Newtown Selectmen Review Infrastructure Update, Approve Tax Refunds

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Selectmen on Nov. 17 received updates on municipal infrastructure planning, approved tax refunds and heard outgoing First Selectman Jeff Capeci deliver farewell remarks at his final meeting in office.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., and opened without public comment. Selectmen unanimously approved minutes from Oct. 20 and later authorized $6,593.59 in property tax refunds.

Residents Air Concerns Over Blue Bags, Power Restoration

During the communications portion of the meeting, officials reviewed two resident messages submitted through the online contact portal. One echoed ongoing complaints about the quality of the town’s blue trash bags, while another expressed frustration over delayed power restoration after an outage in the Sandy Hook area. Both communications were entered into the record.

Selectman Michelle Embree Ku also submitted a written response to a Freedom of Information Act request regarding correspondence on short-term rentals, stating she had no such emails or messages during the requested period.

Infrastructure Committee Presents Progress Report

Representatives from the Town Building & Information Infrastructure Committee delivered an update on their ongoing master planning efforts. Slides presented during the meeting outlined work completed since the committee’s creation in August 2024, including:

• Assessing municipal building conditions and technology systems.
• Reviewing data governance needs.
• Evaluating capacity, usage and future demand for facilities and information technology.

Upcoming work includes completing a townwide facilities study, finishing the school district’s facilities master plan, and establishing a municipal IT support and governance structure. The committee also recommended developing a long-term IT plan to modernize operations and improve service efficiency.

Capeci Delivers Farewell Message

Capeci, who is leaving office after completing his term, delivered a written farewell thanking municipal staff, volunteers and community members. He highlighted the town’s efforts to manage economic pressures, maintain financial stability and invest in infrastructure and schools.

He also expressed appreciation for Selectmen Dan Cruson and Michelle Embree Ku, noting what he described as a collaborative and productive working relationship.

Closing Announcements

Embree Ku thanked staff for preparing meeting materials and praised town finance officials for their clarity and diligence during budget discussions. She also commended Capeci for his service.

With no further business, the board adjourned at 8:15 p.m.