JUNE IN NEW FAIRFIELD VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4 || JUNE 2022

The Summer Solstice is on June 21, the longest day of the year and start of Summer. Enjoy the beach, lake, walks, bicycle rides and barbecues and sun-filled days with family and friends.

The First Selectman's View from Town Hall

The Board of Selectmen has been working closely with the ARPA working group to prepare and present projects proposed for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. We held our first public forum to discuss and receive comments on the projects on May 23 via ZOOM and plan to hold the second forum next week in person at the Senior Center – watch the Town website and Facebook page for the date and time. The projects discussed are outlined below.

ARPA has provided municipalities and school districts in Connecticut with $2.55 billion of funding for specific purposes as follows:

1) to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency or its negative impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses and non-profits, or to aid impacted industries such as tourism, travel or hospitality,

2) to respond to essential workers performing essential work during the public health emergency by providing premium pay to essential workers,

3) for the provision of government services, and

4) to make necessary investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

The funds may not be used to fund pension funds, to compensate for lost tax revenue, to reduce debt or to replenish “rainy day” funds. The intent of ARPA is to look forward and not backward – in other words, funding should be used for new projects, not to reimburse projects already funded through other sources. Municipalities are urged to identify pre-pandemic inhibitors to growth when considering eligible projects, and to ensure that investments will result in lasting benefits.

New Fairfield will receive approximately $4.1 million in ARPA funds over two years. When ARPA funding was announced in July of last year, the Board of Selectmen convened a working group comprised of Town employees and officials with expertise consistent with the goals of ARPA. This group includes the Town Engineer (infrastructure), the Health Director (public health response), Economic Development Commission Chair (negative economic impacts and aid to small business) Social Services Director (aid to households), and the Emergency Management Director, Police Sergeant, and Fire Chief (public safety) to advise us on town needs in their respective areas consistent with the provisions of ARPA. The working group reports to the BOS periodically on potential projects that may be funded with ARPA funds. The meetings are Special Board of Selectmen meetings that are noticed and open to the public. Meeting dates are posted on the town website, www.newfairfield.org. To date, the working group has presented information to the BOS on the following projects:

Business/Commercial Sewer Study and Design $1.6 million

Most septic systems serving our small businesses in the center of Town are close to 30 years old and some are starting to experience failures. The business/commercial zone is located above the largest drinking water aquifer in New Fairfield, presenting a potential environmental concern should these systems fail. Ball Pond Brook, which discharges directly to Candlewood Lake, passes through the business/commercial zone and is also at risk of contamination from aging septics. Many years ago, the Town declined the opportunity to connect to the Regional Waste Treatment Facility located in Danbury, and the Town Engineer has proposed seeking that connection now to support the future economic and environmental health of our Town. Through discussions with commercial realtors and property owners, the lack of sewer and water infrastructure in the center of Town has been identified as a primary obstacle to filling vacancies in our business/commercial district. Reliance on septic systems severely restricts both the types of businesses that can operate in Town and the potential growth of our existing small businesses. The project could be expanded to include New Fairfield schools, also served by aging septic systems. A sewer study identifying potential sewer flow to Danbury has been completed using budgeted funds. ARPA funds could be used to fund the design and permitting of the system necessary to make the project “shovel ready,” removing this item from our Town budget. Such status is required before the Town can apply for state or federal funding to complete the project. ARPA expressly allows for investment in sewer and water.

Ball Pond Watershed Stormwater Drainage $150,000

Over several decades, stormwater drainage has caused severe erosion and flooding in the neighborhoods located between Ball Pond and Putnam Lake, impacting numerous homeowners in the area. The Town Engineer is proposing the study and design of stormwater mitigation measures to control the flow of stormwater in the area. ARPA expressly allows for investment in sewer and water, including stormwater management.

CoA Firehouse Renovations

The New Fairfield Fire Department Company “A” Firehouse requires modifications to address building use requirements and member safety concerns. The modifications will include providing additional accommodations for contracted paramedics, showers for use by members after fighting fires, a modern gear washer and dryer and a new air compressor to fill SCBA bottles.

Public Safety Improvements $615,000

The Emergency Management Director and Resident Sergeant have made recommendations on security improvements to Town buildings and Communications infrastructure. Their recommendations include improvements to building security and replacement of the end of life dispatch console. ARPA expressly allows provisions for funding police, fire and other public safety services.

Premium Pay for Public Health and Safety Employees $265,000

The working group has discussed premium pay for public health and safety employees and volunteer firefighters. ARPA expressly allows premium pay to eligible workers performing essential work during the pandemic.

Emergency Housing Fund $25,000

After reviewing the services currently available to New Fairfield residents and additional needs in the community, the Social Services Director has recommended the creation of an Emergency Housing Fund. The fund would be used to assist residents who may be on the verge of homelessness. ARPA expressly provides for emergency housing assistance.

Beach House Reconstruction $700,000

The Town, through the Parks and Recreation Commission and Permanent Building Committee, has long recognized the need to reconstruct the Beach House at the Town Park. To date, the Town has been unable to fund the project through the municipal budget or state grant funding. Preliminary plans for the project exist. ARPA provides for funding government services, including infrastructure.

Small Business Grants $150,000

The Economic Development Commission has proposed funding grants to local small businesses impacted by the pandemic. ARPA provides for grants to businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

Community Center Feasibility Study $25,000

Many residents support the concept of a Community Center in New Fairfield. Before moving forward, several important questions need to be answered before any decisions are made. With that in mind, we are proposing a feasibility study to explore the possibility of a Community Center in Town. The study that would bring together the public and other stakeholders to answer questions such as what would residents like to see in a Community Center? If you ask five different people that question, you will get five different answers ranging from a space with meeting rooms to a facility with a gym, outdoor pool and playing fields and everything in between. Each one of those concepts requires a different amount and type of space. For example, how much property do we need? How large a building and associated septic system is necessary? Does the Town own a suitable piece of property to meet these needs? How will the facility be staffed and maintained? After developing a concept, a cost estimate will be developed using the input from stakeholders and then, a decision can be made on how to move forward.

Please attend the public forum to hear detailed discussion and comment on these proposals. We will hold one additional public forum before the BOS selects projects to move forward to a Town vote. It is important for the Board to receive public input on the expenditure of ARPA funds.

BEST WISHES TO DR. COSENTINO ON HER RETIREMENT!

Dr. Cosentino will be retiring as Superintendent of Schools on June 30. Dr. Pat, as she is affectionately called, joined the New Fairfield School district in 2018, but her career in teaching began in 1983 as a fifth and sixth grade teacher. She has a lengthy resume detailing her journey prior to her arrival in the New Fairfield District, filled with dozens of accomplishments, innovations and improvements.

Dr. Cosentino guided the teachers, staff, parents and students through an unprecedented pandemic with continued learning and education a top priority. In addition to all of her other many varied responsibilities, Dr. Pat has also helped to develop and oversee the plan for construction of two new schools.

Most importantly, Dr. Pat has always put the children first.

We wish her happiness and contentment in her retirement and thank her for all of her important and lasting contributions to the Town of New Fairfield.

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GRADUATION CONGRATULATIONS

We wish all of New Fairfield's graduates from high school, college and other programs that you have completed, much congratulations on your achievement. The Town is very proud of you and your well-earned accomplishment!

The Middle School graduation will be held on June 16 at 1:00 p.m. and the High School graduation will be held on June 17 at 5:00 p.m.

We wish you much happiness and success in your future endeavors!

PARKS AND RECREATION EVENTS

The Parks and Recreation Department has planned some wonderful events for the summer for your enjoyment. Take a look at the exciting upcoming events- we hope to see you there!

Here is more detailed information about the Illuminated Boat Parade:

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Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust Garlic Mustard Talk and Cooking Demo

The Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust (CVRLT) will be hosting a Garlic Mustard Talk at the Komlo Preserve, 130 Route 37, New Fairfield (across the street from the Senior Center, behind the medical building) on Saturday, June 4, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The talk will be followed by a Cooking Demonstration across the street at the Senior Center.

You will be identifying and pulling highly invasive, but TASTY, garlic mustard plants and the cooking demonstration will show ways to prepare and use the plant in easy recipes.

There is no charge, but you will need to sign up in advance-you can sign up here:

For more information, email: info@candlewoodvalleyrlt.org

HRRA Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event

For more information on the event and future event dates and locations, click below:

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NEW FAIRFIELD TOWN BEACH

The New Fairfield Town Beach is now open weekends only and will be open weekdays and weekends after the school year is over.

The cost for a season pass is $85 for a family and $40 for an individual. You can obtain further information and purchase a pass at the link below or call 203-312-5633. You can also find current information on the New Fairfield Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

NEW FAIRFIELD TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE

The Town Clerk is considered the local government official in charge of public records, vital statistics and licensing, and also plays a significant role in the elections procedures. In New Fairfield, Town Clerk Holly Z. Smith and Chrystie Bontempo and Tricia Quinn, Assistant Town Clerks, are happy to assist the public in an efficient manner in all of these areas.

June is a big month for the Town Clerk's office because it marks the beginning of the Dog Licensing Year. In Connecticut, it is the law to license your dog in the town in which you reside. Dogs must be licensed beginning at age 6 months, and all dogs are licensed annually during the month of June. You can license in person during Town Hall regular business hours, or by mail or the drop box located behind the building. Dogs must have a current rabies certificate and proof of spay/neuter, if applicable. During June, the fee for a spayed/neutered dog is $8.00 and for a non-spayed/neutered dog is $19.00. After the month of June, a late fee of $1.00 per month or portion thereof is added per §22-349. If you would like to register by mail, the form can be found here:

Additional Information Regarding Dog Licenses:

The Town Clerk's office also maintains and provides access to Public Records as required by state law and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to: land records, surveys and maps; meeting notices, agendas and minutes; charters, ordinances, oaths, appointments and petitions. You probably contacted the Town Clerk for a copy of your deed if you registered your child for Kindergarten! If you were elected to a Board or Commission then you most likely were sworn in by the Town Clerk or one of her Assistants.

The office also acts as Registrar of Vital Statistics by registering and maintaining original birth, marriage and death records. If you are looking for a certified copy of any of these records, this is the office to call!

The Town Clerk's office also does a fair bit of licensing. They issue Marriage Licenses for anyone having their ceremony performed in New Fairfield, as well as Sports Licenses-hunting, fishing, trapping-and the aforementioned Dog Licenses.

Notary Public services are also provided here. The Town Clerk’s office will notarize documents for New Fairfield residents- excepting Wills and I-9 Forms (Employment Eligibility Verification)- at no charge. They also give the oath of office to New Fairfield residents who are filing a new or renewing a Connecticut State Notary Public certificate and keep a record of the same. Please call or email the office to schedule an appointment and to ask about filing fees to file your Notary Public Certificate in New Fairfield.

Another big part of the Town Clerk's responsibilities is regarding Elections, Primaries and Referendums, working in conjunction with the Registrar of Voters. In addition to preparing, issuing and recording Absentee Ballots, the Town Clerk also certifies nominating petitions, acts as a filing repository for municipal office candidates' campaign finance statements, compiles election results and reports them to the Office of the Secretary of the State, and more.

If you have any questions or need to utilize any of the many services the Town Clerk's Office offers, please call them at 203-312-5616.

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MEET ALYSSA MARRA-FINANCE ASSISTANT

Alyssa was promoted to Finance Assistant on May 1, 2022!

Alyssa graduated from Iona College with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Upon graduating, she became a bookkeeper and enjoyed the work so much that she decided to continue along that career path. On November 2020, Alyssa became the Accounting Clerk for Accounts Payable for the Town. Alyssa has proven to be an invaluable member of the Finance Team and as a result of her hard work and dedication, she was promoted to Finance Assistant.

In her new role, some of Alyssa’s responsibilities include: open enrollment for health insurance for the Town and BOE, revenue for the Town and BOE, accounting for the Early Learning Program for the BOE, insurance for the BOE and Town, billing for buildings and ground for the Town and BOE, the Pension Plan and also helping with budget preparation and all that entails.

Alyssa and her 4 cats currently call Danbury home. Until her move to Danbury, Alyssa lived in New Fairfield since she was 3 years old. She graduated from New Fairfield High School and her family still lives in New Fairfield.

We wish Alyssa all the best in her new role!!

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HART BUS SHUTTLE

Did you know that there is a shuttle bus that can take you to and from the Southeast Train Station in Brewster? The schedules and drop off and pick up locations are below:

For additional information on the shuttle bus to and from the train station, click on the button below:

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SweetHART

For more information and to apply for SweetHart, click the button below:

HART CUSTOMER SERVICE-For additional information:

203-744-4070 X1

Monday-Friday: 5 A–10:30 P Saturday: 7 A-10:30 P Sunday: 9 A–2P

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BOATING SAFETY

Boating Season is here! We want everyone to have a safe Summer-whether you are boating on Candlewood Lake or any other lake or waterway, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has the following advice regarding boating safety:

The primary mission of the Boating Division is Boating Safety. Although there are inherent risks in virtually any sport, a well-educated boater who uses common sense and courtesy on the water contributes to everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

The major cause of boating accidents is collisions with other boats or objects. The sober boater who keeps a good lookout and knows the Rules of the Road is unlikely to be involved in a collision.

The major cause of boating fatalities is drowning. Seventy-five percent of those who drown are not wearing life jackets also known as Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). The watchwords are, "A LIFE JACKET FLOATS! YOU DON’T! WEAR IT!" (PFDs)

Carbon monoxide poisoning has recently been identified as a major danger for boaters. It is important to understand it and avoid it. (Teak Surfing and Carbon Monoxide)

Since 9-11 other safety issues have come to the fore. There are new laws which concern the proximity of pleasure boats to various large vessels, bridges, and shore facilities. The government is also asking pleasure boaters to assist in Homeland Security by observing and reporting certain activities. (Homeland Security)

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats – SAFELY!

DEEP also has a Boating Safety Guide that offers invaluable important information:

You can find additional information on the ct.gov website:

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CANDLEWOOD LAKE AUTHORITY

The Candlewood Lake Authority also has very important information on boat and lake safety and boating certifications.

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LIGHTNING SAFETY

Summer also brings storms, with dangerous lightning. If you are out on the water, please monitor the weather in order to get to shore safely. If you are outdoors, head inside or to a hard-topped metal vehicle. REMEMBER-as soon as you hear thunder-head indoors!

The National Weather Service brochure below, provides important information and facts about storms and storm safety.

Thank you for reading the New Fairfield Newsletter

Town of New Fairfield, 4 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield CT 06812

NewFairfield.org