Among six scheduled New Business agenda items for the Monday, May 2, Board of Selectmen meeting, Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra, and Selectmen Herb Rosenthal and Will Rodgers spent most of the one-hour meeting hearing comments from voters concerned about the possibility of a permanent memorial to 12/14 being sited in the Fairfield Hills High Meadow, and discussing a request from the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission (SHPMC) for a special appropriation of $10,000 from the Sandy Hook Special Reserves Fund "Memorial Donation" account. That money would be used for consulting services for design and installation of a permanent memorial.

Stantec Consulting Services in New Haven accompanied members of SHPMC and Parks and Recreation on a March 21 walk to assess the feasibility of creating a memorial space at the High Meadow, and on April 14, presented six alternatives for access to a proposed permanent memorial at the High Meadow at the regular SHPMC meeting.

Newtown resident Ann Astarita spoke during public comment, addressing the SHPMC appropriation, noting that SHPMC member Alan Martin had made a motion at the March 10 commission meeting to transfer $10,000 for a feasibility study of the High Meadow.

"After discussion, no motion was made and as such, no motion passed," said Ms Astarita. She questioned why there is no public trail of process, motions, discussion, public input, or approvals between the March 10 meeting and Monday's request for transfer of funds to pay for work performed by Stantec.

"We're confident the Board of Selectmen agrees that transparency and public information sharing are essential. We argue the actions leading up to today's motion do not follow such transparency," Ms Astarita said.

She also expressed concern for the environmental impact to the High Meadow, should a permanent memorial be sited there, and a perceived lack of input to the SHPMC from residents who regularly use trails at Fairfield Hills. Are the decisions being made in the best interest of residents or in the best interests of the commission, she wondered.

Resident Mary Gaudet-Wilson also spoke, saying she had conducted a "not very scientific" survey of Fairfield Hills' recreational users. Many told her they were unaware of SHPMC plans or were opposed to a permanent 12/14 memorial at the High Meadow.

"Why go forward with a memorial that some will find a source of comfort, but others a source of distress?" she asked, adding that she is concerned about the conflict this has created, while acknowledging a need for sensitivity.

Many people who frequent the High Meadow do not want a constant reminder of 12/14, Holly Kocet told the Board of Selectmen.

"The opinions of many should not be ignored to satisfy a commission of 12," she said.

Also speaking out against a memorial at the High Meadow was Carole Ando, who proposed the commission seek other sites.

Joe Hovious noted that the selectmen had suggested at its April 4 meeting that an Eagle Scout seek input from his neighbors regarding a project with connections to 12/14. He feels town leaders are not listening with respect to a number of groups expressing concerns about the High Meadow.

"I think we ought to be listening to them, and give them at least the same consideration as to a park bench," said Mr Hovious.

In discussing the possible appropriation of funds requested by SHPMC, there is a process to access funds donated for a memorial, said Finance Director Robert Tait. The process requires review by the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, and the Legislative Council.

Work done without funding authorization is not appropriate, Mr Rosenthal said.

Mr Rodgers' concern was that SHPMC might have conveyed to Stantec that it had more authority than it does.

"I have a problem with Stantec not being paid for work performed," said Mr Rodgers.

Because Stantec has worked with Parks and Recreations, said Mrs Llodra, she can understand that Stantec did not understand how appropriation works, and can understand how confusion has arisen.

"It does not justify that work was performed without appropriation," she said.

The board also observed that no final decision has been made as to whether or not a memorial can be placed at the High Meadow.

Further discussion resulted in a decision to speak with SHPMC Chairman Kyle Lyddy "to get a whole sense of what is intended."

Mr Rodgers suggested asking Mr Lyddy why other alternatives to High Meadow are not desirable.

"They've settled on this. We need details, even to reject it," he said.

The board supports the commission, despite what Mrs Llodra called "an error in judgment."

Mr Lyddy will be asked to meet with the board to discuss the scope of work, and what specifically the funds requested are for.

Mrs Llodra also said she hoped to have a larger discussion of why SHPMC is focused on High Meadow.

The June 6 meeting will have a special emphasis on SHPMC, said Mrs Llodra, adding that payment to Stantec would have to wait.

On Tuesday, May 3, Mr Lyddy said that he was surprised by the board's decision, but that commission members would be at the next Board of Selectmen meeting to explain the process they had followed.

"We stand by our decisions," said Mr Lyddy.