CONNECTING FAIRFIELD

News You Need from First Selectman Bill Gerber

Police Department Press Conference

Announcing Street Takeover Arrests

Pictured left to right: Officer Renaldi, Officer Ardizzone, Officer Nadeau, Sergeant McGrath, and Captain Michael Paris (Field Services Division Commander) who brought together the task force.

More information in the newsletter below.

Photo by Jenna Wellington

June 19, 2025

Dear Fairfielders,

I’m thrilled to report that the Town has had our Triple A ratings reaffirmed and, on a related note, that we had positive results from our bond offerings yesterday. In advance of our bond sales yesterday, both Moody’s and Fitch reaffirmed their highest ratings for the Town of Fairfield’s 20-year general obligation bonds, including Aaa for the Town’s approximately $45.3 million, 2025 Bond Issue, and MIG 1 for the Town’s $9.25 million Bond Anticipation Notes (BAN).

Moody’s cited the following rationale: Fairfield’s “very strong financial management and conservative budgeting which have resulted in consistently balanced financial operations”, “low long-term liabilities”, the Town’s “strong and stable local economy with very low unemployment”, and resident incomes that are approximately twice the national median. and the Town’s “financial resilience” as contributing factors to the Town’s credit outcome. 

Here's the official information sent to the press:

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Town officials announced positive results from recent $45,300,000 New Money Bond and $9,250,000 Note sales, both of which yielded competitive interest rates on the strength of excellent credit reviews from Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, two of the three major Wall Street Rating Agency firms.

First Selectman Bill Gerber stated, "We’re thrilled with these results, as they allow us to keep debt service costs low and ease the financial strain on our taxpayers."

The Bond sale was very competitive. There were fourteen bidders, including such well-respected firms as Janney Montgomery Scott, Raymond James, Piper Sandler, Hilltop Securities and Bank of America, among others.  Janney Montgomery Scott made the winning bid, with an offer of 3.69%. The bids from the top five firms fell within a narrow range of only three (3) basis points (0.03%) indicating a stable market with strong demand for the Town’s bonds.

The proceeds from these bonds and notes will be used to finance several projects, including general-purpose, school, and sewer initiatives, with the most significant being the Air Conditioning installation at a number of the schools in town, along with roof replacements at various school buildings and a wide array of other capital projects.

A total of six bids were submitted for the Notes, with the winning rate of 2.93% made by Jefferies LLC. The settlement date for the sale is July 3rd, after which the funds become available to the Town.

“The success of these sales was bolstered by the Town’s exceptional credit ratings," emphasized Matthew Spoerndle, a Senior Managing Director of Phoenix Advisors and Fairfield's municipal advisor. He added, “The Town’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and the economic vibrancy of the community overall helped contribute to these excellent results for Fairfield taxpayers!"

As always, I value your feedback and thoughts about our Town. You can email me here or call my office at 203-256-3030.

Bill Gerber

First Selectman

QUICK HITS: What's In This Newsletter



THINGS YOU NEED-TO-KNOW



CT Siting Council Straw Vote on UI Monopoles Denies the Application

• Our voices were heard: At the Connecticut Siting Council's (CSC) June 12 meeting, a majority voted to deny United Illuminating's (UI) application to install massive overhead monopoles through Fairfield and Bridgeport. Hundreds of Fairfield and Bridgeport residents had joined the meeting on Zoom.

• In the meeting, CSC Vice Chair John Morrisette called for a straw vote of Siting Council members to reconsider UI's original proposal to install overhead monopoles to the south of the Metro North train tracks.

• The non-binding straw vote resulted in four votes to deny the application, two votes to approve, and one abstention. Following the vote, Morrisette instructed Siting Council members to draft a formal opinion.

• There will be a final vote on June 26.

• Bill Gerber made the following statement: "We are gratified that the Siting Council listened to the concerns of Fairfield residents, business owners, civic organizations, community leaders, and State legislators," he said. "We believe that, in this day and age, any utility company like United IIluminating must plan for the long term to develop technology and expertise to bury transmission lines underground in an efficient and cost-effective way. 'Undergrounding' will improve storm resiliency of the electric grid, increase the conservation of land and improve economic stability."

Upcoming Town Charter Revisions Public Meeting

• Special Board of Selectmen (BOS) Meeting

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 – Conference Room Next to Health Dept., First Floor Independence Hall, 725 Old Post Road – 5:00 pm. 

The BOS will hold a special meeting to vote on any recommendations to the Charter Revision Commission.

Public Comment will be taken with this item.

• All remaining meetings required per the Timeline will be announced in an upcoming Newsletter. 

• Proposed changes to the Town Charter will appear as questions on the November 4, 2025, Election Ballot. 

Fairfield Police Department Unit Citation Awarded for Outstanding Investigative Work

• The Fairfield Police Commission has awarded the Unit Citation to four members of the Fairfield Police Department for their exceptional work in the investigation following the Stop & Shop parking lot takeover incident in May.

• Sergeant John McGrath, Officer Jordan Nadeau, Officer Anthony Renaldi, and Officer Nicholas Ardizzone were part of a dedicated task force formed to identify the primary agitators behind the dangerous and unlawful gathering. Thanks to their commitment and attention to detail, the task force successfully built a case and brought charges against multiple individuals involved.

• Their work exemplifies the professionalism and dedication that keeps Fairfield safe.

• Pictured left to right: Officer Renaldi, Officer Ardizzone, Officer Nadeau, Sergeant McGrath, and Captain Michael Paris (Field Services Division Commander) who brought together the task force.

Library Migrating to New System: Services Affected June 20 - June 22

• In an ongoing effort to offer the highest quality library services to Fairfield, the library is migrating to a new library system to register patrons, check books in and out, send notices, and keep track of where items are. Patrons use this system to place holds, search the catalog, and review their account.

• We will be shutting down services from the old system as we get closer to the new system "go-live" date of June 23.

• The library buildings will be open June 20 and June 21, however there will be no circulation or catalog services, including placing holds, checking items in or out, paying fines, or accessing the catalog.

• Services will resume with the new system on Monday, June 23. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Property Revaluation Update: Help Keep Your Information Accurate

• The Assessor’s Office and the First Selectman encourages all residents to promptly return the Data Mailers recently sent to confirm key details about your property.

Why Your Response Matters:

• ✅ Ensures the accuracy of your property information
• 💰 Helps reduce the overall cost of the revaluation process
• 🚫 Avoids the need for an in-person inspection by Tyler Technologies staff

• The first round of data mailers has been sent to all residential property owners. A second round will be mailed soon to those who have not yet responded.
• If you do not respond, a physical inspection of your property will be made.
• Please take a moment to review and return your Data Mailer today. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and helps make this process more efficient for everyone.
• Find everything you need to know about property revaluation here.



Wastewater Sludge Management and Change in Composting Options

• Since 1988, the Fairfield Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) has operated a composting facility for anaerobically digested biosolids (treated sludge) that were mixed with the Town's brush and wood waste. Certified by the U.S. Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance, it was used throughout the Northeast for various applications such as soil blending, roadside reseeding projects, and golf course top dressing.

• Fairfield's contractor, WeCare Denali, was in charge of compost curing, screening, and marketing, and even paid the Town a percentage of revenues from the compost sales.

• A change in how we manage wastewater sludge was mandated due to PFAS found in Fairfield's biosolids. Under State of Connecticut's PA 24-59 effective October 1, 2024: "No person shall use, sell or offer for sale in this state as a soil amendment any biosolids or wastewater sludge that contain PFAS." The presence of PFAS in our Town's wastewater sludge is not unusual but rather reflects a nationwide occurrence due to the widespread historical use of these substances.

• According to the EPA, "PFAS are widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment. PFAS are found in water, air, fish, and soil at locations across the nation and the globe."

• When the new state law went into effect, Fairfield had to stockpile its compost. That extra storage space started filling up and was projected to run out within about six months. WPCA staff contracted for emergency removal/trucking services and by March had moved approximately 2,500 cubic yards of accumulated compost out of state at a cost of around $250,000.

• Fairfield also entered into an emergency contract to dispose of its sludge cake at an estimated cost of $850,000 per year, going primarily to a landfill in Pennsylvania.

• The WPCA has initiated a bio-drying pilot program. If successful, the drying operation will open up other potential options and reduce transportation and disposal costs. Hopes are high that the more energy efficient bio-drying process will significantly reduce--up to 65%--the amount of solids that have to be moved.

• The Town is considering performing a PFAS source identification study, including looking at former industrial sites within the collection system.

• A grant brought to the Town by State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey will help to defray the costs of the study. That grant was identified by the Town's lobbying firm, Rome Smith Kowalski, in a synergistic combination of needs assessment.

• In addition, the Town has engaged with a law firm to join in a multi-jurisdictional lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers for environmental and health impacts from PFAS contamination, inclusive of operational impacts on its Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF).



Heading to the Beach? Please Don't Park at Town Hall/History Center

• The Town and the History Museum kindly request anyone going to the beach to NOT park in the Old Town Hall, Sullivan Independence Hall and the History Museum parking lots. Those spaces are needed for Town Hall employees, people needing services at the Town buildings, and visitors to the Museum. Thank you!

Needs Assessment Survey to bring "Fridgefield" to Fairfield

• The students at Fairfield Public Schools' Walter Fitzgerald Campus are working with the Sacred Heart University Physical Therapy Department to potentially bring "Fridgefield" to Fairfield.

• Fridgefield would be a joint refrigerator and food pantry serving those in need, similar to "Fridgeport" in Bridgeport.

• Please help the students determine the need for Fridgefield by taking the assessment survey here.

HARD HAT AREAS: COMPLETE STREETS

Questions about your neighborhood street project?

The Engineering Department's website lists detailed information on all street projects.

You can find more details for Engineering projects here.

Contact the Fairfield Traffic Authority (FTA) here.

McKinley School Improved Access for Pedestrians

• The Town has received the 30% preliminary plans for the First Phase and will be holding a Public Information meeting in July: Date will be announced soon.



Traffic Signal Installation at 5151 Park Avenue

New traffic signal installation is underway at 5151 Park Avenue; construction will take 4-5 months to complete.

Perry Green in Southport

• Hydroseeding and irrigation have now been completed, and the park is open to the public for the summer.

Redding Road Roundabout

• The Engineering team is working on a retrofit that will take place this summer, contingent on contractor schedule.

Want to receive emails about this project? Sign up for your RTM District emails:

If you vote at Mill Hill Elementary School, you are District 1. Sign up here.

If you vote at Burr Elementary School, you are District 2. Sign up here.

HARD HAT AREAS: CAPITAL PROJECTS

News from the Capital Projects Group



The Capital Projects Group leads the planning, execution, and delivery of major capital projects that shape the future of the Town of Fairfield. Our work focuses on high-impact investments—ranging from infrastructure improvements to town-wide facility upgrades and significant capital acquisitions—ensuring these projects are completed efficiently, responsibly, and with long-term community value in mind.



Want to know more about what Capital Projects is working on in Town?

See Our Projects on Our Webpage!

Fairfield Beach Pump Station

• Borings for Geotechnical Analysis are anticipated to take place from 6/23 to 6/26.

TOWN EVENTS



Town of Fairfield Juneteenth Proclamation

• On Juneteenth, we reflect on our shared history and recommit ourselves to making Fairfield a Town where everyone is respected, valued and free.

Town of Fairfield Celebrates Cultural District Designation

• Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) announced approval of Fairfield’s application to create a Cultural District in a ceremony at the Sacred Heart University Theatre on June 10.

• The approved district, which encompasses Fairfield’s vibrant downtown and its historic town green, includes many diverse attractions, including the Fairfield Theatre Company, the Burr Mansion, Art/Place Gallery, the SHU Community Theatre, the Fairfield Museum and History Center, Fairfield County StoryLab, Three Roses Studio, Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts, the George Billis Gallery and The Studio Fairfield, among others. 

• "Today’s announcement showcases the talent, culture, beauty, and history that strengthen the unique character of Fairfield,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “I’m so incredibly excited to welcome the Town of Fairfield’s new cultural district to our growing list of cultural assets across the state. Congratulations to Fairfield and to all who made this designation possible!” 

• Cultural Districts are walkable areas of a city or town that feature numerous cultural facilities, activities and/or assets. These vibrant areas draw visitors from other towns and states and serve as a hub for residents to congregate and interact.

DON'T MISS THESE EVENTS



Make Music Day, June 21, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

• Make Music Fairfield, now in its 8^th year, will take place on Saturday, June 21 at venues all over Fairfield & Southport from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Make Music Fairfield is music performed by anyone, enjoyed by everyone. Learn more here.

Safe Streets Expert Panel Discussion, Main Library, June 25, 6:30 p.m.

• Are you concerned about traffic and street safety in Fairfield? Fairfield adopted the Vision Zero Pledge in December 2024--an important initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries through smarter planning and community collaboration, but what does that mean for Fairfield?

• Come find out at an expert panel discussion on June 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fairfield Main Library. You'll learn what Vision Zero is and what Fairfield is doing to drive it forward.

• You'll have a chance to ask questions and give feedback through interactive activities and direct conversation.

• This event is hosted by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee in partnership with Sustainable Fairfield, the Fairfield Public Library, and the Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance, as part of the Sustainability and Inclusive Growth Speaker Series. Let's work together to create streets that protect all road users!

Independence Day Fireworks, July 5, 9:15 p.m.

• Get ready to light up the night! Join us for Fairfield’s biggest summer celebration.

Pequot Library 4th of July Bike Parade, 10 a.m. - Noon

• Celebrate the founding of our nation with the annual Pequot Library 4th of July Bike Parade! Bring your festively decorated bike, scooter, or wagon to Five Corners in Southport Village and parade to the Great Lawn for some fun and games.

• Face painting, sack races, hula hoop contest, and crafts.

• Free Super Duper Weenie hot dogs. Ice cream and drinks available.

• Free and open to the public. All ages welcome. No registration required.

EYES ON FAIRFIELD



Horse on Merwins Lane

Photo by Joseph Walewski

• The following is from the Fairfield Bridle Trails Association's (FBTA) Website:

• In 1938, when FBTA began, Fairfield was an agricultural community mostly untouched by urbanization and highways. Unpaved roads outnumbered “improved” ones, school buses were pulled by horses, and riding to Weston for the afternoon was considered a short hack. Some residents still went about by horse and buggy, and the trolley line carried them to Bridgeport.  Most of Greenfield Hill was the stoutly paneled hunting country of the Fairfield County Hounds.

• Construction of the Merritt Parkway just prior to World War II cut the trail system in half and put an end to fox hunting. In the early 1950’s, Chester LaRoche, MFH, realized the character of the town was changing, and the people who understood the ways of horses and hounds were being replaced by subdivisions and city dwellers. LaRoche saw the need for FBTA to become a liaison between riders and landowners to keep private land open for riding.

• You can find more information about FBTA here.

Eyes on Fairfield is 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.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EMAILS

We've created ten different email lists for the ten RTM districts so that you can receive Town Updates from time to time that are specific to your area of Town. If you don't know what district you're in--not to worry--see the link below that will take you to a search by street to identify it for you. Then click on the district link below that, give us your email, and you'll be sure to hear the news specific to your area of Town.

Find your district here.

District One: Sign Up Here

District Two: Sign Up Here

District Three: Sign Up Here

District Four: Sign Up Here

District Five: Sign Up Here

District Six: Sign Up Here

District Seven: Sign Up Here

District Eight: Sign Up Here

District Nine: Sign Up Here

District Ten: Sign Up Here ri 1District 2District 3District 4District 5District 6District 7District 8District 9District 10

BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS

Current Openings

Per the Town Charter, Board and Commission members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen (BOS), the First Selectman, or, in some cases, both the BOS and the Representative Town Meeting. Read more about the process and how to apply here.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee:

Seeking one resident from any political party except Democrat to serve a term from 11/21- 11/25.

Learn more about this Committee here.

Ethics Commission:

Seeking one resident from any political party to serve a term from 7/25 - 7/27.

Learn more about this Commission here.

Flood and Erosion Control Board

Seeking one alternate to serve the term of 11/24-11/25 and after that term, will be eligible for a three-year term. Residents from any political party can apply.

Learn more about this Board here.

Land Acquisition Commission

Seeking one resident from any political party to serve the remainder of the term 11/21-11/25

Learn more about this Commission here.

Questions? Please contact Deputy Chief of Staff Jennifer Carpenter at 203-256-3095 or jcarpenter@fairfieldct.org.

Board of Selectman Meetings



The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 25 at 4:00 p.m.

Meetings are held in Independence Hall and open to the public. You can attend in person or by tuning into FairTV's YouTube channel here. You can view recorded meetings here or read minutes of previous meetings here.



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