Fairfield Human Services Commission elects Bernie Lynch as chair, approves 2026 schedule and program forms

Bernie Lynch was approved as chair of the Fairfield Human Services Commission effective immediately, commissioners said during their regular meeting. The panel also approved its 2026 meeting schedule and voted to adopt two new instructor agreements and a standardized referral form for the youth services social worker.

The outgoing chair, Marty Schwartz, opened the meeting and said he would be stepping down; commissioners nominated and then approved Lynch. The motion to appoint Lynch was made and seconded and passed by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded during the meeting.

Julie DeMarco, who presented several items on the agenda, told the commission the new instructor agreements were drafted after a review of comparable department and senior‑center policies and have been reviewed by the town attorney. "These have been approved by the town attorney because it's a policy change or policy update," she said. The commission approved a form for recurring instructors and a separate form for one‑time or guest presenters.

DeMarco also introduced a referral form intended for school social workers and counselors to submit referrals to Emily, the town's youth services social worker. "It's not an intake. It's a referral form," DeMarco said, adding the form includes a release‑of‑information section so Emily can coordinate with other people involved in a student's care. Commissioners discussed formatting and whether the social worker needs a formal referral to speak with students; DeMarco said students may contact the social worker directly and that a lack of a referral will not prevent contact.

Commission business also included adoption of the calendar for 2026; a motion to approve the proposed meeting dates was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The commission noted two upcoming vacancies that the town will post and vet: one commissioner has resigned and another moved to a different panel. With routine business complete, members moved to adjourn.

Votes at a glance
- Approve October minutes — approved by voice vote (no tally recorded).
- Approve special meeting minutes — approved by voice vote (no tally recorded).
- Appoint Bernie Lynch as chair — approved by voice vote (no tally recorded).
- Approve 2026 meeting schedule — approved by voice vote (no tally recorded).
- Approve instructor agreements (recurring and one‑time) — approved by voice vote (no tally recorded).
- Approve youth referral/intake form for youth services — approved by voice vote (no tally recorded).

What happens next
The newly elected chair will assume leadership immediately; the commission will continue recruiting for vice chair and secretary positions and will post openings to fill two vacant seats. Staff will distribute the new instructor agreements and the referral form to appropriate program partners and school contacts.