Does Ridgefield Need A Town Administrator? Selectpersons Continue The Debate

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield officials on Feb. 4 recognized the town’s new Silver certification from the Sustainable Connecticut program, approved several appointments to key boards and commissions, and continued discussion on whether to add a town administrator position as part of long-term governance planning.

The meeting opened with a presentation marking Ridgefield’s achievement of Silver certification from Sustainable Connecticut, a statewide voluntary program that awards points for municipal actions related to sustainability, energy, housing, transportation and community resilience. Vincent Giordano of the Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment said Ridgefield is among 18 municipalities statewide to reach the Silver level, earning 515 points after previously receiving Bronze certifications in 2018, 2021 and 2024. Officials credited contributions from multiple town boards, commissions and departments.

The Board of Selectpersons then unanimously approved the appointment of Gillian Lewis to the position of Director of Emergency Management. First Selectman Rudy Marconi said Lewis was recommended by her predecessor and has worked closely on emergency operations planning, public communications and coordination with police, fire and volunteer response teams. The role transitions from a stipend-based position to a salaried town employee position. The appointment passed by voice vote.

The board also unanimously approved the appointment of Anna Ciamporcero to the Ridgefield Arts Council. The appointee, who recently moved to Ridgefield, cited a background in theater, television production and graphic design and said she hopes to support local arts organizations with hands-on assistance. Arts Council Co-Chair Jennifer Dineen spoke in support of the appointment, noting recent turnover on the council and a need for members with production and design experience.

Tommy McCarthy was unanimously appointed to the Conservation Commission. McCarthy, an environmental educator at Woodcock Nature Center, said he hopes to expand community science initiatives, trail stewardship and youth engagement in conservation efforts, including monitoring vernal pools and amphibian crossings.

A lengthy portion of the meeting was devoted to continued discussion of whether Ridgefield should create a town administrator position, a recommendation previously made by the town’s Form of Government Committee. Marconi said officials are still in an exploratory phase and emphasized that the proposal would not change Ridgefield’s town meeting form of government.

Selectpersons discussed distinctions between a town administrator and a town manager, with several members stressing that any new role should support operations and continuity rather than replace the authority of elected officials. Board members cited increasing administrative workload, constituent service demands, Freedom of Information Act requests and coordination of complex projects as factors driving the discussion.

Several selectpersons said they would like to hear directly from officials in other towns, including Darien and Wilton, that currently employ town administrators before making budgetary or structural decisions. No vote was taken on adding the position, and officials agreed further information and discussion are needed.

The board also approved meeting minutes from prior meetings with minor amendments and discussed budget-related topics including senior tax relief programs, capital planning priorities and the financial impact of recent FOIA requests. No formal budget actions were taken.