OpenPublica

Accountability starts with access.

© 2026 · Filed for the public record

Use casesAboutAPIPrivacyTermsLinkedIn
Home/Stamford, Connecticut/Board of Representatives
OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Public Safety & Health Committee Meeting - October 29, 2026

Board of Representatives — Thursday, October 29, 2026
BodyStamford, Connecticut
SessionBoard of Representatives
DateThursday, October 29, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:17:26

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

All right, I got 6 32.

0:01

So I'm gonna go ahead and start the meeting.

0:02

Um, so good evening, everyone.

0:04

Uh, as hopefully you all know I am representative Tom Bouchard from District One.

0:08

I am the chair of the public safety and health committee for the Board of Representatives of the City of Stanford.

0:14

Uh, this is the ninth meeting of the 32nd Board of Representatives Public Safety and Health Committee.

0:19

It is now 632.

0:22

Um, so thank everybody for making the time to attend today.

0:25

Uh, especially appreciate the invitees um taking time out of their schedule to be here.

0:31

Um, also like to welcome the exoficio members from Board of Representatives.

Unassigned speaker

0:36

So

Speaker 1

0:36

I'll do a quick attendance.

0:37

I think we're a little bit light.

0:39

Uh folks should be joining us, but I do see Vice Chair Adams.

0:42

Uh thank you for joining

Unassigned speaker

0:44

us.

Speaker 1

0:45

Uh Representative Blank.

Speaker 2

0:47

Yes, sir.

Speaker 1

0:48

Gotta appreciate

Unassigned speaker

0:49

it.

Speaker 1

0:50

Uh Representative uh Dila.

0:53

Present.

Unassigned speaker

0:55

All

Speaker 1

0:55

right, thank you.

0:56

Uh Representative Field, see you, thank

Unassigned speaker

1:00

you.

Speaker 1

1:00

Uh Representative Gilbright is excused.

1:04

Uh Representative Graham.

1:08

I don't see her.

1:11

Um, Representative Morrison.

1:17

Just got an email from him.

1:18

So hopefully he'll be joining shortly.

1:20

Uh, and then uh repers of Walster and I see you.

1:23

So thank you very much.

1:25

Um, and then I do see uh Representative uh de la Cruz as an ex-officio member.

1:31

Uh thanks for joining

Unassigned speaker

1:32

us.

Speaker 3

1:33

So we have three items on the agenda.

Speaker 1

1:36

Uh the first one is uh item number one, PS32.010.

1:44

And that is a review item that is a review of the blighted property procedures for the city of Stanford.

1:50

Um this agenda uh item has been on for several months and it was submitted by uh Vice Chair Adams.

1:56

Unfortunately, this month again, uh Mr.

1:58

Sean Reed, who's the chief building official of building inspections uh is unable to attend.

Unassigned speaker

2:04

Um so I would as a result, I'd like to uh intend or entertain a motion to recommit this item to steering.

Speaker 4

2:13

Motion to recommit to steering.

Speaker 1

2:16

Second,

Speaker 4

2:17

second,

Speaker 1

2:18

second.

Unassigned speaker

2:19

Uh

Speaker 1

2:19

so I'll put this up to a voice vote.

2:22

Um, so those uh that will uh support moving this item back to steering, say aye.

2:32

And those opposed say nay.

Unassigned speaker

2:35

So

Speaker 1

2:36

it is approved.

2:37

We'll recommit the uh item back to steering.

2:40

So thank you very much.

2:41

Uh so I'd like to introduce a second item then on the agenda that is PS32.014.

2:49

Um this is a review item, is an overview of the e-bike laws and regulations for the state and local level, uh including enforcement for these by the Stanford uh police department.

3:00

That's a review item.

3:02

We'll consider additional regulations that could improve public safety for e-bike riders uh and the public.

Summary of Proceedings

Public Safety & Health Committee Meeting - October 29, 2026

The Public Safety & Health Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met remotely on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 6:32 p.m. The meeting covered three agenda items: a review of blighted property procedures (recommitted to steering), an overview of e-bike laws and enforcement, and an update on the Stamford air quality monitoring program. Discussions highlighted enforcement challenges, the need for education, and potential local ordinances.

Consent Calendar

  • None. No routine approvals or unanimous actions were taken outside of the main agenda items.

Discussion Items

1. PS32.010 – Review of Blighted Property Procedures

  • Chief Building Official Sean Reed was unable to attend. The committee voted unanimously (voice vote) to recommit the item to steering for further review.

2. PS32.014 – Overview of E-Bike Laws and Regulations

  • Presentation: Sgt. Jeff Booth (Stamford Police Department) presented state laws effective July 2025. Key points:
    • E-bikes exceeding 28 mph or 750 watts are classified as motor-driven cycles requiring a driver’s license; over 3,500 watts are motorcycles requiring license, registration, and insurance.
    • No local ordinances currently exist; enforcement is challenging due to riders fleeing (90% of stops result in flight).
    • The police department uses a fusion center to track offenders via cameras.
    • Helmets are required by state law but enforcement is prioritized for moving violations.
  • Discussion:
    • Rep. Blank proposed a local ordinance requiring reflective vests and other safety measures, and volunteered to lead a subcommittee to draft it. Director Lou DeRubeis supported a comprehensive approach, including education and partnerships with the Board of Education.
    • Rep. De La Cruz raised the possibility of stricter local regulations (e.g., sidewalk prohibitions, seizure authority for repeat offenders). Sgt. Booth confirmed the city can pass ordinances to ban bicycles on sidewalks and allow seizure of illegally operated e-bikes, similar to existing ATV/dirt bike ordinances.
    • Rep. Adams suggested requiring sellers to verify driver’s licenses for high-speed bikes, but enforcement was questioned.
    • Rep. Walston expressed concern about very young children on e-bikes; state law prohibits class 3 e-bike operation under age 16.
    • Director DeRubeis emphasized the goal of education over punitive measures, noting that state statutes already cover reckless driving.
  • Outcome: The committee agreed to conclude discussion and move to item 3, with Rep. Blank leading the ordinance development effort.

3. PS32.015 – Review of Stamford Air Quality Monitoring Program

  • Presentation: Jody Bishop-Pullan (Director of Health and Human Services) and Dibica Khushalani (Manager of Public Health Programs) presented the program:
    • Started in 2021 with 10 PurpleAir monitors (low-grade, measuring PM2.5). Now 7 comprehensive monitors deployed across the city, with data displayed on a public dashboard.
    • Community engagement in South and West End guided monitor placement. Materials provided in English, Haitian Creole, and Spanish.
    • Data shows generally good air quality, with slightly higher readings in the west side. Monitors provide real-time alerts for sensitive groups.
    • The program is funded by an EPA grant and presented at the American Public Health Association conference.
  • Discussion:
    • Rep. Adams requested a monitor closer to industrial areas (e.g., Cornell Street) but was informed of mounting and electricity constraints.
    • Rep. De La Cruz raised concerns about monitor height (15-20 feet vs. EPA breathing zone of 3-6 feet) and that the monitors are not enforceable quality. He referenced a prior board resolution requiring a state-approved enforcement plan, which has not been submitted. He promised to share historical documents.
    • Chair Bouchard noted the program is for baseline data, not enforcement, and suggested future collaboration with schools and students.
  • Outcome: The committee received the update and will follow up on Rep. De La Cruz’s historical resolution. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:47 p.m.

Key Outcomes

  • Blighted Property Procedures: Recommitted to steering (voice vote, unanimous).
  • E-Bike Regulations: Rep. Blank will lead a subcommittee to draft a comprehensive ordinance focusing on education, safety (vests, helmets, sidewalk restrictions), and potential seizure authority. Input will be sought from all board members, the Board of Education, and community stakeholders.
  • Air Quality Monitoring: The program continues to expand data collection and public outreach. Rep. De La Cruz will provide historical documentation on the enforcement plan resolution. No formal vote was taken.

Meeting Transcript

All right, I got 6 32. So I'm gonna go ahead and start the meeting. Um, so good evening, everyone. Uh, as hopefully you all know I am representative Tom Bouchard from District One. I am the chair of the public safety and health committee for the Board of Representatives of the City of Stanford. Uh, this is the ninth meeting of the 32nd Board of Representatives Public Safety and Health Committee. It is now 632. Um, so thank everybody for making the time to attend today. Uh, especially appreciate the invitees um taking time out of their schedule to be here. Um, also like to welcome the exoficio members from Board of Representatives. So I'll do a quick attendance. I think we're a little bit light. Uh folks should be joining us, but I do see Vice Chair Adams. Uh thank you for joining us. Uh Representative Blank. Yes, sir. Gotta appreciate it. Uh Representative uh Dila. Present. All right, thank you. Uh Representative Field, see you, thank you. Uh Representative Gilbright is excused. Uh Representative Graham. I don't see her. Um, Representative Morrison. Just got an email from him. So hopefully he'll be joining shortly. Uh, and then uh repers of Walster and I see you. So thank you very much. Um, and then I do see uh Representative uh de la Cruz as an ex-officio member. Uh thanks for joining us. So we have three items on the agenda. Uh the first one is uh item number one, PS32.010. And that is a review item that is a review of the blighted property procedures for the city of Stanford. Um this agenda uh item has been on for several months and it was submitted by uh Vice Chair Adams. Unfortunately, this month again, uh Mr. Sean Reed, who's the chief building official of building inspections uh is unable to attend. Um so I would as a result, I'd like to uh intend or entertain a motion to recommit this item to steering. Motion to recommit to steering. Second, second, second. Uh so I'll put this up to a voice vote.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com