By Sarah Opdahl

New Fairfield’s Permanent Building Committee (PBC) met on Tuesday, April 8. They discussed that, over spring break, there will be a deeper investigation into why water was found in two high school science classroom propane pipes. Colliers International’s Mr. Mark Schweitzer explained that they are pinpointing the faucets, which are made of cast bronze, and “we are going to open up all of the science tables and the flex hose going to the propane,” to determine whether there may be a crossover between the gas and water. There is a “partition between the two in the faucet itself,” and they plan to rule out whether or not the faucet could be the cause by disconnecting the propane flex hose from each of the faucets and capping the propane. They will also empty the dirt legs. It was noted that the manufacturer stated that it is not unheard of for a crossover to occur.

To test the system, Schweitzer said, “we are going to have the custodians run water while they are cleaning the room at all the tables, make sure that we have good water usage there, and then come back in after a period of time, we are thinking three to four weeks, and check the caps…. [and] to see if there is any water again.” The results will determine whether they need to replace the faucets or opt for a “whole different system.” In addition, “we may choose to not run propane to those faucets. And if we do, we pipe the propane and give it a separate turret…” With many issues regarding propane and fume hoods, the science classrooms have experienced severe issues with functionality since the school opened in 2023, prompting a teachers’ union grievance last spring.

There was an update on the new crosswalk that will be installed on Gillotti Road at the high/middle school campus exit. The focus was on the three radar signs that are in the new design, including two warning beacons and the primary  radar sign. The warning signs will have flashing lights that are active during school hours. The posts that will hold the signs are heavy duty, four and a half inch aluminum pipe on pedestals. There were questions regarding whether there will be a push-button capability that triggers flashing lights, but that functionality is not included in the specifications for the crosswalk. It was noted that three signs alerting people to slow down and telling you there is a crosswalk coming were deemed adequate. When concern was expressed, it was noted that “common sense tells you to look both ways before you get in the crosswalk.”

Regarding an upcoming meeting with the Zoning Commission on turning temporary lots into permanent ones for the process of closing out the high school project with the state, it was noted that the paperwork is all in order and members of the design team plan to meet with Town Engineer Mr. Tony Iadarola and Zoning Enforcement Officer Mr. Evan White, hoping to get their input prior to the Zoning meeting.

The failed elementary playground surface is moving forward for replacement this summer. Final color selections were recently made and all inspection and subbase reports were communicated.

Final landscap ing enhancements are being planned for the high school campus, following the completion of the middle school parking lot last summer. They are seeding for better grass establishment and there was also “a little settlement in a couple of areas along the sidewalks.” The plan is to bring in topsoil and edge those couple of areas and reseed those as well. And then from there, the school’s buildings and grounds staff will take over maintenance.

With copious amounts of recent rain, the former Consolidated site was slow to pick up on landscaping work. They are hoping to proceed in the near future, with a target to complete all work in early May.

The next regularly scheduled New Fairfield Permanent Building Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.