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