Funding, building, depot on board’s agenda

NORTH CANAAN — A lean budget proposal for lean economic times is what the Board of Selectmen plans to present to the Board of Finance March 22. At their March 7 meeting, the selectmen set their first and only budget workshop date, anticipating a review of expenses for the 2011-12 fiscal year that will change little over current spending. The fiscal year begins July 1. A discussion was prompted during the comment section of the meeting by former Selectman Tom Gailes, who called for holding the line on taxes in any way possible.He suggested increasing revenues where possible, such as reconsidering the town’s “very, very cheap dump stickers,” referring to the cost to town residents to use the transfer station for their trash and recyclables (stickers are $25 for two users for one year). First Selectman Douglas Humes said the goal is not to make a profit on garbage. Gailes countered that the state is in financial trouble, and “we don’t know what’s coming.”“Noted,” was the response from the selectmen.Not included in the proposal as of that night was a request from the Northwestern Connecticut Regional Planning Collaborative for $2,000. That includes a $500 annual membership fee toward the mostly grant-funded agency, and $1,500 to work on a grant to help improve downtown businesses and help establish apartments over businesses. The planning collaborative includes 11 towns in the Northwest Corner and is designed to offer help with planning issues and concerns.“We already have the apartments,” Humes said, adding that the consultant would be Larry Wagner, who already works as a grant consultant to North Canaan.Selectman Susan Clayton noted recommendations for using the proposed future train service through North Canaan as a way to promote business.“We’re already working on that,” she said.“We’ll bring it up to the Board of Finance,” Humes said, “but we’re not endorsing it.”Planning and money came together in a good way with news that a grant sought in 2008 toward revising the Town Plan of Development and Conservation has finally been approved. The plan update was completed by the Planning and Zoning Commission as required by state law. Humes said he was not sure what the cost was, but is sure it was less than the $12,000 on its way.In an update on the Canaan Union Station restoration project, Selectman Charlie Perotti reported that plans for the final phase have not yet come back from the architect. Plans by building owner Connecticut Railroad Historical Association remain on track for a summer start date for completing the interior — which will include a restaurant and other business spaces and a museum. However, a two-year completion period estimated by designers did not seem realistic to board members. The historic landmark was partially destroyed by fire in 2001. The Connecticut Railroad Historical Association purchased it several years later, and with grants, federal funding and help from local businesses and volunteers, has done most of the exterior rebuilding and the renovation of the remaining wing. It was a stop-and-go process driven by the availability of funding and contractors, fueling rumors on a regular basis that the project would not be completed.Humes said donations toward the project are still being accepted and may be sent to Connecticut Railroad Historical Association, PO Box 255, North Canaan, CT 06018.