Public Meetings - Stamford, Connecticut

The Public Safety and Health Committee met on April 29, 2026, at 6:30 PM to receive an overview of the Stamford Police Department (SPD) from Chief Tim Shaw. The meeting included a presentation on personnel, resources, crime statistics, and a discussion of traffic safety and enforcement challenges. Committee members and the public safety director participated in Q&A. Discussion Items - SPD Overview Presentation – Chief Shaw presented a detailed overview of the department. Personnel: The budgeted officer count is 292 (up from 287 after approval of 5 additional officers, originally requested 13). There are 16 recruits in academies, including 8 in SPD's regional academy. A $7,500 grant per officer for the first three years supports the new hires. Resources: Special Response Team (20-officer SWAT), bomb squad (regional asset), hostage negotiation team, K9 squad (8 dogs), behavioral health unit (first in CT with private social workers, reducing police response to mental health calls by 30%), opiate response team, fusion center for real-time intelligence, drone first responder program, Project Hope (mental health alternative), and Police Activities League (PAL) at Chester Addison Center. Crime statistics: From 2021 to 2025, major crimes decreased except for assaults (7% increase). Burglaries dropped from 137 (2021) to 74 (2025). Comparisons with other large CT cities showed Stamford outperforming in reductions. Budget: 1.5% increase for FY2026, the lowest request in five years. - Traffic Safety and Enforcement – Representative David raised concerns about speeding and pedestrian safety on Strawberry Hill Avenue and Newfield Avenue, following a fatal accident on Colonial Road. Chief Shaw noted that a new traffic enforcement unit (doubled coverage from 40 to 80 hours per week) started in April. He also mentioned e-bike initiatives and collaboration with engineering for raised crosswalks. Representative David proposed an e-bike safety ordinance requiring vests/lights; Chief Shaw expressed support for safety measures. Representative Terry asked about school zone speed bumps and elevated crosswalks; Director DeRubeis confirmed that Washington Boulevard intersections are being considered for raised platforms. Discussion also included the need for education and coordination with the Board of Education on student lunchtime traffic. - Resource Allocation and Foot Patrol – Representative Matt questioned the balance between specialized units and patrol presence. Chief Shaw explained that many initiatives (fusion center, behavioral health, accreditation) reduced patrol strength, but the department seeks to add foot patrol and e-bikes when staffing permits. He offered to include committee members in future tours for the Board of Finance. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational. - Chief Shaw committed to sharing data on school zone speed cameras and traffic enforcement effectiveness with Representative Terry. - The committee discussed potential future ordinance regarding e-bike safety with Representative David. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.

Note: The raw transcript states the meeting occurred on April 28, 2026, but the official date provided is April 29, 2026. This summary uses the official date. The Stamford Planning Board met on April 29, 2026, to approve previous meeting minutes, consider a lease for school bus parking, approve a purchase and sale agreement for affordable housing development, accept a state grant for dredging, and provide a recommendation on a zoning text change regarding sustainability. All items were approved unanimously. Minutes Approval - The board approved the minutes from the March 24, 2026 meeting (motion previously tabled due to lack of quorum) and the April 14, 2026 meeting. Both were approved unanimously with no amendments. Leases and Property Transactions - School Bus Parking Lease (0 and 338 Cortland Avenue): The city plans to lease two parcels totaling 2.93 acres (0 Cortland: 1.53 acres, 338 Cortland: 1.4 acres) for school bus parking. The lease is for an initial 15-year term with two five-year renewal options (total up to 25 years). Rent starts at approximately $600,000 annually and increases 2.5% per year. The city is responsible for utilities and site improvements (triple net lease). The lease is intended to support the Board of Education's RFP for bus services, providing a parking location to attract more competitive bids and reduce costs. The board approved the lease unanimously. - Purchase and Sale Agreement – 41 Main Street (Affordable Housing): The city agreed to sell the 0.38-acre former MITA site to Main Street Housing Partners, LLC for $7,855,600, consisting of $250,000 cash and a $7,605,600 credit for developing 55 units of affordable housing. The selection committee evaluated two proposals based on quality, feasibility, experience, financial capability, and price. The project timeline includes a 120-day approval contingency, a 200-day financing contingency (with possible 60-day extension), and 24 months to complete construction. The board approved the sale unanimously. Capital Project Appropriation - Citywide Dredging Project (Cummings Marina): The board authorized acceptance of a $62,500 grant from the Connecticut Port Authority’s Small Harbor Improvement Projects program. The grant funds biological testing of dredge spoils to determine if open-water disposal is possible, which would be significantly cheaper than upland disposal. The city already has the required 50% match authorized in capital project CP0231. The board approved the appropriation unanimously. Zoning Text Change Referral – Sustainability - Sustainability Scorecard: The board reviewed a text change requiring a minimum grade (B or C depending on district) on the sustainability scorecard for new construction and substantial renovations of larger projects (10+ units or 10,000+ sq ft). The scorecard (version 5) focuses on energy efficiency and other categories. The board heard that the scorecard has been used for years and the new requirement formalizes existing practice. No negative developer feedback was reported. - Tree Protection: The text change requires replacement of removed trees (4 inches dbh or larger) on a per-inch basis with native trees, or a fee-in-lieu for the city tree fund. It also mandates protection of remaining trees during construction. The board discussed the replacement ratio and minimum replacement size (1.5 inches dbh); a recommendation was made to consider increasing the minimum to 2 inches. - Solar and Green Roofs: New roofs over 5,000 sq ft must have at least 50% coverage of solar panels or green roofs, with exceptions for residential amenities. Solar canopies over parking lots are reclassified as permitted obstructions, exempt from height limits, with a maximum height of 15 feet. The board recommended evaluating whether the height limit should be higher in areas with truck traffic. - Vote: The board approved the zoning text change referral with recommendations to (1) increase the minimum replacement tree size to 2 inches dbh and (2) consider increasing solar canopy height limits in areas with heavy truck traffic. The vote was unanimous. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were approved unanimously. - The board will forward its recommendations on the zoning text change to the Zoning Board. - The next regular meetings are scheduled for May 5, May 19, June 9, and June 23, 2026. No meetings are held in July.

The Legislative Rules Committee of the Board of Representatives met on April 28, 2026, from 7:01 PM to 9:58 PM. The committee considered two ordinances: one to repeal the Appointments Commission (LR 32.016) and another to establish information reporting requirements for mayoral appointments (LR 32.017). Extensive testimony from former commission members preceded debate on transparency, board vacancies, and oversight. Both items were ultimately postponed to the next committee meeting. Discussion Items LR 32.016 – Ordinance to Repeal the Appointments Commission - Invited speakers: Former Representative Jess Stella (creator of the commission) and former commission chair Steve Gars argued against repeal. Stella emphasized the need for transparency, noting that the commission was intended to compile a public list of all applicants for board and commission positions, preventing disconnects like the case of Frances Lane, who applied repeatedly without response until a board member intervened. He highlighted the commission’s inability to function due to lack of quorum (only three of nine members) and resignations without replacement, and criticized the current process where applicants to the mayor’s office or party committees receive no feedback. - Steve Gars reported that as of December 1, 2025, there were 115 expired or vacant seats across city boards and commissions, and cited an applicant from January 2026 who had not received any response. He argued the commission could have helped fill seats and provide transparency, but lacked support from the administration. - Committee debate: Several representatives (Weinberg, LePine, Fields, Blank) supported repeal, arguing the commission had been ineffective and that transparency could be achieved through existing mechanisms (e.g., FOIA, board of reps’ own appointments committee). Representative Weinberg presented his own data: as of March 27, 2026, of 150 seats on 26 volunteer boards, only 9 were “true holdovers” (terms expired before Nov. 30, 2025) and 14 were vacant, totaling 23 (15%) – a much lower figure than the 115 cited. He called the commission “a solution in search of a problem.” Others (Vice Chair Caporelli, Stella) insisted the commission’s failure was due to lack of administration support, and that a functioning commission could safeguard transparency and give unaffiliated applicants a pathway. - Outcome: A motion to table (lay on the table) passed 7-2. Later, after considering LR 32.017, the committee voted to postpone LR 32.016 definitely to the next meeting (vote 7-2). LR 32.017 – Ordinance on Information Reporting Requirements for Appointments - The ordinance, sponsored by the chair and vice chair, requires the mayor’s office to compile and report aggregated, anonymous data on applicants and appointees to boards and commissions (e.g., demographic breakdowns, number of applicants per seat, timeline). - Amendment by Rep. Boudreau: Added requirements that all appointees must complete a prescribed application form; clarified that the form must note which questions are optional; standardized pronoun usage to “his or her”; and set an effective date of the first day of the month at least 30 days after enactment. Passed unanimously by voice vote. - Amendment by Vice Chair Caporelli: Added a new section 52-12 – “Expiration Report” – requiring the mayor or designee to notify the president of the board of representatives of any vacancy or expired term that has exceeded 120 days. Some representatives argued this was unnecessary since expiration data is already online, while supporters said it would close a loophole that allowed expired-term members to continue without board review. The amendment passed 5-4 (roll call: Blank, Boudreau, Caporelli, Stone yes; Hughes, Hyatt, LePine, Weinberg no). - Motion to recommit (to steering committee) failed 4-5. - Motion to postpone definitely to the next committee meeting passed unanimously by voice vote. Key Outcomes - LR 32.016 (Repeal of Appointments Commission): Postponed definitely to the next committee meeting (vote 7-2). - LR 32.017 (Reporting Requirements): Postponed definitely to the next committee meeting (unanimous voice vote). - Amendment to LR 32.017 (Expiration Report): Adopted 5-4. - The committee adjourned at 9:58 PM. Note: The meeting agenda and minutes were not available; this summary is based solely on the transcribed discussion.

On April 27, 2026, the Stamford Zoning Board held a hybrid meeting via Zoom, convened at 6:37 PM by Chair David Stein. Members present: Bill Morris, Peter Rustin, Ralph Blessing, Vanita Matter, and Roseanne McManus (joined later). The board approved minutes, took agenda out of order, and conducted a public hearing on a special permit application for a six-unit senior/disabled living community at 35 Terrace Avenue (application 226-01). The meeting adjourned around 8:00 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes of March 30, 2026: Approved 3-0 (Stein, Morris, Rustin). - Minutes of April 13, 2026: Approved 3-0 (Stein, Morris, McManus) after McManus joined. - Application 226-02 (Zoning map change for McKeith and Park and 0 Mainland Road): Approved 3-0 (Stein, Morris, McManus). - Application 226-03 (Zoning text change / “text cleanup”): Approved 3-0 (unanimous). - Application 226-04 (Zoning text change regarding R6 district): Approved 3-0 (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Dave Adams (Glenbrook Road): Expressed project is not appropriate for the space but deferred to neighbors. Requested replacing the proposed PVC fence with wood (e.g., CWF) to reduce plastic impact. - Tommy Muller (7 Jessup Street): Detailed concerns: existing six-foot fence destroyed during demolition (September 2025) and not replaced despite promises. Stated the proposed fence and shrubs (max 6-7 feet) offer no additional privacy beyond what was contractually required. Noted second‑story views would still face privacy issues. Also raised lack of wall footing, no sidewalks to bus stops, and questioned how seniors would use second‑story stairs. - James Yeager (246 High Ridge Road): Cited traffic danger, lack of snow storage, inadequate space (1/7 acre per unit), and that the six units do not fit the neighborhood character. Also questioned whether retaining walls over certain height require a five‑foot setback and voiced concerns about wall stability without pinned footings. - Lauren Yeager (242 High Ridge Road): Agreed with traffic concerns and noted trees were taken down before approval, indicating a pattern of disregard. - Sheila Glenn (15 Terrace Avenue): Strong opposition based on traffic congestion, neighborhood character, and design not appropriate for senior living. Urged board to listen to residents. - Ruth Richards (25 Terrace Avenue): Raised flooding/drainage changes, setback of new trees from her driveway, sewer capacity, trust issues with builder, and opposition to cutting her driveway for gas line extension without legal easement. Also concerned about direct views from proposed dwellings into her home. - Jacqueline Moore Muller (Jessup Street): Noted proposed two‑story units would look into her two‑story home, creating privacy concerns for her family with children. Also objected to unclear HOA enforcement and neighbors having to police senior/disabled occupancy. Discussion Items - Application 226-01 – 35 Terrace Avenue (Public Hearing continued from March 30, 2026): - Applicant’s Presentation (Attorney Lenny Brayman): Presented updated landscaping plan with additional green screening (evergreens: Ilex Steeds holly, viburnum, inkberry) and a white vinyl fence atop the existing wall along the western property line (Muller and Attilo properties). Submitted renderings showing before/after screening from dwelling units A and E. - Landscape Architect Matt Pop: Detailed that western line uses seeds holly (6-7 ft evergreen), viburnum (8×8 ft), and inkberry (5 ft). Eastern line includes 10 shade trees plus evergreen magnolias near neighbor’s driveway. Fence height stated as “two feet below max allowed by zoning,” later clarified as “two inches below max” (approximately 6 ft). - Engineer Len DeAndrea: Explained that the third northerly house (closest to property line) is the primary concern; the other two houses are set 20 ft lower, so continuous evergreen screening plus wall provides sufficient block. Stated fence stops short of units D and E due to elevation differences. Addressed snow removal: a shoulder and transformer setback provide storage; city has designated snow dumping areas. Sewer lateral will reuse existing connection to avoid road cuts. Gas line will run along westerly side of common driveway, not under the neighbor’s driveway. Confirmed walls are gravity stone walls with designed sections; no pinning needed, and total fence+wall height from low side does not exceed accessory structure setback rules. - Board Questions: - Bill Morris: Inquired about plant species and fence height. - Peter Rustin: Raised concern about deciduous birch trees leaving a winter “hole”; applicant noted evergreen shrubs underneath and that fence stops before those trees. - Chair Stein: Explored HOA responsibilities for snow removal, lawn mowing, and enforcing senior/disabled occupancy. Attorney Brayman confirmed deed restrictions would be recorded; HOA or owner (if rental) would enforce; neighbors could complain to zoning enforcement officer or pursue civil remedies for deed violations. - Additional Public Input (Second Round): - James Yeager reiterated wall height and stability concerns, traffic congestion from new developments. - Tommy Muller disputed engineer’s account of fence conversation; stated he was not offered immediate replacement on his property; invited developer to start work tomorrow. - Dave Adams repeated request for wood fence instead of PVC. - Ruth Richards added that the land was tilted toward her property and noted at least three units face her house directly. Key Outcomes - Application 226-01 (35 Terrace Avenue): The public hearing was closed and will be on the agenda for deliberation at the next meeting on May 4, 2026 (Monday). - Other Applications: All four applications (226-02, 226-03, 226-04) were approved unanimously (3‑0). - Next Meeting: Scheduled for May 4, 2026; only voting items and possibly administrative items.

The Fiscal Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Chair Morrison and adjourned at 7:25 p.m. The committee considered nine items, including appropriations, grant resolutions, third‑quarter projections, and a surplus allocation. Most items passed unanimously, with one abstention noted. Key speakers included Town Clerk David Hoke, Grants Officer Anita Carpenter, Director of Finance Bill, and representatives from the early childhood program and the Boys & Girls Club. Consent Calendar - All items were voted on individually; no consent calendar was used. Routine approvals are noted under each item below. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded. Discussion Items - Items 1 & 2 (F32.062 & F32.063): Town Clerk David Hoke requested approval of two appropriations totaling $46,524 ($19,611 from community investment fees and $26,913 from local capital improvement fees) to move funds collected by the town clerk from the general fund to a special revenue fund (2800) for historic preservation purposes. The funds are required by state statute to be retained by the town clerk’s office. The Board of Finance had approved both items 5‑0. Both passed unanimously (6‑0‑0). - Item 3 (F32.064): $50,000 additional appropriation for early childhood programming scholarships, transferred from the general fund to fund 2800. Grants Officer Anita Carpenter explained that this replaces prior school readiness funding, with a state‑required match. Program representative Danace noted the scholarships support families seeking high‑quality early childhood education. The item passed 6‑0‑1 (one abstention). - Item 4 (F32.065): $175,000 additional appropriation for the Boys & Girls Club to complete the playscape at the Yearwood Center, covering cost escalation and drainage. The funds come from old community development reserves. Passed unanimously (6‑0‑0). - Item 5 (F32.066): $2 million for renovations at 986 Bedford Street Family Center, serving low‑income residents. The Board of Finance had held this item; the committee voted to recommit it without action. Motion to recommit passed unanimously (6‑0‑0). - Item 6 (F32.067): Resolution authorizing the mayor and superintendent to apply for a non‑priority school roof replacement project at Hart Magnet Elementary School. Anita Carpenter stated the funding had been appropriated in the capital budget, and the resolution is required for the state application. Representative Lepine asked whether the school is slated for demolition under the school rebuild plan; Carpenter responded that the roof is intended for the building’s full life and that the state requires a 20‑year commitment. Lepine supported the item with that condition. Passed unanimously (6‑0‑0). - Item 7 (F32.068): Similar resolution for a non‑priority roof replacement at Turner River Middle School. Passed unanimously (6‑0‑0). - Item 8 (F32.069): Third‑quarter projections for fiscal year 2526 (FY 2025‑2026). Director Bill presented a consolidated net surplus expectation of approximately $6.9 million, driven by higher building permit revenues ($4.1 million above budget, projected at $13.5 million vs. $9.4 million budget), higher interest income ($1 million above budget), and lower expenses ($2.2 million in vacancy savings). A question from Representative Coacher noted that benefit and insurance expenses were up about $300,000 due to higher premiums, which were baked into the projections. Bill noted that building permits continued strong, potentially improving the surplus. No vote was required; item was informational. - Item 9 (F32.070): $6.3 million approval and appropriation of fiscal year 2024 general fund surplus. Director Bill and Elda (finance) proposed designating $1.2 million to the rainy day fund (bringing it to approximately $36.4 million), $1.8 million to the risk management fund for heart and hypertension (which had an $11 million deficit), and $3.3 million to capital non‑recurring (fund 57) for school construction. Representative Coacher asked about the current balances; Bill estimated the rainy day fund would be $35.2 million before the addition. The heart and hypertension fund’s deficit was noted. Passed unanimously (6‑0‑0). Key Outcomes - Items 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9: Approved unanimously (6‑0‑0). - Item 3: Approved 6‑0‑1 (one abstention). - Item 5: Recommitted to the Board of Finance without action (unanimous 6‑0‑0). - Item 8: Received as information; no vote taken. - Attendance: Chair Morrison noted that Representatives Graham and Bouchard arrived after votes on items 2 and 8, respectively, and that ex‑officio members Terry Adams and Representative Alston were present. These details were to be recorded on the attendance sheet.

The Operations Parks and Rec Committee met on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 7:03 PM. Chair Sanford presided. The committee considered three items: two resolutions naming athletic fields at Stamford High School, and a review of the city's snow removal process. All committee members were present, along with several other board members and administration staff including Director Turk. Consent Calendar - OPR 32.009 – Resolution waiving the requirements of Section 21-3B of the city code to allow naming of Stamford High School Baseball, Softball, and Soccer Fields for living persons. President Shaw introduced the item, noting the honorees' long service (30–42 years) to the school. The committee voted unanimously to approve. - OPR 32.010 – Resolution naming the Stamford High School Baseball, Softball, and Soccer Fields with the names set forth in the resolution. The committee voted unanimously to approve. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - OPR 32.008 – Review of the city's snow removal process and snow emergency preparedness. Representative Gross submitted the item after a winter with two major blizzards (18 inches and 24 inches of snow). He requested a comprehensive presentation of the snow removal process, including maps and route information, to better answer constituent questions. Director Turk explained the complexities of snow operations: 320 miles of road, 34 snow routes, 39 drivers (with vacancies), and GPS tracking. He emphasized that the extreme storms were not normal, and that expectations for clearing all roads during a blizzard are unrealistic. Topics discussed included crosswalk clearing, driveway plowing, snow disposal at West Beach, use of seasonal employees, and the process for designating snow emergency routes. Multiple committee members (Reps. Finkel, Didalo, Temprality, Salas) asked questions and received detailed responses. Director Turk offered to prepare a slide deck and give a tour of the city garage. The committee opted to recommit the item to steering for further discussion next month, with the presentation to be circulated first. Key Outcomes - OPR 32.009 – Approved unanimously. - OPR 32.010 – Approved unanimously. - OPR 32.008 – Recommitted to steering by voice vote. Director Turk will prepare a presentation on snow removal operations for the next meeting. Committee members were invited to schedule a tour of the city garage. The meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM.

The Land Use and Urban Redevelopment Committee met on April 23, 2026 (noted in the transcript as April 22, but corrected to the official date). Co-Chair Price presided with members Gardner, Boudreau, Field, Weinberg, and Finkel present. Representative Politia and Beckham were excused. The committee addressed two items: the acceptance of Pembroke Drive as a city street and a contract amendment for the integrated land records and vital statistics recording system. Discussion Items - Resolution LU 32.006 (Pembroke Drive): The committee considered a resolution to accept Pembroke Drive as a city street pending certification from the city engineer. Representative Weinberg reported that the property owners had not yet submitted required documentation and hoped to have it next month. A motion to postpone the item to the next meeting was debated; some members argued a motion to recommit was more appropriate to keep the item alive. After a voice vote, the motion to postpone failed (nays). Subsequently, a motion to recommit LU 32.006 was made, seconded, and passed by voice vote, sending the item back to committee. - Resolution LU 32.007 (IQS Contract Amendment): Town Clerk David Hoke presented the second amendment to the contract with IQS (InfoQUIC Solutions) for the city's integrated land records and vital statistics recording system (RFP 859). The amendment converts the agreement to an evergreen (auto-renew) one-year term, adds services for index verification ($25,000/year), microfilm creation and storage ($10,700/year), and a backfile conversion project ($99,000/year for four years, funded by capital budget). All costs are covered by recording fee revenue. Attorney Chris Delaselva, joining by phone, confirmed that the city owns all digital data. Representative Finkel raised concerns about data portability if the vendor relationship ends; Attorney Delaselva acknowledged challenges but stated contractual provisions require return of data in a usable format. Representative Weinberg asked about the evergreen clause and the city’s ability to terminate; Delaselva explained a termination-for-convenience clause allows the city to end the contract at any time with 20 days’ notice, and a bid waiver approved by the Board of Finance justified skipping a new RFP. Key Outcomes - LU 32.006: Recommitted to committee (motion passed by voice vote). The item will return for further consideration when documentation is complete. - LU 32.007: Approved by voice vote. The second amendment to the IQS-Stamford contract is adopted, allowing the town clerk’s office to add the specified services under an evergreen arrangement. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.

The City of Stamford Chess Committee (Community Development, Housing Education, Social Services, State and Commerce) held a public hearing on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM to solicit public input on the Program Year 52 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and to hear presentations from 30 applicants seeking CDBG funding. Chair [not named] presided, with committee members present: Goldberg, Gross, McEwen, Halleck, Price, Sylvestri, Walston, Weirs, and Jaeger (excused). A quorum was established. Public Comments & Testimony - Anna Gallegos, representing the design team of the Stanford Public School Foundation (SPEF), expressed strong support for the People Empowering People (PEP) program, a 10-week Spanish-language leadership program for parents. She described how PEP builds skills, confidence, and civic engagement, citing graduates now serving in various leadership roles across the city. She urged the committee to fund the PEP program. Discussion Items Item 1: Public Hearing on Program Year 52 CDBG and HOME Programs - Moira Sodge, Community Development Administrator, presented the city's Annual Action Plan. She explained that HUD provides CDBG ($945,000 expected) and HOME (approximately $400,000) funding to support low- and moderate-income residents. She detailed the breakdown: 20% ($189,124) for administration, 15% cap ($141,843) for public services, and the balance for public facilities/infrastructure ($326,241) and housing ($2,884). She reviewed past funded projects (e.g., pantry van, food pantry manager, veterans center, playground, generator, cabinetry). The timeline: applications reviewed, committee scoring in May, appropriations through Board of Finance and Board of Representatives, final plan to HUD by August, and funding to nonprofits by October 1. The draft plan will be posted with a 30-day public comment period. Item 2: Public Hearing on PY52 CDBG Proposals - The committee heard from 30 applicants (13 public improvement, 17 public service) requesting CDBG funds. Before presentations, the chair reminded members of conflict of interest rules, scoring deadlines (May 9, recommended by April 24), and to keep questions brief. - Public Improvement Applicants: - Ables: Renovation of ADA bathroom at a group home (38 Little Hill Dr.) serving 6 individuals with disabilities. - Inspirica: Replacement of fire escape and wheelchair ramp at Women's Emergency Shelter (8 Woodland Place), the only single women's shelter in Stamford. - ARI of Connecticut: Repaving driveway at group home (5 Tallyhoe Lane) for 7 individuals with developmental disabilities ($18,742 requested). - Optimus Healthcare: Parking lot renovation at 805 Atlantic St. to improve safety and ADA compliance for 4,400 patients ($50,488 requested, $5,000 match). - Housing Authority (Charter Oak): Security camera system installation at Wormsor Congregate (28 Vine Rd.), a 50-unit building for low-income elderly ($37,884 requested). - Family Centers: Concrete and ADA ramp renovation at 986 Bedford St. to improve access to health/human services ($72,540 requested). - Pacific House: $50,000 for emergency shelter food program and $5,300 for commercial refrigerator; also $24,750 for AC condenser replacement at permanent supportive housing on Spruce St. - Children's Learning Center: Playground paving and safety gates at 64 Palmer's Hill Rd. ($14,949 requested). - Building One Community: First floor extension and ADA upgrades at their community center for immigrant services ($80,000 requested). - Mutual Housing/CT Housing Partners: Window resealing and community room heating at Trinity Park Apartments (48 units) ($61,000 requested). - Ferguson Library: ADA entrance at Weed Memorial Branch (1143 Hope St.) ($24,000 requested). - Public Service Applicants: - St. Joseph Parenting Center: $20,000 for bilingual case management to prevent child abuse and neglect. - River House Adult Day Center: $30,000 for transportation via Norwalk Transit for seniors; 43% of participants are Stamford residents. - CIRI: $15,000 for immigration legal services; 400 people served, at least 200 from Stamford. - Person to Person: $30,000 for casework admin salary for emergency assistance. - Liberation Programs: Funding for integrated mental health counselor (uninsured clients). - Wheel It Forward: $30,000 for durable medical equipment lending library; 20% of users are Stamford residents. - Domus Kids: $40,000 for Project New Hope street outreach to end youth violence. - Silver Source: $36,500 for uncovered medical expenses for low-income seniors. - Inspirica (Public Service): $26,000 for chef-prepared meals (Cook Unity) at Triage Center for homeless families. - New Covenant Center: $20,000 total ($10,000 food, $10,000 case manager salary); provides 400-450 meals/day and groceries to 1,500 individuals/month. - SPEF: Funding for the PEP program (Spanish leadership program) to serve 40 parents. - United Way: $25,000 for Alice Critical Needs Fund to assist ALICE households with emergencies. - Women's Mentoring Network: $24,000 for E to the 4th Power program (workforce development, financial literacy). - Community Health Center: $10,000 to offset uncompensated care for uninsured patients amid anticipated coverage losses. - Rowan Center: $25,000 for crisis response and therapy for sexual violence survivors. - Kids in Crisis: $20,000 for counselor for children in emergency shelter. - Building One Community: $30,000 for workforce development (digital literacy, entrepreneurship, OSHA training). - Moira also noted that the committee will need to vote on the administrative allocation of $189,124 for CDBG administration. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on the funding allocations for the presented proposals; the committee will score applications and make final determinations at a subsequent meeting. - Committee members were urged to submit their scores by May 9, with a recommended target of April 24 for early submission to allow troubleshooting. - The public hearing was closed after all presentations. - The meeting was adjourned via unanimous voice vote. Note: The agenda and minutes were not available for this meeting; all information is derived solely from the raw transcription provided.

The Personnel Committee of the Board of Representatives met on April 20, 2026, at 7:03 PM to receive presentations on the city's employee benefits and retirement/pension programs. The meeting was informational only, with no votes taken. Dr. Paul Russell, Director of HR, introduced two key staff members: Angie Murphy, Employee Benefits Administrator, and John Gazino, Retirement and Pension Benefits Specialist, who delivered the third in a series of HR presentations begun in February 2026. Discussion Items Employee Benefits Overview (Angie Murphy): Ms. Murphy presented an overview of the city's employee benefits orientation materials used for new hires. She detailed the health care premiums that vary across the city's 10 unions due to collective bargaining agreements. The medical plan is part of the Connecticut State Partnership Plan (SPP) with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, which includes a Health Enhancement Program (HEP) that waives deductibles and coinsurance for compliant employees; non-compliance results in a $100/month additional premium. Dental coverage is with Delta Dental of New Jersey, vision with IMED (with a higher frame allowance for one union), and flexible spending accounts (health care, dependent care, commuter) are offered. The city also provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Cigna EAP, offering five free counseling sessions per issue, with confidentiality protocols: the city only receives aggregated anonymous data unless the referral is mandated by a manager. Additional offerings include pet insurance (direct billing) and annual health fairs (next on May 7, 2026). For retirement, only three unions (Police, Fire, and UAW) still offer defined benefit (DB) pension plans for new hires; other unions and pay plan employees are eligible for defined contribution (DC) plans (457 and 401A) with varying employer matches (ranging from 3% to 10%, and a mandatory 4% employee/9% city contribution for custodians). Employees may waive medical coverage and receive a stipend (range $3,350 to $1,750 payable in January and July) after a six-month wait. Pension and Retirement Benefits (John Gazino): Mr. Gazino described his role in ensuring accurate, complete, and timely pension payments. He presented the scope of the city's four pension funds: SERF (open to UAW, but closed to other unions since 2016 as a soft freeze – existing members continue accruing, but new hires are not eligible), Custodian (closed to new entrants), Fire, and Police (both open). The Police pension fund is administered separately by the Stanford Police Pension Office; the Fire fund by the Fire Pension Board with HR handling retiree medical; the Custodian fund entirely by HR; and the SERF fund is administered by a third party, Milliman Inc., since 2022. Mr. Gazino walked through the pension calculation process: three key components – salary (defined per union contract, e.g., final average pay or final salary), years of creditable service, and a multiplier (e.g., 2% for UAW and MAA). Additional factors include the ability to exchange vacation/sick days for pension credit and the use of mortality tables for joint and survivor annuity elections. He explained the importance of a definitive retirement date to avoid unnecessary actuarial charges. The board approval process for pension applications occurs monthly (except August) for the SERF and Custodian boards. Q&A and Clarifications: Committee members posed questions on several topics: Representative Gross asked about the role of the state partnership plan and whether the city negotiates rates directly. Ms. Murphy clarified that the city uses a broker (Lockton) to compare SPP rates with other carriers and can go to market if needed. Dental and vision are procured separately through Lockton. Representative Weinberg inquired about the financial advantage of SPP (broader risk pool), the selection criteria for Anthem's "Providers of Distinction" (Anthem’s decision based on cost and specialization, not fully known), and confidentiality of EAP (confirmed that only aggregated data is shared, except for mandated referrals where HR tracks attendance but not content). He also asked about the status of DB plans for new hires – confirmed that only Police, Fire, and UAW are open to new entrants. Representative Walston asked about cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retirees. Dr. Russell noted that the SERF board is currently evaluating a COLA request, having commissioned Milliman to model the financial impact. A COLA provision exists in the plan document but requires meeting specific metrics; additionally, the board can approve a discretionary COLA after analysis and a vote. Representative Weinberg confirmed the three basic inputs to pension calculations (salary, years of service, multiplier). Mr. Gazino added nuances such as service eligibility dates and the role of mortality tables. Key Outcomes No formal actions or votes were taken. The meeting was entirely informational, providing committee members with a detailed understanding of the city's employee benefits structure and pension administration. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM on April 20, 2026. Follow-up: Dr. Russell offered to provide additional information on Anthem's Provider of Distinction criteria and to correct the actuary names on the vendor slide (Milliman for SERF and Custodian).