Council seeks wider public outreach on fire-territory question as members raise concerns about handling of disciplinary case

Council members said the town should expand outreach to residents about a pending fire-territory matter and expressed frustration over a personnel dispute in the fire department that has resulted in extended administrative leave and significant legal expenses.

Council member Jeff (council member) said attendance at a recent fire-territory meeting was low and suggested mailing notices or adding a message to sewer bills to increase public awareness. Council agreed by consensus to pursue broader outreach, asking staff to explore low-cost direct-mail options and coordinated efforts with local media.

Separately, council members raised concerns about a disciplinary case involving a 26-year veteran firefighter who has been on leave since Labor Day. Jeff described the matter as "mishandled" and said the town hired outside counsel, incurring "thousands of dollars" in legal fees. He said the employee "was not coming back" and that the situation — including limits on the employee's access to fire department property under an agreement — had been troubling for council members and department personnel.

Council members asked staff to provide more information to the council and the public about the timeline and handling of the matter; Jeff said he had requested audio and records in December and had not received them. Several council members encouraged residents to attend upcoming meetings to express their views and to help guide the council’s direction on the fire-territory topic.

Ending: The council recorded a consensus to increase outreach about the fire-territory issue and asked staff to return with recommended outreach methods. Council members also asked staff and the town attorney to provide appropriate briefing materials on the disciplinary matter to ensure council members are fully informed.