Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting & Capital Budget – October 11, 2023

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting agenda and transcript indicate the meeting took place on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 6:30 PM. However, the instruction for this summary specifies that the meeting occurred on October 11, 2023. This summary uses the instructed date, but the discrepancy is noted.

The Stamford Planning Board convened on October 11, 2023, at 6:33 PM via Zoom to consider supplemental capital appropriation requests, receive capital budget presentations from the Office of Public Safety, Health & Welfare and the Police Department, and act on zoning referrals. The board approved several supplemental projects, heard presentations, and voted on a text change and a variance request.

Consent Calendar

• Planning Board Minutes (September 26, 2023): Approved unanimously by the three eligible members (Chair Dell, Buccino, Perry).
• Capital Project Closeout: Approved partial closeout of two Stamford Urban Transitway Phase II projects (CP6813 – $279,062.62; CP7660 – $888,399.68) to reallocate funds to other priorities. Motion by Jay Tepper, second by Michael Buccino, unanimous.
• Citywide Equipment Replacement & Upgrade – Project #C65202 ($170,042.62): Approved for route optimization study to improve sanitation efficiency and safety. Motion by Stephen Perry, second by Jennifer Godzino, unanimous.
• Citywide Vehicle Replacement & Upgrade – Project #C65200 ($109,020.00): Approved to install GPS monitors in 370 city fleet vehicles to reduce operating expenses, fuel consumption, and insurance costs (up to 35% per vehicle). Motion by Jay Tepper, second by Stephen Perry, unanimous.
• Government Center Renovations – Project #CP3808 ($888,399.68): Approved for repair of exterior concrete/masonry, parking structure improvements, and remodeling of the Building Department lobby for a permanent walk-in permitting center. Motion by Michael Buccino, second by Jay Tepper, unanimous.
• Growing Together Stamford – Project #001355 ($1,000,000): Approved to establish trees in disadvantaged downtown neighborhoods, with youth training for stewardship. The project is fully funded by a federal grant. Motion by Jay Tepper, second by Jennifer Godzino, unanimous.

Discussion Items

• Storm Water Pump Stations – Project #CP5241 ($3,642,938.00): The board deferred action because no representative from the WPCA was present to explain the request. The project includes emergency generators, pump and electrical upgrades at Cummings, Wampanaw, and Dyke Lane stations. The board voted unanimously to hold the item and invite WPCA to the next meeting.
• Capital Budget Presentations:
  • Office of Public Safety, Health & Welfare (Louis DeRubeis): Presented three requests:
    • Blue Light Program ($150,000): To add four emergency call stations in parks (Dorothy Heroy, Tasca Uso, Schofield Town, Myannis River) based on data analysis and isolated areas. The board noted a placeholder of $50,000 in out-years for future cameras.
    • 911 Restroom Upgrades ($150,000): To renovate two restrooms and add a shower for dispatchers and EOC personnel.
    • SEMS Medic 4 Trailer ($305,000): To replace the aging trailer on Vine Road with a new code-compliant unit, including structural foundation, utilities, and hurricane straps.
  • Police Department (Chief Timothy Shaw): Presented two requests:
    • Specialty Police Vehicles – Project #CP72912 ($250,000): To upgrade a 2006 command truck and purchase an SRT equipment vehicle. No out-year funding needed.
    • Police Headquarters Infrastructure Improvement ($225,000): To increase safety area at the firing range with steel plating and rubber absorbing material for the new regional police academy. A duplicate request for “Police Facility Upgrade” was withdrawn.
• Zoning Board Referral – Text Change (ZB Application #223-37): Proposed amendments to Section 10 (Non-Conforming Uses) to clarify definitions and standards for non-conforming uses and non-complying buildings. The board approved the text change. Motion by Jay Tepper, second by Jennifer Godzino, unanimous.
• Zoning Board of Appeals Referral – Variance Request (ZBA Application #034-23): Stephanie Mark, representing James & Nelly Slocum, requested variances for a second-story addition, deck reconstruction, and overhang at 2324 Washington Boulevard. Staff recommended denial based on the proposal being too intense for the lot, lack of hardship (roadway widening occurred in the 1970s and prior owners were compensated), and inconsistency with the master plan category. The board voted unanimously to recommend denial to the ZBA. Motion by Jay Tepper, second by Michael Buccino.

Key Outcomes

• All supplemental capital appropriation requests except the storm water pump station were approved unanimously.
• The storm water pump station request was held over to the next meeting (October 17, 2023) for WPCA representation.
• The zoning text change was approved and will be forwarded to the Zoning Board.
• The variance request was recommended for denial to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• The board acknowledged the delay in bonding due to the incomplete audit, with bond issuance expected in spring 2024.
• Next meetings: October 17, 2023 (Capital Budget); October 24, 2023 (Capital Budget); November 14, 2023 (Capital Budget, with Fire Department presentation).