Douglas Smith

The committee reviewed project updates regarding construction documents and the bidding process for Phase 1 and Phase 2. Discussions included the status of grant extension requests, logistical planning with school staff, and the current construction schedule. The committee approved invoices for professional services, authorized an additional service request for special inspection services, and approved the contract for e2 Engineers to perform threshold reviews. Additionally, budget and reimbursement procedures were discussed.

The commission held an executive session to determine the jurisdiction of a complaint and to discuss a matter concerning the performance of a public official. Following the executive session, the commission determined that there was no probable cause of a violation of the Code of Ethics regarding the specific complaint reviewed. The chairman also noted that two additional complaints will be considered at a future date.

The Commission reviewed operational updates including call volume statistics, staffing changes, and municipal collaboration efforts. Key discussion items included the planning of the EMS 50-year celebration, budget progress for the upcoming fiscal year, and the approval of funding for EMS week crew gifts. The Chief provided detailed reports on vehicle status, maintenance, and facility repairs.

The authority discussed the status of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating budget, which is undergoing review by the Town Council Finance Committee. Technical details regarding the proposed upgrade to the Hawley Lane pump station were reviewed, focusing on design efficiency and cost-effective construction solutions. Updates were provided on the Wildwood pump station project, specifically regarding final design documents and bid scheduling. New business included the approval of a 'will serve' letter for the new Hillcrest Middle School construction project. Old business involved a request for a sanitary sewer connection from an out-of-town residence, resulting in a decision to postpone the item while legal counsel drafts a policy regarding the authority's authority to represent non-residents in connection applications.

The Finance Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the town's budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Discussions covered various departments including Economic and Community Development, which focused on economic projects and staffing; the Library, regarding the elimination of overdue fines; the Tax Assessor's office on professional services and staffing; the First Selectman's office concerning a communications consultant position; the Police Department on recruitment, training, and specialized security needs; Public Works regarding road maintenance, snow removal, and infrastructure projects; the Inland Wetlands Commission; the Water Pollution Control Authority on treatment plant upgrades; and Parks and Recreation, which addressed tree management, farmers' market operations, non-resident park usage, and impacts of a geothermal project on field availability.