Members also approved the noise ordinance and several transfers.

Chairman William F.L. Rodgers began the meeting by offering congratulations to the reelected members of the council and commiseration and envy to those who weren't. He said he thinks the current council has been an active and spirited group.

Council members Pat Llodra and Jeffrey Capeci gave a summary of the teacher negotiation results.

Mr. Capeci said the negotiation process had gone through mediation but left the two sides without an agreement. Just before the parties were scheduled to go into arbitration, they reached a settlement.

He said it was good news that they reached an agreement before arbitration because the arbitration process chooses from between each side, giving one side what it wants rather than a compromise that meets at least some of the needs of both sides.

Mr. Capeci said that salary and healthcare were the main focus of the contract changes. The healthcare plan is now a Point of Service plan and it meets savings goals.

The contract provides no wage increases for 2010 to 2011 and adds three days back into the work year. These days remain in the work year for the duration of the contract, 2010 through 2013, for a total of 187 days in each school year.

Mr. Rodgers said that if the council does not take action within 30 days of receiving the teachers contract, the contract is automatically renewed. He noted that the council would not meet again until after the 30-day deadline.

The council could not vote on the contract during the meeting because it was not on the agenda.

He suggested they discuss it and offer their opinion to the Board of Education rather than simply allow their silence to approve it.

Council member Jan Lee Brookes said, as a former teacher, no wage increase is a huge item for teachers to grant and the contract looks good for the town.

Council member Joseph Dicandido agreed it seems to be a good deal but noted that, during the worst economic period since the depression, there is a wage increase in the later years of the contract.

He wondered if this set precedence and how the town would pay for the increase.

Ms. Llodra noted that the days given back by the teachers mean the students get more instruction. She wanted to recognize the teachers for their willingness to accept no increase the first year and to work extra days.

Mr. Rodgers pointed out that by avoiding arbitration, the town gained some things it might have lost in arbitration.

The council agreed they would approve it if it came to a vote.

During the First Selectman's report, Joseph Borst offered congratulations to the winners of the election and best wishes to those who weren't elected or re-elected.

He said negotiations continue for the property at 27 Church Hill Road, next to the Hawley School, because the town would like to use it to expand the school's driveway and relieve traffic issues there.

Mr. Borst also announced that Glen Mountain Holding Company was not able to obtain financing for a veterinary hospital at Woodbury Hall on the Fairfield Hills campus. He said it was sad news but the company would not be moving forward with the project at this time.

The council approved the transfer of $5,000 for the Tick-Borne Disease Action Committee and funds to cover invoices from the previous year.

For the latter, Newtown Finance Director Bob Tait told the council he is implementing measures to avoid this type of problem in the future.

Deputy Director, Newtown Land Use Agency, Rob Sibley was present to answer the council's questions regarding the cost for a natural resource inventory.

He told them it provides crucial information, detailing the geological processes, ecological habitats and natural resources of the town.

This is the first such inventory for Newtown. Mr. Sibley said most habitats are static and the town wouldn't need a new inventory for 10 to 25 years.

The council unanimously approved the noise ordinance for Newtown. It will now move to the state Department of Environmental Protection for approval before it will become official.

Council member Francis G. Pennarola noted this ordinance "has been in the hopper for some time" and has gone through three public hearings.

Mr. Rodgers congratulated the team, saying it's been one of the most difficult ordinances they've produced. He offered his thanks to Peggy Baiad, saying she had initiated the work.

Council member Gary Davis added his thanks to Newtown resident Dina Wolfman, who had provided information and text for the ordinance.

The council discussed the concern that this ordinance might be too severe. Several council members noted that waivers could be granted and the text provides leeway.

The council also approved the meeting schedule for the coming year.