[{"_1":2,"_136":-5,"_137":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112,124],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6236254,"mediaKeyId","3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3","parentId",3374809,"title","Commission seeks approval to add alternate members; item to go to RTM","audioSeconds",102,"startMs",3332000,"endMs",3434000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3&start=3332&end=3434","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3/thumbnail_3332000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6236254/Connecticut/Commission-seeks-approval-to-add-alternate-members-item-to-go-to-RTM","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236254-e4adb3bae5914a12b6879306aad03561/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724854&Signature=DPuxxhQ1gj7mio39juDtwTxiGZ7F1ObJCOZ~nP0RxicOC14BHU609S4XhW95oq21iWK0~lXngY2XXA2skAfftSSNiXYXArBIf8dh1HF4RP7Zm7f-H1yOuyl5eEeHdbyTlouvG1bKO~kDjLWby3IyDIUViMDUOqyVZ85fd24b-2nLp9CY3z5y5uy0N5MY3DoHFtHDtt4uZHIcGuxz~wVlCbrDKIqqxpLlA~H0EiqRqyRTO1lSMY9-jfq4BcMoXf-A14fg8UTgbAvytwcNmUBWVFKhwtd~VGwMjH8pLdIy-kqttYi1xds4lo22juAB0UxLASmuY45eoYjKkje-th9~DA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Fairfield, CT","date","2025-05-17T04:33:37Z","article","At the May 14 meeting, commissioners reported a unanimous committee recommendation to add two alternates to the Shellfish Commission and said the proposal will be advanced to the full Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for final approval.

A commissioner described the presentation to the initial committee and said the committee voted unanimously to permit two alternate members. Alternates would be encouraged to attend regular meetings (without vote) and would step in as full commissioners if a vacancy or quorum issue required it. Commissioners said alternates create a \"farm system\" of trained volunteers who can fill full commissioner seats and reduce gaps when regular members are absent.

The commission identified the RTM as the next approver and said that, if approved, alternates would expand the pool of volunteers available for restoration, clinic staffing, and other operational tasks.

No statutory or ordinance language was cited verbatim during the discussion; the commission characterized the change as an administrative amendment that must go through RTM approval processes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fairfield 05/14/25 Shellfish Commission","oneSentenceSummary","The commission unanimously supported a proposal to create two alternate-shellfish‑commission seats and will present the plan to the Representative Town Meeting for approval.","taxTitle","Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut","taxId",57943,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6236259,"Fairfield readies clam clinic: volunteers, chowder, security and supplies",445,2294000,2739000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3&start=2294&end=2739","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3/thumbnail_2294000.jpg","/articles/6236259/Connecticut/Fairfield-readies-clam-clinic-volunteers-chowder-security-and-supplies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236259-995d1bbef56c90e62eab06a15ce5afcb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724854&Signature=W52QB-8YlJUIMJ6fOzeGvOWDX3Dv~DnAAC03~FJCQWtyxtbEsuKpwcJh0qALePbn93w8bMyXvuVuPpkNykZNFy0NEMLRvKGPfVOvOjzlWfqwQn0I~w7rS0eAIKIO5HRtETPHqZCtYxR8v5xN~Os~AHQ-dOphmmccUStLK~EPxPiU82qWMJWIgG5Vj8rAG9YMzsZpx70MT4J6TLVws1vddXyOr13rIwJWZSbETkM3ljbli8bEorjX3EFgXuiO~byFO3N~-p~aPj1DxYOOWcM7rDDouTzHzB1Xs8R34V73sTBdtG-Q6kj3UxzGoxF3O9LtEdhmDDv7tMAb4pzyf5nLfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission used the May 14 meeting to finalize logistics for the town’s 2025 clam clinic, confirming volunteers, catering, safety and supply plans.

Commissioners reported the chowder vendor and band are lined up and that they will run a single chowder option (the vendor previously provided both Manhattan and New England chowders; the commission opted for one to avoid leftovers). Volunteers will be at the site early; commissioners requested six people to set up tents between about 6 and 7 a.m. for an 8 a.m. start. One commissioner said the event typically runs until about 10:30 a.m.

The commission discussed supplies: cups, napkins, spoons, t‑shirts, hats, refillable coolers, ice, and cases of bottled water. Conservation staff agreed to load trailers and provide at least two or three staff to stay for setup and operations. Commissioners planned to inventory supplies at the locker and to order additional items as needed.

For public‑safety and traffic control, commission staff said they would request a police officer to arrive earlier than in prior years after last year’s parking altercations. Conservation staff volunteered to load the trailer the day before or the morning of the event.

On distribution, commissioners said clams for the clinic will be placed a day or two before the clinic (Wednesday or Thursday) if the commission proceeds with the market buy. Upwellers and hatchery seed were discussed but not required for the clinic itself. The commission also discussed raffle prizes and local donors for $10 gift cards and larger raffles and agreed to approach local restaurants and businesses for donations.

Commissioners asked for promotional help: staff will try to get the clinic flyer into the town update, the conservation quarterly newsletter, and social channels; commission members volunteered to photograph the event for local magazines.","The commission finalized logistics for the 2025 clam clinic: chowder catering, volunteers, raffle prizes, ice and water supplies, early morning setup, and a request for police presence to manage parking safety.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6236264,"Commission outlines oyster‑bed development plan, spat collectors and shell placement",270,1009000,1279000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3&start=1009&end=1279","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3/thumbnail_1009000.jpg","/articles/6236264/Connecticut/Commission-outlines-oysterbed-development-plan-spat-collectors-and-shell-placement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236264-879eb46d8b9ac9dc6b5b60695ef79a11/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724854&Signature=L7hDUuh8FKlbg~3d9iju9hFU1KWpqAjQKBPE6V3clynMbVtBhsNkr8sDklFpYMJZf3K0Wu3QUB5yQowMed9vrXNUUr4bTsg7Z15ht944sWXo7vkv6L6GDzWU7C6KoJsTBe7p9-bcx11VhxjsAok1F1q2NHXJ45xI3C8TLT5o~1XylGm8~j9tPWuccdVe~zVxyAHehJXEUajcnU2iZU8DkXvODK~Hbg0fg2Ppqw7xJeW2G7CT42wIvI53ANf0unQk1ho9hda~XCnPmFE8wyQk6DuRyid9wJiLO-9SBoXYEZ~-UWFFRCJUWgHTwE~aZZmiiCidsdvR05KzYI4M8U9fYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fairfield commissioners and conservation staff reviewed plans for oyster‑bed development, including spat collectors, upwellers and several options for placing shell in the estuary.

Commissioners described plans to deploy 30–40 spat collectors shortly after the clinic; Joan (a volunteer from Greenwich) and other volunteers plan to help coat and install collectors. The commission also discussed placing a small experimental patch of shell in deeper water to test whether spat will settle there.

A commissioner reported that a local operator, Jim Blum, had offered to place a thousand bushels of shell in a square test patch off Sasko Beach to evaluate settlement in deeper water. The commission discussed logistics for loading shell: shell is stored in large bunker blocks and can be loaded by front‑end loader into trucks and transferred to a vessel conveyor for placement.

Commission staff described a large regional shell stockpile (reported in the discussion at roughly 650,000 bushels) that could be available for larger bed building projects; commissioners discussed timing and approvals for any state or dredge‑material sites where shell might be placed. Commissioners also identified smaller, homeowner‑requested spots (one homeowner asked for 10–20 containers of shell behind a property creek) as low‑volume local placements conservation could support.

On aquaculture hardware, the commission expects upwellers to start in June if hatchery shell or seed are available. Members described how hatchery spat attach in tanks and are later transferred to trays and upwellers to grow big enough for field placement.","Members discussed spat collectors, upwellers, a potential 1,000‑bushel pilot shell placement, and logistics for moving large shell piles to experimental patches and small private repairs.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6236268,"Commission reviews beach closure after sewage contact and heavy rain",73,229000,302000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3&start=229&end=302","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3/thumbnail_229000.jpg","/articles/6236268/Connecticut/Commission-reviews-beach-closure-after-sewage-contact-and-heavy-rain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236268-6d82c407fefe0a04821eae52e84274c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724854&Signature=BLnQ1UQjnah1q9nw2J9Oh9Mrcknjjo0ZshPFT4oLKyrJsZAoAUVTtHA5kHeR2TIm4Vn8CHMqLMT30BrxgeTreNi4lEFpZTybXF5AlDOoROLBkHOBrD3YaJuW6RSIjdK~ThCZezJ6nn3WTdakmfvW~gwh8o4B0e9wq3M4UZsL8fv8mv-E~2nHT61L~U623g74hYqH~JW0Z370RSNOPDkvNX7GfnZhCIr0v~ldaRIVFy33tTvEJDCYmjPv5VBKdTvtJ-YBUbHvIz0XX7Sn0uRc~DAPib-ZuPtowJvMu4wLbFsUT6n4VYv5E71m8j7otvszhB42qzxiE9jon1IGkpMPwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 14 meeting the commission reviewed a closure that began after suspected sewage contact with a creek and was extended by heavy rain.

Commissioners reported the commission was closed for a mandatory two‑week shutdown after contractor bore‑hole work near Fairfield Beach Road hit a pipe and may have discharged sewage into a creek. That shutdown was compounded when April produced more than four inches of rain in the area, delaying reopening; commissioners said the commission had been closed roughly three weeks at the time of the meeting.

\"They were drilling some test holes... and they hit the pipe. I guess a certain amount of sewage may have gotten into the creek, so it's an automatic shutdown,\" a commissioner said during the report. Members emphasized that an automatic two‑week closure for potential sewage contact is the governing operational practice and that subsequent rain extended the closure window.

Commissioners asked staff to monitor weather and water quality and to keep volunteers and permit holders informed about reopening. The commission noted that the timing of relays or other propagation work depends on the reopening schedule and that staff would attempt to time relays to avoid mid‑summer two‑week closures where possible.

No formal regulatory citation was made at the meeting; the commission described the closure as an operational automatic shutdown triggered by potential sewage contact and exacerbated by rainfall.","Members reported a multiweek closure triggered by suspected sewage contact after a utility borehole strike and extended by heavy April rains; the commission discussed the timeline and monitoring needed to reopen.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6236271,"Commission approves 'BeachPass Max' campaign and $200 digital ad to boost permit sales",1075,594000,1669000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3&start=594&end=1669","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3/thumbnail_594000.jpg","/articles/6236271/Connecticut/Commission-approves-BeachPass-Max-campaign-and-200-digital-ad-to-boost-permit-sales","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236271-09c08ef365bd7a59ef50e5f3e9c2f571/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724854&Signature=lHWCHvo5l0O2mQzWdbwcWtxPd8VTQQH9goBR0lBghcmcTW4p11MK128pKV3F0boGCXLGgBR4eEq6UPaoGLEOteTXO-ayzX7aAu78H3MNpizOAG2N6Kn1Joc2dL1naFdla~uM4efc3eJTfMi-MdHIyzxqa4hHYtqJi0YQ0pjPHY3hDfbGZs0P2ilZntF7revuvZQPZND0DHSL50sRm9slEuoKgknERjAHuFewiBX8Ss6UzM~x7pqLxrCbYgjkCqtEaKnHiIogG9uh6slBnMpnUupzF4drdVuT2wI3sFU-WBppzurHXzkY4Gon58tIshTgyFAdws9Ojg~Is-jP1n717g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its May 14 meeting, the Fairfield Shellfish Commission approved a short marketing campaign to increase shellfish‑permit sales and authorized a paid digital promotion.

Commissioners selected a brand tagline, \"BeachPass Max,\" as the primary call to action for signage and social posts. Commissioner Sean Cohen described the concept as a concise call to action for people buying beach passes: \"Get your shellfish permit, maximize the value of your beach experience.\"

Commissioners discussed a coordinated set of assets — a bold sign with a QR code to place at the permit counter, matching posts on Facebook and Instagram, and small countertop placards near the checkout. The group favored simple wording and a QR code that links directly to the online permit purchase page rather than long explanatory text at the counter.

The commission also voted to authorize up to $200 for a geo‑targeted Facebook/Instagram ad to reach Fairfield residents who do not currently follow the commission’s accounts. A motion to authorize $200 for the digital buy was made and seconded and carried by voice vote. Commissioners said the buy will be executed through the commission's social account and reimbursed to any volunteer who fronts the payment if a credit card is used.

Members agreed to run both creative variants (the \"Max\" and a humorous \"Fries\" concept) in sequence: the primary \"BeachPass Max\" run through the Memorial Day period and the alternate creative later into June and early July to compare performance. The commission instructed staff to circulate copy to members by email for a rapid turnaround so banners and digital posts can go live before the holiday weekend.

Commissioners said the ad money will come from the shellfish fund and asked staff to report back on ad performance and permit-sales changes at a subsequent meeting.","The Fairfield Shellfish Commission selected 'BeachPass Max' as its permit marketing tagline and authorized a $200 social-media ad buy to reach nonfollowers ahead of Memorial Day and the clam clinic.",{"_33":125,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":126,"_41":127,"_43":128,"_45":129,"_47":130,"_49":131,"_51":132,"_53":133,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":134,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":135,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6236277,"Shellfish commission reallocates $2,500 relay funds to market clam purchase",76,107000,183000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3&start=107&end=183","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3374809-5cc8663402d7acdf91f4299d5d6d0ad3/thumbnail_107000.jpg","/articles/6236277/Connecticut/Shellfish-commission-reallocates-2500-relay-funds-to-market-clam-purchase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236277-e81343fac5439ae13087bad1ae49155c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724854&Signature=Cp247SNb-7jLVwmQhY5UwHtnGqAcamq0zNnCfFKxWEA3-oKah-OhjWBVoX2S2~ARfW5nb07SWUD9tsit6QQ-83aCNZiT3lA-K0ZQqrqHM~XQBGD61LCP5X5~9iXOUHEkvN0C63637yR1rF9g2taLZ6lFE39DTWxuxtTl5PptOCU0WgNN7LgMkkVp9v1vBkJjqbk7RRhw1~K47cF-DlbyXhgXt-4MEc9JdTCw1tJvmb0NxYneczJTtQH7lHz0NvRlh~1QQ2Maly6UB4RfTfEUrmAMCGcf6A0ak76AailgQ49KCnt71Z1XF~h-50whl3NYXGnEWTyk3jVG~RZw2Ip6Vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On May 14, 2025, the Fairfield Shellfish Commission voted to reallocate a previously approved $2,500 relay budget to a market purchase of clams, citing poor field conditions that make a relay impractical now.

Commissioner Bruce Kiefner said, \"I move that we allocate the $2,500 for relay. We change that to a market buy in light of conditions.\" Commissioners seconded the motion and the vote carried; the motion was approved by voice vote.

The commission discussed recent weather and low clamming pressure, with one member noting that clam availability likely fell during a wet April and that a planned relay would require a two-week closure that the group did not want to extend. Commissioners agreed a market buy gives flexibility: the money can be used \"up to\" the full $2,500 depending on what clams vendors can supply.

Commissioners also noted that the clinic (the commission's public clam clinic) remains the nearest scheduled event to distribute clams or measure demand and that, if conditions allow after July 4, the commission would consider doing a relay later in the season.

Clarifying details discussed at the meeting included past market-buy amounts (commissioners said they normally spent $1,500–$2,000 on market purchases in prior years) and that the new motion authorizes spending up to $2,500 rather than mandating the full amount be used. No additional ordinance or statutory authority was referenced in the discussion.

The commission did not attach conditions or amendments to the motion; next steps are logistical (finding available clams and scheduling delivery) and will be handled by staff and volunteers ahead of the clinic and summer season.","The Fairfield Shellfish Commission voted to convert a planned clam relay allocation into an up-to-$2,500 market purchase, citing low wild clam availability and recent closures that limit relaying opportunities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission seeks approval to add alternate members; item to go to RTM

Fairfield readies clam clinic: volunteers, chowder, security and supplies

Commission outlines oyster‑bed development plan, spat collectors and shell placement

Commission reviews beach closure after sewage contact and heavy rain

Commission approves 'BeachPass Max' campaign and $200 digital ad to boost permit sales

Shellfish commission reallocates $2,500 relay funds to market clam purchase