At the Thursday, August 11 Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting, First Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco read a proclamation for Selectman Ms. Lori-Ann Beninson to commemorate her many services to the town and great accomplishments. Beninson was humbled by the proclamation and thanked her fellow Board members for the recognition.
Del Monaco noted Beninson’s recent accomplishment in being chosen to serve as one of the top leaders, the District Governor, in the Lions Club, following over a decade of heavily active membership and leadership in the group. The proclamation detailed Beninson’s past as a paramedic in New York City and how those skills translated to her work as a first responder with the New Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department. Her commitment to the schools and Boy Scouts in town was also commended. “It’s really remarkable to read through all of your accomplishments and achievements as a Lion and in the community at large. So, thank you very much,” Del Monaco said. Selectman Ms. Khris Hall agreed, saying “Being a DG is a very big deal in the Lions Club and we are honored to have Lori as a member of our Board as well.”
The BOS voted to allow the Hahlawah Rifle and Pistol Club’s use agreement to include training exercises. The allowance was granted following discussions at previous BOS meetings and with revisions to the original request, limiting the number of trainings per year. The training is for the purpose of enhancing the safe use of weapons by residents. “I’m very much in favor of gun safety training. It’s important. It’s been pointed out by numerous people that the requirements to get a license for a gun are fairly minimal and that more training is appropriate,” Hall said. She went on to say, “What we have to balance is the burden this puts on neighbors in terms of the noise.” Hall suggested that they go slowly and, “If we’re going to inconvenience New Fairfield residents, I want it to mostly benefit New Fairfield residents.”
The Hahlawah Rifle and Pistol Club training will hold one two-day session a year, with the ability to ask for a second training session during the year if there is sufficient demand among New Fairfield residents. The First Selectman needs to approve training dates and the training hours will run between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m on weekends. In addition, preference is given to residents of New Fairfield and to law enforcement officers.
BOS members voted to approve a Board-of-Finance-approved Fraud Policy. The policy was developed on the recommendation of New Fairfield’s auditors.
In community news, Hall noted that there will be a fundraiser held on Friday, September 16 for Fish of New Fairfield, a new organization that recently started providing services in the town. Fish (Friends In Service Here) volunteers help fellow New Fairfield residents by providing rides to medical and dental appointments, the grocery store, and more. For more information about the organization and the fundraiser, email fishofnf@gmail.com.
The next Board of Selectmen Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 30, 7:30 p.m. There will also be a Town Meeting on the same evening at 7:00 p.m.
By Sarah Opdahl