The New Canaan Board of Selectmen on Oct. 7 approved a series of municipal contracts and purchases covering fire equipment, wastewater pumps, athletic‑field repairs, building alarm work and other town services, and cleared the way for vendors at the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCAC) cross‑country championship at Waveny Park on Oct. 15, 2025.

Why it matters: The votes commit town budget dollars for public safety, infrastructure and recreation projects that town officials said are budgeted in fiscal 2026 accounts. The meeting also produced administrative actions — an update on capital projects, two appointments to local boards and a new municipal security camera policy — that affect town operations and public access to municipal services.

At the top of the meeting the selectmen approved a fiscal year 2026 blanket purchase order request from the Fire Department to MES Fire Equipment not to exceed $15,000 for purchase and maintenance of firefighting equipment. The board then approved Public Works requests to buy pumps for the wastewater treatment facility: a Vaughn (chopper) pump from Hayes Pump Inc. for $18,950 and KSB submersible pumps and casing seals from Atlantic Fluid Technology for $27,512. Town staff said both purchases were solicited and budgeted; staff noted Hayes is the established representative for the pump model in the region and Atlantic Fluid Technology is the New England representative for KSB.

Parks and recreation items approved included a contract with Cape and Island Tennis & Track to repaint the lane lines and numbers on the New Canaan High School track for $11,300, plus a $1,100 contingency (total $12,400). Parks staff said the work will close the track for about two days this fall and that the line repaint typically lasts about five years.

The board also approved annual softball and baseball field maintenance and materials contracts. Athletic Field Services was selected for field work at $39,847 with a $4,000 contingency (total $43,847), and DuraEdge Products Inc. was selected for infield mix and shipping at $15,985 with a $1,600 contingency (total $17,585). Staff said bids were solicited and that several vendors declined because of scheduling constraints at this time of year.

On events, the board authorized the New Canaan High School athletic department and parks and recreation to allow merchandise sales and one food vendor (Kona Ice) at the FCAC boys’ and girls’ cross‑country championship at Waveny Park on Oct. 15, 2025. Town staff said the event is expected to draw more than 900 student finishers from 14 schools and that Kona Ice will donate 20% of its proceeds to FCAC programs.

Public works and facilities actions included approval of a $20,000 change order with Silent Watchman to repair or replace fire‑alarm/electrical components identified during the annual inspection. The board also approved the sale of 2,000 cubic yards of composted leaf mulch to Peter Lonnie Inc. at $12 per cubic yard (total $24,000). Town staff said sales proceeds from prior years have cumulatively exceeded $250,000 since 2009.

On benefits and policy, the board approved a 2026 renewal with AmWINS Group Benefits for retiree Medicare supplement coverage, prescription and vision services at a purchase order amount of $253,050 for the 2026 contract year (Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2026). Selectmen also approved a municipal security‑camera policy that limits viewing requests to defined official purposes and establishes HR or the first selectman as the review authority for special requests; town legal reviewed the policy, staff said.

Appointments and contracts: The board appointed Greg Crowley to the Utilities Commission for a three‑year term (ending July 1, 2026). The board also moved Don Mastronardi from alternate to a regular member of the Inland Wetlands Commission for a two‑year term (ending Dec. 1, 2026); the motion passed with recorded opposition. The board approved a contract award to Olmstead Tree & Shrub Care for tree removals, pruning and stump removal at $36,704.

Town staff provided a status update on town capital and infrastructure projects and said most projects are running on or under budget; staff also said work is underway behind the Playhouse lot and in Waveny western parking, and that the town is pressing contractors to complete key projects before Thanksgiving. The town clerk hiring process was updated: staff reported about 180 applicants for two open positions and said initial interview scheduling will begin soon.

Votes at a glance (selected actions approved Oct. 7, 2025):
- Fire Department FY26 blanket purchase order with MES Fire Equipment, not to exceed $15,000 — approved (unanimous).
- Purchase of Vaughn (chopper) pump from Hayes Pump Inc., $18,950 — approved (unanimous).
- Purchase of KSB submersible pumps and casing seals from Atlantic Fluid Technology, $27,512 — approved (unanimous).
- Track relining at New Canaan High School with Cape and Island Tennis & Track, $11,300 plus $1,100 contingency (total $12,400) — approved (unanimous).
- Annual softball/baseball field contracts: Athletic Field Services $39,847 + $4,000 contingency (total $43,847); DuraEdge Products $15,985 + $1,600 contingency (total $17,585) — approved (unanimous).
- Allow vendors (merchandise and one food truck) at FCAC cross‑country championship, Oct. 15, 2025 at Waveny Park — approved (unanimous).
- Silent Watchman change order for alarm repairs, $20,000 — approved (unanimous).
- Sale of 2,000 cubic yards of composted leaf mulch to Peter Lonnie Inc., $12/yd, total $24,000 — approved (unanimous).
- Renewal with AmWINS Group benefits for retiree Medicare supplement, $253,050 (01/01/2026–12/31/2026) — approved (unanimous).
- Municipal security camera policy (townwide) — approved (unanimous).
- Appointment: Greg Crowley to Utilities Commission (term to 07/01/2026) — approved (unanimous).
- Appointment: Don Mastronardi to Inland Wetlands Commission (term to 12/01/2026) — approved (majority; one opposed recorded).
- Contract with Olmstead Tree & Shrub Care for tree work, $36,704 — approved (unanimous).

What selectmen noted: Board members asked staff for clearer completion indicators on the capital projects spreadsheet so citizens can see which projects remain open versus closed, and thanked DPW crews for rapid work on recent downtown infrastructure changes. Several members praised the town appearance and the October restaurant program during public comment. One selectman noted Oct. 7 as the two‑year anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel during brief remarks.

Next steps: Several projects approved at the meeting are scheduled to proceed this fall (track repainting over two days; park and field work timed to avoid the spring sports season). Staff said project managers will update the selectmen as contracts are executed and as contingency spending is used.

Ending: The board adjourned by unanimous motion at the close of the Oct. 7 meeting.