Connecting Fairfield
News from First Selectman Bill Gerber
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A Visit to the Police Marine Unit
First Selectman Bill Gerber made a visit to the Police Marine Unit, responsible for patrolling Long Island Sound and the waters of Fairfield. From left to right, Captain Hector Irizarry; First Selectman Bill Gerber; Marine Unit Officer Edward Terifay; Marine Unit Officer Keith Perham; Marina Coordinator Justin Cathcart, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Emergency Management Director David Becker. Not present on the day of the visit: Marine Unit Officer Walter Burke, and Marine Unit Alternate Officer Robert Braham.
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August 29, 2024
Dear Fairfielders,
We are embarking on a multi-year (likely multi-decade) program to improve Fairfield’s sewer system. For those of you who haven’t followed this topic, it is both complex and fascinating. A well-functioning sewer system is essential for Fairfield’s economy, environmental sustainability, and public health.
Many municipalities, like Bridgeport, are grappling with single, combined pipe systems that transport stormwater runoff and sewage together. While our systems are old and require significant investment, we should be grateful that at least Fairfield’s sewer pipe system (or “collection system”) is separated!
The over 200-mile collection system and processing plant on One Rod Highway comprise the lion’s share of the assets overseen by the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA). The WPCA is a seven-member board of very dedicated volunteers, and we are so fortunate to have a civil engineer, Matt Manchisi, as the chairperson at this crucial time. Other members have significant business, finance, and construction experience. One of the seven seats is automatically held by a Selectperson (currently, Christine Vitale).
The assets overseen by the WPCA are referred to as the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF). Just this week we welcomed to Fairfield our new WPCF General Manager, Michelle Gore (see more about Michelle below, a new Southport resident as well!). Michele will be the main point of contact with the WPCA, and she is fortunate to have a highly experienced WPCF Supervisor, John Bodie, and his team of dedicated professionals working with her. As an integral part of the Department of Public Works, Michelle will be reporting to our head of DPW, John Marsilio, who has been one of the architects of developing our system infrastructure transformation program.
While many of these numbers below are high-level estimates, they give a sense of the scope of investment needed. We currently have on our capital plan over $130 million worth of projects (excluding any offset from actual and potential grants):
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$47 million related to replace seven pump stations and their related “force mains." These are essential because not all pipes flow downhill at sufficient grade for gravity to do the work.
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$45 million to replace two major sewer lines called “trunk lines” and other pipelines. Some of these are so old that massive amounts of groundwater seep into the pipes and use up over 50% of the system capacity (the term for this is “inflow and infiltration”, or “I/I”).
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$7.5 million to address I/I other than that to be fixed by replacing the two trunk lines. These include faulty manhole covers and pipe joints; and
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$34 million to replace equipment at the plant that is reaching (or has reached) the end of useful life.
Of the many things our dedicated staff focuses on every day to make Fairfield’s municipal government work, I thought you might find it interesting that some of the priorities exist, literally, underground and (as is the goal) out of the public eye.
As always, I welcome your thoughts about life in Fairfield. You can reach me at firstselectman@fairfieldct.org or you can call my office at 203-256-3030.
Bill Gerber
First Selectman
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MOVING FAIRFIELD FORWARD
Town Government in Action
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Protecting Long Island Sound and Fairfield Waters
Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber made a visit last week to the Fairfield Police Marine Unit, located at the South Benson Marina. Responsible for patrolling Long Island Sound and the waters of Fairfield, the South Benson Marina is where the Unit's two boats, a SAFE Boats International 33' Full Cabin and a SAFE Boats International 23' Center Console, are berthed. Two Sea-Doo GTX Personal Watercrafts are also used to patrol and respond to emergencies.
Marine Unit officers respond to numerous types of calls on the water, handling emergency calls such as boaters in distress, sinking vessels, or vessel fires. They routinely search for missing boats or persons around the shoreline. Marine officers enforce all state and local boating laws and perform safety inspections of vessels. They also work with the U.S Coast Guard and other marine police units.
The Marine Unit is seasonal from April to November. In November, the Marine Unit officers return to the Field Services Bureau to fulfill patrol assignments. There are instances where the Marine Unit may be activated during the off season, which is why the SAFE Boat 33' stays in the water year-round. The staff of the Marine Unit includes Marine Unit Officer Keith Perham and Marine Unit Officer Edward Terifay, shown in photographs, and Marine Unit Officer Walter Burke and Marine Unit Alternate Officer Robert Braham, not present on the day of the visit.
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From left to right: Marina Coordinator Justin Cathcart, Marine Unit Officer Keith Perham
and Marine Unit Officer Edward Terifay
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Marine Unit Officer Keith Perham | |
Communicating with boats on the Sound | |
Marine Unit Officer Edward Terifay | |
Sea-Doo Personal Watercrafts | |
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First Selectman Bill Gerber on a Marine Unit patrol of Long Island Sound | |
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PRIMARY ISSUES FACING OUR TOWN
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Reminder of Property Owner's Responsibility: Keep the Right-of-Way Clear
Summer rain and heat results in quickly growing vegetation. The Town Code section 91-5 Removal of Hazardous Vegetation outlines the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the public right-of-way. "Every owner or possessor of land or a sidewalk within the right-of-way of the Town adjoining any street, road, highway or other public property shall cut or mow all bushes, hedges, weeds, thistles and briars growing on the street..."
You can access the complete code here. Keeping sidewalks and roadways clear help keep our community safe and accessible for everyone.
What is a Public Right-of-Way?
As a general rule, a Town's right-of-way is an easement for public travel. (An easement is a privilege or a right, distinct from ownership, to use in some way the land of another.) The right-of-way easement generally extends beyond the roadway and includes sidewalks, if any, and the area between the sidewalk and the paved road.
Thanks for keeping an eye on your right-of-way!
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Fairfield University Students Return as Classes Begin
As school begins for Fairfield children, university students will also be returning to class and Town. As a "Town and Gown" municipality, with "Town" referring to the full-time resident community and "Gown" referring to the academic community, we all benefit when we work together proactively. Ongoing conversations between the Town and Fairfield University regarding concerns about student activities in the beach area are designed to find solutions to problems and mutually agree upon priorities. With that in mind, please note the following:
Fairfield University students begin moving back onto campus: Aug. 30
Off campus students move in: Sept 1-2
Classes begin: Sept 3.
Move-In Monday, Sept 2: Road Closure and No Parking Zone in the Beach Area
To accommodate the anticipated influx of vehicles as students return to their residences in the beach area, please be advised of the following traffic measures, which will be in place on Monday, Sept 2 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or as otherwise necessary.
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Road Closure: Fairfield Beach Road will be closed to westbound traffic from Reef Road to Rowland Road. Vehicles must enter the beach area via Reef Road. Access to the Lantern Point area via the eastern end of Fairfield Beach Road will not be possible.
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No Parking and Tow Zones: No Parking and Tow Zones will be strictly enforced. Students have been asked to offload their vehicles and move them out of the designated offloading areas as quickly as possible to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
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Additional Parking: Veterans Park on Reef Road will be available as additional parking and staging for vehicles entering the area, should parking near residences be unavailable.
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Police Presence: Fairfield Police will be on-site assisting with traffic management to ensure a safe and efficient move-in process.
The Sea Grape has offered to let parents and students use their parking lot for drop off until their opening at 3 p.m., which should help ease congestion.
Plans for Student Gatherings: With students living back at the beach, outdoor student gatherings will occur. The first student party we're aware of will take place on Monday, Sept 2. Referred to as the White Out Party to mark the end of summer, this Labor Day party is not organized or sanctioned by the University but will have University funding for extra police presence, additional trash receptacles provided to students, and a planned beach cleanup.
Specific White Out Party Plans include:
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A robust police presence that will be patrolling the beach and adjacent streets not only to ensure public safety but to actively ticket students for breaking the law.
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A snow fence will be installed to mark the boundary between public and private land and to keep trash from washing into the Sound.
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Beach Trash barrels: placed on the private side of the beach.
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Street Trash barrels: placed along Reef Road and Fairfield Beach Road.
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A Town crew will clean the beach before high tide late on Monday night.
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A private company has been hired to clean the Lantern Point property above the high tide line.
While the Town cannot prohibit young adults from entertaining guests on their legally rented private property (which includes the beach in front of the home down to the high tide line) and while it is legal for 21-year-olds to drink alcohol on private property, underage drinking and drinking on the public beach are illegal and will be addressed by the Police Department.
The Town's Police and Fire Departments along with other support services have a responsibility to be adequately staffed and prepared for any event where a crowd of people gather, whether it is the Memorial Day parade, the Fourth of July fireworks, or a student beach party. The presence of uniformed officers is important to maintain order and provide assistance to both Town residents and students in case of public disturbances or medical emergencies. With the exception of Clam Jam in May, beach parties are student-run, not University sponsored, and require careful pre-planning to manage.
The Police have taken the following actions to prepare for the new school year:
- Met with University administration to review goals for the year and communication procedures
- Spoke at mandatory Zoom meeting for all students living off campus
- Met with Lantern Point private security officials regarding their role
- Sent a letter to area residents and bars/liquor stores setting out guidelines
- Sent a letter to all students and parents explaining expectations
The Town continues to engage in regular meetings with the University, beach resident organizations, beach area businesses, landlords, and emergency services to navigate the issues related to students living and gathering at the beach. Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation as we welcome back students.
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Connect with Conservation BEFORE
You Start a Project
To determine if activity on your property is regulated:
- Contact the Conservation Department and check your deed
- Your property may be regulated if it contains a watercourse, wetland soils, a buffer zone from adjacent wetlands, or a conservation easement to protect fragile natural resources.
- Note that wetlands may be present even if they seem dry.
- Regulated activities include any digging (even down 1 inch) or dumping (depositing any material in or around wetland areas.
Learn more here about whether your property is regulated, what you can do, and where you can do it.
Recreational Shellfish Bed Status
Notification System
In an attempt to streamline the process and make things a little easier for our Shellfish permitholders, the Conservation Department and Shellfish Commission have implemented a new status notification system. Gone are the days of calling the hotline or driving by the Sasco Beach guard shack to find out if the beds are open or closed. The new system will eliminate these two sources (often conflicting) and allow staff to update the status in virtual real-time through the Town website when the State issues notices.
You can check the Shellfish bed status here or on the Shellfish Commission Home Page (instructions shown below) or you find more information here.
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Take the Mill River Wetland Committee Water Pledge today
Do your part to help protect the watershed. Learn more here.
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Bill Gerber Shares Concerns About Sale of Aquarion to RWA
Eversource Energy has announced its intention to sell its subsidiary, Aquarion Water Company. One bidder is the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA), based in New Haven. First Selectman Bill Gerber attended a public hearing to consider the acquisition on Tuesday, August 27, held by the Representative Policy Board of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water District. You can read his remarks sharing his concerns about the acquisition here.
The Joseph Keane Fund For Those Who Experience Stillborn
and Newborn Loss
"Empty arms grieve the space where an infant should be...Devastated and confused parents wonder how they can ever recover."
Jess and Tim Keane visited the First Selectman's Office to talk about The Joseph Keane Fund For Those Who Experience Stillborn and Newborn Loss. The Joseph Keane Fund was named in memory of their son Joseph, who was delivered stillborn. Since 2012, the Fund has supported more than 300 families at Bridgeport Hospital as they grieved the unexpected loss of their babies. The program helps families cope after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or the loss of an infant.
The Fund provides memory boxes that offer special items including the baby's handprints, footprints, and photographs, reading materials to help families cope with grief, financial support for families who cannot afford a funeral for their child, and specialized training for perinatal bereavement for medical and clinical support staff throughout Yale New Haven Health System and across the country.
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Tim Keane has published a book, Sunrises in Motion, documenting a year of weekly sunrises he viewed from the beach from June 2021 to June 2022. Each page shares quotes, perspectives and metaphors related to the sun. A portion of the book's proceeds will go to The Joseph Keane Fund. The book is available on Amazon, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble, and at the Fairfield University Bookstore.
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September is National Service Dog Month
Gomez the Service Dog in Training visited the First Selectman's Office with Wendy DeMilt to raise awareness for September's designation as National Service Dog Month. Wendy, a Canine Companions volunteer who has raised three service dogs in her Fairfield home, petitioned Governor Lamont for the state's recognition of National Service Dog Month. The Governor's proclamation acknowledges Canine Companions as an organization improving the lives of disabled people with service dogs.
Canine Companions provides service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since their founding in 1975, the service dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to clients. A recent Netflix documentary called "Inside the Mind of a Dog" features Canine Companions and shares the story of the dogs' training and ultimate placement with their new partners. Congratulations, Wendy and Gomez, for bringing awareness to the importance of dogs as helpers to those in need!
|  | Gomez appears to be reading the proclamation from Governor Lamont. Service dogs are smart. | |
Fairfield Arts & Cultural District Designated by Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen adopted a resolution at the August 28 meeting establishing and seeking state recognition for a cultural district in downtown Fairfield. The state defines a cultural district as compact, walkable areas that serve as centers for artistic and cultural expression and represent places where community members congregate. An inventory of Fairfield's arts and cultural assets identified that a significant number of the Town's arts venues, creative businesses, historic sites and cultural assets are located within or in close proximity to Fairfield's downtown. See map below.
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MAKE THE CONNECTION
Two Important New Hires:
Director of Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center
General Manager of the Water Pollution Control Facility
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Joseph L. Gaudett, Jr: Director of Fairfield County
Regional Dispatch Center
We're pleased to announce the hiring of Joseph L. Gaudett, Jr as the new Director of the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center, which serves as our 911 emergency call center. With over 40 years of experience in law enforcement and telecommunications/technology consulting, Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this vital new role.
Joe most recently served as the Director of the City of Stamford's Emergency Communications Center (ECC), one of the busiest Public Safety Answering Points in Connecticut. Prior to his role in Stamford, Joe served as the Chief of Police for the City of Bridgeport, where he led a department of 360 sworn officers and 75 civilian employees.
Joe's appointment is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in Fairfield and across the region. His experience and leadership will benefit not only Fairfield but also our partner communities, ensuring that our first responders have the support and resources they need to keep our residents and community safe.
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Michelle Gore: General Manager of the Water Pollution Control Facility
We're pleased to welcome Michelle Gore to Fairfield as the new General Manager of the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF). She joins the Town from Fuss & O'Neill, a civil and environmental engineering firm. Prior to that, she spent two decades working with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection where she worked in all areas of field compliance, enforcement, and permitting within DEEP's Water Permitting and Enforcement and Waste Engineering Enforcement Divisions. Michelle has an M.S. in Environmental Engineering and Science from Stanford University, and a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Michelle is responsible for the management and operations of Fairfield's wastewater facilities and is the primary liaison to the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA). She will work directly with state and federal officials, as well as with Department of Public Works management to achieve and maintain regulatory and legal compliance and to work toward long term system sustainability. Michelle comes to Fairfield at a crucial time with many major WPCF construction projects planned. She will play a central role in planning and managing those projects.
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Joseph Gaudett, Director of the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center | |
Michelle Gore, General Manager of the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF). | |
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Local Taekwondo Students Won Gold at the Pan American Championships
Local students from World Taekwondo in Fairfield, owned by Master Kwangjin Ha, competed in the Pan Am Taekwondo Championships in Quertera, Mexico, and took home gold medals. With their gold medal win, they qualified to compete in the Pan Am Taekwondo Worlds to be held in Hong Kong in November 2024. The students met with First Selectman Bill Gerber and received Certificates of Recognition for their outstanding accomplishments. Congratulations to the team and their coach!
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Bill Gerber with Jake Ha, 8th grader at Roger Ludlowe Middle School. Gold Medal in Team Poomsae. | |
Bill Gerber with Kayden Ha, 5th grader at Mill Hill Elementary School. Two gold medals: Individual Poomsae and Individual Freestyle. | |
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DON'T MISS THESE EVENTS
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Pink Pledge 2024: Purchase a Banner by Sept 2
This October, you can sponsor a customized lamp post banner to help shine a light on breast cancer awareness. Whether you choose to honor a loved one or show your commitment to the cause, your contribution will help raise vital funds for the Norma Pfriem Breast Center. These banners will be displayed throughout downtown Fairfield and the Stratfield Village areas during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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Lincoln Parkapalooza, Saturday, Sept 7, 4:30-10:00 p.m.
You're invited to a day of music, food and community spirit at the fourth annual Lincoln Parkapalooza, benefitting the Stratfield Village Association (SVA). The goal of this event is to bring local musicians and neighborhoods together to celebrate and create a sense of community, while raising money for improvements to our neighborhood. Come rock out and help raise funds for the SVA. More information and get tickets here.
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Open VISIONS Forum: Lafayette National Symposium, Saturday, Sept 7
Lafayette and the Enduring Struggle for Human Rights and Democratic Government, Saturday, Sept 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., FREE: Registration Required.
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2nd Annual Fairfield Oktoberfest, Sept 14, 2-6 p.m.
The Town of Fairfield will host the 2nd annual Oktoberfest on Sept 14 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. in The Lot at FTC and Sanford Street Lot. This event is co-hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department, Experience Fairfield and Fairfield Theater Company.
A selection of seasonal beers, as well as local food trucks with festive food offerings will be on site. Commemorative Fairfield Oktoberfest t-shirts and steins will be available for purchase. Live music by Dennis Polisky & Maestro's Men and Fuzz & Friends will provide entertainment throughout the event. We'll see you there
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Annual Clam Clinic, Saturday, Sept 14, 1:30-3:00 p.m. | |
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Hazardous Waste Collection Day:
Saturday, September 28,
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Veteran's Park - 909 Reef Road
The Hazardous Waste Collection Day is held to allow residents to empty your homes of hazardous waste at no charge. Just load your car: your car will be emptied for you. Please check this list before arriving to see what items will be accepted.
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Eyes on Fairfield is your space, a place where community members can share memorable moments and highlight the beauty of our Town. Please send us your photos at firstselectman@fairfieldct.org, capturing Fairfield landscapes, events, and places with special memories. | |
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Sunrise, January 4
Photo by Tim Keane
This photo appears in Tim Keane's book, Sunrises in Motion, documenting the beauty of early morning sunrises at the beach. A portion of book proceeds will go to The Joseph Keane Fund at Yale New Haven Health.
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BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
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Here are the current vacancies for Town residents:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee: Learn more about this Committee here.
Charter Revision Commission: You can indicate your interest here.
Employees Retirement Board: Learn more about this Board here.
Ethics Commission: Learn more about this Commission here.
FairTV Commission: Learn more about this Commission here. A working knowledge of television production is helpful.
Flood and Erosion Control Board: Learn more about this Board here. Experience with riverine systems is desirable.
Parking Authority: Learn more about the Authority here.
Learn more about the Appointment Process here.
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Board of Selectman Meetings
The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 11 at 4:00 p.m. Meetings are held in Independence Hall and open to the public. You can attend either in person or on Webex. You can also read minutes of previous meetings here.
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Independence Hall
725 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
203-256-3030
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