Conservation commission secures volunteer-run redeemable bottle shed; council discusses library and school budget timelines

The Town Council heard a conservation commission update on Feb. 26 that included two items: (1) approval by the Department of Public Works of a redeemable plastic bottle-and-can shed purchased with funds from Planet New Canaan; and (2) preliminary discussion about payment-in-lieu-of-open-space options for prospective subdivisions.

Jennifer (Conservation Commission liaison) said the shed has already been purchased, should arrive in about five weeks and will be run by volunteers. She said Planet New Canaan provided the funds and that a youth group may distribute proceeds to local nonprofits. "It's a lovely and elegant thing to come, and it won't cost the town any money," she said.

On open-space policy, commission members discussed that certain subdivisions can be required under planning and zoning regulations to provide open space or pay a fee in lieu; the commission is considering whether fees in lieu could be directed to the town's land acquisition fund. Council members noted legal and practical caveats, including that donated open space must be accessible from a road to be usable.

Councilors also discussed the library and school budget process. Council liaisons said the library presented to the board of finance on Feb. 7 and that the board of education requested an additional 4.67% in funding, described in council discussion as a net increase of one full-time equivalent after accounting for a departure and the addition of two salaried positions (classroom coach and math interventionist). Council members urged colleagues to review board of finance meetings and materials ahead of the town's budget deliberations and noted a high number of resident letters in support of the library budget.