By Peter Barhydt
The Board of Selectmen approved a $142,623 lighting overhaul at the Center School parking lot Sept. 22 and advanced sidewalk funding applications, with First Selectman Dionna Carlson calling for an ordinance change to address snow removal before the town adds more sidewalks.
Carlson urged the Town Council to approve an ordinance requiring property owners to clear snow from abutting sidewalks. She said the town cannot maintain its existing sidewalks and cannot in good faith expand the network without addressing that responsibility.
“So we need to have the town council change the ordinance so that we can maintain those sidewalks,” Carlson said.
Her comments came during discussion of proposed East Avenue sidewalk improvements, one of several infrastructure projects considered during the meeting.
The board unanimously approved $16,500 for Fuss & O’Neill to prepare a funding solicitation through the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program.
The approximately $1 million project would replace deteriorating asphalt sidewalks between Main Street and New Norwalk Road. Officials also are examining a possible extension along the southern side between Summer Street and Millport Avenue.
“That’s a very important corridor in town,” Selectman Steve Karl said.
Separately, selectmen approved $37,550, including contingency, in contract amendments with Fuss & O’Neill for Park Street sidewalk documentation, the Farm Road intersection funding application and school-zone permitting.
Public Works Director Tiger Mann said the Park Street and Farm Road projects could bring approximately $2.3 million in funding. Additional engineering costs reflected repeated meetings and requests from state agencies.
The Center School lighting project prompted extended discussion about competitive bidding, rising costs and the parking lot’s future.
Bill Oestmann, presenting the proposal for the Department of Public Works, said existing fixtures were about 45 years old. A lighting study identified inadequate coverage, and Mann said the lot generates more lighting complaints than other town parking lots.
The board unanimously approved $97,743 for lamp posts and fixtures from F&M Electric Supply, $23,375 for removal and installation, and $21,505 for electrical work by Darien Electrical. Each amount includes a contingency.
The purchase covers 19 single and four twin lamp posts. Oestmann said the fixtures would direct light downward, with shielding to protect neighbors, warm-colored LEDs and timers that adjust to sunrise and sunset.
Carlson questioned why the lamp purchase attracted only one qualified bid. Oestmann said two bids arrived, but one was disqualified for failing to follow submission procedures.
Carlson asked whether the town should reconsider how it publicizes bids and contact potential vendors individually.
Oestmann said the selected fixtures cost less than decorative alternatives and suited the lot’s needs. Higher costs would require transferring approximately $30,000 from a completed project.
Karl questioned making substantial improvements without resolving the lot’s long-term future. Carlson said a parking study completed within the past year found adequate parking.
Mann said some fixtures could remain if the lot were expanded, while others could be relocated and reused. Crews would reuse existing infrastructure where possible and install new conduit through grass, avoiding excavation of the asphalt.
Officials hope to finish site work before winter and install the poles when delivered.
Other approvals included a $46,019.75 Toro diesel utility vehicle, reflecting a $9,000 trade-in allowance, to replace a 2015 model used for year-round operations.
Technology spending included $49,738.50 for Microsoft licensing, $24,985.72 for the town’s backup system and a $52,066.34 payment under an existing phone-system agreement. Selectmen also approved $10,305 for election equipment software.
The board approved hiring Jack Grace as information technology systems administrator and Richard DeLeo as a Highway Department equipment operator, both starting Oct. 5.
Mann said Route 106 work was expected to begin Sept. 28 at the Wilton town line. He advised residents to anticipate as much as six weeks of work and avoid the stretch during daytime hours when possible.
