Ridgefield Public Safety Facilities Committee Outlines Due Diligence Plan

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Public Safety Facilities Committee on Feb. 12 formally adopted detailed due diligence plans for its finance and needs assessment working groups and voted to compile a list of questions for the project’s prior architect as it reviews potential police and fire facility options.

The committee did not vote on any specific site or building proposal.

The finance working group presented an outline for reviewing cost assumptions from the prior proposal, gathering updated estimates from architects and estimating firms, comparing similar projects in nearby towns and breaking down costs into components such as site work, building construction and design. Member Steve Scalzo said the goal is to create “building blocks” that would allow the committee to evaluate potential options on an apples-to-apples basis.

“We’re going to review the current costing approach … pull comparative data … and validate that existing costing,” Scalzo said.

The group also plans to consult with municipal bond advisers to understand potential financing structures and tax implications if a project advances to referendum.

Pamela Dunaway asked whether property valuation research tied to previously considered sites would be useful, particularly where ownership structures could complicate acquisition. Chair Wally Martinez cautioned that discussion of specific properties would need to occur in executive session to avoid affecting market values.

The needs assessment and site evaluation working group outlined a framework organized around four questions: what facilities are needed, who uses them, where they should be located and how they can be constructed and maintained most cost efficiently.

Vice Chair Adam Safir said the group intends to examine staffing levels, fleet and equipment needs, training requirements, workplace safety considerations, compliance with standards such as NFPA and ADA guidelines, insurance ratings and projected growth. The group will also review calls for service data, mutual aid agreements, traffic studies and census projections to inform site analysis.

Denis Graves, participating by phone, asked that turnover data and recruitment impacts be included in the review. Dunaway said she had begun discussions with police and fire leadership about workforce retention and recruitment challenges.

In a separate vote, the committee unanimously approved compiling a coordinated list of questions for Kaestle Boos Associates, the architectural firm involved in the prior public safety proposal. Members said they want to understand how site and space decisions were made and what data supported those conclusions.

Scalzo said the committee should focus on key decision points to ensure the presentation is efficient. Martinez said he would communicate with the firm to clarify expectations and request materials in advance of the meeting.

The community engagement working group reported that sign-ups for project alerts increased from 36 to 88 over the past week. Dunaway said the group is developing a public survey to gather feedback on the prior referendum and community priorities, and plans to use town communication channels and partner organizations to broaden outreach.

Public comments focused on transparency and engagement. Residents encouraged the committee to publish clear summaries of site considerations and to share timelines as the process unfolds.

In closing discussion, members defined success as presenting a proposal that meets core operational needs while remaining cost-conscious and capable of earning voter approval. “Success is not making perfect buildings that no one will vote for,” Ed Tyrrell said.

The committee voted unanimously to approve its meeting minutes and adjourned at 8:15 p.m.