Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee Meeting #18 - August 19, 2026

The 18th meeting of the Marjorie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee was called to order at 6:30 PM (local time; the provided timestamp is 2026-08-19 13:30:00+00:00, which likely corresponds to 9:30 AM EDT or 1:30 PM UTC, creating a discrepancy with the transcript). The primary purpose was to review the updated Trail Plan and Feasibility Memorandum prepared by Barton & Linguitas (B&L), discuss outstanding grant reporting and financials, and take action to transmit the plan to the City of Danbury and Town of New Fairfield.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from meeting #17 were approved unanimously without corrections. Motion by Peter Hearn, seconded by Jeff Main.

Discussion Items

• Presentation and Review of Updated Trail Plan: The committee reviewed B&L’s revised plan, which now proposes two trailheads—one from each end—with a gap preserved for future connection. Two lookout points are included. A joint workshop with the Danbury City Council and New Fairfield Board of Selectmen is planned for mid-September (date to be finalized) for further discussion.
• Trail Surface Material Debate: Committee members Jeff Main and Peter Hearn expressed concerns about the use of asphalt, especially within the reservoir area. They argued that stone dust is more aesthetically compatible with a nature walk, less expensive to install, easier to repair, and discourages high-speed use by bicycles, rollerblades, and electric bikes. They noted that asphalt might be appropriate near Route 37 sidewalks. The committee agreed to include these concerns in the memo to B&L.
• Feasibility and Outstanding Items: David Day raised several issues:
  • Total Construction Cost: The plan lacks a total cost estimate with contingency, which is needed for informed decision-making by the municipalities. The committee requested this from B&L.
  • Setback Distance: The report mentions a 200-foot buffer from the reservoir, but the actual requirement is 250 feet from Class I waters.
  • Permits: A water company land permit and DPH drinking water permit will be required; fencing may be needed to prevent trail users from accessing the reservoir.
  • Grant Funding: The committee noted that approximately $173,000 is allocated to New Fairfield for sidewalks and $174,000 to Danbury for other improvements (dog park expansion, stormwater controls). Total off-reservoir improvements are $346,000, with $25,000 for reservoir stormwater controls.
• Grant Reporting: Peter Hearn submitted a semi-annual report to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reflecting New Fairfield’s expenditures. He noted that $118,000 in invoices had not been paid until this quarter. The committee confirmed that ongoing grant reporting will be handled by the individual towns.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Accept and Transmit Plan: The committee voted (unanimous) to accept B&L’s presentation and feasibility memorandum as presented and to transmit it to the Danbury City Council and New Fairfield Board of Selectmen. The motion also authorized Peter Hearn to communicate directly with B&L regarding the committee’s suggestions. [Motion by Jeff Main, seconded by Peter Hearn; carried.]
• Motion to Revise and Transmit Memorandum: The committee approved a motion to finalize a memorandum (executive summary) that incorporates all recommendations raised during the meeting (including cost estimates, surface materials, permits, and fencing) after receiving input from B&L. The finalized memo will be circulated among committee members for approval via email before submission to the municipalities. [Motion by David Day, seconded by Peter Hearn; carried.]
• Workshop Planning: The committee noted that the joint workshop will be publicly noticed and that committee members are invited to attend to answer questions. The format will include presentations and Q&A, likely without a public comment period unless decided otherwise.
• Committee’s Future: The committee may be disbanded after this meeting, but it can reconvene if needed. Follow-up communications with B&L will occur via email, and members will coordinate approval of the final memorandum.