Deep River Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting - August 18, 2026

The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on August 18, 2026 at 6:02 PM. The meeting covered appointments, updates on town projects, a resolution for a landfill grant, and a proposal to begin meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance. Several public comments and reports were heard.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of July 28, 2026 and the special meeting of June 30, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident (online) reported a deep pothole at Westbrook Road and Route 80 in the left turn lane, and noted the electronic announcement board at the transfer station appeared stuck on the same message. The board acknowledged the issues for follow-up.
• A resident (in person) suggested adding parking spaces along River Street by moving the sidewalk back two feet during repaving, noting a shortage of parking near the elementary school. The board noted the idea but said it was too late to incorporate.
• Mike Danello (online) asked about the progress of Chester's traffic camera program and requested to see the results of Deep River's traffic study. The board reported the study was completed and a presentation would be scheduled.

Appointments

• Brad Wiskowski was appointed to the Economic Development Commission, term to expire December 1, 2026.
• Courtney Perkins was appointed to the Park and Rec Commission, term to expire December 1, 2028.
• Both appointments were made unanimously after positive reports from board members.

Traffic Study Discussion

• A traffic study at five proposed locations was completed, collecting data over about a week. The vendor is ready to present results via Zoom, but scheduling with the Economic Development Commission and other interested parties (including resident Mike Danello) has not yet been finalized.

Transfer Station Updates

• The town has been accepted into the state Tire Stewardship Program. Residents (including Chester residents) will be able to dispose of up to eight tires per day free of charge starting in early September, once the vendor is assigned. Currently, tire disposal costs $3.50 per tire and incurs a $40/month transportation fee; the new program will be free to residents and free hauling for the town.
• The town also joined a Cylinder Collection program: propane cylinders under 20 pounds will be accepted free of charge. Commercial and medical cylinders are not accepted. Previously, the charge was $5 per cylinder.

Vacancies and Board Openings

• The tax office has a part-time opening; the tax collector is retiring in November and seeks a replacement for training.
• The Water Pollution Control Authority, Economic Development Commission, Park and Rec Commission, and other boards have vacancies. The board encouraged residents to reach out if interested.

Library Beech Tree Issue

• A large beech tree in front of the library is causing sidewalk heaving and dropping limbs; upper portions appear dead. Two arborists (outside the town) have recommended removal; a third opinion is pending. A public meeting is planned for September, possibly with experts present, to discuss options including a sculpture or milled furniture. The tree warden is involved.

Paving Project Update

• Paving along the project route began asphalt placement on August 18. Work is expected to be completed by school start on August 27. Some damage occurred: a manhole cover and a few water catch basin covers were cracked; the board stated they will not sign off until those are fixed. The project was delayed one day waiting for the water company. The town received a $124,000 reimbursement from the water company for coordinating paving after a water main replacement.

Main Street Banner Program

• The Main Street Visionaries (subgroup of Economic Development Commission) are seeking sponsors for banners. Plaques will be mounted on lampposts. Fundraising may continue to extend banners further down Main Street.

Selectman Reports

• Deep River was selected for the Hartford Business Journal's "Best Places for Business" list, ranking in the top 50 statewide. The town will submit a profile by September 15 for publication November 2.
• A sign committee (wayfinding signs) needs new volunteers. ARPA funds must be spent by December 31; the committee will finalize sign content and design aligned with existing town signage.
• A new exhibit on Revolutionary War banners opened at the library.
• The primary election on August 11 went smoothly.
• Hazardous waste collection day: 325 vehicles entered; 59 were from Deep River. This year 37,000 pounds of hazardous waste were collected, up from 28,000 pounds the prior year.

Resolution for Landfill Grant

• The board added and approved a resolution authorizing the town to accept a $500,000 grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for capping the former municipal landfill at 220 Winthrop Road. The grant was originally awarded over 15 years ago; all paperwork must be resubmitted. The first selectman is authorized to execute documents. The total cost to cap the landfill is over $1 million.
• Motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved.
• Two appointments confirmed.
• Resolution for $500,000 landfill grant passed.
• Board agreed to begin meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance starting in September (motion carried).
• Discussion on revisiting a zoning fine schedule to give enforcement "teeth" was noted; the planning and zoning meeting the following evening may address it.
• Meeting adjourned at 6:36 PM.