Kevin Barber

The Commission discussed several agenda items, including the approval for the East Norwalk Neighborhood Association to utilize library property for their annual shredding event. Financial discussions focused on an analysis of financial statements, key performance indicators, the current status of the Rate Stabilization Fund, and a quarterly review of the Power Cost Adjustment rate. Additionally, the General Manager provided updates on library accessibility requirements regarding ADA compliance.

The Annual Meeting agenda covered several substantive items. Key discussions included the report on the operation of the District and the Electric Department, featuring financial positions for both entities as of June 30, 2025, and highlights such as the completion of the Roger Ludlow Triangle Park improvements and the successful decommissioning and sale of the Norden Generators. The meeting also involved the presentation of the District Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, detailing projected expenses for District Operations, District Events, Maintenance of District Assets, and specific funding for the East Norwalk Library Association. The final key action involved the authorization to approve the District Budget of $441,210 and transfer $410,000 from the Electric Department to cover budget requirements.

The key discussion centered on the Proposed Third Taxing District Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, which was recommended for approval by the Electors at the upcoming Annual Meeting on March 4th. Revenue details were reviewed, including income from the Firehouse rental and interest on District funds. Expenses discussed included increased costs for District Summer Concerts due to newer, more expensive music groups and annual increases by the sound personnel. Budget allocations for asset maintenance (Parks, Firehouse, Library, Cemetery) and Other District Services/Contingencies were reviewed. A significant discussion occurred regarding capital expenditures, particularly concerning the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery, which the District owns. After deliberation, the Commission decided to allocate an additional $20,000 to the Cemetery's capital expenditure line item, bringing total capital expenditures to $100,000 and increasing the required funding amount.

The agenda for the Annual Meeting of the Electors includes a welcome and call to order, introductions, reading and acceptance of the Notice of the Annual Meeting, and elections for the Annual Meeting Chairman and Secretary. Key items also cover the report on the operation of the District and the Electric Department, the presentation of the District Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, and the authorization to approve this budget and transfer necessary funds from the Electric Department to cover budget requirements for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The meeting addressed several key items. A motion was passed approving the East Norwalk Neighborhood Association's request to use Library property for their 7th Annual Community Shredding Event scheduled for April 25, 2026. During the budget discussion, the Commission reviewed the Library Budget presentation, including capital improvement requests for ADA compliance, which required further estimation due to potential costs of up to $500,000 if full ADA compliance (including bathrooms) were mandated. The Commission decided to allocate $25,000 for an ADA Compliance study, and another $25,000 for painting the Library upstairs, out of a total District allocation of $250,000 to the Library. Financial statements were analyzed, showing strong net income before the Rate Stabilization Fund (RSF) adjustment, though the RSF forecast indicated a decrease due to rising power costs. The commission also approved the General Manager's travel request to an APPA conference in April 2026 and reviewed the year-2 rate adjustment set for March. Finally, the Commission recommended the Proposed District Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 to the Electors for approval at the Annual Meeting on March 4th, including an allocation of $20,000 for the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery capital expenditures.