Norwalk City Council Approves Commission Appointments, Street Safety Improvements

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk City Council approved a slate of mayoral appointments and reappointments last week, along with some infrastructure contracts tied to public safety and transportation improvements across the city.

Council members unanimously approved the reappointments of Fran Collier-Clemons, Tony Lopez, Ronald Paladino and Nathan Sumpter to the Police Commission during the Jan. 13 meeting, according to minutes available on the city's website.

Council Member Nicolé Eaddy said she reviewed public comments and questioned each nominee individually before supporting their continued service.

Council President Joshua Goldstein, Council Member Richard Dellinger and Mayor Barbara Smyth also spoke in support of Sumpter.

The council also approved several other appointments and reappointments, including:

• Oscar Destruge, Howard Dixon, Steve Ferguson and Ita Paskind to the Fire Commission.
• Frank Ehrlich, Kenneth Lalime and Anthony Santella to the Board of Health.
• Joseph Andrasko, Kendrick Constant and Troy Jellerette to the Board of Estimate and Taxation.
• Kathy Olsen to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Matt Pentz to the Conservation Commission.

Jon Wilkins Jr. was also appointed to the Harbor Management Commission, with only Council Member James Frayer voting opposed, according to the minutes.

During her remarks, Smyth honored former council member Ernie Dumas for his decades of community advocacy, particularly in South Norwalk.

The Norwalk Hour reports Dumas died Jan. 8 at the age of 78.

Multiple council members shared personal recollections of Dumas' work organizing holiday meals and mentoring younger community leaders. Council Member Darlene Young suggested naming a space in the South Norwalk Community Center in his honor.

A moment of silence was also held at the start of the meeting in honor of Dumas.

Smyth also announced city observances for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reminded residents to clear sidewalks after snowstorms for pedestrian safety.

Goldstein announced committee assignments for the new term, naming Council Member Anne Wennerstrand as chair of the Public Works Committee, Colin Hosten as chair of the Land Use and Building Management Committee and Nicolé Eaddy as chair of the Public Safety General Government and Ad Hoc Housing committees, according to the minutes.

The council authorized an agreement with B&W Paving & Landscaping LLC for pedestrian access enhancements on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at Hamilton Avenue "for a sum not to exceed $437,110," along with an additional $43,711 for related contract orders.

Transportation, Mobility and Parking Director Jim Travers said the city was eager to start construction and hoped to complete the project, which will relocate a deteriorating staircase, add lighting and improve pedestrian safety, by the end of the year, according to the minutes.

The council also approved contracts with A. Vitti Excavators LLC for the removal of a rail spur and berm on South Main Street, according to the minutes.