Contract Review Committee approves Fairwinds Q1 opioid payment, requests plan and legal check on grant use

The Contract Review Committee on Nov. 7 approved a payment of $9,390.90 to Fairwinds as reimbursement for quarter‑one services under a town opioid‑abatement grant, but asked staff to obtain a written plan explaining differences between the award, the quarterly report and the organization’s grant application and to seek legal review of the contract terms.

At the start of the discussion, Chair Veronica Bolczyk said the committee had identified “at least three different representations” of the same award and asked Fairwinds’ executive director to attend a future meeting so the organization could explain the discrepancies. Jericho Maley, committee staff, was directed to prepare a communication capturing the committee’s concerns and requesting a plan for modified reimbursement and an explanation of variances before quarter 2.

Committee members emphasized that opioid‑abatement and settlement funds are tightly restricted. Linda Williams warned that funds must be spent in accordance with the original application and the signed grant agreement, saying that improper use or commingling of restricted funds “is a big, big problem.” Staff said the quarter’s reported expenditures as presented still fell within allowed abatement‑fund uses but that the committee should be notified of any midstream changes to spending plans.

The motion to approve the invoice was made by Suzanne Keating and seconded by Lee Tessa. The roll call vote was five in favor, zero opposed: Suzanne Keating, John Beloche, Linda Williams, Lee Tessa and Chair Veronica Bolczyk. Lexi, the committee administrator, identified the invoice amount as $9,390.90 during the motion. The formal motion and vote record are part of the meeting minutes.

The committee directed staff to: prepare a written letter for Fairwinds documenting the discrepancies the committee observed; request an outline of Fairwinds’ plan for reimbursement and usage going forward; and consult Town counsel (Brian Turban) to confirm whether any contract modification or other legal steps are required. Bolczyk said she wanted Fairwinds to have the chance to explain but that the committee would withhold further payments beyond the approved quarter until it received a satisfactory explanation.

Members also discussed a separate operational grant application from Fairwinds for an information‑technology migration. Packet materials list a larger total project cost (about $149,724) while the town’s operational grant cap is $100,000. Committee members asked Fairwinds to explain sustainability, other funding sources to cover the balance, and whether the project would be viable if the committee awarded only the program maximum. Staff noted Fairwinds described a diversified revenue plan in its application — grants, private donations, insurance reimbursements, Medicaid/Medicare and sliding‑fee income — but encouraged Fairwinds to present details of that plan in person.

What’s next: the committee approved the Q1 invoice and directed staff to request a written plan and to have Fairwinds’ executive director appear at a future meeting; staff will also seek a legal opinion on whether contract amendments are required.