Newtown Borough Approves Memorial Day Funding, Renews CD at 3.5%

NEWTOWN, CT — The Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses voted unanimously to allocate $400 for Memorial Day luminaries at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and to renew a $61,783.16 certificate of deposit at 3.5 percent APY during its Feb. 10 meeting.

The meeting was held in the Alley Meeting Room at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St. and was called to order at 7:31 p.m. by Warden Joseph Maher.

Burgess James Gaston made a motion to appropriate $400 from the Soldiers and Sailors line item to support luminaries for the American Legion Post 202 Memorial Day event and to grant permission for use of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument during the holiday weekend. Burgess Peter Schwarz seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

Post Commander Monteleone told the board that proceeds from luminary sales would benefit the American Legion scholarship fund and assist veterans.

In financial business, Treasurer Ann Scaia reported that the borough’s 13-month certificate of deposit, with a balance of $61,783.16 as of Jan. 31, will mature Feb. 24. After reviewing available rates of 3.5 percent for one year and 3.25 percent for 15 months, Senior Burgess Chris Gardner made a motion to renew the CD for one year at 3.5 percent APY, subject to rate adjustment within 14 days. Burgess Gaston seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

The board also unanimously accepted the January 2026 Tax Collector’s Report and Treasurer’s Report on motions by Gaston, seconded by Schwarz and Burgess John Madzula II, respectively.
According to the Tax Collector’s Report, $282,692.29 in current taxes have been collected, representing 98.67 percent of the 2024 Grand List. Total taxes collectible were listed at $286,502.34.
Maher presented a first draft of the proposed 2026–27 borough budget, noting that further discussion will continue at the March meeting.

Maher also reported on insurance discussions with the Town of Newtown. He said the town has agreed to assume the annual cost of workers’ compensation insurance, estimated at $2,040, and professional officials liability insurance, estimated at $2,500. Maher said he will follow up with Finance Director Glenys Salas regarding final arrangements. Gaston reported that he has drafted a memorandum of understanding requested by the town and that it will be forwarded for review.

Burgess Maureen Crick Owen provided an update on the Safety Streets for All initiative. She said one of the first proposed projects involves relocating and redesigning the crosswalks at Church Hill Road and Main Street with stanchions to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow. She said discussions with state officials and formal design drawings will be required before work proceeds.

In zoning matters, Zoning Enforcement Officer Joe Chapman reported that sign applications were approved for Café Duo at 14 Church Hill Road and for a new consignment business at 3 Queen Street. Other applications remain under review.

During public participation, Sheila Cole of S. Main St. asked about responsibility for clearing borough sidewalks during inclement weather. Gaston explained that sidewalks along state roads are maintained by the state, sidewalks along town roads by the town, and that abutting property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks under town ordinance.

The board entered executive session to discuss Castle Hill zoning cases, inviting Clerk/Treasurer Ann Scaia and Borough Zoning Commission Chair Doug Nelson to remain. The board later reconvened and adjourned at 9:13 p.m.