee up to anyone interested, and waiting on all applications so an over-arching architectural tone could be applied.

Ridgway explained that the approach is to keep it simple. A consultant is on board and resident Rick Lynn, a professional planner, will head the committee.

There seemed to be a misunderstanding of just how much impact facade work will have. In other area towns, similar programs have resulted in subtle improvements. Property owners have installed new roofs, energy-efficient doors and windows, re-pointed brick and replaced awnings. Grant guidelines essentially call for improvements, not changes, to existing structures. All work will have to meet zoning requirements.