By Sarah Opdahl

On Thursday, June 26, New Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) held their regular meeting. The agenda was light and the meeting was short, but there were lengthy public comments addressing recent Town official discussions regarding Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests as being among the causes for high legal fees. Two commenters responded to the notion that was put forth that Town officials could simply be asked questions, rather than resorting to submitting FOIA requests,  clarifying that they began with informal requests and no responses were given, which is why they ultimately resorted to FOIA. At the previous evening’s Board of Finance meeting, First Selectman Ms. Melissa Lindsey spoke at length about FOIA requests (see High June Medical Claims Discussed at NF BOF).

Once again,  there were several budget transfers that were the cause of concern for BOS member Ms. Pat Del Monaco, who has questioned why so much money is being funneled to pay legal fees. Regarding the transfers, she said, “I cannot vote for this. I have asked repeatedly about transfers to legal and specific reasons why and I do not get a response. So, I cannot keep voting for these without more information.” She went on to point out, “the legal budget is over $70,000 over budget. And I think that this board deserves a better explanation.” Lindsey agreed to add an Executive Session to the next meeting’s agenda to review  legal fees.

Lindsey explained that Social Services Director Ms. Cindy White, who has served for several years as the Municipal Veterans Representative, requested to change the representation to Mr. Milton Craven and Mr. Robert Ballas. The representatives will work to provide veterans with information on available services through the Department of Veterans Affairs of Connecticut, in the area and beyond. Lindsey explained that the Department of Veterans Affairs has four core functions: residential program and services; the healthcare center; advocacy and assistance; and cemetery and memorial services. The Municipal Veterans representative program falls under the Office of Advocacy and Assistance in the state. “I think both Milton and Robert will be wonderful veterans representatives for this Town,” Lindsey added.

BOS members reappointed Ms. Anita Brown to the Commission on the Aging. Brown has served on the Commission for several years and wrote,  “I have served on the commission since 2017. It is my hope that I can continue to support the efforts of the  commission in recognizing and advocating for the needs of all New Fairfield citizens.”

There was an Executive Session held to discuss the Resident State Trooper’s contract. Following discussion,  the contract was unanimously approved upon exiting the session.

In public comment, there was also a request for a Town Hall-style meeting to both inform residents and gather feedback on the Marjorie Trail project.

The next regular New Fairfield Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.