The Board of Finance (“BOF” and/or “Board”) met for its regular meeting, Wednesday, July 20, via Zoom, which was recorded. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Wesley G. Marsh.
During public comment, residents spoke out against the BOF’s proposed change to its public comment policy. (See: https://www.newfairfield.org/home/showpublisheddocument/15734/637937568592430000 for full NF BOF rough draft of public comment policy). Sharing insight from Board of Education experiences, BOE member and resident Samantha Mannion criticized the BOF’s proposed public comment policy as currently drafted, stating, “what your policy draft is proposing goes much farther than that (referring to the BOE’s proposed policy change); you are not only telling people what they can say, but how they are supposed to be saying it. Moreover, your criteria for acceptable speech are based upon ill-defined and highly subjective terms. You are effectively giving individual board members the sole discretion to decide whether a public comment is, and I quote from your draft, a personal attack, ridicule, aggressive, uncivil, derogatory or intimidating. You are also proposing to forbid jeering and cheering, both of which have long-standing First Amendment protection.” Ms. Mannion noted that when the BOE was revising its policy on public participation it was contacted by a Civil Rights attorney who claimed that placing subject-matter restrictions on public comment at a govern

ment al meeting had a “chilling” effect on free speech and were thus unconstitutional. Following that, the BOE shifted gears to “suggested statement” only, recognizing the potential for infringement, Ms. Mannion went on to say.
Joshua Flores also spoke about his concerns over the Board’s proposed changes, particularly a change that would allow the BOF chair to select a BOF member to rebut public comment. “The public is there to express its opinion and not to entertain a debate with the Board.” He went on to say, “While I agree that the regulation of conduct is within the jurisdiction of any board or committee, the vagueness of the poli cy confuses protected speech with conduct.” Mr. Flores also pointed out the Board’s desire to regulate jeering and cheering, which also as noted by Ms. Mannion, could run afoul of First Amendment protections.
Also, during public comment, one resident spoke in favor of returning to in-person meetings sooner rather than later, suggesting that it might be good for “this” board to meet face to face. While recognizing the increase in public participation with virtual meetings, this resident acknowledged the need for in-person meetings as better for Board business. “There’s a sense of disconnection with remote meetings, one that makes it easier for you to talk past each other; and perhaps say things in a way you might not say them if you were looking each other in the eye,” Rick Reagan said. BOF member Thora Perkins echoed this sentiment, noting that this particular board has never met in person and moved for in-person meetings at least once per quarter. The motion passed; in-person meetings will begin at the discretion of the chairman.
Discussion ensued regarding additional appropriations needed, for which a Town Meeting is required if an appropriation is over $20,000 and recommended by the BOF. First Selectman Patricia Del Monaco spoke about transfers requested from the General Fund for the following: $69,500 to purchase a vehicle and equipment for an additional SRO at the elementary school, $40,500 salary for an additional SRO at the elementary school following recommendations by the School Safety Committee, the BOE and the BOS, $5,000 to cover a shortfall for a purchased vehicle due to increased cost, $58,000 to hire additional part-time staff to increase coverage at dispatch center (such cost to be annual), and $22,500 for five percent Nuvance (ambulance/paramedic) increase, as opposed to two percent due to severe impact of Covid on operations. BOF member Cheryl Reedy questioned why these items were not discussed during the regular budget season and whether ARPA funds can be used to purchase the vehicle for the additional SRO at CELA.
The BOS recently voted to keep the Communications Center in New Fairfield, but now must work to address staffing issues. Ms. Del Monaco hopes, in time, the Town can hire more, qualified, part-time staff and thus reduce overtime costs for its full-time personnel. Some BOF members took issue with the increase from Nuvance over its original two percent anticipated increase. Finance Director Olga Melnikov pointed out that Nuvance does not have to move forward with the current contract and many other towns have accepted the percentage increase, and the Board should consider that when voting on whether to recommend this appropriation transfer.
Ultimately, the Board voted to transfer the requested amount to cover the vehicle shortfall. It also voted to bring to Town meeting the requested appropriation transfers for a new police vehicle, part-time personnel at the dispatch center and the increased Nuvance costs. The BOF convened to Executive Session, along with members of the BOS, BOE, and Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Craw to discuss the reasons why an additional SRO was recommended. Following Executive Session, the BOF approved the additional appropriation for an additional SRO, which will now be brought to a Town Meeting, along with the other three items.
Terry Friedman, Town Treasurer, discussed recommended updates to the Town’s Debt Policy. The proposed updates passed.
Ms. Del Monaco reported that the Town was waiting for the second round of ARPA funds before scheduling a Town Meeting. She further reported that the Town Clerk vault project was removed from the projects list because it was not shovel-ready, and the Town may be able to fund the project with a STEAP grant in 2023.
Ms. Reedy reported on the recent joint board subcommittee meeting for long-term capital planning for the Town and BOE. The subcommittee agreed it would meet quarterly.
The New Fairfield Board of Finance meeting scheduled for August 17, 2022, was canceled.

By Michelle L. Santoro