Town of Newtown

Key discussions included a report confirming the plant handled heavy rain flow without major issues and an overview of sewer history. Under unfinished business, the Authority modified a previous financial referral for the Fairfield Hills Water System emergency work and well rehabilitation, increasing the total amount to $1,291,436.11. The budget for the 24-25 Sewer Use was amended to address an anticipated deficit. A report was requested regarding roads with manhole or sewer-related problems following heavy rains. A motion for conditional acceptance of a sewer extension for the Castle Hill Village project failed due to lack of comprehensive documentation; subsequently, a motion to hold a public hearing for the extension was approved for 10/10/24. New business included a recommendation for a potential 6% water rate increase and authorization to engage firms to determine the responsibility of the Town, State, and users for sewer plant capital improvement costs. An executive session was held to discuss the sale of Water and Sewer Assets and the Veolia Contract review.

The Treasurer reported on account balances and announced that the LZA is officially insured with CIRMA as of October 1, 2021, noting significant annual savings and new coverage elements. The Marine Patrol reported on enforcement actions taken in September, including towing vessels and addressing debris accumulation following a hurricane. Key discussions included the annual drawdown dates announced by FirstLight for maintenance and inspection, which will target an elevation of 98.5', and the subsequent scheduling of buoy removal. Updates were provided on boat maintenance, including replacing a propeller on boat #2 and addressing a missing cavitation plate on boat #1.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding a proposed text amendment to the Borough of Newtown Zoning Regulations concerning definitions for Dwelling Unit and Accessory Apartment, and revisions to sections 4.07.F and 4.07.G. The public hearing addressed issues related to short-term rentals. Following the hearing, the Commission unanimously approved the text amendment application with minor modifications to Paragraph 6d. The Zoning Enforcement Officer reported on the Borough of Burgesses' unanimous decision to opt out of 'granny pods'. New business involved the acceptance of village district, special exception, and site plan development applications for the property located at 27 Church Hill Road, with a public hearing scheduled for a later date. The resignation of Commissioner Brid Craddock was also noted.

The meeting focused on the formalization of a permanent Community Center Commission, involving a discussion regarding the proposed spending threshold for the Community Center Committee. The committee discussed lowering the approval threshold from $100,000 to $50,000, a change supported by the First Selectman. The group also discussed the appropriate level of detail for referencing the Town Charter and Code Book in the draft language. Ultimately, the committee moved to recommend sending the revised proposed Community Center Commission code book language to Public Hearing.

The meeting involved discussions regarding a solution for an issue at the dock provided by a solar company. Correspondence from FOTL confirmed approval of their 2021 Budget and indicated they would not fund efforts against zebra mussels, with further measures against invasive species being noted. The agenda addressed the 2020 Debris Skimming Daily Logs, where an estimated 145 cubic yards of debris were removed over 45 days, and First Light Power agreed to improve future contractor performance. The Grant Committee reported on the AIS Grant application for removing curly leaf pondweed and water chestnuts in the northern part of the main lake, estimated to cost $29,999.99, with the Lake Lillinonah Authority responsible for 25% if the grant is secured. The Fish Stocking Committee reported on reservations for Northern Pike and Large Mouth Bass from Zett's Fish Hatchery.