Selectmen Discuss Road Projects, CL&P Easement, Alternative Energy Providers

The Suffield Board of Selectmen provided updates on road repairs, a temporary land easement for Connecticut Light and Power, use of an alternative energy provider, solid waste disposal and more at its meeting Wednesday.

While specific action wasn’t taken on most agenda items, the issues discussed by the selectmen will be decided on during future meetings.

Road repairs have progressed through the summer. Paving by the Connecticut Department of Transportation on Sheldon Street, Mountain Road near the Congamond Lakes and a portion of Bridge Street has been completed. Work on the Suffield Street Bridge is on schedule and expected to finish in November.

Road crack sealing has been successful as well, with about 9 miles of road repaired in July. Another 14 miles will be sealed in the fall.

Reconstruction and repair of the remaining portion of Bridge Street as well as Suffield Meadow Drive will conclude at the end of August, as part of the town’s yearly budgeting for road development. Improvements to about a half-mile of Phelps Road east of Copper Hill Road and a portion of Spruce Street east of North Grand Street will be completed in the fall. Cain Street was added to the pavement management plan.

The $3.1 million in road repair funds authorized at referendum will be used for actual construction in spring 2012, with engineering work and contractor bid solicitation conducted in the fall.

The Connecticut Water Company work on the water main running along Mountain Road between the town green and Spaulding School is expected to conclude in September.

An easement for Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) to access and construct new power lines at the town landfill was the first agenda item. The selectmen agreed that a temporary easement would be the easiest option. The permanent easement requested by CL&P would require significant action, including a town meeting.

First Selectman Tom Frenaye pointed out that the company will pay the town for the easement access. He also said that the work is for the good of the town.

“It’s a utility, they have to do the work,” he said.

CL&P has been asked to work during Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, when the town landfill isn’t open. The proposed plan involves clearing trees, constructing roads and concrete paths and adding a second power line. The project has been cleared with state authorities and is tentatively scheduled to conclude at the end of 2012.

A public hearing on the easement and power line improvements is set for Sept. 21 at Suffield High School.

The use of Direct Energy, an alternative energy provider, was discussed at the meeting. The selectmen were generally positive about the idea, which will provide a discount of approximately 7 percent on energy costs to town residents compared to current rates from CL&P. The terms of the contract appeared generally favorable, not requiring a long-term commitment.

“It’s not a huge commitment for the town,” Frenaye said.

Concerns were raised about language in the proposed contract requiring the town to not promote other energy providers while using Direct Energy.

Selectwoman Joanne Sullivan said the town shouldn’t promote or endorse any specific energy vendor. Selectman Tim Reynolds agreed, asking that specifics on the promotional requirements be established as more information is gathered.

Solid waste disposal was also addressed by the selectmen. Frenaye said the Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority (CCSWA), which provides administrative support to towns in the Capital Regional Council of Governments, recommended the town continue using the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) for solid waste removal.

CRRA has the best prices among the two vendors considered by the CCSWA, although there was one notable issue.

“Their offering doesn’t have fixed pricing,” Frenaye said.

The other vendor approved by the CCSWA is Murphy Road Recycling. That company does offer fixed prices but is relying on the Babylon Recycling facility on the Suffield-Windsor Locks border to begin accepting more solid waste. The DEP is still evaluating whether or not Babylon can accept more waste.

“Each [disposal contract] has its different problems,” Frenaye said.

Other business included a brief financial year 2011 year-end estimate, with Frenaye noting that the town’s side of the budget came in about $600,000 under expectations. Frenaye also said the town is owed about $1.68 million from the state in reimbursements for school repair and construction projects.