Town of New Milford

This document amends the Town of New Milford's purchasing policy to incorporate sustainable practices. It aims to minimize negative environmental and health influences while fostering a diverse, equitable, and vibrant community and economy through fiscally responsible procurement. Key objectives include encouraging the use of environmentally friendly products and services, conserving natural resources, reducing toxins, promoting recycling, communicating sustainability goals to vendors, and fostering diversity among local, minority, women-owned, and eco-friendly businesses. The policy integrates sustainability standards and environmental considerations into procurement decisions without reducing quality, safety, or effectiveness.

The action plan focuses on addressing the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Town of New Milford. It aims to create a conducive environment for business development, strengthen infrastructure, protect community assets, enhance the learning environment, and assist residents. Key areas include increasing affordable housing, supporting local employers, improving mass transit and telecommunications, redeveloping brownfield sites, and diversifying the town's revenue streams. The plan also emphasizes the importance of state support in areas such as comprehensive development policies, transportation, and telecommunications infrastructure.

The long-term recovery planning document outlines Connecticut's approach to disaster recovery, emphasizing collaboration between state and local governments, community partners, and various stakeholders. It focuses on addressing unmet needs, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and promoting resilient rebuilding. The plan incorporates lessons from past events like Hurricanes Sandy and Maria, emphasizing the importance of local long-term recovery committees, disaster case management, and community involvement to facilitate effective and sustainable recovery.

This joint budget hearing of the Town Council and the Board of Finance reviewed the Town Budget for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year. Discussions included the voter registrar's budget, which increased due to the addition of a new district and increased ballot costs. The tax assessor's presentation covered revenues, expenditures (personnel, audits, professional dues, materials, software, tax rebates), and capital (revaluation, GIS mapping). Concerns were raised about the state's potential changes to early voting, which could significantly increase costs.

The meeting addressed concerns about the East Street School building and its potential impact on Theater Works, including parking needs. Discussion included infrastructure updates on road programs, the Upland Road Bridge, and sidewalks. The council also reviewed the renewable energy program with the Board of Education, including solar panel installations and energy savings. Public comments included concerns about flooding and the need for emergency preparedness, particularly given an upcoming storm. The status of an EV charging station was also discussed.