Danbury City Council Meeting - September 1, 2026

The Danbury City Council met on September 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer led by Councilman Frank Salvatore, and roll call (20 present, 1 absent). The council also announced upcoming events for September. The first 30 minutes were reserved for public comment. The primary discussion and vote centered on Ordinance amendments to allow permanent legal residents and DACA recipients to apply to become Danbury police officers. Several other routine appointments, resolutions, and referrals were also considered.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5 (Margerie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee Final Report): Moved to receive the communication, accept the report, and schedule a workshop between the City of Danbury City Council and the Town of New Fairfield.
• Item 9 (Donation by Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home): Accepted a $1,000 donation for the DPD Copsicle Truck.
• Item 12, 13, 14 (Various resolutions): Approved as presented.
• Item 15 (Ad Hoc Collective Bargaining Agreement - DMEA): Waived reading, accepted minutes, and ratified funding nunc pro tunc. The consent calendar was adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken Gucker (89 Paid Narim Road) spoke in support of the Margerie Reservoir Trail project, noting that it was a bipartisan effort, $2.3 million in state bonding was secured, 15 public hearings were held, and 80% of online comments favored the trail. He urged the council to move the project forward.
• Chief Patrick Ridenhauer spoke in support of Ordinance item 10, explaining that the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) removed the U.S. citizenship requirement in 2020 for permanent legal residents and in 2025 for DACA recipients. He stated that at least 30 Connecticut police agencies already allow such applicants and that all candidates will face rigorous screening.
• Michelle Coello (47 East Lake Road) asked for transparency and clarity on federal legal authority for DACA officers carrying firearms, potential work authorization interruptions, and whether the police union had been consulted. She urged postponing the vote until safeguards are in place.
• Larry Reifberg (6 Irving Drive) supported the ordinance, arguing that DACA recipients and green card holders should have the opportunity to serve if qualified, noting similar allowances in the U.S. military.
• Justin Chan (27 Hickory Street) supported the ordinance, rejecting opposition based on immigration status and emphasizing the rigorous hiring process.
• Alfonso Robinson (7 Melrose Avenue) commented on the collective bargaining agreement (item 15), questioning why City Hall remains closed on Fridays, and expressed support for the police ordinance, calling it a step to correct past wrongs.
• Lorraine Herger (45 Southern Boulevard) raised concerns about vetting applicants from countries with corrupt systems and asked for a documented vetting plan before a vote.
• Farley Santos (27 Westview Drive) shared his personal story as an immigrant and urged the council to pass the ordinance, stating it begins to right past wrongs and tells immigrants they belong.
• Renessa Rodriguez (23 George Street) asked for a delay on the vote, citing a divisive week in the city.
• Jan Yagish (1 Coach Hill Drive) supported the ordinance, noting that DACA recipients have lived in the U.S. most of their lives and that a diverse police force improves community trust.

Discussion Items

• Appointment to Police Detective – Joseph Alstrom: Confirmed unanimously. Alstrom, who joined the department in 2020, was awarded Officer of the Year in 2024 and placed #2 on the detective eligibility list.
• Appointment to Police Detective – DeAndre Perkins: Confirmed unanimously. Perkins, a U.S. Army veteran and #1 on the detective list, had served as a field training officer and SWAT member.
• Appointment of Entry-Level Police Officers – Alexis Ortega-Gonzalez and Matthew Restrepo-Gallo: Confirmed unanimously. Both hold bachelor's degrees from WestConn and are attending the police academy.
• Appointments to Sustainable CT – Valentina Jimenez, Vida Goncalves, Melissa Jimenez: Confirmed unanimously. Councilman Hawley noted they contributed to the city's successful bronze certification application.
• Conveyance and Release of Water Main Easement (113-115 Mill Plain Road): Referred to city engineer and planning commission for report.
• License Agreement for 125 Mill Plain Road ("Chow House"): Referred to an ad hoc committee (Buzaid, Flanagan, Coelho).
• License Agreement for 123 Mill Plain Road ("Farrington Main House"): Referred to the same ad hoc committee.
• Ordinances – Amendments to Sec. 22-19 thru 22-30 (Police Department): The main motion to approve the resolution as presented was considered. A motion by Councilwoman Faye to split the question (separating permanent legal residents from DACA recipients) failed on a voice vote. Council debate included concerns about DACA stability, federal authority, liability, and off-duty firearm possession. Council members expressed support for expanding the applicant pool and promoting diversity. Chief Ridenhauer answered questions, noting that only one in eight applicants currently passes the process and that DACA officers would not be singled out.
• Resolution – Purchase of Taylor Farm Property: Referred to an ad hoc committee (Salvatore, LaPine, Coelho).
• Department Reports: Accepted after remarks. Councilman McAllister praised the police and fire departments for language interpretation services, and Councilman Chianese thanked the tax assessor for the senior and volunteer firefighter tax credit programs. Councilwoman Jabor thanked the police and public works for the Franklin Street Extension Bridge project.

Key Outcomes

• Police Ordinance (Item 10): Approved on a roll call vote of 18-2. Council members Coelho and Faye voted no. The ordinance allows permanent legal residents and DACA recipients to apply to become Danbury police officers, aligning with POST standards.
• All other appointments and resolutions on the agenda were approved unanimously or as noted.
• Several items were referred to ad hoc committees or city departments for further review.