NEWS FROM SOUTHBURY FIRST SELECTMAN
TIM O'NEIL
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Southbury Chamber
[L-T] Kurt Mazurosky, Prime Publishers, Charles Berger, Chatfield True Value, Lynn Ward, Southbury Chamber President and CEO, Danielle Hawthorne Southbury Neighbors Magazine and Southbury Chamber Chairman, Tim O'Neil, Southbury First Selectman.
On Tuesday, February 10, I attended the Southbury Chamber of Commerce Board meeting. It was enlightening to hear about the ways the Chamber supports our local business community and learn about the available educational opportunities introduced to our business owners. I look forward to a continued collaboration.
Coffee with the First Selectman
On Tuesday, February 17, I attended the second meeting of “Coffee with the First Selectman” at the Senior Center. I was happy to meet with Senior Center members. The meeting was engaging, enjoyable and a productive opportunity to connect with residents, hear concerns, and share updates in an informal setting. Next meeting is scheduled for March 17th - seating is limited and registrations are required.
IT Director
Last week, Matthew Zinzi started in his new role as IT Director. It’s great to have him on board, and we’re looking forward to the expertise and leadership he brings to the Town’s technology operations.
Settlement
Back in 2017, a Southbury couple removed almost 150 trees on town-owned property near their lakefront home in the Purchase. In April of 2025, a Judge ordered the couple to pay for the damages incurred in the amount of $683,337 including attorney fees. The settlement was finalized at the beginning of this month for the full amount. The couple’s insurance company agreed to pay $250,000 of the judgement with the couple paying the remainder of the balance.
Larkin Bridle Path Update
We worked with NVCOG, DEEP and DOT to address safety concerns brought to the Board of Selectmen back in 2023. The existing signage at the crosswalk on Route 67 will be upgraded in line with best practices. A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon is planned for the crosswalk under State Project 174-0483. Design is expected to be completed in 2028 with construction set for Spring of 2029. I will work to complete this in a more timely manner. Short term, the Town is considering installing Speed Feedback signs.
Parks Vandalism
We received the insurance adjuster’s report for the Park vandalism claim. The total damage done amounted to $55,634. The hope is to have these repairs completed by the beginning of May. There has been progress in the police investigation on this matter.
Budget Meetings
We started the week-long process of budget review with all departments. These meetings are live streamed - anyone interested please visit the town website for instructions on how to view them. We welcome resident input, please submit any budget questions directly to me at selectman@southbury-ct.gov.
Emergency Services
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, a 911 call come over the dispatch radio of an accident involving a school bus. The initial report was a three vehicle collision with two ejections. I listened to the event unfold in real time and was extremely impressed with the response from all our first responders. Our Dispatchers were cool, calm and collected. Emergency Management Director Steve Schnell, Fire Marshal Derrek Guertin and Police Sargent Michael Markette were among the first on the scene.
Southbury Police and Dispatch, Southbury Volunteer Fire, Southbury Ambulance and neighboring Emergency Medical personnel displayed remarkable efficiency. They were on the scene within three minutes and their efforts definitely saved lives extricating those trapped and ensuring the area was safe.
I would like to publicly express my gratitude for the exemplary coordination and response demonstrated by Southbury’s emergency services during this unfortunate accident. Teamwork was truly commendable.
Your actions embody the spirit of service that makes Southbury a better place, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. I would also like to thank the agencies that were called upon to assist as well: Trinity EMS, Hatzalah EMS, Naugatuck EMS, Oxford EMS, Beacon Hose Company 1, Roxbury EMS, State DOT and Northwest CT Public Safety.
Board of Selectmen Special Meeting
The Board of Selectmen held a Special Meeting on Monday, February 16 at 6:30pm to review two Southbury Police internal affairs investigations involving a Southbury Police Officer. After review of the two internal affairs investigations, the Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to terminate the employee’s employment with the town.