Politics & Government
'Concrete & Real': Ridgefield Committee Pushes Ahead On Police, Fire Facilities
Autumn deadlines loom as the Ridgefield Public Safety Facilities Committee looks to cement plans for the future of the Police and Fire HQs
RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Public Safety Facilities Committee on July 23 directed its three Tiger Teams to prepare detailed proposals for potential police and fire headquarters sites over the coming weeks as members debated project timelines, building size assumptions and how to improve the chances of winning voter approval for a future referendum.
The committee also voted to adopt a revised site-scoring matrix developed by committee member Pamela Dunaway to evaluate potential locations. Committee member Ed Tyrell voted against adopting a scoring tool, arguing that the committee would likely have only a handful of viable options and could instead explain why other sites were eliminated. The motion otherwise passed by voice vote.
Chair Wally Martinez urged Tiger Teams to move from discussion to written recommendations that can be evaluated by the committee.
"We need concrete and real proposals," Martinez said, adding that members should "show your work" by documenting the research and assumptions behind each recommendation.
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Committee member Adam Safir said his Tiger Team expects to present proposals within two to four weeks, including a combined police and fire facility concept on the former Schlumberger property and alternatives involving renovations and substations. Safir said the group continues coordinating with Police Chief Jeffrey Kreitz and Fire Chief Rommie Duckworth as it develops recommendations.
Apples to Apples?
Much of the meeting focused on whether the committee should establish common assumptions for the size of future police and fire facilities before comparing sites.
Member David Brickley said all Tiger Teams should work from similar square-footage targets so proposals can be compared consistently.
"We should be on the same page," Brickley said.
Dunaway said operational needs established during earlier committee work should remain the starting point and that any reduction in building size should have the support of the police and fire chiefs.
"The chiefs ... need to say we can deliver the service you expect in that framework," Dunaway said.
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Safir said previous needs assessment work provides guidance rather than fixed requirements, while Martinez said Tiger Teams should focus on determining whether proposed sites can accommodate essential police and fire functions rather than prescribing detailed building layouts.
The committee also revisited its target of providing recommendations to the Board of Selectpersons by Sept. 15.
Accuracy, Speed & Deadlines
Committee member Steve Scalzo said proposals should be completed soon enough to allow meaningful review before that date. Dunaway noted First Selectperson Rudy Marconi has indicated the committee could request additional time if needed because accuracy is more important than speed. Martinez clarified that the Sept. 15 deadline remains the committee's current target unless an extension is requested. Members also discussed statutory deadlines that could apply if the Board of Selectpersons chooses to pursue a November referendum.
Tyrell presented a proposed schedule calling for Tiger Teams to announce tentative recommendations on July 30, hold nonbinding votes Aug. 6, finalize committee votes Aug. 13 and submit a draft report to the Board of Selectpersons by Sept. 1. Martinez said the committee should work toward that timeline while recognizing adjustments may become necessary.
Tyrell also reiterated his own proposal to cap any future bond request at $50 million for both facilities, arguing that previous public safety building proposals defeated by voters demonstrated the need for a lower-cost approach. Martinez responded that it was premature for the committee to establish a maximum dollar amount before reviewing all site proposals and associated analyses.
During public comment, Prospect Ridge resident Kurt Carr urged the committee to define what facilities it intends to build before deciding where to locate them, saying the public has not yet seen sufficient information about the operational plans driving site selection.
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The committee also heard from Board of Police Commissioners member Ralph Money, who reminded members that their final recommendations must also be presented to the Police Commission because of its statutory responsibilities over police facilities. Money also outlined state deadlines that could affect the timing of any referendum question.
Members unanimously approved minutes from the previous meeting after making one correction, entered executive session to discuss privately owned property, returned to public session and adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
