Public Meetings - Danbury, Connecticut

The ad hoc committee of the Danbury City Council met on April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM to discuss and vote on three appointments to the Board of Ethics proposed by the mayor's office. The committee, chaired by Frank Salvatore with members Diane Lepine and Mike Henry, was joined by T. Dot O'Brien from the mayor's office and Tracy from Corporation Counsel. No public or other officials were present. Discussion Items - The committee reviewed the appointments of Abraham Cale, Pedro Medeiros, and Michael Vallinati to the Board of Ethics. One of these is a reappointment; the others are new members. - It was clarified that the Board of Ethics has five positions, but currently only Kathy Gleason is an active member (appointed March 16, 2026, term through March 1, 2028). Thus, four vacancies exist. - Committee members discussed the term expiration dates. Since the appointments would be approved in May, the committee agreed to set the terms to expire on May 1, 2028, to give the appointees a full two-year term. The mayor's office representative expressed appreciation for this adjustment. - Legal counsel confirmed that the Board of Ethics typically meets only when a complaint is filed, though an annual organizational meeting may be required. The committee noted that at least one appointee must be an attorney, and no appointee may hold city office or employment. Key Outcomes - The committee voted to recommend that the City Council approve the appointments of Abraham Cale, Pedro Medeiros, and Michael Vallinati to the Board of Ethics with terms expiring May 1, 2028. The vote was 2 in favor, 1 abstention. - The committee also noted that a fifth appointment is expected to be considered at the end of the May City Council meeting, which would fill the remaining vacancy.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting date as February 10, 2026, but the summary uses April 26, 2026 as instructed. The Danbury Commission for Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid meeting on April 26, 2026 at 6:35 PM, chaired by [Chair]. Commissioners present included John, Rosemary, and Quentin (via Zoom). Guest Ryan Fucci from Puzzle 5K presented on an upcoming autism awareness event. The meeting covered committee updates, enforcement of handicapped parking, accessible transportation, bus shelter projects, and membership recruitment. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed; the Chair noted that AI-generated minutes from Zoom now reduce preparation time to 15 minutes. A motion to accept the minutes was made by John, seconded, and approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received; no phone messages came in during the period. Discussion Items - Commissioner Updates: Chair reported that former commissioner Jeff has moved but remains an interested party. David Marchetti, who had expressed interest in joining the commission, passed away; the commission received notification from his family. - Membership Recruitment: The commission has four regular and three alternate positions open. - Social Media: The commission’s Facebook account remains inactive due to past issues with unauthorized sales. The city’s official Facebook page is still used. - Handicapped Parking Enforcement: Chair noted that police previously were reluctant to issue $250 summons for illegal parking in handicapped spots. After working with Deputy Chief Stern, a study confirmed abuse, and now officers are more willing to issue summons rather than just moving violators along. The change aims to protect access for those who need the spots. - Demand Transportation: The commission continues efforts to make wheelchair-accessible rides available at the same cost as regular taxi fares. Currently, private accessible vehicles cost $80–100 per ride, while HART bus service requires pre-scheduling. Chair stated the commission has worked on this issue for 30 years. - Bus Shelters: The commission is collaborating with the state DOT and HART to install additional bus shelters in Danbury. Danbury is receiving five of seven shelters: two are refurbished existing shelters and three are new. The city must maintain the shelters once installed. - Puzzle 5K Event: Guest Ryan Fucci presented the Puzzle 5K, a nonprofit autism awareness event scheduled for April 25, 2026 at Hatters Park. The event includes a 5K run/walk (3.1 miles) from Hatters Park to the Amber Room and back, five live bands from WestConn, 12 inflatables sponsored by CBD, over 30 vendors (including ABA businesses and schools), food trucks, and USA Track & Field sanctioning. Expected attendance: at least 200 runners and 600–700 total participants. Registration currently at 40. The event is free; proceeds will be split – half to an organization chosen by the race winner, half reinvested into future events. Ryan explained the organization’s name “Puzzles” originally used the puzzle piece symbol, but the community now favors the infinity sign; he aims to reframe the puzzle piece positively. Future plans include expanding to other disabilities. The commission committed to participate with a table in the vendor village; Chair will share resources from other disability organizations. Key Outcomes - The commission agreed to support the Puzzle 5K event by having a table at the vendor village and sharing contact information of relevant organizations. - No other formal votes or decisions were recorded beyond acceptance of minutes. - Meeting adjourned at 7:16 PM on a motion by John, seconded by Quentin.

The Board of Awards met on April 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM (presumed local time) under the chairmanship of Chip Polky, Purchasing Agent. Attendees included Tom Hughes (Superintendent of Construction Services), Tracy Norris (Assistant Corporation Counsel), Tim Nolan (Superintendent of Public Services), Tom Balterman (Engineering), Stephen Talley (Assistant Purchasing Agent), Antonio Anderola (City Engineer/Public Works Director), and Kara Punty (Assistant Finance Director). The board shifted the agenda to address bridge rehabilitation first, followed by annual paving contracts. Discussion Items - Rehabilitation of Bridge 04176 (Kennedy Avenue over Still River): This was a rebid after initial bids exceeded budget. The board unanimously rejected the two bids received ($3,058,650 from New England Infrastructure, the other unnamed) as they were still over budget despite scope reductions. Subsequently, the board approved awarding the work to Hemlock Construction for $2,816,835.09 using the Gordian/CROG (Capital Region Council of Governments) on-call construction contract. Tom Hughes noted the bridge is the longest city-owned bridge, built in the 1960s as part of 1955 flood mitigation, and is deteriorating; the repair is urgent to avoid capacity reduction or closure. The award is contingent upon execution of a contract. - Paving in Place and Related Services: This is an annual unit price bid. Six bids were received. Tim Nolan’s analysis, based on actual quantities over the past three years and 2026 projections, identified Asphalt Repair Solutions as low bidder and American Pavement Specialists as second low. The board voted to award contracts to both firms, contingent on contract execution, citing the need for two contractors due to a heavy schedule. - Paving Related Road Reclamation: Similarly, an annual unit price bid with six bids received. Nolan’s analysis again showed Asphalt Repair Solutions as low and American Pavement Specialists as second low. The board awarded contracts to both firms, contingent on contract execution, for the 2026 paving season. Key Outcomes - Unanimous motion to reject both bids for Kennedy Avenue Bridge rehabilitation (motion carried). - Unanimous motion to award the bridge work to Hemlock Construction via the Gordian/CROG contract, contingent on contract execution (seconded by Ms. Prunty, all in favor). - Unanimous motions to award both paving contracts (paving in place and road reclamation) to Asphalt Repair Solutions and American Pavement Specialists, contingent on contract execution. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.

The Commission for Persons with Disabilities of Danbury, Connecticut, met on January 13, 2026, from 6:42 PM to 7:16 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, updates on commission membership and outreach, discussion of Safe Streets Danbury, and an open discussion on accessibility issues including handicap parking, voting ballots, utility assistance, and remote control accessibility. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by a voice vote (all in favor). - The meeting format will continue to be hybrid to maximize participation. Discussion Items - Commission Updates – It was noted that Jeff has moved to Ridgefield but will remain on the commission mailing list; members were urged to remain vigilant on transportation and handicap parking issues. - Membership – The commission has four regular seats and three alternate seats open; recruitment is ongoing. - Safe Streets Danbury – Rosemary reported on a new committee working on street safety, focusing on enforcement and education for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Key concerns included crosswalk safety, the rotary near Walmart, and the need for better lighting. A website and a virtual town hall in February were mentioned. - Handicap Parking – John reported continued vigilance with the police department about illegal parking; an incident was described where a vehicle occupied two handicap spots. - Accessible Remote Controls – Brandon shared his experience upgrading to a larger, accessible remote control for Xfinity and noted that the accessibility line now works. - Voting Accessibility – Isabel reported that absentee ballots are not accessible for visually impaired voters; she left a message with the town clerk before Election Day but received no response. The chair agreed to call the town clerk. - Utility Assistance – Isabel reported that a heating assistance grant from Eversource, awarded in September, still had not been applied to her bill as of January. The chair offered to share a billing contact. - Bus Shelter Additions – Robert from HART announced that the state will place 7 additional bus shelters in the HART region, with 5 coming to Danbury; maintenance arrangements with the city have been finalized. Key Outcomes - Motion to adjourn was made by John, seconded, and passed by voice vote at 7:16 PM. - Next meeting scheduled for February 10, 2026 (Tuesday).

The Danbury Planning Commission met on April 26, 2026, to consider several applications and referrals. The meeting included a continued public hearing and subsequent discussion on a gas station and convenience store redevelopment, approval of an EV charging station floodplain permit, and unanimous approval of four sewer/water main extension referrals. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the continued public hearing for the Danbury Mill Plain Realty LLC application. Only the applicant's team and commission members participated. Discussion Items - Danbury Mill Plain Realty LLC – Special Exception & Site Plan (85 Mill Plain Road): Attorney Josh Pedrera and engineering team (Larry Webster, Connor McNamara, Muhammadul Hassan) presented. All outstanding staff comments from planning, construction, engineering, and sanitary sewer were addressed. Traffic queuing analysis showed minimal backup (8 ft AM, 23 ft PM). The applicant agreed to add a crosswalk and signage as conditions. A question about driveway width (25 ft vs. DOT request of 18 ft) remains under review with CT DOT. Commission members expressed support subject to conditions. - Danbury Mall LLC – Revised Floodplain Permit for Rivian EV Charging Station (7 Backis Avenue): Staff explained the 10 charging stations are in a floodplain area by designation but sit above the base flood elevation (454.5 ft). No loss of parking. The project complies with floodplain regulations. Approved unanimously with conditions. - 824 Referrals: Four sewer and water main extension referrals were presented and approved unanimously: 1. Damia Drive – extension for 12 previously approved units. 2. 48 East Gate Road – municipal sewer main for a single-family dwelling. 3. 85 Worcester Heights Road – sewer extension for the Danbury Proton facility. 4. Great Plain Road and Great Meadow Road – renewal of extensions with a density cap of 63 single-family units. Key Outcomes - Minutes of April 1, 2026: Accepted unanimously. - Danbury Mill Plain Realty LLC: Public hearing closed unanimously. Matter moved to old business for discussion; commission directed staff to prepare a resolution of approval with conditions (crosswalk, signage, ongoing DOT coordination). - Danbury Mall LLC Floodplain Permit: Approved unanimously (motion by Helen, second by Mr. Kyokio) with standard conditions. - 824 Referrals: All four approved unanimously: - Damia Drive: positive referral (motion by chairman, seconded). - 48 East Gate Road: positive referral subject to conditions (motion by Helen, second by Mr. Kyokio). - 85 Worcester Heights Road: positive referral (motion by Bob, second by Helen). - Great Plain Road/Great Meadow Road: positive referral subject to density restriction of 63 units (motion by Bob, second by Helen). - Next meeting scheduled for May 6, 2026. - Meeting adjourned.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, but the provided date for the summary is April 26, 2026. This discrepancy is acknowledged. The Board of Awards met on the recorded date of April 26, 2026, called to order at 10:09 AM. Attendees included Chip Volcan (Purchasing Agent), Attorney Tracy Norris, Megan Tessa (Senior Project Leader, Technology Services), Debbie Natalie (Assistant Purchasing Agent), Kenton Higgins (Assistant Superintendent of Public Utilities), and Dan Garrick (Finance Director). Four items were considered, all of which were approved unanimously. Discussion Items 1. Network Services / Infrastructure Support for FY 2025-2026 (Technology Services Department) - Previously awarded to Computer Integrated Services (CIS). A motion to amend the purchase order was made by Megan Tessa, seconded by Dan Garrick. The motion passed unanimously. 2. New Cybersecurity System at West Lake and Marjorie Water Treatment Plants (Public Utilities) - Part of a control system upgrade declared an emergency on April 15, 2024, with a budget of $2.6 million. GHD, the project engineer, solicited proposals from three vendors and recommended Coastal Industrial Technologies as the lowest qualified proposer at $219,892.89. Funded from the water 2023 bond. A motion to award to Coastal Industrial Technologies, contingent on contract, was moved by Megan Tessa, seconded by Dan Garrick. Passed unanimously. 3. Spare Parts for Control System Upgrade Project at West Lake and Marjorie Water Treatment Plants (Public Utilities) - The control system work was awarded to Elm Electric (Marjorie: $405,292; West Lake: $447,091). A quote from Elm Electric for spare parts totaling $29,631 was submitted. Funded from the water 2023 bond. A motion to award to Elm Electric was made by Megan Tessa, seconded by Dan Garrick. Passed unanimously. 4. Engineering Services for Preliminary Design of New Fog Decamp Pump Station at Water Pollution Control Plant (Public Utilities) - Public Utilities submitted a proposal letter from Rick Pierce (dated April 17, 2026) for not-to-exceed $45,000. Rick Pierce is on an on-call contract with the city. The charge will be to sewer account 004-9501-5300-2010. A motion to award was made by Megan Tessa, seconded by Dan Garrick. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All four motions were carried unanimously with no discussion or opposition. The meeting was adjourned following the last item.

(Note: The transcript of this meeting states the date as Wednesday, April 15, 2026, but per instruction the date used here is April 26, 2026.) The Board of Awards convened at 10:00 a.m. with Chair Stu Popeyam (Purchasing Agent) presiding. Attendees included Corporation Counsel Tracy Norris, Superintendent of Public Services Tim Nolan, Assistant Purchasing Agent Debbie Natalie, Assistant Public Utilities Superintendent Ken Higgins, and Finance Director Dan Garrick. Two bids were considered and approved. Discussion Items 1. Road Maintenance Service Surfacing Bid - This was an annual unit price bid for work performed on an as-needed basis. Only one bid was received, from All States Construction (doing business as Gorman Construction). - Unit prices increased by 5% to 17% compared to the previous bid, primarily due to rising oil costs, a key component of material costs. - A motion was made by Mr. Nolan to award the contract to All States Construction DBA Gorman Construction, contingent upon a final contract. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrick and passed unanimously. 2. Marjorie Water Plant Fuel Tank System Replacement (Rebid) - Three bids were received for this rebid. The apparent low bidder (Red Technologies) submitted a total of $384,400, including desired alternates 1 and 2. However, the project engineer, Mr. Sean Lordon (TRC Engineers), determined that Red Technologies’ bid included an above-ground tank system that was materially different from the specification. Red Technologies could not adjust the tank system to meet specifications at the same price. - In an April 13, 2026 letter, Mr. Lordon recommended rejecting Red Technologies’ bid as non-responsive and awarding to the second low bidder, ETT Environmental Services, which was found to be responsive and qualified. - The Board approved a motion to award the contract to ETT Environmental Services for alternates 1 and 2 at a base amount of $518,700, plus a 10% contingency of approximately $51,870, bringing the total award to approximately $570,570 (the transcript quotes $575, $577, and $570; the approximate total is $570,570). The award is contingent on a final contract. Charge codes were read into the record. - The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Award 1: Road maintenance service surfacing contract awarded to All States Construction DBA Gorman Construction (single bidder). - Award 2: Marjorie Water Plant fuel tank system replacement awarded to ETT Environmental Services for approximately $570,570 (base $518,700 plus 10% contingency). - Both awards are contingent on final contract execution. - All votes were unanimous.

The Danbury Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers at 155 Deer Hill Avenue. The board approved previous meeting minutes, heard a public hearing for a height variance for a solar carport at 65 Sandbridge Road (Portuguese Cultural Center), continued an application for 8 South Cornell Road, and held elections for new officers, honoring outgoing Chairman Joseph Hannah. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 9, 2026 meeting as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in support or opposition. The application was presented by the applicant and property representative. Discussion Items - Application 26-07 – 65 Sandbridge Road (Portuguese Cultural Center): Nate Romanas of Sunrise Solar Consulting, representing the developer ELC and the Portuguese Cultural Center, requested a variance to increase the maximum height of three proposed solar carport structures from the permitted 15 feet to 23.6 feet. The primary reason cited was safety: ensuring a minimum vertical clearance of 13.5 feet for emergency vehicles per IFC regulations, with a 14-foot buffer for other vehicles. Additional reasons included allowing sufficient panel tilt for snow and ice shedding and maximizing solar efficiency. Board members asked about snow melting (no auxiliary heating, but panels warm slightly), snow safety (snow guards will be installed), weight capacity (structural engineer calculations provided, snow load estimate of 30 lbs/sq ft), and whether the variance was necessary (without it, clearance would be below 12 feet). The applicant confirmed no parking spaces would be eliminated. George Sousa, volunteer director of the Portuguese Cultural Center, spoke in support, noting the center's $8,000 monthly electric bill and need for sustainability as a nonprofit with only about 300 paid members. He emphasized that the height variance ensures emergency vehicle access during events (up to 600 people). Key Outcomes - Vote on Application 26-07 (65 Sandbridge Road): The board voted unanimously to approve the variance for a solar array carport as per the submitted plans. The motion stated the variance does not adversely affect public health, safety, or welfare and was not created by the applicant. (Motion by Delusia, second by William; all aye.) - Continuation of Application 26-01 (8 South Cornell Road): The board voted to continue this application to the next regularly scheduled meeting on May 14, 2026. (Motion by Williamson, second by William; all aye.) Election of Officers and Recognition - Election of Chairman: Outgoing Chairman Joseph Hannah (over 25 years of service) nominated Mr. Reeves for chairman. The board voted unanimously to elect Reeves as the new chairman. - Election of Vice Chairman: Mr. Williamson was nominated and unanimously elected as vice chairman. - Proclamations Honoring Joseph Hannah: A citation from the Mayor's office was read, thanking Joseph Hannah for over 20 years of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Additionally, a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly, introduced by multiple state representatives and senators, recognized his 23 years of dedicated service to the Danbury ZBA. Both were presented on April 23, 2026. (Note: The next regular meeting was announced as May 14, 2026.)

An ad hoc committee of the Danbury City Council met on April 23, 2026, to consider a youth literacy grant application to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The grant, totaling $5,000 with no city match required, would fund a program combining direct literacy instruction for K-2 students with parent education, including Spanish-language support. The committee voted unanimously to recommend that the full City Council accept the grant. Discussion Items - Grant Details and Program: Julia Dennon, innovation and sustainability librarian, presented the youth literacy grant. The $5,000 would be used to purchase laptops, books, and teaching materials. The program would run over six to eight months, teaching K-2 children and their parents (with Spanish-language instruction for parents) how to use laptops for literacy. Participants who attend all sessions would keep the laptop. - Past Grants and Future Funding: Councilman Mike Henry inquired about the number of grants written annually (Julia Dennon estimated 10-15 since her tenure, with this being the first of the year). He also asked about the Library Friends group’s role as a 501(c)(3) for grant applications. The discussion noted that a previous adult literacy grant from Dollar General was used for ESL programming several years ago. Councilman Henry expressed interest in the program’s future scalability and potential city funding. - Technical Clarification: Chair Holly Robinson confirmed that the $5,000 is for technology and supplies, and that the grant is distinct from other Dollar General grants (e.g., a $3,000 summer reading grant won the previous year). Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Councilman Mike Henry moved to recommend that the City Council approve the resolution authorizing the city to apply for and accept the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grant. Councilman Ben Chinese seconded. The motion passed unanimously (all in favor, none opposed). - Next Steps: The matter will proceed to the full City Council for final approval.