Moderator Jeffrey Steele and the Fairfield Representative Town Meeting did more than approve new recycling laws at Monday nights session. Heres a summary of other actions the towns legislative body took at its monthly meeting:
? The RTM approved a $100,000 project to remove and replace the oil tank at Holland Hill Elementary School. The old model, installed in 1978, is past the states 30-year limit and needed to come out of the ground. The Board of Selectmen will decide whether to install a new tank or continue burning only natural gas at the school.
What it means to you: Because the RTM decided to start the process now, the project should be finished once school resumes in September. So the towns taxpayers will avoid paying fines to the state for the outdated tank. If the selectmen decide to replace the tank, Holland Hill will have a backup plan if the schools natural gas lines fail.
? Republican RTM members asked to delay a decision on funding repairs to the front entrance of Tomlinson Middle School, citing a lack of detailed information from the Board of Education on how much the project would cost. The RTM will now vote on the $250,000 to pay for the renovations next month.
What it means to you: The renovation plan would remove and replace rotting ceiling supports in the schools front entrance, along with five doors that do not close properly. Fairfield Public Schools Director of Operations Thomas Cullen said the repairs would fix a pressing safety issuethe beams are in danger of falling on students or teachers, and the broken doors pose a fire hazard. The town has not ruled out the project, but because of the delay it will not be finished when school resumes in the fall.
? The RTM rejected a new contract with the towns middle managers union set to take effect from July until 2013. Most members who rejected the contract were concerned that the 36 employees it covers would not pay enough toward their medical insurance.
What it means to you: Acting First Selectman Sherri Steeneck, or her replacement, will now attempt to renegotiate a deal with the union. If they succeed, the move should save taxpayers money over the next three years. If not, the contract will go to arbitration, which could end up costing the town even more.
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