ORANGE, CT — The Orange Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Nov. 4 to authorize First Selectman James Zeoli to issue a notice of nonrenewal for the town's Flock camera contract, while leaving open the possibility of discussing additional contract terms.
The decision followed an executive session attended by Town Counsel Owen Weaver and Police Chief Robert Gagne.
Selectman John Carangelo moved to authorize Zeoli to issue the nonrenewal notice, with assistance from Weaver and Gagne, to potentially discuss further contract terms.
Selectman William Kraut seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The board did not disclose the terms under consideration or specify whether a revised agreement would be pursued.
Earlier in the meeting, resident Frank Esposito of Andrew Lane expressed concerns about the use of Flock cameras in Orange.
The board entered executive session at 7:30 p.m. and returned to its regular meeting at 8:40 p.m., when the nonrenewal motion was approved.
The board also unanimously authorized Zeoli to execute an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for the purchase of a Skydio X10 Patrol LED Drone as a First Responder kit.
Carangelo introduced the motion, with Selectman Judy Smith seconding.
Selectmen unanimously approved a waiver of medical benefits for town employees.
Selectman Mitchell Goldblatt introduced the motion, with Carangelo seconding.
The minutes do not explain the waiver's provisions, identify the employees affected or describe its financial implications.
A request concerning repairs to the Silverbrook Estates gazebo and additional funding was removed from the agenda.
The board unanimously approved $951.83 in tax refunds for November.
Zeoli announced that the Housing Growth Plan Working Group would hold its first meeting Monday, Nov. 23.
The minutes do not identify the group's members or provide details about its planned work.
During public participation, Jim Leahy of Lambert Road suggested that the town consider a rapid response bond for municipal projects.
The board unanimously approved its regular meeting schedule for 2027, with one change. The April meeting was moved from April 14 to April 7.
Selectmen also unanimously approved the minutes of their Oct. 14 regular meeting on a motion by Carangelo, seconded by Goldblatt.
Zeoli announced several upcoming community events and municipal schedule changes.
The Orange Community Women Holiday Craft Fair was scheduled for Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at High Plains Community Center.
The Rotary Club of Orange Turkey Trot is scheduled for Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, beginning at 8 a.m. at the community center.
Town offices and the Transfer Station will be closed Thanksgiving Day.
On Friday, Nov. 27, town offices will remain closed, but the Transfer Station will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving week recycling collection will follow its regular Tuesday and Wednesday schedules. Thursday collection will move to Friday, and Friday collection will move to Saturday. Residents were reminded to have their bins out by 6 a.m.
The town's 10th annual Lighted Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Activities on the town green will begin at 3 p.m. The tractor parade is expected to leave Fred Wolfe Park around 4:30 p.m. and continue to the fairgrounds, where food trucks and additional tractor displays are planned.
Zeoli also announced that Community Services was accepting donations for holiday baskets.
The town's Senior Resource Guide had recently been published, and residents providing snow removal services were encouraged to contact Public Works about referrals.
Goldblatt reported on the town's Oct. 24 shredding event and announced that the next event would be held April 24, 2027.
The Nov. 4 meeting began at 7 p.m. in the lower-level meeting room at Orange Town Hall.
Those present were Zeoli and Selectmen Goldblatt, Smith, Shanley, Carangelo and Kraut.
Weaver, Gagne and recording secretary Mary Shaw also attended.
The board adjourned at 8:45 p.m. following a unanimous vote on a motion by Carangelo, seconded by Shanley.
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