Selectmen Approve Grant Application and Fund Transfer, Announce Fire Chief's Retirement, Say Goodbye to First Selectman

The Suffield Board of Selectmen approved a grant application for a police DUI check program, approved a fund transfer for a new boiler at McAlister Intermediate School, announced the retirement of long-time Fire Chief Tom Bellmore and said goodbye to departing First Selectman Tom Frenaye among other business on Wednesday night.

Suffield Police Captain Craig Huntley laid out the specifics for a reciprocal, regional DUI enforcement program sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) for the selectmen. The program entails a regional collaboration with towns including Avon, Canton, Granby, Farmington and other towns to increase the amount of DUI checkpoints in town and the general area.

Suffield would have two additional DUI checkpoints during the next 11 months and the collaborative area would see 12 more checkpoints if the program is mutually implemented. Roving patrols and opportunities of extra traffic enforcement are also possible with the grant.

Huntley said the program would "shake things up a little bit" and add extra patrols in town.

The grant, which would pay for $17,100 (75 percent) of the $22,800 program, also provides funding for an additional officer relieving a regular patrol officer processing DUIs and some other offenses, saving overtime costs for the department.

The town is responsible for $5,700 of the program, which Huntley said could be mostly absorbed by the police department's budget. He did note that he would need to request some funding from the Suffield Board of Finance. Following the selectmen's approval, the board of finance is the next and final stop in the grant approval process.

Ed Basile, business manager for Suffield schools, requested a fund transfer that would get McAlister school a new boiler and get slightly more than $1,500 dollars following remuneration from Yankee Gas.

The oil company is offering to fund high-efficiency burner components through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. The current replacement project is over budget but the grant would see the town receiving $17,951 into its general fund for a transfer of $16,329 out of the contingency fund.

With one of two boilers already non-functional at the school, Basile said the new unit is a priority and the grant would allow a quick installation.

"We have a commitment to get the boiler in 30 to 45 days," Basile said, noting that the bulk of installation work would likely be completed over the school's winter holiday break.

The proposal will now travel to the Suffield Board of Finance.

First Selectman Tom Frenaye gave his last round of updates on Wednesday, offering information on Fire Chief Tom Bellmore's retirement, the Suffield Street bridge and the financial impact of the recent storm. First Selectman-elect Ed McAnaney takes office on Nov. 22.

Bellmore is retiring after 35 years as Suffield's fire chief and 45 years as a fireman in town. The board noted that the chief would be missed and remarked about the length of his service with the town.

"I can't remember any other chief before him," said Selectman Brian Fitzgerald.

Bellmore's retirement is set for Dec. 31. The Suffield Fire Commission is currently deciding how to select a new chief for the department.

"Nobody's going to let him go without honoring him," Frenaye said.

Frenaye said a FEMA damage estimate for the town's experience with the recent fall snowstorm was set at $150,000 not including debris removal. Other costs, not including those incurred by the Water Pollution Control Authority and senior center, had not yet been calculated.

Debris pickup on town roads will begin soon, with a first pass expected to be completed during the next seven to 10 days. A second pass is scheduled for Dec. 1. Pickup on state roads began during the past few days.

The Suffield Street Bridge, closed since April, is scheduled to reopen the week of Nov. 14, according to the first selectman.

Selectman Tim Reynolds bid farewell to Frenaye at the close of the meeting, saying he "enjoyed working with [the first selectman]" and had done "a fine job" in Sufield's top governmental role. Reynolds said the board, in its current form since 2009, "worked together very well."

The well wishes and goodbyes were echoed by the other three selectmen, who are slated to remain on the board through 2013.

Frenaye said his goodbyes as well, noting how he enjoyed his role as First Selectman and had a positive experience working to better the town with the other selectmen.

"I've enjoyed it. You may hear from me again," he said, implying that he will stay involved with the town.