Ashford public meetings in 2025

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for December 23, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were considered. The next regular meeting is set for Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will interview candidates, discuss them in executive session, and vote to seat a new member. The board will also consider transferring the remaining audited budget balance to its non‑lapsing fund, appoint a paraeducator, receive an update on the facility manager search, and authorize a contract with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

• Candidate interviews for Board vacancy (per CGS § 10‑219 and Board Bylaws)
• Executive session discussion of candidates
• Vote to seat a new member on the Board of Education
• Request to transfer remaining FY 25 audited budget balance to the BOE Non‑Lapsing Fund
• Resolution authorizing contract with CT Department of Agriculture (CT Grown for Kids)

The Ashford Board of Education unanimously seated Jennifer Barry as a board member. It also approved transferring the FY 25 audited balance of $18,505 to the board's non‑lapsing fund, appointed Kelsey Boyington as a paraeducator, and authorized a contract with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture for the CT Grown 4 Kids grant. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Seat Jennifer Barry on the Board of Education (unanimous)
• Transfer FY 25 audited balance of $18,505 to non‑lapsing fund (unanimous)
• Appoint Kelsey Boyington as paraeducator (unanimous)
• Authorize contract with CT Department of Agriculture for CT Grown 4 Kids grant (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will receive a presentation of the 2024-2025 audit from HFM CPAs. Members will also discuss and potentially take action on the budget calendar, 2026-2027 budget policies, and the financial management policy.

• Presentation of the 2024-2025 Audit by Jason Cote, HFM CPAs
• Discussion and possible action on Budget Policies for 26-27
• Discussion and possible action on the Financial Management Policy
• Discussion and possible action regarding the BOF Expenditure Request
• Discussion and possible action regarding the 23-24 Annual Report

The board approved the November 13, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the 2024‑2025 audit. It also adopted the 2026‑2027 budget calendar, budget policies, financial management policy, BOF expenditure request, and the 2023‑2024 annual report. The October 9, 2025 minutes were not approved due to lack of quorum.

• Failed to approve October 9, 2025 minutes (lack of quorum)
• Approved November 13, 2025 minutes (unanimous, Peppin abstained)
• Approved and accepted 2024‑2025 Audit (unanimous)
• Accepted 2026‑2027 Budget Calendar (unanimous)
• Approved Ashford Budget Policies for 2026‑2027 (unanimous)
• Approved Financial Management Policy (unanimous)
• Approved 2026‑2027 BOF Expenditure Request (unanimous)
• Approved 2023‑2024 Annual Report (unanimous)

Economic Development Commission

The meeting scheduled for December 17, 2025, was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2026.

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission will meet to appoint its Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary for 2026. The body will also discuss membership and a citizen column.

• 2026 Officer Appointments
• Membership discussion
• Citizen Column

The commission approved the November meeting minutes with an amendment removing a reappointed member. Danielle Larese was seated as an alternate member, bringing the quorum to four. The commission unanimously approved a slate of officers for 2026, naming Larese as Chairperson, Jenne as Vice Chairperson, and Weinstock as Secretary.

• Approved November minutes with amendment (4-0)
• Seated Danielle Larese as alternate member (quorum 4)
• Approved 2026 officer slate: Larese Chair, Jenne Vice Chair, Weinstock Secretary (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ashford Parks and Recreation Commission is holding a special meeting to review its financial report, discuss program updates and evaluations, and consider the upcoming budget submission for fiscal year 26/27. The agenda includes routine items such as approving minutes and the revolving fund, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Financial Report FY 25/26
• Program Update - Basketball
• Program Evaluations - Carol Sing
• Budget Submission 26/27
• Annual Report

The commission approved the November meeting minutes and adopted the FY 26/27 budget with several account reclassifications and fund increases, all by unanimous vote. Changes include moving account 220.431000.53400.000 to Program Expenses, shifting account 220.43100.56815.000 to Town‑Sponsored Activities, raising its allocation from $5,500 to $8,500, and increasing the Membership Fees account to $500. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved November meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY 26/27 budget changes (unanimous)
• Reclassified account 220.431000.53400.000 from Other Professional Services to Program Expenses
• Reclassified account 220.43100.56815.000 from Program Expenses to Town‑Sponsored Activities
• Increased account 220.43100.56815.000 allocation from $5,500 to $8,500
• Increased Membership Fees account 220.43300.52311.00 to $500
• Motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Ashford Board of Selectmen will review updates on the school roof replacement and solar projects, then discuss and potentially adopt changes to driveway permit procedures, associated fees, and bonding requirements. The meeting will also include approval of tax refunds and a series of appointments to vacant seats on several town commissions and boards.

• Ashford School Roof Replacement project status
• Ashford School solar project status
• Discuss and act on driveway permit procedures, fees and bonding
• Approval of tax refunds
• Board and Commission appointments to fill multiple vacancies

The Board approved the ASCO agreement, with Maccarone and Silver‑Smith voting yes and Grous not casting a vote. The 2026 Board of Selectmen meeting calendar was adopted unanimously. Four tax refunds totaling $1,407.40 to Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp were approved, and a special town meeting was scheduled for Jan 5 2026 to elect an alternate Board of Finance member. Additional actions included reappointing animal control officers, adding the Capital Projects Committee appointment to the agenda, and appointing a resident representative group.

• Approved ASCO agreement (Maccarone yes, Silver‑Smith yes, Grous no vote)
• Approved 2026 BOS meeting calendar (unanimous)
• Reappointed Animal Control Officer Jennifer Miller and Assistant Animal Control Officer Christine Abikoff (unanimous)
• Approved four tax refunds totaling $1,407.40 to Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp (unanimous)
• Scheduled Special Town Meeting for Jan 5 2026 to elect Alternate BOF member (unanimous)
• Added appointment of 2026‑2027 Capital Projects Committee to agenda (unanimous)
• Appointed resident representative group including Board of Finance, Fire Chief Paul Varga, Public Works Director, First Selectman, and Chuck Funk (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The regular meeting scheduled for December 11, 2025, has been cancelled. A special meeting is set for December 18, 2025, at Town Hall at 7 p.m.

• Regular meeting cancelled
• Special meeting scheduled for Dec 18, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings for two appeals against cease-and-desist orders. Both cases involve allegations of unpermitted short-term rentals in the Lake District Zone. Decisions on these appeals are possible but not required at this meeting.

• Public hearing for ZBA-25-2: 73 Lake View Drive appeal of cease-and-desist order
• Public hearing for ZBA-25-3: 76 Lake View Drive appeal of cease-and-desist order

The board voted 5‑0 to sustain the cease‑and‑desist order for 73 Lake View Drive and deny the appellant’s request. It also voted 5‑0 to sustain the cease‑and‑desist order for 76 Lake View Drive and deny that appeal. John Lippert was elected Chair and Susan Eastwood Vice Chair, both unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

• Sustained Cease-and-Desist Order for 73 Lake View Drive, appeal denied (5-0)
• Sustained Cease-and-Desist Order for 76 Lake View Drive, appeal denied (5-0)
• Elected John Lippert as Chair (5-0)
• Elected Susan Eastwood as Vice Chair (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting to consider candidates for the Library Director position. The agenda includes a possible executive session to interview applicants, another to evaluate candidates and discuss employment terms, and a possible open‑session action to select a candidate and set the terms of employment. No other business is listed.

• Possible executive session to interview applicants for Library Director
• Possible executive session to evaluate candidates and discuss employment terms
• Possible open‑session action to select a Library Director candidate and set employment terms

The board entered an executive session to interview Library Director applicants and later left the session at noon. It then voted to offer the Library Director position to the agreed candidate with an annual salary of $53,000. The meeting was adjourned at 12:01 PM.

• Entered executive session to interview Director applicants (unanimous)
• Exited executive session at 12:00 PM (unanimous)
• Offered Library Director position with $53,000 salary (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:01 PM (unanimous)

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority special meeting will review and approve the minutes from the November 11, 2025 meeting, receive a director's monthly update and a November financial budget report, and provide updates on the Ashford Housing Development newsletter and the Moderate Rehab Project. The board will then vote to adopt three policies: a Conflict of Interest policy, an Accounting Policy and Procedures, and a Mandated Reporter Policy. The meeting also includes a public access segment for brief comments before adjournment.

• Approve minutes for the November 11, 2025 meeting
• Budget Report: November financial report
• Update on the Moderate Rehab Project
• Approve Conflict of Interest, Accounting Policy and Procedures, and Mandated Reporter Policy
• Public Access: brief comments limited to two minutes

The board approved the November 11 meeting minutes with two votes in favor and one abstention. It also unanimously approved the Conflict‑of‑Interest, Accounting, and Mandated Reporter policies. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved November 11 meeting minutes (2 in favor; 1 abstention)
• Approved Conflict-of-Interest Policy (all in favor)
• Approved Accounting Policy (all in favor)
• Approved Mandated Reporter Policy (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will meet at 6:00 PM on Dec 9, 2025 at the library (25 Pompey Hollow Road). The agenda includes a possible executive session to interview applicants for the Library Director position. The meeting also includes the standard call to order and adjournment.

• Possible executive session to interview Library Director applicants

The Library Board voted unanimously to go into executive session to interview candidates for the Library Director position. After the interview session, the board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting.

• Entered executive session to interview Library Director applicants (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet to approve minutes, handle bills, and discuss a short-term rental permit renewal. The body will also review a draft Plan of Conservation and Development.

• Approval of November 10, 2025 minutes
• PZ-25-7: Special Permit Renewal for short-term rental at 21 Lakeside Dr
• Review of Draft Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD)
• Bills and Correspondence
• Zoning Officer Report

The commission approved the November 10, 2025 meeting minutes, passing the motion unanimously with two members abstaining. It unanimously voted to receive the special‑permit renewal application for a short‑term rental at 21 Lakeside Drive. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved November 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous, 2 abstentions)
• Received special‑permit renewal application for short‑term rental at 21 Lakeside Dr (unanimous)
• Deferred election of officers to January 2026 (current officers remain)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ashford Parks and Recreation Commission will hear public comments, review the FY 25/26 financial report, and approve the November meeting minutes. It will receive updates on the basketball program, program evaluations by Carol Sing, and the revolving fund. New business includes a presentation of the FY 26/27 budget submission and the commission’s annual report.

• Budget submission for FY 26/27
• Annual report presentation
• Program update – basketball
• Program evaluations – Carol Sing
• Revolving fund discussion

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Board of Education will discuss a State/CSDE Data Report and a CABE Convention Report. The meeting includes a first reading of policy updates from counsel dated October 2025.

• First reading of October 2025 Policy Updates from Counsel
• State/CSDE Data Report
• CABE Convention Report
• Board Member Roles and Responsibilities presentation by Nick Caruso (CABE)

The Ashford Board of Education unanimously approved the minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting. The board heard presentations on state/CSDE data and the CABE convention report, with no public comments submitted. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned at 9:11 p.m.

• Approved November 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:11 p.m. (unanimous)

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission is meeting to discuss septic system repair and grading and stump grinding applications. The body will also review modification requests for a foundation drain and a deck rebuild.

• Septic system repair at 38 Ashford Lake Dr.
• Grading and stump grinding at 0 Ashford Lake Dr.
• Timber harvest notification at 203 Bebbington Brook
• Modification request for foundation drain at 58 Ashford Lake Dr.
• Deck rebuild at 9 Lakeside Dr.

The commission approved the November 4 minutes with one abstention. It unanimously approved the septic system repair at 38 Ashford Lake Drive and the timber harvest at 203 Bebbington Road. The board also decided to prepare a new application for grading and stump‑grinding work at 25‑17 Ashford Lake Drive.

• Approved November 4 minutes (1 abstention)
• Approved septic system repair at 38 Ashford Lake Dr. (unanimous)
• Approved timber harvest at 203 Bebbington Rd. (unanimous)
• Decided to prepare new application for grading and stump grinding at 25‑17 Ashford Lake Dr.
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will meet on Dec 2, 2025. After the call to order, members may enter an executive session to discuss personnel matters concerning the evaluation of candidates for the Library Director position and to plan interview strategies for a second round. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Possible executive session to discuss Library Director candidates and second‑round interview strategies (personnel matters)
• Call to order
• Adjournment

The board voted unanimously to enter an executive session at 10:05 a.m. to evaluate candidates for the Library Director position and consider interview strategies. After the discussion, the board voted unanimously to exit the executive session and adjourn the meeting at 10:41 a.m.

• Entered executive session to discuss director candidates (unanimous)
• Exited executive session and adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Ashford Our Town Our Future committee will hold a virtual meeting to discuss potential future projects, update the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), and outline next steps for strategic planning. The meeting will also include updates on existing projects and member recruitment.

• Discussion of potential future projects
• POCD update
• Updates on potential future strategic planning process
• Project updates
• New member recruitment

The committee approved the minutes from the November 3, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Gwen Haaland, seconded by Nora Galvin, and passed unanimously with a 4‑0 vote. No other actions or approvals were taken during the meeting.

• Approved November 3, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)

Commission on Aging

The Commission on Aging will meet to review reports and conduct general business. The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate items.

The commission met on December 2, 2025, heard reports on upcoming events and past activities, and discussed suggestions for future events. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss and act on driveway permit procedures, fees, and bonding. Members will also consider a stewardship agreement for the collection and disposal of 20# propane tanks. The meeting includes updates on school infrastructure projects and several board appointments.

• Action on driveway permit procedures, fees, and bonding
• Proposed stewardship agreement for 20# propane tank disposal
• Status updates for Ashford School roof replacement and solar projects
• Preliminary discussion on Ashford Academy repairs
• Appointments for Economic Development, Conservation, Agriculture, Zoning, and Planning commissions

The Selectmen accepted the ASCO donation agreement. They also approved a stewardship agreement for propane tank disposal, reappointed several commission members, hired a DPW Maintainer I/Mechanic, and authorized tax refunds. All motions passed unanimously except the ASCO agreement, which passed with one member not voting. The board entered and exited an executive session.

• Accepted ASCO donation agreement (motion passed, Grous did not vote)
• Approved stewardship agreement for 20# propane tanks (unanimous)
• Reappointed six Conservation Commissioners to regular seats (unanimous)
• Reappointed two Conservation Commissioners to alternate seats (unanimous)
• Appointed Danielle Larese to Agriculture Commission alternate seat (unanimous)
• Hired DPW Maintainer I/Mechanic Ernest Gobin effective 12/2/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved tax refunds for Jared ($72.12) and Christopher Ferguson ($73.04) (unanimous)
• Moved BOS into executive session (unanimous) and exited at 10:16 p.m.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to discuss new business regarding open space at 0 Ference Rd. The body will also review old business including the Langhammer Trail Bridge and a spring program with the library.

• 0 Ference Rd Open Space
• Langhammer Trail Bridge
• Spring Program with Library
• Trash Cleanup Nov 8

The commission approved the draft letter to the Zoning & Economic Office, property owner, and town attorney to set aside open space on Lot 6 at 0 Ference Rd via deed restriction. It also approved the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting. The board decided to continue advertising spring and fall trash‑cleanup pickups and to move the pickup time to early afternoon. The December 22, 2025 meeting was cancelled.

• Approved 10/27/2025 minutes (unanimously)
• Decided to continue advertising spring/fall trash cleanups and shift time to early afternoon
• Approved draft open‑space deed‑restriction letter for 0 Ference Rd (unanimously)
• Cancelled the Dec 22, 2025 meeting

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will consider personnel matters concerning candidates for the Library Director position. The board may hold an executive session to evaluate candidates and discuss employment terms, and may take open‑session action to select a candidate and approve those terms.

• Executive session (possible) to discuss evaluation of Library Director candidates and employment terms
• Open session (possible) to select a Library Director candidate and approve employment terms

The board could not hold an official meeting because a quorum was not present. As a result, no actions were taken on the Library Director selection or any other matters. The meeting adjourned after an informal discussion.

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will meet on November 20, 2025. The agenda includes reorganization items such as election of officers and committee assignments, and new business items including a staff resignation, approval of the 2026 meeting schedule, scheduling a Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee meeting, and distribution of the first‑quarter financial report. Public comment periods are provided. The board will also consider the consent agenda to approve minutes from October 16, 2025.

• Election of Board officers (Chair, Vice‑Chair, Secretary)
• Committee assignments for Board members
• Staff resignation
• Approval of 2026 Board of Education meeting schedule
• Distribution of first‑quarter financial report

The board elected its officers: Chonte Fields as Chair (unanimous), Jennifer Leszczynski as Vice‑Chair (unanimous), and Kurt Love as Secretary (6‑1). The board accepted the resignation of maintenance lead Michael Mellady and approved the 2026 meeting schedule, both unanimously. Minutes from the October 16 meeting were also approved unanimously.

• Chonte Fields elected Chair (unanimous)
• Jennifer Leszczynski elected Vice‑Chair (unanimous)
• Kurt Love elected Secretary (6‑1)
• Accepted resignation of Michael Mellady, maintenance lead (unanimous)
• Approved October 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Board of Education meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Scheduled Finance, Facilities and Operations subcommittee meeting for Nov 24 (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will hold nominations and elections for Chair and Clerk. Members will review the 2026 regular meeting schedule, the budget calendar draft, and the final draft of the 23-24 Annual Report.

• Nominations and election of Chair and Clerk
• Discussion and possible action on 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule
• Review of Budget Calendar Draft
• Review of final draft of the 23-24 Annual Report

The Board of Finance elected Christina Davis as Chairman and Pamm Summers as Clerk, each by unanimous vote. The minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously, with one member abstaining. The October 9, 2025 minutes were not approved due to insufficient attendance. A motion to submit the 2026 regular meeting schedule to the Town Clerk also passed unanimously.

• Elected Christina Davis as Chairman (unanimous)
• Elected Pamm Summers as Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved November 13, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, 1 abstention)
• Did not approve October 9, 2025 meeting minutes (insufficient attendance)
• Motion to submit 2026 regular meeting schedule to Town Clerk passed unanimously

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025, was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for December 17, 2025.

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will convene a special meeting to consider holding an executive session. In that session, trustees may interview and discuss candidates for the Library Director position. No other agenda items are listed.

• Possible executive session to interview Library Director applicants

The Library Board voted unanimously to enter an executive session to interview and discuss candidates for the Library Director position. After the interview session, the board voted unanimously to leave the executive session and adjourn the meeting at 3:15 p.m. No other actions were taken.

• Entered executive session to interview Library Director applicants (unanimous)
• Left executive session and adjourned meeting at 3:15 p.m. (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on November 19. The agenda includes a possible executive session to interview and discuss applicants for the Library Director position. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as a call to order and adjournment.

• Possible executive session to interview and discuss Library Director applicants

The Library Board voted unanimously to go into executive session at 7:03 PM to interview and discuss applicants for the Library Director position. After the interview, the Board voted unanimously to leave the executive session and adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM. No other actions were taken.

• Entered executive session to interview Library Director applicants (unanimous)
• Left executive session and adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission will meet to discuss membership and the meeting schedule. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items and general briefings.

• Discussion of commission membership
• Review of meeting schedule

The Ashford Agriculture Commission approved the February and October 2025 minutes (4‑0). It reported that the Board of Selectmen approved three members to full seats, leaving one full seat and three alternate seats vacant. The commission adopted a 2026 meeting schedule for the third Thursday of each month (4‑0). The meeting was then adjourned (4‑0).

• Approved Feb & Oct 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adopted 2026 meeting schedule: 1‑15, 2‑19, 3‑19, 4‑16, 5‑21, 6‑18, 7‑16, 8‑20, 9‑17, 10‑15, 11‑19, 12‑17 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will hold a possible executive session to interview applicants for the Library Director role. No other agenda items are listed beyond standard procedural matters.

• Executive session to interview Library Director applicants

The Library Board voted unanimously to go into executive session to interview and discuss applicants for the Library Director position. After the interview, the board unanimously voted to leave the executive session and adjourn the meeting at 2:40 PM.

• Entered executive session to interview Library Director applicants (unanimous)
• Left executive session and adjourned meeting at 2:40 PM (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will convene a special meeting to consider a possible executive session. In that session, trustees may interview and discuss candidates for the Library Director position. No other agenda items are listed.

• Possible executive session to interview Library Director applicants

The Board voted unanimously to enter an executive session at 10:02 a.m. to interview and discuss candidates for the Library Director position. After the interview, the Board voted unanimously to leave the executive session and adjourn the meeting at 10:40 a.m.

• Entered executive session to interview director applicants (unanimous)
• Exited executive session and adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ashford Parks and Recreation Commission will meet to review the FY 25/26 financial report and the status of its revolving fund. Commission members will receive program updates for basketball, yoga, and summer camp, and will evaluate recent events such as the Carol Sing and summer concerts. They will also discuss proposals for the FY 26/27 budget and examine projected fiscal responsibilities for the upcoming year.

• Review Financial Report FY 25/26
• Review of Revolving Fund
• Program Updates – Basketball, Yoga, Summer Camp
• Program Evaluations – Carol Sing, Summer Concerts
• Proposals for FY 26/27 Budget Submission

The commission presented several FY 2026/27 budget change proposals but did not vote on them. Leslie Bizilj motioned to adjourn, Amanda Holden seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Dave and Noah were assigned to discuss and draft the annual report.

• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously
• Dave and Noah tasked to draft the annual report

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting to interview and discuss applicants for the Library Director position. The session is scheduled for Monday, November 17, at 7:00 P.M. at the Babcock Library on Pompey Hollow Road.

• Interviews for Library Director position
• Discussion of Library Director applicants
• Special meeting at Babcock Library

The board did not achieve a quorum, so no formal meeting could be held. Members present held an informal discussion and interviewed a library director candidate, but no actions or votes were recorded. The meeting adjourned without any decisions.

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will consider rescinding a prior motion and appoint Daniel Beltran to a four‑year term as Tax Collector effective Dec. 2, 2025. They will also set dates for the town's winter pre‑holiday closures, approve tax refunds, and plan agenda items for future meetings.

• Appointment of Daniel Beltran as Tax Collector for a four‑year term, effective Dec. 2, 2025
• Set dates for winter pre‑holiday town closings: Thanksgiving (Nov 27, 2025), Christmas (Dec 25, 2025), New Year’s Day (Jan 1, 2026)
• Approval of tax refunds
• Determine agenda items for upcoming Board of Selectmen meetings
• Adjournment of the meeting

The Board accepted the minutes of the 10/31/2025 special meeting and rescinded a prior motion related to the Tax Collector appointment. They then appointed Daniel Beltran as Tax Collector for a four-year term starting Dec 2, 2025. The Board also set town‑office holiday closures for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, all unanimously.

• Accepted minutes of 10/31/2025 Special Meeting (unanimously)
• Rescinded prior motion on Tax Collector appointment (unanimously)
• Appointed Daniel Beltran as Tax Collector, four‑year term effective Dec 2, 2025 (unanimously)
• Closed town offices for Thanksgiving holiday, Nov 26–Dec 1, 2025 (unanimously)
• Closed town offices for Christmas holiday, Dec 24–30, 2025 (unanimously)
• Closed town offices for New Year holiday, Dec 31, 2025–Jan 5, 2026 (unanimously)

Board of Finance

The Ashford Board of Finance will hold a regular meeting on November 13, 2025. The agenda includes a presentation of the town's budget overview and trends by the board, followed by a public input session. No formal decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation of budget overview and trends by BOF
• Public input session

The Ashford Board of Finance held a hybrid meeting on November 13, 2025, presented a budget overview and fielded public input. No substantive approvals, denials, or tablings were recorded. The only formal action was a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously at 8:15 p.m.

• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously (8:15 p.m.)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen’s Transfer Station Committee will review progress on several waste‑management ordinance changes, including defining bulky waste, monitoring compliance, and locating an oil/antifreeze pad and book shed. The committee will also discuss a proposed development of the grassy slope between the office known as the “Shack” and the waste containers. Public comments will be heard, and the meeting will conclude with standard procedural items.

• Construct bulky waste definition to meet ordinance requirements
• Develop plan for monitoring compliance of ordinance changes
• Review status of oil/antifreeze permanent pad location
• Review swap and book shed changes
• Discuss development of grassy slope between the office (“Shack”) and waste containers

The Transfer Station Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October 10 meeting. The committee agreed to use punch cards that limit bulky‑waste deposits to three cubic yards per week. No other items were decided; remaining topics were postponed to future meetings.

• Approved October 10 minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to use punch cards limiting bulky waste to 3 cubic yards per week
• Motion to adjourn was made and seconded

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority will meet to approve minutes, a financial report, and three policies. The board will also approve the 2026 meeting schedule and receive updates on senior housing and a moderate rehab project.

• Approval of October 14, 2025 minutes
• Approval of Conflict of Interest, Procurement, and Mandated Reporter policies
• Approval of 2026 Board of Commission Meeting Schedule
• Moderate Rehab Project update
• Ashford Housing Development newsletter release

The Housing Authority approved the minutes from the October 14 meeting with two votes in favor and one abstention. The board also approved the revised Procurement Policy unanimously. Finally, the 2026 meeting schedule was adopted unanimously, moving the regular meeting time to 6:00 p.m.

• Approved October 14 meeting minutes (2-0-1)
• Approved updated Procurement Policy (all in favor)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a special permit (PZ-25-5) for a cluster subdivision at 0 Ference Rd. It will also consider an application (PZ-25-4) for a 6‑lot open‑space subdivision at the same address and review a draft POCD. Additional agenda items include approving the October 14, 2025 minutes and paying a $302.88 bill to The Chronicle.

• Public Hearing – Special Permit (PZ-25-5) for cluster subdivision at 0 Ference Rd (Owner S. Krukoff)
• Commission Business – Application (PZ-25-4) for 6‑lot open‑space subdivision at 0 Ference Rd (Owner S. Krukoff)
• Review of Draft POCD
• Bill – The Chronicle: $302.88
• Approval of October 14, 2025 meeting minutes

The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve the Special Permit (PZ-25-5) for a cluster subdivision at 0 Ference Rd, subject to seven conditions. It also accepted the 6‑lot open‑space subdivision application (PZ-25-4) and closed the public hearing on the cluster proposal. Earlier motions to approve the October 14 minutes and to defer officer‑election discussion were also passed unanimously.

• Approved Special Permit PZ-25-5 for cluster subdivision at 0 Ference Rd (unanimous)
• Accepted 6‑lot Open Space Subdivision PZ-25-4 at 0 Ference Rd (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for PZ-25-5 (unanimous)
• Moved agenda item B before item A (unanimous)
• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous, 2 abstentions)
• Deferred election of officers to next meeting (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Commission will review current and future programs and conduct a fiscal review. Members will discuss improvements to Ashford Memorial Fields and address vandalism and security at Ashford Memorial Park.

• Review of current and future programs
• Fiscal review
• Improvements to Ashford Memorial Fields
• Security and vandalism at Ashford Memorial Park
• Notice of special budget review meeting for FY 26/27 on November 18th

The commission voted unanimously to approve the October meeting minutes. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved October meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Education (ABOE)

The November 6, 2025, regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Education has been cancelled. The agenda includes the board's goals for curriculum, finance, culture, community relations, and facilities.

• Meeting cancelled
• Curriculum goals for pre-school and K-8
• Finance and budget goals
• Facilities and sustainability goals
• Community relations goals

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Ashford Planning & Zoning Commission will review the full draft of the POCD. Commissioners will discuss any edits to the draft and outline next steps for the document. The meeting will also set the date for the next commission session.

• Review full Draft of POCD
• Discuss edits to full Draft
• Discussion of Next Steps
• Set next meeting date

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will consider a permit for a septic system repair and discuss drawdown permitting for the Lake Chaffee Association. The body will also elect officers and set 2026 meeting dates.

• Permit 25-15: Septic System Repair at 38 Ashford Lake Dr.
• Lake Chaffee Association drawdown permitting discussion
• Agent approval for Permit 24-14: foundation drain modification at 58 Ashford Lake Dr.
• Site visits for 314 Perry Hill Rd, 38 Ashford Lake Dr, 9 Lakesside Dr, and Seckar Rd

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission approved Permit 25-15 for a septic system repair at 38 Ashford Lake Road. The commission also elected Cheryl Chase as Chair and Richard Zulick as Vice‑Chair. It agreed that the Lake Chaffee Improvement Association will submit an application to have its drawdown classified as a non‑regulated activity at the June meeting. The commission will provide a guideline list of regulated and non‑regulated lake uses.

• Approved Permit 25-15 septic system repair at 38 Ashford Lake Rd (unanimously)
• Elected Cheryl Chase as Chair and Richard Zulick as Vice‑Chair (unanimously)
• Agreed LCIA will submit drawdown non‑regulated activity request at June IWWC meeting (unanimously)
• Decided to send guideline lists of regulated and non‑regulated lake uses (unanimously)
• Adopted schedule for 2026 meetings (presented, no vote recorded)
• Approved Agent Permit 24-14 modification request for foundation drain at 58 Ashford Lake Dr (unanimously)
• Moved to adjourn the meeting (unanimously)

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Ashford Our Town Our Future committee will meet virtually to discuss potential future projects, update the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), and outline next steps for the group.

• Review of potential future projects
• POCD update
• Discussion of potential future strategic planning process
• Project updates
• New member recruitment

The committee approved the October 6, 2025 minutes with a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned. No other actions were formally decided.

• Approved October 6, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Commission on Aging

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. No specific decisions, proposals, or discussion items are listed.

The commission approved the October meeting minutes. Members agreed to host a series of Alzheimer’s presentations in the spring of 2026, with possible dates of April 17 or May 8. The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 am.

• Approved October minutes (motion by Catherine Sampson, seconded by Charlene Armitage)
• Agreed to host Alzheimer’s presentations in Spring 2026 (dates proposed: April 17, May 8)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:37 am (motion by Catherine Sampson, seconded by Chris Rae)

Board of Selectmen

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Selectmen scheduled for November 3, 2025, has been cancelled.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss and act on driveway permit procedures, fees, and bonding. The meeting includes decisions on 2025 grand list AVFD tax abatements and various board and commission appointments. Status updates are scheduled for the Ashford School roof and solar projects.

• Driveway permit procedures, fees, and bonding
• 2025 grand list AVFD tax abatements
• ASCO donation agreement
• Ashford School Roof Replacement and solar project status
• Appointments for Economic Development, Agriculture, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Planning & Zoning

The Selectmen unanimously accepted the minutes from the October 6 meeting. They approved the 2025 Grand List tax abatements for qualifying Ashford Volunteer Fire Department members. The board also approved six tax refunds to Shannon and Maximillian Smith, a refund to Ari Fleet LT LTD, and appointed Daniel Beltrane as Tax Collector for a four‑year term. Appointments were made to the Agriculture Commission for Joe Murphy and Bethany Knowlton.

• Accepted October 6 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Grand List tax abatements for AVFD members (unanimous)
• Approved six tax refunds to Shannon and Maximillian Smith (unanimous)
• Approved tax refund to Ari Fleet LT LTD (unanimous)
• Appointed Joe Murphy to Agriculture Commission regular seat #1 (unanimous)
• Appointed Bethany Knowlton to Agriculture Commission regular seat #2 (unanimous)
• Appointed Daniel Beltrane as Tax Collector for four‑year term (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Ashford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a special meeting to review a full draft of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) prepared by Tyche. The body will discuss edits and next steps for the project.

• Review of full draft POCD by Tyche
• Discussion of edits to full draft
• Discussion of next steps

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will meet to conduct regular business and review reports. The board will enter an executive session to evaluate candidates for the Library Director position.

• Executive session to review applicants for the Library Director position

The board unanimously approved the minutes from September 23 and October 8, 2025. It then entered an executive session to review applicants for the library director position and exited that session later the same morning. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 11:07 a.m.

• Approved minutes from 9/23/2025 and 10/08/2025 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to review library director applicants (unanimous)
• Left executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:07 a.m. (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to discuss new and old business. Key items include the Langhammer Trail Bridge and upcoming community events.

• Langhammer Trail Bridge
• Indoor Farmers Market
• Trash Cleanup on Nov 8
• Fall Program with Library
• Appointment of new member

The commission approved the October 25 minutes and appointed Angela Burns to serve on the commission through November 18, 2025. A straw poll unanimously endorsed Joe Hendrick as the next chair, replacing Loretta Wrobel. The farmer’s market will move indoors to Knowlton Memorial Hall starting November 9, 2025, and a trash‑cleanup event is set for November 8 with advertising plans assigned. The 2026 meeting schedule was circulated and accepted without objection.

• Approved 8-25-25 minutes (unanimous)
• Angela Burns appointed to commission (term ends 11/18/2025)
• Joe Hendrick unanimously elected chair
• Farmer’s Market moved indoors to Knowlton Memorial Hall starting Nov 9, 2025
• Trash cleanup scheduled for Sat Nov 8 (rain date Sun Nov 9); advertising tasks assigned
• Celebration of Ashford event planned for early spring 2026 with Knowlton Hall reservation priority
• Langhammer Trail Bridge repair identified; cost estimate requested
• 2026 meeting schedule accepted (no objections)

Board of Finance

The Ashford Board of Finance regular meeting scheduled for October 23, 2025 has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered at this time. The next regular meeting is set for November 13, 2025 at Town Hall at 7 p.m.

Economic Development Commission

The Ashford Economic Development Commission will review its budget expenditures. It will receive tourism updates, including the ERTD grant and video script status. The commission will discuss upcoming events, membership matters, and the Business of the Year selection process. Public input will be heard before adjournment.

• Review and approve budget expenditure report
• Tourism updates: ERTD grant and video script review
• Discussion of upcoming events such as Holiday Artists Market and Winter Farmers Market Business Fair
• Consideration of Northeastern CT Chamber membership and Advance CT session at NECCOG
• Business of the Year selection process

Board of Selectmen

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Selectmen scheduled for October 20, 2025, has been cancelled.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will review the Family Day and Halloween functions and conduct a fiscal review. Members will discuss security at Ashford Memorial Park due to vandalism and the repair of the concession stand and pavilion.

• Concession Stand and Pavilion Repair
• Security in Ashford Memorial Park regarding vandalism
• Family Day review
• Halloween Function review

The commission voted to approve the September meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved September meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will ratify a successor agreement with the Ashford Education Association and review a new policy series regarding Family and Medical Leave.

• Ratification of successor agreement with Ashford Education Association (07/01/2026 – 06/30/2029)
• First reading of Policy Series 4000: FMLA
• Approval of September 2025 Board of Education minutes

The Board approved the consent agenda, including the minutes from September 4 and September 11, 2025. It ratified the successor agreement with the Ashford Education Association for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. The Board also cancelled the November 6, 2025 meeting due to quorum concerns and adjourned the session at 8:00 p.m.

• Approved consent agenda, including minutes of 09/04/2025 and 09/11/2025 (unanimous)
• Ratified successor agreement with Ashford Education Association for 07/01/2026‑06/30/2029 (unanimous)
• Cancelled 11/6/2025 meeting due to quorum concerns (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:00 p.m. (unanimous)

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority will review financial reports for September and Quarter 1. The board will discuss a new website and provide an update on a Moderate Rehab Project application.

• Update on Moderate Rehab Project application
• Review of September financial report and Quarter 1 financial statement
• Discussion of new website for Ashford Housing Development
• Motion to change meeting time to 6:00 pm

The board approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. It also voted to move the regular monthly meeting time to 6:00 pm permanently, effective immediately, with all members in favor. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Changed monthly meeting time to 6:00 pm permanently (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Ashford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a regular meeting on October 14, 2025, to discuss a 6-lot open space subdivision and a special permit application for a cluster subdivision on Ference Road. The meeting will be held online via Zoom.

• Approval of September 8, 2025 minutes
• Public hearing
• PZ-25-4: 6-lot Open Space Subdivision on 0 Ference Rd
• PZ-25-5: Special Permit for Cluster Subdivision on 0 Ference Rd
• Correspondence: Notice of Appeal to Superior Court

The commission approved the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. They accepted the application for a six‑lot open‑space subdivision on 0 Ference Rd with a unanimous vote. A motion was made to receive a special‑permit application for a cluster subdivision at the same location; the outcome was not recorded. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:16 p.m.

• Approved September 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted 6‑lot Open Space Subdivision application on 0 Ference Rd (unanimous)
• Motion to receive Special Permit application for Cluster Subdivision at 0 Ference Rd (motion moved; outcome not recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Chronicle bill $123.66 recorded as paid on 9/9/2025

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission will conduct its ongoing review of the Planning and Development Code (POCD) draft sections and the related maps and figures. The agenda also includes routine items such as call to order, setting the next meeting date, and adjournment. No new decisions or proposals are listed for this meeting.

• Ongoing review of POCD draft sections
• Ongoing review of POCD maps and figures
• Call to Order
• Scheduling of next meeting date
• Adjournment

The commission noted that Ashford Lake was mislabeled as Lake Chaffee on Figure A & Figure 1, and that Figure 12's legend lists “Surface Water” though no water bodies appear. Members said they will inform Mike about these items, and other maps were considered acceptable. No formal action or vote was taken.

Board of Finance

The Ashford Board of Finance will approve the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes and hear a Selectwoman’s update. It will discuss possible actions on year‑end transfers and receive an update on the 2023‑24 annual report. The meeting is scheduled as a hybrid session at Town Hall and via Zoom.

• Approve minutes from the September 25, 2025 regular meeting
• Selectwoman’s update (discussion)
• Discussion and possible action regarding year‑end transfers
• Update on the 2023‑24 annual report

The Board approved the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It then accepted the fiscal year‑end transfers totaling $77,878.18 to close overspent accounts and balance the budget, also unanimously. The Public Works repaving project was reported complete and under budget, and the town audit is scheduled for October 20‑21.

• Approve September 25, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accept FY 2025 year‑end transfers totaling $77,878.18 (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting set for October 8, 2025 has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered at this time. A special meeting is tentatively planned for October 30, 2025, pending confirmation.

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve policies for collection development and maintenance. The board will also discuss the timelines and procedures for hiring a new Library Director.

• Approval of Collection Development and Maintenance Policies
• Discussion of hiring procedures and timelines for a new Library Director

The Library Board approved the Request for Reconsideration of Materials, Library Material Review and Reconsideration, Collection Development and Maintenance, Library Display, and Library Program policies by unanimous vote. The board also agreed to schedule candidate interviews for the new Library Director after the November election. The meeting was adjourned at 10:33 a.m. by unanimous consent.

• Approved five library policies (unanimous)
• Board agreed to schedule director candidate interviews after November election
• Adjourned meeting at 10:33 a.m. (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Transfer Station Committee will meet to consider moving waste collection containers and other improvements at the Ashford Transfer Station. Members will also discuss drafting a report for the Board of Selectmen. The agenda includes approval of the August 27, 2025 minutes and a First Selectwoman’s update.

• Walk Transfer Station to discuss potential changes of waste collection container locations and other improvements
• Discuss drafting a report to the Board of Selectmen
• Approval of minutes of the August 27, 2025 meeting
• First Selectwoman’s update
• Old Business: update of stickers, paving, items from past discussions

The Board of Selectmen deferred approval of the August 27, 2025 minutes to the next meeting. Stickers will be made available on October 11. Keith Lipker was assigned to draft the Transfer Station report for the Board. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

• Deferred approval of August 27, 2025 minutes
• Stickers to be available October 11
• Keith Lipker assigned to draft Transfer Station report
• Motion to adjourn adopted

Agriculture Commission

The Ashford Agriculture Commission will hear public comments and review the unfinished Right to Farm Ordinance. The meeting will also consider new commission membership and set future meeting dates. A chairman’s briefing and round‑table discussion are also on the agenda.

• Discussion of Right to Farm Ordinance (unfinished business)
• Consideration of new commission membership
• Review and adoption of meeting schedule
• Public comments hearing
• Chairman's briefing

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will meet on October 7, 2024 in Ashford Town Office. The agenda includes reviewing an old septic system repair at 77 Lake View Drive, discussing a new 6‑lot subdivision permit (Permit 25‑14) on Krukoff, Ference and Hnath Roads, and a Lake Chaffee Association drawdown and permitting discussion. The commission will also receive an agent report on a site visit to Scout Camp at 229‑231 Ashford Center Road. Public comment and routine reports will also be presented.

• Septic system repair with curtain drain at 77 Lake View Drive
• Permit 25‑14 for a 6‑lot subdivision on Krukoff, Ference and Hnath Roads (12‑C‑7)
• Lake Chaffee Association drawdown and permitting discussion
• Scout Camp site visit at 229‑231 Ashford Center Road
• Approval of minutes from the September 2, 2025 regular meeting

The commission approved the corrected minutes from the September 2, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. The commission unanimously approved the application received August 1, 2025 for the septic system repair with curtain drain at 77 Lake View Drive. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. after a unanimous motion to adjourn.

• Approved September 2, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 77 Lake View Drive septic system repair application (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Ashford Board of Selectmen will review updates on the school roof replacement and solar projects, and consider rescinding funding for lower‑level parking‑lot lighting. New business includes discussion and action on state bill HB5002, driveway permit procedures, and a preliminary talk on Ashford Academy repairs. The board will also handle several commission appointments and approve tax refunds.

• Ashford School Roof Replacement project status
• Ashford School solar project status
• Rescind funding motion for lower level parking lot lighting
• Discuss and act on consideration of HB5002
• Discuss and act on driveway permit procedures, fees and bonding

The Selectmen unanimously accepted the minutes from May 19, August 11 and August 27, 2025. They rescinded the earlier $7,000 allocation for Town Office lower‑level parking‑lot lights and approved a new allocation not to exceed $10,000. The board also reappointed members to several commissions, appointed new members, and approved 17 tax refunds.

• Accepted minutes of 5/19/2025 and 8/11/2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of 8/27/2025 (passed)
• Rescinded $7,000 allocation for TOB lower‑level parking‑lot lights (unanimous)
• Approved up to $10,000 allocation for TOB lower‑level parking‑lot lights (unanimous)
• Reappointed four members to the Commission on Aging through 6/30/2027 (unanimous)
• Appointed Angela Burns as alternate member of the Conservation Commission (unanimous)
• Appointed Joe Henrik, Pete Piecyk, and Meghan Macrae as full members of Inland Wetlands & Watercourses (unanimous)
• Approved 17 tax refunds as submitted by the Tax Collector (unanimous)

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Ashford Our Town Our Future committee will meet virtually to discuss potential future projects, update the Plan of Conservation and Development, and consider a new strategic planning process. The meeting will include public input and member recruitment.

• Discussion of potential future projects
• POCD update
• Discussion of potential future strategic planning process
• Project updates
• New member recruitment

The Core Committee approved the July 7, 2025 minutes with a 3‑0‑1 vote (one abstention). Members discussed a possible community foundation and volunteer‑recognition program but took no formal action. An update noted the POCD sub‑committee has completed its work and awaits further review. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.

• Approved July 7, 2025 minutes (vote 3-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Commission on Aging

The Ashford Commission on Aging will convene at 10 a.m. on October 6, 2025. The agenda includes routine items such as the Secretary’s Report, correspondence, and the Agent for the Elderly Report, as well as old and new business and a public hearing segment. No specific actions or contracts are listed in the agenda.

• Secretary’s Report
• Correspondence
• Agent for the Elderly Report
• Old Business
• New Business

The commission approved the meeting minutes. It also approved the annual report presented by Esther. The meeting was adjourned at 11:13 a.m.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved annual report (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:13 a.m. (motion passed)

Board of Education (ABOE)

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Education scheduled for October 2, 2025, has been cancelled.

Board of Finance

The Ashford Board of Finance will hold a regular meeting to review several updates and topics. Items include a Selectwoman’s update, a discussion of a public feedback session on budget priorities, and possible actions on contract negotiations between the Board of Education and the teachers’ union. The board will also discuss year‑end transfers, excess education funds for the fiscal year ending June 30 2025, and updates to the 23‑24 Annual Report and its dedication.

• Discussion of public feedback session on budget priorities
• Discussion of upcoming contract negotiations between Board of Education and teachers’ union
• Discussion of year‑end transfers
• Update on excess education funds for fiscal year ended June 30 2025
• Update on the 23‑24 Annual Report and its dedication

The Board of Finance unanimously approved the June 26 and July 24 meeting minutes, with one member abstaining on each. Members voted unanimously to hold a special public meeting on November 13 to gather input on budget priorities, followed by a regular meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:32 p.m.

• Approve June 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous, Mr. Rhodes abstained)
• Approve July 24, 2025 minutes (unanimous, Ms. Austin abstained)
• Hold special public budget input meeting on Nov 13 (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development Commission

The Ashford Economic Development Commission will approve the minutes from the December 20, 2023 meeting and receive a report on budget expenditures. Commissioners will hear updates on the PZC‑I‑84 zoning plan, tourism initiatives, and the Cadle Rock grant and steering committee. The agenda also includes announcements about upcoming business events, chamber membership, and new member recruitment.

• Approval of minutes – December 20, 2023
• Budget – report of expenditures
• PZC‑I‑84 zoning update (information only)
• Tourism updates and review of the ERTD grant
• Cadle Rock grant & steering committee discussion

Economic Development Commission

The meeting scheduled for September 24, 2025, has been canceled. It was rescheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Economic Development Commission

The Ashford Economic Development Commission special meeting scheduled for September 23, 2025 was cancelled by M. Chatey on September 19, 2025. Because the meeting was cancelled, no agenda items were discussed or decided. The agenda had listed items such as a budget expenditure report, zoning updates, tourism grant reviews, and membership matters that will be addressed at a future meeting.

• Budget – report of expenditures
• PZC‑I‑84 zoning update
• Cadle Rock – grant and steering committee discussion
• Northeastern CT Chamber membership
• Tourism updates – ERTD grant review

Economic Development Commission

The Ashford Economic Development Commission will review its budget report of expenditures. It will receive updates on tourism grants, zoning news, and upcoming community events. The commission will also discuss new member recruitment and partnership opportunities.

• Budget – Report of expenditures
• PZC‑I‑84 zoning update (announcement)
• ERTD grant – review video script and videography
• Cadle Rock – grant and steering committee discussion
• Northeastern CT Chamber membership

Library Board of Trustees

The board will approve the minutes from the August 26, 2025 meeting and hear the treasurer’s and library director’s reports. It will consider the Book Challenges Policy and hold an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

• Approve Minutes – August 26, 2025
• Treasurer’s Report
• Library Director’s Report
• Book Challenges Policy
• Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters

The Library Board approved a motion to enter an executive session at 10:02 a.m. to discuss personnel matters. The board also unanimously approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting, accepted the Treasurer’s report, and adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m.

• Approved entry into executive session to discuss personnel matters (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 26 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer’s report (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:11 a.m. (unanimous)

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals will approve the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting, hear appeals concerning the 2024 Grand List motor vehicle assessments (by appointment only), and set the annual meeting dates for 2026 to be filed with the town clerk. The meeting also includes any other business of the Board.

• Approve minutes from 4/1/2025 meeting
• Hear appeals for 2024 Grand List motor vehicles (by appointment only)
• Set annual meeting dates for 2026 to be filed with the town clerk
• Any other Board of Assessment Appeals business

The Board of Assessment Appeals unanimously approved the minutes from the April 1, 2025 meeting. Both appeals heard were resolved with no changes: one appellant did not appear and the other’s vehicle assessment remained unchanged. The board took no action on setting the 2026 annual meeting dates. No other business was discussed.

• Approved minutes from 4/1/2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Lovell George L III appeal resulted in no show (no change)
• Kelly Michael appeal resulted in no change to vehicle value
• No action taken on setting 2026 annual meeting dates

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission's regular meeting scheduled for September 22, 2025 was canceled because the agenda was received late. An informal gathering will be held that evening. The next official meeting is scheduled for October 27, 2025 at the regular time.

The commission decided to relocate the Farmers Market to Knowlton Hall, running 10 a.m.–1 p.m. starting November 9, 2025, with the winter market continuing through April 2026. Trash collection day was scheduled for November 8, 2025, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., with a rain‑date on November 9. Joe Hendricks volunteered to become chair of the Conservation Commission when Loretta Wrobel’s term ends in November. Christine and Stephanie were assigned to develop the fall water‑focused program with the Babcock Library.

• Relocated Farmers Market to Knowlton Hall (10 a.m.–1 p.m., starting Nov 9)
• Set winter market period through April 2026
• Scheduled Trash Day for Nov 8, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., rain‑date Nov 9
• Joe Hendricks volunteered to become CC chair after Loretta’s term
• Assigned Christine and Stephanie to plan fall water program

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will review section updates submitted by boards, commissions, and Tyche. It will then discuss next steps for the planning process. The meeting will also set the date for the next commission meeting.

• Review of Section Updates provided by Boards & Commissions
• Review of Updates by Tyche to submitted sections
• Discussion of Next Steps
• Set Next Meeting Date

The Planning & Zoning Commission subcommittee met on September 18, 2025, and noted the need to add information about PRDDs approved earlier that month. Members considered whether the commission could write a regulation to stop junk yards and to exclude some businesses from the town center. They discussed adding language to define allowable business types in Village Districts and to prevent special permits for used‑car lots, but no action was approved or voted on.

Board of Selectmen

The regular Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for September 15, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were presented for discussion or decision.

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will review its bylaws under Policy Series 9000. The meeting includes public comment periods before and after the review. No other agenda items are listed.

• Review of Ashford Board of Education Bylaws – Policy Series 9000

The Ashford Board of Education reviewed its current bylaws and discussed future policy changes, which will be presented and voted on at later meetings. A motion to adjourn the special meeting was made by Kim Kouatly, seconded by Amanda Cantrell, and carried unanimously.

• Motion to adjourn the special meeting carried unanimously

Board of Finance

The Ashford Board of Finance will approve June 26 and July 24, 2025 meeting minutes, hear public comment, and consider several new‑business topics. Items include a Selectwoman’s update, a discussion of a public feedback session on budget priorities, observation of upcoming contract negotiations between the Board of Education and the teachers’ union, an update on excess education funds for the fiscal year ending June 30 2025, and updates and possible actions related to the 2023‑24 Annual Report. No final actions are scheduled at this meeting.

• Approve Regular Meeting Minutes – June 26, 2025
• Approve Regular Meeting Minutes – July 24, 2025
• Discussion of public feedback session on budget priorities
• Observation of upcoming contract negotiations between Board of Education and teachers’ union
• Update on excess education funds for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Ashford Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting on September 10, 2025 was cancelled. No new business or agenda items were presented. The board will reconvene at its next scheduled meeting on October 8, 2025.

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen’s Transfer Station Committee will continue its discussion on handling bulky waste and consider a possible redesign of the town’s Transfer Station to improve traffic flow. The committee will also outline next steps for the project. No final decisions are noted on the agenda.

• Continuation of discussion on bulky waste handling and Transfer Station traffic flow redesign
• Outline of next steps for the Transfer Station project

The Transfer Station Committee approved the minutes from August 27, 2025. It agreed to a 3 cubic‑yard per week limit on bulky waste, using punch cards and signage for tracking. The oil and antifreeze deposit station will be moved to the lower level, and the cardboard collection container will be relocated to the former oil/antifreeze site. Volunteers are needed for issuing new stickers starting October 4.

• Approved minutes of August 27, 2025 (motion passed)
• Agreed to 3 cubic‑yard weekly bulky waste limit with punch‑card tracking
• Agreed to move oil and antifreeze deposit station to lower level (location TBD)
• Agreed to relocate cardboard collection container to former oil/antifreeze site
• Agreed to use excavator to compact cardboard and shut down existing compactor
• Identified need for volunteers to issue new stickers beginning October 4

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority will approve the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes and hear the Director's monthly update. A budget report will present the August financial figures. The board will note that there is no update on the Ashford Housing Development and that a Conn‑App has been submitted for the Moderate Rehab Project. A training session on commissioner roles and responsibilities will be discussed, followed by a public access period.

• Approval of Minutes for August 12, 2025
• Budget Report: August financial report
• Ashford Housing Development: No update
• Moderate Rehab Project: Conn‑App submitted
• Business: Training‑Commissioner Roles and Responsibilities

The board unanimously approved the June 2025 meeting minutes. A motion to adjourn was also passed unanimously, ending the session at 7:25 pm. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved June 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:25 pm (all in favor)

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Ashford Our Town Our Future Core Committee meeting scheduled for September 8, 2025, at 7:00 pm has been cancelled. No further business was listed in the agenda.

Commission on Aging

The Commission on Aging will meet to review reports from the Secretary and the Agent for the Elderly. The agenda consists of procedural items and general business.

The commission voted to appoint Esther Jagodzinski as its permanent president and Monica Gallegos as temporary secretary. The meeting minutes were approved, and the session was adjourned at 11:11 a.m. No vote tallies were recorded in the minutes.

• Appointed Esther Jagodzinski as Permanent President (approved)
• Appointed Monica Gallegos as Temporary Secretary (approved)
• Approved the meeting minutes (approved)
• Adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m. (approved)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Ashford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold its regular online meeting on Monday, August 8, 2025 at 7 pm. The group will review minutes from the prior meeting, hear public comments, and consider bills and correspondence before taking up a special-permit application for motor-vehicle sales and service at 221 Pompey Hollow Road.

• Special permit PZ-25-3 for motor-vehicle sales/service at 221 Pompey Hollow Rd (decision possible)
• Pre-application conference for Open Space Subdivision on 0 Ference Rd
• Informal discussion with KOK Management, LLC regarding 54 Seckar Rd
• Public hearing on PZ-25-3 (continued from 8-11-25)
• $131.52 bill from The Chronicle

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and possible decision regarding a special permit for motor vehicle sales and service. The body will also hold an informal discussion regarding 54 Seckar Rd and review a POCD update.

• Public hearing and possible decision on PZ-25-3 for motor vehicle sales and service at 221 Pompey Hollow Rd
• Informal discussion with KOK Management, LLC regarding 54 Seckar Rd
• Payment of $131.52 to The Chronicle
• Review of POCD Update

The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on application PZ‑25‑3 for a special permit to operate a motor‑vehicle sales and service business at 221 Pompey Hollow Rd. Commissioners noted missing traffic analysis, drainage details, and fire‑department input, and said the waiver could be denied if required information is not provided. No vote was taken; the commission will decide after additional information is received.

• Held public hearing on PZ‑25‑3 special permit (no vote taken)
• Identified need for traffic study and additional information before approval (pending)
• Stated waiver may be denied if required information is not submitted (pending)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ashford Parks & Recreation Commission will review summer program outcomes, discuss capital improvements, and finalize fall event plans at its September 8 meeting. The agenda includes updates on the summer concert series, summer camp, and a review of summer programs, followed by new business on Family Day, the fall calendar, and capital projects.

• Review summer program outcomes (concert series, summer camp)
• Discuss capital improvements projects
• Plan Family Day event
• Finalize fall program offerings, special events, and bus trips

The commission unanimously approved the August meeting minutes. The commission approved the RecDesk recreation software, with funding to be drawn from the town’s general fund. Upcoming events were scheduled, including Family Day on September 14, a Trunk‑or‑Treat on October 31, a Turkey Trot on November 9, a Christmas bus trip on December 6, and a Carol Sing on December 7. The basketball program fee was increased to $100 with a $5 early‑bird discount, and the planned bus trip to the Big E was cancelled due to low enrollment.

• Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved RecDesk recreation software (funding from general fund)
• Scheduled Family Day for 9/14
• Scheduled Trunk or Treat for 10/31 at library
• Scheduled Turkey Trot for 11/9, 1:00‑3:00
• Scheduled Christmas bus trip for 12/6
• Increased basketball fees to $100 with $5 early‑bird discount
• Cancelled bus trip to the Big E due to low enrollment

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will meet on September 4, 2025, to ratify a three-year teachers’ union contract and approve medical standing orders for the 2025–2026 school year. The board will also receive the annual school opening report and review multiple board policies, including those on sexual offenders on school property and student health.

• Ratify Local 506 SEIU Successor Agreement (ends June 30, 2027)
• Approve 2025–2026 Medical Standing Orders
• Review board policies on sexual offenders, student health, and field trips

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the minutes from August 21, 2025. It then ratified the Local 506 SEIU successor collective bargaining agreement that runs until June 30, 2027. The board also unanimously approved the 2025‑2026 medical standing orders for student health care. The meeting was adjourned without further decisions.

• Approved consent agenda minutes (08/21/2025) – unanimous
• Ratified Local 506 SEIU successor agreement ending June 30, 2027 – unanimous
• Approved 2025‑2026 Medical Standing Orders – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous

Board of Selectmen

The Ashford Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for September 3, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2025.

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will discuss drainage pipe repairs and a septic system installation. The body will also review agent approvals for residential projects and a lake drawdown.

• 80 Bicknell Rd: Repair and re-establish drainage pipes
• 77 Lake View Drive: Septic system repair with curtain drain
• 483 Turnpike Rd: Single family dwelling agent approval
• 28 Kidder Brook Rd: Well location permit amendment
• 11 Town Line Ext: Single family dwelling agent approval

The commission approved the August 5, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. It also unanimously accepted the permit application for the septic system repair with curtain drain at 77 Lake View Drive. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 5, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted 77 Lake View Drive septic system repair permit application (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Selectmen scheduled for September 2, 2025, has been cancelled.

Economic Development Commission

The Ashford Economic Development Commission will hold a special meeting to review expenditures, hear updates from other commissions including a zoning update and strategic plan, and discuss tourism opportunities and new member recruitment. The meeting also includes public input and planning for upcoming events like Family Day and Fire Department anniversary promotions.

• Budget report of expenditures
• PZC-I-84 Zoning Update presentation
• ERTD Grant / Video production script and shot list update for tourism
• New member recruitment for the commission
• Family Day participation on Sunday, Sept. 14

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to discuss a public feedback session regarding budget priorities for the fall. The meeting also includes updates from the Selectwoman and the 23-24 Annual Report.

• Discussion of public feedback session on budget priorities
• Update on the 23-24 Annual Report
• Selectwoman's update

The August 28, 2025 Board of Finance meeting was cancelled because there were not enough members present to form a quorum. No agenda items were considered, and all items will be moved to the next meeting's agenda.

Economic Development Commission

The meeting scheduled for August 27, 2025, has been postponed. It is rescheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Board of Selectmen

The Ashford Board of Selectmen is meeting jointly with the Town of Willington Board of Selectmen. The purpose is to complete documents and appointments required for the 2025 Brownfield Area-wide Revitalization (BAR) Planning Grant.

• Adoption of Certified Resolution relating to the 2025 BAR grant
• Approval of 'Certification by Applicant' for the 2025 BAR grant
• Appointment of a 5-member advisory/steering committee
• Appointment of a non-voting chair for the BAR grant advisory/steering committee

The Selectmen unanimously adopted a certified resolution and the applicant certification for the Cadlerock/Wagon Shed property’s Round 22 Brownfield Area‑Wide Revitalization (BAR) Planning Grant. They also approved the appointment of a five‑member advisory/steering committee and named Christine Abikoff as the non‑voting chairman of the BAR grant committee.

• Adopted Certified Resolution for Cadlerock/Wagon Shed BAR grant (unanimous)
• Approved Certification by Applicant for Cadlerock/Wagon Shed BAR grant (unanimous)
• Appointed 5‑member Cadlerock/Wagon Shed advisory/steering committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Christine Abikoff as non‑voting chairman of BAR grant committee (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will meet to discuss operational updates. The board is scheduled to evaluate summer programs and plan for fall programming. Discussions will also include staffing issues and budget updates.

• Review and evaluation of summer programs
• Review of plans for Fall Programs
• Discussion of staffing issues
• Budget updates

The Library Board approved the June 24, 2025 minutes with a unanimous vote. No other formal actions were voted on; the board discussed summer and upcoming fall programs, staffing changes, and a draft book‑challenge policy that must be completed by Oct. 1, 2025.

• Approved June 24 minutes (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Ashford Conservation Commission will meet to approve minutes, address old business including the Natchaug Watershed Compact, and discuss new initiatives such as searching for a new chair and planning a fall program with the library.

• Search for new chair
• Fall program with library
• Work with social worker/librarian on conservation education

The commission approved the minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting. No other formal actions were decided; the remainder of the agenda consisted of reports and planning discussions for a new chair, a library program, and a fall clean‑up event.

• Approved August 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Board of Education will discuss the employment contract for the Director of Pupil Services and Superintendent of Schools. The meeting includes updates on labor negotiations and a year-end financial and audit report.

• Approval of employment contract for Director of Pupil Services and Supt. of Schools
• Negotiations update for MEUI and AEA
• End of Year Financial and Audit Update
• Acceptance of anonymous donation to Ashford School
• Staff appointments

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will hold a special work session to discuss administrator goals, school programming, and board priorities for fiscal year 2026. The meeting includes open dialogue and a policy review plan.

• Discussion of 2025-2026 Administrator Goals and Improvement Plan
• Dialogue on current and future programming for Ashford School
• Board Priorities for FY 26

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee of the Planning & Zoning Commission is holding a special meeting. The body will review draft sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development.

• Review of POCD Draft Sections

The commission reviewed the Governance section revised by Mike D’Amato. They made some changes to his suggestions but concluded that the Housing portion would remain the same. No vote count was recorded.

• Kept Housing section unchanged

Board of Selectmen

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Selectmen scheduled for August 18, 2025, has been cancelled.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Ashford Zoning Board of Appeals has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for August 13, 2025. There is no new business to address. The next meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2025.

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority will meet to discuss the Moderate Rehab Project and the Ashford Housing Development. The board is scheduled to review an agreement with the Town and approve the amended FY26 budget.

• Approval of amended FY26 budget
• Review of agreement with Town
• Status update on Moderate Rehab Project
• Update on Ashford Housing Development

The commission approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting with all members in favor. An amended FY2026 budget, reflecting a lower property‑insurance cost, was also approved unanimously. The board reviewed the ratified town agreement and noted upcoming activities such as a booth at the farmers market and a pending SSHIP application.

• Approved June 10, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved amended FY2026 budget (all in favor)

Board of Selectmen

The Ashford Board of Selectmen will hold a special meeting to accept past meeting minutes, hear reports from town boards, and act on several new items. Key decisions include approving a memorandum of understanding for the Natchaug River Watershed Plan, acquiring RecDesk software, and ratifying shared responsibilities with the Ashford Housing Authority.

• Approval of Natchaug River Watershed Plan – MOU
• Approve acquisition of RecDesk software
• Ratify Shared Responsibilities Agreement with Ashford Housing Authority
• Reappointment of Sherri Soucy as Treasurer to 6/30/2027
• Fill multiple vacancies on Economic Development, Agriculture, Zoning, Conservation, and other commissions

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the Natchaug River Watershed Plan memorandum of understanding and the purchase of RecDesk software. They also reappointed Sherri Soucy as Treasurer through June 30, 2027 and ratified a Shared Responsibilities Agreement with the Ashford Housing Authority. Additional actions included adding two seats to the Clean Energy Task Force and reappointing Mike Gantick to the Economic Development Commission.

• Accepted minutes of Special Meeting 5/6/2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of Regular Meeting 6/16/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Natchaug River Watershed Plan MOU (unanimous)
• Approved acquisition of RecDesk software (unanimous)
• Reappointed Sherri Soucy as Treasurer to 6/30/2027 (unanimous)
• Ratified Shared Responsibilities Agreement with Ashford Housing Authority (unanimous)
• Added two member seats to Clean Energy Task Force, total membership now 9 (unanimous)
• Reappointed Mike Gantick to Economic Development Commission to 2/02/2030 (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Ashford Planning & Zoning Commission will meet online at 7 p.m. on August 11, 2025. Commissioners will review two pending applications—one for a motor-vehicle sales and service special permit at 221 Pompey Hollow Rd and another to create a new Planned Rural Development District—and discuss draft sections of the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. No votes are required at this meeting.

• Special Permit PZ-25-3 for motor vehicle sales and service at 221 Pompey Hollow Rd (applicant O.Kuruca)
• Text Amendment PZ-25-2 to create Planned Rural Development District (Section 300-20.2)
• Review of POCD draft sections: Introduction, Vision, Agriculture, Energy
• Review of application checklist updates
• Approval of July 14, 2025 meeting minutes

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting, with one member abstaining. A bill for a $325.92 Willimantic Chronicle advertisement was approved. The public hearing on the special permit for motor‑vehicle sales at 221 Pompey Hollow Rd. was continued to the next meeting pending additional information. The text amendment to create a Planned Rural Development District was discussed but no final vote was recorded.

• Approved July 14, 2025 minutes (1 abstention)
• Approved $325.92 bill for Willimantic Chronicle ad

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee is holding a special meeting. The body will review draft sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development.

• Review of POCD Draft Sections

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen’s Transfer Station Committee is meeting to discuss updates to the Town Transfer Station Ordinance. The group will review monitoring methods for waste and traffic patterns following repaving.

• Proposed revisions to the Town Transfer Station Ordinance
• Discussion of punch cards
• Monitoring of bulky waste
• Review of traffic patterns following repaving
• Update on new stickers

The Selectmen’s Transfer Station Committee meeting on August 6, 2025 did not proceed because a quorum was not present. No actions were taken or decisions recorded.

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will discuss drainage pipe repairs and a single-family dwelling application. The body will also receive notification of a timber harvest and review agent approvals for lawn reclamation.

• IW-25-09: Repair and re-establish drainage pipes at 80 Bicknell Rd
• IW-25-10: Single family dwelling at 483 Turnpike Rd
• Notification of timber harvest at 48 Portland Dr
• Agent approval for lawn area reclamation along Knowlton Brook at 152 Squaw Hollow Rd
• Site visits at Ashford Lake Drive and 152 Squaw Hollow Rd

The commission unanimously approved the July 1, 2025 meeting minutes. It unanimously denied the IW‑25‑09 request for 80 Bicknell Rd. to proceed “as of right,” requiring a detailed permit application. The IW‑25‑11 single‑family dwelling project was kept on the agenda for future review. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

• Approved July 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Denied IW‑25‑09 80 Bicknell Rd. request as “as of right” (unanimous)
• Kept IW‑25‑11 483 Turnpike Rd. project on agenda for future review
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Selectmen scheduled for August 4, 2025, has been cancelled.

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Our Town Our Future Core Committee meeting scheduled for August 4, 2025, has been cancelled.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review several new business items including software acquisition and a shared responsibilities agreement with the Housing Authority. The board will also consider filling multiple vacancies across several town commissions and boards.

• Approval of Natchaug River Watershed Plan – MOU
• Acquisition of RecDesk software
• Ratification of Ashford Housing Authority Shared Responsibilities Agreement
• Increase Clean Energy Task Force membership from 7 to 9 members
• Appointments for Economic Development, Agriculture, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation, Library, and Planning & Zoning

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ashford Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting to review the fiscal year 2024/25 financial report, introduce the new Recreation Director, and discuss a budget update for park building repairs and capital expenditures for FY25/26. The meeting also includes a public hearing and a brief discussion on Family Day event logistics.

• FY24/25 financial report review
• Budget update and capital expenditures for FY25/26
• Ashford Park buildings repair update
• Introduction of Noah King as Recreation Director
• Family Day event planning (band, hamburgers/hotdogs, water bottles)

The Ashford Parks & Recreation Commission unanimously approved the July 2025 meeting minutes. The commission entered an executive session, later exited it, and then adjourned the meeting. It also unanimously authorized Recreation Director Noah King to spend money to attend CRPA training in November and obtain membership.

• Approved July meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to enter executive session (unanimous)
• Approved motion to exit executive session (unanimous)
• Approved spending for Noah King’s CRPA training (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is meeting to review section updates provided by various boards and commissions. The body will also review updates made by Tyche to submitted sections and discuss next steps.

• Review of section updates from Boards & Commissions
• Review of updates by Tyche to submitted sections

Economic Development Commission

The commission is meeting to review budget expenditures and receive updates on the I-84 zoning and the town's strategic plan. Members will also discuss the status of a blighted properties letter and the ERTD grant for video production.

• PZC-I-84 Zoning Update
• ERTD Grant video production script and shot list update
• Blighted properties letter next steps
• Moore Property business prospect follow-up
• Northeastern CT Chamber Membership

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review a recommendation for the Board of Selectmen regarding the Natchaug Watershed. The body will also discuss the POCD and the Natchaug Healthy River Compact.

• Natchaug Watershed recommendation for BOS
• POCD and Natchaug Healthy River Compact
• Appointment of new member Joe Hendrick
• Meeting with new director David McCarthy

The Conservation Commission approved the minutes from the June 23, 2025 meeting after a motion by Christine Acebo and a second by Janet Bellamy. The commission also agreed to recommend that the Board of Selectmen sign the Natchaug Watershed Healthy River Compact, noting its importance for water quality in Ashford. No other actions were taken.

• Approved June 23, 2025 minutes (motion by Christine Acebo, seconded by Janet Bellamy)
• Agreed to recommend Board of Selectmen sign Natchaug Watershed Healthy River Compact

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to discuss and potentially take action on funding for a new bus. The meeting also includes updates on the town revaluation and the 23-24 Annual Report.

• Possible action regarding funding for new bus
• Town Assessor update on reval
• Update on the 23-24 Annual Report

The board unanimously approved allocating $10,000 from the unassigned fund balance to cover the cost of a new school bus. A motion to approve the June 26, 2025 meeting minutes was withdrawn, so approval will be deferred to the next meeting. The board also unanimously adopted a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 p.m.

• Approved $10,000 allocation from unassigned fund for new school bus (unanimous)
• Deferred approval of June 26, 2025 meeting minutes (motion withdrawn)
• Adopted motion to adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development Commission

The meeting scheduled for July 23, 2025, has been postponed. It is rescheduled for Monday, July 28.

Library Board of Trustees

The regular meeting scheduled for July 22, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2025.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss the status of the Ashford School roof replacement and solar project, including authorization for a PPA agreement. The body will also consider a memorandum of understanding for the Natchaug Watershed and various board appointments.

• Authorization to enter into PPA agreement for Ashford School solar project
• Approval of Natchaug Watershed MOU
• Appointments for Economic Development, Agriculture, Zoning, Conservation, Library, and Planning boards
• Review of TOB lower level parking lot lighting
• Approval of tax refunds

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education meeting scheduled for July 17, 2025, has been cancelled.

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority will review a marketing plan for housing development and receive updates on a moderate rehab project. The board is scheduled to vote on a resolution to approve an architect contract for the rehab project.

• Resolution to approve Architect contract for rehab project
• Review of Ashford Housing Development Marketing Plan
• Update on Moderate Rehab Project
• June and 4th quarter financial reports

The Ashford Housing Authority special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No agenda items were considered, and no decisions were made or voted on.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will review the proposed budget and capital expenditures for FY25/26. Members will also discuss a recommendation for a new Director and review needs for a July 15 concert.

• Proposed Budget and Capital Expenditures FY25/26
• Recommendation for new Director
• Financial Report ending FY24/25
• July 15 concert needs
• Ashford Park field update

The commission approved the corrected June meeting minutes unanimously. It added a new agenda item on a recreation management system, but rejected the purchase of the $4,200 Rec‑Desk software after a motion failed. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Added agenda item “Recreation Management System” (unanimous)
• Rejected purchase of Rec‑Desk online registration software (motion failed)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a text amendment to create a new Special Development District. The body will also discuss short-term rental regulations and the Plan of Conservation and Development status.

• Public hearing for PZ-25-2: Text Amendment to establish Section 300-20.2 (Planned Rural Development District)
• Discussion of Section 300-17D: Short-term Rental Regulations
• POCD Status Update
• Review of Application Form Checklist

The commission unanimously voted to table the short‑term rental regulations discussion (agenda item 7.C.i) until the August meeting. It also approved adding material for the 221 Pompey Hollow Road application (PZ‑25‑3) to the agenda. Additionally, the public hearing on the Planned Rural Development District (PZ‑25‑2) was continued to the August meeting.

• Tabled Short-Term Rental Regulations discussion (agenda 7.C.i) until August (unanimous)
• Added material for 221 Pompey Hollow Rd. (PZ‑25‑3) to agenda (unanimous)
• Continued Public Hearing on Planned Rural Development District (PZ‑25‑2) to August meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission will hold a virtual-only public hearing. The specific agenda items will be available on the Town's website and in the Town Clerk's Office starting July 11.

Board of Finance

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Finance scheduled for July 10, 2025, has been cancelled.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The meeting scheduled for July 9, 2025, is cancelled. The board stated there is no new business to discuss.

Board of Selectmen

The Transfer Station Committee is meeting to conduct a work session regarding the rules and operations of the transfer station. The body will also review minutes from the June 25, 2025 meeting.

• Work session on Transfer Station Rules and Operations

The Selectmen’s Transfer Station Committee unanimously approved the June 25, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee agreed to order purple stickers with white lettering for the transfer station, with red as a backup if purple is unavailable. They noted bulky‑waste hauling costs of $78,429.20 through May 2025 and discussed a possible weekly limit of 3 cubic yards per user, but decided any limit must be presented to a Town Meeting before implementation.

• Approved June 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to order purple stickers with white lettering; red if purple unavailable
• Noted bulky‑waste hauling cost $78,429.20 through May 2025 (informational)
• Deferred any weekly bulky‑waste limit to a future Town Meeting

Housing Authority

The monthly meeting scheduled for July 8, 2025, has been cancelled.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet with the Willington Board of Selectmen regarding the Cadlerock property and a BAR grant application. The board will also review the status of the Ashford School roof replacement and solar project.

• Discussion with Willington Board of Selectmen on Cadlerock property and BAR grant application
• Status update on Ashford School roof replacement
• Authorization to enter into a PPA agreement for the Ashford School solar project

Board of Selectmen

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Selectmen scheduled for July 7, 2025, has been cancelled.

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Our Town-Our Future Core Committee will meet virtually to discuss a potential future strategic planning process and project updates. The agenda also includes a discussion on the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).

• Discussion of potential future strategic planning process
• Project updates
• New member recruitment
• POCD discussion

The committee approved the May 5, 2025 minutes with a 3-0-1 vote (Hanink abstaining). The board directed Mike Gantick to reach out to the First Selectwoman for Board of Selectmen input on the town's strategic planning and to share example plans from other communities.

• Approved May 5, 2025 minutes (3-0-1, Hanink abstaining)
• Assigned Mike Gantick to contact First Selectwoman about strategic planning

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will meet to discuss a new application for drainage pipe work. The commission will also review agent reports regarding site visits at four different locations.

• IW-25-09: Repair and re-establish drainage pipes at 80 Bicknell Rd
• Site visit report for 114 James Rd
• Site visit report for 34 Ashford Lake
• Site visit report for Armitage Rd
• Site visit report for 80 Bicknell Rd

The commission unanimously approved the June 3, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved a motion to seek a professional expert if discussions about the 80 Bicknell Rd. project remain unsatisfactory. An agenda item for 400 Nott Highway was added, and the commission unanimously approved the land‑improvement work there as a “right of use.” All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved June 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to consult a professional expert if 80 Bicknell Rd. discussions are unsatisfactory (unanimous)
• Approved addition of agenda item for 400 Nott Highway property (unanimous, Zulick recused)
• Approved right‑of‑use for land‑improvement project at 400 Nott Highway (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development Commission

The commission will review expenditures and discuss updates regarding tourism grants and blighted properties. Members will also address the annual report to the Board of Finance and establish future priorities.

• ERTD Grant video production script and shot list update
• PZC-I-84 Zoning Update
• Blighted properties letter next steps
• Annual report to Board of Finance 23-24
• Funding for summer tourism activities and concerts poster

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to receive updates on the town revaluation and the 24-25 audit. Members will also discuss the local match for a STEAP grant.

• Discussion of STEAP grant local match
• Town Assessor update on reval
• 24-25 Audit update
• Update on the 23-24 Annual Report

The Board of Finance approved the minutes from the May 8 and June 12, 2025 meetings, each passing unanimously with one member abstaining. The board then adjourned the meeting unanimously. No other actions were voted on.

• Approved May 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, Ms. Summers abstained)
• Approved June 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, Ms. Austin abstained)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is holding a special meeting to review draft sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development. The body will also finalize a list of maps, figures, and tables for the plan.

• Review of POCD Draft Sections
• Finalization of POCD Maps, Figures and Tables

Economic Development Commission

The June meeting of the Economic Development Commission has been postponed. It is now scheduled for June 26.

Board of Selectmen

The Transfer Station Committee is meeting to elect officers and discuss current operations. The committee will consider potential changes to rules and develop initial recommendations for the Board of Selectmen.

• Election of Committee Officers
• Review of current Transfer Station rules and operations
• Discussion of potential changes to Transfer Station rules
• Development of recommendations for the Board of Selectmen

The Transfer Station Committee elected Keith Lipker as its officer by unanimous vote. No other actions, approvals, or denials were taken. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion. The committee discussed current rules and upcoming repaving but made no substantive decisions.

• Elected Keith Lipker as committee officer (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will meet to review reports from the secretary, treasurer, and library director. The board will discuss updates regarding the 2026 budget, eBook legislation, and summer programs.

• Update on 2026 Budget
• Update on eBook legislation
• Update on summer programs

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the May 27 meeting. The board approved the Treasurer’s 2024‑2025 budget report. The board adjourned the meeting at 10:30 a.m.

• Approved May 27 minutes (unanimous vote)
• Approved 2024/2025 budget report (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is holding a special meeting to address ongoing projects and updates. The body will discuss the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and local environmental initiatives.

• Clean up at Pompey Hollow Trail Link
• Tour of sustainability garden at senior center
• Update on POCD
• Outdoor Farmers Market discussion
• Meeting scheduling with David McCarthy JT

The commission scheduled a meeting with new director David McCarthy, set a fall cleanup for Pompey Hollow Trail, and noted a senior‑center sustainability garden tour. Joe Hendrick will request to join the commission, and an agenda will be prepared for the July 28 meeting. No formal approvals or votes were recorded.

• Loretta to contact David McCarthy with two possible meeting dates (July 14 or July 16)
• Bill and Stephanie to inspect Tremko trail for an alternative route around a large tree
• Schedule a fall cleanup of Pompey Hollow Trail at Langhammer, pending chain‑saw check with Gwen and JT
• Joe Hendrick to send a letter to the town clerk requesting to join the Conservation Commission
• Loretta to prepare the agenda for the July 28 Conservation Commission meeting
• Public hearing for POCD‑CC portion set for July, with completion deadline Jan 2026
• Tour of senior‑center pollinator and vegetable gardens reported; grant from Sustainable CT noted
• Farmers Market noted as operating since May with Jackie Kulig as market master

Conservation Commission

The regular meeting scheduled for June 23, 2025, has been cancelled and rescheduled for 6:30pm at the Senior Housing Community Room.

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Board of Education will discuss end-of-year reports and the 2025-2026 school meal price increases. The body is also scheduled to approve the evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools.

• Approval of the Evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools
• School Meal Price Increases for 2025-2026
• Announcement of 2025 Bicknell Scholarship Recipients
• Solar Update
• Non-Union District Administrative Personnel Negotiations

The Ashford Board of Education unanimously approved the evaluation of Superintendent Cindy Ford and the new contract for the Director of Pupil Personnel and the Superintendent’s stipend covering July 1 2025 through June 30 2028. The board also voted to increase the school breakfast price to $1.75 and the lunch price to $3.25. An executive session was held to discuss the contract details, and the next regular meeting was set for July 17 pending a member poll.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes) – carried unanimously
• Approved evaluation of Superintendent Cindy Ford – carried unanimously
• Increased school breakfast price to $1.75 and lunch price to $3.25 – carried unanimously
• Approved Director of Pupil Personnel and Superintendent stipend contract (July 1 2025–June 30 2028) – carried unanimously
• Entered executive session to discuss contract and invited Superintendent – carried unanimously
• Scheduled next regular meeting for July 17, pending poll – decision made

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is meeting to review draft sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development. The body will also finalize a list of maps, figures, and tables for the plan.

• Review of POCD Draft Sections
• Finalization of POCD Maps, Figures and Tables

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider appointments for several town commissions and boards. The meeting includes status updates on school infrastructure projects and a review of parking lot lighting.

• Vacancies for Economic Development Commission, Agriculture Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Babcock Library Board, and Planning & Zoning Commission
• Status update on Ashford School Roof Replacement project
• Status update on Ashford School solar project
• Review of TOB lower level parking lot lighting
• Discussion regarding appointment of a Town of Ashford Historian

The Selectmen unanimously approved the appointment of Nora Valentine as the new Tax Collector effective September 1, 2025. They also approved several committee appointments, including Matthew Karosi to the Transfer Station Committee and changes to the Parks and Recreation Commission. An executive session was held to discuss possible litigation and personnel, and the regular July 7 BOS meeting was cancelled.

• Unanimously approved acceptance of the 4/21/2025 minutes
• Unanimously approved acceptance of the 6/2/2025 minutes
• Unanimously appointed Matthew Karosi to the Transfer Station Committee
• Unanimously appointed Steven B. Galinat, Jr. to Parks & Rec Commission (Seat 5) and Neil P. Gordon to Alternate Seat 2
• Unanimously moved the Board into executive session to discuss possible litigation and personnel
• Unanimously added agenda item to discuss and act on appointment of Tax Collector
• Unanimously appointed Nora Valentine as Tax Collector (annual salary $72,639.41)
• Cancelled the regular 7/7/2025 BOS meeting

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to discuss the legal notice for the mill rate and the local match for a STEAP grant. The board will also receive updates on the state budget and the 24-25 audit.

• Discussion of mill rate legal notice
• Discussion of STEAP grant local match
• Update on state budget
• 24-25 Audit update
• Update on the 23-24 Annual Report

The Board postponed approval of the May 8 meeting minutes after the motion was withdrawn. It approved the correct mill rates of 36.377 mills for real and personal property and 32.46 mills for motor vehicles. The Board approved an $80,000 allocation from the unassigned fund balance as the municipal match for the STEAP grant to repave the Transfer Station and Public Works Facility. The motion to adjourn was approved unanimously.

• Postponed approval of May 8, 2025 meeting minutes (motion withdrawn)
• Approved correct mill rates: 36.377 mills (real/personal) and 32.46 mills (vehicles)
• Approved $80,000 allocation from unassigned fund balance as STEAP grant match
• Signed engagement letter with auditor Jason Cote for 2024-2025 audit
• Tentatively scheduled public input session on budget savings for Sep 11, 2025
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously

Zoning Board of Appeals

The meeting scheduled for June 11, 2025, is cancelled. There is no new business to discuss.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is meeting to review draft sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development. The commission will also finalize a list of maps, figures, and tables for the plan.

• Review of POCD Draft Sections
• Finalization of POCD Maps, Figures and Tables

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority will meet to review budget reports and progress on the Moderate Rehab Project. The board is scheduled to vote on a resolution to approve an architect contract for the rehab project.

• Resolution to approve Architect contract for rehab project
• Budget reports for April and May
• Update on Moderate Rehab Project
• Discussion of Ashford Housing Development

The board approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting with all members in favor. Tenants voted to decline a new $100‑per‑month Spectrum bulk internet and cable contract. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:25 p.m. with unanimous consent.

• Approved April 8, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Tenants declined new $100/month Spectrum bulk contract
• Adjourned meeting at 8:25 p.m. (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss short-term rental regulations and an application form checklist. The body will also receive a text amendment application to create a new Special Development District.

• PZ-25-2: Text Amendment Application to establish Section 300-20.2 as the Planned Rural Development District
• Discussion of Section 300-17D: Short-term Rental Regulations
• Payment of $281.39 to The Chronicle
• POCD Update

The commission approved the May 12, 2025 minutes unanimously. It received the PZ-25-2 text amendment establishing Section 300‑20.2 as a Planned Rural Development District, with no discussion and a unanimous vote. The short‑term rental application checklist was tabled for the next meeting, also unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

• Approved May 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Received PZ-25-2 text amendment for Planned Rural Development District (unanimous)
• Tabled short-term rental application checklist to next meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ashford Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to approve minutes, hear a financial report, and discuss updates on programs, concerts, special events, and summer camps. New business includes maintenance plans for parks and a capital improvement for a concession stand.

• Financial report for current and last fiscal year
• Summer camps program update
• Parks AMP & PHP maintenance discussion
• Capital improvement for concession stand

The commission elected Dave Roston as Chairperson and Amanda Holden as Secretary, with both motions passing unanimously. Officers were added to the commission, also approved unanimously. The part‑time director job description was revised to replace “widening” with “promoting,” and the May 19 minutes were accepted unanimously.

• Added Officers to APRC (unanimous)
• Appointed Dave Roston as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Appointed Amanda Holden as Secretary (unanimous)
• Moved “New Business” to next meeting (unanimous)
• Revised director job description wording (unanimous)
• Accepted May 19 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is meeting to review draft sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development. The commission will also finalize a list of maps, figures, and tables for the plan.

• Review of POCD Draft Sections
• Finalization of POCD Maps, Figures and Tables

The commission met with five members present. They discussed the vision and reviewed photos. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Board of Education will consider a school meal price increase for the 2025-2026 year. The meeting also includes discussions on staff changes, board policy updates, and labor negotiations.

• School meal price increase for 2025-2026
• Discontinuation of Board Policy Series 5000: Bullying and Safe School Climate
• Designation of members for negotiations with the Ashford Education Association
• Staff resignation, retirement, and leave of absence requests
• Superintendent evaluation

The Ashford Board of Education unanimously approved a certification that all food sold to students will comply with Connecticut Nutrition Standards from July 1 2025 through June 30 2026. It also approved a limited exception allowing non‑standard foods and beverages at after‑school or weekend events that meet specific conditions. Additional actions included accepting staff resignations and retirement, extending a teacher’s leave, and discontinuing the district’s bullying policy in favor of the state‑mandated climate policy.

• Added Healthy Foods Certification to agenda; carried unanimously
• Approved consent agenda (minutes) unanimously
• Accepted resignations of Maureen Sullivan and Thomas Dell unanimously
• Accepted retirement of paraeducator Bonnie Ognan unanimously
• Approved extension of Josie Lamarre’s leave of absence unanimously
• Discontinued Series 5000 Bullying and Safe School Climate policy unanimously
• Certified compliance with Connecticut Nutrition Standards for all student‑sale food items July 1 2025‑June 30 2026 unanimously
• Allowed sale of non‑standard foods/beverages at events meeting set conditions unanimously

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission is meeting to discuss applications for septic repairs and slope stabilization. The body will also review a pond treatment notification and an invasive plant removal project.

• IW-25-05: Stump grinding and slope stabilization at 57 Lakeside Dr.
• IW 25-07: Septic repair at 34 Ashford Lake Dr.
• CC Invasive Pilot Project: Removal of Japanese Knotweed along Mount Hope River and Senior Center walking Trail
• Notification: Pond treatment at 28 Happy Hill Ln (Camp ConnRI)
• Agent approvals for septic repair at 15 Old Town Rd and a shower building/pavillion at 229-231 Ashford Rd

The commission approved the May 6, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It also approved the IW‑25‑05 permit for stump grinding and slope stabilization at 57 Lakeside Dr. unanimously. The IW‑25‑07 septic repair permit for 34 Ashford Lake Dr. was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 8:03 p.m.

• Approved May 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved IW-25-05, 57 Lakeside Dr. (unanimous)
• Approved IW-25-07, 34 Ashford Lake Dr. (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss appointments for several town commissions and boards. The meeting includes status updates on school infrastructure projects and a review of parking lot lighting.

• Status updates for Ashford School Roof Replacement and solar projects
• Vacancies for Economic Development Commission, Agriculture Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals
• Reappointments for the Commission on Aging
• Vacancies for Conservation Commission, Babcock Library Board of Directors, and Planning & Zoning Commission
• Review of TOB lower level parking lot lighting

The Board moved to an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation and personnel issues, passing the motion unanimously. It elevated two alternate members, Dave Roston and Amande Holden, to regular seats on the Parks and Recreation Commission, also unanimously. The Board authorized the First Selectman to accept a quote for installing three lights in the south parking lot, not to exceed $7,000, with unanimous approval.

• Moved to Executive Session to discuss litigation and personnel issues (unanimous)
• Elevated Dave Roston and Amande Holden from alternates to regular members on Parks and Recreation Commission (unanimous)
• Authorized First Selectman to accept a lighting quote up to $7,000 for south parking lot (unanimous)

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Our Town-Our Future Core Committee is meeting to discuss a potential future strategic planning process and project updates. The agenda also includes a discussion on the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).

• Discussion of potential future strategic planning process
• Project updates
• New member recruitment
• Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD)

Economic Development Commission

The commission will discuss establishing priorities for 2024-25 and review budget expenditures. The meeting includes updates on tourism funding and the Moore Property.

• Determination of commercial realtors to contact for the Moore Property
• ERTD Grant video production script and shot list
• Funding for summer tourism activities and concerts poster
• PZC-I-84 Zoning Update
• Update and reprinting of the Our Town Our Future brochure

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is holding a special meeting to review draft sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development. The commission will also finalize the list of maps for the plan and discuss next steps.

• Review of POCD Draft Sections
• Finalization of POCD Maps list

The Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the introductory material and maps, decided to add the Cadle Rock development to the vision, and assigned follow‑up tasks to Jeff, Mike, and Nora. No formal votes or approvals were recorded.

• Added Cadle Rock development to the vision (no vote recorded)
• Assigned Jeff to deliver written governance notes to Mike
• Assigned Mike to draft a vision statement incorporating Janet and Christine ideas
• Assigned Nora to compare Jeff's education document with her version

Economic Development Commission

The Ashford Economic Development Commission did not conduct business at this meeting; the May session was postponed. No decisions or discussions were listed on the agenda.

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will hold its regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on May 27, 2025, at 25 Pompey Hollow Road. Members will approve the April 22 minutes, receive the treasurer’s and director’s reports, and discuss the 2025 budget. New items include Connecticut’s eBook pricing policy and the summer meeting schedule.

• Approve minutes from April 22, 2025
• Review 2025 budget
• Discuss State of CT eBook pricing policy
• Set summer meeting schedule

The board approved the April 22 minutes after correcting the date, with a unanimous vote. Treasurer reported that 85% of the 2025 budget has been spent, leaving $34,000 remaining. The board unanimously voted to cancel the scheduled July meeting. State eBook legislation was reported as pending Governor's signature.

• Approved April 22 minutes (unanimous)
• Cancelled July library board meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Ashford Planning & Zoning Commission will review draft sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and finalize a list of POCD maps. The meeting will also discuss next steps for the POCD process. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

Board of Finance

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Finance scheduled for May 22, 2025, has been cancelled.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to discuss the Natchaug Watershed meeting schedule and a watershed addition to the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). The body will also address the commission's ending budget and a new director at JT.

• Outdoor Farmers Market
• Natchaug Watershed meeting schedule
• POCD addition watershed
• CC Budget ending

The commission reviewed the Farmers Market status, upcoming Natchaug Watershed meeting schedule, and budget items for invasive‑species work and senior‑housing garden supplies. No formal approvals, votes, or resolutions were recorded. The June meeting is planned for the senior housing community room at 6:30 p.m.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss filling vacancies and reappointing members to several town commissions. The board will also receive status updates on school infrastructure projects and a lien status update.

• Status updates on Ashford School Roof Replacement and solar projects
• Update on Cadlerock/EPA lien status
• Appointments for Economic Development, Agriculture, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation commissions
• Reappointments for the Commission on Aging
• Review of TOB lower level parking lot lighting

The Board approved the legal notice for the Annual Town Budget Meeting scheduled for 4/22/2025. They reappointed David Roston to an alternate member seat on the Recreation Commission. The Board authorized tax refunds of $48.33 to Honda Lease Trust and $72.74 to Toyota Lease Trust. They also approved renewing the Ashford Memorial Park mowing contract with Greg Peck.

• Approved legal notice for Annual Town Budget Meeting (4/22/2025) – passed
• Reappointed David Roston as alternate member (term expires 4/01/2028) – passed
• Approved tax refunds: Honda Lease Trust $48.33 and Toyota Lease Trust $72.74 – passed
• Approved renewal of Ashford Memorial Park mowing contract to Greg Peck – passed

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission is meeting to review the budget and financial reports. Members will discuss the Recreation Director's planned retirement on July 15, 2025, and the process for selecting a replacement. The body will also review maintenance needs and service contracts.

• Recreation Director retirement effective 7/15/25
• Review of bids for building repairs at Ashford Memorial Park (AMP)
• Review of contracts for port-a-lets, mowing, and gate keeping
• Recommendation of 3 Commissioners to Selectmen for the Interview Committee
• Maintenance items including AMP bridge, pickleball net, and playground mulch

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will meet to discuss a Math Pathways presentation, consider acceptance of an ExxonMobil Grant Award, and vote on the 3rd Quarter Financial Report. Other business includes an update on MEUI negotiations and selection of the Class of 2025 Commencement Speaker.

• Math Pathways Presentation
• Acceptance of ExxonMobil Grant Award
• Approval of 3rd Quarter Financial Report
• MEUI Negotiations Update
• Class of 2025 Commencement Speaker

The board voted to accept a $500 grant from ExxonMobil for STEM education, with the motion made by Jennifer Leszczynski, seconded by Chonte Fields, and carried unanimously. The board also approved the third‑quarter financial report, motion by Chonte Fields, seconded by Kurt Love, carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m. after a unanimous motion by Chonte Fields, seconded by Amanda Cantrell.

• Accepted $500 ExxonMobil STEM grant (unanimous)
• Approved 3rd quarter financial report (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a variance request for a property at 370 Ashford Center Rd. The board will also vote on appointing a new regular member.

• Vote to appoint Deborah Maccarone as a regular member
• Public hearing for ZBA-25-1: request for a 13’x19’ addition partially within the side yard setback at 370 Ashford Center Rd

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority is meeting to discuss routine business including approval of minutes, director's and budget reports, and an update on the Moderate Rehab Project. A resolution to approve an architect contract for the rehab project is the key action item.

• Resolution to approve architect contract for the Moderate Rehab Project
• Update on the Moderate Rehab Project progress
• April budget report review
• Next Ashford Housing Development meeting scheduled for May 20, 2025

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing and possibly decide on a special permit for Westford Hill Distillers to allow outdoor alcohol consumption and live entertainment at 196 Chatey Rd. They will also review a $331.16 bill from The Chronicle and discuss correspondence regarding HB6831. Unfinished business includes updates to the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and continued review of the IID Special Development District draft.

• PZ-25-1: Special permit for alcohol consumption on outdoor patio and live entertainment at 196 Chatey Rd (Westford Hill Distillers)
• Bill from The Chronicle: $331.16
• Correspondence from Senator J. Gordon re: HB6831
• POCD update (unfinished business)
• Continued review of IID Special Development District draft

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a special permit for Westford Hill Distillers to serve alcohol on an outdoor patio and host acoustic live entertainment, with conditions on use and hours. The commission also voted to reduce the acreage requirement for the Planned Rural Development District from 35 to 25 acres. The meeting minutes from April 14, 2025 were approved unanimously, and the session was adjourned after a motion passed with one abstention.

• Approved special permit for Westford Hill Distillers (5-0-1)
• Reduced PRDD acreage requirement to 25 acres (motion passed)
• Approved April 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (passed, 1 abstention)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will hear public comment, review the year-to-date financial report and the budget voted on May 6, receive an update from the Recreation Director who plans to retire on July 15, discuss upcoming programs and events, and review contracts for port-a-lets, mowing, gate keeping, and bids for building repairs. The commission will also consider replacing two commissioners.

• Recreation Director retirement effective July 15, 2025
• Review of budget (vote May 6) and financial report YTD FY24/25
• Review contracts for port-a-lets, mowing, gate keeping, and bids for building repairs at AMP
• Upcoming events: 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser July 12, summer camps, concerts July–August
• Commissioner replacements: Melody Paulson and Miranda Basnight expressed interest

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee will meet to review draft sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development, finalize the list of maps to be included, and discuss next steps. The meeting is a working session with no votes or public hearings scheduled.

• Review of POCD Draft Sections
• Finalize List of POCD Maps
• Discussion of Next Steps

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will discuss the results of the budget referendum and consider setting the mill rate for FY 2025-2026. They will also receive an update on the 2023-2024 Annual Report and hear a Selectwoman's update. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Discussion of budget referendum results
• Possible action to set mill rate for FY 2025-2026
• Update on the 2023-2024 Annual Report
• Approve regular meeting minutes from April 24, 2025
• Public comment period

The Board of Finance approved the minutes from the April 24 meeting. It then approved a motor vehicle mill rate of 32.46 mills and a real estate and personal property mill rate of 36.377 mills, each by unanimous vote. The meeting also recorded the results of the recent budget referendum and scheduled the next meeting, which is expected to be cancelled.

• Approve April 24, 2025 minutes – motion passed unanimously (1 abstention)
• Approve motor vehicle mill rate of 32.46 mills – motion passed unanimously
• Approve real estate and personal property mill rate of 36.377 mills – motion passed unanimously
• Adjourn meeting – motion approved unanimously

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Ashford Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will hear public comments, vote on a cease-and-desist order for a property at 348 Ference Road, and consider two new wetland permit applications for stump grinding and septic repair. The meeting also includes routine approvals, site inspections, and draft letters.

• Cease and Desist: Mr. Joseph A. Jensen, 348 Ference Road
• IW-25-05: 57 Lakeside Dr., stump grinding and slope stabilization
• IW-25-07: 34 Ashford Lake Drive, septic repair
• Agent approval: IW-25-06 Lake Chaffee Improvement Association, 15 Old Town Rd.
• Site inspections: Seles Rd, 235 Nott Highway, 229-231 Ashford Center Rd

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission unanimously approved the revised Ashford General Maintenance Memorandum of Understanding. It also lifted the Cease and Desist order for 348 Ference Road, received two new wetland applications, and approved a draft letter to 73 Lake View Drive. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Ashford General Maintenance MOU with suggested revisions (unanimous)
• Lifted Cease and Desist order for 348 Ference Road (unanimous)
• Received application IW-25-04 Lakeside Dr. – Grinding of Stumps and Stabilize Slope (unanimous)
• Received application IW-25-07 34 Ashford Lake Dr. – Septic Repair (unanimous)
• Approved final draft letter regarding 73 Lake View Drive to be signed and sent (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from April 1, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is meeting to consider a recommendation from the Ashford School Roof Building Committee to post a request for proposals (RFP) for the Ashford School roof solar project on the state DAS website. This is the only substantive action item on the agenda.

• Action on posting of Ashford School roof solar project RFP on the DAS website

The Selectmen voted to accept the School Roof Building Committee's recommendation to post the Ashford School solar photovoltaic RFP on the Department of Administrative Services website. The motion was moved by Silver‑Smith, seconded by Falletti, and passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved posting of Ashford School solar RFP on DAS website (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

This regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Selectmen scheduled for May 5, 2025 has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

• Meeting cancelled; no agenda items considered

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Our Town-Our Future Core Committee will discuss a potential future strategic planning process, receive project updates, and consider next steps. They will also address the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). The meeting includes public input and member recruitment.

• Discuss potential future strategic planning process
• Project updates
• New member recruitment
• Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD)
• Public input session

Commission on Aging

The Ashford Commission on Aging will hold its regular meeting at the Earl W. Smith Senior Center on May 5, 2025. The agenda contains only procedural and placeholder items, indicating no decisions or discussions of consequence are scheduled.

Esther Jagodzinski was appointed temporary secretary and chair for the meeting. The commission approved the previous meeting’s minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 11:43 AM.

• Appointed Esther Jagodzinski as temporary secretary and chair (motion passed)
• Approved the prior meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned the meeting at 11:43 AM (motion passed)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee is meeting to review draft sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development, finalize the list of maps to include, and discuss next steps. No public hearings or votes on specific projects are scheduled; the meeting is a working session on the plan's content.

• Review of POCD Draft Sections
• Finalize List of POCD Maps
• Discussion of Next Steps

The Planning & Zoning Commission subcommittee reviewed the introductory material and discussed vision, communication, rural character, and economic development. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded. The commission assigned two follow‑up tasks: Nora Galvin will send the introduction to the subcommittee for review and to add aspirational goals, and Jeff will send Nora the edited education section.

Board of Finance

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Finance scheduled for May 1, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for May 8.

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Board of Education will review the 3rd Quarter Financial Statement and provide an update on the FY 26 Budget. The meeting includes a second reading of policy changes from March 2025 and a discussion on the superintendent evaluation process.

• FY 26 Budget Update
• 2nd Reading of March 2025 Policy Changes
• 2025-2026 Healthy Foods Certification
• 3rd Quarter Financial Statement
• Superintendent Evaluation Process & Assignment of Tasks

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Board of Education is holding a special meeting for subcommittee group work sessions. Members will meet in two groups to discuss curriculum, educational optimization, facilities, finance, and operations.

• Curriculum and Educational Optimization work session
• Facilities, Finance and Operations work session

Conservation Commission

The Ashford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss old and new business. Items include the Farmers Market outdoor setup, updates on the Natchaug Watershed, a proposed addition to the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) regarding watersheds, and appointments of new members and a new director at JT. The meeting is largely procedural with no major decisions expected.

• Discussion of Natchaug Watershed
• POCD addition regarding watershed
• Appointment of new Commission members
• Appointment of new director at JT
• Farmers Market outdoor setup

The Commission set the outdoor farmers market to begin on Mother’s Day, May 11, and run weekly until the end of October, with all vendor spaces filled. A new grant will fund updates to the 2020 Natchaug Watershed Compact, and the Commission scheduled monthly planning meetings, the next on May 20 at 1 pm. The watershed was added to the Commission’s priorities, and Loretta Wrobel was tasked with following up with the selectmen and preparing the agenda.

• Schedule outdoor farmers market weekly May 11–Oct 31 (set)
• Receive grant to update Natchaug Watershed Compact (funded)
• Plan monthly Natchaug Compact meetings; next May 20 at 1 pm (scheduled)
• Add POCD watershed to Commission priorities (added)
• Assign Loretta Wrobel to follow up with selectmen on next steps (assigned)
• Assign Loretta Wrobel to set up the meeting agenda (assigned)
• Plan to invite JT director to a Commission meeting or office visit (planned)

Board of Finance

The Ashford Board of Finance will hold a regular hybrid meeting. They will approve minutes from previous meetings and discuss the 25-26 budget process and the 23-24 annual report. Public comment will be heard.

• Approve regular meeting minutes from March 27, 2025
• Approve special meeting minutes from April 8, 2025
• Discuss 25-26 budget process and any updates
• Discuss 23-24 Annual Report
• Public comment period

The Board approved the March 27 and April 8 finance meeting minutes. The March 27 minutes were approved with a unanimous motion and one member abstaining; the April 8 minutes were approved unanimously. The Board then adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved March 27, 2025 BOF meeting minutes (motion passed unanimously; Mr. Rhodes abstained)
• Approved April 8, 2025 BOF meeting minutes (motion passed unanimously)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion approved unanimously)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee will meet to review updates from boards and commissions, discuss feedback from a recent community listening session, and finalize the list of maps for the Plan of Conservation and Development. The meeting also includes discussion of next steps and setting the next meeting date. This is a procedural working session with no votes on ordinances or specific projects.

• Review of section updates provided by boards and commissions
• Review comments and feedback from community listening session
• Finalize list of POCD maps
• Discussion of next steps

The Planning & Zoning Commission subcommittee discussed updates to the executive summary, governance, public safety, and education sections. Members assigned action items, including Christine taking photos, Nora sending a list to Mike, and requesting a Word document for the education section. The next meeting is set for May 1. No formal approvals, votes, or policy decisions were recorded.

Economic Development Commission

The commission will discuss establishing priorities for 2024-25 and review reports on expenditures. The meeting includes updates on the I-84 zoning, the Moore Property status, and the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).

• Establishing priorities for 2024-25
• ERTD Grant video production script and shot list
• PZC-I-84 Zoning Update
• Moore Property status update from Board of Selectmen
• Blighted properties letter next steps

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will meet to review the library's budget and strategic plan. The board will also discuss the Story Time Program under new business.

• Strategic Plan
• Budget
• Story Time Program

The board approved the minutes from the March 25, 2025 meeting. The trustees also approved the updated Strategic Plan. The meeting was then adjourned. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved March 25, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved updated Strategic Plan (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Town Meetings

The Town of Ashford will hold a budget meeting on April 22 to discuss proposed appropriations for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. No votes will be taken at the meeting; instead, the items will be decided by a referendum on May 6, 2025.

• Proposed $5,529,857 for General Government ($4,141,148) and Capital Improvement ($1,388,709)
• Proposed $25,317,484 for Regional School District Number 19, including $4,163,112 from Ashford
• Proposed $8,853,864 for the Ashford Board of Education budget

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss the potential acceptance of Lake Woods Lane and review several board and commission vacancies. The meeting also includes updates on school infrastructure projects and a request for rocket testing from UCONN.

• Consideration of Lake Woods Lane acceptance as recommended by Planning & Zoning
• Review of 2025-2026 service contract for building official
• Status updates on Ashford School roof replacement and solar projects
• UCONN American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics request for rocket testing
• Appointments for Economic Development, Agriculture, Zoning, Conservation, Aging, Library, and Planning commissions

The Selectmen unanimously denied the University of Connecticut's request to conduct rocket testing on town land, citing liability and safety concerns. They also approved a $6,457.51 tax refund to the estate of Carlton Beyor and renamed Poole Pond to Pearson Pond. Additional actions included appointing new members to several commissions, reappointing the Transfer Station Committee, and authorizing a $45,732 contract with Bolton for building‑official services.

• Denied UCONN rocket testing request (unanimous)
• Approved $6,457.51 tax refund to Estate of Carlton Beyor (unanimous)
• Approved renaming of Poole Pond to Pearson Pond (unanimous)
• Appointed Theresa Phillips to Commission on Aging (term expires 6/30/2026, unanimous)
• Appointed Christine Rae to Commission on Aging (term expires 6/30/2025, unanimous)
• Reappointed Transfer Station Committee members Keith Lipker, Chuck Atkins, Casey McCue (unanimous)
• Authorized $45,732 one‑year contract with Town of Bolton for building official services (unanimous)
• Moved review of 2025‑2026 building official service contract to Executive Session (unanimous)

Board of Education (ABOE)

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Education scheduled for April 17, 2025 has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss updates to the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and continue reviewing the draft IID Special Development District. They will also receive a special permit application for outdoor alcohol consumption and live entertainment at Westford Hill Distillers (196 Chatey Rd), note correspondence from Mansfield PZC, and review application fees.

• Continued review of the IID Special Development District draft
• POCD update following 3/28 listening session
• Receipt of special permit application (PZ-25-1) for outdoor alcohol and live entertainment at 196 Chatey Rd (Westford Hill Distillers)
• Correspondence from Mansfield PZC regarding zoning regulation amendment referral
• Review of application fees

The commission approved the minutes from the March 10 meeting unanimously. They accepted Special Permit Application PZ-25-1 for an outdoor patio and live entertainment at 196 Chatey Rd, with a unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 10 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Special Permit Application PZ-25-1 for 196 Chatey Rd (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is holding a special meeting to review section updates provided by various boards and commissions. The commission will also discuss feedback from a community listening session and determine next steps.

• Review of section updates from Boards & Commissions
• Review of community listening session feedback

Board of Selectmen

The Ashford Board of Selectmen holds a special in-person meeting to act on several items, including approval of a legal notice for the Annual Town Budget Meeting, appointments to numerous boards and commissions, tax refunds, and renewal of the Ashford Memorial Park mowing contract. The board may also hold an executive session for a personnel review. No dollar amounts are specified in the agenda.

• Approval of legal notice for Annual Town Budget Meeting on 4/22/2025
• Filling vacancies on Economic Development Commission, Agriculture Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Commission on Aging, Babcock Library Board, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Recreation Commission
• Approval of tax refunds
• Renewal of Ashford Memorial Park mowing contract as recommended by the Recreation Commission
• Possible executive session for personnel review

The Selectmen approved the legal notice for the Annual Town Budget Meeting on April 22, 2025. They approved tax refunds of $48.33 to Honda Lease Trust and $72.74 to Toyota Lease Trust. The board renewed the Ashford Memorial Park mowing contract with Greg Peck. They reappointed David Roston as an alternate member of the Recreation Commission.

• Approved legal notice for Annual Town Budget Meeting (motion passed)
• Approved $48.33 tax refund to Honda Lease Trust (motion passed)
• Approved $72.74 tax refund to Toyota Lease Trust (motion passed)
• Approved renewal of Ashford Memorial Park mowing contract to Greg Peck (motion passed)
• Reappointed David Roston as alternate member of Recreation Commission (motion passed)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The meeting scheduled for April 9, 2025, is cancelled. There is no new business to discuss.

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority will hold a special meeting to discuss and vote on a base rent increase and the FY2026 budget. The board will also receive the director's monthly report and the March budget report, recap the March meeting on Ashford Housing Development, and get an update on the Moderate Rehab Project scope of work. The meeting includes approval of the March 11, 2025 minutes and a public access period.

• Vote to approve Base Rent Increase
• Vote to approve FY2026 Budget
• Recap of March 2025 meeting on Ashford Housing Development
• Update on Moderate Rehab Project scope of work
• Approval of March 11, 2025 meeting minutes

The board approved a 4.5% increase in base rent effective July 1, 2025. The 2026 Management Plan was also approved. The March 11, 2025 meeting minutes were adopted. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved March 11, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved 4.5% base rent increase effective July 1 2025 (Phillips, Kerensky, Poitras in favor; Labrecque abstained)
• Approved 2026 Management Plan as proposed (all in favor)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will discuss feedback from a public hearing and then consider approving three budgets: the General Government & Capital Improvement Plan, the Ashford Board of Education budget, and Ashford's share of the Region 19 Board of Education budget. If approved, these will be recommended to the Board of Selectmen for presentation at the Annual Town Meeting. The board will also request dates for the Annual Town Meeting and referendum.

• Discussion of public hearing feedback on FY 2025-2026 budgets
• Possible approval and recommendation of General Government & Capital Improvement Plan budget
• Possible approval and recommendation of Ashford Board of Education budget
• Possible approval and recommendation of Ashford's share of Region 19 Board of Education budget
• Request to Board of Selectmen for Annual Town Meeting and referendum dates

The board moved and unanimously approved recommendations to present the FY 2025‑2026 General Government budget ($4,141,148) and Capital Improvement Plan budget ($1,388,709) to the Board of Selectmen for the Annual Town Meeting. It also approved the FY 2025‑2026 Board of Education budget ($8,853,864) and Ashford’s share of the Region 19 Board of Education budget ($4,163,113) for the same meeting. Additionally, the board recommended that the Board of Selectmen set dates for an Annual Town Meeting and referendum on the proposed budgets. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved $4,141,148 General Government budget and $1,388,709 Capital Improvement Plan budget (unanimous)
• Approved $8,853,864 Board of Education budget (unanimous)
• Approved $4,163,113 Ashford share of Region 19 Board of Education budget (unanimous)
• Recommended Board of Selectmen schedule Annual Town Meeting and referendum (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hear updates on the Ashford School roof replacement project and the Cadlerock/EPA lien, consider setting a date for a public hearing on accepting Lake Woods Lane as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission, and vote on multiple board and commission appointments. The agenda also includes tax refunds and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Update on Ashford School Roof Replacement project status
• Update on Cadlerock/EPA lien status
• Consider setting a public hearing date for acceptance of Lake Woods Lane
• Tax refunds under new business
• Filling vacancies on Economic Development Commission, Agriculture Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Commission on Aging, Babcock Library Board, and Planning & Zoning Commission

The regular Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for April 7, 2025 was cancelled. No decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Commission on Aging

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. No specific decisions, proposals, or discussion topics are listed.

The commission appointed Esther Jagodzinski as temporary secretary and chair for the meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Appointed Esther Jagodzinski as temporary secretary and chair (motion passed)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned the meeting at 11:23 AM (motion passed)

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Core Committee of Ashford's Our Town Our Future will meet virtually to discuss the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) listening session, receive updates on the town website and Ashfordctoutdoors.org, and consider new member recruitment. No votes or binding decisions are on the agenda; the meeting is largely devoted to discussion and planning next steps.

• Discuss POCD Listening Session
• Project updates: Ashfordctoutdoors.org and Town Website Update
• New member recruitment
• Next steps discussion

The Core Committee approved the March 3, 2025 minutes with a 4‑0 vote. No substantive actions were taken; the meeting focused on updates to the POCD and tourism video project. The meeting was then adjourned by motion.

• Approved March 3, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ashford Parks & Recreation Commission is holding a special meeting to review the proposed FY24/25 budget, which includes cutting a full-time position to half-time with no benefits, ahead of a public hearing on April 8. They will also review the year-to-date financial report, capital improvement budget, and contracts for port-a-lets, mowing, and gate keeping. Motions are expected on spending for playground mulch and a laser printer.

• Proposed budget includes cutting a full-time position to half-time with no benefits (public hearing April 8)
• Review of bids for building repairs at AMP (Ashford Meeting Place / park?)
• Motions to approve spending on playground mulch and a laser printer
• Review contracts for port-a-lets, mowing, and gate keeping
• Review of capital improvement budget vs. maintenance of town property

The Ashford Parks & Recreation Commission approved several items unanimously, including the FYTD 24/25 budget report, a $3,200 mulch purchase, an $828.38 printer and toner purchase, and a reallocation of $180 and $150 to mileage reimbursement. They also extended the mowing contract with Greg Peck for $7,200 for one more year and approved a port‑a‑let service costing $175 or less per cleaning. Summer concerts were placed on hold pending budget confirmation.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FYTD 24/25 Budget and Revenue Report (unanimous)
• Approved $3,200 mulch purchase (unanimous)
• Approved $828.38 printer and toner purchase (unanimous)
• Approved reallocation of $180 membership fees and $150 advertising to mileage reimbursement (unanimous)
• Extended mowing contract with Greg Peck for $7,200 for one year (unanimous)
• Approved port‑a‑let contract up to $175 per cleaning (unanimous)
• Placed summer concerts on hold pending budget confirmation (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Finance scheduled for April 3, 2025 has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, immediately following the Budget Public Hearing at Knowlton Hall at 7 p.m.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee is holding a special meeting to review section updates submitted by boards and commissions, discuss comments from a recent community listening session, and determine next steps for the Plan of Conservation and Development. No votes or decisions are on the agenda; the session is for discussion only.

• Review of Section Updates provided by various Boards & Commissions
• Review of Comments and Feedback from Community Listening Session
• Discussion of Next Steps for the POCD update process

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will hold a regular meeting with items including a first reading of policy changes, discussion of the superintendent evaluation, and updates on the FY26 budget, capital projects, and solar. They will also vote on consent agenda items such as approving meeting minutes and consider staff retirement notifications and Bicknell Scholarship Committee appointments.

• First reading of March 2025 policy changes provided by counsel
• Discussion and review of superintendent evaluation
• FY26 budget update
• Capital projects and solar update
• Bicknell Scholarship Committee appointments

The board approved the minutes from March 6 and March 12 unanimously. It accepted the retirements of preschool teacher Ginger Lusa and paraeducator Ginger Reviezky. Members appointed Al Maccarone, Kurt Love, and Chonte Fields to the Bicknell Scholarship Committee. The FY26 budget was moved forward to a public hearing with a 2.5% increase over the current year.

• Approved March 6 and March 12 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted retirements of Ginger Lusa and Ginger Reviezky (unanimous)
• Appointed Al Maccarone, Kurt Love, Chonte Fields to Bicknell Scholarship Committee (unanimous)
• Moved FY26 budget forward to public hearing with 2.5% increase (no vote recorded)
• Cancelled special subcommittee work sessions (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:12 pm (unanimous)

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Board of Education is holding a special subcommittee meeting for group work sessions. Members will meet in two groups to discuss curriculum, educational optimization, facilities, finance, and operations.

• Curriculum and Educational Optimization work session
• Facilities, Finance and Operations work session

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will consider a cease and desist order regarding Mr. Joseph A. Jensen at 348 Ference Road. They will also deliberate on a new single-family dwelling permit (IW-25-02) at 21 Westview Dr., a permitted non-regulated use for BOTL Farm expansion at 859 Westford Rd., and discuss a splash pad at the Salvation Army Camp Connri on Happy Hill Lane. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and agent approvals for construction projects.

• Cease and desist order for Joseph A. Jensen, 348 Ference Road
• IW-25-02: Construct single-family dwelling at 21 Westview Dr., applicant Caramia/Gallagher
• Section 4 Permitted Non-Regulated Use at 859 Westford Rd. for BOTL Farm expansion
• Discussion of splash pad at 27-28 Happy Hill Ln., Salvation Army Camp Connri
• Agent approvals: pole barn at 112 Southworth Dr., new dwelling at 56 Lakeview Dr., water line repair at 31-34 Amidon Dr.

The commission unanimously approved the March 4, 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously approved the IW‑25‑02 application for a single‑family dwelling at 21 Westview Dr, requiring standard sediment controls. The farm expansion at 859 Westford Rd was accepted “as of right” by unanimous vote, and the cease‑and‑desist matter for 348 Ference Rd was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved March 4, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved IW‑25‑02, 21 Westview Dr single‑family dwelling with standard sediment controls (unanimous)
• Accepted 859 Westford Rd farm expansion “as of right” (unanimous)
• Tabled Cease and Desist for 348 Ference Rd until next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board will hold a meeting with no appeals to be heard for the 2024 grand list. They will approve minutes from the September 2024 meeting, review legislative changes to the grand list, and consider the assessor's request to amend the grand list for state filing. A budget proposal for FY2026 will also be discussed.

• No appeals to be heard for the 2024 grand list
• Approval of minutes from September 17, 2024 meeting
• Assessor to review 2024 grand list legislative changes
• Assessor's request to amend the 2024 grand list per state statutes
• Discussion of FY2026 budget proposal

The Board of Assessment Appeals approved the minutes from the September 17, 2024 meeting with a unanimous vote. No appeals were presented for the board to hear. The Assessor briefed the board on recent legislative changes and the FY 2026 budget proposal, but no actions were taken on those items.

• Approved minutes from 9/17/2024 meeting (unanimous)
• No appeals heard (none presented)

Board of Finance

The Ashford Board of Finance will hold a regular meeting to review the General Government Revenue Budget for FY 2025-2026 and an updated mill rate calculation. The board may also discuss and take action on public notice for a scheduled April 8 public hearing. Other items include approval of previous minutes, public comment, and the Selectwoman's update.

• Review General Government Revenue Budget for FY 2025-2026
• Review updated mill rate calculation
• Discussion and possible action regarding public notice for April 8 public hearing
• Approve minutes from March 20, 2025 regular meeting
• Public comment period

The Board of Finance unanimously approved the minutes from the March 20 meeting. It then unanimously approved the public hearing notice, scheduling the hearing for April 8 at 7 p.m. in Knowlton Hall. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing notice and set hearing for April 8, 7 p.m. at Knowlton Hall (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee is meeting to review section updates provided by various boards and commissions, discuss a public session held on March 28, 2025, and plan next steps. The agenda contains only procedural items with no specific votes or action items.

• Review of section updates from boards and commissions
• Discussion of the March 28, 2025 public session
• Planning of next steps for the POCD

Economic Development Commission

The Ashford Economic Development Commission will meet to approve minutes from December 2023, hear a report on expenditures, and discuss updates including the Business Fair with the Winter Market, ERTD Grant video production, and blighted properties. The commission will also establish priorities for 2024-25, focusing on identifying active businesses, surveying support needs, and optimizing tourism assets.

• Report of expenditures (budget item)
• Business Fair with Ashford Winter Market (March 16) recap
• ERTD Grant / video production updates
• Blighted properties letter – next step
• Establishing priorities for 2024-25

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee is meeting to review section updates provided by boards and commissions, discuss the upcoming March 28 public session, and plan next steps. No votes, public hearings, or specific project actions are scheduled; the agenda is procedural and preparatory.

• Review of section updates submitted by various boards and commissions
• Discussion of the March 28, 2025 public session
• Discussion of next steps for the Plan of Conservation and Development

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees will review and discuss the strategic plan and budget during old business. Routine reports from the secretary, treasurer, and library director are also on the agenda. No specific funding amounts or project details are listed.

• Approve minutes from February 25, 2025
• Treasurer's report
• Library director's report
• Strategic plan discussion
• Budget discussion

The board approved the minutes from the February 25, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. A motion to enter an executive session at 10:39 a.m. to discuss the Library Director’s compensation passed unanimously, and a motion to leave the executive session at 10:52 a.m. also passed unanimously. The strategic plan discussion was tabled, postponing it until the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:54 a.m. after a motion carried.

• Approved February 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss Library Director’s compensation (unanimous)
• Left executive session (unanimous)
• Tabled strategic plan discussion (postponed)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:54 a.m. (motion carried)

Conservation Commission

The meeting scheduled for March 24, 2025, was cancelled due to no urgent business.

• Meeting cancelled; no items were discussed or decided.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will review mill rate calculations and the Unassigned and Capital Non-Recurring Fund balances. Members will discuss and potentially take action on the 2025-2026 General Government, Ashford School, and Capital Improvement budgets.

• Possible action on 2025-2026 General Government and Ashford School budgets
• Possible action on 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Budget
• Review of mill rate calculations
• Discussion of forming a committee to find savings opportunities

The Board of Finance approved the General Government budget with a 2.43% increase and the Board of Education budget with a 2.5% increase over the prior year. A motion to transfer $300,000 from the Unassigned Fund to the Capital Non‑Recurring Fund passed unanimously. The 2025‑2026 Capital Improvement Budget was also approved unanimously.

• Approved March 13, 2025 minutes (unanimous, 2 abstentions)
• Accepted 2025‑2026 General Government budget (2.43% increase) and Board of Education budget (2.5% increase) – unanimous vote
• Transferred $300,000 from Unassigned Fund to Capital Non‑Recurring Fund – unanimous vote
• Approved 2025‑2026 Capital Improvement Budget – unanimous vote
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous vote

Board of Education (ABOE)

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Education scheduled for March 20, 2025 will not be held. Board members will instead attend a meeting of the Ashford Board of Finance. The agenda lists only the board's general goals and procedural notices.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee is holding a special meeting to review section updates from boards and commissions, discuss an upcoming public session on March 28, 2025, and review an executive summary. The meeting is a working session focused on procedural next steps.

• Review of Section Updates provided by Boards & Commissions
• Discussion of 3/28/25 Public Session
• Review of Executive Summary and Introductions
• Discussion of Next Steps

Board of Selectmen

This special selectmen's meeting will discuss HB 7067, a state bill allowing local option for motor vehicle valuation, and consider adjustments to the 2025-2026 general government budget. The board will also enter executive session for personnel matters. No votes are scheduled; items are for discussion only.

• Discussion of HB 7067 regarding local option for motor vehicle valuation
• Adjustment of the 2025-2026 General Government Budget Proposal
• Executive session for personnel concern

The Board of Selectmen unanimously adopted Section 2 of HB 7067 to modify the motor vehicle depreciation schedule for the October 1, 2024 Grand List, which will increase the Motor Vehicle Grand List. The board also unanimously approved a $4,141,148 General Government budget for 2025-2026, a 2.43% increase over the previous year, with adjustments including restoring $69,000 to the fire department and restructuring Parks & Recreation. An executive session was held for a personnel concern, but no decisions were made in open session regarding that matter.

• Adopted HB 7067 Section 2 to modify motor vehicle depreciation for Oct 1, 2024 Grand List (unanimous)
• Approved $4,141,148 General Government budget for 2025-2026 (unanimous)
• Restored $69,000 of $73,000 requested by Ashford Volunteer Fire Department
• Reduced Recreation Fund transfer from $118,997 to $17,860
• Changed Recreation Director from full-time to part-time with reduced pay and no benefits
• Reduced Senior Center and Municipal Agent for the Elderly free services/programs
• Moved parks maintenance to Town Properties department

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review the 2025-2026 General Government budget and discuss the status of the Ashford School Roof Replacement and Cadlerock/EPA lien. The board will also consider appointments for several town commissions and the potential acceptance of Lake Woods Lane.

• Review of 2025-2026 General Government budget
• Appointments for Economic Development, Inland Wetlands, Agriculture, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation, Commission on Aging, Babcock Library, and Planning & Zoning
• Discussion on acceptance of Lake Woods Lane
• Review of ASCO donation agreement
• Formation of Tax Collector interview committee

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will review revised budget presentations for the Board of Education and General Government for 2025-2026. The body may take action regarding the overall 2025-2026 budget.

• Revised 2025-2026 Ashford Board of Education budget presentation
• Revised 2025-2026 General Government budget presentation
• Possible action on the 2025-2026 budget

The Board of Finance reviewed revised 2025-2026 budgets for the Board of Education (2.49% increase) and General Government (1.65% increase, excluding the fire department). No formal votes were taken on the budgets, which were tabled for further discussion. The board discussed the impact of a proposed $66K cut to the fire department and various tax rate scenarios.

• Approved minutes of March 6, 2025 meeting as amended (unanimous)
• Seated Kurt Love as alternate for Ms. DeSanto
• Took no action on 2025-2026 budgets, deferred to next meeting

Board of Selectmen

This special meeting of the Ashford Board of Selectmen has a single agenda item: reviewing the 2025-2026 General Government Budget Proposal, which includes a 1% adjustment request from the Board of Finance. No other business is scheduled. The meeting will be held in person at Ashford Town Offices.

• Discussion of 2025-2026 General Government Budget Proposal – Board of Finance 1% Request

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to resubmit the proposed 2025-2026 General Government budget to the Board of Finance with a net increase of 1.65% ($66,896), pending final verification of figures with the Town Treasurer. The resubmission follows a Board of Finance request for a 1% increase, but the Selectmen noted major concerns about cuts to emergency services and kept all General Government contracts in place.

• Approved resubmission of 2025-2026 General Government budget with 1.65% net increase ($66,896) (unanimous)
• Noted Ashford Volunteer Fire Department revised budget request of $6,500 (1% increase) will result in 48-hour per week loss of emergency coverage
• Cut $39,005 in part-time wages, Parks & Recreation, Babcock Library, Youth/Social Services, text services/conferences, software, advertising, and contingency

Zoning Board of Appeals

The meeting scheduled for March 12, 2025, is cancelled. There is no new business to be discussed.

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Board of Education will conduct a special meeting to discuss the FY 26 budget and capital projects. The budget worksession is expected to include an executive session and potential action.

• FY 26 Budget Worksession
• FY 26 Capital Projects: Solar Funding

The Ashford Board of Finance reviewed revised 2025-2026 budgets for the Board of Education (BOE) and General Government, but took no action. The BOE presented a revised budget with a 2.49% increase (down from 5.46%), which includes eliminating two staff positions. The General Government budget was revised to a 1.65% increase, but this excludes the fire department's requested $66K restoration. The board discussed potential tax impacts and plans to reconvene for further line-item review.

• Approved minutes of March 6, 2025, as amended (unanimous)
• No action taken on 2025-2026 budgets; further review scheduled
• BOE revised budget presented at 2.49% increase (not approved by BOF)
• General Government revised budget presented at 1.65% increase (not approved by BOF)

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority will meet to review a proposed base rent increase and receive an update on a Moderate Rehab Project award. The Ashford Housing Development project has no update, and the board will also discuss the February budget report and approve prior minutes.

• Review proposed Base Rent Increase
• Update on Moderate Rehab Project award
• Approval of February 11, 2025 minutes
• February Budget Report
• No update on Ashford Housing Development

The Ashford Housing Authority met and approved the February minutes. The director reported on an insurance audit recommending fire and water leak mitigation devices, and noted rent recertifications are nearly complete. The board discussed a proposed 4.5% base rent increase for residents, with comments due by April 8, 2025. The town received a $2 million CDBG grant for the Moderate Rehab Project, and the authority is applying for additional state funding.

• Approved February 11, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Discussed proposed 4.5% base rent increase for all levels
• Noted CDBG grant of $2 million awarded to Town of Ashford for rehab project
• Scheduled next Ashford Housing Development Corp meeting for March 18, 2025

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ashford Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss the proposed budget and capital expenditures for FY25/26, review bids for building repairs and initiate bids for port-a-lets and mowing, and consider a summer concert series. Also on the agenda: a financial report, a director's update, and a protocol for official meetings.

• Review proposed budget and capital expenditures for FY25/26
• Review bids for building repairs and propose bids for port-a-lets and mowing
• Discuss difference between capital improvement and maintenance of town property
• Entertainment Showcase – Summer Concerts
• Review protocol to hold an official Recreation Meeting

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will continue its review of the IID Special Development District draft, discuss updates to the commission application form and the Plan of Conservation and Development, and hold an executive session regarding pending litigation (Chernosky vs. Ashford PZC). The meeting also includes a public hearing (no specific item listed), public comments, and approval of a $184.97 bill to The Chronicle.

• Continued review of IID Special Development District draft
• Review of updated commission application form
• Status update on Plan of Conservation and Development
• Executive session for pending litigation: Chernosky vs. Ashford PZC
• Payment of $184.97 to The Chronicle

The Planning and Zoning Commission agreed with refinements to the IID Special Development District Draft and will continue refining it and mapping eligible parcels. The commission also reviewed a draft application form and received a status update on the Plan of Conservation and Development, including a public listening session scheduled for March 28, 2025. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only votes were to approve the January minutes and to enter executive session for pending litigation.

• Approved minutes of January 13, 2025 (unanimous)
• Agreed to proceed with further refinements to IID Special Development District Draft
• Held executive session for pending litigation Chernosky vs. Ashford PZC (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Ashford Board of Finance will hold a regular hybrid meeting to review the Grand List and receive a presentation of the 2025-2026 General Government and Capital Improvement Plan budgets. The board will also discuss the proposed budget and consider approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Review of the Grand List
• Presentation of 2025-2026 Ashford General Government budget
• Presentation of 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Plan budget
• Discussion of the 2025-2026 budget

The Board of Finance voted unanimously to request a 1% budget increase from the 2024-2025 General Government and Board of Education budgets, amid a 1.89% decline in the grand list and a proposed 4.83% general government increase. The board also approved the February 20, 2025 meeting minutes. Discussions covered the solar fund request, grand list decline, and budget factors, with a public hearing scheduled for April 8.

• Approved minutes of February 20, 2025 (unanimous, Lipker abstained)
• Requested 1% budget increase from 2024-2025 General Government and BOE budgets (unanimous)

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will consider the FY26 budget, review the Ashford School Performance and Profile Report, and conduct a second reading of December 2024 policy revisions. The board also plans to appoint members to the Bicknell Trust Scholarship Committee and update on capital projects and solar initiatives.

• Review of Ashford School Performance and Profile Report
• FY26 Budget discussion
• Capital Projects and Solar Update
• 2nd Reading of December 2024 Policy Revisions
• Appointment of 2024-2025 Bicknell Trust Scholarship Committee Members

The Ashford Board of Education approved the December 2024 policy revisions provided by counsel, pending clarifications on Series 4000 (Social Media) and Series 5000 (Use of Private Technology). The board also approved the amended minutes of the January 30, 2025 meeting. No other formal votes were taken; other items were discussed or deferred.

• Approved the minutes of the 01/30/2025 meeting as amended (changing 'by' to 'from' in the maternity leave request).
• Approved the December 2024 policy revisions provided by counsel, pending requested clarifications on Series 4000 and Series 5000.

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will hold a regular meeting on March 4, 2025. Old business includes a cease and desist order involving Mr. Joseph A. Jensen at 348 Ference Road and a shoreline improvement application at 73 Lake View Drive. New business covers a pole barn at 112 Southworth Drive and two single-family dwellings at 21 Westview Drive and 56 Lakeview Drive. The commission will also receive a timber harvest notification at 112 Boston Turnpike.

• Cease and desist order: Joseph A. Jensen, 348 Ference Road
• Application IW-24-19: Shoreline improvement at 73 Lake View Dr, applicant Joseph Hall
• Application IW-25-01: 40' x 60' pole barn at 112 Southworth Dr, applicant Mark Schnubel
• Application IW-25-02: Single-family dwelling at 21 Westview Dr, applicants Caramia/Gallagher
• Application IW-25-03: Single-family dwelling at 56 Lakeview Dr, applicants Kelly/Lucier

The commission accepted the withdrawal of a shoreline improvement application at 73 Lake View Dr. after unauthorized wetland work was done. It approved agent approvals for a pole barn at 112 Southworth Dr. and a single-family dwelling at 56 Lakeview Dr., and received an application for a dwelling at 21 Westview Dr. A timber harvest notification was approved as of right.

• Withdrew application IW-24-19 for shoreline improvement at 73 Lake View Dr.
• Approved agent approval for IW-25-01, 40'x60' pole barn at 112 Southworth Dr. (unanimous)
• Received IW-24-02 for single-family dwelling at 21 Westview Dr. (unanimous)
• Approved agent approval for IW-24-03 for single-family dwelling at 56 Lakeview Dr. (unanimous)
• Approved 'use as of right' timber harvest notification at 112 Boston Tpke. (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

This Regular Selectmen’s Meeting scheduled for March 3, 2025, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

• Meeting cancelled; no agenda items considered

Commission on Aging

This is a procedural meeting of the Ashford Commission on Aging. The previous meeting was cancelled due to snow. The agenda includes standard reports and open discussion but no listed ordinances, contracts, or public hearings.

• Previous meeting of February 3, 2025 was cancelled due to snow
• Agent for the Elderly report scheduled
• Opportunity for public comment under 'Persons to be heard'

The Commission on Aging held a routine meeting with no substantive decisions beyond approving a temporary chair and secretary. They discussed upcoming events, including a Spinal Care presentation and a tentative Elder Law session, and accepted a $12.99 receipt for a welcome bouquet.

• Appointed Esther Jagodzinski as temporary chair and secretary for the meeting (motion passed)
• Approved holding an Elder Law session on April 11th, if schedules permit (motion passed)

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Core Committee of Ashford's Our Town-Our Future will meet virtually to discuss the release of grouped outcomes from the October community forum, review project updates including the town website and Ashfordctoutdoors.org, and recruit new members. They will also begin planning the next community forum.

• Discuss release of October Community Forum outcome groupings list
• Project updates: Ashfordctoutdoors.org and Town Website
• New Member Recruitment
• Plan for next Community Forum
• POCD (Plan of Conservation and Development) discussion

The Our Town-Our Future Core Committee met virtually and approved the November 4, 2024 minutes (4-0). Members discussed shifting the POCD update to focus on PZC responsibilities and considering a separate town-wide Strategic Plan to house other goals; they plan to discuss this with the Board of Selectmen. The committee also noted a PZC listening session on March 28, 2025, and continued website updates. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved November 4, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Discussed potential changes to POCD scope and a possible town-wide Strategic Plan
• Noted PZC listening session scheduled for March 28, 2025

Board of Finance

The regular meeting scheduled for February 27, 2025 has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is holding a special meeting to review updates provided by various boards and commissions. The body will also discuss the upcoming public session on March 28, 2025, and determine next steps.

• Review of section updates from Boards & Commissions
• Planning for the 3/28/25 Public Session

The POCD Subcommittee met to plan a public listening session for May, deciding to publish a 2-page survey summary and submit a draft to the PZC for approval. They outlined four discussion topics (open space, growth locations, housing types, programs/infrastructure) and set email outreach for March 3 and 21. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and planning-focused.

• Will publish 2-page survey summary
• Will submit draft to PZC before hearing for approval
• Will hold listening session with at least 20 attendees in small groups
• Will send outreach emails on March 3 and March 21
• Will invite EDC member to POCD committee (noted quorum issues)

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will hold a regular meeting on February 26, 2025. Items include reviewing expenditure reports, discussing tourism grant steps and summer funding, and establishing priorities for 2024-25. The commission also receives updates on the PZC-I-84 Zoning Update, the Moore Property, and blighted properties.

• Approval of minutes from December 20, 2023
• Report of budget expenditures
• Business Fair with Ashford Winter Market scheduled for March 16, 2025
• ERTD Grant next steps and funding summer tourism activities
• Establishing EDC priorities for 2024-25

The February 26, 2025 meeting of the Ashford Economic Development Commission was cancelled due to lack of quorum, with only two members present. Despite the cancellation, attendees discussed and agreed on key objectives to submit to the POCD Committee, including prioritizing vacant or derelict properties and supporting existing businesses. They also reaffirmed the Special Planning Areas of Cadle Rock, I-84, and West Ashford as key development opportunities. No formal decisions were made.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum
• Agreed to prioritize vacant/dilapidated properties for development (discussion only)
• Agreed to focus on supporting existing businesses to 'grow our own' (discussion only)
• Reaffirmed Cadle Rock, I-84, and West Ashford as key development areas (discussion only)

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees will meet to discuss a salary increase for the Library Director, clarify the director's health insurance status, and review the library budget. They will also consider filling a vice chair vacancy and adopting a Strategic Plan for 2025-2027.

• Salary increase for Library Director
• Clarification on Library Director's health insurance
• Budget discussion
• Vice chair vacancy
• Strategic Plan 2025-2027

The Board unanimously approved a 5% salary increase for the Library Director, effective March 1, 2025, to be revisited on July 1, 2025. The Board also agreed to remove DEI references from the strategic plan's values section and to reword 'assign' to 'encourage' in the leadership development section. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were reports or discussions.

• Approved Library Director salary increase of 5% effective March 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Agreed to remove DEI references from strategic plan values section
• Agreed to reword 'assign' to 'encourage' in strategic plan leadership section
• Approved minutes from January 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Entered and left executive session to discuss Director's compensation (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Ashford Board of Selectmen is holding a special meeting to review and finalize the proposed 2025-2026 General Government Budget and the 2025-2026 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan. These are proposals that will shape town spending for the coming fiscal year.

• Review/finalize 2025-2026 General Government Budget Proposal
• Review/finalize 2025-2026 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan Proposal

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the 2025-2026 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) totaling $1,388,709 and the General Government Budget Proposal totaling $4,327,892, a 4.83% increase of $172,509. Both proposals will be presented to the Board of Finance for further review.

• Approved 2025-2026 CIP proposal with $1,388,709 in expenditures (unanimous)
• Approved 2025-2026 CIP for presentation to Board of Finance (unanimous)
• Approved 2025-2026 General Government Budget at $4,327,892 (unanimous)
• Approved General Government Budget for presentation to Board of Finance (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Ashford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business including approval of minutes, correspondence, and member reports. Old business items include the Farmers Market and Business Fair, an update on the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) natural resources and open space section, and an invasive plant program update. New business involves coordinating a Trash Day and discussing Pollinator Pathways seed distribution.

• Update on Updated POCD Natural Resources & Open Space
• Invasive Plant Program update
• Farmers Market & Business Fair discussion
• Trash Day collaboration with JT
• Pollinator Pathways seeds discussion

The Conservation Commission approved the January 27, 2025 minutes and discussed updates to the POCD Natural Resources and Open Space section, including changing 'toxins' to 'pollutants' for clarity. They also planned an invasive plant program meeting for March 12 and a trash day event for March 30. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved minutes from January 27, 2025
• Updated POCD Natural Resources and Open Space section, changing 'toxins' to 'pollutants'
• Scheduled invasive plant program meeting for March 12 at 6pm at Knowlton Hall
• Scheduled trash day for March 30, 9am-noon, rain date April 5

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education regular meeting scheduled for February 20, 2025, was not held. Members attended the Ashford Board of Finance meeting instead. No business was conducted or discussed.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will hear a presentation from the Ashford Board of Education on the 2025-2026 budget estimate and discuss the overall 2025-2026 budget. The meeting includes public comment and approval of previous minutes. No votes or decisions are explicitly listed on the agenda.

• Presentation of 2025-2026 budget estimate by Ashford Board of Education
• Discussion of 2025-2026 budget
• Public comment period
• Approval of Feb. 13, 2025 regular meeting minutes

The Ashford Board of Finance held a regular meeting on February 20, 2025, primarily to review the Ashford Board of Education's proposed 2025-2026 budget, which requests a 5.46% increase. No formal decisions were made on the budget; the board will continue discussions and decide on March 13. The board also approved the minutes from the February 13 meeting and received updates on the general budget and capital improvement plan.

• Approved minutes of the February 13, 2025 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Heard BOE presentation on 2025-2026 budget request of 5.46% increase (no action taken)
• Scheduled budget decision for March 13, 2025
• Noted projected mill rate increase of 8.20% based on current estimates

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee is holding a special meeting to review section updates provided by other boards and commissions, discuss an upcoming public session, and outline next steps. No votes on specific projects or ordinances are scheduled; the meeting is procedural in nature.

• Review of section updates from boards and commissions related to the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD)
• Discussion of scheduling and format for an upcoming public session
• Discussion of next steps for the POCD subcommittee

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD subcommittee discussed survey results and decided to defer the creation of a strategic plan to First Selectwoman Cathryn Silver-Smith, with possible assistance from NECCOG. They also agreed to include regular twice-yearly progress updates in the plan and to discuss the conservation-development conflict at a listening session. No formal votes were taken.

• Deferred strategic plan creation to First Selectwoman Cathryn Silver-Smith
• Planned to include twice-yearly progress updates in the POCD
• Scheduled discussion of conservation-development conflict at listening session
• Survey results to be presented in The Citizen and at March listening session

Board of Selectmen

The Capital Improvements Committee will finalize the 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for presentation to the Board of Selectmen. This is a working session to complete the plan before submitting it to the full board.

• Finalize 2025-2026 CIP Plan for presentation to Board of Selectmen

The Capital Improvements Committee finalized its 2025-2026 CIP Plan, recommending all previously targeted items remain in the plan except Ashford Academy Preservation ($10,000), which moves to the General Government budget. The plan includes $1,388,709 in projects, with funding from CNR, grants, and other sources. The package will be presented to the Board of Selectmen on February 24, 2025.

• Finalized 2025-2026 CIP Plan for presentation to BOS
• Recommended moving Ashford Academy Preservation ($10,000) to General Government budget
• Included all other previously targeted items in CIP Plan
• Accepted $60,000 from Ashford School Non-Lapsing Fund for ADA doors/windows plan
• Accepted $4,000 from AVFD for Station 20 lighting upgrade
• Agreed to present cost projections for FY 2026-2030 to BOS

Agriculture Commission

The Ashford Agriculture Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss the Right to Farm Ordinance as unfinished business. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of minutes and public comment.

• Right to Farm Ordinance (unfinished business)

The Ashford Agriculture Commission unanimously approved a motion to forward a proposed Right to Farm ordinance to the Board of Selectmen for consideration. The commission also reviewed upcoming state legislation and received notice of the Ashford Business Fair on March 16, 2025.

• Approved motion to take Right to Farm ordinance proposal to Board of Selectmen (unanimous)
• Approved minutes as presented (4-0-1, Weinstock abstaining)
• Seated Meg Brauch as alternate

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review the 2025-2026 General Government budget, hear updates on the Ashford School roof replacement and Cadlerock/EPA lien status, and consider appointments to various boards and commissions. They will also discuss setting a date for a public hearing on revising the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission ordinance and on accepting Lake Woods Lane as a town road.

• Review 2025-2026 General Government budget
• Update on Ashford School roof replacement project
• Update on Cadlerock/EPA lien status
• Board and commission appointments (multiple vacancies)
• Setting public hearing date for ordinance revision and Lake Woods Lane acceptance

The Board of Selectmen appointed Meghan E. MacRae as an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission for a term expiring June 1, 2027. The board also discussed budget preparations, scheduling a special meeting for February 24 to finalize the General Government Budget and Capital Improvements Plan. Several other agenda items were postponed, including the ASCO donation agreement and a public hearing date.

• Appointed Meghan E. MacRae as alternate to Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (unanimous)
• Waived acceptance of minutes from 1/21/2025 and 1/28/2025 until next meeting
• Scheduled special meeting for Feb 24 to finalize budget and capital improvements plan
• Rescheduled ASCO donation agreement review to next regular meeting
• Deferred setting public hearing date pending Town Counsel review
• Entered executive session for personnel matter (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to review the 2025-2026 General Government budget and the Tax Collector job description. The body will also ratify certification documents for state discretionary funding.

• Ratification of Municipal Certification of Eligibility for STEAP state funding
• Ratification of STEAP Acceptance and Certification document
• Review of Tax Collector job description
• Review of 2025-2026 General Government budget

The Board of Selectmen unanimously ratified two documents related to the 2025 STEAP Grant application and approved the Tax Collector job description with minor changes. The position will be posted on job websites on February 18. The board also reviewed the proposed 2025-2026 General Government budget and capital improvement requests, but took no formal action on them.

• Ratified Municipal Certification of Eligibility for 2025 STEAP Grant (unanimous)
• Ratified Acceptance & Certification document for 2025 STEAP Grant (unanimous)
• Approved Tax Collector job description with minor changes (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will discuss the 2025-2026 town budget and consider revising its own budget to include a Zoom license. They will also hear an update from the Selectwoman and approve minutes from a special meeting.

• Discussion of 2025-2026 budget
• Possible action to revise Board of Finance budget for Zoom license
• Selectwoman's update
• Approval of special meeting minutes from January 30, 2025

The Board of Finance approved the January 30, 2025 special meeting minutes as amended to include the First Selectwoman's email about Zoom licensing. The board discussed the 2025-2026 budget, noting the Board of Education's proposed 5.46% increase and a projected decrease in Education Cost Sharing funding. No action was taken on revising the BOF budget to include a Zoom license. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved January 30, 2025 special meeting minutes as amended (unanimous, with Lipker and Austin abstaining)
• Discussed 2025-2026 budget, including BOE's 5.46% increase and state funding changes
• No action taken on revising BOF budget for Zoom license

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority will meet to review the January budget report and a pro forma financial statement. The board will also receive updates on the Ashford Housing Development and the Moderate Rehab Project.

• Review of pro forma financial statement
• January Budget Report
• Update on Ashford Housing Development
• Moderate Rehab Project discussion

The Ashford Housing Authority approved the minutes from the January 14, 2025 annual meeting. The director reported that HARP grant funds were received and used for purchases, with a museum trip scheduled for late February. Rent recertification will begin soon, and a meeting to discuss a proposed base rent increase is set for March 11. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and informational.

• Approved minutes of January 14, 2025 annual meeting (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:37 pm (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is holding a special meeting to review survey results and the 2015 Plan of Conservation and Development. The commission will also examine section updates provided by other boards and commissions to determine next steps.

• Review of survey results
• Review of 2015 POCD
• Review of section updates from Boards & Commissions

Town Meetings

The Town of Ashford will hold a public hearing and special town meeting to discuss and act on an $80,000 appropriation from undesignated fund balance. This amount serves as the required local match for a $400,000 STEAP grant to reclaim and repave the Public Works facility.

• Appropriation of $80,000 from undesignated fund balance for STEAP grant match
• Proposed $400,000 grant from STEAP to reclaim and repave the Public Works facility

At a Special Town Meeting on February 10, 2025, Ashford voters unanimously approved an $80,000 appropriation from the undesignated fund balance to match a $400,000 STEAP grant for repaving the Public Works facility. The public hearing preceding the vote included discussion of traffic handling, bidding procedures, and environmental impact. The motion passed unanimously.

• Approved $80,000 appropriation from undesignated fund balance for STEAP grant match (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing and opened Special Town Meeting at 7:12 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting at 7:13 p.m.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Ashford Planning & Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for February 10, 2025, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025.

Board of Finance

This regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Finance has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 7 p.m.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is meeting to review survey results and the 2015 Plan of Conservation and Development. The body will also examine section updates provided by other boards and commissions to determine next steps.

• Review of survey results
• Review of 2015 POCD
• Review of section updates from Boards & Commissions

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to review and refine the proposed 2025-2026 General Government Budget. The body will also discuss Town IT Policies.

• Review of proposed 2025-2026 General Government Budget
• Discussion of Town IT Policies

The Board of Selectmen held a special meeting to review 2025-2026 department budget requests, including Public Works repaving, Highway, Transfer Station, and Parks and Recreation budgets. No formal votes were taken on the budgets; discussions included Transfer Station access improvements, such as requiring stickers on windshields and building permits for contractors, and park maintenance costs. The Board also discussed concerns about a Board of Finance Zoom account created outside established IT processes, which was referred to Town Counsel. The meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m.

• Reviewed 2025-2026 department budget requests (no vote)
• Discussed Transfer Station access restrictions, including sticker display and contractor permit requirements
• Directed Parks and Recreation to contact other municipalities about revenue-generating programs
• Referred Board of Finance Zoom account issue to Town Counsel
• Adjourned meeting unanimously at 5:06 p.m.

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will discuss a cease and desist order regarding property at 348 Ference Road and a shoreline improvement application at 73 Lake View Dr. The agenda also includes a notification of timber harvest at 266 Zaicek Rd. New business is listed but no items are specified.

• Cease and desist: Mr. Joseph A. Jensen, 348 Ference Road
• Shoreline improvement application IW-24-19:73 Lake View Dr, applicant Joseph Hall
• Notification of timber harvest at 266 Zaicek Rd

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission tabled a cease and desist order for Joseph A. Jensen until next meeting and discussed an incomplete application for shoreline work at 73 Lake View Dr., awaiting a professional report. The commission also reviewed a STEAP grant application for repaving the Public Works Facility, noting potential wetland concerns. No new business was conducted.

• Tabled cease and desist for Joseph A. Jensen, 348 Ference Rd.
• Discussed IW-24-19, 73 Lake View Dr., awaiting professional report
• Reviewed STEAP grant application for $400,000 (possible $80,000 match)
• Approved minutes of Jan. 7, 2025, as corrected
• Added STEAP grant discussion to agenda unanimously

Board of Selectmen

The Capital Improvements Committee will hold a work session to review capital improvement project requests for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the session is for discussion and evaluation. The meeting is procedural in nature.

• Work session on 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requests

The Capital Improvements Committee held a work session to review all proposed 2025-2026 capital projects. They recommended moving $32,204 of repair-related items to the General Government budget as maintenance items, and discussed funding sources including a $400K STEAP grant for the Public Works facility repaving. No final approvals were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 8:55 PM.

• Reviewed 2025-2026 CIP requests and capital expenditure report
• Recommended moving $32,204 of repair items to General Government budget
• Discussed $400K STEAP grant for Public Works facility repaving with $80K match from Undesignated Fund
• Tabled decisions on several items pending further quotes or information

Board of Selectmen

This regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Selectmen scheduled for February 3, 2025 has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancelled

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Our Town-Our Future Core Committee is meeting to review groupings from the October Community Forum. The body will also discuss updates to the town website and Ashfordctoutdoors.org, as well as plan the next community forum.

• Review of October Community Forum Outcome Groupings List
• Updates to Ashfordctoutdoors.org and the Town Website
• Planning for the next Community Forum
• New member recruitment
• Discussion regarding the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD)

The Our Town Our Future Core Committee meeting scheduled for February 3, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No substantive decisions were made or discussed.

Commission on Aging

This is a procedural meeting of the Ashford Commission on Aging. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, reports, and general business, with no specific decisions or discussions listed. The meeting is scheduled for February 3, 2025, at 10 AM at the Earl W. Smith Senior Center.

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Board of Education is meeting to review financial statements and plan for the upcoming school year. The agenda includes discussions on the FY 26 budget and capital project requests.

• Approval of 2025-2026 Ashford School Calendar
• FY 26 Budget discussion
• Approval of 2nd Quarter Financial Statement
• Capital Project Requests and Non-Lapsing Fund follow-up
• 2nd Reading of December 2024 Policy Revisions

The Ashford Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 school calendar, the second quarter financial statement, and a maternity leave request for teacher Danielle Brodoff. The board also discussed the FY 26 budget and capital projects, but tabled policy revisions until the next meeting.

• Approved 2025-2026 Ashford School Calendar (unanimous)
• Approved 2nd Quarter Financial Statement (unanimous)
• Approved maternity leave for Danielle Brodoff (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of 01/02/2025 and 01/16/2025 (unanimous)
• Tabled 2nd reading of December 2024 policy revisions

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will discuss a recommendation to allocate $80,000 from the undesignated fund balance as a municipal match for a Connecticut STEAP grant. Members will also discuss the 2025-2026 budget and a potential revision to include a Zoom license.

• Possible action on $80,000 appropriation from undesignated fund balance for STEAP grant match
• Proposed revision to 2025-2026 Board of Finance Budget for a Zoom license
• Discussion of the 2025-2026 budget

The Board of Finance unanimously recommended holding a public hearing/town meeting to appropriate $80,000 from the undesignated fund balance as the municipal match for a Connecticut STEAP grant application for Public Works facility road improvements. The board also approved the January 16, 2025 minutes. No action was taken on the Zoom license discussion, and the 2025-2026 budget was only discussed.

• Approved minutes of Jan 16, 2025 special meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended $80,000 appropriation from undesignated fund balance for STEAP grant match (unanimous)
• No action on Zoom license purchase discussion

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee is holding a special meeting to review survey results and the 2015 Plan of Conservation and Development. The commission will also examine section updates provided by other boards and commissions to determine next steps.

• Review of survey results
• Review of 2015 POCD
• Review of section updates from Boards & Commissions

The commission made no final decisions, focusing instead on next steps for the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). They scheduled a public listening session for Friday, March 28, 6-8 PM, with pizza provided, and agreed to invite subject matter experts and the public. They also decided to ask the EDC to reorganize objectives, send the Board of Education submission back for revision, and have members make edits to energy and natural resources sections.

• Scheduled POCD listening session for March 28, 6-8 PM, with pizza funded by PZC
• Agreed to invite subject matter experts and public to listening session
• Decided to ask EDC to reorganize objectives with separate PZC section
• Decided to return Board of Education submission with 2015 education page for revision
• Assigned Janet Bellamy to make changes to energy submission
• Assigned Christine Acebo and Janet Bellamy to rework Natural Resources section

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a special meeting to review department budget requests for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. No other items are on the agenda.

• Review of 2025-2026 department budget requests

The Board of Selectmen met in a special session to review the 2025-2026 department budget requests. They concluded the initial review of individual department budgets. No specific budget amounts or decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Concluded initial review of 2025-2026 department budget requests
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Library Board of Trustees

This is a procedural meeting of the Babcock Library Board of Trustees. The board will approve minutes from past meetings and welcome Beth Fitzroy back as Treasurer. No substantive policy changes or funding decisions are on the agenda.

• Approve minutes from October 22, 2024, November 7, 2024, November 19, 2024, and January 7, 2025
• Welcome Beth Fitzroy back as Treasurer

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees approved minutes from four prior meetings. The FY2026 budget was submitted with a $6,000 increase, mainly due to health insurance and minimum wage costs. The board discussed operational updates, including Wi-Fi repairs, copy price increases, and new programs. No major policy decisions were made beyond routine approvals.

• Approved minutes from Oct 22, Nov 7, Nov 19, 2024, and Jan 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Noted Beth Fitzroy returning as Treasurer pending swearing-in
• Discussed FY2026 budget submission with $6,000 increase
• Increased copy prices: color $1.00, B&W $0.25 per page
• Moved reference materials to general shelves for genealogy space
• Scheduled silent book club for 4th Friday in February
• Planned Take Your Child to the Library Day on Feb 1
• Noted Friends purchased Meeting Owl and cart for children's section

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will recommend to the Board of Finance an appropriation of $80,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance to match a proposed 2025 STEAP Grant for repaving the Ashford Public Works Facility. A Special Town Meeting will also be held to approve this match and consider revisions to the Inland Wetlands Ordinance. Additionally, the board will review department budget requests for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

• Appropriation of $80,000 from Undesignated Fund Balance for STEAP Grant match
• Repaving of the Ashford Public Works Facility
• Proposed 2025 STEAP Grant application
• Revisions to the Inland Wetlands Ordinance (Special Town Meeting)
• Review of 2025-2026 department budget requests

The Board of Selectmen approved submitting a 2025 Small Town Economic Assistance (STEAP) grant application for $400,000 to repave the Public Works facility, and recommended the Board of Finance consider an $80,000 appropriation from the undesignated fund balance for the required match. They also voted to call a Public Hearing/Special Town Meeting for February 10, 2025, to approve the $80,000 allocation, pending the Board of Finance's recommendation. No other substantive decisions were made; budget review was deferred.

• Approved submission of 2025 STEAP grant application for $400,000 for Public Works repaving (2-0)
• Recommended Board of Finance consider $80,000 appropriation from undesignated fund balance for grant match (2-0)
• Called Public Hearing/Special Town Meeting for Feb 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. to approve $80,000 allocation (2-0)

Conservation Commission

The Ashford Conservation Commission is holding a regular meeting to discuss routine business and several projects. Old business includes updates on the Farmers Market, the revised POCD Natural Resources and Open Space section, and a report on a recent Meet and Greet event. New business covers an Invasive Plant Program, recruitment of new members, and planning for Trash Day. The agenda is largely procedural with no financial decisions or public hearings listed.

• Discussion of updated POCD Natural Resources and Open Space section
• Invasive Plant Program proposal
• Trash Day planning
• Farmers Market update
• New member recruitment

The Conservation Commission approved the November 25, 2024 minutes and discussed updates to the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) Natural Resources and Open Space sections, including adding a CT watershed map and river systems. They also planned an invasive plant program for residents and a trash pickup day on March 30. No formal votes were taken on these items; they were discussions and planning actions.

• Approved November 25, 2024 minutes (motion by Janet, second by Christine)
• Partnered with EDC for business fair at March Farmers Market
• Discussed POCD revisions, adding CT watershed map and river systems
• Planned invasive plant program with Invasive Plant Working Group
• Scheduled Trash Day for March 30, 8:45am-12noon, rain date April 5

Board of Finance

The regular meeting of the Ashford Board of Finance scheduled for January 23, 2025, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 6, 2025.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee will meet to review survey results, the existing 2015 Plan of Conservation and Development, and section updates from boards and commissions. The discussion will focus on determining next steps for the POCD update process.

• Review of survey results
• Review of 2015 POCD
• Review of section updates from boards and commissions
• Discussion of next steps for POCD update

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee met to discuss survey data analysis and plan a public listening session. They changed the listening session date to March 22 to present survey results and gather input. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and planning-focused.

• Changed listening session date to March 22
• Agreed to publish survey results in The Citizen
• Assigned Nora to attend Historical Society meeting to get their submission
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan 30 at 6:30

Board of Selectmen

At this regular meeting, the Board of Selectmen will discuss old business including the Ashford School Roof Replacement project status, finalizing the town building use fee schedule and Ashford Food Bank donation policy, and an update on the Cadlerock/EPA lien. Under new business, they will consider multiple board and commission appointments, tax refunds, and award a revaluation bid. They will also consider setting a public hearing/special town meeting to revise the ordinance determining the size of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission and to consider acceptance of Lake Woods Lane as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission.

• Ashford School Roof Replacement project status update
• Finalize town building use fee schedule and Ashford Food Bank donation policy
• Update on Cadlerock/EPA lien status
• Consider setting public hearing to revise Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission ordinance and accept Lake Woods Lane
• Multiple board and commission appointments including Economic Development, Inland Wetlands, Agriculture, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation, Commission on Aging, Babcock Library, and Planning & Zoning

The Board of Selectmen unanimously awarded the 2025 revaluation bid to Equality Valuation Services, LLC of Waterbury, CT, as recommended by the Ashford Assessor. They also unanimously appointed Joe Hendricks to an alternate seat on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission and Elizabeth Fitzroy to the Babcock Library Board of Directors. The board discussed a proposed ordinance revision to reduce the IWWC membership from seven to five regular members, which will be reviewed by Town Counsel and placed on a future Town Meeting agenda.

• Awarded 2025 revaluation bid to Equality Valuation Services, LLC (unanimous)
• Appointed Joe Hendricks to IWWC alternate seat, term to 6/1/2027 (unanimous)
• Appointed Elizabeth Fitzroy to Babcock Library Board of Directors, term to 11/18/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of 1/6/2025 regular meeting (unanimous)
• No action taken on other board/commission vacancies
• No tax refunds reported

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee of the Ashford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a special meeting to review survey results, the existing 2015 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), and updates provided by other boards and commissions. The group will discuss next steps for the plan update. No votes on specific projects or ordinances are scheduled.

• Review of Survey Results
• Review of 2015 POCD
• Review of Section Updates provided by Boards & Commissions
• Discussion of Next Steps

The Planning and Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee met and made no final decisions. They scheduled a public listening session for March 15 and discussed using ChatGPT to analyze survey data about the Wagonshed/Cadlerock property. They also reviewed a draft of the Natural Resources section from the Conservation Commission.

• Scheduled a listening session for March 15, 10-12, at Knowlton Hall or Senior Center
• Agreed to ask Luther to run remaining survey data through ChatGPT for analysis
• Reviewed Conservation Commission draft of Natural Resources section with minor changes

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will review the proposed school budget for fiscal year 2026. The board will also receive a presentation regarding a student trip to Germany and the Arabic World Language program.

• Superintendent’s FY 26 Ashford School Budget Presentation
• Presentation on Student Trip to Germany/Arabic World Language
• Audit update
• Welcome of new Board of Education member

The Ashford Board of Education unanimously approved sending the proposed 2025-2026 school budget, representing a 5.46% increase over the current budget, to the town. The board also discussed capital project requests, including roof replacement and window replacements, and received an update on the audit, which ended with a surplus for FY24. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved FY26 school budget with 5.46% increase (unanimous)
• Added agenda item to discuss capital project requests and funding (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:47 PM (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Ashford Board of Finance will hold a special hybrid meeting on January 16, 2025. They will discuss and possibly accept the 2023-2024 audit with an update to page 4, review a letter from the Town Attorney regarding transferring monies to the CNR Fund, and consider changes to the format of Board of Finance meetings. Public comment and approval of previous meeting minutes are also on the agenda.

• Discussion and possible action to accept the 2023-2024 Audit with an update to page 4
• Review of Town Attorney letter on process to transfer monies to the CNR Fund
• Discussion and possible action regarding format for Board of Finance meetings

The Ashford Board of Finance unanimously accepted the revised June 30, 2024 audit, which included updates to fund balance and net position figures. The board also unanimously approved purchasing its own Zoom license to improve meeting security while maintaining public access. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved revised June 30, 2024 audit (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Zoom license for BOF meetings (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Capital Improvements Committee will meet to review original projects targeted for the 2025-2026 capital improvement plan, consider new requests, and assess anticipated funding sources. They will also establish a schedule for completing the proposed CIP for presentation to the Board of Selectmen.

• Review of originally targeted 2025-2026 CIP items
• Review of new 2025-2026 CIP requests
• Review of anticipated funding sources
• Establish timeline for final CIP proposal to Board of Selectmen

The Capital Improvements Committee reviewed the 2025-2026 capital projects list, noting completed 2024-2025 projects and adjusting estimates (e.g., bus/van replacement increased to $130,000). New requests were discussed, including a fire alarm system for Ashford Academy (cost TBD), file scanning for GIS access ($50,000), and a virtual meeting system upgrade ($15,000). No final recommendations were made; the committee will finalize the plan for presentation to the Board of Selectmen in March.

• Reviewed 2025-2026 capital projects initial list
• Noted completion of 2024-2025 projects (e.g., F350 pickup, Kubota tractor, A/C replacements)
• Increased bus/van replacement estimate from $90,000 to $130,000
• Removed HVAC system upgrade from list (no longer needed)
• Discussed new requests: fire alarm system (TBD), file scanning ($50,000), virtual meeting upgrade ($15,000)
• Set schedule: BOS presentation of CIP plan on Mar. 6

Housing Authority

The Ashford Housing Authority will conduct its annual meeting to elect officers and review financial reports. The board will also review an updated Strategic Plan.

• Election of Officers
• Review of updated Strategic Plan
• Budget reports for November and December
• Discussion of Moderate Rehab Project
• Update on Ashford Housing Development

The Ashford Housing Authority held its annual meeting, approving the November minutes and electing officers for the coming term. The board also received a $8,278 HARP grant for resident programs, including museum trips, a refrigerator, banquet tables, and chairs. The budget report showed positive cash flow, and the board reviewed the strategic plan.

• Approved November 12, 2024 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Elected officers: Chairman Dennis Poitras, Vice Chair Bill Kerensky, Treasurer Ann Phillips, Resident Commissioner Sandy Labrecque (all in favor)
• Noted approval of $8,278 HARP grant for resident programs
• Reviewed budget reports and strategic plan (no formal action)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting to review the proposed budget and capital expenditures for fiscal year 2025/26. They will also discuss a financial report for FY24/25, evaluate fall programs and associated costs, and consider new program ideas. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and public comment.

• Approval of November’s meeting minutes
• Financial report update for FY24/25
• Recreation Director review of Fall Programs, program expenses and income, and Ashford Park field update
• Review proposed Budget and Capital Expenditures for FY25/26
• Discussion of any new ideas for programs

The Ashford Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed its proposed FY25/26 budget and discussed seeking bids for replacing the concession stand roof and a pavilion side at AMP. No formal votes were taken on these items. The commission also discussed program ideas, including an outdoor ice rink and a town-wide scavenger hunt for the U.S. 250th birthday.

• Reviewed proposed FY25/26 budget (no vote)
• Discussed seeking bids for concession stand roof and pavilion side replacement (no vote)
• Discussed program ideas including outdoor ice rink and scavenger hunt (no vote)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet to discuss a street acceptance request and review a draft for the IID Special Development District. The body will also review the application process for commissioners under the Ashford Zoning Regulations.

• Street acceptance request for Lake Woods Lane
• Review of IID Special Development District Draft
• Review of Application Review process (Zoning Regulations Article 5 Sections 300-21 to 300-24)
• Payment of $424.44 to The Chronicle
• Appointment of an alternate to fill the vacancy left by J. Schillinger

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously appointed Steve Petsch to fill the vacancy left by J. Schillinger's resignation, effective until the November 2025 municipal election. The commission also unanimously voted to recommend acceptance of Lake Woods Lane as a public street to the Board of Selectmen. Discussion was held on the application review process and the IID Special Development District draft, but no formal decisions were made on those items.

• Appointed Steve Petsch to fill vacancy left by J. Schillinger's resignation (unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of Lake Woods Lane as a public street to Board of Selectmen (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 9, 2024 meeting as corrected (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The POCD Subcommittee of the Planning & Zoning Commission is holding a special meeting to review survey results, the 2015 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), and section updates from boards and commissions. The group will also discuss next steps for the POCD update process. No votes or public hearings are scheduled.

• Review of survey results
• Review of 2015 POCD
• Review of section updates provided by boards and commissions
• Discussion of next steps for POCD update

The Planning & Zoning Commission's POCD Subcommittee met to review survey results and discuss the Plan of Conservation and Development. They agreed on a new version of the Agriculture section and began discussing the Natural Resources section, with further discussion planned. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and preparatory.

• Approved new version of Agriculture section
• Discussed Natural Resources section (continued)
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan 16

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to receive a presentation of the 2023-2024 audit and review the budget calendar for 2025-2026. The meeting includes updates on a STEAP grant and a report from the Selectwoman.

• Presentation of the 2023-2024 Audit by Jason Cote of Hoyt Filippetti & Malaghan
• Review of 2025-2026 Budget Calendar
• Update on STEAP grant
• Introduction of new recording secretary, Kayla Plagge

The Board of Finance held a special meeting to review the FY2024 audit, which received a clean opinion but included prior-year adjustments and a material weakness in journal entries. No votes were taken because the agenda lacked a required Zoom link, violating state FOI rules. The board will vote on the audit at its next meeting on January 16, 2025.

• No votes taken due to agenda FOI violation
• Audit findings presented with clean opinion and material weakness
• Deferred final audit approval to January 16, 2025
• Approved revised agenda with Zoom link for future meetings

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Ashford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two variance applications. One request seeks to allow an accessory dwelling unit larger than 700 square feet at 356 Westford Rd. The other requests a reduced side setback of 15 feet for an addition at 161 Amidon Rd, where 30 feet is required. The board will also approve minutes from July 2023 and may make appointments.

• Public hearing on variance to exceed 700 sq ft accessory dwelling unit limit at 356 Westford Rd (ZBA-24-1, applicant B. Grabowski)
• Public hearing on variance for 15-foot side setback instead of required 30 feet at 161 Amidon Rd (ZBA-24-2, applicant J. Rettenmeier)
• Approval of minutes from July 12, 2023

The Ashford Zoning Board of Appeals approved two variance applications at its January 8, 2025 meeting. The first allowed a 15-foot side setback variance at 161 Amidon Road, and the second permitted an accessory dwelling larger than the 700-square-foot code limit at 356 Westford Road. Both approvals were unanimous, and the board noted no concerns from the Land Use Department.

• Approved variance for 15-foot side setback at 161 Amidon Road (unanimous)
• Approved variance for accessory dwelling exceeding 700 sq ft at 356 Westford Road (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 12, 2023 (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees is holding a special meeting to discuss staffing concerns, which may lead to an executive session. The board will also consider possible action on the Treasurer position and a Board vacancy. No other business is listed.

• Discuss staffing concerns (possible executive session)
• Possible action on Treasurer position
• Possible action on Board vacancy

The Babcock Library Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Beth Fitzroy to fill the board vacancy left by Pamela Summers' resignation, and also appointed her as Treasurer with signatory authority on the bank account. The board discussed staffing concerns but took no formal action on staffing levels or volunteer shelf reading.

• Appointed Beth Fitzroy to fill board vacancy until Pamela Summers' term ends (unanimous)
• Appointed Beth Fitzroy as Treasurer and added her and Catherine Sampson as bank signatories (unanimous)

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will consider a cease and desist order for Joseph A. Jensen at 348 Ference Road and review application IW-24-16 for an art studio, septic system, gravel parking lot, and restoration of disturbed area at the same property. They will also discuss shoreline improvement application IW-24-19 at 73 Lake View Dr. and a new business item regarding septic repair at 15 Old Town Rd. for the Lake Chaffee Improvement Association.

• Cease and desist order for Joseph A. Jensen, 348 Ference Road
• Application IW-24-16: art studio, septic, gravel parking lot, and restoration at 348 Ference Rd.
• Application IW-24-19: shoreline improvement at 73 Lake View Dr.
• New business discussion: septic repair at 15 Old Town Rd. for Lake Chaffee Improvement Association

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the construction of an art studio, septic, gravel parking lot, and restoration of disturbed area at 348 Ference Rd, contingent on site stabilization, swale widening, and wood debris removal. The cease and desist order for the property will remain until the remediation work is completed, expected by end of June 2025. The commission also voted to send a letter to the applicant of IW-24-19 (73 Lake View Dr.) urging communication, as the application is incomplete and time is running out.

• Approved IW-24-16: 348 Ference Rd. art studio, septic, parking lot, restoration (unanimous)
• Cease and desist order for 348 Ference Rd. to be lifted only after conditional work completed
• Directed Wetlands Officer to send letter to applicant of IW-24-19 (73 Lake View Dr.) urging communication (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 3, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 7:55 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hear an update on the Ashford School Roof Replacement project and finalize a town building use fee schedule alongside an Ashford Food Bank donation policy. They will also receive an update on the Cadlerock/EPA lien status and make numerous appointments to boards and commissions. The meeting includes public comment time and approval of prior minutes.

• Update on Ashford School Roof Replacement project status
• Finalize town building use fee schedule and Ashford Food Bank donation policy
• Update on Cadlerock/EPA lien status
• Board and Commission appointments for Economic Development, Inland Wetlands, Agriculture, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and Commission on Aging
• Tax refunds

The Board of Selectmen approved a tax refund of $2,971.97 to Lereta, LLC for David Broer under CGS 12-129. The board also discussed the Ashford School roof replacement project, Cadlerock/EPA lien negotiations, and noted that the newly hired Senior Center Director started. No other substantive decisions were made; most items were informational or appointments to be filled later.

• Approved $2,971.97 tax refund to Lereta, LLC (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of 12/18/2024 meeting (unanimous)

Ashford Our Town Our Future

The Ashford Our Town Our Future core committee will meet virtually to review and discuss outcomes from the October community forum, receive updates on the town website and ashfordctoutdoors.org, and plan the next community forum. They will also consider new member recruitment and the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). No final decisions or financial actions are on the agenda.

• Discuss October Community Forum Outcome Groupings List
• Project updates: Ashfordctoutdoors.org and Town Website
• New Member Recruitment discussion
• Next Community Forum planning
• POCD (Plan of Conservation and Development) update

The January 6, 2025 meeting of the Ashford Our Town Our Future Core Committee was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made or items discussed.

Commission on Aging

This meeting covers routine administrative items including approval of prior minutes and reports from the Agent for the Elderly. No specific proposals, ordinances, or financial decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from December 2, 2024

The Commission on Aging met on January 6, 2025, and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting focused on discussing potential programs, including a tap-dancing class and a dementia/Alzheimer's program, and postponing a spam program. The new Center Director and Agent for the Elderly, Monica Gallegos, was introduced.

• Approved minutes of 12/02/2024 (motion passed)
• Postponed spam program pending Babcock Library talk
• Adjourned at 10:39 AM (motion passed)

Board of Education (ABOE)

The Ashford Board of Education will conduct candidate interviews for a vacant Board seat (per state statute and board bylaws), then vote to seat a new member. They will also elect a Board Secretary to fill a vacancy, accept a donation to the Bicknell Education Trust, and decide on the number and denomination of Bicknell Scholarships for 2024-2025. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes from two prior meetings.

• Candidate interviews for Board of Education vacancy (per CGS § 10-219)
• Vote to seat new Board member
• Election of Board Secretary to fill vacancy
• Acceptance of donation to Maurice B. and Mildred C. Bicknell Ashford Education Trust
• Discussion of number and denomination of Bicknell Scholarships for 2024-2025

The Ashford Board of Education interviewed three candidates and appointed Kurt Love to fill the board vacancy, with one abstention. The board also accepted a $50,000 anonymous donation to the Bicknell Education Trust, approved five $1,000 scholarships, and appointed Chonte Fields as Board Secretary. All other actions were routine or procedural.

• Appointed Kurt Love to fill BOE vacancy (5-0-1, Maccarone abstained)
• Accepted $50,000 anonymous donation to Bicknell Education Trust (unanimous)
• Awarded five $1,000 Bicknell scholarships (unanimous)
• Appointed Chonte Fields as Board Secretary (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes of 12/07/2024 and 12/19/2024 (unanimous)