Newtown Selectmen Approve Transfer Station Policy, Review HVAC Funds And More

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Selectmen approved a revised transfer station policy and reviewed funding issues tied to community center upgrades and school facilities during a special meeting held June 24 at the Municipal Center.

The board adopted a set of updates to the town’s Transfer Station Policy, incorporating changes approved by the Recycling Ad Hoc Committee. Among the revisions were provisions for synthetic feed bags from town farms, which will now be repurposed or disposed of at the discretion of facility management. Emergency responders will also be provided a fixed annual allotment of town-approved trash bags.

Adjustments were made to policy language during the meeting before the board unanimously approved the amended version.

In other business, the selectmen revisited the lease agreement with the Children’s Adventure Center. Finance Director Glenys Salas noted that the town has provided $84,000 in rent relief to the center in exchange for $27,000 in building improvements. The town also pays approximately $50,000 in annual utility costs. The board approved the motion to keep the current agreement in place.

The selectmen also reexamined the pending return of unused capital non-recurring funds for the Newtown Community Center’s HVAC project. The discussion followed questions raised by Selectman Michelle Embree Ku regarding budget contingencies and the absence of a signed contract. With a 5 percent contractor contingency and an additional 10 percent town contingency, the project currently holds about 25 percent in reserves. Officials noted that a low bidder had been disqualified, triggering a legal claim that has delayed progress.

Community Center Director Matt Ariniello said the project is scheduled during a routine shutdown to minimize revenue loss. Ultimately, the board agreed to hold off on reallocating any funds until a contractor is finalized.

The board also appointed Betsy Paynter to fill a vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Earlier in the evening, a resident expressed concern over possible premature fund reallocation, arguing that other projects had not returned funding prior to contract execution.

The meeting concluded with reports that the town's unassigned fund balance is projected to stand at 8.87 percent at the end of fiscal year 2025. Finance officials noted ongoing revenue concerns, including the bankruptcy of 9 Covered Bridge Road and a reduced state payment for the prison property, alongside a growing sewer fund deficit.

The Board of Selectmen adjourned at 8:48 p.m.