Public Meetings - Danbury, Connecticut

This meeting of the Board of Awards for the City of Danbury, chaired by Purchasing Agent Chip Folpe, convened on February 22, 2026, at 10:03 AM. Present were Attorney Caitlin Gruce, Human Resources Director Virginia Warner, Fire Chief Richard Thode, Public Utilities Superintendent David Day, Assistant Finance Director Kara Pronty, and remotely Health and Human Services Director Fernanda Carvalho. Four agenda items were addressed, each resulting in unanimous approval. First Amendment to MOU and Sub-Recipient Agreement for Shelters - Background: Amendment to the memorandum of understanding and sub-recipient agreement with the Association of Religious Communities (ARC) to manage the Danbury Support Center at 41 New Street and shelters at 98 Elm Street. The original agreement, awarded April 23, 2025, had a not-to-exceed amount of $530,000 and a performance period extended to June 30, 2026. The amendment increases funding to $659,839, sourced from the State of Connecticut Department of Housing 2024 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant and the Emergency Shelter Services Grant. The performance period remains unchanged. Motion made and seconded to approve the documents; all members voted in favor (Caitlin Gruce and Fernanda Carvalho explicitly noted their support). Motion carried unanimously. Medical Services Provider for Public Safety - The city issued a request for proposals for a medical services provider to conduct independent medical exams (IMEs) for police and fire positions. Three firms submitted proposals. The review committee found Experience and First Choice comparable, but recommended Imperium based on its larger network of physicians in Connecticut and its practice of charging the same rates for all positions within a specialty. First Choice charged different rates across providers, and some were higher. The police pension board was informed and approved the recommendation. Motion to award to Imperium and authorize execution of an agreement was made, seconded, and approved unanimously. Fire Department OEM Parts and Services Purchase Order Increase - A sole-source purchase order with Firematic Supply for Pierce original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and services was previously established at $34,000. The fire department requested an $11,000 increase, bringing the total above the purchasing agent's $35,000 limit, requiring board approval. Motion to approve the amendment to the purchase order was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. Emergency Replacement of Process Piping at Marjorie Water Treatment Plant - David Day reported that process piping related to the dissolved air flotation (DAF) saturation air tank (SAT) was in poor condition, adversely affecting plant operations. The pipes were scheduled for replacement as part of future plant upgrades two to three years out, but immediate action was needed. Motion was made to declare an emergency, waive formal bidding, and authorize use of GHD (the city's on-call engineering firm) as design engineer and CH Nickerson (original plant builder) as contractor for the work. Estimated construction cost is $100,000–$150,000, which will trigger prevailing wage requirements and bonding. CH Nickerson was already on site. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously approved the first amendment to the MOU with ARC, increasing shelter funding to $659,839. - The board awarded the IME services contract to Imperium. - The board approved an $11,000 increase to the Firematic Supply purchase order for Pierce OEM parts. - The board declared an emergency, waived competitive bidding, and authorized the use of GHD and CH Nickerson for urgent pipe replacement at the Marjorie Water Treatment Plant. - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

The Ad Hoc Committee on Commissions and Alliances met on February 17, 2026 at 2:45 PM, chaired by Councilman Frank Salvatore (3rd Ward), to review the public need for various city commissions and alliances. The committee considered whether to re-establish, consolidate, modify, or terminate each entity based on current function and community benefit. Several commissions presented updates followed by committee votes. Still River Alliance Commission - Ruby Tower, chair, reported the alliance maintains the Still River Greenway (approx. 1 mile) through contracted mowing and tree removal. Membership has dwindled to two, making official meetings impossible. Tower advocated merging with the Conservation Commission, noting they already share budget and work closely. - Vote: Motion to combine the Still River Alliance Commission with the Conservation Commission passed unanimously. Stanley Lasker Richter Memorial Park Authority - Pete Susinski, chair, described the park as more than a golf course (nationally ranked). Operations include hiking trails, pickleball/tennis, Richter House programs, a restaurant, and charitable events. The authority operates on a $2.5-3 million annual budget with 6 full-time and 45 seasonal employees. Recent cost-saving measures and increased winter revenue stabilized finances. - Vote: Motion to re-establish the Richter Park Authority for three years (through June 30, 2029) passed unanimously. Conservation Commission - Kim (acting chair) and Ed Biggs explained the commission oversees multiple open space properties but has not formally met since 2017-2018. Both supported merging to attract more members and streamline operations. - Vote: Motion to re-establish the Conservation Commission for one year (through June 30, 2027) and to direct the Conservation, Still River Alliance, and Lake Kenosha Commissions to develop a consolidation plan passed unanimously. Environmental Impact Commission - Larry Leeman, environmental enforcement officer, reviewed the commission's work: 40 wetland permits and 20 violations annually, erosion control inspections, flood resiliency projects, and updating regulations. The commission has no dedicated budget. - Vote: Motion to re-establish the Environmental Impact Commission for three years (through June 30, 2029) passed unanimously. Danbury Museum and Historical Society Authority - Jeff Harold presented the museum's mission, noting 17,000 in-person visitors in 2025 and over 100,000 monthly social media reach. The museum operates as a nonprofit governmental entity. - Vote: Motion to re-establish the Danbury Museum and Historical Society Authority for three years (through June 30, 2029) passed unanimously. Danbury Main Street Partnership - Corporation counsel noted due to a clerical error the partnership remained active. By taking no action, it will begin sunsetting and terminate in June 2027. - Vote: Motion to take no action on the partnership passed. Danbury Housing Partnership - The partnership is completing its one-year termination ramp-down, ending June 30, 2026. The committee recommended removal from city ordinance. - Vote: Motion to recommend removing the partnership from city code passed. Key Outcomes - Still River Alliance: Combined with Conservation Commission. - Richter Park Authority: Re-established for 3 years. - Conservation Commission: Re-established for 1 year with consolidation directive. - Environmental Impact Commission: Re-established for 3 years. - Danbury Museum: Re-established for 3 years. - Danbury Main Street Partnership: No action; termination process begins. - Danbury Housing Partnership: Ordinance removal recommended; terminates June 30, 2026.

The Ad Hoc Committee on the Appointment of a Constable met on February 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider the nomination of Michael Safranic to fill a vacancy created by the passing of Luis McMahon. Chair Peter Bazade presided, joined by committee members Andrea Gardner and Candice Faye, as well as ex officio council members Coelho, Hawley, Chianese, Henry, Salvatore, and Giordano. Mayor's Chief of Staff Taylor O'Brien was also present. Discussion Items - Nominee's Qualifications: Michael Safranic, a registered Republican, has served as a constable for approximately 20 years and currently works as a hearing officer and airport administrator for the city. He testified that he performs most constable work for the city pro bono, including services for the health department, probate office, planning and zoning, hospice, and the state of Connecticut, saving the city thousands of dollars annually. He stated he can waive fees at his discretion as a fee-based government official. - Party Seat Requirement: Chair Bazade confirmed that under state statute 9-220, the vacancy must be filled by a Republican because the previous constable, Luis McMahon, was a Republican. Councilman Hawley questioned whether a Democrat could fill the seat if it still met minority representation requirements, but the Chair reiterated the statutory requirement. - Procedural Concerns: Councilman Coelho raised questions about the process by which the nomination was removed from a previous council agenda, stating that was why the matter was sent to ad hoc. Chair Bazade ruled that the committee's charge was only to consider the nomination itself, not prior agenda procedures, and declined to answer those questions. - Dual Roles and Work Hours: Councilman Chianese asked about Safranic's ability to perform constable duties alongside his full-time city positions. Safranic explained that he typically performs free constable work during lunch or as needed, including immediate emergency service without taking lunch, and that he has held all three roles for 20 years without issue. Key Outcomes - Motion to Recommend Appointment: Councilman Gardner moved to recommend that the city council appoint Michael Safranic as constable. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with all committee members voting aye. The matter now proceeds to the full city council for final action. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following the vote.

The Danbury City Council held a special meeting on February 17, 2026, at 7:33 p.m. to consider a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of Series 2026 revenue bonds. The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, roll call (20 present, 1 absent), acceptance of the call to service, and a public speaking period with no participants. The key action was advancing a $130 million bond resolution to a public hearing. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the designated public speaking period. Discussion Items - Resolution - Series 2026 Bonds (not to exceed $130 million): Councilman Peter Buzaid moved to waive the reading of the ad hoc committee minutes, which was seconded and approved unanimously. Councilman Salvatore then moved to accept the ad hoc committee minutes and send the resolution to a public hearing. The motion was seconded by Councilman Chianese and approved unanimously without further discussion. Key Outcomes - The council voted unanimously to waive the reading of the ad hoc committee minutes. - The council voted unanimously to accept the ad hoc committee minutes and send the resolution authorizing up to $130 million in Series 2026 revenue bonds to a public hearing. - The meeting was adjourned by a motion from Councilman Rotello, seconded by Councilwoman Gartner, with no opposition.

The Danbury Zoning Commission met on February 11, 2026, at 7:05 PM via Zoom to consider a petition by Salem Plaza LLC to amend zoning regulations to allow limited self-storage in an existing warehouse in the CG20 (General Commercial) zone. The meeting included a public hearing, staff report, applicant presentation, and commission discussion. The petition was ultimately approved by an 8-1 vote after a motion to deny failed. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the January 27, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Petition of Salem Plaza LLC to amend Sections 5A2, 5A5, and 11B3 of the Zoning Regulations: The applicant, represented by Attorney Tom Beecher, proposed allowing up to 15% of the gross floor area of existing warehouse buildings on lots of at least five acres to be used for self-storage, provided vehicle access is from an arterial state road and the lot is adjacent to an IL40 or IG80 industrial zone. The proposal would apply to the Salem Plaza property at 127-131 West Street (over 5.5 acres, six buildings, 124,500 sq ft gross floor area), specifically targeting an outdated 15,000 sq ft warehouse built in 1962. The applicant argued the building is obsolete for warehouse use, cannot be leased, and the conversion would involve no exterior changes. The Planning Commission had given a negative recommendation (3-0) on January 7, 2026, citing inconsistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and a reversal of the 2025 decision to remove self-storage from commercial zones. West Cog deemed the proposal of primarily local interest. Director Al Bakri noted the 2025 amendment removed self-storage from CA80 zones, not CG20, and that the proposal was a limited, site-specific solution. Commissioner Botello moved to deny the petition, citing: oversupply of self-storage, inconsistency with the CG20 zone's purpose (commercial employment and economic development), lack of consistency with the POCD, no change in circumstances, speculative market arguments, and risk of precedent. The motion failed 1-8 (only Botello in favor). Commissioner Nijam then moved to approve with reasons: the POCD encourages flexibility as markets change, the proposal adds new life to an existing building, will not affect health/safety/welfare, is narrowly tailored to avoid widespread application, and will not alter the building's structure or appearance. The motion passed 8-1 (Botello opposed), meeting the required six-vote supermajority. Key Outcomes - Approved the petition to amend Sections 5A2, 5A5, and 11B3 of the Zoning Regulations to permit limited self-storage in existing warehouse buildings in the CG20 zone under strict conditions (minimum 5-acre lot, existing warehouse, max 15% of gross floor area, 250-ft setback from arterial road, no variances allowed, and subject to special exception from Planning Commission). - The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2026. - The commission was reminded of state-mandated zoning changes (including middle housing requirements) due by July 1, 2026, to maintain eligibility for state funding.

This meeting of the Danbury Planning Commission focused primarily on the presentation and approval of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2031-32. Commissioners also approved minutes, continued two public hearings, and scheduled the next meeting. No public comments were heard. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting were unanimously approved without discussion. Discussion Items - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Presentation: Walid, from the Planning Department, presented the proposed CIP. He explained that it is a state-mandated six-year plan for major city projects, and its adoption by the Planning Commission is required for the city to seek outside funding. The total requested over six years is $699 million, down from $795 million last year (primarily due to the completion of the new high school). For fiscal year 2026-27, the request is $136.517 million, up from $129 million last year. Walid highlighted improvements to the Excel sheet, reducing columns from 28 to 14 for clarity. Key projects included: $54 million for PFAS treatment (federal mandate), $11.8 million for water distribution, $20 million for west side sewage line, and $3 million for Mill Plain sewage extension. Planning department requests included $600,000 contingency for downtown projects (Phase 2), $200,000 for state housing mandate consulting, and funds to update watershed regulations (20+ years old). - Questions from Commissioners: Bob Kyocchio inquired about bridge replacements and whether they could receive external funding. Walid confirmed that applications can be made but funding is not guaranteed. Bob also asked about a $50 million bond for road paving and how it relates to the $54 million highway request (240 miles over six years). Walid clarified they are separate; the bond was for a new fire station and some road improvements. A duplicate entry was identified: the same $5 million project for retaining wall repairs at the magnet school appeared under both "Public Buildings" and "Construction" tabs. Chairman Finaldi noted that the city allocated $57.7 million from its own funds for the CIP last year. Key Outcomes - CIP Approval: The commission voted unanimously to approve the CIP as presented, subject to an amendment to delete the duplicate $5 million retaining wall entry. The motion was made by Bob Kyocchio, seconded by Helen Hofstetter, and passed by voice vote. The CIP will now proceed to the mayor's office and city council for budget allocation. - Continuation of Public Hearings (2 items): - BRT Sconset LLC: Continuation requested via email; motion to continue to the next meeting passed unanimously. The transcript states the next meeting is February 18, 2026, but the Chairman later said "February the 28th" for the second item—likely a speech error. Both continuations are presumed to be to the February 18 meeting. - Danbury Mill Plain Realty LLC: Also continued by request; motion passed unanimously. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent. Note on Date Discrepancy The instruction for this summary states the meeting took place on February 5, 2026, but the transcript opens with "February 4th, 2026." The official date provided has been used here.

The Ad Hoc Committee of the Danbury City Council convened at 6:00 p.m. on February 5, 2026, to consider a bond resolution for the Danbury Proton therapy facility. The proposed financing involves the city acting as a conduit issuer for up to $130 million in tax-exempt bonds, with no financial liability to the city or its taxpayers. The meeting included a presentation from Danbury Proton, bond counsel, and the mayor's office, followed by extensive questioning from committee members and ex-officio members. The committee voted to recommend the bond resolution to the full council with modifications, including an increased bond cap and a right of first refusal on future expansions. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made by citizens during the meeting. However, several council members expressed general support for the project while raising procedural and financial concerns. Discussion Items - Presentation by Danbury Proton: Steve Courtney (Danbury Proton) and Joe Pescatello (financial advisor) outlined the project: a single-room proton therapy facility using Mevion equipment, located on Worcester Heights (Lee Farm). The facility will be built underground, using geothermal energy, and will create 30+ professional jobs with a $6 million payroll. The city would receive $250,000 at bond closing, $30,000 per year in monitoring fees, and approximately $550,000 in building permit revenue during construction. The project is structured with the nonprofit Ilymos (501c3) as owner, Danbury Proton LLC as operator, and CID as developer. The bond amount increased from $100 million (as originally referred to committee) to $130 million to include subordinate bonds from the equipment supplier and developer equity. - Mayor's Office and Bond Counsel: Taylor O'Brien (Chief of Staff) and Farley (Economic Development) emphasized the economic benefits and lack of city liability. Glenn Santoro (bond counsel) confirmed the bonds are non-recourse to the city and do not affect the city's credit rating or charter borrowing limits. The city's financial advisor, Derek, noted the fees align with past discussions. - Procedural Concerns: Councilman Henry questioned the increase from $100M to $130M, arguing it should have been reviewed by the committee before the document was amended. Corporation Counsel Dan Castogrande and bond counsel clarified that the committee can recommend an amended resolution to the council, and the statutes governing conduit bonds supersede the city charter. The mayor's office noted the council did not vote on the original $100M resolution; it was simply referred to the ad hoc. - Financial and Operational Questions: Council members asked about the bond structure, the role of Ilymos, the potential for default, referral pipelines, property tax loss (approximately $2 million annually for a $115M facility), and the feasibility of future expansion. The project team explained that the IRS approved Ilymos's 501c3 application, the facility will serve Medicare and Medicaid patients, and the city is protected by the indenture's priority payment structure. Councilman Queller requested a detailed fee schedule. - Charitable Purpose and Tax Exemption: Councilman Giordano questioned how a landlord (Ilymos) can qualify as a 501c3 charity. The project team responded that the IRS reviewed the structure and approved it; the facility will provide charity care (5% for uninsured/underinsured) and will be subject to quadrennial review by the city assessor. Bond counsel noted that tax exemption requires the project to be not self-sufficient without government support, which is initially the case. Key Outcomes - The committee voted to recommend the bond resolution to the full City Council with two modifications: (1) increase the authorized bond amount from $100 million to $130 million (or such higher amount as the council may authorize), and (2) condition approval on a right of first refusal for the city to finance any additional treatment rooms proposed while the bonds are outstanding. - The motion was made by an unidentified committee member and seconded; it passed with a unanimous voice vote (all ayes). The meeting adjourned immediately after the vote. - Next steps: The full City Council will consider the amended bond resolution on March 3, 2026. If approved, the bond marketing and closing process will proceed, with a target to issue bonds in late March or early April.

The Danbury City Council met on February 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. The meeting included a pledge of allegiance, prayer, roll call (19 present, 2 absent), a calendar of February events, public comments, consent calendar actions, several appointments, a major lease renewal, bond refunding resolution, and a detailed report on the recent snowstorm response and warming shelter operations. Public Comments & Testimony - Chief Jeff Harold (18 Foster Street, Danbury) expressed support for two consent calendar items: the appointment of Lorraine Sottner to the Danbury Historical Society and the reappointments of Gary Duffel and Matt Rose to the Environmental Impact Commission, praising their contributions. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar initially included 8 items (constable appointment, three environmental impact commission appointments, Board of Assessment Appeals appointment, zoning board of appeals appointments, Historical Society appointment, zoning commission appointment, and two engineering reports for water/sewer extensions). - Councilman Cuello moved to remove item one (appointment of constable Michael Safranik) from the consent calendar, which was accepted. The remaining consent calendar was approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Constable Appointment (Item 1) - Mayor Alves submitted the appointment of Michael Safranik, the next highest vote-getter after Constable Louise McMahon's passing before swearing-in. Safranik has over 20 years of service as constable, currently serves as airport administrator and hearing officer. - Councilman Cuello raised a procedural concern that the Republican Town Committee's recommended candidate was not acknowledged, stating the process had been respected across administrations. He made a motion to refer the matter to an ad hoc committee for review. The Mayor appointed Councilmen Buzade, Gardner, and Fay to the ad hoc committee. - The Mayor clarified that this situation (death before swearing-in) had no precedent, and the decision to appoint the next highest vote-getter was made to honor the voters' intent. - Lease Renewal – Tango Yankee LLC (Business Aircraft Center at Danbury Airport) - Councilwoman Fay recused herself. Councilman Holly moved to approve a 25-year lease renewal with an option to renew for an additional 25 years. - Councilman Rotello spoke in favor, noting the company's history (rebuilding after a hangar fire) and the value to the airport community. He expressed hope for a future restaurant at the airport. - The motion passed with one abstention. - Water Extension Renewal – 119 Franklin Street - Moved to refer the application to the engineering department and planning commission for reports. Approved unanimously. - Resolution – Refunding of General Obligation Bonds (up to $55 million) - Finance Director Dan Garrick explained the resolution allows the city to refund existing debt when market conditions are favorable, not to exceed $55 million. Councilman Perkins asked about the basis for the amount; Garrick noted it aggregates various outstanding bonds that are eligible for refunding. - Required a two-thirds majority; passed unanimously. - Resolution – Brownfield Assessment (13 Barnum Court) - An update to a 2025 resolution: the city was awarded $200,000 from the state for assessment and planning at a former industrial site. Originally the city had requested $4 million for remediation. The new resolution adjusts the amount and purpose to assessment. Approved unanimously. - Lease Renewal – Danbury Duckpin Bowling (7 East Hayestown Road) - Based on a positive planning commission report, the council approved a five-year lease with an option to renew for an additional five years. Unanimous. - Snowstorm Report and Discussion - Public Works Director Antonio provided a comprehensive update on the recent snowstorm (dubbed "Storm 007"): - Snowfall: 17–20 inches, with rates exceeding 3 inches per hour. - Response: 106 employees (45 highway, 18 park maintainers, 4 forestry, 8 public building, 10 vehicle maintenance, 14 public utility, 7 managers); 90 pieces of heavy equipment (worth $15 million); 1,0150 tons of material used (175 truckloads). - Challenges: Extreme cold reduced salt effectiveness; four plow trucks broke down (40 miles of road reassigned); diesel fuel pumps failed mid-storm (Mitchell Fuel provided emergency refueling). - Enforcement: 120 verbal warnings for snow pushed into roadways; 86 written warnings for uncleared sidewalks; 38 citations for sidewalk noncompliance; continuous towing by police. - Post-storm: 20,000 cubic yards of snow moved; all schools cleared for on-time opening; cleanup continues. - Council members thanked the crew and raised questions: - Councilwoman Gartner asked about salt supply. Antonio said the city has reserves (largest snow barn on East Coast) but is drawing heavily; two barges of salt are arriving in New Haven. - Councilman Rotello asked where snow is stockpiled. Antonio said behind the War Memorial, with bulldozing to maximize space. - Councilman Cuello asked for budget status. Antonio stated overtime and material costs are being loaded; a full financial picture will be available by Monday. - Councilman Cuello also asked about warming shelters. Director Carvalho confirmed cold weather protocol extended through February 10; shelters at 41 New Street, 90 Elm Street, War Memorial, and library are open as warming centers; overflow shelter available; no one turned away. Contact number: 203-746-2625. - Councilman McAllister thanked the fire department (career and volunteer) for digging out 65 fire hydrants. - The mayor reminded constituents to use 311 (phone or My Danbury app) for mailbox damage or other service requests. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar: Approved with item 1 removed. - Constable appointment (Item 1): Referred to an ad hoc committee (Buzade, Gardner, Fay) for review. - Business Aircraft Center lease renewal: Approved (25 years + 25-year renewal option; one abstention). - Water extension referral: Referred to engineering and planning. - Bond refunding resolution ($55 million): Approved unanimously. - Brownfield assessment resolution ($200,000): Approved unanimously. - Duckpin Bowling lease renewal: Approved (five years + five-year renewal option). - All committee reports: Accepted unanimously. - Meeting adjourned.

The Danbury Zoning Commission convened on January 28, 2026, to consider a petition by Salem Plaza LLC to amend zoning regulations to allow limited self-storage in the CG20 commercial zone. Due to the absence of several commissioners, the public hearing was continued to February 10, 2026, at the applicant's request to ensure a full commission could hear the presentation. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the minutes of January 13, 2026, by voice vote. Discussion Items - Staff Report: The Planning Director summarized the petition: a proposed amendment to allow up to 15% of an existing warehouse building (minimum five acres, accessed from an RTL state road, adjacent to IL40 or IG80 zones) in the CG20 zone to be used for self-storage. The amendment would also waive future variance requests. The Planning Commission gave a negative recommendation, citing inconsistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and reversal of the city's 2025 self-storage restrictions. The Director noted the application was very specific but conflicted with the goal of preserving commercial land. - Applicant's Request: Attorney Tom Beecher, representing Salem Plaza LLC, requested a continuance to the next regular meeting on February 10, 2026, because only six commissioners were present. He argued that a presentation with a full body was preferable to having absent members rely solely on the recording. The Chairman agreed, noting that a supermajority (six affirmative votes) is required regardless of attendance, and that restarting the hearing later would allow all members to participate in discussion and public testimony. - Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Trotter asked why the commission was considering an amendment for a zone where self-storage is not currently allowed. Chairman explained that the petition was properly submitted, and discussion would follow after hearing all evidence. Commissioner O'Neill asked about the number of properties citywide that could qualify; the Chairman noted this was a citywide amendment, not site-specific. - Objection: A non-commission member (identified as "Councilman") objected to continuing the hearing after the staff report had been presented, arguing the public should have an opportunity to speak that night. The Chairman and other commissioners stated the commission had the authority to continue the hearing and would restart the entire process—including staff presentation—on February 10. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was taken, as the hearing was continued before opening the floor to the public. Key Outcomes - Motion to Continue: Commissioner O'Neill moved to continue the public hearing to February 10, 2026; seconded by Commissioner Botello. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m. - Next Steps: The zoning amendment petition will be heard from the beginning on February 10, 2026, with a full commission expected. No decision was made on the substance of the amendment.