Danbury City Council Meeting Summary - January 6, 2026

The Danbury City Council convened on January 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM to address routine appointments, adopt several ordinances, and deliberate on significant economic development tools. The meeting featured public testimony supporting the city's proactive measures regarding zoning, zoning board composition, and the approval of revenue bonds for the Danbury Proton Therapeutic Center. While most items passed unanimously, the adoption of the Connecticut City and Town Development Act faced substantial debate regarding taxpayer risks, statutory limitations, and the lack of accommodations for council concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Donations and Grants: Approved a $1,000 donation to the DPD for an ice cream truck; authorized applications for a $75,000 Aquatic Nuisance Species grant; authorized a $300,000 U.S. Soccer Foundation grant; authorized a Third Amendment to a contract; amended a 2023 resolution to reflect $105,000 plus annual COLA for Emergency Shelter Grants; and approved the conveyance of the parcel at 24 Hillendale Road subject to legal review.
• Voting: The consent calendar was adopted unanimously after a motion and a second by Councilman Ben Chinese.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken Guerker (Resident):
  • Expressed full support for the approval of agenda items 2 through 5 (ordinances) and item 8 (Zoning Board of Appeals appointment).
  • Expressed strong support for the appointment of Councilman Lucian Giordano to the Richter Park Authority, citing his advocacy for arts and parks.
  • Expressed full support for the issuance of sales and revenue bonds (Items 13/14) to fund the Danbury Proton center, stating that supporting cancer treatment and economic development without tax abatements is a "worthy thing."
  • Expressed support for the land conveyance at 24 Hillendale Road, arguing it corrects a 1950s subdivision oversight and ensures city ownership of land traversed by the road.
  • Condemned the discrepancy between the Zoning Board of Appeals' decision on the Hillendale project and the actual construction, hoping new board members will improve adherence to project spirit.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance Section 20-137 (Penalties for Abatement Violations - Item 5):

  • Councilman Paul Rotello expressed opposition to the ordinance despite supporting enforcement. He argued the ordinance contains a flaw by setting hard time limits for repairs that do not account for the time required to obtain necessary permits from other city agencies, potentially penalizing landlords actively seeking to comply.
  • Councilman Shay expressed concerns regarding the lack of an appeal process for circumstances other than willful acts by tenants.
  • Councilman Hawley expressed support for the measure as a necessary tool against bad actors but emphasized the need for parallel "housing first" strategies to address potential displacement and vulnerabilities.
  • Councilwoman Robinson and the Health Director clarified that current enforcement already exercises discretion and that the ordinance does not prevent appeals of the abatement order itself prior to penalties.
  • Outcome: Adopted 18-1 (Councilman Rotello voted no).

• Connecticut City and Town Development Act (Item 13) & Proton Bonds (Item 14):

  • Councilwoman Faye expressed strong opposition due to concerns that the city is effectively labeled "distressed," lacks monitoring procedures, faces potential litigation, and could lose property tax revenue without adequate compensation.
  • Councilman Henry expressed opposition, citing conflicts with the City Charter regarding bond issuance limits and the requirement for public referendums.
  • Councilwoman Robinson expressed full support, arguing the act is a low-risk financial tool for unique projects like Danbury Proton that cannot secure conventional financing, and that the city council retains case-by-case approval authority.
  • Councilman Hawley expressed support for establishing the baseline tool, noting that specific project approvals would follow a separate legislative process.
  • Councilman Chinese expressed cautious support despite concerns that the statute's language is outdated and misleading; he urged state delegation to amend the law.
  • Councilwoman Robinson and Councilman Hawley reiterated that the act does not create taxpayer liability and that the bond market itself serves as a guardrail against irrational projects.
  • Councilman Rotello expressed opposition primarily because the concerns raised (such as potential tax losses and lack of referendums) were discussed but not addressed or accommodated in the resolution text, questioning the true economic benefit to the city.
  • Councilman Koala expressed opposition specifically because the measure bypasses the opportunity for taxpayers to vote on such a significant issue via referendum.
  • Mayor's Stance: Expressed support, framing the act as a tool to prevent blight and unemployment.
  • Outcome (Item 13): The call for the question failed to reach the two-thirds majority (7 yes, 12 no/unknown), resulting in further discussion. After continued remarks, a roll call vote showed 15 in favor and 3 opposed (Faye, Henry, Coello). The motion to adopt the Act passed (Note: Transcript indicates a failed call for question initially, followed by a roll call where 15 voted yes). Correction based on transcript flow: The vote on the resolution itself passed 15-3.
  • Outcome (Item 14): Adjudged to be sent to an ad hoc committee (Hawley, Giordano, Henry) for further review of the bond issuance.

• Appointments:

  • Appointed three new police officers (Agostino, Gabrielli, Sonny).
  • Appointed Keegan Willemson to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
  • Reappointed Robert Botello to the Zoning Commission.
  • Appointed Lucian Giordano to the Richter Park Authority.
  • Reinstated the School District Ad Hoc Committee.
  • Confirmed appointments to the Planning Commission.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance Section 20-137: Adopted 18-1. The ordinance allows for administrative penalties for housing code violations after two opportunities for appeal, with Councilman Rotello dissenting due to permit timing flaws.
• Connecticut City and Town Development Act: Adopted 15-3. The resolution establishing the authority to act as a conduit bond issuer was approved, allowing the city to facilitate tax-exempt financing for nonprofit projects (e.g., Danbury Proton).
• Proton Revenue Bonds: Sent to a new ad hoc committee for review of the specific $100 million bond issuance proposal.
• Police Appointments: Approved unanimously.
• Zoning Board of Appeals: Keegan Willemson appointed unanimously.
• Zoning Commission: Robert Botello appointed and sworn in unanimously.
• Richter Park Authority: Lucian Giordano appointed unanimously to fill a vacancy.
• Planning Commission: Alia Novis, Arnold Finaldi Jr., and Sidney Nazario confirmed for terms expiring January 1, 2029.
• School District Committee: Ad hoc committee to be reinstated and expanded to five members.
• Data Reports: Accepted Department Reports on School Bus Violations (down), Water Levels (8% below normal), and Crime Statistics (down to 755 incidents in 2024).
• Meeting Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned with a motion and second by Councilman Salvatore.