Newtown Selectmen Approve Police Chief Contract Pending Board Recommendation

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Selectmen on Oct. 20 approved a new contract for the town’s police chief, contingent on a positive recommendation from the Board of Police Commissioners, and reviewed results from a townwide facilities survey aimed at identifying potential cost savings and infrastructure needs.

The regular meeting, held in the Council Chambers at the Newtown Municipal Center, was led by First Selectman Jeff Capeci with Selectmen Embree Ku and Dan Cruson in attendance. It was called to order at 7:31 p.m.

Facilities Survey Findings

Facilities and Projects Manager Sean Heslin presented results from the Town of Newtown Facilities Survey, which was distributed to all municipal employees with town email addresses. The survey focused on six buildings: the Municipal Center, Community Center, Senior Center, Human Services, Public Works and the Animal Control Facility.

Heslin said the information gathered will guide maintenance priorities and future investments. He also noted that the town’s FMX Building Management System is helping officials track issues and identify potential cost savings across departments.

Police Chief Contract

Selectmen voted to approve a new contract for the police chief, but the motion was amended after discussion to make the approval conditional on a formal recommendation from the full Board of Police Commissioners.

Selectman Ku expressed concern that only the commission’s chair and vice chair had been consulted, while Cruson agreed that the full board should weigh in. The amended motion passed unanimously. Capeci said he would notify the Police Commission chair and request the item be added to their next agenda.

Finance Update

Finance Director Glenys Salas reviewed the town’s financial position as of Sept. 30, detailing General Fund and Enterprise Fund activity. She reported that budget trends remain stable.

Reappointments and Tax Refunds

The board unanimously reappointed Terry Sagedy and Brook Clark to the Fairfield Hills Authority for terms expiring July 31, 2028. Selectmen also approved tax refunds totaling $9,127.13.

No driveway bond releases or voter comments were recorded during the meeting.

First Selectman’s Report

Capeci updated the board on several ongoing projects, including negotiations over the sale of 3 Main Street, streambed restoration along the Pootatuck River, and the C.H. Booth Library HVAC project, which remains on schedule and within budget.

He also said progress continues on plans for a ground lease involving the Shelton and Kent Houses at the Fairfield Hills campus and discussions with the railroad over the NRCS stream restoration plan.

In correspondence, Capeci noted responses to Freedom of Information requests, a resident complaint about the Building Department, and inquiries regarding updates to disabled veteran tax exemptions.

Land and Legal Matters

After entering executive session with Town Attorney Jason Buchsbaum to discuss strategy concerning potential claims related to the Pootatuck River, the board returned to public session without taking action.

Capeci reported that work continues with the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services regarding 6 Commerce Road, a parcel with a complicated ownership history involving lot line changes, a small land sale, and the installation of solar arrays. He said the matter could take time to resolve.

Announcements

Capeci reminded residents that early voting began Oct. 20 and runs through Nov. 2, with extended hours on Oct. 28 and 30. He also announced a Nov. 10 event at Newtown High School honoring World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veterans, featuring presentation of Victory Medals by the lieutenant governor.

The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.