Chester Selectmen Review $13,000 Fire Marshal Bill, Sunday Market Fees And Parking Concerns

CHESTER, CT — The Chester Board of Selectmen agreed to seek legal guidance on approximately $13,000 in fire marshal fees assessed to a Main Street property and discussed concerns about billing practices for the Chester Sunday Market during its Oct. 27 meeting.

The board also reviewed drainage concerns at the Fire Department parking lot, a request for landscaping near the Meeting House and unanimously approved an appointment to a regional school facilities committee.

Guest House Questions $13,000 In Fire Marshal Fees

Selectwoman Pat Bandzes reported that the director of the Guest House at 318 Main St. contacted her about approximately $13,000 in fire marshal fees associated with a construction project.

According to the meeting minutes, the property applied for a permit in July and received Planning and Zoning approval before a new fire marshal fee structure took effect in October.

The fees were not anticipated in the project's budget.

Representatives of the property believe the project should be exempt from the new charges because construction began before the ordinance took effect.

The selectmen discussed whether previously approved projects should be subject to the revised fees and when the ordinance officially became effective.

Three properties reportedly have been billed under the new fee structure.

First Selectwoman Cindy Lignar agreed to consult the town attorney about the ordinance's effective date and whether the charges were assessed before it became enforceable.

The board will revisit the matter after receiving legal guidance.

No decision was made on reducing or waiving the fees.

Sunday Market Billing Practices Under Review

The selectmen also discussed complaints about fire watch charges for the Chester Sunday Market, including increases in hourly rates, additional billable hours and communication with market organizers.

According to the minutes, the fire watch hourly rate increased from $38 to $43 in June.

Concerns were raised that market organizers had not been notified before the increase took effect.

The board also reviewed a change in billing practices that resulted in five hours being charged for fire watch services, including preparation time at the Fire Department before personnel arrived at the market.

The market organizer reported that she had not observed fire watch personnel before 9 a.m.

Lignar acknowledged approving the five-hour billing arrangement but said it might need reconsideration.

Bandzes emphasized that the town should not change service requirements, billable hours or rates without notifying market organizers.

The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance previously established revised rates intended to cover administrative expenses.

Those rates were finalized in late August or September, according to the minutes.

The town now has an agreement with the Sunday Market for the upcoming year, with written terms addressing rates, hours and service expectations.

Lignar agreed to draft an email to Sunday Market representative Susan Hotkowski explaining the billing changes. The draft will be reviewed by the selectmen before being sent.

Town officials also plan to schedule monthly meetings with Hotkowski during the market season and issue monthly bills rather than allowing charges to accumulate.

During public comment, Board of Finance member Phil Reynolds said he understood that the agreement would take effect at the beginning of the fiscal year and that rates would be adjusted retroactively to July 1.

He said the intention was to review rates annually at the start of each fiscal year, although it was unclear whether that arrangement had been communicated to everyone involved.

Fire Department Parking Lot Raises Drainage Concerns

The selectmen reviewed ongoing work at the Fire Department parking lot, where grading followed the property's natural slope rather than requiring additional excavation into an adjacent bank.

Selectman Paul Radicchi expressed concern about potential erosion during heavy rainfall and possible future maintenance problems.

Lignar said the project remains unfinished, with additional work scheduled for spring.

That work will include installing an entrance apron and completing drainage improvements.

The Conservation Commission will be consulted about drainage, and the Garden Club will assist with landscaping.

The parking lot is currently usable.

Radicchi agreed to follow up with Public Works Director Cam Evangelisti and report back to the board.

Meeting House Neighbor Requests Landscaping

Bandzes reported that the owner of 10 Liberty St., adjacent to the Meeting House, had expressed concerns about increased events at the facility.

The property owner cited noise and lights shining into his home and asked whether the town would consider installing screening or trees between the properties.

The owner offered to purchase mature trees or other plants if they could be installed on town property.

According to Bandzes, large maple tree roots make planting on the owner's property difficult.

Evangelisti is willing to assist with installation and plant selection.

The selectmen discussed available space, possible effects on parking and erosion in the area.

Bandzes said there appeared to be sufficient room for landscaping and noted that wheel stops had previously been located where a drainage ditch now exists.

She also presented photographs showing erosion.

Radicchi agreed to inspect the location and consult Evangelisti.

The property owner may be invited to a future Board of Selectmen meeting or asked to submit a written proposal.

No action was taken.

Regional School Committee Appointment Approved

The selectmen unanimously approved the appointment of Joshua Eannotti to the Region 4 Buildings and Grounds Oversight Committee.

Radicchi introduced the motion, which Bandzes seconded.

The board also unanimously approved two sets of previous meeting minutes.

The draft record contains conflicting dates for those meetings, listing Sept. 13 in the agenda headings but Nov. 13 in the corresponding motions.

No tax refunds were considered.

Executive Session Held On Personnel Matter

The board voted unanimously to enter executive session at 6:35 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter.

Lignar introduced the motion, which Bandzes seconded.

Board of Finance Chairman John Chillock was invited to participate.

The selectmen returned to regular session at 7:21 p.m.

No action was taken following the closed session.

Meeting Adjourned

Lignar called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. at Chester Town Hall.

All three selectmen attended: Lignar, Bandzes and Radicchi.

Guests included Reynolds and Chillock.

The board adjourned at 7:22 p.m. following a unanimous vote on a motion by Lignar, seconded by Radicchi.

This report is based on the Oct. 27 Board of Selectmen draft minutes, prepared by Clerk Suzanne Helchowski. The minutes are subject to approval at the board's next meeting.