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Selectmen Hold Bonding Discussion

The Suffield Board of Selectmen meeting on Wednesday was devoted to a round table discussion of bonding concerns with the town treasurer and other town advisors and board members.

The Suffield Board of Selectmen discussed a variety of options for previously approved bonding projects at its meeting Wednesday at the .

With only three members, First Selectman Ed McAnaney, Eileen Moncrief and Brian Fitzgerald, in attendance, the board had just enough members to officially hold a meeting. The evening's agenda was almost entirely geared towards discussing how to implement the two capital projects approved for bonding by Suffield voters in April.

With town Treasurer Christine Davidson, Suffield Board of Finance member Brian Kost, town financial advisor Dick Thivierge and others in attendance, a group discussion was held on how to best pay for the new fire trucks and road improvements approved by voters.

The major possibilities discussed were going through with bonding as previously planed, shortening the length of the bonds to 10 or 15 years, using Suffield's undesignated fund balance instead of bonds and a combination of bonds and fund balance money to pay for the projects.

The discussion was informational in purpose and no final decision was reached Wednesday. McAnaney plans to have another discussion and, importantly, a binding vote on how to pay for the projects at the Suffield Board of Finance meeting on Monday, March 19.

Look for a story about that Board of Finance meeting and more details about what the final decision means for Suffield residents Tuesday on Suffield Patch.

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Maria Giannuzzi May 15, 2013 at 07:40 am
The problem is resurfacing all the roads in Suffield would cost a great deal of money. Suffield is aRead More big town. I do understand that some roads in Suffield do not have enough adjacent suitable land to create a separate bike lane, but I believe bike lanes could be constructed along sections of some scenic roads. Half a loaf is better than none at all. Salvatore, if you have not already been there, you may want to consider cycling on the island of Nantucket. I have not been there in years, but outside of its main town, Nantucket did offer good riding conditions and peaceful surroundings--at least when I visited.
salvatore iervolino May 14, 2013 at 09:13 pm
Thank you for your comment. Actually, I was simply suggesting that roads are resurfaced. There isn'tRead More probably enough room for bike lanes on most of these backroads, but if at least the pavement was brought to an acceptable condition, that would make biking much more pleasant (I should say "possible") and, let's not forget, much safer. Some particularly damaged areas represent a serious danger to bikers' safety.
Maria Giannuzzi May 14, 2013 at 08:10 am
There may be a solution--a compromise of sorts. Put a narrow, but well-maintained bike lane on largeRead More sections of each scenic road in town, the roads with fewer cars and trucks. Just having the bike lanes may be draw for out-of-town cyclists to visit Suffield and spend money at local businesses. Instead of attempting to change Suffield into a metropolitan area, with all the problems that brings, celebrate (and financially support) its original identity--a scenic, peaceful agricultural town with some nice amenities.
Nicole Turgeon May 17, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Are you interested in selling anything sooner? I am in the market for a lawn tractor and I'd beRead More interested to hear what you've got and how much you're asking! :)