David E. Cox

Key discussions during the meeting included a review of the Fire Marshal and Fire Chief reports, and a review of the 2025 manhours report, which requires further revision to include additional training hours. Unfinished business involved noting that lettering error correction for the parking lot would occur in April or May, and tabling the approval for revisions to the Firefighter Awards Program until the next meeting. New business focused on reviewing and suggesting revisions for the Fire Department's webpage, including updating addresses and adding an alert tab. Members also reviewed preliminary figures for the LOSAP plan and a draft budget proposal, both scheduled for final approval at the next meeting. The estimated cost for the gear cleaning plan, to be presented next month, is $10,920.

The Water Committee and Apex Companies convened to discuss the Town of East Hampton's centralized municipal water system preliminary design project. Key discussions included updates on groundwater supply exploration at the Rivercrest Well and Global Storage Property, coordination with Connecticut Water regarding potential partnerships and service areas, and progress on water system design tasks such as permitting and conceptual layouts. Specific focus areas involved planning the installation of three test wells at the Global Storage Property, estimating demand for service areas, and reviewing funding updates, including approval for $2M in planning funds from the CTDPH. Action items included sharing the CAD basemap and initiating access agreements for the Global Storage Property, with the Town Council scheduled to vote on the Site Access Agreement on January 13.

The Executive Director provided an update, noting that monthly newsletters will be bi-monthly, handicapped door ramps will be ordered shortly, and snow plowing operations were successful. Craft days are scheduled for Mondays, and the authority is investigating weekly recycling pickup. The budget has been submitted to CHFA. During public comment, the Lions Club offered to donate fire blankets, a petition regarding a full-time employee for the Senior Center was mentioned, and inquiries were made about sidewalks and the ten-year plan. Financial statements were reviewed, and no bills were outstanding. Continued business involved reviewing two quotes for snow guards for Chatham and Bellwood properties. The newest board member was introduced, and the current vacancy report indicated one opening at Chatham and two at Bellwood. The Liaison Report covered the Commission on Aging's focus on keeping seniors in their homes.

Key discussions included an update on the Plan of Conservation and Development survey, which is being drafted for Town Council approval, and upcoming Focused Discussion meetings related to Economic Development and Housing. There was a detailed update on EV Activities concerning Voltpost charging station relocations at Town Hall and the Library parking lot. The task force also reviewed program overviews for HES/IE, HES, and HeatSmart, with a suggestion for members to attend a program in Portland to observe local promotion strategies. The Rockfall Grant status was reported as closed, with funds covering lawn signs for assessments. The Sustainable East Hampton update included a discussion of pollinator gardens and locations. The RiverCOG DEEP Solid Waste Study is ongoing. The task force reviewed categories for Sustainable CT Bronze Certification and divided associated tasks. Finally, membership changes were discussed, including the status of a full member, an interviewed candidate for appointment, and plans to seek student participation from the High School Environmental Club. The decision was made not to form working groups, preferring individual members to lead tasks brought to the full force.

Key discussions centered on the impact of the POCD (Plan of Conservation and Development) on fire facilities, shifting the committee's role to provide input for the new POCD. The Request for Proposal (RFP) update included conducting a mandatory walkthrough of the three company buildings, with seven contractor firms attending. The RFP submission deadline is set for February 13th. Discussions also covered reviewing town-owned properties as potential sites for a new firehouse, including the option to combine Companies 1 and 2 into one new facility while keeping Company 3 operational. Furthermore, the committee addressed public awareness strategies, including updating the committee's webpage and planning interviews for the short-listed contractor firms in March.