By Sarah Opdahl

On Thursday, January 11, New Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) approved the renewal/extension of a contract for Ms. Jocelyn Ayers, who has assisted the Town’s Housing Opportunities Committee in their work to complete a comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan. New Fairfield joins all Connecticut towns following the State’s  mandate to create and implement a plan that will broaden affordable housing opportunities.

Housing Opportunities Committee Chair Ms. Anita Brown extolled upon the merits of Ayers’s aid in creating the current Affordable Housing Plan draft and her ongoing commitment and dedication to the forums, meetings, and technical expertise that the Committee has appreciated. BOS members asked for clarification on any ove rlapping duties that may occur with a consultant who was hired by the Town’s Planning Commission. They were assured that the work the consultants are completing is quite different, though both are aware of what the other is working toward accomplishing. In addition to continuing as Ayers has, Brown sees her contributions extending to an upcoming reinvigoration of the Town’s Housing Trust. “I feel that we are very fortunate to have someone who is so down to earth, so knowledgeable, and she’s wonderful in terms of what she ca n provide,” Brown said.

Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco supported the renewal, saying, “this is not a local problem, this is a statewide problem. We don’t have affordable housing for our young people, as well as our seniors, and it’s good to see New Fairfield being part of the solution to that…I do think that it makes sense to continue with Jocelyn until her work is complete.”

Selectman Mr. Tom Perkins asked when the Affordable Housing Plan will be finished and Brown responded that the Committee will bring the Draft to the BOS for approval. She pointed out that the project will not be truly “finished” until there are more affordable housing options built and available.

After a brief discussion, the BOS approved ongoing preliminary work on the budget that will be proposed to the Town’s Board of Finance in early March. They also discussed usage of surplus funds, which will potentially fund a Town truck. Del Monaco clarified that the truck, which was cut from last year’s budget, is now less expensive.

Registrar of Voters Ms. Elisa Beckett-Flores explained the need for additional funds for the department, following larger expenditures last year with multiple budget referendums, in addition to financial implications regarding the new initiative for early voting in the state.

The BOS voted to appoint Mr. Mark Havira, 2-1, as a Permanent Building Committee Alternate. Discussion ensued regarding Havira’s  qualifications, with Del Monaco pointing out the importance of industry experience on the Committee, while Perkins stressed that financial expertise would also be an asset. Del Monaco was re-appointed as a member of the Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority and First Selectman Ms. Melissa Lindsey will serve as an alternate. Lindsey praised the “Public Works Department and our first responders for their awesome job on two storms this week.”

The next New Fairfield Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 7:30 p.m.