By Sarah Opdahl

At the Thursday, October 12 New Fairfield Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting, there was a discussion about accepting a grant in the amount of $32,323.17 from the Department of Public Health Infrastructure Grant Program. The funds are earmarked for public health employee education. There are only three public health employees in town, Health Director Mr. Tim Simpkins, the Town Sanitarian Mr. Zach Drzal, and a part-time Septic Management Technician Mr. Herbert Yorashek. Given the lean staff, Simpkins imagines that the money would be well spent to set up a possible succession plan for when he retires. To that end, he suggested the grant be spent toward Drzal receiving a masters degree in public health, which he would need to potentially fill the Health Director position. In the end, they agreed to make the motion broader than that specific use, instead for “employee education and training.”

BOS members expressed interest in learning more about the plan. Saying she understood Simpkin’s thoughts, Del Monaco said, “I think that we can certainly explore other opportunities for training in the depar tment.” The BOS will likely invite Simpkins to their next meeting.

BOS members began discussion on a Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant in the amount of $475,272. Town officials would like to use it for the town green project—an initiative that is in the works for some time. They ended up tabling the  item as they wait for the paperwork from the Department of Economic and Community Development to provide them with a resolution.

The Planning Commission’s (the “Commission”) upcoming listening session on October 23 was a topic of conversation. Del Monaco noted of the Commission’s 10-year plan, “the purpose is to record th e best thinking of New Fairfield as to its future growth and give direction to both public and private development. The plan not only encompasses a long-term vision for the community but also offers guidance for short-term decision making.” The Commission is looking to all  other boards and commissions for input, plus they have survey data from residents. Del Monaco expressed interest in continuing to create “a vibrant town center while we’re maintaining the feel of our town.” She also stressed the importance of “preserving our natural resources, particularly our water bodies in town.”

Selectman Ms. Khris Hall has previewed the resident survey results and found them very interesting. She said, “I would like to encourage the Planning Commission to continue to explore that information…the sorts of things that they were interested in seeing and doing, it’s quite a different approach this year compared to what the Planning Commission did 10 years ago. I think we should let them know that we are encouraged by this new approach.” She went on to say that the Commission should work with the Housing Opportunities Committee. She also said, “the sooner they can get rid of the section that had assigned every other body in town responsibility except for them, the better.” Selectman Ms. Lori Beninson said, “I think we need to also make sure that they address groundwater.” Del Monaco agreed, saying, they should keep “in mind that we, in the center of town, currently have a collection of aging, septic systems.”

The BOS agreed to discuss how to use any remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at a December meeting—all funds must be encumbered by the end of 2024. They will hold a public workshop to help determine projects. 

The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 26 at 7: 30 p.m.