Public Meetings - Stamford, Connecticut

The Fiscal Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Democratic Caucus Room and remotely. Co-Chairs Eric Morson and Andrew Zachary presided. The committee considered 16 agenda items, including several additional appropriations and resolutions, and approved all but one (Item 2 was taken as no action). Key discussions focused on emergency asbestos abatement at Yerwood Community Center, a canal wall replacement at the Transfer Station, a Stamford High School priority project, and a boat launch feasibility study. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM. Consent Calendar - Item 4 (F32.074) – Resolution amending the capital budget to add $3,437,000 for the Transfer Station Canal Wall Replacement and authorizing $2,762,000 in general obligation bonds. Approved 8-0-0. - Item 5 (F32.075) – Additional appropriation of $25,000 (grant) for Project Champion substance use prevention initiatives. Approved 8-0-0. - Item 6 (F32.076) – Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign agreements with the Child Health and Development Institute for Project Champion. Approved 8-0-0. - Item 8 (F32.078) – Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with the Connecticut Port Authority for Cummings Marina dredging biological testing. Approved 8-0-0. - Item 9 (F32.079) – Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement for the Emergency Management Performance Grant ($69,500 already allocated). Approved 8-0-0. - Item 13 (F32.083) – Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign agreements with the Connecticut Port Authority for the Stamford Harbor Boat Launch Feasibility 2 Project. Approved 7-0-1 (Co-Chair Zachary abstained). - Item 14 (F32.084) – Additional appropriation of $85,000 (grant) to provide $50,000 to Project Music and $35,000 to ROSCCO for youth music education, childcare, and enrichment. Approved 8-0-0. - Item 15 (F32.085) – Resolution related to the application for a School Construction Priority Science Lab Alteration and Energy Conservation Grant for Stamford High School. Approved 8-0-0. - Item 16 (F32.086) – Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign agreements with the U.S. Economic Development Administration for the East Harbor canal retaining wall project. Approved 8-0-0. Discussion Items - Item 1 (F32.071) – Emergency Asbestos Abatement at Yerwood Community Center ($398,695). Director of Operations Matt Quiñones presented. During a renovation funded by ARPA, hazardous building material was found; air testing showed no detections but the building was evacuated as a precaution. The Boys and Girls Club and other tenants were relocated. Emergency abatement was completed, and testing afterward was clear. The city used the blight fund to cover costs to avoid impacting the renovation budget. Rep. Noella Pine asked about original budgeted asbestos amounts; Quiñones explained that the amount was exceeded, so a different funding source was used. Approved 7-0-0 (Rep. Graham arrived after vote, later counted as 8-0-0). - Items 2 & 3 (F32.072 & F32.073) – Transfer Station Canal Wall Replacement. City Engineer Lou Casolo explained that the original 80% federal/20% local grant (EDA) changed to 60% federal/40% local. Item 2 was a closeout rejection of the previous 20% federal match ($2,537,000). The committee took no action, allowing automatic rejection in 60 days. Item 3 requested a $3,437,000 capital appropriation for the replacement, comprising $2,537,000 in city bonds (the additional 20% local match) plus $225,000 in bonds for design, paired with a pending FEMA BRIC grant of $675,000 (75% federal). Total project cost remains $12,685,000. Approved 8-0-0. Item 4 (consent) authorized the bonds. - Item 10 (F32.080) – Early Start CT Quality Enhancement Funding. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with the Office of Early Childhood. Approved 7-0-1 (Rep. Lapine abstained). - Item 11 (F32.081) – Stamford High School Priority Project ($9,925,945). Director of School Construction Katherine LoBalbo and Travis Schnell of KG&D presented. The project consolidates several capital initiatives into one priority grant application to the state for 60% reimbursement. Scope includes exterior envelope improvements (brick veneer, windows, insulation) to address water infiltration and energy loss, asbestos abatement of flooring, limited HVAC/univentilator replacements, and converting science labs to universal learning spaces. Total project budget is $27 million, with local share already authorized from prior budgets. The grant application is due June 30, 2026; state approval expected around December 2026, with construction starting summer 2028. Cost controls include including the gym facade as an add-alternate and partnering with a construction manager at risk. Approved 8-0-0. - Item 12 (F32.082) – Stamford Harbor Boat Launch Feasibility Study ($125,000). Harbor Management Commission Chair Damian Ortelli and Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Murray presented. Phase 2 of a study for a potential public boat launch at Czescik Park (south of the hurricane barrier). The Connecticut Port Authority provides a 50% match; the Harbor Commission is funding the entire match from previous projects. Phase 1 was a tabletop study. The site is on a former landfill, requiring DEP approvals and testing. Rep. Jeff Graham (district representative) expressed concerns about existing park infrastructure (parking, trails, lighting) and questioned the need for another boat launch given existing ones at Cove and West Beach. Ortelli cited safety needs for boat evacuation from the inner harbor, especially with the restored marina at the former Brewer boatyard. Murray noted ongoing efforts to improve park lighting and grading. The study will address site conditions and permitting. Approved 5-1-2 (Rep. Graham opposed; Co-Chair Zachary and Rep. Dorsey abstained). - Item 7 (F32.077) – Cummings Marina Dredging Chemical Testing ($62,500). Casolo explained that a state grant from the Connecticut Port Authority covers 50% of chemical testing of dredge spoils to determine if disposal can be in open water (cheaper). The testing supports a design to dredge Cummings Marina, damaged by Superstorm Sandy. Approved 8-0-0. Key Outcomes - Votes: All items except Item 2 (no action) and Item 12 (split vote) were approved by large majorities. - Decisions: - Approved emergency asbestos abatement funding for Yerwood Community Center. - Approved canal wall replacement for Transfer Station with revised grant structure (60% federal, 40% local). - Approved Stamford High School priority project application and related resolution. - Approved boat launch feasibility study for Czescik Park despite concerns about park conditions. - Approved several grant-related resolutions and appropriations for youth programs, emergency management, and dredging. - Referrals/Next Steps: The Stamford High School grant application will be submitted by June 30, 2026. The boat launch feasibility study will proceed with RFP and design phase. The canal wall project will move forward with the new funding structure.

The Personnel Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 7:01 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. to consider two agenda items. The first item, approval of an employment contract for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (Janeene Freeman, Item P32.009), was held at the request of the mayor's office. The second item, approval of a Clerk of the Works II contract with Allan Hoyt (Item P32.010), was discussed at length and approved unanimously. Discussion Items City Engineer Lou Casolo presented the proposed Clerk of the Works II contract for Allan Hoyt. Key details of the contract include: - Hourly rate: $43.15 per hour (the minimum under the Clerk of the Works pay plan) - Workweek: 37.5 hours - Term: Three years (no option for later years) - Benefits: None; the position is an at-will, hourly contract without benefits - Role: Clerk of the Works serve as the city's "eyes and ears" on construction sites, monitoring daily progress, workforce, safety, and coordination with facility users. They also review invoices and progress against schedules. Mr. Casolo explained that Mr. Hoyt is a Stamford resident and a former head custodian in the Stamford Public Schools, with light construction experience, making him well-suited to coordinate with school administration and custodial staff on school-related projects. He noted that the city currently has four full-time and two part-time clerks of the works, and Mr. Hoyt would become the fifth full-time clerk. He added that clerks are assigned based on project need and individual backgrounds. Committee members asked questions about: - Project allocation: Mr. Casolo stated that multiple clerks can be assigned to large projects (e.g., the $350 million West Hill High School replacement) or district-wide accounts. - Turnover: Over the past two years, no incumbent clerks have left the position, though historically some have moved to full-time roles with benefits elsewhere. - Benefits and recruitment: Mr. Casolo noted that the lack of benefits can be a barrier for some candidates, but many applicants (like Mr. Hoyt) have retirement benefits from previous careers. He is actively recruiting another candidate. - Full-time status: Representative Virgil de la Cruz suggested making clerk positions permanent, full-time city jobs due to their importance. Mr. Casolo agreed that more clerks are needed but noted the temporary nature of the projects. Representative Maureen Pollack countered that clerks' employment is limited because they oversee temporary projects. Key Outcomes - P32.009 (DEI contract for Janeene Freeman): Held without discussion at the request of the mayor's office. No action taken. - P32.010 (Clerk of the Works II contract for Allan Hoyt): Moved by Representative Gross, seconded by Representative Salas. Approved by a vote of 6-0-0 (Reps. Weinberg, Pavia, de la Cruz, Gross, Pollack, and Salas in favor; Rep. Hill absent). The contract will allow the City Engineer to maintain oversight of numerous capital projects.

The Transportation Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives held a remote special meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:31 p.m. (called to order at 6:31 p.m., adjourned at 6:40 p.m.). The sole agenda item was approval of the 1st Amendment to Desman’s on‑call engineering consulting contract for city parking facilities (RFP 813). The committee voted unanimously 8‑0‑0 to approve. Discussion Items - Item T32.004 – 1st Amendment to Desman Contract: The amendment adds the Government Center garage project and its design work to the existing contract, extends the contract by one additional year (original expiration September 8, 2026), updates Desman’s hourly rates, and incorporates the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation standard specifications. The original contract had not required Board of Representatives approval because annual spending was under $100,000; with the Government Center project, spending will exceed that threshold, necessitating board approval. The Board of Finance had already approved the amendment 5‑0‑0 on May 14, 2026. - Clarifications: Assistant Corporation Counsel Chris Dellaselva explained the addition of the Government Center garage project to the contract and the reason for seeking approval. Director of Transportation Tom Turk, filling in for Luke Buttenwieser, noted the contract is for on‑call services across multiple garages and lots, including Bill Street, Summer Street, Bell Street, Glenbrook train station, Springdale train station, and East Main parking lot. Representative Adams inquired about the scope, confirming the Government Center is a new addition. Key Outcomes - Vote: The committee approved the amendment by a unanimous voice vote of 8‑0‑0 (Reps. Wirz, Stone, Adams, Hughes, Pelliccia, Sandford, Shore, and Weathers in favor; Rep. Gilbride absent/excused). No public testimony was offered. - Next Steps: The amendment will proceed to the full Board of Representatives for final approval, as it is the second stop after the Board of Finance.

The Steering Committee met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7:01 p.m. remotely via webinar to set the agenda for the June 1, 2026 Regular Board of Representatives meeting. The committee reviewed and voted on items from standing committees, including appointments, fiscal, legislative, personnel, land use, operations, public safety, community development, and transportation. Several items were added to the June agenda, while one item was moved to the pending agenda after discussion. The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. Consent Calendar - Honorary resolutions honoring Mr. James Dockery (World War II Navy veteran) and Ms. Olga Rosenstein’s 100th birthday were placed on the June agenda unanimously. - Appointments Committee items (A32.029, A32.033, A32.035, A32.038–A32.044) were placed on the June agenda unanimously. Items A32.036 and A32.037 were withdrawn by the administration. - Fiscal Committee items F32.071 through F32.086 (16 items) were placed on the June agenda unanimously. - Legislative and Rules Committee items LR32.018 and LR32.019 were placed on the June agenda (as items 1 and 2, with postponed items LR32.016 and LR32.017 automatically carried over as items 3 and 4). - Personnel Committee items P32.009 and P32.010 were placed on the June agenda unanimously. - Land Use and Urban Redevelopment Committee items LU32.006 and LU32.008 were placed on the June agenda (LU32.008 as item 1 due to public hearing). - Operations, Parks and Recreation Committee items OPR32.008 and OPR32.011 were placed on the June agenda, with OPR32.011 reordered as item 1. The committee meeting time was moved to 6:30 p.m. to avoid overlap. - Public Safety and Health Committee item PS32.007 was placed on the June agenda unanimously. - Community Development, Housing, Education, Social Services, State & Commerce (C.H.E.S.S.) Committee items CHESS32.011 through CHESS32.018 (6 items) were placed on the June agenda unanimously. The meeting will be hybrid (location TBD). - Transportation Committee late submission T32.004 (1st Amendment to Desman Contract) was approved for consideration by a roll call vote of 13.5-0-0 (two-thirds required) and then placed on the June agenda unanimously. - Minutes from the May 4, 2026 Regular Board Meeting and May 7, 2026 Special Budget Meeting were placed on the June agenda. Discussion Items - F32.087 – Courtland Park Library Branch Review: This item, submitted by Reps. de la Cruz, Walston, Salas, Hyatt, Gross, and Yeager, sought a status update on discussions with the state regarding deed conflicts and a HUD grant for a library branch in Courtland Park. Co-Chair Zachary moved it to the pending agenda, stating it seeks legal guidance rather than fiscal committee review. Rep. de la Cruz argued the matter is time-sensitive and of public interest, while Rep. Pollack and Rep. Morrison supported moving to pending, noting the administration is working with the Attorney General’s office and no new update is available. Rep. Weinberg reported that the city is working with the Attorney General’s office but has no further updates. The item was placed on the pending agenda. (Note: After the meeting, a sponsor requested the item description be updated to “Review: Requested Update from the Mayor’s Office on Legal Barriers to the East Side Library Branch at Courtland Park.”) Key Outcomes - All items moved to the June agenda were approved by unanimous voice votes, except the late submission which required a roll call vote to consider. - F32.087 was moved to the pending agenda without a vote (per rules, failure to move to the active agenda automatically places it on pending). - The Operations, Parks and Recreation Committee meeting was rescheduled to 6:30 p.m. on May 21, 2026, to accommodate the Land Use Committee meeting at 7:00 p.m. the same evening. - The C.H.E.S.S. Committee meeting on May 19, 2026, will be hybrid; conflicts with the Fiscal Committee will be resolved offline. - The Transportation Committee special meeting was set for May 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

The Board of Representatives held a special meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:34 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers, Government Center, and remotely via Zoom, to consider and act upon the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budgets for the City of Stamford. The meeting was called to order by President Ramya Shaw and adjourned at 7:56 p.m. A quorum was present with 34 members in attendance and 6 excused. The Fiscal Committee, co-chaired by Eric B. Morson and Andrew Zachary, presented four budget resolutions for approval. Discussion Items - Board of Education Budget (Res. No. 4440): Co-Chair Morson read the resolution approving the Board of Education budget of $359,975,133 as transmitted by the Board of Finance. A motion to approve was made and seconded. No discussion occurred. - Operating Budget (Res. No. 4441): Co-Chair Morson read the resolution approving the Operating Budget of $727,100,912 as transmitted by the Board of Finance. Prior to the vote, Co-Chair Morson moved to cut $673,360 from Active Medical & Life (line 1000-8301-520120 on page 341), which was seconded and approved unanimously. A second motion to cut $50,000 from Parks & Recreation: Contracted Services (line 1000-2134-540601 on page 181) was also made, seconded, and approved unanimously. The amended Operating Budget total was set at $726,377,552. - Capital Budget (Res. No. 4442): Co-Chair Morson read the resolution approving the Capital Budget of $60,607,500 as transmitted by the Board of Finance. A motion to approve was made and seconded. No discussion occurred. - Special Funds Budgets (Res. No. 4443): Co-Chair Morson read the resolution approving multiple special fund budgets as transmitted by the Board of Finance. During discussion, Representative Graham requested a correction to the Parking Fund amount; the correct figure was confirmed as $7,763,255. The approved amounts were: Debt Service Fund $49,803,044; Anti-Blight Fund $462,328; Grants Fund $3,400,480; Stamford Harbor Management Fund $65,564; Marina Fund $531,239; Parking Fund $7,763,255; Police Extra Duty Fund $13,950,000; E.G. Brennan Golf Course Fund $2,090,413; Terry Conners Ice Rink Fund $1,452,531; Active Medical Fund $49,893,560; Risk Management Fund $21,905,966; and WPCA Fund $29,718,027. Key Outcomes - Board of Education Budget (Res. No. 4440): Approved by unanimous voice vote with one abstention (Rep. Pavia). Total: $359,975,133. - Operating Budget (Res. No. 4441): Approved as amended by unanimous voice vote. Two amendments were adopted: a $673,360 reduction from Active Medical & Life and a $50,000 reduction from Parks & Recreation: Contracted Services. The final amended total was $726,377,552. - Capital Budget (Res. No. 4442): Approved by unanimous voice vote. Total: $60,607,500. - Special Funds Budgets (Res. No. 4443): Approved by unanimous voice vote. The Parking Fund amount was corrected from $7,753,255 to $7,763,255 during the meeting. All other fund amounts were approved as transmitted by the Board of Finance.

The Stanford Planning Board met on May 6, 2026, to consider several capital project appropriations, a zoning variance referral, and routine approvals. All agenda items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 28, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items - Capital Project Closeout (Transfer Station Canal Wall): Lou Castleau, City Engineer, presented a request to close out $2,537,000 in federal grant funds from the transfer station canal wall replacement project (CP 400062). The federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) changed its cost share from 80/20 to 60/40, requiring a reduction in the federal allocation. The board approved the closeout. - Transfer Station Canal Wall Replacement – Supplemental Appropriation: The board then approved a supplemental capital appropriation of $3,437,000. This included $2,537,000 in city bonds to replace the reduced federal share (raising the city share to 40%) and $900,000 for design—$675,000 from a FEMA BRIC grant (75% federal) and $225,000 local match. The design application is due May 7, 2026. - Stamford High Priority Project (Exterior Envelope & Science Labs): Catherine and Travis Schnell (KGD Architects) presented a $9,925,945 request to amend the capital budget for improvements to the 1971 building at Stamford High School (55 Strawberry Hill Road). The project includes full facade replacement, new windows, and renovation of science labs into 15 modern labs (universal, chemistry, and STEM). The total project budget is $27,501,800 with a 60% state reimbursement. The local share remains unchanged; the state share increases from $4,650,000 to $14,575,954. Construction is anticipated for 2028. The board recommended approval. - Stamford Harbor Boat Launch Feasibility Study: The board approved a $12,500 grant (50% state, 50% local from Harbor Commission fund balance) for a site evaluation and preliminary design of a public boat launch at Kosciuszko Park. The prior feasibility study (completed in 2025) identified the northeastern side of the park as the most suitable site. - Zoning Board of Appeals Referral – 78 Old North Stamford Road: The board reviewed a variance request for a side yard setback of 9.9 feet (required 15 ft) and combined side yard setback of 26.9 feet (required 35 ft) to construct an attached two-car garage with a second floor above, connected to an existing detached garage. The property is at 78 Old North Stamford Road. Raymond Mazio of Redniss & Mead represented the applicants. The board noted the architectural quality and neighbor support, and recommended approval. Key Outcomes - All items approved unanimously: 1. Approval of meeting minutes. 2. Closeout of $2,537,000 in federal grant funds for canal wall project. 3. Supplemental appropriation of $3,437,000 for canal wall project (city bonds and FEMA design funds). 4. Authorization to amend capital budget for Stamford High Priority Project (state share increase). 5. Approval of $12,500 for harbor boat launch feasibility study. 6. Recommendation of approval for ZBA variance at 78 Old North Stamford Road. - Next meetings: May 19, June 9, and June 23 (last before July hiatus).

Note: The meeting transcript states the date as Monday, May 4, 2026, but the provided instruction specifies the date as May 5, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date for the title and structure, but the content reflects the transcript's timeline. The Board of Representatives met at 7:34 p.m. on May 5, 2026 (per instruction), with 38 members present and 2 excused. The meeting included an invocation, pledge of allegiance, roll call, moment of silence, public participation, committee reports, and a lengthy debate on a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the Roxbury School construction project. The meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m. Consent Calendar - Appointments Committee: Approved reappointments to the Board of Assessment Appeals, Board of Ethics (alternate), Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (alternate), Planning Board (two terms), and Zoning Board of Appeals (alternate). Representative Graham abstained from the Planning Board reappointment (item 6). - Fiscal Committee: Approved appropriations totaling $2,221,524 for various grants and projects, including $19,611 for town clerk historic preservation services, $26,913 for town clerk capital improvements, $26,000 for early childhood programming, $175,000 for the Boys & Girls Club playscape at the Yearwood Center, and resolutions for roof replacements at Hart Magnet Elementary School and Turn of River School. Also approved a $6,300,000 appropriation from the FY2024 general fund surplus. Representative Graham abstained from item 2 ($26,913), and Representative LePine abstained from item 3 ($26,000). - Land Use Committee: Approved a second amendment to the IQS Stamford contract for integrated land records and vital statistics recording system. Representative Graham abstained. - Transportation Committee: Approved an ordinance to dissolve the Stamford Transit District. Public Comments & Testimony - Kieran Edmondson (Water Sign neighborhood resident) urged the board to vote in favor of F32.065 to provide additional funding for the playscape at the Boys & Girls Club, citing safety and maintenance concerns. - Mike Papa criticized the city's infrastructure management, referencing the WPCA, climate change, and the need for long-term planning. He expressed frustration with the Board of Finance's approach. - Joe Toner (Executive Director, Connecticut State Building Trades) spoke in support of the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for Roxbury School, emphasizing that PLAs ensure one out of every five construction workers on the project will be a Stamford resident, and that the union will recruit and train local residents through apprenticeship programs. He cited successful projects in Norwalk. - Gina Calabries raised concerns about the rule of law, specifically regarding the waiver of the six-month deceased requirement for field naming and the deed restriction at Courtland Park. She stated that the federal grant for the East Side Library is not dependent on its location in the park. - Mr. Adams (public speaker) continued on the East Side Library issue, arguing that the grant is not tied to the park and questioned the ethics of attempting to change the deed. He also spoke against urbanization, stating it drives up housing costs, and urged development focused on housing current residents. Discussion Items - BOE Liaison Report (Representative LePine): The Board of Education unanimously appointed Dr. Adrian Talley as superintendent, effective July 1, 2026. The Board of Finance had reduced the Board of Ed's operating budget by $12.1 million, and the state budget adjustments for FY2027 included increased education funding, though less than expected. School construction projects are ongoing, including new West Hill and Roxbury K-8 schools. - Field Naming at Stamford High School (OPR 32.009 and 32.010): The committee recommended waiving the ordinance requirement that fields be named only for individuals deceased for at least six months, and then naming the baseball, softball, and soccer fields after Donald Lapino, Bobby Augustine, and Mario Kemanidi (all living). Representative Walston expressed concern about lack of diversity in the names and proposed a statue for James Cobb, a former athlete and coach. After debate, the waiver passed 38-2, and the naming resolution passed 37-3. - Project Labor Agreement for Roxbury School (CHESS 32.005): The committee recommended approval of a resolution authorizing a PLA. Extensive debate occurred: - Supporters: Representatives Camparelli, Field, Gross, Weinberg, Didlow, Shore, Hughes, Weathers, Hill, Graham, Adams, Walston, Shaw, and others argued that PLAs ensure worker safety, timely project completion, local workforce development (including a pre-apprenticeship program recruiting 100 Stamford residents, prioritizing disadvantaged youth, with goals of 60% minorities, 40% women, 10% veterans), and support the middle class. They noted that non-union shops can still bid under the PLA, and the city has a fiduciary responsibility to invest in workers. - Opponents: Representatives Gardner, Finkel, Sanford, Goldberg, Politia, and others argued that PLAs limit competition, increase costs, and are not necessary for quality. They cited studies showing higher costs, and noted that non-union contractors have their own apprenticeship programs. Some expressed concern that the pre-apprenticeship commitments are only “good faith” and not contractually enforceable. Clerk Johnson noted that the resolution authorizes a third party (ONG) to negotiate the PLA, and the board will not review the final contract. - The final vote was 28-11 in favor of the PLA. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Items: All consent items from Appointments, Fiscal, Land Use, and Transportation committees were approved, with noted abstentions. - Field Naming Waiver and Resolution: The waiver of the six-month deceased requirement (OPR 32.009) passed 38-2, and the naming resolution (OPR 32.010) passed 37-3. - Project Labor Agreement (CHESS 32.005): Approved with a vote of 28-11. The resolution authorizes the city to negotiate a PLA for the Roxbury School construction, including the workforce development components. - Minutes: The minutes of the April 6, 2026 regular meeting were approved. - Next Steps: The steering committee meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2026, and the final regular board meeting for June 1, 2026. A special budget meeting will occur on May 7, 2026.

The Steering Committee met remotely on April 30, 2026, from 6:03 PM to 7:10 PM to consider Resolution Item 32.005, authorizing a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the Roxbury K-8 School Construction Project. Directors Matt Cañones and Catherine Lavalbo presented the proposal, answered questions, and the committee voted 5-3-0 to approve the PLA. Discussion Items - Director Cañones Opening Remarks: He explained that the PLA is intended to leverage the city's investment to build a strong local labor force in construction, offer pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities, and support union workforce while delivering a high-quality, affordable school. He noted that the city now uses a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) model with an owners' representative, which provides more transparency and flexibility compared to the previous general contractor approach used for the Strawberry Hill project. - Questions on Strawberry Hill Project (Representative Gross): Representative Gross asked whether the Strawberry Hill project was rebid without a PLA after coming in over budget. Director Cañones confirmed that the PLA was one of several factors (including schedule pressure, late addenda, and scope reductions) that contributed to the higher bid; the rebid removed the PLA but also involved value engineering and a relaxed schedule. He clarified that the overall conclusion was that the PLA was a factor but not the sole cause. - Benefits of Union Labor (Representative Gross): Director Cañones and Ms. Lavalbo described the PLA's unique pre-apprenticeship model, which targets state-identified subgroups (women, minorities, veterans) and partners with community organizations to provide wraparound support. The union provides structured apprenticeship programs, creating a pipeline to full-time employment. They noted that the PLA does not guarantee binding residency hiring but emphasizes good-faith efforts. - Timeline Concerns (Representative McEwen): Ms. Lavalbo stated that time is of the essence because the project is nearing the end of the construction document phase and state authorization to bid is expected in June. Delaying the PLA vote could jeopardize the project schedule and the union's willingness to participate. - Workforce and Non-Union Bidders (Representative Shore): Discussion focused on whether non-union contractors could still work on the project under a PLA. Director Cañones explained that a successful non-union bidder could use its own employees but, if needing to hire additional workers, would have to go through the union hiring hall. The city would vet bids and ensure contractors understand the requirements. - Quality of Construction (Representative Didlow): Ms. Lavalbo noted that the PLA does not directly guarantee quality, but the CMAR model, early constructability reviews, and robust oversight (owner's representative, architect, CM) are designed to improve quality and cost control. - Alternative to PLA (Representative Finkle): Representative Finkle cited feedback from the Associated Builders and Contractors and a state grants official that PLAs often increase costs and that many districts are moving away from them. Director Cañones acknowledged that a pre-apprenticeship program could be established without a PLA, but coordinating training and forming a pipeline to union apprenticeship programs would be much more challenging. Key Outcomes - Motion to Recommit Withdrawn: A motion to recommit the item to the Steering Committee was made and then withdrawn after discussion emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of the project. - Vote on Resolution 32.005: The committee voted to approve the PLA for the Roxbury School project. The final tally was 5 in favor, 3 opposed, 0 abstentions. Members voting yes: (based on transcript) Groth, Price, Wallston, Sylvestri, and one additional member (likely Palek? Or perhaps another; the transcript names are partially garbled). Those voting no: Goldberg, McEwen, and Palek (or Sebastian?). The chair declared the motion passed. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM.

The 32nd Board of Representatives Fiscal Committee budget deliberations meeting for the 2026-2027 budget year was held on April 30, 2026, from 7:01 p.m. to 7:22 p.m. The committee reviewed two proposed cuts, discussed the Board of Education budget, and addressed the East Side Library funding issue. Co-Chair Eric Morrison and Co-Chair Andrew Zachary presided. Consent Calendar - Item 1 (Budget book page 341): Active Medical and Life Office of Benefits and Insurance – Proposed cut of $673,360, representing savings from the difference in estimates. Approved unanimously by voice vote (6-0). - Item 2 (Operating budget page 181): Parks and Recreation contracted services – Proposed cut of $50,000 (from $161,000 to $111,000). This was carryover from a previous budget and not needed. Approved by voice vote (7-0). Discussion Items - Board of Education Budget: Representative Noel Lepine offered a detailed perspective on the Board of Ed budget, acknowledging the board's difficult task. He proposed guiding principles: protect direct student services, prioritize cuts to non-essential supplies and administrative overhead, and preserve nonprofit partnerships. He urged restoring MTSS staffing, Domus middle school family advocates, paraeducators, high school band funding, and the high school athletic director position. He suggested reviewing potential reductions in executive administration staffing (up to two associate superintendent roles), supplies (10% cut or $200,000), English learner programs (questioning a dramatic rise in supplies despite a reduction in students), the Welcome Center (potential partnership with Building One Community), and the Board of Ed finance office (40% growth in non-certified administrative costs and supplies). He expressed strong support for the district's success and his belief that responsible savings could be found. - Future Cuts: On May 7, an additional cut to the Board of Education budget may be considered based on $2 million from the Board of Finance tied to an estimated $150 million from State and CS, now known to be $170 million. Also, a new state $100 million allocation to municipalities (estimated $1.2 million for Stamford) will be included in revenue and netted out in the mill rate. - East Side Library Funding: Representative Virgil Delacruz withdrew his earlier proposal to cut funding for the East Side Library preliminary design (estimated at $250,000). He stated he did so with the understanding that the Board of Finance recommendation (no funds spent until legal issues resolved) would be memorialized, and he acknowledged an email from the administration committing to not spending until legal issues are resolved with the Attorney General. Co-Chair Morrison agreed, expressing support for passing the $250,000 to avoid risking a $3 million federal earmark that has been available for two years. Representative Gross asked for clarification and requested to be looped into the communication as one of the district representatives for where the library would go. Key Outcomes - Approved Cuts: Two cuts were approved unanimously: $673,360 to Active Medical and Life Office of Benefits and Insurance, and $50,000 to Parks and Recreation contracted services. - Withdrawal of Motion: Representative Delacruz withdrew his motion to cut the East Side Library preliminary design funding, with the understanding that no funds will be spent until legal issues are resolved. - Next Steps: Final vote on the budget is scheduled for May 7, 2026. Committee members were urged to alert co-chairs immediately of any last-minute urgent cuts to allow time for homework. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.