Boards & Commissions

Carl R. Brown (Chairman)
Frederick Marzec, Jr.
Cece Norwid

HEARING REQUIREMENTS

If a taxpayer disagrees with the assessment that has been placed on his or her real estate, motor vehicle, or personal property, the taxpayer should first check with the Assessor's Office to ensure there are no inaccuracies in the records for the property. Once this has been verified, if there is still a dispute, the taxpayer has the right to meet with the Board of Assessment Appeals to discuss the matter.

The Board of Assessment Appeals meets first in the spring, after the grand list has been signed, to hear disputes on the Grand List's Real Estate and Personal Property assessments, as well as the Motor Vehicle Supplemental list only. Please note, if the Grand List is signed the end of January, the applications are available February 1st through February 20th. If the Grand List is signed the end of February, the application period is March 1st through March 20th. In regard to Real Estate and Personal Property appeals pursuant to Connecticut General Statute you must apply in writing in order to obtain an appointment with the Board of Assessment Appeals, and the application must be filed in the Assessor's Office within the allotted 20 day period listed above unless the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday. A postmark only is not acceptable. Applications are available upon request in the Assessor's office and a printable version online.

If you wish to be represented by someone other than yourself, you must provide in writing a letter to the BOAA the name and address of the representative. The Board also meets in the fall for disputes with the Grand List's Motor Vehicle assessments only. Applications are not required for the fall meeting. Should you wish to appeal your motor vehicle assessment it will be on a walk-in basis. You may call the Assessor's Office for the date and time of the hearings.

The burden of proof is on the taxpayer to prove that the assessment is erroneous. Within a few weeks of the hearing, the Board will send you written notice of their decision. Should you fail to prevail with the Board, you may file with the Superior Court within sixty (60) days of the decision from the Board.

Mary Beth Malin, Chair
Yvonne Palasky, Vice Chairman
Joyce Rice
Stuart Norman Jr.
Jaimee O'Neill-Eaton
Martin Osga
Scott Freyer

Board of Education Policies

Each local and regional Board of Education in Connecticut is responsible for providing the best possible education to all its students. Boards and their administrators must make complex decisions which respond to the needs of the entire academic community, the best educational practices and theories. and state and federal laws.

The school district cannot function effectively within these constraints unless it operates from the basis of sound, carefully deliberated policy.

To view the complete list of Griswold Board of Education Policies, please
visit: http://www.policy.cabe.org/griswold/

Link to GRISWOLD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Griswold Discrimination Complaint
Griswold Harassment Complaint
Griswold Sexual Harassment Complaint

Scott Davis 
Valerie Grills
Daniel E. Webster
Gail J. Rooke-Norman
Alex Grzelak (Chairman)
Gary Beaulac
Thomas Palasky

BOARD INFORMATION & LINKS:

The Board of Finance meets the Third Tuesday of each month. Their meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
FY 22/23  APPROVED BUDGET

2020 GRAND LIST MILL RATES
Griswold 25.07
Borough of Jewett City 3.56


DUTIES:

The Board of Finance is responsible for Appropriations and Laying of tax. Two weeks before the annual town meeting, the Finance Board holds a public hearing, at which itemized estimates of the expenditures of the town for the ensuing fiscal year shall be presented and at which all persons shall be heard in regard to any appropriation which they are desirous that the Finance Board should recommend or reject.

After such public hearing, the Board of Finance holds a public meeting at which it considers the estimate presented and any other matters brought to its attention

Board of Finance prepares a report in a form prescribed by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management containing: (1) An itemized statement of all actual receipts from all sources of such town during its last fiscal year; (2) an itemized statement by classification of all actual expenditures during the same year; (3) an itemized estimate of anticipated revenues during the ensuing fiscal year from each source other than from local property taxes and an estimate of the amount which should be raised by local property taxation for such ensuing fiscal year; (4) an itemized estimate of expenditures of such town for such ensuing fiscal year; and (5) the amount of revenue surplus or deficit of the town at the beginning of the fiscal year for which estimates are being prepared. Copies are available for distribution five days before the annual budget meeting of such town.

The Board of Finance submits the estimate with its recommendations to the annual town meeting where the Finance Board will take action upon the estimate and recommendations, and make specific appropriations as appear advisable, but no appropriation shall be made exceeding in amount that for the same purpose recommended by the Finance Board and no appropriation shall be made for any purpose not recommended by the Finance Board.

Such estimate and recommendations may include, if submitted to a vote by voting tabulator, questions to indicate whether the budget is too high or too low. The vote on such questions shall be for advisory purposes only, and not binding upon the Board of Finance.

When the grand list has been completed, the Board of Finance meets and, with due provision for estimated uncollectible taxes, abatements and corrections, sets the mill rate on the list. In addition to the other estimated yearly income of such town and in addition to such revenue surplus, if any, as may be appropriated, not only to pay the expenses of the town for such current year, but also to absorb the revenue deficit of such town, if any, at the beginning of such current year

James W. Barnie (Chairman)
Richard Matters
Martin Osga
David Bennett
Louis Demicco III
Thomas Palasky
Gary Beaulac

BOARD INFORMATION & LINKS:

This committee meets at 6:30 p.m. on the
Third Thursday of every month in the Selectmen's Meeting Room

DUTIES:

A capital improvement is defined by contract and varying state and federal laws, but generally is defined as a non-recurring expenditure or any expenditure for physical improvements, including costs for: acquisition of existing buildings, land, or interests in land; construction of new buildings or other structures, including additions and major alterations; construction of streets and highways or utility lines; acquisition of fixed equipment; landscaping; and similar expenditures.

It may mean any change, alteration, rearrangement or addition to existing facilities. It is also new construction, acquisition or improvements to sites, buildings, or service systems.

Capital improvements are costs related to making changes to improve capital assets, increase their useful life, or add to the value of these assets. Capital improvements may be structural improvements or other renovations to a building, or they may enhance usefulness or productivity.

Capital improvements, which must be capitalized, are distinguished from deductible repairs, which are more minor in nature.

Thomas Giard (Chairman)
Paul Lach
Charlotte Geer (Secretary)
Matthew Palmer
James  W. Barnie (Vice Chair)

BOARD INFO & LINKS:

Economic Development in Griswold

Meets on the Third Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted, at 7:00 p.m.

Economic Development Commission is composed of five members who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen.. The term of office is for four years. The Economic Development Commission is charged with promoting economic growth and acting as a support organization for development.   The EDC has a public forum as part of its meeting agenda and welcomes ideas for development from Town and Borough Residents
Vacancy filled by D, R or I - maximum of 3D or 3R on commission.

Anyone who is interested in filling a vacancy as a Democrat, Republican or as an independent member on the Economic Development Commission may write a letter to the Board of Selectmen for consideration to fill this five year term.

2021 Annual Report

Mark Sulik (Chairperson)
Kathrine Petersen (Vice Chairman)
Elizabeth Scannell (Secretary)
Pat Chao
Joe D'Errico
Jackie Jamrock - alternate

DUTIES:

Ethics Commission fosters transparency, promotes open government, and ensures compliance with ethics laws through a comprehensive approach that emphasizes prevention, enforcement, and collaboration.
Prevention activities consist of education, outreach, information, and advocacy to help individuals understand and comply with government integrity laws and to suggest legislative changes when necessary. The Commission is a resource for Town staff, public officials, candidates for local elective office, lobbyists, contractors doing business with Town residents, businesses and other organizations.

Collaboration recognizes that lasting results are achieved through clear policies and process, effective management and provision of staff resources, technology and infrastructure that support the process, and an understanding of citizen expectations. A collaborative approach includes engagement, innovation, and partnership to leverage the efforts of City and community partners working on similar or overlapping initiatives and facilitate changes in systems and culture to achieve ethical and open government outcomes.

VIEW OUR TOWN OF GRISWOLD, CT   -   ETHICS CODES

Paul Brycki, Director
Phone Number: 860.376.4516

Richard Grabowski (Chairman)
Judith Merrill (Vice-Chair)
Donald Walsh Jr.
Tina Falck
Leona Minski

VIEW OUR TOWN'S HOUSING PAGE

DUTIES:

The Griswold Housing Authority operates 60 units of elderly housing in two subsidized developments.  The Housing Authority is established under Section 8-40 of the Connecticut General Statutes.  Griswold Rents are income-based. Seniors must be at least 62 and have a maximum annual income of $30,000 for a single person.

Ashland Manor
92 Ashland Street,  Griswold
Independent Living Facility



McCluggage Manor
242 Taylor Hill Road, Griswold
Independent Living Facility

Courtland Kinnie (Chairman)
Robert Parrette (Vice Chairman)
Clarence G. Merrill
Kevin Franklin
Glen Norman
Gary Serdechny
Lawrence Laidley
Martin McKinney Jr. (Alternate)
vacant (Alternate)
Vacant (Alternate)

DUTIES:

The Griswold Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission has a duty to try and to help preserve natural resources within the town. Therefore, the Commission regulates most proposed activities that take place either within a wetland, watercourse or water body, or within 75 feet of these areas for residential projects and 150 feet for commercial projects.  This means that a permit is required from the Inland Wetlands Commission before starting any work in these areas.

FOR WORK PROPOSED AT THE SHORELINE OF OR WITHIN PACHAUG POND WATERWAYS, BELOW THE DAM SPILLWAY ELEVATION OF  159.52 FEET (NGVD), A CONNECTICUT DEPT. ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REVIEW IS REQUIRED.

YOU MUST CALL CALL THE DEEP INLAND WATER RESOURCES DIVISION AT 860-424-3866

If you have any questions about what is a regulated activity don’t hesitate to call the Wetland Enforcement Officer or the Land Use Office.

 A Soil Scientist must make the determination whether there are wetlands on a property, .  The Society of Soil Scientists of Southern New England has a listing of qualified Soil Scientists who may perform wetland delineations and other environmental evaluations as private consultants.

The Griswold Aquifer Protection Agency is tasked with the administration of the State of Connecticut’s Aquifer Protection Area Program that protects major public water supply wells in sand and gravel aquifers to ensure a plentiful supply of public drinking water for present and future generations.  Aquifer Protection Areas (sometimes referred to as “wellhead protection areas”) have been designated around the state’s 127 active well fields in sand and gravel aquifers that serve more than 1000 people.  Land use regulations have been established in those areas to minimize the potential for contamination of the well field. The regulations restrict development of certain new land use activities that use, store, handle or dispose of hazardous materials and requires existing regulated land uses to register and follow best management practices.

The Aquifer Protection Area Program responsibilities are shared by the state DEEP, the municipalities and the water companies.

IWW & CC Public Hearings generally start by 7:00 P.M.

Regular Meeting held the Third Thursday of each month starting at 7:30 PM.

DUTIES:

Its charge shall be to identify and/or review potential acquisitions of land or interests in land for open space, natural resource protection, recreational or agricultural purposes, to make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen regarding acquisition of such land and other proper uses of the Open Space Land Acquisition Fund and to perform such other tasks relating to the use and administration of the fund as the Board of Selectmen may direct.

VIEW SUPPORTING ORDINANCE

Dana Bennett
Larry Laidley
James Barnie
Dave Vieaux
Edward Berdick
vacant - Alternate
vacant - Alternate

• Tom Giard
• Archie Drobiak
• Kevin Trahan
• Pat Peterson
• John Gagnon
• Evert Gawendo

Martin McKinney (Chairman)
Courtland Kinnie (Vice Chairman)
David Bennett
Jacob Valentine
Robert Parrette
Melissa Cassidy (Alternate)
Richard Waselik (Alternate)
Peter W. Zvingilas (Alternate)

DUTIES

The Griswold Planning & Zoning Commission considers public hearings prior to the regular meeting to hear petitioner’s remarks and public comment.

Efforts will be made to provide adaptations or accommodations, based on individual needs, for qualified individuals with disabilities in any program or service offered by the Griswold Planning & Zoning Commission, provided that reasonable advance notification has been received.

Filing deadlines for applications shall be submitted for review by the Town Planner ten days prior to the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. Other information pertaining to the Commission may be obtained by contacting the Town Planner at (860) 376-7060 extension 111 or his assistant at extension 112.

The Planning and Zoning Commission meets the Second Monday of each month.

Their regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.

All public hearings are scheduled before the regular meeting.

The Griswold Planning & Zoning Commission considers public hearings prior to the regular meeting to hear petitioner’s remarks and public comment.

Meetings of the Town of Griswold Planning & Zoning Commission are formal proceedings. All comments are digitally recorded as well as by the Recording Secretary. An agenda is provided for the convenience of the public and Planning & Zoning Commission. The format for each item scheduled for public hearing is as follows:

• Petitioner's remarks
• Questions from Commission members to petitioner
• Staff remarks
• Questions from Commission members to staff
• Public comment
• Public comment closed
• Planning Commission discussion / motion is discussed during the regular meeting.

Each application on the agenda will be heard separately and in the order in which it appears, unless the Commission moves to change the order of the agenda. The applicant or petitioner will have an opportunity to present the request to the Commission and the public. Next, staff will give a brief report on the matter. Public comments will then be taken. Each person desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to make comments. Each speaker should approach the podium and state his or her name and address into the record. If there is a spokesperson representing a group, the spokesperson may present the views of the group and those in agreement with the spokesperson may be recognized by standing. If there are written statements or materials provided by the speaker, that material should be presented for the record to the Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Commission during the public hearing. All presentations, whether they are from the petitioner or the public, should be made in front of the Commission members and not from the audience.

The Town of Griswold and the Borough of Jewett City Zoning Regulations as well as the Griswold Subdivision Regulations are administered by the Griswold Planning & Zoning Commission .

Richard Waselik
William Czmyr
Paul Lach (Chair)
James Barnie
John Hogan
Tina Falck (Vice-chair)
vacancy
Miranda Mahoney - Alternate
vacant - Alternate

The purpose of Health and Safety Committee is r to assist in the overall effort to achieve and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the Town  and identify, investigate, make recommendations, and communicate to the Board of Selectmen on matters of safety and health that pertain to the educational and working environment throughout the District.

Our Recreation Commission:
Dominic Scavoni
Kai-Leigh Palmer
Ashley Grillo
Darren Drobiak 
Ryan Snide 
Sarah Seifert
Darryl Burchman
Sharon Brouillard - Alternate
Carol Elnicki - Alternate
Tammy Dudek - Alternate

Our Meeting Time:

Third Monday of the month
5:30 pm at Griswold Town Hall


Visit Our Recreation Website
www.griswoldREC.org

Michael Lalima (Chairman)
Philip Belisle (Vice Chairman)
John P. Robella (Secretary)
Clarence Merrill
Mario J. Tristany, Jr.

Regular Meeting held quarterly on the First Tuesday January, April, July and October.

Meetings are held at the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities Office at 9 East Main Street at 7:00 p.m.

Chapter 111 of the General code - Membership term is for 6 years by appointment of  the Board of Selectman.

Any vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term.

Theodore A. Faulise (Chairman)
Duane Button
Matthew Picco
Mary Ann Manning
Christopher Chastang 
Heather Edge -Alternate
Gregory Allard -Alternate
Gordon Santerre - Alternate

Zoning Board of Appeals is composed of five members and three alternate members who are elected by the residents of the Town of Griswold  The term of office is for full members for  four years. Alternate members are elected for a term of 2 years.

The Board authorizes, upon appeal in specific cases, a variance from the terms of the Zoning Regulations as will not be contrary to the public interest when, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions will result in unnecessary hardship

The Zoning Board of Appeals hears and decides appeals from any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer in the administration or enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets the First Wednesday of each month.

Their public hearings and meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.