Danbury City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Danbury City Council held its regular meeting on March 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Roberto L. Alves, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by former Fire Marshal Barry Ricker and a prayer led by Councilman Salvatore. Roll call showed 19 members present and 2 absent. The agenda included approvals of minutes, consent calendar items, several collective bargaining agreements, a charter revision proposal, an automated traffic enforcement ordinance, budget transfers, appointments, and referrals to ad hoc committees.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the February 3, 2026 regular meeting and special meeting minutes.
• Confirmed appointments: Jeffrey R. Harold and Mark G. Massoud to the Environmental Impact Commission (terms expiring March 1, 2029); Eva L. Avega as alternate member of the Planning Commission (term expiring March 1, 2029); Catherine Cathy Gleason to the Board of Ethics (term expiring March 1, 2028); Cynthia M. White and Amy J. Keller to the Lake Kenosha Commission (terms expiring March 1, 2029).
• Accepted the sustainability advisory team report.
• Accepted a $1,000 donation from Michael Scherer for the DPD CCU ice cream truck program.
• Accepted a donation of items valued at $271,000 from the Danbury Westerners.
• Authorized the Mayor or Chief Patrick Riddenauer to accept grant funds and sign related documents.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

Charter Revision (Item 1A)

• Mayor Alves requested the establishment of an ad hoc committee to consider a charter revision commission, as the city charter was last modified in 2009.
• Motion to send to an ad hoc committee (Corporation Council and Mayor's Office) passed. The ad hoc will be chaired by Councilman Joe Britton, with Councilwoman Holly Robinson and Councilman Mike Henry.

Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (Item 7)

• Mayor Alves proposed an ordinance to authorize speed and red light cameras under Connecticut General Statute Section 14-307C, citing a 300% increase in enforcement over two years and successful use of stop arm cameras on school buses.
• The ordinance and a plan with proposed camera locations would require a public hearing and state DOT approval.
• Motion to send to an ad hoc committee (Mayor's Office, Corporation Council, Police Chief or designee, and other necessary departments) passed. The ad hoc will be chaired by Councilman Frank Salvatore, with Councilwoman Cheryl Wallace Smith and Councilwoman Candace Fay.

Collective Bargaining Agreements (Items 8, 9, 10)

• The council approved three collective bargaining agreements for 2025–2029: with the Public Works Department (including highways, parks, forestry, airport maintenance), the Public Buildings Division, and the Public Utilities Department (water and maintenance divisions).
• Councilman Rotello questioned the cumulative financial impact. Director of Finance Dan Garrick noted total increases of approximately $3.6 million over four years, roughly $900,000 per year, which would translate to less than one mill in property tax if all else were equal.
• All three agreements were approved unanimously.

Budget Transfers (Item 11)

• Approved the transfer of $222,683 to close the 2024–2025 fiscal year, as certified by the Director of Finance.

Sewer Extension Application (Item 15)

• Communication for sewer extension at 72 Liberty Street was received and sent to the City Engineer and Planning Commission for reports.

Series 2026 Bonds Resolution (Item 17)

• The council adopted the resolution for series 2026 bonds, with a condition that the city has a right of first refusal on financing any additional treatment rooms beyond those contemplated while the bonds are outstanding.

Appointment of Constable (Item 17 - second instance)

• Based on the ad hoc committee's recommendation, Michael Sopranic was appointed constable to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Louise McMahon. The vote was 18–1.

Water Main Extension (Item 18)

• Approved the water main extension application for 119 Franklin Street extension, subject to the city's standard eight steps and conditions, based on positive reports from the City Engineer and Planning Commission.

Fire Truck Litigation and Antitrust Claims (Item 20)

• Corporation Counsel presented a resolution to allow the city to engage outside legal counsel (Simmonson, Sussman, LLP and Barron and Bud PC) for potential litigation against REV Group, Inc., Oshkosh Corporation, Pierce Manufacturing Inc., and others regarding injuries, damages, antitrust violations, and unfair competition related to fire trucks. Fees would be contingent on recovery.
• The matter was sent to an ad hoc committee consisting of Councilman Peter Busade (Chair), Councilman John Laughinghouse, and Councilman Mike Henry.

Other Business

• Calendar of Events: The Mayor announced upcoming events for March and April, including the Scholarship Fund Breakfast (March 8), Good Morning Breakfast (March 17), Irish flag raising (March 17), Fireman's Ball (March 21), St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 22), Foundation Leadership Breakfast (March 24), Blue and White Gala (March 28), Vietnam Memorial (March 29), and Easter Festival (April 4).
• Budget Committees: The Mayor announced the budget ad hoc committees for the upcoming budget season: Health and Public Safety (Chair: Frank Salvatore, members: Lou Giordano, Claire Jabor, Paul Rotello, Mike Henry); Government One (Chair: Joe Britton, members: Mike Flanagan, Dwayne Perkins, Billy McAllister, Mike Henry); Government Two (Chair: Andrea Gardner, members: John Laughinghouse, Mia Spain, Dennis Perkins, Mike Coello); Education (Chair: Holly Robinson, members: Andrea Gardner, Cheryl Wallace Smith, Joe Britton, Candace Fay); Public Works (Chair: Peter Busade, members: Ryan Hawley, Diane LePine, Ben Chinese, Mike Coello).
• Moment of Silence: Councilman Mike Flanagan requested a moment of silence to honor soldiers killed in recent conflicts.
• Personal Privilege: Councilman Joe Britton welcomed newcomers and colleagues after returning from Army service at Fort Lee, Virginia, having graduated from the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) School as a lieutenant.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items were approved unanimously.
• Charter revision and automated traffic enforcement proposals were referred to ad hoc committees for further study.
• Three collective bargaining agreements (Public Works, Public Buildings, Public Utilities) were approved.
• Budget transfers of $222,683 were approved.
• The series 2026 bonds resolution was adopted with a right of first refusal condition.
• Michael Sopranic was appointed constable (18–1).
• The water main extension for 119 Franklin Street was approved.
• The fire truck litigation resolution was referred to an ad hoc committee.
• Budget ad hoc committees were established for the upcoming budget season.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by motion and second, with all in favor.