Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting & Capital Budget - October 18, 2023

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 6:33 PM. However, the user instruction specifies the date as October 18, 2023. This summary follows the instructed date, with the discrepancy noted.

The Stamford Planning Board convened via Zoom for a regular meeting and capital budget presentations. The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting, moved forward a stormwater pump station project, heard nine capital budget requests from city departments and outside agencies, and unanimously recommended approval of a zoning variance for a residential pool and patio. No public comments were received.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (October 10, 2023): Motion by Stephen Perry, second by Michael Buccino, passed unanimously.
• Motion to Move Forward Stormwater Pump Station CP5241: The board voted to hear the stormwater project earlier in the meeting. Motion by Michael Buccino, second by Jay Tepper, passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Stormwater Pump Station – CP5241 ($3,642,938 total): Anne Brown of the WPCA presented a request for emergency generators and pump/electrical upgrades at Cummings, Wampanaw, and Dyke Lane pump stations. Funding includes a federal grant of $2,732,203.50 and $910,734.50 in city general obligation bonds. The board questioned the bonding split and confirmed that storm-related projects use city bonds, not WPCA revenue bonds. The request was approved unanimously (see Key Outcomes).

• Capital Budget Presentations (Fiscal Year 2024): Chair Theresa Dell outlined the capital budget process, noting a safe debt limit of ~$70–75 million, with $35 million reserved for the Board of Education. Presentations included:

  • Office of Administration (CP7307): Director Ben Barnes requested $50,000 for property acquisition/disposition. He noted $100,000 remains from prior years and that $50,000 per year in out-years is appropriate.
  • Short-Term Financing – Technology (IT): Michael Pensiero and Izzy presented a $650,000 request for phone system replacement ($400,000 for handsets and consulting) and cloud migration ($250,000). The board requested out-year projections and noted that $1.9 million in prior appropriations remains unspent.
  • Bartlett Arboretum: Tracy Kay presented three projects: (1) Pavilion/greenhouse complex – requested $50,000 additional for septic system; (2) Site/infrastructure improvements – $50,000 for trail and bridge repairs; (3) Maintenance garage – $300,000, but board suggested limiting to $50,000 for design development. The arboretum receives 28% of operating budget from the city.
  • Childcare Learning Center (CLC): Darrell Ingram requested $275,000 for elevator modernization ($250,000) and classroom lockdown doors ($120,000), using $86,000 in unfunded balance. The board noted the elevator is on “borrowed time” and that doors are a police-recommended safety measure.
  • Ferguson Library: Alice Knapp and Cheryl Harper presented multiple requests: (1) Boiler replacement at main library – $775,000 (no grant available); (2) Harry Bennett branch modernization – $2 million request, matching a state grant; (3) Main library elevator restoration – $300,000; (4) Digitization of local documents – ongoing; (5) PC replacement – routine. The board noted the library’s elevators are ADA priority.
  • Scofield Manor: Peter Stothart requested $325,000 for chiller and AC unit replacement (health/safety priority) and $425,000 for roof repairs, windows, and paving (second priority). The facility is a 90-year-old, 50-bed residential care home.
  • Stamford Center for the Arts (Palace Theatre): Mike Moran presented three projects: (1) West Wall rehabilitation ($215,000); (2) Rich Forum exterior envelope repair ($800,000 total, $200,000 phased); (3) Interior plaster repairs (ongoing). The board reordered priorities as requested by staff.
  • Stamford Historical Society: Bill requested $75,000 for concrete/ADA ramp repairs and $55,000 for rafter/gutter repairs. The board noted $84,000 in available funds.
  • Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Melissa Mulrooney requested $232,000 for equipment (SUV, tractor, golf carts) and HVAC replacement. The board discussed tree removal as an operational expense.

• Zoning Board of Appeals Referral – ZBA #036-23 (45 Sagamore Road): Nicholas Vitti, representing the homeowners, sought variances for a pool, patio, pergola, and fireplace in the front yard due to the lot’s triangular shape with three frontages. The proposal is similar to a 2022 approval that lapsed. The board noted significant screening and no neighbor objections. Unanimous recommendation for approval.

Key Outcomes

• Stormwater Pump Station CP5241: Approved unanimously. $3,642,938 total, with $910,734.50 from city bonds and the remainder from a federal grant.
• ZBA Referral #036-23: Recommended approval unanimously. The planning board’s endorsement will be sent to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Capital Budget: No votes taken on individual requests. Presentations will continue on October 24 (Operations) and November 14 (Board of Education, WPCA, Fire Department). Final decisions and public hearing scheduled for January 2024.
• Next Steps: The board will hold a capital budget meeting on October 24, 2023, and November 14, 2023. Library master plan presentation tentatively set for November 21.