By Sarah Opdahl

New Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) met on Thursday, December 11 and heard a presentation about a potential Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA)ordinance on registering haulers, which all BOS members indicated they are in favor of approving. HRRA Executive Director Ms. Jennifer Heaton-Jones joined the meeting to provide more insight on why the enforcement ordinance is needed. She explained that a state statute dictates, “by local ordinance, haulers must register with each town in which they collect all solid waste, including trash, recyclables, construction, demolition and bulky waste that is also known as junk material.” The reality is; however, not all haulers comply with the statute. 

Heaton-Jones explained,  there are currently 22 registered haulers in the town of New Fairfield, but there are knowingly unregistered, non-compliant haulers who are operating in the town who have either procrastinated or refused to comply with that state statute.  There are a multitude of reasons why registration is needed, she said, including safety issues, liability, and fairness. All in attendance were reminded that a hauler is not just someone dropping off garbage, but also dumpster operators; landscapers; roofers—basically anybody who collects a fee or payment to remove items. All who register pay $250 a year, which means meeting the requirements for registration: the right insurance; DOT inspections; their vehicles are registered with the state, and more. Those who do not register would receive warnings and then citations, followed by escalated measures, if they fail to comply. 

The ordinance language still needs review and adjustments by legal counsel, which is the next step, followed by a BOS vote, and, if approved, presentation at a Town Meeting. Heaton-Jones was appreciative of the support for the ordinance, saying, “this will work a lot better than what we have now…. every single person makes trash every day that has to go somewhere, and it has to be managed.” 

BOS members unanimously approved appointing Mr. David Zeh to the Zoning Commission, following the resignation of Mr. Kevin Van Vlack. Zeh is an architect who recently sat on the Permanent Building Committee. They also approved reappointing Mr. Ken Bennett to the Parks and Recreation Commission. “Ken has been a long-time member of the Park and Rec commission, and I want to thank him for his willingness to continue volunteering,” First Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco said. Finally, they reappointed New Fairfield’s Social Services Director Cindy White as the municipal agent for the elderly and thanked her for her work. Selectman Ms. Khris Hall stated, “I can’t imagine this would be anybody else, Cindy does such a great job in social services and with the elderly.”

BOS members approved appointing Ryan and Ryan as the Town’s labor attorneys. They hope to resolve a lengthy labor arbitration case as quickly as possible. 

The next regular New Fairfield Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, 7:30 p.m.