NEW FAIRFIELD – The Board of Selectmen addressed several items at its regular meeting on September 28. First Selectman Susan Chapman thanke
d the Department of Public Works for working so hard to prepare the town for New Fairfield Days, which was
held on September 16. She also thanked the community for coming out and making it the success that it was.

Ms. Chapman also noted that Ball Pond paving and the sidewalk project was set to begin on October 2. The sidewalk expansion in the center of town is being funded through a Small Town Economic Assistance (STEAP) grant. The project will enable pedestrians to access all shopping centers in town.

Selectman Michael Gill said that Household Hazardous Waste Day sponsored by
the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA) has been postponed to November 4 from 9:00 to 2:00 at the public works facility on Newtown Road in Danbury. The event had originally been scheduled for September 28.

The Board made several appointments. Peter Viola was appointed to the Ball Pond Advisory Committee and Joan Archer was reappointed to the Inland Wetlands Commission. Susan Chapman was appointed to the seat on HRRA that was vacated when Michael Gill stepped down after 14 years’ service. Selectman Kim Hanson was appointed as an alternate to HRRA.

The Board approved the tentative agreement between the Town and Teamsters Local 677, the union to which
members of the Public Works Department belong. Mr. Gill noted that it was essentially an extension of the agreement that has been in place for years. It accounts for a 2.5% increase per year during the term of the agreement, which is in line with what the Town has in place for other bargaining units.

The Board also gave approval for First Selectman Chapman to sign the application for the FEMA Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Grant. The Town applies for the grant annually to help fund the Emergency Management budget.

Following a recommendation by the Planning Commission, the Board approved the release of the $13,100 bond held by the Town for Wild Turkey Estates.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) increased its Municipal Recycling Rewards Grant to the Town by $4,234. This was officially accepted by the Board. The Board also accepted the donation of a bench worth $1,145.72 from the New Fairfield Lions Club. It will be placed in the Town’s 9/11 memorial park.

A new agreement with T-Mobile was approved by the Board. T-Mobile will be renting space on the Tower Hill tower in New York. This will result in $31,800 in income the first year, with 2.75% increases annually to the Town, less a fee for tower management. The Town will be paid in monthly installments. T-Mobile will upgrade the town and pay a one-time startup fee of $5,300.

The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is Thursday, October 12 at 7:30pm.

By Greg Slomba