Newtown Selectmen Review Aquarion Road Repair Funding, Google Meet Rollout, and FOIA Complaints

NEWTOWN, CT — At its Aug. 4 meeting, the Newtown Board of Selectmen discussed a range of topics including union negotiations, infrastructure funding from Aquarion Water Company, digital meeting access, and Freedom of Information Act concerns raised by a resident.

First Selectman Jeff Capeci reported that Aquarion Water Company had agreed to a $106,065 contribution to cover road paving costs related to recent utility work. The one-time payment will help offset pavement damage caused during infrastructure improvements.

Capeci also outlined recent progress in implementing Google Meet for public meeting access. The town’s IT director created step-by-step instructions for hosting large virtual meetings, with a test run scheduled for the Legislative Council's upcoming session. Officials are still working on developing a broader policy to govern virtual access across commissions.

Ongoing union contract negotiations were also discussed. Capeci stated that the Department of Public Works agreement had been finalized, and he expected signed documents before the board’s next meeting on Aug. 18. Lease negotiations with Winn Development have concluded, and final documentation will soon be submitted for Board of Selectmen and Legislative Council approval.

Resident David Ackert submitted multiple communications regarding several concerns. In public comment, he criticized the town’s delay in fulfilling a FOIA request related to a March invitation from the W3R organization and raised issues about a new policy restricting vehicles registered to businesses from using the town transfer station. Ackert argued that residents with agricultural business vehicles should be granted exemptions, and requested clarity on how to apply for one. He also inquired about a formal policy supporting remote public access to meetings.

Capeci noted that the Town Attorney had filed a motion to dismiss in the case of Van Eric Thompson et al. vs. Board of Selectmen and the Town of Newtown. The plaintiff has requested an extension to respond.

Additional correspondence included letters from Capeci to FEMA regarding funding to address damage at the Housatonic Railroad Bridge, as well as communications with the Natural Resources Conservation Service on riverbank stabilization efforts. A request for support was received from the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association to convert an existing vehicle to a non-transport paramedic unit.

The town's new Facilities Director recently distributed a survey to department heads to assess space needs across municipal buildings. Results are being compiled for further analysis.

Capeci also shared plans for an upcoming ceremony to honor local veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars, organized by the Town Clerk.

The Board did not act on the redlined DPW contract during this meeting but is expected to do so later in the month. An update regarding the Center for Technology and Research (CTR) — the company that identifies out-of-town registered vehicles that should, by law, be registered in Newtown — was postponed to the next meeting.