By Sarah Opdahl

At their Thursday, February 8 meeting, New Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) heard an update from Town Engineer Mr. Tony Iadarola, who explained that the Town beach house project, which was originally intended to be funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, is now receiving estimates that far exceed the approximately $800,000  originally slated to fund the demolition and rebuild. Iadarola, who is personally overseeing multiple projects tied to the ARPA funding, explained that inflation and an overabundance of available projects are two of the factors that are driving project costs to double, or even triple, the amount that was thought to be enough throughout the permitting process.

To combat the high costs, Iadarola has received estimates from additional vendors and worked with the architects to make multiple revisions to the preliminary drawings. Among the value engineered items were finishes and revisions to the mechanical and electrical systems. Iadarola has also looked into modular companies to see if that type of build would bring down the cost, but he was met with a similar estimate of over $2 million. At over $1 million short for even the most basic scenario, Iadarola’s plan is to attempt to receive “a realistic number, a number that we can actuall y hold somebody to.” He explained that “we have demolition drawings that are approximately 95% complete.” He also said he has “secured almost all of the regulatory compliance approvals that I need.”

Iadarola explained that several ARPA-funded projects slowed a bit, following the election in the fall, but they are now ramping back up. The sewer design project is one that falls under Iadarola’s purview. With $1.6 million allotted to it, this is a large effort to plan for a proposed sewer system that would cover the downtown business district in a first phase of the project. He described this effort as the “full design development, which means the preliminary collection system layout and a preliminary design of pump station…the last phase of this design development project will be bid documents where we have full specifications.”

A large Ball Pond drainage project, intended to get the work “shovel ready,” is also in progress under Iadarola. He explained that the issue affects many properties and is the cause of erosion and tree loss. The drainage problems also cause a large amount of sediment to flow into Putnam Lake. With a budget of approximately $180,000, Iadarola is planning to “purchase a significant number of easements, pieces of properties that we need in order to construct the improvements.” There are also drawings that need to be completed. He noted that purchase of the easements will need to go to a Town meeting. Once the easements are secured, Town officials are optimistic about grants coming through to fund the remainder of the project.

Iadarola gave an update on a feasibility study for a potential community center that has a budget of $25,000. For that project, he and other Town employees have created a blocking diagram to consider “adjacencies of space…we are looking at a building somewhere between 20,000 square feet and possibly 22,000 square feet.” He explained the next step is to engage the public. “We are looking to have an open platform meeting where we take a number of inputs. We take a look at common goals and common interests,” he said.

In a controversial move, the BOS voted 2-1 to approve $7,127 for a public outreach position, which will be funded through budget transfers from multiple budget line items, including the Commission on Aging and materials and supplies. First Selectman Ms. Melissa Lindsey said, “The role will focus on establishing, managing, and implementing effective communication and public involvement strategies.” Though it was noted that the funds will go toward ideally increasing voter engagement, the move was a lightning rod, as many of the duties that would presumably fall under this role are among those that fall under the First Selectman’s job description.

Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco was exasperated when she said, “Public outreach is one of the foremost responsibilities of the First Selectman. It’s your job, Melissa, to do that. You’ve been in this job for two months. The taxpayers are paying you over $100,000 a year and you have an amazing full time assistant. You have many resources available to you to do this aspect of your job without hiring an additional person.” She went on to point out that there are social media accounts, the town’s website, the town newsletter, and a weekly column in the Town Tribune avail able to communicate with the public. “You also have the ability to hold public forums,” Del Monaco said. She went on to point out the many other departments who have requested additional personnel funding, such as the animal control officer, who is currently on duty/on call at all hours. Multiple public commenters agreed with Del Monaco’s sentiments, pointing out that the administration ran on affordability and suggesting that the funds be cut from Lindsey’s salary.

The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 7:30 p.m.