Easton updates EMS building testing, to draft student live-in lease; Selectman proposes infrastructure task force

Chris Buck updated the Board on the EMS building renovation, saying crews were installing monitoring wells as required by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and that testing around the septic system showed no threat to community water. "There was no threat to the community's water," Buck said; First Selectman Dan Lent said he would share test results with residents when available.

Selectman Nick D'Addario asked for clarification on how the EMS Student Live-In Program lease will work among the town, the student and Volunteer EMS, noting the old security deposit was $500 and suggesting it be revisited along with pledges for weekend shifts and an operating agreement. Robert Adriani said staff would draft and approve a formal agreement and that Kristi Sogofsky asked for the agreement to be completed before occupancy.

D'Addario also proposed creating an Infrastructure Task Force to assemble a five-year capital plan that would address roofs, sprinklers and other deferred-maintenance items rather than reacting to crises; he asked Kristi Sogofsky to draft the task force charge and requested Christine Calvert circulate it to the Board of Finance. D'Addario asked that the Purchasing Ordinance (Chapter 160, last updated in 1974) be revised because current thresholds are outdated; Kristi asked for the purchasing update to be added to the annual meeting agenda.

The board did not adopt the task force charge or change procurement rules at the meeting; the proposals were assigned to board members and staff for follow-up.