Sharon Conners

The Board of Estimate & Taxation convened to address several key financial and budgetary matters. Discussions included setting the Capital Budget cap for Fiscal Year 2018-19, addressing concerns about the City and Board of Education budgets, and the potential impact of budget cuts on educational programs. The board also considered a proposal for an Urban Innovation District, aimed at drawing new jobs and businesses to a specific area within the City, and reviewed the FY 2018-19 budgets for the Parking Authority and the WPCA. Additionally, there were discussions about special capital appropriations for facilities improvements and the adoption of the Tentative FY 2018-19 Operating Budget.

The committee discussed several topics, including updates from DEEP, Eversource, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health. New business included Save the Sound presenting their protocols and standards for evaluation, Dick Harris discussing water sampling during bridge work, Diane Lauricella addressing the city budget pertaining to water quality, and John Crespo presenting data from DOT sondes. The committee also discussed what Norwalk could do to improve Save the Sound's grade, sediment reconditioning, hypoxia sources, reducing impervious surfaces, green infrastructure, living shorelines, storm water retention, dredging, and the impact of schools of menhaden on oxygen levels. The committee also discussed the railroad bridge work and heavy metals, green infrastructure proposal for DPW, and the Norwalk Watershed Initiative.

The Board reviewed the Code of Ethics, focusing on content, formatting, design, and future distribution. Discussion included red-lined content, Section 32.8, the 'Gift' section, and highlighted sections. Suggestions were made to add a summary section for paper copies. Further discussion points included the value of gifts (including meals), the creation of paper copies, accessibility for those not using electronics, storage of physical copies, simplification of sections, use of weblinks, and attendance at charitable events. An updated copy will be emailed to members for review before the next meeting.

The agenda includes public input, committee reports from Bike Plan, Bike Share, DPW Open House, Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT), Pedestrian Plan, Pump Track, Safety/Outreach, Strategic Plan, and Website. Old business includes a walking update, DPW update, and a crosswalk on Wall St. at Knight. New business includes an overview of the proposed reorganization of Norwalk Government.

The committee discussed MS4 suggestions, Wilson Point Cove testing and closures, and the CTDEEP Consent Decree for past violations. They also addressed PFAS in proposed turf near the water supply and the lack of open space. The committee considered recommendations to move forward to the Council and other community leaders. The meeting also covered updates from various departments, including DEEP, the Department of Aquaculture, the Department of Health, the Harbor Commission, and Planning and Zoning. Discussions included the Mayor's Water Emergency, storm water utility funding, artificial sports fields, and water temperature updates.