AVON – Approximately 75 residents attended the annual town meeting Saturday in which they voted for a budget of nearly $167,000, according to First Selectman Joyce Potter. This amount does not include school funding, which is yet to be determined.
It took voters about an hour and a half to vote on 58 articles.
Of interest to voters, who met for the first time in the new municipal building, was a proposal to sell the old town office building on Route 4. Selectmen asked voters for approval to sell the building and land, but the historic building held sentimental value to many – it was a schoolhouse before it became town offices. Residents voted to keep the property for a year to give a newly established historical society time to raise funds to keep and maintain it. Potter said it could be the oldest building in town.
Another issue raised for the fourth time, according to Potter, was the waterfront setback ordinance on Mount Blue Pond. The town’s minimum setback of 350 feet is more restrictive than the state’s 250 but voters chose to keep the more restrictive ordinance. The pristine nature of the pond and its possible use as a backup for the town’s water supply were cited as reasons for keeping the setback at 350 feet.
“There are few pristine ponds left,” said Potter Monday.
Voters raised $15,000 for road reconstruction. The money will be used to continue repairs to Cross Road, for which one section of the one-mile road has been completed.
The town report was dedicated to Elsie Presby and Andrew Phillips Sr. Presby was honored for her commitment to the community “helping wherever and whenever needed.” Phillips, 82, was recognized for his military service, having been decorated with nine medals from his service during World War II and the Korean conflict.
He’s a quiet, unassuming person who would never talk about his medals, said Potter. Both were recognized by Rep. Thomas Saviello.
Officials were elected to office unopposed. Joyce Potter will serve another three-year term as selectman, Mary Dunham will continue as town clerk, Cynthia Dixon as treasurer, Stephen Weiner as tax collector, Rocky Potter as road commissioner, Veronica Plog as director of public health and Bruce Dunham as constable.
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