CONNECTING FAIRFIELD

News You Need from First Selectman Bill Gerber

Eyes on Fairfield: The Newly Re-Opened Penfield Pavilion

Photo by Anthony Calabrese

Fairfield Chief of Community Services

May 8, 2025

Dear Fairfielders,

On Monday, the RTM approved Fairfield’s fiscal year 2025-2026 budget of $383.9 million. This amount translates into an increase in the mill rate over last year of 1.77 percent, well below the annualized inflation rate. It will be some time before we know how this year’s increase stacks up against other Connecticut municipalities, but we expect to be among the lowest. Next year the mill rate should actually decrease, an anomaly driven by incorporation into the grand list of updated (higher) real estate market values from Fairfield’s state-mandated revaluation currently underway. 

I’ve always asked our taxpayers to not focus solely on the mill rate, which incorporates several factors not directly related to how efficiently your government performs. Well informed taxpayers should dig a little deeper and look at the context within which the budget was created (for example, the rate of inflation). We were faced with a historic initial $14.7 million (6.68%) increase request from the Board of Education, which comprises nearly two-thirds of the total Town budget.

I do not believe that many Fairfielders could accept a tax increase of that magnitude. ‘Sharpening our pencils’ included many difficult actions, including going out to bid for a new health insurance provider that ultimately allowed the Town side of the budget to keep health insurance costs flat. 

In the end, our work resulted in departments not getting everything they asked for, but I am confident that the Town has everything it needs to operate successfully. In this budget, we were able to add five new police officers, the most significant increase for the Police Department in decades. We also funded a crucial safety position by adding a second safety officer in the Fire Department. 

Our Administration is looking beyond “business-as-usual” in Town Hall. Over the past year, we have made some tough decisions, implemented some significant changes and invested in things that will benefit residents for years to come.

Among the plans we have for underutilized facilities, here are a few of note:

•  Investment in our Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center located on the campus of Sacred Heart University to create the level of service and capacity needed to bring additional municipalities on board. Without investment in a very experienced call center leader and sufficient, trained staff, the FCRD was not in a position to reach the economies of scale that would ultimately benefit Fairfield.

•  Overseen by Chief of Community Services, Anthony Calabrese, transforming the former Pilot House facility at 240 Colony Street Fairfield into an adaptive recreation center bustling with a wide range of programs and activities for children and adults with disabilities;

• Under the guiding hand of Conservation Director Tim Bishop, and in partnership with several local organizations, creating programs involving conservation and environmental sciences at our new “Nature’s Classroom” (the actual name is to be determined) located on our newly acquired Sturges Road properties along the Mill River.

• Made possible by the dissolution of the Parking Authority, utilizing the main sections of the Train Station Houses normally closed to the public, for some combination of non-profit, educational, philanthropic, or commercial purposes.

We have been focused on implementing realignments and changes in Town processes that will allow our valued employees to be more productive. Among these include the following:

• The new Capital Projects group, which is a strategic realignment of existing positions to create a more streamlined, cost-effective project oversight over the millions of dollars spent on buildings, infrastructure and schools.

• Outsourcing of payroll, including time and attendance, by implementing a system called Paycom. This will reduce the manual work and time spent on onboarding, offboarding, tracking of hours, vacation and sick time, implementation of new collective bargaining agreements, and more.

• A contract management system that will enhance the purchasing department’s bid and contract award process, and monitor the status of contracts.

I’m proud of the work done by our Administration to ensure that we can continue to operate the Town and deliver resident services at a reasonable cost. I’m grateful to the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and Representative Town Meeting members for their careful budget review and constructive discussions.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of Fairfield’s mothers, grandmothers, and those who act as mothers for others. It’s so important to show our appreciation for mothers and the important work they do in our families and in our community.

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



RWA's Planned Purchase of Aquarion Water Company

• On May 7, the Town filed for intervenor status in the planned purchase of the Aquarion Water Company by the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA).

• Our Concerns: the pending transaction may result in significant increases in water rates for Town residents. PURA has played a crucial role in regulating water rates for the protection of residents but would be replaced with a self-regulating structure that could have devastating rate consequences.

• There is potential for a substantial decrease in Town tax revenue. The Town would receive Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT payments) rather than the current assessment process which includes periodic property revaluations. Aquarion is one of the Town's largest taxpayers and any material reduction in tax revenue would have a negative impact on Town services.

• There is uncertainty in future infrastructure investments benefitting the Town and residents.

• The Town is seeking the right to participate in the proceeding by receiving information filed by parties, cross-examining witnesses, filing briefs, and presenting oral arguments.



Property Revaluation Update: What's Happening Now

• Data mailer schedule (Neighborhood map can be found here and sample data mailer can be found here.)

1. Neighborhood 74 Hoydens Hill Area - est. 5-14-25
2. Neighborhood 73 University Area - est. 5-12-25
3. Neighborhood 75 Lake Hills Area - 5-7-25
4. Neighborhood 85 Fairfield Woods - 5-5-25
5. Neighborhood 80 East of North Benson - 4-29-25
6. Neighborhoods 85 and 86 Stratfield - 4-21-25

• Field Inspection of properties that have sold since October 1, 2024, began April 9, 2025. Tom Damseaux of Tyler is currently in the field.  Verify Tom and his vehicle here.

• Sales verification mailers are being sent to all properties that transfer ownership since October 1, 2024 - this is ongoing.

• Data Collection and Entry Guidelines are being finalized.

• Income and Expense forms for Commercial properties were mailed on April 7, 2025. They are due by May 30, 2025. Find Info here.

• Current data and recent sales data are being reviewed.

• Find everything you need to know about property revaluation here.

Fairfield Plans a New Adaptive Recreation Center

• The Town is planning the first Adaptive Recreation Center for children and adults with cognitive, physical or development disabilities in Fairfield.

• Located in the Sullivan-McKinney Elder Housing building, the 100 % ADA compliant center will have approximately 6,000 square feet of program space and will include three multi-purpose classrooms, one life skills classroom with a mock kitchen, and one full-sized elementary gym/multipurpose space.

• Current Adaptive programs will move to the new facility. Those programs include our Afterschool Chill, TGIS Drop-In, Adaptive Summer Camp, and our Special Olympics training.

• Additional programs will include cooking classes, life skills, musical enrichment, sensory programs, and physical movement classes.

• We are currently exploring partnerships with Fairfield SEPTA, Woofgang, Unified Sports in FPS, and the Fairfield Red Storm. We're also working with Southern Connecticut State University and Springfield College to provide students to facilitate OT/PT and Therapeutic Recreational programs.

• Phase 1 of the project for $450K was already approved by the Town's funding bodies to install an all-abilities playground. Part of Phase 2 is the request for $500K for seed money to explore design options.

• Phase 3 will be to replace the current t-ball field with a Miracle Field or similar type field making the entire site inside and out fully ADA compliant.

• Residents are invited to a Town Hall to discuss plans for the new Center on Tuesday, June 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Bigelow Senior Center.



E-Bikes Become a Growing Safety Concern for Police

Fairfield Police Sergeant Michael Komm and Police Chief Robert Kalamaras were interviewed by WSFB Channel 3 about E-Bike safety concerns. Please take a moment and watch!

Chief Operating Officer David Becker Cleared of Conflict-of-(nterest Charges

• Hartford law firm Rose Kallor has cleared Town Chief Operating Officer and Emergency Management Director David Becker of all conflict-of-interest claims levied against him by Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick.

• The $21,000 investigation showed that David divested from his family business holdings before joining First Selectman Bill Gerber's administration in January 2024.

• Read the investigation here.

• Read the CT Post article about the investigation here.

2025 Town Beach Information

• Beach stickers and passes are required at all Town beaches starting May 24, 2025.

• Residents can purchase a beach sticker for $25 at the Parks & Recreation Department. Senior residents: $10.

• Non-residents may purchase a beach sticker for Jennings and Penfield Beaches for $250.

• Lifeguards will be on duty at the beaches on weekends only from May 24th to June 15th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular summer hours begin on Monday, June 16th, with lifeguards on duty every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all beaches.

• Lake Mohegan will have lifeguards on duty daily starting May 24th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Independence Day Fireworks Celebration: This year's Fireworks Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 5th, with a rain date of Sunday, July 6th.

• Find all the information you need on beaches, Lake Mohegan, stickers and safety rules here.

Climate Action Plan Survey: Your Voice Matters

• Southwest Connecticut is developing a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and enhance climate resilience.

• This plan focuses on real-world strategies that local municipalities could implement. MetroCOG is seeking feedback from residents and business owners.

• Take the survey here.

HARD HAT AREAS: COMPLETE STREETS



Questions about your neighborhood project?

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

You can find more details for Engineering projects here.

Kings Highway Phase 3 and Post Road Jug Handle

• You can review plans for this project here.

• You can provide comments on this project here.

Want to receive emails about this project? Sign up for your District emails here.

Villa Avenue

• Villa Avenue traffic calming measures will be completed within the next few weeks.

• Signage, striping and sharrows, pavement markings that indicate a shared lane for bicyclists and motorists, will be added.

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

If you vote at Fairfield Warde High School, you are District 5. Sign up here.

If you vote at McKinley Elementary School, you are District 6. Sign up here.

Questions or concerns can be directed to:

Senior Civil Engineer Megha Jain

Email: mjain@fairfieldct.org

Phone: 203-256-3025

Wrong Way Detection Installed on I-95 N at Exit 23

• Installation of a wrong way detection is being installed on May 8 and May 9 on I-95 Northbound at Exit 23 and Route 1.

• The Wrong Way Detection System uses video cameras to detect vehicles that are traveling in the wrong direction.

• If a vehicle is detected, wrong way signs outlined with multiple sets of red lights are activated and begin flashing to alert the driver they are traveling in the wrong direction.

• The system also alerts the CTDOT Highway Operations Center and local State Police Troop barracks.

• Learn more about stopping wrong way drivers here.

TOWN CEREMONIES

From left to right: First Selectman Bill Gerber; Selectman Christine Vitale; Emergency Management Director David Becker; FFD Chaplain Alida Ward; Deputy Chief Roger Caisse; Deputy Chief Patrick Barry; Assistant Chief Robert Delmhorst; Assistant Chief John Cronin; Lieutenant Brian Madia; Lieutenant Dominic Cocchia; Lieutenant Robert Luise; Lieutenant George Heath

Fairfield Fire Department Promotional Ceremony

The Fairfield Fire Department Promotional Ceremony was held April 29th, with Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber administering the Oath of Office to Deputy Chief Roger Caisse, Deputy Chief Patrick Barry, Assistant Chief Robert Delmhorst, Assistant Chief John Cronin, Lieutenant Brian Madia, Lieutenant Dominic Cocchia, Lieutenant Robert Luise, and Lieutenant George Heath.

Also recognized at the ceremony were Assistant Chief George Gomola, Lieutenant Eric McKeon and Lieutenant Richard Bassett.

Congratulations to all for your exemplary service! We thank you.

Hartford HealthCare Fairfield Cancer Center, a partner of Memorial Sloan Kettering, Opens

• The Hartford HealthCare Fairfield Cancer Center, a Care Partner of Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, officially opened on May 2.

• The 25,000 square foot facility is designed to provide patients with comprehensive, integrated cancer care with a team of highly specialized experts and cutting-edge technology.

• Patients at the center will have access to MSK's latest research, new therapies and clinical trials, available close to home. Welcome to Fairfield!

Girl Scout Day at Town Hall

• Girl Scout Day at Fairfield Town Hall. was held on Wednesday, April 30.

• Many Town departments hosted a group of scouts to give them an up-close look at municipal government!

• The visits to Town departments were followed by a luncheon and tours of the Fire and Police Departments.

Thank you for visiting, Girl Scouts! We'll see you next year!

DON'T MISS THESE EVENTS



Free Mattress Recycling, Saturday, May 10, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Spring Bird Walk & Tree Tour, Saturday, May 10, 8:00 a.m.

Father's Forum at Saugatuck Sweets, May 10, 9:30 a.m.

• Fatherhood is full of rewarding moments and real challenges, and connecting with others can make all the difference.

• The Father’s Forum offers a place for fathers at every stage of parenting to share experiences, get advice, and build a supportive community.

• Come join us this Saturday May 10th at 9:30 AM at Saugatuck Sweets, led by Vince Benevento.

• Whether you’re a new dad or have years of experience, we welcome you to be part of an honest, encouraging conversation about the realities of raising kids.

Free Energy Improvement Workshop, Tuesday, May 13, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

• The Department of Community & Economic Development, in partnership with Sustainable Fairfield, the Sponsors of Energize Connecticut, Avangrid subsidiaries United Illuminating and Southern Connecticut Gas, and the Connecticut Green Bank will offer a free workshop on Tuesday, May 13 to help businesses and non-profits undertake energy-related building improvements.

• Attendees will learn how to lower their energy costs through programs such as C-PACE and the Small Business Energy Advantage Program.

• Workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 13 from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. at the Fairfield Theatre Company, 70 Sanford Street.

• Register here. For more information, call Mark Barnhard at 203-256-3120 or email him at mbarnhart@fairfieldct.org.

Friends of Fairfield Public Library Big Spring Book Sale, May 16 - 17

• The Big Spring Book Sale will be held in the Rotary Room at the Main Library Friday May 16: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday May 17: Noon - 4:30 p.m.

• Thousands of gently used books and DVDs, most priced at only $1 or $2.

Conservation Department's Guided Bird Walk, May 16, 9 -10:30 a.m.

Skin Cancer Screening, Main Library,

 May 16, 10 - 4 p.m.

• Destination Healthy Skin is The Skin Cancer Foundation's mobile skin cancer screening and education program.

• The 38-foot Destination Healthy Skin RV is equipped with two private exam rooms where volunteer dermatologists perform free, full body skin exams.

• No appointment necessary. Free sun protection products.

Public Works Truck Food Drive, May 18 - 24 for Operation Hope



• The Town of Fairfield Department of Public Works is joining hundreds of Public Works Departments from across New England to collect food and household goods to support our local community food bank needs. Our Fill-A-Public Works Truck Food Drive will be occurring during National Public Works Week, from May 18-24, 2025, and will support Operation Hope’s Food Pantry.

• Look for our DPW “trucks” – collection boxes that will be located in the Town Clerk’s office at Old Town Hall, the vestibules of Sullivan Independence Hall, the information desk at Fairfield Police, Fairfield Recreation, the Bigelow Senior Center, and both Fairfield Public Library locations.

• Your Fairfield DPW Team thanks you in advance for your support of this critical community need. Further questions on how you can help may be directed to James Ryan at Fairfield Department of Public Works, (203) 256-3177.

Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation, May 19, 2:00 p.m.

Memorial Day Weekend:

May 24, 25, 26

• May 24, 10 a.m.: Sea Ceremony at South Benson Marina

• May 25, 12 Noon: Military Remembrance Mass at Assumption Church

• May 26, 10 a.m. SHARP: Memorial Day Parade steps off at the corner of South Pine Creek and Post Roads, proceeding east down the Post Road to the Library, then south along Old Post Road to Flint's Corner, then east along Old Post Road, past the Reviewing Stand on the Town Green, and dismantling at South Benson Road.

Adaptive Recreation Center Town Hall, June 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

EYES ON FAIRFIELD



The Newly Re-Opened Penfield Pavilion

Photo by Anthony Calabrese

• The Pavilions at Penfield Beach are two beautiful, beachfront event destinations that offer panoramic views of The Long Island Sound, perfect for any celebration including weddings, birthdays, graduation parties, fundraisers and offsite meetings. 

• Penfield Pavilion, the larger of our two Pavilions, is able to accommodate seated functions up to 180 guests, cocktail parties up to 300 guests. Our covered deck and unobstructed views of the water serve as the perfect backdrop and transition nicely to a lively cocktail hour.  

• Information on how to rent the Pavilions can be found 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.

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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.

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 Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 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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