Highlights From Wednesday’s Ridgefield Board Of Selectpersons' Meeting

**News Release Submitted by Town of Ridgefield**

June 14, 2024

The Board of Selectpersons met this past Wednesday. Here are the highlights from the meeting:

• The Town is considering moving to a four day work week for Town Hall Offices. While the number of days that the offices are open would reduce, the number of hours would not. Office hours would be extended on the 4 days to accommodate those who can’t make it in during regular business hours, which are currently 8:30am - 4:30pm. Since the pandemic, many employers have shifted to a more flexible working schedule to provide a better work/life balance for their employees. Will the Town of Ridgefield join the growing number of municipalities who have chosen to do the same? The Board of Selectpersons have tabled the idea for now due to concerns about how the switch would impact the public. What are your thoughts? Email: torfirstselectperson@ridgefieldct.gov
• Town Hall Intern, Evan Honore, has been researching Bunker Gear that is free from PFAS. Also known as the forever chemical, PFAS have been linked to increased cancer risk and other health issues. Investing in a second set of PFAS free gear would reduce our firefighters’ exposure to these harmful chemicals.
• Intern Kaleigh Olsen reported on her research about types of different municipal government structures throughout Connecticut. Her research will be a starting point for the Comparison of Government Committee that is being formed to explore the idea of restructuring Ridgefield’s government.
• Congratulations to Andrew Okrongly who was reappointed to the Pension Commission!
• Congratulations to the 11 new members of the 250th Anniversary of America Commission who will be planning the year long celebration that will begin on July 4, 2025 and conclude on July 4, 2026.
• The Ridgefield Fathers Club is searching for a home! The local 501c3, well known for the Ridgefield Grinch fundraiser, gives back to the community by raising money for charities, providing assistance to seniors, children and underprivileged families, and holding events throughout the year for families. Their newest proposed project is to build a Cub House and bathroom near Scalzo Field and the Dog Park. The Club House would be used for storage and Fathers Club meetings, while the bathroom would be available for use by the public.
• 66 Grove Street could be the new location for the Alternative High School and the 18-22 Special Needs students. The current location for the Alternative High School is at capacity and the projected growth of the 18-22 program will require more space then what they have. As with all land acquisitions, the proposal will be brought to a Town Meeting for a vote.

Want to know more? Watch the full meeting online.