By Sarah Opdahl

On Monday, June 29, New Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) held a special meeting to vote on a personnel report which listed the hire of Ms. Kim Kraska for the role of Animal Control Officer, a position she previously held and resigned from under the previous administration. This position, in particular, has some sensitivity surrounding it as there were polarized views regarding the structure of the office from one administration to another. While the report was approved, it followed a bit of a tense discussion in which Selectman Mr. Jon Russo questioned whether the interviewing process for higher level town positions should include the input of all BOS members.

When prompted, First Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco explained that for this position, “We went through the normal process of hiring. So, we posted the position, we had applicants, we interviewed all of the applicants that were qualified, we had three applicants, and I felt that, with the assistance of the HR director, Kim was the most qualified and the best fit for the position.” She went on to say, “Kim is a certified animal control officer. She has worked for the town. I’m familiar with her work. She also gave the strongest response to the questions that we asked. Kim has excellent communication skills, and she has a good relationship with residents when, when she has to work with them.”

Russo explained that his initial issue with the hire was the lack of information in the hiring process. “I am just asking questions because I am finding it harder and harder to make informed decisions when we come into these meetings,” he said, going on to say, “It happened at our last regular meeting, where we had a new police officer, and I knew nothing about it until the day of, and I didn’t even know about this appointment until just now.” He stressed, “the people who elected me in this town want to make sure that I’m doing my due diligence, and that’s all this is about.” 

Del Monaco explained that the “interview process/the hiring process is on the First Selectmen, not the Board of Selectmen,” but she was open to discuss further involvement in the interviewing process by BOS members. “We can certainly discuss that. I’m not opposed to that at all, Jon. I don’t know, it has never been done here, so I’m not sure if it can be done. I guess the better way to say that is, I’m not sure how to do it, so I will certainly talk to our attorneys and see  if and how we can do that, but I am supportive of that,” Del Monaco said.

Selectman Ms. Khris Hall added, “I don’t think we need to get into extended discussions on dozens of Park and Rec employees that get hired during the summer. I do think that there are probably a handful of key positions where even just making available a resume of the candidate might give us a little better grasp.” She went on to share more information about the creation of this position and Kraska’s role in that. “She basically defined it, and from my experience with her, she did a very good job. From my discussion with town residents who routinely interacted with her as she performed those duties, she had very high reviews…I am in favor of this appointment.”

The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 7:00 p.m.