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Departments & Services > First Selectwoman's Office > First Selectwoman News

4/28/2023 - 4.28 TOWN UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,
 
Earth Day is here! Trees and flowers are blooming all over town and this time of year is the start of many sports leagues, preparations for upcoming graduations and just being able to get out and enjoy the spring weather. Our Town’s streets and parks are coming to life with people enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. 
 
We celebrate the 151st anniversary of National Arbor Day and, for the 35th year, the Town will be recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a “Tree City USA.” Fairfield is one of a handful of communities in the State to be acknowledged with this honor and is tied with the City of Stamford for the longest running designation of 34 years.

Today, we planted a Chestnut Oak at Tomlinson Middle School in appreciation of student Ryan Romeo. This tree represents Ryan’s vision of having all students - not only in Fairfield - but throughout the State plant trees. 

I want to thank Tree Warden Jeff Minder, the Fairfield Forestry Committee, the Department of Public Works, the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force, all of our garden clubs, and all our residents who plant and maintain trees that make our community so beautiful.
This Week's Highlights:
 
Please click for more information on these topics and scroll down for much more. 
TOWN GOVERNMENT NEWS
FINAL BUDGET VOTE
On Monday, May 1st the RTM will cast the final vote of a long budget season. My administration made it a top priority to propose a town budget for the 2024 Fiscal Year that kept taxes low in the face of inflationary challenges and the rising costs of utilities. The budget that will be voted on by the RTM includes a less than 1% increase. On Thursday, May 4, the Board of Finance will set the final mill rate. For more information, click here. 
SPRING PAVING
Historically, road and sidewalk improvements were made arbitrarily and without scientific analysis. In 2021, on the recommendation of our Director of Public Works, we spearheaded Fairfield’s first independent audit to analyze all roads and sidewalks. Each road was accessed and ranked based on condition and amount of use. This analysis is now the foundation for the Town's long-term 5-10 year road paving and sidewalk improvement plan. 

Prioritizing roads based on their condition and usage will ensure that the Town's limited resources are allocated to the roads that need the most attention and will help prevent further deterioration of roads that are already in good condition. Additionally, planning for the estimated costs over the next 5-10 years will help the town budget appropriately and avoid unexpected expenses. It's also important to note the time constraints involved in paving and sidewalk repair, as asphalt plants are only open and available during certain times of the year. By prioritizing roads based on their condition and usage, the town can maximize its use of available resources and complete necessary repairs and improvements in a timely and strategic manner.

Road milling is underway this week and paving will begin on Monday, May 1st. The list of streets from the analysis in planned order can be found here. This schedule is weather dependent and subject to the impact from the utility companies work around town. If you have any questions about the streets on the list or concerns you want to share with us, please reach out to the Public Works garage directly at 203 256-3177.
ATTENTION PICKLEBALLERS
Online reservations are now available for our 8 freshly painted Pickleball courts at Tomlinson Middle School. 
For more information, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at recsupport@fairfieldct.org and go to fairfieldrecreation.com
to reserve a game.  
 
This year we are rebuilding 4 courts in need of repair at Tunxis Hill, we added one court at Gould Manor, we have lined an additional 8 at Tomlinson, another 8 at Dwight and 8 at Fairfield Woods Middle School will be done by fall. We know how important pickleball is to the community and we are doing everything we can to provide more playing options to the community. By the end of this summer we will have 30 courts in Town!
TOWN NOISE ORDINANCE UPDATE
I shared in recent newsletter that some members of the RTM were proposing a change to the Town Noise Ordinance. You can read about it in a article here. The ordinance changes were discussed at the March 20th RTM Committee Meeting. 

The original proposal is in the RTM backup on page 246 here. After debate about the implications of the changes and the unintended consequences of the original draft, the sponsors decided to refer it back to the Legislation and Administration Committee of the RTM to make modifications. They met this week to discuss revisions. You can listen to the discussion here. 

I would encourage the proposal be vetted through a separate public forum because I believe the ordinance could have significant impact on local contractors and residents alike. There should be an opportunity for everyone who lives or operates a businesses in town to have a better understanding of the proposal and share their input before the RTM proceeds. 

If you would like to have input or ask questions you can email the RTM at rtm@fairfieldct.org. I would also encourage our residents who have an interest in sharing their opinions to attend the RTM meeting on May 22nd where public comment will be heard prior to the vote in June. 
FAIR RENT COMMISSION
All municipalities with a population of 25,000 or more in the State of Connecticut are now required to adopt an ordinance that establishes a Fair Rent Commission. The RTM's Legislative and Administrative Committee heard the proposed legislation Wednesday night. To learn more about it, click here. The full RTM will take up this legislation at its May and June meetings. 
PENFIELD PAVILION
At the April 17 Board of Selectmen meeting, my administration provided a detailed update and overview of the project at Penfield Pavilion to respond the Notice of Violation from FEMA and remediate the contaminated soil under the building and several spots under the parking lot. Monthly updates will be provided at BOS meetings beginning May 1st. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or virtually to hear the updates and ask questions. 
Penfield Pavilion Updates
AGE FRIENDLY INITIATIVE | COMMUNITY SURVEY
The Age Friendly Fairfield initiative is modeled on a national program of the AARP and World Health Organizations yet will be adapted to the needs of Fairfield residents. It is managed by our Town’s Human Services Department and the goal is to further enhance Fairfield as a great place to live and to strengthen our ability to attract and retain aging residents and multi-generational families. 

Your voice matters! If you are over the age of 45 we strongly encourage you to take the Age Friendly Fairfield survey. Younger residents may also want to take the survey on behalf of any older family member or friend - or just to weigh in on your hopes for Fairfield in the future.   Tell us what’s important to you as you age, share your experiences, and let us know the extent to which our community is supporting the needs of Fairfield residents. 

The survey was developed by Fairfield Senior Advocates and the Fairfield University Center for Social Impact and marks the first step of the process toward understanding residents’ perceptions of community resources and their needs while aging in Fairfield.

Once the survey is completed, Age Friendly Fairfield will schedule listening sessions and focus groups with residents - as well as community walkabouts during which residents may share their ideas and opinions. The information captured from these sessions, coupled with the survey results, will guide the Town in developing action plans that address community priorities within a series of key “domains”. These domains include housing, transportation, health-related service needs, social and civic engagement, and other priority areas.

For more information and to take the survey visit Age Friendly Fairfield.
TAKE THE SURVEY
UKRAINE
I have been working with Ukraine Aid International, which builds bridges to support and rebuild the most devastated communities in Ukraine, in an effort to become a sister city with Konstantinovka, a similar sized town to Fairfield. I had my first meeting over zoom with Mayor Oleksiy Rostov and members of Ukraine International so we could get to know each other, I could hear about the devastation of his town and learn how Fairfield can help. 
 
Listening to this proud Ukrainian Mayor helped me gain important perspective on how blessed we are to live in a free and safe town and country. I’ll be working with Ukraine International on next steps that include forming a steering committee to assist this war torn town. I will provide updates on how Fairfield will be working to help the people in Konstantinovka, Ukraine. https://www.ukraineaidinternational.org
GIRL SCOUTS IN GOVERNMENT DAY
Girl Scouts in Government Day provides girl scouts with an opportunity to learn about how the Town of Fairfield's departments operate and provide services to the community. Each Girl Scout spent the morning with a Town Department, learning about its roles and responsibilities. After the scout's morning session, they met for a luncheon where each scout shared what department they visited and what they learned. I'm not sure who had more fun, the girl scouts or the departments! 
FAREWELL TO KEVIN FOX
Last week I had the pleasure of recognizing long time Town of Fairfield employee, Kevin Fox, with an official proclamation for his dedication to our community.

I hope you’ll join me in thanking Kevin for his nearly 40 years of service to Fairfield to both the Conservation and Parks and Recreation Departments; Kevin was responsible for supervising, directing, and coordinating the activities of maintenance personnel. He oversaw the maintenance and repair of all Town parks, greens, beaches, cemeteries, ballfields, building grounds, plantings, and snow removal operations. The Town of Fairfield wishes he and his wife, daughters and grandson, plus one grandchild on the way, much happiness and good health in his well-deserved retirement. We proclaim May 1, 2023 as KEVIN FOX DAY in the Town of Fairfield. 
MESSAGE FROM THE FAIRFIELD TAX COLLECTOR
4th quarter Real Estate taxes and 2nd installment Sewer Use taxes became due on April 1, 2023, and the last day to pay timely is Monday, May 1, 2023. On May 2, 2023, statutory interest accrues at an initial rate of 3%. Per state statute interest accrues at 1.5% per month from the original due date of April 1, 2023. 

Any original tax bill can be paid at any M&T Bank branch location between April 1, 2023, and May 1, 2023. You do not need to be a customer.

For more details on payment options, penalties and contact information, view the Legal Notice or contact the Tax Collector's Office. 
STATE NEWS
STATE TREE CLEARING
The Town has been notified that the State of Connecticut will be performing the removal of several trees along I – 95 North in Fairfield between exits 23 and 25. The original start date was May 1 but it has been pushed back. I will keep residents updated as I receive further information. 
The State Legislature is in session. You can see the weekly schedule, sign up to track bills, watch live and learn how to submit testimony for or against any bill through cga.ct.gov.

To view bills proposed by State Senator Tony Hwang, click here.
To view bills proposed by State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey, click here. 
To view bills proposed by State Representative Jennifer Leeper, click here.
To view bills proposed by State Representative Sarah Keitt, click here. 

For questions on pending state legislation, reach out to your State Senator and State Representative. You can find their contact information here.
FAIRFIELD'S FIRST RESPONDERS
FIRE DEPARTMENT AWARDS & SWEARING IN
I had the pleasure of swearing in Fairfield’s newest member, Probationary Fire Fighter Sean Pichette. Sean is a combat reservist, a Southern Connecticut State University graduate and Combat Medic in the CT Army National Guard. I know Sean will be a valued member of our Fairfield Fire Department.
The Department also held an awards ceremony for members of the Fire Department and Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center who made the difference between life and death during medical calls. The Fire Chief's words particularly moved me as most of the calls were for cardiac arrest victims who survived because of the medical response from our Fire Department.
 
Our first responders made the difference not just in the lives of those they saved, but also for those who dearly love them. On behalf of the Town of Fairfield, I sincerely thank our First responders for their service to the residents of Fairfield.
MOCK CRASH
This week members of the Fairfield Fire Department, Fairfield Police Department, American Medical Response, Bridgeport Hospital, and members of the Fairfield Ludlowe drama club participated in the annual “Mock Crash” at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. This annual event, now completing its 13th year, is put on by both Fairfield High Schools prior to prom and graduation season to show the students the importance of “making smart decisions” when getting behind the wheel of their vehicle.
Responding units performed a real time extrication of students from two simulated crashed vehicles using the “jaws of life” as well as patient treatment and transport. Students got a first-hand glimpse of how a police investigation is conducted at an accident scene and what the consequences of driving impaired or distracted can be.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAPTAIN! 
I had the opportunity to come together with members of our community to honor a true Fairfield treasure and an incredibly dedicated member of our Town, Captain “Cap” Pat Carroll, who was recognized for his 100th Birthday!

The Harbor Management Commission held a lovely ceremony for Captain Carroll's service as Harbor Master for 22 years and for his work as a member of the Harbor, Fire, Shellfish Commissions over many years. Captain Carroll was also honored at another ceremony last week by the FBI as the longest living graduate from the FBI Academy in the world. He was also recognized for his 30 years as a police officer rising to the level of Captain, and by the Commissioner of CT Department of Veterans Affairs for his honorable service in WWII and remaining in the US Army Reserves until he retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. 
Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Steadman
MAVERICK'S RETIREMENT
The Fairfield Police Department announced the retirement of our beloved K9 Maverick, who served the Department with distinction for the past 8 years under the guidance of his dedicated handler, Sergeant Evan Kaesmann.

As a team, Sergeant Kaesmann and K9 Maverick have had hundreds of deployments within the Town of Fairfield and surrounding towns, assisting in searches for fleeing suspects, missing persons, narcotics detection, building searches, suspect apprehension, and evidence searches. Their partnership has been a model of excellence and dedication, and their contributions to the Fairfield Police Department have been immeasurable.

As Maverick enters retirement, we want to recognize and thank Sergeant Kaesmann for his outstanding service and dedication to our community. 
COMMUNITY NEWS
HOLOCAUST OBSERVANCE
In a powerful sign of interfaith unity, the Town of Fairfield is invited to commemorate the Holocaust with a Yom HaShoah observance on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 7:30 pm at First Church Congregational, 148 Beach Road. Fairfield is lucky to have an Interfaith Clergy Association which exists to strengthen the connections between faiths and are committed to an inclusive community. I join them in their call on residents to speak out against intolerance and hate and to learn from each other. Attending events like the Holocaust Commemoration is a meaningful way to do so. You can read their full statement here.  Click here for more information on the event.
NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK | April 30-May 6
The Fairfield Fire Department recommends the you take a few simple steps to be ready for hurricane season and all severe weather. Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes, and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm.
 
Simple Steps You Can Take Now:
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Jacky Durrell Memorial Service Award will be granted to graduating high school seniors. The recipients must be Fairfield residents and the student should be planning to attend a post secondary institution with a program of study of one year or longer. Two scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to deserving individuals on the basis of:

• Community Service
• School Service
• Evidence of Leadership Ability
• Financial Need
Click here for more information. 
FPS GREEN TEAM SUSTAINABILITY TIP OF THE WEEK
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PLAY BALL!
Thank you Fairfield American Little League for inviting me to throw out the First Pitch at their Opening Day ceremony last Saturday. On Sunday, rain didn’t dampen the spirits of Fairfield Little League Girls Softball opening day ceremonies. Kudos to league presidents, Matthew Colangelo, the coaches, parents and everyone who shares their time giving our young players an opportunity to be part of a team, improve and test their athletic skills and most importantly have fun.
FAIRFIELD STANDS WITH FLAGMAN
Last Friday I had the opportunity to stand with Flagman Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives.

Flagman launched its national K-12 Education Outreach program in Fairfield from April 17th – 28th. The program aims to educate students about their role in road safety and the importance of slowing down and moving over for first responders and highway workers.
 
The Iodice family, a highly regarded member of Fairfield's towing community for nearly 70 years, founded Flagman Inc. in response to the tragic death of Corey Iodice, who was struck and killed while assisting a disabled motorist.
 
The objective of Flagman’s K-12 education outreach program is to instill in students a sense of responsibility when driving or riding in a vehicle and to raise awareness about the importance of safety for first responders and highway workers.
VISIT TO MILL HILL SCHOOL
I had a great visit with Mill Hill School students to discuss Fairfield’s town government and the rewards of public service.
BOY SCOUT TROOP VISIT
Thank you to Boy Scout Troop 199 and Troop Leader Steve White for inviting me to speak about the importance of public service, something these young scouts understand very well. Troop 199 partnered with our Conservation Department last weekend to picking up a ton of trash and debris in the marsh. Thank you for your efforts to make our community a better and cleaner place. 
UPCOMING EVENTS
?? EARTH DAY | APRIL 29
Fairfield’s Earth Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, April 29, 10 am to 1 pm, together with the Town’s observance of Drive Electric Earth Day -- a national campaign to share information about electric vehicles – and the Y’s Healthy Kids Day® -- a national initiative aimed at encouraging healthy kids and families and a healthy start to the summer season. The day also will feature a safety-focused "Bike Rodeo” sponsored by the Fairfield Boy Scouts, Fairfield Police and Yale New Haven Health/Children’s Hospital. All of the day’s events, all free, and all rain or shine, will be at the Fairfield YMCA, 841 Old Post Road. Please click here for more details. 
HOLOCAST OBSERVANCE | MAY 3
In a powerful sign of interfaith unity, the Town of Fairfield will gather to commemorate the Holocaust with a Yom HaShoah observance on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 7:30 pm at First Church Congregational, 148 Beach Road, corner of Old Post Road. Click here for more information on the event.
FREE MATTRESS RECYCLING COLLECTION EVENT | MAY 6TH  
If you’re thinking of discarding a worn-out mattress or box spring, you can instead bring it to a free, Town-wide mattress collection event to be held on Saturday, May 6, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at Veterans Park, 909 Reef Road. The Sustainable Fairfield Task Force (SFTF) is sponsoring the event with the Bye Bye Mattress program of the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), a nonprofit organization that operates recycling programs in states with mattress recycling laws, currently including Connecticut, California, Rhode Island and Oregon. The MRC uses a recycling fee collected on each mattress and box spring sold in those states to support its programs. Click here for more information. 
DERBY DAY | MAY 6TH  
Experience the excitement of the Kentucky Derby on Pequot Library’s Great Lawn with festive tailgates, yard games, contests, and more. Watch the “Run for the Roses” on the big screen in the auditorium, and celebrate with Kentucky fare and an open bar in the Main Tent, sponsored by the Loya Family. Keep the party going with DJ Rob at the after-party, sponsored by Katie O’Grady & Team at Compass. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets. 
ON FIELD MOVIE NIGHT | MAY 12
A League of Their Own will be played at Dougiello Field with food trucks. This is a fun free event, please click here for more information. 
SPRING BIRD WALK & TREE TOUR | MAY 13
The Oak Lawn Cemetery Association will host a guided bird walk on its historic grounds on Saturday, May 13 at 8:00 a.m. This tour will once again be conducted by the team of Milan Bull, a bird expert from the Connecticut Audubon Society and our arborist, Don Parrott, from Connecticut Arborists. 
CHILDHOOD ANXIETY PRESENTATION | MAY 17
Fairfield CARES Community Coalition is thrilled to host Dr. Eli Lebowitz, Director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders, Child Study Center at the Yale School of Medicine, and author of several books on childhood anxiety, including Breaking Free of Childhood Anxiety and OCD, and Treating Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety. Click here for more information. 
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE | MAY 30
Save the date for the annual Memorial Day Parade. Click here to view the flyer. 
?? WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES | POSTPONED TO JUNE 3 DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
The annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event raises community awareness to end violence against women and girls. High Heels are Optional. Click here for more information.
CLAM CLINIC | JUNE 24
The Town of Fairfield Shellfish Commission will be hosting its annual Clam Clinic at low tide on Saturday June 24th 9:30 - 12:00 pm at Sasco Hill Beach.
SAVE THE DATE FAIRFIELD POLICE SUNSET 5K | JULY 19
The annual Fairfield Police Department 5k is open for registrations and sponsorships. All proceeds benefit the Fairfield Police Scholarship Fund and the Fairfield Police Foundation. Register here: fpdcops.com/5k.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.


Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman
MAY UPDATES
The Parks & Recreation Summer Brochure is out and registration begins May 2nd.
LAST TWO WEEKS TO APPLY FOR TAX RELIEF 
BIGELOW CENTER & SOCIAL SERVICES
Please click here to open the April 2023 Bigelow Center for Senior Activities newsletter.
FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARIES 
Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 19-21, when The Friends of Fairfield Public Library hold their semi-annual Book Sale at Main Library.  Nearly 10,000 gently-used books, DVDs and other items will be for sale, most between $1-$5, with some special collectibles priced higher.  All proceeds benefit the Library.  Hours are Friday, May 19, from 9am-4:30pm; Saturday, May 20, from noon-4:30pm, and Sunday, May 21, from 1:00-4:30pm.

The Friends of the Library will also host a literary luncheon with author Jane Rosen on Wednesday, May 24, from noon-3:00pm at the Patterson Club in Fairfield.  Tickets are $100 and include a glass of wine, lunch, dessert, and a discussion of Jane’s new book, On Fire Island.  Proceeds benefit the Library’s programs and services. Purchase tickets here: https://fplct.librarymarket.com/event/friends-fairfield-public-library-literary-luncheon-jane-l-rosen 

The Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery Committee invites the public to view its current exhibit, “Places to Wander,” featuring the work of Rebeca Fuchs, Kate Henderson and Jason Pritchard, in the Kershner Gallery at Main Library.  The show will run until June 17 and can be viewed during regular Library hours.  

The Library offers 24/7 access to its digital collection of books, music, magazines, movies and databases.  Information services are available in person, by phone (203- 256-3160), by email at eref@fplct.org, and via text messaging (text askfplct to 833-232-4100). 

Please view our online calendar of events on our website to see the offerings and reserve your spot!
PEQUOT LIBRARY
Pequot Library hosts many wonderful events for residents of all ages. A link to their calendar of events can be found here. 
 
Their website www.pequotlibrary.org also features monthly and weekly recurring programs for all ages. Upcoming highlights:

Pequot Library celebrates spring with a range of programs for adults and children, most of which are free and open to the public. Of particular significance, the May 6 Derby Day Celebration is nearly sold out–buy your tickets today!

Tune in for a Digital Author Talk on Raising Anti-Racist Children with Britt Hawthorne on May 3 at 1:00 p.m. Hawthorne, a nationally recognized teacher and advocate, wrote Raising Antiracist Children, a book that acts as an interactive guide for strategically incorporating the tools of inclusivity into everyday life and parenting. 

On May 10 at 8:00 p.m., Pequot Library presents another Digital Author Talk: Not Funny with Academy Award-Nominated Jena Friedman. Friedman, a comedian, shares her struggles to make it in a world that, more often than not, would rather tune out than listen to a woman confronting indignities. 

May 11 at 6:00 p.m. brings a Meet the Author with J. Lawrence Matthews, author of the novel One Must Tell the Bees: Abraham Lincoln and the Final Education of Sherlock Holmes, a story that imagines a young Sherlock Holmes in post-Civil War America. Written at a time when American history is being scrutinized and recast in the light of 21st Century standards, this fast-paced account of young Sherlock Holmes’s visit to America during the final year of the Civil War illuminates the profound impact of Abraham Lincoln and his Emancipation Proclamation on slavery, the war and America itself.
OPERATION HOPE | FOOD PANTRY 
Operation Hope’s Food Pantry is open all Spring to all Fairfield residents on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and Thursday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
 
Items can be dropped off at 636 Old Post Road between 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. 
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