Danbury City Council Meeting - September 2, 2026

The Danbury City Council met on September 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included routine approvals, appointments, and a major ordinance amendment to allow permanent legal residents and DACA recipients to apply for police officer positions, which passed after extensive public comment and debate. Other items included reports on the Marjorie Reservoir Trail, license agreements, and property acquisitions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from August 4, 2026 meeting.
• Received and accepted the Marjorie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee final report and scheduled a workshop with stakeholders.
• Accepted a $1,000 donation from Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home for the DPD Copsicle truck.
• Approved resolutions for historical documents preservation grant, condemnation of utility easement, and property acquisition at 147-149 Westville Avenue.
• Ratified the Collective Bargaining Agreement with DMEA (Danbury Municipal Employees Association) as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken Gucker (former state representative) spoke in support of the Marjorie Reservoir Trail, detailing its history, bipartisan support, and community benefits. He noted 80% of public comments were in favor.
• Police Chief Patrick Ridenhauer spoke in support of Item 10 (ordinance amendments), explaining that the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) has allowed permanent legal residents since 2020 and DACA recipients since 2025. He emphasized the rigorous hiring process and that over 30 agencies in Connecticut already allow such applicants.
• Michelle Coelho raised concerns about DACA recipients, asking for legal clarity on firearm possession, staffing continuity if work authorization is interrupted, and department policies. She urged planning before voting.
• Lawrence Reifberg supported Item 10, arguing that military branches allow DACA and green card holders; he urged the council to vote yes to attract qualified candidates.
• Justin Chan (lifelong Danbury resident, public defender) supported Item 10, criticizing opposition ads and arguing that immigration status should not bar service; he praised Danbury police and the importance of diversity.
• Alfonso Robinson supported Item 10, stating immigrants contribute greatly and criticizing past city policies (parade ordinance) as racist. He also questioned why the collective bargaining agreement did not open City Hall for five days a week.
• Lorraine Herger raised concerns about vetting candidates from countries with corrupt systems, asking for a documented process before voting. She stated only citizens should carry guns.
• State Representative Barley Santos (Danbury) spoke in support of Item 10, sharing his personal story as an undocumented immigrant who wanted to be a police officer but could not. He urged the council to right past wrongs and support the ordinance.
• Renasta Rodriguez asked the council to delay the vote on Item 10, citing the divisive week and emotional climate.
• Jan Maria Jagish supported Item 10, noting DACA recipients often have no other home, and argued that a diverse police department improves community trust. She referenced foreign nationals guarding bases in Japan.

Discussion Items

• Item 10 – Ordinance Amendments to Police Department (Sec. 22-19 thru 22-30): Extensive debate on whether to allow permanent legal residents and DACA recipients to apply for police officer positions.
  • Councilwoman Faye moved to split the question into two parts (permanent residents vs. DACA), but the motion failed (2-18).
  • Councilwoman Jabor expressed frustration over criticism targeting DACA recipients while ignoring ICE actions.
  • Councilman Hawley noted the ordinance had been vetted by the ad hoc committee since April, and both the chief and HR director said it would not negatively impact departments.
  • Councilman Flanagan highlighted the value of bilingual officers.
  • Councilman Britton argued that the vote sends a message welcoming immigrants, especially after recent federal immigration enforcement actions.
  • Councilwoman Faye and Councilman Coello raised practical concerns about DACA status revocation risk, off-duty firearm carry, and liability.
  • Councilman Rotello questioned the legal basis of POST and ATF opinions, and asked about plans if ICE arrested a DACA officer. Chief Ridenhauer stated officers would cooperate.
  • Councilman Salvatore gave closing remarks, urging passage and noting a DACA recipient from Danbury who became a Norwalk officer.
• Taylor Farm Property Acquisition: The city received an offer to purchase two parcels. The mayor recommended buying only one parcel (49-55 Great Plain Road). The council sent this to an ad hoc committee for further review.
• License Agreements for 125 and 123 Mill Plain Road: Both agreements expiring; current licenses in good standing. Council sent both to an ad hoc committee.
• Department Reports: Council recognized police, fire, public works, and other departments for their work, including the completion of the Franklin Street Extension Bridge project and the successful implementation of the senior and firefighter tax credits.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously.
• Appointment of Police Detective Joseph Alstrom confirmed unanimously.
• Appointment of Police Detective Dondre Perkins confirmed unanimously.
• Appointment of Entry-Level Police Officers Alexis Ortega-Gonzalez and Matthew Restrepo-Gallo confirmed unanimously.
• Appointment of Sustainable CT Team Members (Valentina Jimenez, Vida Goncalves, Melissa Jimenez) confirmed unanimously.
• License Agreements for 125 and 123 Mill Plain Road sent to an ad hoc committee (Councilmen Buzaid, Flanagan, Coelho).
• Item 10 – Ordinance Amendments passed (18-2) with Councilmen Coello and Faye voting no. The ordinance allows permanent legal residents and DACA recipients to apply as Danbury police officers, subject to the same rigorous hiring standards.
• Taylor Farm Property Acquisition sent to an ad hoc committee (Councilmen Salvatore, LaPine, Coelho).
• Department Reports accepted and filed.