SEYMOUR — Here are some highlights from the March 15, 2022 meeting of the Seymour Board of Selectmen:
Road Rehab
Town Engineer Brian Nesteriak laid out the next round of town roads in line for a makeover, using the approximately $1.5-$2 million left from a $5 million road improvement bond. The roads included in this year’s fixes include Seymour Avenue (widening, minor drainage improvements); Mountain Road (heavy patching); Washington Avenue (milling and paving, sidewalks); Old Ansonia Road (heavy patching); Pearl Street (heavy patching, milling and paving, sidewalks).
A problematic road that residents have been waiting several years for repairs is Holbrook Road, a major cut-through road to Routes 67 and 34. But finally after years of getting necessary easements, going through a rigorous design standard process, acquiring grant money and other issues, Drugonis said the project- estimated to cost around $5.3 million- will finally go out to bid this spring. Work should get underway this summer and is expected to take about a year, with various sections of the road shut down at various times for construction.
Parks/Field Usage Fees on the Rise, Sorta
The selectmen approved a new fee schedule at the request of the town’s Parks Commission for ‘pay to play’ or ‘for profit’ sports teams/events.
Commission member Gary Popielasz told the selectmen that with the cost of fertilizer, grass seed and other related items needed for upkeep of the town’s parks and ball fields, the cost for non-residents to utilize those spaces needed to be increased. The fees for non-resident/for profit use of the various town fields like Gary, Chatfield and French parks will rise from $750 to $1,000 for April-August, and from no charge to $500 for September-November.
There are no fees charged for non-profit, in-town youth sports programs to use town fields, or for non-profit teams from other towns.
New fees to use pavilions at any of the town parks for small events/parties will also be in effect this year, which are $25 for residents; $125 for non-residents and $200 for larger groups.
“Everything is going up which is why we’re asking for these increases,” Popielasz told the selectmen.
Popielasz said organizations requesting permits to use the parks and fields will be notified by letter of the fee increases.
