Capital items have been approved in Ridgefield during the Annual Town Meeting. Some of the items include guard rail replacements, equipment such as a plow with sander and rotary mowers, Wellness Center improvements and work on the golf course. Tennis and basketball court repairs at Ridgefield High School, police department equipment, fire department cardiac monitors and park and field safety improvements were also approved.
Ridgefield residents also set the date for the budget referendum last night. The $139 million budget proposed for the coming fiscal year includes about $90 million for the schools, a $46.7 million municipal budget and $1.9 million for road and infrastructure improvements. There was a failed motion to cut the education portion of the budget by $5 million.
The vote will be held May 10th at Yannity Gym from 6am to 8pm.
Also on the ballot are larger capital projects. One question is about $2 million for the planning, design, acquisition and construction of Phase 1 of the Branchville Transit Oriented Development Study, $548,000 for the planning, design, acquisition and construction of a Prospect Ridge parking area and $150,000 for the planning, design, acquisition and construction of sidewalk improvements, provided that state grants be awarded to cover the first two projects.
The next question asks for approval of $187,000 for the design and acquisition of a highway Mack truck, $138,000 for the design and acquisition of a mowing tractor for Town roads, $83,000 for the design and acquisition of a backhoe, and $225,000 for refurbishment of Engine #3.
A question also asks about appropriating $62,500 for the design and acquisition of Venus Building windows, $46,000 for the design and acquisition of Highway Garage 1 floor repairs, and $87,000 for the design and acquisition of East Ridge Middle School roof repairs.
The last question asks about $355,000 for the planning, design, acquisition and construction of school energy conservation measures, which is expected to result in $92,405 of incentive savings. It's also seeking approval of $435,886 for school portion of the public safety radio system.
