Representative Town Meetings

What happened

• $2.64M for Department of Public Works vehicles approved — The Representative Town Meeting unanimously authorized bonding for new Department of Public Works vehicles and equipment. (30-0)
• $1.03M for capital projects approved — The Representative Town Meeting unanimously authorized bonding for town capital projects. (30-0)
• Riverside Creek Tide Gate funding increased — The Representative Town Meeting unanimously amended the appropriation for the Riverside Creek Tide Gate Project to $6,030,699. (30-0)
• Senior and disabled tax relief committee established — The Representative Town Meeting unanimously voted to create a Senior & Disabled Tax Relief Committee to develop assistance programs. (30-0)
• $135,000 library donation accepted — The Representative Town Meeting unanimously accepted a donation from the Library Board of Trustees to fund a feasibility study for Fairfield Woods Library expansion. (30-0)
• Riverside Drive land donation accepted — The Representative Town Meeting unanimously accepted donation of land at 377 Riverside Drive from Lee Yarosh. (30-0)

What happened

• Economic development update — Mark Barnhart and Steve Rosato from the Economic Development Commission briefed members on current initiatives and priorities. (unanimous)
• Land donation accepted — Nicole DeFelice from the Conservation Department presented on a land donation at 377 Riverside Drive for conservation purposes. (unanimous)
• Library feasibility study funded — Scott Jarzombek reported on a donation to support a feasibility study for Fairfield Woods Library improvements. (unanimous)
• Capital plan outlined — Eli Ghazal presented the comprehensive capital plan covering future infrastructure and equipment needs. (unanimous)
• Department of Public Works bonding proposed — Frank Petise and Eli Ghazal detailed a bonding resolution for vehicles and equipment purchases. (unanimous)
• Parks and Recreation bonding proposed — Anthony Calabrese presented a bonding resolution for capital projects including park improvements and facility upgrades. (unanimous)
• Tidegate project update — Bill Hurley briefed members on the Riverside Creek tidegate project status. (unanimous)

What happened

• Eight appointments confirmed — The Representative Town Meeting approved Erika McCarthy to the Ethics Commission, reappointed Ahmed Ebrahim and Karl Uzcategui to the Fair Rent Commission, named Jeffrey Galdenzi to the Dwight School Building Committee, and appointed Kathryn Gussen, Adele Josoviz, Cristina Kelly, and Laura OBrien to the Board of Assessment Appeals across six separate votes. (unanimous)
• One non-unanimous vote — Jeffrey Galdenzi's appointment to the Dwight School Building Committee was the only contested vote of the meeting, though the minutes do not specify the objections raised by dissenting members. (unanimous)
• Party affiliation corrected — The Representative Town Meeting amended Jeffrey Galdenzi's party registration from Unaffiliated to Democrat before voting on his appointment. (unanimous)
• Housing agreement modified — The Representative Town Meeting unanimously approved the Fourth Modification of Right of Repurchase for Unit Number 1 at 501 Kings Highway East with Rooster River Plaza, LLC. (unanimous)
• Six reports received — Members heard the First Selectperson's State of the Town Address, Lease Report of Town Properties, Condemnation and Blight Report, Noise Complaints Report, Recovery of Costs Related to Public Disturbances, and Traffic Authority Annual Report. (vote recorded)

What happened

• Ethics Commission appointment — Erika McCarthy was appointed to the town's Ethics Commission. (unanimous)
• Dwight Building Committee appointment — Jeff Galdenzi was appointed to oversee the Dwight School construction project. (unanimous)
• Board of Assessment Appeals appointments — Four members were appointed: Kathryn Gussen, Cristina Kelly, Laura O'Brien, and Adele Josovitz. (unanimous)
• Town leases reviewed — Town Attorney Phil Pires reported on town leases. (unanimous)
• Blight enforcement update — Blight Officer Pat Mahoney reported on condemnation and blight issues. (unanimous)
• Police cost recovery discussed — Deputy Police Chief Weihe reported on noise complaints, recovery of costs, and disorderly conduct. (unanimous)
• Rooster River Plaza modification — Angelus Papageorge from FPS presented the Fourth Modification of Right of Repurchase for Rooster River Plaza. (unanimous)