At the ir regular meeting on Thursday, May 23, New Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) announced the departure of Town Finance Director, Ms. Olga Melnikov. Melnikov is leaving to take the same position at a bigger scale in New Milford, where she previously served as Comptroller. The BOS expressed their thanks for her work in the Town over the past three years.

More news in the pe rsonnel report included the hiri ng of a part-time fire marshal, Mr. Christopher Alward. Though his position was approved, there was some concern raised by Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco, who fears that his time will be too stretched to provide adequate service to the Town, given his responsibilities to other towns.

A discussion was had about the candidacy of Mr. P atrick Hearty to join the Board of Finance as an alternate member following the departure of alternate Mr. Eric Huff. Though Hearty had the votes of First Selectman Ms. Melissa Lindsey and Selectman Mr. Tom Perkins, at issue for Del Monaco was his qualifications versus two other interested candidates, Mr. Rick Regan, a data analyst and Mr. Jeff Alviti, an educator. She initially hoped to table the appointment until more information could be gathered on Hearty’s financial background. Lindsey and Perkins disagreed that qualifications were an issue, given Hearty’s career in logistics and long-standing service on Town boards.

The BOS accepted a donation worth $1,436.82 from Colonial Carpet in Bethel for flooring to be used for the animal control office and entryway. Another donation from the Rodriguez Family was made for two yards of pea gravel to the New Fairfield Animal Control. Finally, a third donation from Apex Horticulture was accepted in the form of landscaping around the New Fairfield town sign and at the four corners intersection outside of the library.

The next regula r New Fairfield Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, 7:30 p.m.