Board of Representatives Regular Meeting – February 2, 2026

The Board of Representatives met on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:35 PM in a hybrid format. The meeting opened with an invocation, roll call (36 members present, quorum established), moments of silence, and community announcements. The public comment period featured four speakers addressing proposed amendments to board rules on public comment, a call for charter revision to promote housing development, and a request for bicycle safety equipment for students. The board then considered reports from standing committees, with significant debate and multiple amendments to items LR 32.005 and LR 32.010 regarding public comment rules, and a resolution urging a state ban on pet store sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits. Numerous consent agenda items were approved, and the meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Appointments Committee: Approved all eight appointments/reappointments (Golf Authority, Zoning Board of Appeals, alternates, Police Commission) by voice vote.
• Fiscal Committee: Approved items 1–3 and 5–18 by voice vote (items 1–3: appropriations for stormwater improvements, capital budget, operating employees; items 5–18: various grants, agreements, and budget amendments). Item 4 (F32.028, rejection of capital project closeout recommendations) was taken separately: the board voted unanimously (one abstention) against the rejection, meaning the closeouts were effectively approved.
• Legislative and Rules Committee: Approved LR 32.004 (ordinance allowing city to accept right-of-way by two-thirds petition) by voice vote.
• Personnel Committee: Approved four items: employment contract for Assistant Chief of Police (P32.004), contract for Clerk of the Works (P32.006), workers compensation claims administration contract (P32.007), and revised pay plan (P32.005) — all by voice vote (noted abstentions on items two, three, and four).
• Land Use and Urban Redevelopment Committee: Approved three items by voice vote: opting into the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (L32.001), demolition of structures at 751 West Hill Road (L32.002), and donation of 125 Black Rock Road (L32.003).
• Transportation Committee: Approved contract with Mainstream RLC for automated traffic enforcement (T32.001) by voice vote.
• Minutes: Approved the January 5, 2026 regular meeting minutes by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kieran Edmondson (Water Sign neighborhood resident): Urged the board to purchase helmets and bicycles for Stamford public school students attending summer adventure camp, emphasizing safety and the importance of outdoor activities. He referenced item 32.032 (not on this agenda but mentioned) as a potential funding source.
• Gina Calabries: Opposed proposed rules (LR 32.005 and 32.010) requiring speakers to sign up ahead of time and restricting “personal attacks,” calling them anti-democratic and potentially unconstitutional. She questioned whether the board had consulted corporation counsel and warned that such restrictions would suppress constituent voices.
• Dave Adams (Glenbrook resident): Echoed opposition, arguing that considering both LR 32.005 and 32.010 simultaneously violated legislative process due to overlapping language. He criticized the “personal attack” provision as vague and warned it could stifle legitimate criticism, referencing past incidents. He also expressed frustration that the board was not listening to public opinion on speed cameras.
• Arthur Gaskin (downtown resident): Encouraged the board to initiate a charter revision committee to enshrine pro-housing policies. He argued that election data over eight years shows public support for housing development, and proposed giving the board power to approve land use projects when average housing costs in a neighborhood exceed 30% of median income. He criticized the mayor for inaction and urged the board to lead.

Discussion Items

• LR 32.005 – Amendment to Board Rules on Public Comment: Rep. Weinberg proposed amendments: changing the sign-up deadline from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, allowing speakers to optionally provide city/town of residence and board district “if known,” and enabling the president to allow unregistered speakers if time remains and they were unaware or unable to meet the sign-up requirement. A floor amendment (by Rep. Adams?) modified the last clause to “was either unaware of and could not meet the sign-up requirement.” After debate, the Weinberg amendments passed 31–5 (roll call). The amended LR 32.005 then passed 31 in favor, 2 opposed, 3 abstentions.
• LR 32.010 – Another Board Rules Amendment: Motion to suspend rules to consider out of order passed. A motion to divide the question (separating the “personal attacks will be considered disruptive conduct” subsection from the rest) was approved by voice vote with one abstention. The main body of the rule (excluding the personal attack clause) was then approved with one abstention. The personal attack subsection was recommitted to the Steering Committee by a vote of 34–2.
• LR 32.009 – Resolution Urging State Ban on Pet Store Sales: Rep. Weinberg moved to amend the resolution’s language to read “urging the Connecticut General Assembly to enact a state wide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits or other animals.” The amendment passed by voice vote. The amended resolution then passed unanimously by voice vote. Reps. Collar and Cullen were thanked for their work.
• LR 32.011 – Comprehensive Tree Ordinance: The committee recommended this item to the Steering Committee for a public hearing; the board approved that recommendation by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items were approved as listed.
• Item F32.028 (rejection of capital project closeouts) failed; the board’s vote effectively approved the closeouts.
• LR 32.005 passed as amended (31–2–3).
• LR 32.010: the main portion was approved; the personal attack subsection was recommitted to Steering (34–2).
• LR 32.009 passed as amended.
• LR 32.011 recommended to Steering.
• The public comment period lasted approximately 30 minutes with four speakers.
• Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.