Septic funds scheduled for public hearing

CORNWALL — After visiting a number of area towns to explore septic solutions, the Cornwall selectmen scheduled a public hearing about their own proposed septic project, in West Cornwall.

The hearing will be held Friday, June 28, at the Cornwall Consolidated School beginning at 7 p.m. Engineer Stephen McDonnell of WMC Consulting Engineers of Newington will present information about the various options.

At their June 4 meeting, the selectmen also scheduled a town meeting for Friday, July 26, to be held at Cornwall Consolidated School at 7:30 p.m. Taxpayers will be asked at the meeting to authorize up to $10,000 for the engineering work that’s needed to apply for grant funding for  the West Cornwall septic project; and for other septic system-related expenses.

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway emphasized that the town meeting is not for the purpose of approving a sewer installation program. It is only to do an engineering study. 

He noted also that most taxpayers are eligible to vote at the town meeting if they own either house, land or a car in the town. Voter registration is not a requirement. Check with the town clerk if you’re not sure if you’re eligible.

Also in mid-July, the selectmen are anticipating scheduling an information forum on cellular connectivity. Ridgway said that the topics to be covered are, “What’s out there, what’s possible and citizens’ concerns about the options.”

“There is a lot of interest in improving coverage,” Ridgway added.

The selectmen also put out a call for a volunteer to serve as the town’s representative on the Torrington Area Health District board. Interested residents should phone Town Hall for information. The health district is the sanitarian for area towns and oversees a wide range of health topics, including restaurant inspections, Lyme disease prevention and treatment, the opioid crisis and more. To learn more, go to www.tahd.org.