Farmington Council Honors Local Hero at October 8th Meeting
Hey Farmington! 🎉 The October 8th, 2024 Town Council meeting was packed with action, emotion, and even some laughs. From celebrating Gary Peterson’s five-decade firefighting career to approving new bylaws on trash management (yes, trash can be exciting!), we’ve got all the juicy details for you right here.
Watch the entire meeting on YouTube here and relive every moment—including a heartfelt ceremony and some top-tier council banter.
Gary Peterson: 50 Years of Firefighting Service Honored 👨🚒
First up, a standing ovation for Gary Peterson, who has dedicated 50 years of his life to serving as a firefighter in Farmington. 🎉 This town legend has been on the front lines since 1974 and still volunteers after retiring in 2015. Talk about commitment! 🙌
Gary’s lineage is steeped in firefighting—his grandfather, Hans Peterson, helped found the East Farmington Volunteer Fire Department, and his father and uncle also served as chiefs. Firefighting isn’t just a job for Gary; it’s a family legacy. 💪
If you missed the heartwarming moment Gary was presented with the town’s official proclamation, watch it here. And guess what? He even got a hat—the “prize of all prizes,” as they called it. 👏 We’re not saying it’s a magical hat, but it makes 50 years of firefighting look good. 🎩
P.S. Special shoutout to Kathy, Gary’s wife, who’s held it down through countless nights where Gary had to dash out of dinners and family events to save the day. 💖
Solid Waste Bylaws: The Not-So-Trashy Trash Talk 🗑️
The council didn’t just stop at honoring our local heroes; they also rolled up their sleeves for some serious discussion on waste management bylaws. 🗣️ Robin Nichols from the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) walked the council through important changes to the Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority (C-SWA).
Formed in 2010, the authority needed a refresh to make it more functional and easier for the 14 participating towns (including Farmington) to manage their waste and recycling operations. Now, the new bylaws will streamline decision-making, cut back on unnecessary admin, and make it easier for the town to keep things tidy—without having to jump through hoops every time there’s a small change.
If you’re itching to learn all about waste bylaws (hey, no judgment), check out Robin’s full presentation here. Spoiler: it’s more interesting than you think! ♻️
Farmington High School: New Auditorium, New Vibes 🎭
If you’ve driven past Farmington High School lately, you’ll have noticed some shiny new facilities. 🏫 The auditorium is officially complete, and the new library will be hosting the next town meeting (how fancy is that?!).
The high school’s open house is set for October 26th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make sure to swing by and see the latest improvements in person. If you’ve got kids or just love a good tour, this event is for you!
Bike Routes & Water Fountains: Hydration Nation 🚴♂️💧
Heads up, cyclists! 🚲 A new water fountain is coming to the rails-to-trails route near Oak Ridge. This new addition is part of ongoing efforts to make our biking paths more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. You’ll be able to grab a refreshing drink and keep pedaling—just in time for next season. 💦
Plans are also underway to expand access to the trails and extend connections to UConn Health and West Hartford. Things are moving quickly, so stay tuned for more updates!
Bulk Pickup Week & Early Voting 🗳️
Don’t forget, bulk pickup starts the week of October 14th. Check the town’s Facebook page for the list of acceptable items (hint: your old mattress? Totally fine. Broken hot tub? Not so much.). It’s time to Marie Kondo your garage, Farmington!
Also, early voting for the 2024 elections kicks off on October 21st and runs through November 3rd at the Town Hall Pavilion. Mark your calendars, do your civic duty, and don’t forget to check out our Election 2024 coverage here.
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Farmington Storage!
Special thanks to Farmington Storage for making this community news possible! Located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, they’ve got the best storage solutions in town. Need to stow away some items after your big spring cleaning (or, let’s be real, your fall cleanout)? Call them at 860.777.4001. They’ll keep your stuff safe and sound while you enjoy the best of Farmington. 🏡
That’s the full scoop on the October 8th Town Council meeting. It’s moments like these—whether we’re celebrating local heroes like Gary, tweaking town bylaws, or making Farmington a little greener—that remind us what community is all about. 💚
For more local news and updates, don’t forget to visit The Farmington Mercury. We cover everything from the latest zoning news to job openings, plus all things Farmington elections, high school, and historic district updates.
Have a question? Want to share your thoughts on Gary’s new hat? You can always reach out to us on Twix (Twitter/X). And don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the best stories delivered right to your inbox. 🎯
Stay curious, Farmington!
- Jack Beckett, Senior Writer @ The Farmington Mercury ☕ A man powered by local news and a dangerously high caffeine intake.
P.S. Need a laugh? Check out all our editorial pieces. Whether it’s politics, town development, or what’s for sale in Farmington, we’ve got the deep dive and a joke (or two) to keep you entertained.
