Highlights From March 19 Ridgefield Board Of Selectpersons' Meeting

**News Release Submitted by Town of Ridgefield**

March 21, 2025

Highlights from this week’s Board of Selectpersons (BOS) Meeting:

• Several residents shared their concerns regarding the unknown plans for the property near Candees Pond off Branchville Road, which has recently been cleared of almost all its trees. Despite speculation about the owner’s intentions for the property, there has been no official communication from the owner. It is important to note that the Board of Selectpersons has no authority over what can and cannot be done on the property. The PZC and IWB hear and decide on special permit applications based on their regulations and Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD), as well as state statutes and other laws. In response to concerns, members of the Board of Selectpersons emphasized the importance of being vocal to other Boards, Committees, and Commissions (BCCs) in addition to the BOS, and advocating at both the local and state levels. Barbara Manners delivered a compelling message, reminding people that there are BCCs, such as the PZC, that do not report to the First Selectperson or the BOS; these entities consist of positions that are elected by the residents, not appointed by the BOS. Your voice is important; make it heard by attending meetings and/or emailing the appropriate BCC. If you are interested in joining a Board, Committee, or Commission, keep an eye out for openings, which are shared here at Inside Town Hall, on social media, and posted on the Town website.
• Congratulations to Colette Kabasakalian on her appointment to the Commission on Aging (CoA). With two recent resignations, the CoA has been searching for new members to fill their vacancies.
• Bridge Street Premium Ice Company has been approved for another year of vending in Ridgefield. Under the Town Charter, vendors must obtain a permit from the Board of Selectpersons annually and adhere to restrictions set forth in the Charter.
• There will be a public hearing and town meeting to vote on changes to the Tertiary Road Ordinance. A tertiary road is one that ends in a cul-de-sac or dead end. Currently, tertiary roads with no more than seven houses are permitted to be paved by the Town through the capital budget. Planning & Zoning now allows for up to five houses on an access way, which means the number of houses on a tertiary road could exceed seven, thereby restricting the Town’s use of capital funds for these roads under the current ordinance. Because tertiary roads have less traffic, they only need to be paved approximately every twenty or so years, which is why they are included in the capital budget. In contrast, high traffic roads, which get paved approximately every four to five years, are funded through the operating budget. The BOS agreed to remove the seven house maximum, but maintain the 1,400-foot limit on road length. Stay tuned for details on the public hearing and town meeting.
• Every year, the BOS must approve a resolution for an Emergency Management Performance Grant from the state of Connecticut. These funds are used to help with emergency preparedness planning for the Town of Ridgefield, and provide a small stipend for the Director of Emergency Management.
• Jackie Reelick from the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) has been assigned to administer a grant received through Congressman Himes’ office to study the connection between the Redding sewer plant and the pathway leading to Branchville. Originally, Ridgefield and Redding were both asked to contribute a local share of $25,000 toward the study of this connection. However, WestCOG has relieved both towns of that obligation. More details will follow as the study moves forward.