Preston selectmen expect changes to come to town.
Officials have long list of issues in coming year
Preston — The Board of Selectmen on Thursday placed several major topics on its preliminary list of long-range planning issues to consider over the next 12 months, including whether to convert to a town manager form of government and whether to increase police coverage.
Long-range planning is necessary with First Selectman Robert Congdon planning to retire in 2019 after 22 years in office. The town also must plan for the future major development of the former Norwich Hospital property, where Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment plans a $400 million to $600 million development.
The Board of Selectmen has held workshop discussions recently on two topics: a session with Uncas Health District Director Patrick McCormack on whether to join the health district and a second session with retired Groton Town Manager Mark Oefinger to discuss town manager government.
Selectmen voted Sept. 28 to start the process of joining the Uncas Health District, which could be included in the proposed 2019-20 town budget. The town would qualify for a state $10,000 start-up grant and Uncas would receive $5,000 if Preston joins the district in the 2019-20 fiscal year.
Selectman Michael Sinko said the town really has no choice but to join a health district. Preston now is the last town in southeastern Connecticut not in a health district, with part-time staff handling duties such as septic inspections.
Congdon said selectmen would have to research the town manager option in much greater detail before making a recommendation to residents at a future town meeting. A town manager would run daily operations, while the Board of Selectmen would remain in a policy-setting role, with the first selectman no longer serving as town CEO.
Preston in 2017 considered contracting with either Ledyard or Norwich police to cover the town, rather than the current two resident state troopers. But the Emergency Services Advisory Committee recommended keeping the resident trooper program.
Congdon said Thursday he discussed police coverage with Ledyard Mayor Fred Allyn recently and said Ledyard will provide a report with an updated police coverage proposal for Preston. Congdon suggested waiting for the report before discussing police coverage issues in the longrange planning sessions.
Selectmen on Thursday said the town planner position and public works director should be topics of consideration but did not discuss the positions. Preston currently has a part-time town planner, and Congdon serves as the public works director. Future first selectman candidates might not have the background to serve in that position, and the town planning office could become busier once the Norwich Hospital development ramps up.