Deep River Board of Selectmen Meeting - February 11, 2026

The Board of Selectmen met on February 11, 2026, at 6:06 PM (transcript indicates February 10, but instruction specifies February 11). The meeting covered routine approvals, appointments to town boards, updates on school consolidation, the firehouse building committee, budget discussions, and the upcoming Deep River 250th anniversary celebrations.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes of the joint Board of Selectmen meeting with Chester (held January 13, 2026). The minutes of the standalone Deep River Board of Selectmen meeting from January 13 were tabled due to unavailability.
• The board approved two tax refunds totaling $556.87, as requested by the tax collector.
• Appointments were made by unanimous consent:
  • Michael Polver and Lou Ann Catadella to the Library Board of Trustees. Polver fills the Democratic seat expiring November 16, 2027; Catadella fills the Republican seat until the next municipal election (November 2, 2027), after which the remainder of the term (through 2029) will be on the ballot.
  • Eric Walkie (DPW Director) as Town Tree Warden, subject to his completing a tree warden class; no term limit.
  • Brittany Gagnan to the Transfer Station Committee, term expiring December 1, 2027, filling a vacancy.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke. The board opened the floor but received no comments from in-person or online attendees.

Discussion Items

• Resident State Trooper Introduction: The board recognized new Resident State Trooper Rich Bruschetto, who was unavailable at the start but expected to appear later. The first selectman praised his communication and community feedback.
• Boards and Commissions Meeting: A meeting on January 29, 2026, attended by about 30 representatives from various boards and commissions, featured presentations on Robert's Rules of Order by the town clerk and on FOI requirements by Russell Blair of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Office. The meeting was recorded and will be posted on the town's YouTube channel.
• School Consolidation: The board addressed recent Valley Courier articles about school consolidation discussions. A joint informal meeting between Deep River and Chester selectmen (with finance chairs) occurred earlier; Essex was invited but chose not to attend, citing their different enrollment situation. The board emphasized that all options remain on the table and that task forces (governance, finance, teaching/learning, consolidation) are meeting publicly. A quick-link to agendas and minutes is available on the town website. The board reassured residents that the process is open and not a done deal.
• Firehouse Building Committee Update: The committee received design RFPs and is reviewing submittals. No firm has been chosen yet. Meetings are held the first Thursday and third Tuesday at the firehouse (Union Street) and are open to the public.
• Town/School Budget Discussion: Budget workshops are underway; the Board of Finance has begun meeting. The first selectman encouraged public attendance at Board of Education meetings, noting that recent meetings have seen residents urging tighter budgets.
• Deep River 250th Anniversary Committee: The committee has adopted a logo incorporating the town's muster heritage and the national muster. Upcoming events include a town-wide "Frost to Flower" celebration on March 21, 2026 (first day of spring), organized with the Economic Development Commission. The committee is considering banner sponsorships for "hometown heroes" along Main Street, initially honoring 14 deceased service members.
• Selectman Updates:
  • Town Clerk Amy Winchell announced her retirement effective early July 2026, after 16 years. The board will plan for a replacement.
  • The DPW was commended for hard work during repeated snow events, despite a regional salt shortage. Salt is on order, and crews worked late to clear main streets.
  • The EDC's merchant steering committee has formed the "Deep River Business Guild."
  • Upcoming community events: Rotary Club wine tasting (February 22), Face Arts Music's "Jams for Cans" (March 14), both supporting local charities and the food pantry.

Key Outcomes

• Approved joint board meeting minutes.
• Approved tax refunds of $556.87.
• Appointed Michael Polver, Lou Ann Catadella, Eric Walkie, and Brittany Gagnan to their respective positions (all unanimous).
• Tabled approval of the January 13 Deep River Board of Selectmen minutes to a future meeting.
• The board will schedule special meetings to address upcoming ordinances and other matters.
• The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time after a motion carried (voice vote).