By Sarah Opdahl

At their regular meeting on Thursday, April 11, the New Fairfield Board of Selectmen (BOS) introduced Mr. Matthew Schwarz, the newly hired Director of Outreach and Public Relations. Schwarz was optimistic about his first week in the role, saying, “it absolutely was a busy one.” He explained, “The first step in what we are doing, in terms of outreach…is looking into what our town is currently doing, and had been doing previously, when it comes to outreach and communicating with our residents. I think there are many opportunities, from what we are seeing so far, to both build on what we are doing, and in some ways to improve.” He described an initial movement to increase presence on social media by posting more Town board and committee meeting information. He also shared that the hope is to reach as many residents as possible by whatever method of information gathering they would prefer.

There was an update on new communications equipment that is being purchased.  Town officials are currently finalizing the list of radios needed for first responders. The BOS are excited with the progress and are “relieved to know that our Town will no longer be relying on outdated equipment,” First Selectman Ms. Melissa Lindsey said.

A proclamation was created for Kathryn Waters, who recently retired after 25 years of working in the Town’s Finance Department. Waters  began working as a general ledger accounting clerk in 1998 and was promoted to senior accountant in 2015. It was noted that Waters “earned the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of working alongside her” and  her “professionalism and dedication was the foundation for strong relationships with multiple finance directors, treasurers, and Board of Education business managers throughout her tenure.” In thanking Waters, Lindsey said, “We extend our best wishes upon Kathy’s retirement and wish her continued success in life’s pursuits.” Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco said, “she has worked very hard” and “she was an expert in her area and I know she will be sorely missed.”

There was a motion approved to request $245,000 in surplus funds from the Town’s Board of Finance (BOF) to fund the purchase of a Public Works truck. The BOF already indicated that they will approve the funds.

The BOS approved a $500 grant from the Connecticut Fair Plan Anti-Arson Committee. The money will be used to purchase equipment relating to the prevention, investigation, or prosecution of arson fires. They also unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Gary Reetz to the Economic Development Commission.

Following the approval of the personnel report, Del Monaco thanked Animal Control Officer Ms. Kim Kraska for her work in establishing the position in New Fairfield and “for all of her work caring for the animals that were in her charge and all of her efforts to recover lost animals in Town.”  Kraska resigned following the BOS’ vote against adding a part-time position to assist the animal control officer. 

The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m.