FAIRFIELD, Conn. Monday nights Representative Town Meeting session started on a happy note with members of Stratfield Schools state champion Odyssey of the Mind teams leading the Pledge of Allegiance in honor of their achievements. But the mood changed after Interim First Selectman Michael Tetreau revealed the possible $6.4 million price tag for the Fairfield Metro train station construction project.
Once the dust settled from Tetreaus bombshell, Moderator Jeffrey Steele and the towns legislators still had a full agenda. Heres a rundown of decisions the RTM made Monday night:
? It agreed to accept state grants for Adults and Children Together and the towns Department of Health totaling $73,700.
What it means for you: The funds all come from state grants, so there is no cost to Fairfield taxpayers. Adults and Children Together, Fairfields Substance Abuse Prevention Council, will use its $5,675 for anti-drug education programs for Fairfield students and parents.
The Health Department will use its grants for three programs. The Fairfield-Easton Medical Reserve Corps will get $5,000 to continue its work in emergency situations. A grant of $7,350 will fund a Weight Management and Nutrition Program open to all adults in Fairfield. The remainder, $55,655, will bolster the areas stockpile of vaccines and medications to prepare for bioterrorism or other public health emergencies.
? The RTM signed off on a plan to refinance $35 million of town debt. Chief Fiscal Officer Paul Hiller now has the authority to resell bonds from 2002 and 2004 for todays lower interest rates.
What it means to you: Lower interest rates mean lower debt service, which should either lower taxes or free up funds for town programs.
? RTM members Peter Ambrose (R-2) and Ann Stamler (D-5) proposed an ordinance requiring the RTM to sign off on contracts or agreements the first selectman makes with employee unions that cost the town more than $10,000. The measure will go to a vote as early as the July 25 meeting.
What it means to you: The idea behind the new law is to give the RTM more oversight of the First Selectmans agreements. While the law does not explicitly state that it would apply to deals like the one First Selectman Kenneth Flatto made with the state in 2010 that led to the recent controversy over the third train station, Town Counsel Eileen Kennelly said she would see if the RTM could legally make expand the ordinance to apply to those kinds of agreements.
Do you have questions about any of Fairfields town meetings? Send them to gcanuel@thedailyfairifeld.com.
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