Public Meetings - Stamford, Connecticut

The Personnel Committee of the Board of Representatives met on August 17, 2026, at 7:02 p.m. in the Democratic Caucus Room and via Zoom. Chair Carl Weinberg presided with four members present (Reps. de la Cruz, Gross, Pollack, Salas) and two absent (Vice Chair Pavia and Rep. Hill). The committee approved three Clerk of the Works contracts by unanimous 5-0 votes. Discussion Items - P32.012 – Clerk of the Works II (Orazio Cirelli): Luke Buttenwieser, Senior Transportation Planner, presented the contract for a new permanent inspector to monitor utility road work, funded from the utility paving capital account. The position is non-benefit and will serve as the city's “eyes and ears” on road openings. The salary range for Clerk II is $85,902 to $128,853. Mr. Cirelli's primary role is utility work but may also support city projects. The contract is for three years with no extension option. - P32.014 – Clerk of the Works II Renewal (Paul Montanaro): Also presented by Mr. Buttenwieser, this is a renewal for an eight-year employee who inspects paving, sidewalks, and curbs. He is at the top step of the pay range for a 40-hour week. Committee members clarified that Clerk II roles are field-based and do not follow a promotional ladder to Clerk III. - P32.013 – Clerk of the Works III (Larry Ho): Katherine LoBalbo, Director of School Construction, presented the contract for a technical/administrative role on major school projects (West Hill High School, Roxbury K-3, Julia Stark renovation, others). Mr. Ho has 20 years of experience at a national construction firm. The salary range for Clerk III is $109,920 to $164,883. This position includes health benefits and leave but no pension. The work week is 37.5 hours, with overtime after 40 hours. The contract lists multiple projects; a duplication in the list was due to a drafting error. Key Outcomes - P32.012 – Approved 5-0 (Chair Weinberg, Reps. de la Cruz, Gross, Pollack, Salas in favor). - P32.014 – Approved 5-0 (same vote). - P32.013 – Approved 5-0 (same vote). - All three contracts are for three-year terms with no extension option; the committee noted that Clerk of the Works contracts typically do not include optional extensions. The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

The Stamford Planning Board met via Zoom on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM to consider several supplemental capital project appropriations, subdivision applications, and zoning board referrals. All items were discussed and voted upon as described below. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the special meeting of July 23, 2026 were approved unanimously (3-0) after quorum was established. - Subdivision 4056 – 6 Sanford Lane: A second 90-day extension of time to file the final map was granted, moving the expiration to November 16, 2026. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the meeting. Discussion Items Supplemental Capital Project Appropriations - Roxbury School Replacement Project (CPB221 – $44,000,000): Catherine Lavalbo, Director of School Construction, presented an update. Phase one construction began July 2026, phase two bidding expected in late August/early September 2026. The new K-8 school is scheduled to open in August 2028. The request was to amend the FY2026/2027 capital budget to increase state authorizations to align with a $130 million grant commitment (60% state reimbursement). The local share remains unchanged. Approved 3-0 with one abstention (Jeremy). - West Broad Street Road Bridge 04065 ($7,462,500): City Engineer Lou Castillo explained that the bridge is rated poor, weight restrictions have been posted, and a conditional commitment for a 50% state grant ($3,731,250) was received. The appropriation is needed to allow the mayor to sign the grant commitment letter. Design and permitting will follow. Approved unanimously. - Yerwood Center Renovations (CP9238 – $60,641.25): Installation of a backflow preventer in the basement as a FEMA hazard mitigation measure (100% reimbursable). The project has been bid and is time-sensitive (must be completed by end of September 2026). Approved unanimously. Subdivisions - Subdivision 3098 & 3103 – South Lake Drive: Applicant requested a modification to maintain the existing shared access driveway at its current width (10+ feet) rather than the required 18 feet per Section 10.1.4. Environmental analyst Alexandra Moch and engineer Juan Perales presented evidence of a high-quality vernal pool habitat containing wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and fairy shrimp. Expanding the driveway would require tree removal, retaining walls, and new drainage, harming amphibian dispersal. The fire marshal confirmed his apparatus is 8 feet wide and that he has no jurisdiction over single-family driveways. The neighboring property owner (grantor of the easement) insisted the driveway remain unchanged. After discussion, the board voted to approve the modification, citing compelling environmental reasons and adequate safety. Approved (motion by Chet, second by Drew; no opposition noted). - Subdivision 3009 – 1589 Newfield Avenue: The applicant’s representative was not present; the item was tabled to a future meeting. Unanimous. - Subdivision 4056 – 6 Sanford Lane: (See Consent Calendar above). Zoning Board Referrals - ZB 226-11 – 25 DeBera Lane: Architect Elena Kalman presented a proposal to preserve the historic front portion of a cottage, remove rear additions, and construct two new dwelling units (total three) under the 8A-4 C4 historic preservation density bonus. Requested modifications: 3 units instead of 2.5, building coverage 26% (vs. 25% as-of-right), and 5 parking spaces (reduced from 6). The Historic Preservation Board recommended inclusion in the Cultural Resources Inventory. The planning board found the site and architectural plans consistent with the comprehensive plan. Approved unanimously. - ZB 226-17 & 226-18 – Stamford Hospital: The applicant requested a tabling of both items to allow time to review comments from the Land Use Bureau. Both were tabled unanimously. Key Outcomes - All three supplemental capital appropriation requests were approved (Roxbury School 3-0-1, others unanimous). - Subdivision modification for South Lake Drive was approved, allowing the shared driveway to remain at its current width. - One subdivision was tabled; one extension granted. - One zoning referral was approved; two were tabled at the applicant’s request. - The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.

The Steering Committee of the 32nd Board of Representatives met on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 7:01 PM, adjourning at 7:48 PM, to set agendas for the September 8, 2026 Board meeting. The committee placed most items on committee agendas by unanimous vote, but extensive debate occurred on a resubmitted boat launch feasibility study (F32.107), which was placed on the Fiscal Committee agenda by a roll call vote of 9–3.5–0. Consent Calendar - Honorary Resolution: Recognition of the Back-to-School Shop’s 12th annual event at AITE providing clothing and supplies to over 450 underprivileged students – placed on September agenda by unanimous voice vote. - Fiscal Committee Items 1–11: Unanimously placed on September agenda (F32.092, F32.093, F32.098, F32.099, F32.100, F32.101, F32.102, F32.103, F32.104, F32.105, F32.106). Rep. Walston requested that Item 10 (early voting grant resolution) include the grant amount in its description; staff noted the update. - Legislative & Rules Committee Items 2–4: LR32.017 (ordinance on information reporting), LR32.020 (shellfish commission delegation), and LR32.021 (window safety resolution) – placed on September agenda unanimously. LR32.016 (repeal of Appointments Commission) automatically advanced due to prior postponement. - Personnel Committee Items 1–3: Clerk of the Works contracts for Orazio Cirelli, Larry Ho, and Paul Montanaro – placed on September agenda unanimously. Item 4 (FOIA educational presentation) was withdrawn by the submitter, Rep. Pavia. - Land Use & Urban Redevelopment Item 1: LU32.009 (ordinance establishing a Conservation Commission) – placed on September agenda unanimously. - C.H.E.S.S. Committee Items 1–3: CHESS32.021 (CDBG non-compliance review), CHESS32.022 (de-obligation of $1.25M), and CHESS32.023 (re-allocation of $1M) – placed on September agenda unanimously. - Minutes: August 3, 2026 Regular Board Meeting Minutes – placed on September agenda by voice vote (Rep. Weinberg abstained). Discussion Items - Item F32.107 – Stamford Harbor Boat Launch Feasibility Study (Resubmitted): - Rep. McKeown opposed placement on the Fiscal Committee agenda, arguing reconsideration should only occur with new information that could not have been previously provided or with changed circumstances. He stated that the resubmission set a dangerous precedent and that the letters of support were not materially different from prior testimony. - Rep. Gilbride, a co-sponsor, argued that new documents were added to the legislative record (phase one study, phase two guidelines, fund source explanation, and support letters from Stamford Police, Fire, and the Harbor Master). He emphasized that funds are restricted for water-dependent uses and that a feasibility study is intended to answer concerns. He noted that the Board of Finance has previously reconsidered items. - Rep. Weinberg supported placement, stating the new information met the high bar for reconsideration, specifically the assistant fire chief’s letter. - Rep. Walston opposed, citing lack of park improvements and the appearance of setting a precedent. - Rep. Hughes opposed, calling it a dangerous precedent and stating that no community input from South End residents was heard. He noted the Harbor Master had considered alternative locations in a 2022–2023 study not in the record. - Deputy Leader Sandford supported placement, citing the public safety concern raised by the deputy fire chief. - Deputy Leader Pollack, a co-sponsor, supported placement, stating the material was sufficient and that committee discussion would allow public input. - A roll call vote resulted in 9–3.5–0 in favor of placing the item on the Fiscal Committee agenda. Key Outcomes - Honorary resolution placed on September agenda. - Fiscal Committee items 1–11 placed on September agenda; item 12 (boat launch study) placed on September agenda after roll call vote. - Legislative & Rules Committee items 2–4 (window safety, shellfish delegation, mayoral reporting) placed on September agenda; item 1 automatically advanced. - Personnel Committee items 1–3 placed on September agenda; item 4 withdrawn. - Land Use & Urban Redevelopment item 1 placed on September agenda. - Public Safety & Health Committee item PS32.010 (blighted property procedures) held for September meeting; no August committee meeting. - C.H.E.S.S. Committee items 1–3 placed on September agenda. - August 3 meeting minutes placed on September agenda. - Standing committee meetings scheduled: Fiscal (Aug. 24), Legislative & Rules (Aug. 25), Personnel (Aug. 17), Land Use (Aug. 19), C.H.E.S.S. (Aug. 18). No meetings in August for Appointments, Operations, Public Safety, or Transportation due to lack of agenda items. - Pending Agenda items remained unchanged.

The 32nd Board of Representatives of the City of Stamford held a regular meeting on Monday, August 4, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers and remotely. President Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. with 37 members present (later 38) and 3 absent. The meeting included committee reports, public comment, and approval of numerous consent agenda items. Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as August 3, 2026, but the summary uses the date provided in the instructions. Invocation, Pledge, and Roll Call - Invocation delivered by Rev. Martha McCreight, Pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (District 14). - Pledge of Allegiance led by President Shaw. - Roll call: 37 members present; 3 absent/excused (Reps. Salas, Weinberg, Yeager). Later, Rep. Yeager arrived, making 38 present. - Moments of silence for Renie Teitelman and Mohammed Naziry. - Communications: Steering deadline August 5; Steering meeting August 10; Next regular Board meeting September 8 at 7:30 p.m.; Birthday acknowledgments for Reps. Adams, Lapine, and Majority Leader Morson. BOE Liaison Report - Rep. Noah Lapine reported: - Replacement CFO for Stamford Public Schools: external candidate Benjamin Chan (MBA Wharton, BS Brown) expected to be approved by BOE on August 25. - Assistant Superintendent for Secondary: internal candidate Scott Clayton (former Schofield Magnet Middle School principal) selected. - School construction updates: West Hill paving, Roxbury K-8 demolition and portable removal, Lockwood Avenue lower school design phase, Horton Street upper school design review, plus $20 million in improvements at other schools. - Encouraged sign-up for SPS construction newsletter at spsbuilds.com. - Next BOE meeting: August 25 at 7:00 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Kieran Edmondson (remote): Urged approval of Fiscal Item F32.095 for fire training funding, citing the need for operational readiness across Stamford’s 12 fire departments. - Sue Halpern (remote): Expressed full support for conservation commission ordinance LU32.009, arguing the EPB is overburdened and a separate commission is needed to address greenhouse gases, urban heat, and flooding. Asked for a public hearing. - Kathie Kravec (remote): Spoke on behalf of Rob Fagno, alleging unfair treatment. Asked the Board to review the matter before it is settled, noting the family has sought resolution with the Mayor without success. - Gina Calabrese (remote): Noted the Board’s website lacks instructions for signing up to speak, which may limit diversity of voices. Expressed strong support for conservation commission public hearing, citing environmental pressures and flooding. Criticized opposition as potentially driven by housing development interests. - Dave Adams (remote): Supported conservation commission public hearing, criticizing the Land Use Committee meeting for involving a person with financial interest in land use legislation and submitting amendments described as "likely unlawful." Urged passing the item without revision. - Valerie Jaro (in person): Mother of Stephen Barrier, who died in Stamford police custody on October 23, 2019. Accused the Mayor, police, and other officials of failing to provide accountability or release body camera footage. Demanded justice and asked the Board to intervene. The speaker became emotional and was asked to maintain decorum after her time expired. Standing Committees – Consent Agenda Actions All consent agenda items were approved by unanimous voice vote unless noted. Steering Committee - Motion to waive the Steering Committee report approved unanimously. Appointments Committee - Nine appointments approved on consent (all previously approved by committee 8-0-0): 1. Laura Tessier (D) – Environmental Protection Board reappointment (term to 12/1/2028). 2. Thomas Romas (D) – Environmental Protection Board full seat (term to 12/1/2027). 3. Joseph T. Gambino (R) – Environmental Protection Board new appointment (term to 12/1/2027). 4. George Legierse (R) – Parking Violations Hearing Officers (term to 12/1/2028). 5. Raina Siladi (I) – Zoning Board of Appeals (term to 12/1/2027). 6. Enton Nikaj (I) – Zoning Board of Appeals (term to 12/1/2029). 7. Steven Cohen (U) – Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (term to 12/1/2028). 8. Lucas Severo (D) – Economic Development Commission (term to 12/1/2028). 9. Anthony Romano – Director of Administration (term to 12/1/2029). - Rep. Graham abstained from Item 9. Fiscal Committee - Items F32.094 ($50,000 Youth Employment Program), F32.095 ($57,054 Fire Training), and F32.096 ($2,262,233 Yerwood Center Renovation) approved on consent. - Items F32.092 (Graviton Consulting) and F32.093 (Forum Group contract) – no action taken (held by Board of Finance). - Item F32.097 (rejection of capital project closeouts with ARPA funds) – no action taken; effectively allows funds to be used for Yerwood Center. Legislative & Rules Committee - LR32.016 (repeal Appointments Commission) – postponed definitely, no action. - LR32.017 (reporting requirements for mayor’s appointees) – approved for third public hearing on consent. - LR32.020 (delegating Shellfish Commission authority to Harbor Management Commission) – approved for public hearing on consent. Personnel Committee - P32.011 – Rejection of collective bargaining agreement between WPCA and Operating Engineers Local 30. The motion to reject failed (committee vote 0-6-0). By not rejecting, the agreement stands. Final vote on the floor: unanimous in favor of not rejecting. Land Use/Urban Redevelopment Committee - LU32.009 – Ordinance establishing a Conservation Commission. Approved for public hearing on consent (committee vote 6-2-1). Operations, Parks & Recreation Committee - OPR32.012 (E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course 2026 fees), OPR32.013 (Terry Conners Ice Rink fee schedule), and OPR32.015 (boiler upgrades at Government Center) approved on consent. - OPR32.016 (Mill River Park policy overview) – report made, no further action. Public Safety & Health Committee - PS32.010 (review of blighted property procedures) – recommitted to Steering after technical difficulties; no action taken. Community Development, Housing, Education, Social Services, State & Commerce (CHESS) Committee - CHESS32.019 – Rejection of $500,000 allocation to Pacific House for 15 affordable housing units at 66 Stillwater Avenue. Failed to reject (committee 0-9-0), so the allocation stands. Final floor vote: unanimous in favor of not rejecting (Rep. Pelliccia abstained from Item 1). - CHESS32.020 – Rejection of $150,000 allocation to Charter Oak Communities for security deposits for up to 60 housing choice voucher households. Failed to reject (committee 0-9-0), so the allocation stands. Final floor vote: unanimous in favor of not rejecting. Transportation Committee - T32.005 – Approval of contract with Stantec for Washington Boulevard Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Enhancement Project Design (RFP 2025.0147). Approved on consent (committee vote 7-1-0). Minutes Approval - Minutes of the July 6, 2026 Regular Board Meeting approved on consent (voice vote 36-0-2; Reps. Camporeale and Goldberg abstained). Key Outcomes - Appointments approved (all on consent): 9 appointments to various boards and commissions, including Anthony Romano as Director of Administration. - Ordinances set for public hearing (on consent): LR32.017 (reporting requirements for mayor’s appointees) for third public hearing; LR32.020 (Shellfish Commission delegation) for first public hearing; LU32.009 (Conservation Commission) for public hearing. - Collective bargaining agreement approved (rejection failed): WPCA and Operating Engineers Local 30 contract stands. - Affordable housing allocations approved (rejections failed): $500,000 for Pacific House (15 units at 66 Stillwater Ave.) and $150,000 for Charter Oak Communities (security deposits for 60 voucher households) both approved. - Youth Employment Program funded: $50,000 grant approved. - Fire training funded: $57,054 grant approved. - Yerwood Center renovation funded: $2,262,233 capital appropriation approved. - Government Center boiler upgrade approved: Contract and bid waiver with Blake Thermal Sales & Service. - Golf course and ice rink fee schedules approved. - Washington Blvd. pedestrian/bicycle safety design contract with Stantec approved. - Blighted property review postponed to August committee meeting. - Next regular Board meeting: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Adjournment - President Shaw called for a motion to adjourn at 8:24 p.m.; the motion passed.

On July 30, 2026, at 6:32 p.m., the Public Safety & Health Committee of the Board of Representatives met remotely to review the City of Stamford's blighted property procedures. Chair Tom Bouchard presided, with Vice Chair Terry Adams and Committee Members Blank, Didelot, Field, Gilbride, Graham, Morson, and Walston in attendance. Also present was Attorney Vincent Freccia, the city's outside counsel for anti-blight matters. The meeting ended abruptly at 7:00 p.m. due to technical issues. Discussion Items - PS32.010 Review of Blighted Property Procedures: Attorney Freccia provided a detailed overview of the blight enforcement process, including the role of the anti-blight officer (Sean Reed), the steps from citizen complaint via Fix It Stamford to notice of blight, civil citation, potential lien, and foreclosure. He noted that the ordinance was revised in 2015-16 and that the blight hearing committee has vacancies. He also explained that the city has begun conducting neighborhood walks for proactive enforcement. No public comments were made. Key Outcomes - Motion to Recommit: A motion to recommit Item 1 (PS32.010) was made, seconded, and approved by a vote of 6-0-0, with Chair Bouchard, Vice Chair Adams, and Representatives Blank, Field, Morson, and Walston voting in favor. The motion sends the item back for further review or revision.

The Personnel Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 7:04 PM (adjourned at 7:38 PM) to consider a single agenda item: the rejection of a tentative collective bargaining agreement between the City of Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) and International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 30. After discussion, the motion to reject the agreement failed by a vote of 0-6-0, meaning the agreement is accepted by default. Discussion Items - Overview of Collective Bargaining Agreement: Paula Russell, Director of Human Resources, presented the three-year agreement covering approximately 25–26 employees at the WPCA. Key economic terms include: - General wage increases: 2.75% effective July 1, 2025 (retroactive), 3% effective July 1, 2026, and 3% effective July 1, 2027. - Health insurance premium contributions: increase from 18% to 18.5% effective July 1, 2026, then to 19% effective July 1, 2027. Projected additional employee contributions of $13,182 over the final two years. - Retirement: For post-2011 employees not in the defined benefit pension, the defined contribution plan match remains at 50% but the maximum employee contribution eligible for match increases to 4% in FY2026–27 and 4.5% in FY2027–28. The city’s matching formula does not change. - Health insurance waiver: phased out for future employees; current participants grandfathered. - Management operational improvements: clarified work scheduling, voluntary shift swap procedures, overtime eligibility after sick leave, updated probationary language, and CDL requirements. - Committee Questions: - Vice Chair Pavia asked about shift start time reporting and grace period (7-minute grace period confirmed). - Representative Gross asked about standby pay definition and retirement plan structure (401a equivalent). - Chair Weinberg clarified opt-out requirements for health insurance and noted only 4 of 25 employees currently opt out. He expressed concern about high family health insurance premiums (over $50,000 annually under the state partnership plan). Director Russell committed to sharing a soft market check report from the city’s broker, Lockton, with the committee. - Discussion on the retirement match assumptions (worst-case scenario of all employees contributing at the new max) and vesting schedule (progressive vesting, details in contract). Key Outcomes - Motion to reject Item P32.011 (rejection of the CBA) was made by Rep. Hill, seconded, and failed by a vote of 0-6-0. All six committee members (de la Cruz, Gross, Hill, Pavia, Salas, Weinberg) voted "no" (against rejection), with Rep. Pollack excused. The agreement is therefore accepted. - The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.

The Appointments Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 6:30 PM to interview and vote on nine appointments to various city boards and commissions. All appointments were approved unanimously by an 8-0 vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM. Discussion Items - Laura Tessier – Environmental Protection Board (Reappointment) – Tessier, a current member, discussed challenges balancing wetland protection with community needs. She noted an increasing workload and the difficulty of assessing cumulative environmental impacts from developments approved years apart. She emphasized the importance of wetlands for water supply quality, especially for South Stamford residents who rely on reservoirs. - Thomas Romas – Environmental Protection Board (Alternate to Full Seat) – Romas, who served as an alternate since 2025, shared his background in business and metallurgy. He expressed concern about the strain on the sewage treatment plant, especially during heavy rainstorms, and noted that new downtown developments with green roofs may help. His engineering experience allows him to evaluate building materials and blueprints. - Joseph "Todd" Gambino – Environmental Protection Board (Reappointment) – Gambino, with a construction background, highlighted the diverse perspectives on the board. He described how staff (Bob Clowsy) determines which applications trigger wetland review based on clear distance thresholds. He also addressed enforcement issues, noting that uncooperative applicants face fines and deed restrictions. - George Legierse – Parking Violations Hearing Officer (New Appointment) – Legierse, whose wife served in the same role, emphasized his experience handling high-pressure customer escalations. He committed to fairness and due diligence, including visiting violation sites. He replaces Christiansen (R). - Raina Siladi – Zoning Board of Appeals (New Appointment) – Siladi, a former teacher and now a patent attorney, stressed her legal mindset. She would apply the legal standard of "undue hardship" and follow precedent, not personal opinion. She acknowledged the emotional aspects of hearings but stated her role is to interpret the law, not legislate. - Enton Nikaj – Zoning Board of Appeals (New Appointment) – Nikaj, a compliance professional with 15 years in financial compliance, said he would adhere to the letter of the law while applying common sense. He learned about the position from his local representative and a Nextdoor post. He supports accommodations like minor garage setbacks where no harm is done. - Steven Cohen – Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (New Appointment) – Cohen, a compliance officer, sees the commission's role as consultative and promotional. He discussed the importance of a cultural resource inventory, citing his family's 150-year history in Stamford. He suggested creating driving tours or historic districts for mid-century modern homes. - Lucas Severo – Economic Development Commission (New Appointment) – Severo, a commercial real estate professional focusing on Stamford, identified barriers to business: cumbersome zoning, opaque permitting, and excessive parking requirements. He advocated for form-based zoning and better communication for small businesses. He noted a current "hypersupply" of apartments, making it a renter's market, and suggested the city promote this. He also supported affordable housing as workforce housing, countering NIMBY narratives. - Anthony Romano – Director of Administration (New Appointment) – Romano, a city employee for 18 years and key figure in the Oracle ERP implementation, outlined priorities: completing the FY2026 audit on time, maintaining the AAA bond rating, and improving grants accounting by creating a temporary in-house system within 3-6 months. He noted the FY2025 audit is nearly complete, with a draft expected in two weeks. Key Outcomes All nine appointments were approved unanimously by an 8-0 vote with no abstentions: 1. A32.045 – Laura Tessier, Environmental Protection Board (Reappointment) – Approved. 2. A32.055 – Thomas Romas, Environmental Protection Board (Full Seat) – Approved. 3. A32.056 – Joseph T. Gambino, Environmental Protection Board (Reappointment) – Approved. 4. A32.057 – George Legierse, Parking Violations Hearing Officer – Approved. 5. A32.058 – Raina Siladi, Zoning Board of Appeals – Approved. 6. A32.059 – Enton Nikaj, Zoning Board of Appeals – Approved. 7. A32.060 – Steven Cohen, Historic Preservation Advisory Commission – Approved. 8. A32.061 – Lucas Severo, Economic Development Commission – Approved. 9. A32.062 – Anthony Romano, Director of Administration – Approved.

The Legislative & Rules Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 7:01 p.m. to 9:16 p.m. The committee took up three agenda items in reverse order: an ordinance to delegate Shellfish Commission authority to the Harbor Management Commission (LR32.020), an ordinance to establish information reporting requirements for mayoral appointments (LR32.017), and an ordinance to repeal the Appointments Commission (LR32.016). The meeting included a public hearing on LR32.017, extensive legal discussion, and multiple amendments. Public Comments & Testimony - Sue Halpern (South End resident) expressed support for the appointments ordinance (LR32.017), stating it promotes transparency without diminishing the mayor's authority. - Mr. Papa (Stamford resident) expressed support, arguing that democracy requires public participation and that the ordinance helps ensure accountability. - Mr. Adams (Stamford resident) expressed support, noting that the appointment process should be auditable and that the ordinance is a step toward transparency, though he believed it should go further by including names. - Paula Waldman (Bull's Head area resident) expressed support, stating that transparency builds trust and that the ordinance provides objective information while protecting privacy. Discussion Items 1. LR32.020 – Ordinance to Delegate Shellfish Commission Authority to Harbor Management Commission - Dr. Damien Ortelli, Chair of the Harbor Management Commission, explained that the ordinance codifies a practice that has been in effect since 2016 via a mayoral memo. The commission manages shellfish leases, water quality testing, and land-use impacts. The ordinance was revised the day before the meeting. - The committee voted unanimously (7-0-0) to consider the revised version submitted after the 36-hour board rule deadline. - Discussion revealed two typographical errors: “shells fish” in the title and “tapping” instead of “taking” in Section C. These were acknowledged as scriveners’ errors to be corrected. - The committee approved the ordinance as amended for publication and public hearing by a unanimous voice vote of 8-0-0. 2. LR32.017 – Ordinance on Information Reporting Requirements for Mayoral Appointments - Public hearing was held from 7:18 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with four speakers all in support. - Assistant Corporation Counsel Dana Lee provided a legal opinion stating that the ordinance as drafted would conflict with the city charter and be void. He argued that the charter grants the mayor sole authority over the pre-nomination process, and the board cannot mandate an application or specific data collection. He suggested that the board could require reporting of data already collected by the mayor. - Committee members grappled with the legal boundaries. Chair McKeown, Rep. Blank, Rep. Boudreau, Rep. Weinberg, Rep. Hughes, Rep. Hyatt, and Rep. Shaw participated in discussion. - Several amendments were proposed and voted on sequentially: - Motion to strike “reasonable” and insert “sole” in Section A (approved 8-0-0). - Motion to divide the question on reporting frequency (approved 8-0-0). - Motion to approve Sections A through D as amended, excluding the reporting-frequency change (approved unanimously by voice vote). - Motion to change reporting frequency from quarterly to semi-annually (approved 8-0-0 on roll call). - Motion to strike Section 52-12 entirely (approved unanimously by voice vote). - Motion to strike Section 52-13 entirely (approved 6-2-0 on roll call; Chair McKeown and Rep. Hughes voted against). - After all amendments, the committee approved the ordinance as amended for a third public hearing by a roll call vote of 8-0-0. 3. LR32.016 – Ordinance to Repeal the Appointments Commission - This item had been postponed multiple times. The committee voted to postpone it definitely to the next meeting by a unanimous voice vote of 8-0-0. Key Outcomes - LR32.020 – Approved as amended (with typographical corrections) for publication and public hearing. Vote: 8-0-0. - LR32.017 – Approved as amended (with changes to application language, reporting frequency changed to semi-annual, and removal of Sections 52-12 and 52-13) for a third public hearing. Vote: 8-0-0. - LR32.016 – Postponed definitely to the next meeting. Vote: 8-0-0. - The committee adjourned at 9:16 p.m.

The Fiscal Committee of the Board of Representatives met on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 7:01 p.m. to 7:44 p.m. The meeting covered routine approvals, a review of Municipal Tax Services (MTS) in executive session, and action on late submissions including capital project closeouts and additional appropriations for the Yerwood Center. Consent Calendar - F32.092 – Approval of an agreement with Graviton Consulting Services for Oracle Cloud ERP support. This item was held by the Board of Finance (6-0-0) and no action was taken by the committee. - F32.093 – Approval of a contract with Forum Consulting Services for an Information Security Analyst (Bid Waiver 2026.0392). This item was also held by the Board of Finance (6-0-0) and no action was taken. - F32.094 – Additional appropriation of $50,000 (grant) from the General Fund to the Youth Services Bureau for the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program ($46,447 for seasonal salaries, $3,553 for FICA). Approved unanimously (7-0-0) without discussion. - F32.095 – Additional appropriation of $57,054 (grant) for State Certified Fire Training and professional development programs. Approved unanimously (7-0-0) without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - F32.091 – Review of Municipal Tax Services (MTS) Motor Vehicle Registration and Tax Collection Program: The committee entered executive session from 7:21 p.m. to 7:43 p.m. to discuss MTS with invited guests Greg Stackpole (Assessor) and Steven Parenti (Deputy Assessor), along with staff. No votes were taken in executive session. After returning, Representative Morson proposed that the city pursue an RFP with MTS, with support from the administration. - F32.097 – Rejection of Capital Project Closeout Recommendation: Nine capital projects with federal ARPA grant funding (totaling $330,228) were presented for closeout. The committee took no action, meaning the closeout carried through per procedure (no vote needed). - F32.096 – Additional Appropriation (Capital) for Yerwood Center Interior Renovations: Project CP9238, totaling $2,262,233, includes upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Director Matt Quiñones explained that asbestos was detected during design, displacing the Boys & Girls Club program. To expedite completion by December 31, 2026 (ARPA fund deadline), funding was sourced from: $330,228 in ARPA funds (from the closeout projects), $750,000 from a community development fund contribution, and $1,181,995 from DRA reimbursement. The project has been bid. The committee approved the appropriation unanimously (7-0-0). Key Outcomes - F32.094 and F32.095 – Approved 7-0-0. - F32.096 – Approved 7-0-0. - F32.097 – No action taken; closeout approved per Board of Finance default. - F32.092 and F32.093 – No action (held by Board of Finance). - F32.091 – Executive session held; committee will pursue an RFP for MTS. - Meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.