By Sarah Opdahl

On Thursday, September 28, New Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) were pleased to accept a $2.1 million federal grant. The grant is intended for the purchase of new emergency radio communication system equipment for the Town’s Communications Center. BOS members formally voted to accept the grant, which then authorizes First Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco to execute the grant.

“I would like to thank Representative Jahana Hayes,” Del Monaco said, “This is the result of a congressionally directed spending grant. So, we certainly appreciate her work on our behalf to get this through the system, through Congress, and now the U.S. Department of Justice. So, we’re very, very grateful.” Selectman Ms. Khris Hall agreed, saying, “this is a lot of money for a small town and it is for a project where we really need the money.” Selectman Ms. Lori Beninson added, “Representative Hayes did work very hard on this, being able to speak to her about it and the effort that she has put in is greatly appreciated.”

The current communication system is dated and has hit technological roadblocks, in that some emergency responders cannot communicate with the Communication Center. With the grant in hand, Town officials and IT staff will work with an external consultant to make final decisions to assess all equipment options and determine what will work best for New Fairfield. An Ad Hoc Communications Committee will also be reconvened to weigh in on options. The Committee includes representatives from police, fire, emergency medical services, dispatch, and Town officials.

Town Finance Director Ms. Olga Melnikov explained to the Board that New Fairfield’s financial staff are looking forward to adopting the ACH payment process in their workflow. The department changed their software, which allows them to update their workflow, saving both time and money.

“I’m very excited about this possibility because it will provide the town with security because we will reduce the number of checks floating out th ere…which will reduce the chance of check fraud. More importantly, it will also save the town in terms of [eliminating] the need to purchase check papers, envelopes, and postage to mail those checks,” Melinikov said. She went on to say the new process “will definitely speed up and improve our overall operations.” In addition,  she pointed out, “ACH payments overall are very encouraged by the banks and by the auditors…ACH payments are considered to be safer than checks and they definitely streamline operations.” Del Monaco praised the move and said to Melnikov, “We appreciate the work you’re doing to save the town some money and streamline our operations.”

Another change to workflow that the software afforded is the ability for the departments to interact with each other digitally, which will be primarily impacted through the exchange of invoices between the departments. Melnikov is happy, “it will also provide us a better oversight of the invoices that were sent to the departments and to have better control of what we need to expect back from the department.” 

In another update, Del Monaco noted that New Fairfield’s Senior Center received separate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the Town and the BOS approved spending it on facility improvements, the installation of up-to-date audio and visual equipment throughout the building, and the training of staff in the new systems. The total grant funds are $33,738.42.

The BOS appointed Vincent Mancuso as an alternate for the Zoning Board of Appeals. Del Monaco said, “Vinny is a longtime volunteer in Town, I believe he has experience on ZBA and we’re grateful that he’s willing to volunteer for this position.”

BOS members approved a financial transfer for Public Works that was originally entered into a different line item. They also approved several motor vehicle tax refunds, largely attributed to overpayment by r esidents.

The next regular Board of Selectmen is scheduled for Thursday, October 12, 7:30 p.m.