By Peter Barhydt
The Town of New Canaan’s Board of Selectmen held their regular meeting at the Town Hall this week. The session was notable for its extensive agenda, which covered a variety of community and infrastructure-related approvals.
First on the agenda was for an $8,000 increase to a pre-approved purchase order for New England Uniform, which Captain Farenga requested to support the needs of new police officers. This reflects the department’s ongoing requirements and commitment to maintaining high standards.
The Human Services Department secured approval for $2,000 in rent payments for the New Canaan Food Pantry’s location at St. Mark’s Church. Additionally, a lease renewal for the pantry at the same location was approved through December 31, 2025, at a monthly rent of $1,000.
Further approvals were granted for community events, including permission for the New Canaan Garden Club to hold a plant and garden sale and for the New Canaan Lacrosse Association to host a jamboree with local vendors.
Infrastructure projects featured prominently on the agenda. The Parks and Recreation Department received approvals for several requests, including an increase of $2,625 for CO2 tank rentals essential for operations at the Steve Benko Pool as requested by John Howe. New carpets and rugs for Waveny House, costing $14,570, were also approved, reflecting enhancing the second floor.
The Department of Public Works was authorized to contract ComNet Communications for a $20,588 project to install new fiber optic cables at the new Police Station Building.
Infrastructure projects were also included, with the Department of Public Works securing approvals for multiple significant expenditures. These included $18,716.71 for the town-wide area network fiber installation, $6,691.80 for accessible tables at Mead Park, and $2,140.00 for fence repairs at the Bristow Bird Sanctuary. Additionally, the Board green-lighted a $329,330 project for the milling and repaving of the Steve Benko Pool parking lot and access drive.
Other significant items included the approval of a substantial contract amendment with AECOM for $587,012.00 to undertake design and bid phase services for the upgrade of the town’s ultraviolet system at the Water Pollution Control Facility. Ultraviolet light is an effective physical treatment alternative to chlorine that will not create by-products or discharge a chemical residual which will impact the environment.
In partnership with the New Canaan Athletic Foundation and New Canaan High School Athletics, the selectmen approved $329,375.00 for the design services of the Coppo Baseball Stadium Construction Project.
In terms of community support, the Board reviewed the Parking Commission’s recommendations on fee changes and the quantity of Premium Business Permits and approved various community event permits and enhancements to the Water Pollution Control Facility.
The Board of Selectmen also discussed and approved the town’s first flag policy. Dionna Carlson the importance of municipal buildings only flying the United States’ flag and state and town flags. Darien recently enacted a similar policy. The proposal was approved unanimously.
The meeting concluded with administrative approvals and selectmen’s comments, focusing on confirming the next steps for the approved projects and emphasizing the town’s proactive governance.
