Public Safety and Health Committee Meeting

The Public Safety and Health Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives held its third meeting on March 26, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The committee reviewed two items: public safety conditions at an abandoned building at 200 Henry Street (PS32.004) and an overview of the Stamford Fire Department (PS32.005). The meeting included presentations from city officials and department heads.

Review of Abandoned Building at 200 Henry Street (PS32.004)

• Representative Adams introduced the item following an incident where a body was found in the building on February 4, 2026 at 11:30 PM. The building is across from a men's shelter and was unsecure, allowing homeless individuals to enter. Adams thanked city officials for recent securing efforts and noted that one window had been compromised again.
• Lou Derubis, Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare, described an interdepartmental response and plans to install an 8-foot fence around the building. However, subsurface hazards from an environmental liner prevent digging fence posts, requiring alternative methods.
• Sean Reed, Chief Building Official, reported he had issued three notices of violation to the property owner over the past one and a half years, ordering them to secure the building. The owner only acted after the death, boarding up windows, but bare-minimum compliance continues.
• Lou Cast, Director of Operations, discussed additional security options, such as mounting barriers on concrete curbs, and recommended incorporating firefighter access in any fencing.
• Representatives raised concerns: Rep Graham asked about blight citations (a citation was issued for garbage but closed after cleanup) and suggested surveillance cameras or patrols during shelter closing times. Rep Walston proposed inviting the property owner to a future committee meeting to explain their intentions. Rep DLO asked about structural stability; Reed confirmed an unsafe structure notice prohibits entry and a structural engineer periodically assesses the building externally.
• Representative Adams emphasized that the boarding of windows could itself be considered blight, and requested additional resecuring of a compromised panel.
• The committee concluded the item with a motion to move to the next agenda item. Chair Burchard indicated the suggestion to invite the owner would be taken under advisement.

Overview of Stamford Fire Department (PS32.005)

• Chief Robert Morris presented a comprehensive overview of the Stamford Fire Department. Key points:
  • The department has 267 career members and approximately 100 volunteer members, operating out of 12 stations across the city.
  • The department is a consolidated career-volunteer system covering all response disciplines including fire suppression, EMS, hazmat, high-angle rope rescue, scuba diving, and fireboat operations.
  • Stamford is the largest city in Connecticut by square miles among cities with over 100,000 population, with a complex geography that includes a non-hydrant district covering about one-third of the city.
  • The city has grown from 103,000 residents in 1981 to 141,000 today. Between 2010 and 2020, 40% of Connecticut's population growth occurred in Stamford, leading to increased density and fire risk.
  • Fire incidents have increased 35-36% over five years, outpacing population growth. The downtown area has the most high-rises in the state, with 50-60,000 people living in buildings five stories or taller, and 3,300 new housing units planned.
  • The department faces challenges from new construction types (large, wood-frame buildings) and emerging risks like lithium-ion battery fires. Chief Morris showed videos of battery fires and pledged educational efforts.
  • The smoke/CO detector program has installed almost 1,000 detectors. Residents can request free installation.
  • Chief Morris seeks additional staffing for the rescue company (two more firefighters) to enhance search and rescue capabilities.
• Questions and discussion:
  • Rep Camparelli requested collaboration on battery safety education, given a recent city ordinance on electric lawn equipment. Chief Morris agreed and offered his email.
  • Rep DLO asked about a tanker apparatus replacement request; Chief Morris explained it would be a city asset assigned to Turn of River volunteer district, manned by volunteers, not requiring additional career staff.
  • Rep DLO also suggested exploring a city ordinance regulating non-UL listed batteries.
  • Rep Field thanked the chief for the informative presentation.

Key Outcomes

• The committee concluded the first item with a motion to move to the next agenda item. Chair Burchard will evaluate the authority to invite the property owner to a future meeting.
• No formal votes were taken on the second item; the overview was received for informational purposes.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.