Newtown Legislative Council Rejects Wi-Fi Grant, Backs Water Rate Increase

NEWTOWN, CT — The Legislative Council last week declined to accept a $601,000 state grant aimed at expanding public Wi-Fi, approved an increase in municipal water rates and received an overview of the town’s long-term capital plan during a regularly scheduled meeting.

Town Clerk Renee Weimann opened the Dec. 3 meeting at 7:30 p.m., after which members elected Laura Miller as chair and Chris Gardner as vice chair. Ben Ruben was the sole dissenting vote in the vice chair race after his own nomination fell short. Arlene Miles was appointed clerk. The council unanimously approved minutes from its previous meeting.

First Selectman Updates Council on FFH, Housatonic Lease, Stone Bridge and NYA

First Selectman Bruce Walczak reported that the town will forgo a grant for wireless internet expansion at Fairfield Hills and several parks because the IT Department deemed the project infeasible within the grant’s required timeline. He also said an updated agreement with Housatonic Railroad is complete, negotiations continue with the developer of Stone Bridge Trail, and a potential purchaser has emerged for the NYA Sports & Fitness Center — a transaction that could require a new lease under the terms of an earlier agreement.

Walczak said the town is considering reactivating the Recycling Ad Hoc Committee, and he noted that an updated deed for 6 Commerce Road will go before the Board of Selectmen before reaching the council. He also reported that the Community Center received a $50,000 award to support its café and nutritional programming.

Finance Director Reports Favorable Budget Trends

Finance Director Glenys Salas presented year-to-date financial figures, noting improved departmental budgets and projecting an unassigned fund balance near 9.4 percent. She also said department budget requests are trending lower than last year.

Council Withdraws Motion on $601K Wi-Fi Grant

A motion to accept the $601,329 state Community Wi-Fi Grant was withdrawn after Walczak advised against it, citing the tight timeline and concerns from the IT Director about feasibility. Some members expressed reluctance to leave grant funding on the table, but the withdrawal passed 8–4.

Water Rate Increase Partially Approved

The council approved the Water & Sewer Authority’s recommended user rate increase but limited its scope. Members voted 8–4 to amend the measure so that only the first increase — 6 percent effective Jan. 1, 2026 — will take effect. Future increases originally proposed for July 2026 and July 2027 will require separate council action. The amended motion passed 10–2.

Public Works Director Fred Hurley said capital needs and operational stability drove the request, noting that rates have not risen since 2019.

Council Backs Town Clerk Salary, Hears CIP Presentation

The council unanimously approved the town clerk salary as presented in the 2026 budget, despite acknowledgment that the pay is roughly 10 percent above that of surrounding towns.

Representatives from the Board of Finance outlined the 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, including funding timelines and priority projects across municipal departments and schools.

2026 Meeting Calendar Adopted

Members approved the 2026 meeting calendar with two date changes: the Feb. 18 meeting moves to Feb. 25, and the April 1 meeting moves to April 8.

Public Comment

Resident Aidan Music raised concerns about medical self-insurance costs, speed camera enforcement, the future of Fairfield Hills buildings and public understanding of tax changes.

The meeting adjourned at 10:36 p.m.