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Easton board hears EMS building update, defers bond release and appoints union counsel; Falzone confirmed 2–1
Summary
The board heard that EMS interior work is nearly complete but exterior work revealed contaminated soil requiring an H‑454 licensed contractor; it deferred a bond release for driveway drainage testing, discussed a lapsed $10K grant from the Mashantucket Pequot Mohegan Fund, confirmed Kristin Falzone to the Insurance Commission (2–1) and unanimously appointed Zachary Schurin as counsel for union negotiations.
At its Feb. 5, 2026 meeting the Easton Board of Selectmen received construction and administrative updates, made several appointments and recorded votes on routine business.
Infrastructure and site issues: First Selectman Dan Lent said the EMS building interior is nearly finished while exterior work on a new well and septic continues. During the exterior work some soil contamination was discovered; the board engaged a contractor with an H‑454 license to be present while DPW performs excavation. Selectman Kristi Sogofsky asked whether that will create additional costs and where funds would come from; the transcript records a request for confirmation of funding sources but does not record a final funding decision. Selectman Nick D'Addario noted regulations on digging contaminated soil changed as of Jan. 1.
Bond release and grants: The board agreed the bond release tied to Pete Dinardo requires Planning & Zoning to test driveway drainage before the surety can be released and that a $150,000 surety bond needs to be verified. On grant funding, Lent said towns previously received about $10,000 from the Mashantucket Pequot Mohegan Fund but some towns have stopped receiving it; he proposed sending a letter (similar to Woodbury's) to request funds again, while Kristi Sogofsky recommended waiting for legislative guidance and confirming past amounts.
Appointments and votes at a glance: Kristi Sogofsky moved to reappoint Thomas Schick as an alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals (motion passed unanimously). The board appointed Kristin Falzone to the Insurance Commission; the vote passed 2–1 (Dan Lent and Kristi Sogofsky in favor; Nick D'Addario opposed). After returning from executive session, the board unanimously added agenda item 15a and appointed Zachary Schurin as legal counsel for union negotiations. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Why it matters: The contamination discovery could affect timetables and budgets for EMS building completion. The Falzone appointment and counsel selection are routine personnel/governance actions but include a recorded dissent on the Insurance Commission appointment.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of Jan. 15, 2026 minutes: passed unanimously. - Reappointment: Thomas Schick, Board of Assessment Appeals (Alternate) — passed unanimously. - Appointment: Kristin Falzone, Insurance Commission — passed 2–1 (Lent, Sogofsky yes; D'Addario no). - Appointment: Zachary Schurin, legal counsel for union negotiations — passed unanimously.
Next steps: Planning & Zoning will need to test Mr. Dinardo's driveway drainage before bond release; board staff will follow up on contractor costs for contamination work and on the proposed letter to request the Mashantucket Pequot Mohegan Fund payment.
