Latest Updates From Darien First Selectman Monica McNally

DARIEN, CT — First Selectman Monica McNally provided several updates on a variety of topics during Monday's regularly scheduled board of selectmen meeting.

Aquarion Rate Hike

McNally said she attended a public hearing in Westport last week on the proposed Aquarion Water Company rate hike.

The utility is proposing a rate increase of $49.9 million, or 25.2 percent above current rates. To the average Aquarion customer, this would equate to an approximate monthly bill increase of $4.25, according to a statement from Claire Coleman, consumer counsel for the State of Connecticut.

"The proposed rate increase is significant, and I'm sure it will be concerning for many residents," McNally said. "Presently, I've requested additional data and an understanding on how this will impact Darien residents."

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) will hold two more public hearings via Zoom:

• Oct. 6, 2022 at 5.30 p.m. (remote teleconference via Zoom)
• Oct. 25, 2022 at 7.00 p.m. (remote teleconference via Zoom)

Details on how to submit public comments can be found on Darien's website. Comments are due by Oct. 25.

Read more on the rate hike here.

Town Flag Policy

The board of selectmen will be discussing the proposed town flag policy at its next regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 26.

The board first discussed the policy on Aug. 22, but delayed a vote in order to examine the issue more. The policy received pushback from residents, who said it unfairly targeted the LGBT community.

Read more on that here.

Oct. 3 Information Session

On Oct. 3, the board will hold an information session dedicated to water management and flooding.

"This is a really important meeting for members of our community, and because our panel of professionals will review the history of flooding in Darien, and discuss protective measures that may be taken before, during and after storms."

Residents and business owners are encouraged to listen in.

Ox Ridge Ribbon-Cutting

McNally attended the ribbon-cutting and tour for phase 1 of the new Ox Ridge Elementary School on Sept. 10. The academic wing has been completed, and work is ongoing on the assembly wing.

McNally thanked all of those who were involved in helping the new school come to fruition.

"I think everyone was very impressed with the many features of the construction that make it a very progressive learning environment," McNally said.

Read more about the ribbon-cutting here.

Drought In Darien

Despite the recent rainfall, McNally said Darien is still in a stage 2 drought.

"I know the cooler evenings are the perfect time to get that fire pit out, but our fire marshal is still urging residents to be careful," she said.

9/11 Remembrance

McNally and other elected officials, first responders and residents attended the annual 9/11 ceremony at the monument behind Middlesex Middle School on Sunday to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the terror attacks.

"I'm sure most people reflect on their own personal memories of that day, and in one way or another acknowledge the depth of grief for all who lost loved ones," she said.

You can rewatch Sunday's ceremony here.