Avon Council appoints Shelby Farthing to RDC, approves $8,000 guardrail liability release

The Avon Town Council on June 25 appointed Shelby Farthing to fill a vacancy on the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) and approved a liability release tied to a driver-funded guardrail repair.

Council members said Farthing, already serving on the Redevelopment Authority (RDA), was a logical replacement for Steve Eisenbart on the RDC because she attends related meetings and the two boards meet on similar schedules. The council moved, seconded and approved Farthing’s appointment by roll-call vote.

Separately, town staff reported that a motorist struck and damaged a town guardrail and the motorist’s insurer agreed to pay $8,000 to replace the rail. Insurer representatives requested a liability release as a condition of payment. Council members confirmed the town’s legal team had reviewed the paperwork, and the council approved the liability release by motion and roll-call vote.

During related discussion, a town official described the police department’s role in collecting crash information and public works’ coordination with the insurer. The council did not record any public opposition during the meeting; both the RDC appointment and the liability release passed as presented.

Votes at a glance: Shelby Farthing appointment — approved on roll call; property-damage liability release for guardrail replacement ($8,000) — approved on roll call.

Next steps: The appointment takes effect immediately; staff will proceed with the guardrail repair in coordination with the insurer and legal staff.

Note: Vote tallies were recorded in the meeting roll call as affirmative on the motions; specific individual 'aye'/'nay' words are reported in the transcript as roll-call responses.