DRAFT
Charge for the Ridgefield Building Committee Regarding Public Safety Facilities:

The purpose of the Ridgefield Public Safety Building Committee (“the Committee”) is to evaluate and recommend the most effective, fiscally responsible, and community-supported path forward for meeting the long-term facility needs of the Ridgefield Fire, Police, EMS and Volunteer Fire Departments.

 Scope of Work

1. Comprehensive Review of Options: The Committee shall undertake a thorough assessment of all viable options for addressing the facility needs of all departments, including but not limited to:
2. Needs Assessment:  The Committee shall review operational requirements, future staffing projections, response-time considerations, safety standards, and regulatory obligations of all departments to ensure any recommended solution meets both current and future public safety needs.

3. Site Evaluation:  The Committee shall identify and evaluate potential sites, including existing municipal properties and alternative locations.

       This evaluation should address suitability, environmental impacts, traffic and access, neighborhood compatibility, and long-term sustainability.

4. Financial Analysis:  The Committee shall analyze capital costs, long-term operating costs, and the overall tax impact of each option. Clear, transparent cost comparisons must be included in the final recommendations.

5. Community Engagement: Recognizing that any plan must earn the support of Ridgefield residents, the Committee shall actively seek public input, provide opportunities for dialogue and share information openly throughout the process. Community priorities, concerns, and expectations should meaningfully inform the Committee’s recommendations.

6. Recommendation and Rationale: At the conclusion of its work, the Committee shall present to the Board of Selectpersons a set of clear, well-supported recommendations that represent: The best balance of operational effectiveness, fiscal responsibility, and community preference; A proposal that Ridgefield voters are likely to understand, support, and approve. The recommendations should include reasoning, comparative analyses, and any minority or alternative viewpoints the Committee deems important to highlight.

7. Charge Summary: The Committee is charged with keeping all options on the table, approaching the challenge with open minds and rigorous analysis, and ultimately delivering a plan that serves Ridgefield’s public safety needs while reflecting the will and values of the community.

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