Operations, Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting - July 23, 2026

The Operations, Parks and Recreation Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met remotely on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 6:32 PM, chaired by Rep. Daniel R. Sandford. The committee approved fee schedules for the E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course and Terry Conners Ice Rink, authorized a contract and bid waiver for boiler controls at the Government Center, and reviewed noise management policies at Mill River Park following a June 21 concert event. The meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM.

Consent Calendar

• OPR32.012 – Golf Course Fees: Public hearing held and closed with no public comment. Resolution establishing fees for E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course 2026 approved by voice vote (8-0-0).
• OPR32.013 – Ice Rink Fees: Public hearing held and closed with no public comment. Resolution approving fee schedule for Terry Conners Ice Rink approved by voice vote (8-0-0).
• OPR32.015 – Boiler Controls Contract: Approval of a contract agreement and bid waiver with Blake Thermal Sales & Service, Inc. to update boiler controls and associated upgrades for two Cleaver Brooks natural gas boilers at the Stamford Government Center. Scott Butch, Director of Facilities, explained that the boilers (original to the 1986 building) are in good condition but controls are outdated; the boilers should last 25–40 more years with updated controls. A bid waiver was necessary because Blake Thermal is the only authorized Cleaver Brooks representative in Connecticut. Approved by voice vote (9-0-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up or spoke during the public hearings for items 1 and 2.

Discussion Items

• OPR32.016 – Mill River Park Policy and Procedures Review: Chair Sandford initiated the review after receiving complaints about a June 21 concert event at Mill River Park titled "Resurrection on the Green," which generated excessive noise. Nette Compton, President & CEO of Mill River Park Collaborative, described the event as an outlier—a first-time promoter operating at unprecedented scale. She outlined corrective actions taken the following week: meeting with organizers, consulting sound engineers, and coordinating with the City to implement decibel monitoring at the soundboard and property line for all future events. The Health Department now formally includes a noise waiver in the permit approval process. Compton emphasized the park’s commitment to balancing vibrancy with being a good neighbor. Rep. Finkel requested a written statement for constituents; Compton agreed to prepare one. Rep. Didelot suggested the Health Department stay on-site during events to monitor noise levels. Rep. Boudreau noted the absence of Director Quiñones (Parks) and Director DeRubeis (Emergency Communications) and said he would follow up with them on permitting and enforcement procedures. Chair Sandford acknowledged that the city non-emergency line was overwhelmed by calls during the event, leading to misinformation on social media.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (OPR32.012): Approved 8-0-0.
• Item 2 (OPR32.013): Approved 8-0-0.
• Item 3 (OPR32.015): Approved 9-0-0.
• Item 4 (OPR32.016): Report accepted; the committee will receive a written summary from Ms. Compton for constituents. Chair Sandford noted that Rep. Boudreau and others would follow up directly with city directors on permit procedures.
• No further action was taken on this item.