Fairfield hires two in conservation, public works roles

FAIRFIELD — The Town of Fairfield recently announced new hires for the conservation director and the assistant director of public works roles. The new governmental positions are a continuation of First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick’s reorganization plan that eliminated several positions following the fill pile scandal.

“My administration has been focused on reorganizing town government to create efficiencies and eliminate waste, to modernize and ultimately to improve services to our residents,” Kupchick said. “The reason I offered a Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive Program in late 2020 was to make government smaller, more efficient and smarter through technological advancements and managerial improvements.”

Kupchick’s reorganization plan was expected to save the town $541,000 and eliminated the role of conservation administrator. That cut proved unpopular, and hundreds of residents signed an online petition asking to reinstate the position.

“We need to ensure our wetlands, marshlands, open spaces, rivers and other resources are protected and sustainable for future generations,” the petition read.

Kupchick said the restructuring just reassigns the administrator’s tasks and the department will still protect the town.

After an extensive search with a hiring firm, the Conservation Commission unanimously recommended a new director, Timothy Bishop.

Bishop has more than 18 years of experience as a consultant in environmental investigation and remediation projects throughout the metro area in both the residential and commercial sectors. He also has a master’s degree in environmental technology and a certification in wetlands delineations, and he serves on the Inland Wetlands Board in his hometown of Ridgefield.

“Tim has a well-rounded background in the environmental field, and will be an asset to our town and a great leader for the department,” said Kupchick.

The administration eliminated two positions in the Conservation Department in this year’s budget, and elevated Sarah Neafsey, the wetlands compliance officer, from part-time to full-time.

“Sarah’s enthusiasm, positive attitude and professionalism are a huge asset to the department,” said Kupchick. “I am confident that Tim, Sarah, Joanne Moura and the open space crew, led by Ed Jones, will continue to further the department’s mission to maintain, enhance and restore the rich, natural resources of Fairfield.”

The town’s Department of Public Works also underwent changes in the reorganization plan. The former director of solid waste and recycling opted to take an early retirement package, and that job was incorporated into the responsibility of the assistant public works director, a position that has been vacant since January when Ed Boman elected to take voluntary early retirement after 25 years of service to the town.

The new assistant public works director, John Cottell, Jr., comes to Fairfield with experience as a manager of utilities and energy conservation and a former public works director. He has an engineering degree and is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

“John also previously worked under our current Interim DPW Director John Marsilio. Mr. Marsilio is excited to have John’s wealth of knowledge, expertise, as well as another level of oversight and support for our Department of Public Works,” Kupchick said.

In the department, three net positions were eliminated as the structure was reorganized. The superintendent of public works has been transferred to serve as the superintendent of parks under the Parks and Recreation Department along with his team. Kupchick said, “It makes sense to have the people who operate the parks be responsible for maintenance of the parks. It goes to accountability and service to the public.”

In April of this year, Fairfield also hired a new building official, Shawn Reed, after the town’s former building official of 18 years, Tom Conley, retired.

“Shawn’s experience and knowledge are an asset to our Building Department, our residents and Fairfield’s business community; his calm demeanor and helpful attitude is a welcome addition to the town’s Building Department,” said Kupchick.

Kupchick says while these changes were uncomfortable and difficult at first, the town has benefited tremendously from the reorganization plan.

“In the many years I have been involved in our local government, little had changed for many years. I understand why,” Kupchick said, “Change can be uncomfortable and difficult. Getting the (voluntary retirement package) passed by the town boards was a contentious and challenging undertaking that took several months. The public corruption scandal and the arrests of five former town employees are glaring reasons that new oversight and change were necessary.”

Kupchick said the reorganization had yielded about $200,000 in savings last year, and would result in greater savings this year and next year.

“Even more importantly, I believe these changes are resulting in an efficient and more customer service-centric town government. I believe our residents and businesses will see the results of these changes for years to come,” she said.