Selectmen to Hear Updates on Fairfield Metro Center, Snowstorm

Today the will hear reports on several issues and events that have taken precedence among other town officials, representatives, and residents over the past several months.

The agenda states that updates will be made on the following topics:

• (Lighthouse Committee): The latest news on the potential lighthouse acquisition stemmed from the Selectmen’s Oct. 19 meeting, when the board agreed sign the General Services Administration bidding form so the committee could secure its spot as a bidder on behalf of the town. This did not mean, however, that the town will actually take place in the bidding process, as First Selectmen Michael Tetreau and Selectman James Walsh had several questions, including what the annual cost of maintaining the lighthouse will be and the town’s rights to stewardship of the lighthouse, should it be acquired. Lighthouse Preservation Committee Chair Sandye Mann was tasked with finding out that information for the board.
• (Deputy Fire Chief Art Reid):  Tetreau held a town forum regarding Irene on Oct. 25, during which residents spoke about their experience and offered suggestions for the town to better prepare for another natural disaster. Department heads were present to give statements on how they felt each department responded to the storm. Residents also criticized United Illuminating’s response to the widespread power outages in town following Irene. Selectman Walsh said at both the forum and Nov. 2 Board of Selectmen meeting that he has been asking for some time for a full report on the storm and Fairfield’s preparation and response, and ways to improve communications between departments and to residents.
• (Deputy Chief Reid): The rare October snowstorm, which dumped several inches of snow on the ground, caused another series of widespread power outages in town, completely uprooted dozens of trees and severely damaged hundreds more, and from the district has not yet been discussed or reviewed in a public forum. There has also not been word on the cost of the cleanup or a discussion on UI’s response to the outages, which took three to four days to completely restore the town.
• (Independent Counsel): The Board will hear an update on the 2010 agreements between former First Selectman Ken Flatto, the state, and BlackRock Realty regarding the new train station. A report was last given at the , where several representatives questioned the parking rates set by the state (an annual parking pass costs $80 more than the downtown station’s yearly permit) and about whether the 2010 agreements can be terminated now that the law firm McCarter & English deemed them in violation of the town charter.

The meeting, which takes place at 4:30 p.m. in the first floor conference room in Independence Hall, is open to the public.

What questions or concerns do you want addressed by town officials regarding the above topics? Let us know in the comments.