New Milford Town Council Approves Tax Assessor Appointment, $38K Transfer For JPCC Repairs

NEW MILFORD, CT — The New Milford Town Council voted unanimously Monday, Oct. 26, to appoint a new tax assessor, transfer $38,000 for repairs and improvements at the John Pettibone Community Center and acquire permanent easements for the Cherniske Road Bridge Replacement Project.

The council also accepted several donations, approved additional funding for the Commission on the Arts and discussed a proposed vape shop licensing ordinance.

New Tax Assessor Appointed

The council unanimously approved the appointment of Marcus Irrek as New Milford's next tax assessor, effective Feb. 27, 2027. Irrek will replace Brian Lastra, who is retiring.

The appointment followed an executive session that began at 8:11 p.m. Town Attorney Randy DiBella, Personnel Director Greg Bollaro and Irrek were invited to participate.

The council returned to regular session at 8:20 p.m. without taking any votes during the closed session.

Council member Katy Francis subsequently moved to add the appointment to the agenda and then moved to approve Irrek's appointment. Both motions passed unanimously.

$38,000 Approved For Pettibone Community Center Repairs

The council unanimously approved transferring $38,000 from the town's contingency account to its building maintenance account for additional repairs at the John Pettibone Community Center.

According to the meeting motions, the money will fund necessary repairs and preparations to an area at the south end of the building for increased utilization.

Francis introduced the motion, which was seconded by council member Roland Castro.

Easements Approved For Cherniske Road Bridge Project

The council unanimously approved acquiring two permanent easements required for utility relocations associated with the Cherniske Road Bridge Replacement Project.

The easements cover a combined 296.12 square feet along the existing right of way and have a total value of $143.91.

The Department of Public Works recommended the acquisitions. Francis moved to approve them, and council member Paul Murphy seconded the motion.

Vape Shop Licensing Ordinance Discussed

The council considered creating an ordinance establishing a licensing requirement for vape shops.

Francis introduced a motion to create the ordinance, with Castro seconding it. However, Francis subsequently withdrew the motion, and Castro withdrew his second.

No ordinance was approved.

Nonprofit Committee Discussion Ends On Split Vote

The council also discussed a nonprofit committee, but the discussion ended following a 4-1-1 vote.

Murphy moved to terminate discussion and proceed to the next agenda item, with council member Sal Rynkiewicz seconding the motion.

Murphy, Rynkiewicz, Francis and Castro voted in favor. Council member Ari Rosenberg opposed the motion, while Maryjane Lundgren abstained.

Commission On The Arts Funding Increased

The council unanimously approved increasing both the revenue and expense accounts for the Commission on the Arts by $5,000.

The adjustment brings each account's total to $5,500. The meeting motions describe both accounts as self-sustaining.

Francis introduced the motion, which Murphy seconded.

Police Department Accepts $2,000 Grant

The council unanimously approved accepting a $2,000 grant from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for the New Milford Police Department.

The funds were used to assist in purchasing ShadowDragon, data-mining software that supports investigations into the online sexual exploitation of children.

According to the meeting motions, the software will also enhance the department's capabilities in other investigations.

Francis moved to accept the grant, with Murphy seconding.

Donations Approved For Community Programs

The council unanimously accepted several donations supporting town programs and events.

New Milford Social Services received approval to accept a new 21-cubic-foot upright freezer, valued at $891.21, from an anonymous donor for the New Milford Food Bank.

The council also approved $2,375 in donations supporting the town's annual Halloween on the Green event:

• Alltown Fresh: $1,250
• American Waste: $500
• Ring's End: $625

The Parks and Recreation Department received approval to accept donations for its Trunk or Treat event, including contributions from Candlewood Valley Pediatrics, Candlewood Valley Motors, Costco, Cramer & Anderson LLP, Union Savings Bank, Walmart and other local businesses and organizations.

The donations included cash, checks and gift cards.

Other Council Business

During consideration of the consent agenda, Rosenberg said the July 27 meeting motions needed revision.

Francis amended her motion to approve the tax assessor item, and the amended motion passed unanimously. That item included tax refunds totaling $5,584.61.

Mayor Pete Bass called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Council members Tom Esposito and Zach Polley were absent.

Council member Diane Klaif left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

The council adjourned at 9:36 p.m.

The Oct. 26 meeting motions are draft records pending approval at the next Town Council meeting.