Ridgefield Selectpersons Approve State Aid, Advance Leaf Blower Proposal Toward Public Hearing

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Board of Selectpersons voted Oct. 21 to accept $67,579 in supplemental state aid, directing the town's share toward road infrastructure and allocating the remainder to the school district.

The board also agreed to continue work on proposed restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers, with plans to schedule a public hearing, and approved appointments to several town commissions and organizations.

State Aid Approved For Roads, Schools

The board unanimously approved an amendment to the town's 2026-27 budget reflecting $67,579 in additional state funding under Connecticut Public Act 26-130.

The money consists of $44,831 for town operations and $22,748 for school operations.

Board of Finance Chair Sean Rettger told selectpersons that the state funding could have been used to reduce the property tax rate or supplement municipal and school budgets.

Rettger said reducing the tax rate was no longer practical because tax bills had already been issued and the deadline for making that adjustment had passed.

See Also: Ridgefield Finance Board Reviews $1.6 Million School Budget Shortfall, Plans For 2027 Budget

The board subsequently approved allocating the town's $44,831 share to road infrastructure, with the $22,748 school allocation designated for Board of Education operating expenses.

Both motions passed without recorded opposition.

Leaf Blower Proposal Headed Toward Public Hearing

Selectpersons continued their discussion of proposed restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers following public comments from residents who questioned the need for additional regulation.

The board reviewed possible changes to a draft ordinance, including its scope, enforcement provisions and penalties.

First Selectperson Rudy Marconi said the proposal should be presented at another public hearing before the board decides whether to send it to a town meeting or referendum.

Selectpersons discussed holding a hearing at East Ridge Middle School to accommodate a potentially large audience.

Marconi said he would check the school's availability and return to the board Nov. 4 with information needed to establish a hearing date, time and location.

No hearing date was set, and the board did not vote to adopt the ordinance.

See Also: Ridgefield Public Safety Committee Reviews 4 Building Plans, Targets November Cost Estimates

During public comment, Remington Road resident Larry Manno said he had used gas-powered leaf blowers for decades and was concerned that restrictions could increase landscaping expenses, particularly for older residents.

Manno described having to hire a landscaper following surgery and questioned whether complaints about leaf blower noise represented a substantial portion of Ridgefield residents.

High Ridge Avenue resident Sean McEvoy urged the Board of Selectpersons to revise the proposed gas-powered leaf blower ordinance, citing unresolved issues after three years of discussion and an 18-month task force that failed to reach a consensus. He questioned whether the ordinance's wording could inadvertently prohibit lawn mowers and criticized exemptions for properties larger than 3 acres, the absence of requirements for municipal departments to transition away from gas-powered equipment, and the first selectperson's broad authority to grant exemptions. McEvoy called for clearer definitions, municipal equipment standards and limits on exemption authority before the proposal advances.

Other participants discussed the potential for electric landscaping equipment to replace gas-powered machines.

Fairview Avenue resident Vincent Giordano of the Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment announced an electric vehicle event and an opportunity for residents to speak with landscaping businesses using electric equipment.

Commission Appointments Approved

Aarna Pande and Dahlia Rodgers were appointed to the Youth Commission, Elizabeth Yavendetti to Compassionate Ridgefield and Megan Roche to the Prevention Council.

The motions carried without recorded opposition.

State Development Authority Outlines Available Assistance

The board also heard a presentation on the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority, a state-created organization that can assist municipalities with economic development and housing projects.

An authority representative explained that the organization can provide technical assistance, support infrastructure investments and offer financing for qualifying development projects.

The presentation emphasized that the authority cannot bypass local land-use approvals. Projects would still require applicable municipal approvals, including zoning authorization.

See Also: Ridgefield P&Z To Review Land Purchase For Public Safety Building, Proposed Golf Driving Range

The discussion addressed how state assistance might support development near transportation facilities and in downtown areas, along with infrastructure needs that can affect redevelopment.

No development project was approved during the presentation.

Board Approves Nearly $48,000 In Refunds

Selectpersons unanimously approved tax refunds totaling $47,675.94.

Marconi explained that the refund list included an unusually large credit of approximately $23,732 associated with Toyota forklifts. He said the credit involved adjustments to the classification and assessment of leased equipment.

The board also approved the minutes of its Oct. 7 meeting without recorded opposition.

The Oct. 21 meeting was held at the Town Hall Annex, 66 Prospect St., rather than Town Hall because early voting was underway.