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Conservation Commission approves trail-steward hats, OKs kiosk window replacement
Summary
At its June 4, 2026 special meeting the Willington Conservation Commission authorized purchase of 10 trail-steward hats for $185 and approved up to $225 to replace a damaged kiosk window at Fenton Ruby Park, using funds from the commission’s regular budget.
The Willington Conservation Commission voted at a June 4, 2026 special meeting to buy 10 trail‑steward hats and to authorize replacement of a damaged kiosk panel at Fenton Ruby Park.
Commissioners reviewed a mock-up from Rainbow Graphics of an owl logo with the words “Trail Steward” and “Willington, Connecticut,” and discussed hat color and quantity. Rainbow Graphics quoted 10 hats at $16 each ($160) plus a one‑time $25 digitizing fee, for a total of $185; the vendor requires a $92.50 deposit to start production. The commission noted that the vendor retains digitizing files for future reorders.
The commission confirmed the purchases will come from its regular budget, not ARPA funds. The working balance was stated in the meeting as $691.12 after a prior $100 payment for pollinator‑garden flowers. Commissioners noted they currently have eight active stewards (nine if Connie Bedan and her husband Eric are counted) and that 10 hats would cover current volunteers and leave spares. A motion to purchase 10 hats for $185 was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; during the roll call four members said “I.”
On the kiosk repair, members described a bullet dent in the kiosk’s polycarbonate panel at Fenton Ruby Park and reported Mansfield Supply has replacement polycarbonate in stock for $199. A motion was made, seconded and approved to authorize up to $225 to buy the replacement panel and any necessary installation hardware. Meeting discussion included storing the old panel for possible future use and having “Chris” pick up and trim the replacement to fit.
After accounting for the hat and kiosk authorizations, the commission estimated there would be roughly $300 left in the budget; commissioners noted the town finance office does not close its books until July, so the commission can formally appropriate expenditures at a regular meeting if needed.
Votes at a glance: • Motion to seat Patty Phillips for absent commissioner Nora — approved (voice vote). • Motion to purchase 10 trail‑steward hats, total $185 — approved (voice vote; four members recorded “I”). • Motion to authorize up to $225 for kiosk polycarbonate and hardware — approved (voice vote; four members recorded “I”).
Next steps: the vendor deposit will be paid to Rainbow Graphics to begin production, the replacement kiosk panel will be purchased from Mansfield Supply and cut to fit, and the commission will address any remaining appropriations at its regular June meeting.
