News – Be Informed

Welcome.

The New Fairfield Democratic Town Committee wants to help keep you informed of significant town events and news from our elected officials.

Our Town runs because people volunteer their time for these Boards and Commissions and we welcome your participation.

2023

This is another important year for all of us, with the budget referendum coming this spring, and a state election later this year.  We will provide you information on these and other events, as well as information on Board and Commission vacancies here.

Also stay informed by looking at important Letters to the Editor.

SELECTMAN’S VIEW

By Khris Hall, Selectman, Town of New Fairfield

As was submitted but not published by the Town Tribune on May 18, 2023

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By a 4-2 party-line vote, the Board of Finance passed a budget on April 27 after 3:00am.  Newly appointed Board member Kim Hanson introduced a proposal after 11:00pm that would form the basis for the budget proposal to be sent to voters.  Hanson’s proposal was discussed among majority members of the BoF earlier that day, but not shared with the rest of the Board or the public until after 11:00pm, nearly four hours after the meeting began.  After several more hours of debate, the BoF passed the budget that will be before voters on May 20.  The four elements of the budget are:

  • A cut of $800,000 to the Board of Education’s proposed operating budget, for a total of $39,864,503 and a further cut of $100,000 from the BoE capital fund for a mandated replacement of an oil tank, for a total of $148,575.
  • A cut of $345,000 of the Board of Selectmen’s operating budget for a total of $12,503,997. The Board added $50,000 to the BoS capital budget for Fire Department reserve for a total of $882,070.
  • The allocation of $7,400,000 to medical insurance fund to pay the Town and School portion of medical insurance for employees.
  • Application of $2,500,000 of bond premium against debt service of $8,165,593 primarily for school construction.

This formulation produces a mill rate increase of 5.70%.

This budget will significantly reduce services for the schools through the reduction of 9.6 positions, the reduction of focus on curriculum, and cutbacks to Gifted and Talented, STEAM and interventionists for the most vulnerable children.  It will also significantly reduce paving and cut back Library services and supplies.   And because of the way the bond premium is applied, the budget will lead to further cuts in school and town services next year.

One of the largest increases in the budget this year is the increase in debt service after having done the last round of bonding for the schools in March.  Overall, New Fairfield has saved $15 million in interest from initial estimates because of low interest rates until this year.  The variable that will make a huge difference this year AND in coming years is the way the BoF majority has engineered the use of bond premium, which is a credit provided by municipal bond issuers as part of the bonding process.  Under BoF policy, it can only be applied to debt service; its best use is to lessen the impact on taxpayers by offsetting early debt payments and smoothing the peak increases in debt service.

The optimal use of the bond premium would have been $1,750,000, as recommended by the town’s Finance Director.  This approach would have produced a gentle curve of debt repayment, minimizing the impact on taxpayers.  Instead with the $2,500,000 use of bond premium to offset this year’s property tax increase, the small remaining amount of bond premium will do little to reduce the debt service increase next year.  With this tactic, the Board of Finance majority have insured that New Fairfield taxpayers start next year with an increase of $1,900,000 in debt service next budget year compared to $363,000 in this proposed budget.  This “hole in the budget” insures a minimum property tax increase of 3.3%, without taking into account contractual pay increases, increases in utility costs, expected increases in the bus contract, all totaling over $1 million.  The BoF majority created an additional hole of at least $100,000 in school capital costs, by cutting that amount designated for use in a mandatory oil tank replacement.

This eleventh hour move was a deliberate tactic on the part of the BoF majority to impose sharp cuts this year AND to severely impact next year’s budget as well.  Because it was introduced so late in the process, there was no time for making the public aware of their tactic and discussing it.  The large holes the BoF majority created in the budget for next year will tie the hands of the BoF elected in November and will almost certainly lead to more budget cuts.

I cannot support the cuts to the school and education budgets and just as importantly, I cannot support the reductions this BoF is forcing in next year’s budget.  I will vote NO/TOO LOW on both the school and town budgets on May 20.

A VIEW FROM TOWN HALL

By Pat Del Monaco, First Selectman, Town of New Fairfield

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, May 18, 2023, PAGE 2

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Selectman’s Update

Budget Vote: The annual budget referendum will be held on Saturday, May 20 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Middle School.  Absentee Ballots are available in the Town Clerk’s Office Monday – Thursday from 8:30 – 5:00 and on Friday from 8:30 – noon.  For more information on absentee ballots and eligibility to vote on referenda, please visit the town Clerk’s page on the Town website, www.newfairfield.org

Sip and Stroll: It’s that time again!  Sip and Stroll will be held on Saturday, May 20 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM.  Sip & Stroll along the sidewalks in New Fairfield, you will discover great things businesses have to offer!  Tickets are $30 per person (age 21& up) which includes a specialty glass & map of participating businesses.  Register online at parksandrec.newfairfield.org or call 203-312-5633.  Glasses are limited for this event and may sell out!  Pick up your glass and map at New Fairfield Town Hall, 4 Brush Hill Rd. between 4:00 and 6:00.

 

Candlewood Lake Clean-up:  Join the Candlewood Lake Authority at the New Fairfield Town Park on Saturday, May 20, for the annual J. Marsicano and F. Cioffi Memorial Candlewood Lake Clean Up. Sign up and find more information on our website https://candlewoodlakeauthority.org/news

Guiderail Replacement: The Connecticut Department of Transportation has begun a Guiderail Upgrade project along Route 39 and Milltown Road in New Fairfield.  The project consists of upgrading existing wood pole rail systems to current standard systems along Route 39 between Route 37 and the Danbury town line. The upgrades began on Monday May 15,2023 and continue through Monday July 10, 2023. No work performed on the day before or the day after Memorial Day and July 4th Holidays.  Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 39 and Milltown Road. Traffic control personnel and signs will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule for this project is 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Monday – Friday). Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.

A reminder from our Animal Control Officer, Kim Kraska: “Animal Control would like to remind all residents that leaving your dog in the car for ANY amount of time can quickly result in heatstroke for an animal, which can lead to death.

Most people don’t know that even on mild days, with temperatures in low 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit! In warmer 85+ degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures can reach 115 Fahrenheit degrees within 10-20 minutes, even if a car window is left open or the car is parked in the shade! Dogs, like humans, can suffer from heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and full collapse. It is essential that a dog displaying these symptoms get to a vet immediately, as these are life threatening conditions.  For more information, or to report a pet left in a vehicle, please contact Animal Control at 203-885-4417.”

Car Theft:  As summer approaches, we often see an uptick in car theft throughout the State of Connecticut.  Please remember to remove valuables, keys and key fobs from your car and lock your car doors!

HRRA Poster Contest Winners: Every year, The Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority sponsors a Recycling Poster Contest for K-12 students in the Region. This year, I had the pleasure of attending the awards ceremony on April 26 to congratulate our talented New Fairfield Regional Winners! We are very proud to announce that Caiden Davidson, a 3rd Grade student in Mrs. Schlosser’s class is this year’s Grand Prize Winner! His artwork will be displayed on 20 HART buses for 6 weeks. Congratulations to all of our Regional Winners: Benjamin Davidson, Mila Caba, Amara Coster, Corina Knapp, and Sara Braun! Thank you to Jane Stagno of Parks and Rec for coordinating the event!  You can view the winning posters here: https://hrra.org/annual-billboard-contest/

May is Mental Health Month:  A message from Mental Health America: “As humans, our overall health is significantly affected by our natural and built environment: where we are born, live, learn, work, play, and congregate all influence our health. While we often think of these environmental factors as relating largely to our physical health, it’s important to consider the effect of our environment on our mental health and well-being as well. What we know for sure is that there are many factors that contribute to mental well-being, and we all benefit from stable environments, strong communities, and ready access to needed services.  During this year’s Mental Health Month, Mental Health America invites you to Look Around, Look Within as we consider every part of our environment and its effect on our mental health and well-being.”  For more information, go to www.mhanational.org/May

SELECTMAN’S VIEW

By Khris Hall, Selectman, Town of New Fairfield

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, May 4, 2023. Page 3

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What a show the Board of Finance (BoF) put on at their Budget meeting on April 26-27!  The purpose of the meeting was to advance the process of putting the two budgets (schools and town) before voters for their decision.  The Republican majority Board (4-2) accomplished that, but in a highly controversial way – resuming their effort to make significant cuts to the budgets of the Board of Selectmen and especially the Board of Education.   Here are some highlights:

  • The meeting lasted eight hours, starting at 7:30pm and ending a little after 3:30am.  The previous meeting on April 12 lasted until just past 1:00am.  Last week’s meeting went on so long that one BoF majority member was caught on tape nodding off and another majority member dropped from the meeting because her device ran out of power.   A BoF Alternate member of the majority also dropped off the meeting.
  • One of the reasons for the length of these meetings was the large number of residents who made public comment.  Over 600 people signed onto the Zoom meeting on 4/26-27 and over 400 joined on 4/12.  At the 4/26 meeting over 80 people commented, with all but 4 opposing the cuts the Board of Finance majority were proposing.  Similarly, 59 people commented on 4/12, again with all but 7 opposing the cuts.   Letters to the Board of Finance also showed a similar margin of opposing the cuts proposed by the Board of Finance. If you total up all the comments and emails, 94% favored full funding of the budgets and 6% supported cuts.
  • First Selectman Pat Del Monaco and Schools Superintendent Ken Craw made presentations showing the impact of the BoF suggested cuts of $300,000 to the town budget and $1,775,000 to the school budget. The cuts to the Town budget centered on cutting $150,000 of paving.  The cuts to the BoE budget entailed laying off 24 staff (teachers, paras, administrators) with significant negative impact to class size, freshman sports, STEAM, strings, and other programs.  This would result in a 6.65% mill rate increase.
  • These cuts proposed by the BoF majority followed rejection of a proposal by BoF minority member Cheryl Reedy on April 12 that would cut $585,000 from the BoE budget and $175,000 from the BoS budget. This would have resulted in a 6.96% mill rate increase, which in turn would yield a yearly tax bill roughly $20 more than the 6.65% increase the majority argued for on April 12 for a family living in a home assessed at median value.
  • After 11:00pm, majority member Kim Hanson introduced an amendment that would reshape the possible cuts to the BoS budget by restoring paving but removing hours from positions that were made fulltime in the last six years and cutting hours or salaries for other positions. This amendment had circulated among members of the majority earlier in the day and they had discussed it among themselves.  The minority members and the public had not seen it until its introduction after 11:00pm.
  • The last-minute amendment proposed by majority Board member Kim Hanson included a flip-flop on the issue of the bond premium. The majority members went from an original position of spreading the almost $3,000,000 in bond premium over all the years of debt service to a position of using $1,300,000 to a position on April 26 of using $2,500,000, the latter number clearly a short-sighted effort to lower the overall tax increase.  In doing this, they have created a hole in the budget, which will require increased funding through taxes next year.
  • After very contentious debate and on a party-line vote, the Board approved a budget proposal that would cut $900,000 from the original Board of Education proposal and $345,000 from the original Board of Selectmen budget. While the Board of Education reductions are roughly half of what the BoF originally demanded, they continue to do damage to an education program that is still rebuilding after COVID.
  • The BoF recommended budget yields a 5.7% mill rate increase compared to a 6.96% increase in Cheryl Reedy’s proposal of April 12. This would save a family living in a home of median value $90.61 a year in property taxes, while cutting important educational programs.  Families in homes with lower assessed values would have less impact.  I’m not sure that a majority of residents will see this as much of a bargain.
  • The BoF did vote by a slim majority to add separate advisory questions to the ballot to allow residents to vote whether the town budget and school budgets are too high or too low. If the budget vote fails, this should be valuable advice to the Board of Finance for any follow-up budgets.

This year is a very tough budget year, with challenges caused by inflation, the last tranche of bonding for the new schools, and a decrease in federal Covid-era subsidies.  Higher than usual property tax increases were going to happen no matter the scenario.  I am disturbed by the approach and tactics of the Board of Finance in addressing this year’s challenge.  The absence of concern by the majority BoF members about the negative impacts of their proposed cuts combined with their total lack of regard for the overwhelming comments by concerned parents, grandparents, and residents opposing the cuts indicate a disposition to cut funding to the schools and town regardless of consequence.  This group of majority members ran on a platform of encouraging public participation and listening to residents.  That no longer appears to be their priority.

The Board of Selectmen has set a Town Meeting for Wednesday May 10 at 7:00pm at the Senior Center to vote to remove the proposed budgets to a machine vote, which would be held between May 17 and May 31.

SELECTMAN’S VIEW

By Khris Hall, Selectman, Town of New Fairfield

As submitted to be published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, April 20, 2023 (but not yet published in the Town Tribune)

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BUDGET STALEMATE?

If the Board of Finance meeting on April 12 is any indication, this year’s budget cycle is going to be long and contentious.  It’s entirely possible we will see more than one round of voting on the budget.  It’s also possible that we will enter the new fiscal year on July 1 without an officially approved FY23-24 budget, but with tax increases going into effect nonetheless.

This disconcerting state of affairs is because of a stalemate that pits the four Republican majority members of the Board of Finance against the bipartisan majorities of the Board of Education and the Board of Selectmen – and against several hundred parents and concerned citizens who vocally oppose the cuts the Board of Finance is proposing to the school and town budgets.

At the April 12th meeting, the four majority BoF members requested the Board of Education to prepare a budget that includes a $1.775 million cut to operating expenses.  The only place the operating budget can be cut is in staff layoffs – cutting up to 21 teacher and administrator positions and 7 para positions.  The result will be larger classes, reduced high school class offerings, elimination of programs and offerings (Gifted and Talented, athletics, arts).

The Board of Finance has also asked the Town to present a budget cutting $300,000 in operating expenses.  Because of the small size of town government and its various departments, making such cuts will require reducing services to residents.

Needless to say, parents and concerned citizens are firmly opposed to such large cuts.  Over 200-300 residents sat through 4-5 hour meetings for three straight weeks, with dozens expressing their strong opposition to the size of these cuts.  A small handful (4-5) of participating residents supported the cuts.

It doesn’t have to be this way.  There is no doubt that this year is going to be a tough budget year, regardless of your perspective.  Inflation, reduction of federal Covid funding, sharply increased medical costs, and the cumulative effect of bonding done to build two new schools has led to increased budget requirements.  There will be significant increases in the mill rate.  The question is how best to spread the burden required to bring those increases into the reasonable zone.

Board of Finance minority member Cheryl Reedy laid out a plan that would minimize staffing cuts for both the schools and town, cut the initial mill rate from 13.31 percent to 6.94 percent, and ensure the town remains financially sound.  It was quickly shot down by the four majority members in what seemed at times to be a bidding war in a high-stakes poker game.  Reedy’s proposal would make use of all the tools the Board of Finance has left at its disposal to decrease mill rate increases, including use of bond premiums and a gradual and reasonable increase to the medical reserve fund.  There are built in backstops to make sure that all medical insurance requirements are met.

The BoF majority, on the other hand, specifically stating that the schools budget is unsustainable, chose to focus on an ultra-conservative approach that does not make full use of those tools, but instead focuses on cuts to the operating budgets of the town – and especially the schools – as noted above.  Under their proposal, the mill rate increase would be cut from 13.31 percent to 6.65 percent.   The BoF majority proposal is lower than Reedy’s proposal by just over a quarter of a point – 0.29.  In real world terms, this means that someone owning a home with a median value in New Fairfield would pay $20 less a year – $1.66 a month – under the BoF majority proposal than under Reedy’s proposal.   

This makes no sense.  How can the Board of Finance expect residents to vote for a budget proposal that would entail laying off large numbers of school and town employees, do significant damage to services residents expect and get only $20 for the median homeowner in return? 

I personally do not think residents will accept this “bargain” and that we may be in for several months of contentious debate.  The Board of Finance majority is giving no sign that they are open to proposals such as Reedy’s and seems fixated on making significant cuts to the schools budget.  The result could be multiple rounds of voting until the stalemate is broken.  In the meantime, school employees who are nervous about their future may well decide to look elsewhere.

New Fairfield is a financially sound town with a AAA bond rating – and nothing in Cheryl’s Reedy proposal would undercut that.  In the fall we will have two brand new schools as the cornerstone of our community.  We need to approve a budget that supports the schools and town – and keep trying until we do.

A VIEW FROM TOWN HALL

By Pat Del Monaco, First Selectman, Town of New Fairfield

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, April 20, 2023, PAGE 2

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It Doesn’t Need to be This Way

During my first four years in office, I had the privilege of working with a Board of Finance that conducted business in non-partisan, collaborative public meetings. The members recognized that conducting the business of the Town should be transparent, non-partisan, and deliberative. The members recognized that the BOF, BOS and BOE are equal, duly elected partners with different responsibilities. Each Board contributes a piece of the puzzle needed to solve the issues that come before the Town.

During the previous four years, the BOS and BOE were an integral part of the budget discussion – providing recommendations, data, and operating experience to the BOF at every budget meeting. This deliberative process resulted in reasonable budgets that were supported by all three Boards and ultimately were approved by the taxpayers.  Unfortunately, the current BOF has not included the BOS and BOE in their deliberations. Until last week’s meeting, four members of the same political party did not deliberate in public at all – their discussions were conducted privately without the scrutiny of the public and the elected members of the BOS and BOE.

Taxpayers have participated in the past three BOF meetings in record numbers with 122 participants on March 22, 485 on March 29 and 467 on April 12. Hundreds of taxpayers have provided public and written comments supporting the BOS and BOE budgets and the resulting tax increase, but all those comments have been ignored by the BOF majority.

At the April 12 meeting, BOF member Cheryl Reedy put forth a budget that resulted in a 6.94% increase over last year’s budget. The BOF majority rejected her plan and proposed an alternative plan yielding a 6.65% increase. The difference in the impact of these two plans is $20 per year on a home assessed at $221,000, the median assessed home value in New Fairfield. Ms. Reedy’s plan uses financial tools available to the BOF to significantly reduce the budget increase without drastic cuts to either the town or school operating budgets. Those strategies include applying bond premiums to spread out the impact of the debt service from the new schools, using current year revenue surpluses to bolster the medical reserve fund and making reasonable reductions to the operating budgets. The alternative plan relies on cutting $1,775,000 from the BOE and $300,000 from the BOS operating budgets. These extreme cuts will change the quality of education and town services in New Fairfield for years to come.

The chart below describes how cuts to the BOE budget would impact the education of our children:

Impact of Staffing Reductions

Town services would also suffer under the BOF plan. The BOS will be forced to reconsider regionalizing the Dispatch Center, reducing popular programs in the Library and Senior Center and forgoing road paving and repair this year.

Recovery from cuts of the magnitude suggested by the BOF would take years, if not decades. We have been down this road before, and four years ago were faced with the results of underfunding maintenance and repair of critical infrastructure – crumbling school buildings and the high cost of replacing them.  We have also borne the cost of rebuilding roads that were paved with inferior materials to “save money.”  Our BOE has invested in our students’ academic success, including employing coaching and intervention strategies which led New Fairfield to recover from the pandemic more quickly than most districts, nearing pre-pandemic achievement levels. Our students are achieving substantially more growth in both English/Language Arts and Math than most districts. Clearly, now is not the time to slash staffing and programs in our schools.

One must ask why the BOF insists on making these drastic reductions in the operating budgets when there are other options available to them. Meeting after meeting, residents of all political affiliations have come forward to plead with the BOF not to cut the BOE and BOS operating budgets. Why not allow the taxpayers to have their say on a budget reduction that preserves the quality of education and town services? What do they have to lose? If the budget fails, further reductions can be made, and it goes out for another vote. Ironic from three members who campaigned on the slogan “let your voices be heard!”

It really doesn’t have to be this way – there are tools available to the BOF to reduce the budget without significantly impacting the quality of education and Town services in New Fairfield.  E-mail the BOF at BOF@newfairfield.org and tell them – LET US VOTE!

A VIEW FROM TOWN HALL

By Pat Del Monaco, First Selectman, Town of New Fairfield

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, April 6, 2023, PAGE 2

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Where do we go from here?

After the BOF meeting Wednesday evening, the budget increase stands at 13.21%.  None of the elected officials on the BOS, BOE or BOF support a tax increase of 13% – and that is why the BOS and BOE held a joint meeting last Tuesday evening to discuss a path forward.  The Boards presented strategies to significantly reduce the budget increase without drastic cuts to either the town or school operating budgets.  Those strategies include applying bond premiums to spread out the impact of the debt service from the new schools, using current year revenue surpluses to bolster the medical reserve fund and making reasonable reductions to the operating budgets.

Over 300 people attended the BOF meeting last Wednesday evening, with many speaking in support of the operating budgets.  However, the BOF disregarded the voice of the taxpayers, and without any collaboration with the BOS and BOE hinted that they would reduce the BOE budget by $2.5 million and the BOS budget by $500,000. These cuts would change the quality of education and town services in New Fairfield for years to come.  The recording of the March 28 Joint meeting and the March 29 BOF meeting can be viewed on the Town website, posted under “News.”

The chart below describes how cuts to the BOE budget would impact the education of our children:

Impact of Staffing Reductions

Town services would also suffer under the BOF plan. Most statutory functions in the Town government (Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Assessor, Health, Building, Zoning, Fire Marshal) are staffed by only 1 – 3 people who earn on average $57,000/year.  These Departments account for approximately 10% of the municipal operating budget, or about 2% of the entire budget.

The largest Town departments include Police, Public Works, Dispatch, Finance and the Library, which in total account for 60% of the municipal budget, or 12% of the total budget.  Cuts to any of these departments will have a significant impact on the services provided by the Town.

For example, the Police Department includes just enough officers and CT State Troopers to protect our Town and schools 24/7. The Department employs 5 Patrol Officers, 3 School Resource Officers, 6 Troopers and 1 Resident Sergeant.  Some have suggested that we could reduce overtime costs in the department, however   overtime is necessary to maintain patrol minimums during vacation time and sick time, to provide SRO coverage in CELA and to support special events in Town.   To reduce costs in Public Safety, the BOS would have to reconsider regionalizing the Dispatch Center for an annual savings of about $250,000.  The move would be against the recommendation of public safety personnel and public sentiment.

Reducing Public Works staffing means reducing hours spent on maintenance of infrastructure – fields, buildings, roads and drainage, and the reduction of services such as Drop Off Center hours, roadside mowing and plowing.  The Board would also be forced to reduce funding for road paving and repair, which would result in further deterioration of road surfaces and underlying drainage.   The Board would also be driven to reduce funding and staff to provide programs in the library and senior center.  The Finance Department is shared with the BOE and is required to maintain staffing levels that ensure separation of duties.

Recovery from cuts of the magnitude suggested by the BOF would take years, if not decades.  We have been down this road before, and four years ago were faced with the results of underfunding maintenance and repair of critical infrastructure – crumbling school buildings and the high cost of replacing them.  We have also borne the cost of rebuilding roads that were paved with inferior materials to “save money.”  Our schools have invested in our students’ academic success, including employing coaching and intervention strategies which led New Fairfield to recover from the pandemic more quickly than most districts, nearing pre-pandemic achievement levels.  Our students are achieving substantially more growth in both English/Language Arts and Math than most districts.  Clearly, now is not the time to slash staffing and programs in our schools.

Please watch the recordings of the BOS/BOE Joint meeting and the March 29 BOF meeting found on the Town website, www.newfairfield.org  and plan to attend the next BOF meeting on Wednesday, April 12 via ZOOM.  You can send your comments to the BOF at BOF@newfairfield.org.

A VIEW FROM TOWN HALL

By Pat Del Monaco, First Selectman, Town of New Fairfield

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, March 30, 2023, PAGE 2

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As many of you have heard, the proposed budget increase currently stands at 13.15% over last year. How did we get there?  The following chart shows the relationship between the increases in the BOS budget, the BOE budget, medical insurance fund and debt service:

Budget Increase 2023_2024

The Medical Insurance Fund and Debt Service make up approximately 23% of the total budget, but as you can see from the chart above, account for 60% of the increase in the budget this year. The Town of New Fairfield is self- insured and therefore, we maintain a Medical Insurance Fund to pay Town and BOE employees’ medical claims.  Self-insurance is more cost effective for the Town than purchasing medical insurance from a third party and is funded by contributions from both taxpayers and employees.  There are two components to this year’s increase in the Town’s contribution to the Medical Insurance Fund.  Last year, in an effort to reduce the mill rate increase, the BOF made the decision to fund less than the total projected medical claims.  At the same time, we experienced a spike in medical claims, resulting in a significant reduction in our medical reserve this year. Without a robust reserve fund, the BOF must fully fund projected medical claims, resulting in the roughly $2 million increase in that line.

As expected, debt service will also increase this year, as the Town is issuing the final tranche of $12 million of bonding for the new schools. The BOF had an opportunity to significantly reduce the burden of this bond issuance but declined to make the necessary changes to debt policy to realize the savings.  The Town  may apply remaining bond premiums to spread the impact of the debt more evenly over the next two or three years until the debt service begins to decline.  Although the total amount of debt service paid over those years remains the same, use of premium eases the impact on the taxpayer by mitigating a large spike in the mill rate.  There is some good news about school bonding – due to lower-than-expected interest rates on the first $68 million of bonding, the Town will pay roughly $15 million less in interest over the life of the bonds compared to what was projected at the time of referendum.

In addition to the pressures from the medical fund and debt service, the BOS is facing increases in the cost of goods and services due to inflation and a significant increase in the cost of paramedic services.   Priorities in next year’s municipal budget include accommodations for early voting, funding paramedic services, and additional funding for road repair.  The Town budget also contains funding for the permanent School Resource Officer position at CELA, approved by voters just before the beginning of the school year.  At the same time, voters approved staffing for increased coverage in the Dispatch Center.  To mitigate the impact of these operational needs and the increase in debt service, the BOS reduced proposed capital spending in the budget by approximately $1 million, removing all but immediate capital needs.  Dr. Craw, Superintendent of Schools, has explained that most of the increases in the BOE budget result from fixed costs in salary and benefits with the balance coming from increases in fixed costs such as transportation, special education and utilities.

As the BOF considers reducing the budget, please keep in mind that a 1% reduction in the budget equates to a cut of approximately $550,000.  Therefore, to reduce the budget increase to about 7%, $3.3 million would have to be cut from the proposed budget.  Cuts of this magnitude will result in a reduction of staff and services in both the town and schools.  For example, the BOE has projected that for every $500,000 of budget cuts in the education budget, 6 certified staff and 2 non-certified staff positions will need to be eliminated.  These staff reductions will result in increased class sizes, a reduction in programs such as gifted, athletics and arts programs, a reduction of course offerings in the High School and a reduction in services for students.  Reductions in the Town budget will force the BOS to consider a reduction in Town services, including regionalizing the Dispatch Center, reducing funds to pave roads and reducing programs and hours of operation in the library and senior center.  Rather than make these dramatic cuts to Town and school services, both the BOE and BOS are urging the BOF to take steps to reduce the impact of the increases in debt service and the medical insurance fund before making destructive reductions in the operating budgets.

SELECTMAN’S VIEW

By Khris Hall, Selectman, Town of New Fairfield22 Khris 3 by 4 about

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, March 16, 2023, PAGE 3

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Budget season has begun – our annual exercise of preparing a budget for the schools and the town for a vote, usually in May.  During March and April, the Boards of Finance, Selectmen, and Education make the difficult decisions required to put a reasonable budget in front of voters.  This is the toughest budget year of the five I’ve been through as your Selectman.

Arriving at a budget to be presented to voters is a lengthy process.  It starts with the submission of separate budgets by the Board of Education and Board of Selectmen to the Board of Finance.  The Board of Finance adds in those parts of the Budget it is responsible for – the costs of medical insurance for town and school employees and debt service.  The process starts with high numbers and then gets whittled down to numbers that may be deemed more acceptable to voters.

This year, the starting point for discussion is higher than it’s been in my memory; when you add all the numbers together, it’s a 13% increase.  This preliminary number is the result of unique circumstances:

  • Inflation has hit town and school services, just as it has every sector;
  • The last round of bonding takes place later this month and will impact next year’s budget by about $3,000,000;
  • The cost of ambulance service has increased approximately $300,000, with no remedy;
  • Medical costs are rising everywhere. Early estimates for medical costs indicate increases of $2,000,000;
  • The Schools have made significant progress in dealing with the COVID educational deficit, but need to continue to fund approximately 10 positions from town funds rather than federal funds that are no longer available to continue that progress;
  • The Town has added resources to the 911 call center and an SRO to improve public safety.

None of these issues is frivolous.  The Board of Finance, which has four Republican members and two Democratic members, has the tough assignment of working in a meaningful way on the parts of the budget they control and with the Boards of Education and Selectmen to bring the proposed percent increase down in a way that does not do damage to the progress our schools have made in improving student performance and does not harm municipal services.  One important tool they have is to address debt service in the final round of bonding to be done this month.

Unfortunately, on a party-line vote, the majority of the Board of Finance twice declined to take advantage of an opportunity that would have saved New Fairfield taxpayers almost 1% on our tax bills next year.  A proposal to reschedule the debt the town owes from school bonding would have removed $400,000 in payments from the coming fiscal year, spreading the rescheduled payments out over the next 18 years.  While the rescheduling would have increased overall payments, such rescheduling would add about $30,000 a year to debt repayments for about 18 years.  This additional $30,000 a year represents less than .05% of a $60 million budget and would have virtually no impact on the mill rate increase in those years.  This increase would have been less than $5.50 per residential property over 18 years.

The graph below shows both the short-term impact as well as the longer-term impact.  The applicable analogy is a 15-year mortgage versus a 30-year mortgage – you pay a bit more in interest payments, but extending the payment schedule makes the payments affordable.

Debt Restructuring 2023 (721.544)

From the line of questioning in the most recent Board of Finance sessions, it appears that the majority of the Board of Finance are headed in the direction of cutting operating expenses of the school and town budgets.  Both budgets have already been pared back substantially.  Cutting the school’s operating budget would mean laying off teachers who have played a key role in improving the academic performance of our kids – and would increase class size.  Cutting the town’s operating budget would probably mean laying off the School Resource Officers that have been added in the past few years and that have widespread support and returning staffing at the 911 call center to the point that may impact call response time.

I believe the Board of Finance should look first at other tools at their disposal.  I don’t believe the Board of Finance can find enough cuts to the operating budgets of the town and schools to bring the possible tax increase down to reasonable levels without doing serious damage to our kids’ education and our town services.  This may be the year to consider pulling some funding out the Rainy Day Fund to help with funding for medical insurance costs.  The Rainy Day Fund is well-funded at $11.5M – and there is precedent for using the Rainy Day Fund to help with budget issues posed by increased medical costs.  Although rare, it was last done by First Selectman John Hodge in 2009.  I believe our particular circumstances this year warrant using this approach.

This fall, we will open our second new school in a year’s time.  Both schools will come in on schedule and within the budget – a tribute to the excellent management by the Permanent Building Committee.  As a community we voted for two new schools in 2019, recognizing that it would result in some increase in taxes.  We kept our promise to keep increases as low as possible.  Through good management by the Boards of Education, Selectmen, and Finance, your tax increases have been low despite the school bonding.  Increases for the past three years were:  0.99% (20-21 – taking into account Grand List revaluation), 2.98% (21-22), and 3.11% (22-23).  Because of the extraordinary circumstances of this past year and this coming year, our tax increase this coming year is going to be higher than past years.  We are relying on the Board of Finance to use all of the tools at its disposal, avoid politics, and arrive at a sound budget proposal to put in front of voters.

A VIEW FROM TOWN HALL

By Pat Del Monaco, First Selectman, Town of New Fairfield 22 Pat 3 by 4 about

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, March 2, 2023, PAGE 2

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EARTN DAY CELEBRATION

Save the date! On April 22nd, we will be hosting New Fairfield’s first Earth Day celebration. The day will begin with neighborhood trash collection. The town will provide trash bags and collect full bags for disposal beginning at noon.  The celebration will include food trucks, live music, vendors and booths with information about environmentally friendly services, including recycling, solar energy and bee keeping. The Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust will offer guided hikes at Komlo Preserve, and the Library and Senior Center will host presentations, crafts and activities related to environmental topics. Coupons to local businesses will also be available. Keep watching the Town Tribune and the Town Facebook Page, Newsletter, and website for more details.

TAX COLLECTOR POSITION

After 37 years of service in the New Fairfield Tax Office, 29 as Tax Collector, Kerrie Greening is retiring.  Kerrie brings a wealth of knowledge to the position, and she is always there to answer any question or concern that a taxpayer may have. We thank Kerrie for her many years of service to our Town and wish her the very best in her retirement.  She will be sorely missed!

In light of Kerrie’s retirement, the BOS will be appointing an Interim Tax Collector to serve until the November election.  The appointee must have experience in accounting or bookkeeping, have supervisory experience, and be willing to consider running to fill the position permanently in November of this year.  Although Tax Collectors are elected in New Fairfield, the job has no political component, and candidates historically have been cross endorsed by both parties based on their knowledge and experience.

The position requires certification over the course of three years under the C.C.M.C. (Certified Connecticut Municipal Collector) program, administered by the CCMC Committee, appointed by the state Office of Policy and Management. Required coursework includes a four – course program; an exam for each course; a comprehensive final examination; and an experience requirement.  The courses given include two courses in tax collection law, a course in municipal finance, and a course in Connecticut government, supervision and public relations.  Tax collectors who achieve their CCMC designation must re-certify every five years by showing they earned at least fifty hours of continuing education credit at courses approved by the CCMC committee.

If you have questions about the position, please contact the Tax Collector at kgreening@newfairfield.org.  If you are interested in being considered for the position of Tax Collector, please send a “Letter of Intent” outlining your qualifications and experience to pdelmonaco@newfairfield.org, khall@newfairfield.org and lbeninson@newfairfield.org.

POLICE BOAT BONDING LEGISLATION

Many thanks to our State legislative delegation for drafting legislation to provide state bond funding for a police boat for New Fairfield Police.  New Fairfield has the most shoreline of the five towns bordering the Lake, and Blueberry, Sand and Pine Islands fall within our borders. Over the past several years, the number of boats on Candlewood Lake and visitors to the islands has increased substantially, creating challenges for CLA, DEEP and NFPD.  At the same time, the number of DEEP EnCon police has decreased, leaving Western CT, and Candlewood Lake, with limited law enforcement coverage.  Providing New Fairfield Police with access to the Lake will enhance public safety for all who enjoy the Lake during the summer months.

The CLA Marine Patrol is a tremendous asset to all five towns bordering Candlewood Lake. DEEP has delegated the authority to enforce boating laws to CLA, addressing the primary public safety concern on the Lake.  In recent years, however, additional public safety concerns have arisen from the increase in the number of boats and people on the water and islands.  For example, the islands are not equipped with sanitary facilities, and the resulting unsanitary conditions have resulted in closures by order of the Health Director.   Further, unreasonably loud noise late into the night form large crowds gathering on the islands has plagued our residents who live close to the water.  And finally, last summer, our police department was called upon to investigate a drowning that occurred in water within New Fairfield’s border without the ability to readily access the water.

Therefore, after discussion with our Resident Sergeant, we agreed that it is prudent to obtain a police boat for the NFPD to provide limited police patrols on the Lake at the busiest times during the summer and to provide immediate police access to the Lake in times of emergency.  There is no funding for a boat in next year’s budget, and therefore no impact on taxpayers to acquire a boat. Officers who serve as School Resource Officers come back into patrol during the summer, allowing the department to accommodate these patrols with existing staff.  The boat will be maintained by existing staff and stored on Town property.  Our officers will work cooperatively with the other law enforcement agencies on the Lake to ensure the safety of all who wish to enjoy Candlewood Lake.

ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING

On Saturday, March 4, The Board of Selectmen (BOS) and the Board of Education will present the municipal and education budgets for the 2023-2024 fiscal year to the Board of Finance (BOF).  The Board of Finance will then, over the following month, hold weekly meetings to discuss, ask questions, make adjustments and ultimately approve a budget to send to the taxpayers for approval.  The BOS budget specifies how town revenues will be expended to provide services to residents.  The hearing will begin at 9:00 AM in the Community Room located at the Senior Center.

A VIEW FROM TOWN HALL

By Pat Del Monaco, First Selectman, Town of New Fairfield 22 Pat 3 by 4 about

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, February 23, 2023, PAGE 2

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POLICE BOAT BONDING LEGISLATION

Many thanks to our State legislative delegation for drafting legislation to provide state bond funding for a police boat for New Fairfield Police.  New Fairfield has the most shoreline of the five towns bordering the Lake, and Blueberry, Sand and Pine Islands fall within our borders. Over the past several years, the number of boats on Candlewood Lake and visitors to the islands has increased substantially, creating challenges for CLA, DEEP and NFPD.  At the same time, the number of DEEP EnCon police has decreased, leaving Western CT, and Candlewood Lake, with limited law enforcement coverage. Providing New Fairfield Police with access to the Lake will enhance public safety for all who enjoy the Lake during the summer months.

The CLA Marine Patrol is a tremendous asset to all five towns bordering Candlewood Lake. DEEP has delegated the authority to enforce boating laws to CLA, addressing the primary public safety concern on the Lake.  In recent years, however, additional public safety concerns have arisen from the increase in the number of boats and people on the water and islands.  For example, the islands are not equipped with sanitary facilities, and the resulting unsanitary conditions have resulted in closures by order of the Health Director.   Further, unreasonably loud noise late into the night form large crowds gathering on the islands has plagued our residents who live close to the water.  And finally, last summer, our police department was called upon to investigate a drowning that occurred in water within New Fairfield’s border without the ability to readily access the water.

Therefore, after discussion with our Resident Sergeant, we agreed that it is prudent to obtain a police boat for the NFPD to provide limited police patrols on the Lake at the busiest times during the summer and to provide immediate police access to the Lake in times of emergency.  Officers who serve as School Resource Officers come back into patrol during the summer, allowing the department to accommodate these patrols with existing staff.  Our officers will work cooperatively with the other law enforcement agencies on the Lake to ensure the safety of all who wish to enjoy Candlewood Lake.

BUS LOT UPDATE

Last week, I provided an update on the bus lot location and appeal to the Board of Finance.  To date, the Town has spent close to $17,000 in legal fees on the bus lot appeal, and we expect to spend between $40,000 and $60,000 in total. Initially, we thought the costs would be on the lower side of the estimate, however the Zoning Commission is not willing to participate in settlement discussions or mediation with the Permanent Building Committee, driving legal costs higher.  However, when we made the decision to appeal the Commission’s denial, it was due to the lack of affordable alternatives to the Consolidated site.  The only feasible alternative is located on the High School property behind the playground and adjacent to Marty Morgan Field.  This alternative would cost $1 million more than the Consolidated site, with the cost falling to the taxpayers as the additional cost is not provided for in the project budget. This cost will continue to escalate if the project is delayed further. In comparison, the much lower cost of legal fees will be absorbed by current budgets.

NEW FAIRFIELD BROADBAND STUDY

New Fairfield is working with the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCoG) to study the feasibility of a town-owned broadband fiber optic network for improved access by both residents and businesses to the internet.  While one of our internet providers has announced its intention to provide a fiber offering, competition may be useful to ensure prices and services stay competitive in the future.

If the project moves forward, it will be built on the following principles:

  • Participation will be on a voluntary, opt-in basis.
  • Taxes would not be increased to fund the project.  The ongoing operation of the network will be self-sustaining and not dependent on any kind of subsidy from the Town.

In undertaking this study, our goals are to:

  • Lower the cost of existing internet access by 30% for residents and businesses.
  • Significantly increase the speed and reliability of internet access.
  • Increase competition and give residents multiple options for Internet Service Providers on demand in real time.
  • Build a state-of-the-art network that will improve economic development and foster innovation.

We need your input to determine whether New Fairfield residents want town-owned fiber optic broadband service.  Please take the New Fairfield Broadband Survey, which should take less than 5 minutes.  We also need residents to upload their current internet bills to help us determine whether a new offering will be competitive.  The following link provides you with more information and will take you to the survey and a place to upload your bills (with ability to mask private information): https://www.newfairfieldfiber.com  270 households have responded so far, but we would like to get that number over 300!

ARPA SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

Funds are still available! The New Fairfield ARPA Small Business Assistance Program was established to provide limited, one-time direct financial assistance to eligible New Fairfield small businesses that employ 25 or fewer employees and that have been adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic.  The Program is funded through American Rescue Plan Act funds and is administered by the Town of New Fairfield. Grants are intended to aid eligible New Fairfield businesses that have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and have a need for funding that will help them become stronger in the current marketplace.

The application is accessible by going to the Town website, www.newfairfield.org and clicking on the banner at the top of the home page.

SMALL CITIES GRANT PROGRAM

The Town of New Fairfield has funding available to assist income eligible residential property owners for repairs to existing residential properties. Funds can be used to perform a variety of repairs and upgrades including but not limited to code violations, increased energy efficiency and accessibility improvements and other general rehabilitation and improvements as approved by the Town.  Eligible items include heating updates, plumbing repairs, electrical updates, roof replacement weatherization, such as insulation, window replacement and siding. Well and water line connections and septic and sewer connections are also eligible.

Funding is offered to owner-occupied households as a 0% interest, deferred payment loan. Deferred payment loans accrue no interest and payment is not due until there is a transfer of title by means of sale, transfer of title, re-finance, owners’ demise or if the property is no longer their principal place of residency.  Applicants are eligible for participation based upon Federal income limits.

Applications are available from the First Selectman’s office, Monday through Thursday from 8:30am-5:00pm and Friday from 8:30am–12:00pm, online at NewFairfield.org under “Our Town”, or by calling 203-312-5600. Applications are accepted and processed on a first come first serve basis, pending the availability of funds.

SELECTMAN’S VIEW

By Khris Hall, Selectman, Town of New Fairfield22 Khris 3 by 4 about

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, February 16, 2023, PAGE 3

Every February, the Board of Selectmen make tough decisions on what kind of municipal budget to submit to the Board of Finance for their review, which starts the first Saturday in March.  The Board of Education goes through a complimentary process for school expenses.  Expenses to run the town generally account for about 22 percent of the total budget, with education expenses taking the remaining 78 percent.

Your property taxes will be decided based on the deliberations of the Boards of Finance, Selectmen, and Education over the next 2-3 months.  Among the factors that will be considered on the municipal side of the ledger are the capital needs of the town to maintain and improve infrastructure (roads, bridges, plow trucks, police cars, etc.) and the ongoing people costs of providing the services we as residents receive.

As a small town, New Fairfield provides fewer municipal services than larger municipalities.  The services the Town does provide are delivered by just under 100 part- and full-time employees (not counting the approximate 70 seasonal workers with Parks and Rec and 100 election workers who play a role in our elections as required).  This number includes 10 elected officials, 2 of whom are full-time employees.  Of this approximate 100 employees, 53 are union members, whose salaries are governed by bargained agreements.

Town employees provide the services you as residents use – or can use — regularly.  Among other things, they:

  • Provide police (including School Resource Officers), fire safety, emergency dispatch services and emergency planning services
  • Plow and pave our roads, operate the Drop-Off Center, and maintain town properties (buildings, fields, Town Park)
  • Provide tax, financial and treasury services to safeguard, collect and disburse our financial resources efficiently and fairly
  • Staff the Library and Senior Center and coordinate all their popular programs
  • Provide the recreational programs – team sports, summer camps, seasonal events such as the Holiday Light parade, the boat parade, Sip ‘N Stroll, Halloween event, etc. – that are attended by a large number of Town residents
  • Register voters, staff our elections and ensure their integrity
  • Provide land use and building services – zoning, building inspections, wetlands conservation
  • Staff social services for those in need
  • Staff animal control services
  • Provide services to protect public health, such as vaccination clinics, septic inspections, restaurant inspections, etc.
  • Administer town documents, such as real estate records and licenses.

All of these services are either legally required to run a town or are in great demand by residents who want their roads maintained, a library to retreat to for quiet or programs, a senior center to gather in, activities for kids, a chance to get together with other New Fairfielders, etc.  I have been impressed by our employees and know how hard they work for the Town.

Since November 2017, when I first took on the responsibilities of being your Selectmen, we have added a small handful of employees to make sure services are provided as required.  This includes an additional Public Works employee to keep up with plowing, road construction, and maintenance demands, an animal control officer (which provides better service and saves us money over the previous regional approach), School Resource Officers (including a new one last year) to address school safety, and more staffing last year for the emergency dispatch center to make sure calls are answered on a timely basis.  All of these additions were done with the approval of the Board of Finance and approved by voters.

Town employees draw compensation and are provided with health insurance, if they are considered fulltime.  Like employees in every sector of the economy, they face the same pressures of inflation that you and I face.  Union contracts with many of these employees expire later this year and will have to be negotiated.  Additionally, health insurance costs for employees everywhere, including New Fairifeld’s town and school employees, are expected to rise significantly.

All Town employees are overseen by First Selectman Pat DelMonaco.  One of the many hats she wears is making sure personnel issues – pay, performance, disputes, etc. – are handled professionally.

All of this is to say:  the next two months leading up to a vote on the town budget in May are likely to be a rough ride.  Please keep in mind the important services Town employees provide to you every day.

A VIEW FROM TOWN HALL

By Pat Del Monaco, First Selectman, Town of New Fairfield 22 Pat 3 by 4 about

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, February 2, 2023, PAGE 2

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SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

The Economic Development Commission has finalized the application and review process for the Small Business Assistance Program approved at referendum for ARPA funding.  I have included information about the program provided by the EDC below.  We expect the application to become active online on or about February 1.  When active, the application will be accessible by going to the Town website, www.newfairfield.org and clicking on the banner at the top of the home page.

The New Fairfield ARPA Small Business Assistance Program was established to provide limited, one-time direct financial assistance to eligible New Fairfield small businesses that employ 25 or fewer employees and that have been adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic.  The Program is funded through American Rescue Plan Act funds and is administered by the Town of New Fairfield. Grants are intended to aid eligible New Fairfield businesses that have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and have a need for funding that will help them become stronger in the current marketplace.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

  • To be eligible for assistance under this program, applicant must be a New Fairfield based business that is physically located and registered within the Town of New Fairfield and employs twenty-five or fewer employees as of January 1,
  • The business must currently be in and have been in operation as of January 1, 2019.
  • Applicant must be in good standing and current on its federal, state and local tax obligations and have no outstanding liens or judgements.
  • Applicant must be compliant with the Connecticut Department of Labor Office of Unemployment Assistance and all applicable state and federal employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to minimum wage, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and child
  • The business must be able to demonstrate satisfactorily that it has been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and that the funding will enable the business to continue to operate and become stronger. The business must present a reasonable likelihood for long term viability.
  • The business must have a clear and specific use for the grant money and the grant money can only be used toward future
  • Applicant must self-certify the eligibility requirements on the application.

HOW MUCH CAN I APPLY FOR?

Eligible business may apply for grants of up to $5000. Funding is limited and it is anticipated that requests for assistance will be greater than funding on hand. Not all businesses approved for participation will receive the maximum amount. The amount will be based upon the documented need of the business and available resources.

Business must demonstrate economic hardship and demonstrate that the operating funds are necessary and sufficient, when combined with any other sources, to sustain the business.

WHAT IS THE APPROVAL PROCESS?

All applicants will be reviewed by a sub-committee of the New Fairfield Economic Development Commission, an authorized development agency of the Town of New Fairfield. Their recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for final approval. Program staff will make every effort to ensure timely review of all applications received.

In addition to program requirements, award will be based on several factors including: the continued viability of the business enterprise, the degree to which the business has been impacted by the pandemic and proposed use of the funds. Some examples of use of funds include, but are not limited to :  payroll costs,  mortgage interest, rent, utilities, operational expenses, worker protection expenditures, costs associated with health protection measures, workforce training and recruitment, marketing costs.

The Sub-Committee will also consider to the extent to which the business has received other assistance to date and its access to other funding sources. Upon approval, a formal agreement between the assisted business and the Town of New Fairfield will be executed.  We look forward to working with you!

A SELECTMAN’S VIEW

By Khris Hall, Selectman, Town of New Fairfield22 Khris 3 by 4 about

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, January 19, 2023, PAGE 3

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GOT FUEL OIL?  You may have expensive issues you haven’t thought about.

When I moved into my current home 25 years ago, one of the first things I did was take the fuel oil tank out of the ground and install one in a covered area next to my home.  It wasn’t inexpensive to do so, but as a former environmental manager, I was aware of damage the Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (the inaptly named LUSTs) could do to the environment and the potential liability if a leak went undetected for a while.  I thought I had solved the problem of potential damage and liability.

Turns out I didn’t, as the recent experience of three New Fairfield fuel oil users demonstrate.

All three users have above ground tanks that leaked and caused damage that had to be cleaned up — and some of them face potential fines.

The first tank owner had an above ground outdoor tank that had a leak that went undetected for some time contaminating soil on a property close to Candlewood Lake.  The leak was only discovered because the tank emptied.  The area had to be dug up to a fair depth with new soil placed and monitoring.  In this case, all contamination was properly disposed of, but the cost of the remediation was in the six figures.  A new double-walled state of the art outside tank was installed.

The second fuel oil tank incident involved a tank in the basement that had been in place for a number of years.  The owner noticed a small leak, tapped on the side of the tank, and it ruptured, spilling oil into the basement.  The owner cleaned up the oil from the basement, got it outside, and put it on his driveway.  The property is close to and uphill from Putnam Lake.  Nature took its course and their oil was detected in a settling pond that feeds into Putnam Lake.  Besides the cost of cleanup, the owner is facing fines for improper disposal of a regulated substance.

The third fuel oil tank incident involves an organization.  Fuel oil was detected in a room next to the storage area with the above ground tank.  The people involved cleaned up the oil residue and put it in a dumpster, where it was hauled away by the waste disposal company without any extra precautions.  When the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was called a few days later, the DEEP investigator noted the potential of a $3000 fine for late notification of the spill and another potential fine of $5500 for improper disposal.  The leaked oil entered the septic system and penetrated walls, making for a potentially costly cleanup.

There are several takeaways from these incidents.  The first is that you should call DEEP the moment you discover a leak. Do not wait to try to figure it out yourself.  Try to contain the spill, but do not attempt to clean it up yourself.  Contact information for DEEP’s Emergency Response Unit, 860-424-3338 or toll free 1-866-DEP-SPIL (1-866-337-7745), 24 hours/day. Should these numbers become unavailable for any reason, call 860-424-3333.

Additionally, if your tank is over 15 years old, regardless of whether it is inside or outside, it – and the connections to the boiler or furnace — should be looked at on a regular basis by a professional.  It may need to be replaced.  The life expectancy of a fuel oil tank is 15-20 years, although some last longer with proper maintenance.  Outdoor tanks are especially vulnerable.  Some regulators recommend that tanks be replaced if they are over 15 years old.  Newer double-walled tanks likely last longer.

Lastly, I have heard that there is fairly inexpensive insurance that covers oil tank leaks.  It may be useful to look into that as well.

Fuel oil spills are serious.  They threaten groundwater, drinking water, recreational resources, and wildlife.  They are costly in terms of cleanup and fines.  With Connecticut and a good part of New England relying on fuel oil for winter heating, it behooves all of us to do what we can to prevent spills.

A VIEW FROM TOWN HALL

By Pat Del Monaco, First Selectman, Town of New Fairfield 22 Pat 3 by 4 about

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, January 19, 2023, PAGE 2

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SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

New Fairfield Parks and Recreation is hiring for Summer 2023!

Lifeguards Wanted! Are you interested in working at the Town Park/beach this summer and currently hold a Lifeguard with waterfront Skills certification? We are looking for lifeguards to join our team at the town beach!  If you are 16 years or older and interested in training for a lifeguard position- please contact the Parks and Rec office at 203-312-5633 for more information.

Outdoor Movie Technicians Wanted! Are you interested in running outdoor movies this summer? We are looking for a technical coordinator and assistants to show outdoor community movies- please call Parks and Rec for more information.

Camp Counselors Wanted! Are you interested in becoming a camp counselor this summer? If you are 16 years or older at the time camp begins and enjoy working with children — you are eligible to apply!

ALL APPLICATIONS are on-line through January 27th. Please visit www.newfairfield.org , Municipal Departments, Human Resources, Employment Opportunities to apply.

DEEP is also currently recruiting Seasonal EnCon Rangers to work at Squantz Pond State Park and the Squantz Cove Boat Launch. The job posting can be found at CT.gov by searching forRecruitment #221028-3491VR-001. Applicants must be 21+ and pass an extensive training program.

BUDGET PROCESS

The 2023-2024 municipal budget process has begun. On January 9, The BOS began a series of seven public budget workshops that will continue over the course of the next two weeks. The Board will use these workshops to gather information, discuss department requests and compile the municipal budget.  Department Heads use prior years’ experience, professional knowledge and upcoming projects to estimate funding required for their department in the next year.

The municipal budget determines how the town distributes tax dollars to fund the services provided to residents. Services such as the police department, fire department, emergency medical response, road repair and paving, maintenance of town buildings and parks, social services, senior center programs and the public library are funded by the municipal budget. The budget also provides funding for regional services such as HART Transit and the Candlewood Lake Authority.

On Saturday, March 4, the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education will present the municipal and education budgets for the 2023-2024 fiscal year to the Board of Finance. The Board of Finance will then, over the following month, hold weekly meetings to discuss, ask questions, adjust and ultimately approve a budget to send to the taxpayers for approval.  I will provide updates as the process progresses.

BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCIES

As mentioned in my column last week, there are currently vacancies on the Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Economic Development Commission, Ball Pond Advisory Committee, Commission on the Aging and Wetlands Commission.  Boards and Commissions play a critical role in our Town Meeting form of government, and each is staffed by residents who volunteer their time. While some Boards and Commissions are elected, most have members who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Some elected Boards also have vacancies to be temporarily filled by the Board of Selectmen. If you are interested in serving on any of the Boards that currently have vacancies, please send a letter of interest and resume to the Selectmen’s Office at jgreen@newfairfield.org

A VIEW FROM TOWN HALL

By Pat Del Monaco, First Selectman, Town of New Fairfield 22 Pat 3 by 4 about

As published in the Town Tribune, Section 1, January 12, 2023, PAGE 2

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GRANT FUNDING

Happy New Year –   I wish you all health and happiness in 2023!  As we begin the New Year, I’m pleased to announce that New Fairfield has received two grants benefiting our police, fire and communications departments.  New Fairfield has been awarded a $2.1 million Congressionally Directed Spending Grant through Congresswoman Jahana Hayes to update our aging Emergency Radio Communications System.  This funding will allow New Fairfield to upgrade its emergency communications infrastructure to current standards, including 3 radio antenna sites, 116 portable radios, and 72 mobile radios.  Our project is one of 15 community projects sponsored by Congresswoman Hayes, and I offer many thanks to her and to her staff for including this project in the federal appropriations bill.   I would also like to thank our Communications Advisory Committee for their technical assistance, and I look forward to working with them to complete this project.   The New Fairfield Community Foundation has also awarded the Town a $250,000 grant toward the purchase of a dispatch console to replace our existing console which has reached end of life.   Many thanks to Dana Welles and the New Fairfield Community Foundation for their efforts to secure this grant supporting Public Safety in New Fairfield.

BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCIES

There are currently vacancies on the Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Economic Development Commission, Ball Pond Advisory Committee, Commission on the Aging and Wetlands Commission.  Boards and Commissions play a critical role in our Town Meeting form of government, and each is staffed by residents who volunteer their time.  While some Boards and Commissions are elected, most have members who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen.  Some elected Boards also have vacancies to be temporarily filled by the Board of Selectmen.  If you are interested in serving on any of the Boards that currently have vacancies, please send a letter of interest and resume to the Selectmen’s Office at jgreen@newfairfield.org  A brief summary of the roles of the Boards and Commissions seeking members follows.

The Zoning Commission is responsible for regulating the use of land and buildings under the municipality’s zoning regulations. If designated by the regulations, they also issue special permits and exceptions.

The Zoning Board of Appeals The ZBA’s primary mission is to consider and, when justified, grant relief from zoning regulations to properties burdened by a hardship. The Board also hears appeals of orders issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

The Ball Pond Advisory Committee closely monitors the water quality and living community comprising Ball Pond, applying best lake management practices, and encouraging stewardship by the lake community to ensure the health of the lake for current and future generations, as well as for the wildlife that relies upon it.

The mission of the New Fairfield Economic Development Commission is to attract, promote, retain and engage business in the town while keeping in line with the town’s historic character, small town charm, quality of life and environment.  The Commission will gather information from local business owners, commercial property owners, residents and developers with the goal of making recommendations and actionable plans for the Board of Selectmen.

The Commission on the Aging considers the conditions and needs of elderly persons in the Community in relation to housing, economic, employment, health, recreational, and other matters. It shall analyze the services for the aged provided by the Community, both public and private agencies, and shall make recommendations to the Chief Executive and the “Municipal Governing Body” regarding the development and integration of public and private agencies, in cooperation with State and other services to the extent possible.

The New Fairfield Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission is charged with protecting and preserving wetlands and watercourses in the Town of New Fairfield from random, unnecessary, undesirable and unregulated uses, disturbance or destruction. The primary purpose of this Commission is to minimize disturbances and maintain and improve water quality.

More information about New Fairfield Boards and Commissions can be found on the Town website under the “Our Town” tab.

WINTER PROGRAMS

The holidays are over, the weather is gloomy – are you looking for something fun to do?  The Parks and Rec Department, New Fairfield Library and New Fairfield Senior Center have fun programs and activities for all ages!

Be sure to check the Park and Rec website and Facebook page for new up- coming programs! Snowman Winter Crafts, Golf Quest Juniors and Code Wiz Virtual Classes are among the after-school programs offered this month. For adults, check out the Tai Chi and Yoga programs.  Follow New Fairfield Parks and Recreation CT on Facebook for details, visit  parksandrec.newfairfield.org or call 203-312-5633.

January is the perfect time to get involved at the New Fairfield Senior Center! This month’s activities include Yoga, Stitch by Stitch Quilting, Zumba, Mah Jongg, Bodies in Motion, Piano Lessons, French and Spanish classes, Drawing, Tai Chi, Cards n Games and many more! For more details visit the Senior Center or the website at www.newfairfieldseniorcenter.com.

Check out the January programs in the Adult Library! Check out the “Art of Murder” Murder Board Mystery:  Part One will be held from January 9 through February 4.  A 750-piece murder board puzzle will be available in the library for anyone to stop in and help to complete. Every time you come in to work on the puzzle, you will be entered to win a $25 restaurant gift card! Open to adults, no registration required.   Part Two will be held on February 4 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. All registered detectives will gather at the “crime scene” to use the completed puzzle and other evidence to solve our murder mystery. All detectives will be entered to win a $25 restaurant gift card, to be drawn at the conclusion of our investigation! There are also Virtual Author Talks, Craft and Chat and Adult Book Club to keep you busy!

The Children’s Library will be offering Storytimes, Crafts, Toe-Tapping Tots and Music.  (Just a reminder – the library will be closed on January 16 in observation of MLK Day.)  Details can be found on the website at newfairfield.org

Stay tuned for more information on other New Fairfield events.

Copyright © 2023 New Fairfield Democratic Town Committee.  All rights reserved.

Paid for by New Fairfield Democratic Town Committee – John McCartney, Treasurer