Branford public meetings in 2025

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will hold a special meeting to swear in newly appointed members and consider a $500,000 transfer from the general fund balance to fund leasehold improvements at 30-36 East Industrial Road for DPW relocation. If approved, the board will recommend the RTM increase the FY2026 General Fund Budget from $141,198,673 to $141,698,673. The board will also consider adopting the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Swearing in of newly appointed members Alfred Bertoline and Francis Proto
• Consideration of $500,000 transfer from fund balance for DPW transition costs (leasehold improvements at 30-36 East Industrial Road)
• Resolution to increase FY2026 General Fund Budget to $141,698,673 and appropriate $500,000 from fund balance
• Approval of the 2026 regular meeting schedule (last Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Joe Trapasso Community House)

Public Building Commission

The Public Building Commission will receive updates on the Police Headquarters project from Downes Construction and Jacunski Humes. It will also consider approving two invoices, including a $777,344.05 payment to Downes Construction and a $2,400 SES invoice.

• Update on Police Headquarters project from Downes Construction
• Update on Police Headquarters project from Jacunski Humes
• Consideration of Downes Construction December 2025 Requisition #011 for $777,344.05
• Consideration of SES invoice for $2,400

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a special exception and coastal site plan for a 22‑unit housing development at 1‑9‑11‑15‑17 Beacon Hill Road (Application PZ 25‑9). The commission will also consider a special exception modification for a second‑floor garage addition and ADU at 35 Bayberry Lane (Application PZ 25‑12). Additional agenda items include officer elections, a planner’s report, and updates on pending coastal site plans for 6 Second Avenue and 114 Limewood Avenue.

• Special Exception & Coastal Site Plan – 22‑unit housing development, Beacon Hill Road (PZ 25‑9)
• Special Exception Modification – garage ADU addition, 35 Bayberry Lane (PZ 25‑12)
• Election of Officers
• Planners Report
• Pending coastal site plans for 6 Second Avenue (PZ 25‑11) and 114 Limewood Avenue (PZ 25‑13)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Branford Planning & Zoning Commission approved a modification for a second-floor addition to a garage at 35 Bayberry Lane to create an accessory dwelling unit. The body also scheduled the election of officers for 2026.

• Approved special exception modification at 35 Bayberry Lane
• Election of Planning & Zoning Officers for 2026
• Legal notice to be published in The Sound Newspaper

BOE - Committee Chair

The Board of Education Committee Chairs are meeting virtually to discuss agendas for several upcoming sessions. These include meetings for the Teaching & Learning, Personnel & Finance, and Policy committees, as well as budget-related sessions.

• Teaching & Learning Committee agenda
• Personnel & Finance Committee agenda
• Policy Committee agenda
• Superintendent’s Budget Meeting agenda
• Budget Workshop agenda

BOE - Committee Chair

The Branford Board of Education will hold several committee meetings and a full board meeting on January 7 and January 21, 2026. The full board will hear the Superintendent's FY27 budget presentation, consider a PreK mathematics textbook proposal, discuss the BHS F Wing HVAC project, and vote on first readings of Title IX and child abuse policies. Executive session will cover open legal cases and the Superintendent's mid-year evaluation.

• Superintendent's FY27 Budget presentation on January 21
• Approval of PreK Mathematics Developing Roots textbook proposal
• Discussion of BHS F Wing HVAC project
• First reading of policies 4650 (Title IX Personnel), 5250 (Title IX Students), and 5500 (Child Sex Abuse Response)
• Second reading and approval of policies 1000, 5000, 4600 (non-discrimination) and 5300 (administration of medication)

Community Forest Commission

The Branford Community Forest Commission has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for December 18, 2025.

• Meeting cancelled for December 18, 2025
• Scheduled at Joe Trapasso Community House, 46 Church Street

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider and possibly approve the minutes from the November 13 special meeting and the November 5 meeting, hold an executive session on tax appeals, and approve the 2026 meeting schedule. They will consider a resolution to accept a $92,739 grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for operation, maintenance, and possible construction of a marine sewage disposal facility and pump‑out vessel for the 2026 season. The agenda also includes appointments and reappointments to town committees and a request from the Chabad of the Shoreline to use the Town Green for a Menorah display from Dec 11‑25, 2025.

• Approve minutes from Nov 13 (special) and Nov 5, 2025 meetings
• Executive session to discuss tax appeals
• Resolution to accept $92,739 DEEP grant for marine sewage disposal facility/pump‑out vessel
• Appointments to Green Committee and Board of Finance vacancies
• Chabad of the Shoreline request to place a Menorah on Town Green Dec 11‑25, 2025

Parker Memorial Park Commission

The Parker Memorial Park Commission will review the budget, correspondence, and old business including enforcement of prohibited activities, facility maintenance, and vandalism reports. They will also set 2026 meeting dates and discuss park hours signage and website updates.

• Discuss installation of a 'No dogs' sign at Big Rock
• Review moving and marking blocks in the main parking lot to prevent vandalism
• Update on walkway from bocce court to Big Rock and new signage
• Tree condition and volcano mulching issue near Playscape
• Bathroom remodeling and flagpole illumination discussion

BOE - Communication Committee

The Branford Board of Education Communication Committee will hold a routine meeting with no major decisions on the agenda. Items include approval of minutes, public comment, and discussion of communication updates and an overview. The meeting is largely procedural.

• Discussion of Communication Updates
• Review of Communications Overview
• Approval of prior meeting minutes
• Public comment opportunity

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct public hearings on six new variance applications and a continued appeal from the November 20 meeting. Items include requests for coastal setback relief, side yard variances, enlargements of nonconforming structures, and an accessory apartment. The meeting is held virtually via Zoom.

• 29 Brocketts Point Road – continued appeal of ZEO decision
• 19-25 Fairlawn Avenue – variance for critical coastal resource setback (18.2 ft where 25 ft required)
• 819-841 East Main Street – variance for 0-ft side yard where 10 ft required (straddles Branford/Guilford town line)
• 17 Lanphier Road – variances for side setback (9.5 ft where 15 ft required) and accessory apartment exceeding 30% of principal dwelling

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals met on December 16, 2025 to hold public hearings on six applications and an appeal. The board granted four applications (19-25 Fairlawn Avenue, 20 School Street, 10 Montgomery Parkway, 68 DeForest Drive), denied two (819-841 East Main Street, 17 Lanphier Road), and denied an appeal of a ZEO decision at 29 Brocketts Point Road. The November 18, 2025 minutes were approved.

• Granted applications at 19-25 Fairlawn Ave (coastal site plan), 20 School St, 10 Montgomery Pkwy, and 68 DeForest Dr
• Denied application at 819-841 East Main St
• Denied application at 17 Lanphier Rd
• Denied appeal of ZEO decision at 29 Brocketts Point Rd
• Approved November 18, 2025 minutes

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals met by Zoom on December 16, 2025 to hold public hearings. The board granted applications for 19-25 Fairlawn Avenue, 20 School Street, 10 Montgomery Parkway, and 68 DeForest Drive, and denied applications for 819-841 East Main Street and 17 Lanphier Road. The board also approved the November 18, 2025 minutes and denied an appeal of a ZEO decision for 29 Brocketts Point Road.

• Grant of Coastal Site Plan at 19-25 Fairlawn Avenue
• Grant of 20 School Street
• Denial of 819-841 East Main Street
• Grant of 10 Montgomery Parkway
• Denial of 17 Lanphier Road

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals met on December 16, 2025, to decide on six applications. Five requests were granted, including variances for 10 Montgomery Parkway and 68 DeForest Drive, while three were denied, including 819-841 East Main Street.

• 10 Montgomery Parkway (Variances & Coastal Site Plan)- GRANTED
• 68 DeForest Drive - GRANTED
• 819-841 East Main Street – DENIED
• 17 Lanphier Road (Variances & Coastal Site Plan )- DENIED
• Appeal of ZEO Decision- 29 Brocketts Point Road- DENIED

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on six variance applications at its December 16, 2025 meeting via Zoom. Items include requests to reduce required setbacks for residential additions, a coastal resource setback, and a commercial development on the town line.

• 25-1: 19-25 Fairlawn Ave - variance for 18.2 ft coastal setback (25 ft required) and enlargement of nonconforming use for office addition.
• 25-2: 20 School St - variance for 8 ft side setback (10 ft required) for basement bulkhead entry.
• 25-3: 819-841 East Main St - variance for 0 ft side yard (10 ft required) for development straddling Branford/Guilford line.
• 25-4: 10 Montgomery Pkwy - variances for front setback (24.5 ft vs 30 ft), side setback (14 ft vs 15 ft), and reconstruction of nonconforming structure with coastal site plan.
• 25-5: 17 Lanphier Rd - variances for side setback (9.5 ft vs 15 ft), accessory apartment exceeding 30% of principal dwelling, and reconstruction of nonconforming structure with coastal site plan.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on six new variance applications and one continued appeal from November. Requests include reduced setbacks for coastal resources, side yards, and reconstruction of nonconforming structures. A notable item is a proposed development at 819-841 East Main Street requiring a zero-foot side yard because it crosses the town line.

• Continued appeal of ZEO decision at 29 Brocketts Point Road from November meeting
• 25-1: Variance for 18.2 ft coastal setback (required 25 ft) and addition over garage at 19-25 Fairlawn Avenue
• 25-3: Variance for 0-foot side yard at 819-841 East Main Street for development straddling town line
• 25-4: Variances for front setback (24.5 ft where 30 ft required) and reconstruction at 10 Montgomery Parkway
• 25-5: Variances for side setback, accessory apartment over 30% of principal dwelling, and reconstruction at 17 Lanphier Road

Branford Housing Authority

The Branford Housing Authority will review and approve the minutes from its November 24 2025 meeting, receive updates on open action items, and hear reports from the tenant commissioner, management, and finance committees. The board will also announce that DeMarco Management Corporation will assume management of Parkside Village II beginning January 1 2026. No other decisions are listed.

• Review and approval of minutes from the November 24 2025 meeting
• Status update on open action items
• Tenant commissioner report
• Management report
• Announcement: DeMarco Management Corp. to manage Parkside Village II starting Jan 1 2026

RTM Rules and Ordinances Committee

The RTM Rules and Ordinances Committee will discuss three items: a proposed ordinance to freeze property taxes for qualified senior homeowners, amendments to fire safety regulations including private hydrant maintenance and online reporting for life safety inspections, and a petition to designate Jefferson Place as a town road. The meeting includes establishing working groups for each item and inviting relevant experts to future meetings. The committee may recommend action to the full RTM.

• Senior Property Tax Freeze: proposed ordinance to cap property taxes for qualified seniors (initiated by letter from Adrian Bonenberger).
• Fire Safety Ordinance: new Article IV requiring online submission of fire life safety inspection reports; $100 fine per violation for noncompliance.
• Fire Safety Ordinance: amendment to Article III mandating private hydrant owners maintain and test per NFPA standards; $1,000 fine per hydrant for noncompliance.
• Jefferson Place: petition to designate or re-designate as town road; property owners cite historical designation and past town maintenance.
• Working groups formed for each item; Robert Dobuzinsky and Curt Johnson invited to January 2026 meeting.

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will conduct a site walk to view conditions at the proposed rehabilitation hospital and related infrastructure at 596, 612, and 616 East Main Street. No other business will be taken up. The meeting is remote via Zoom.

• Site walk to view conditions for IW-25-6 project at 596, 612 & 616 East Main St
• Discussion of construction of a rehabilitation hospital, driveways, storm drainage, and utilities

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission is holding a special meeting to review one application. The body will consider a proposal for a rehabilitation hospital and related infrastructure.

• Application IW-25-6: Construction of a rehabilitation hospital, driveways, storm drainage, and utilities at 596, 612 & 616 East Main St

Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission

The December 16, 2025 meeting of the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission has been cancelled. The meeting was scheduled for 6:00 pm at 749 East Main St. No business will be conducted.

• Meeting cancelled

Public Building Commission

The Public Building Commission will consider approving a proposal from Antinozzi Associates for professional design services for the Roof and Translucent Wall Panel Replacement Project at Branford High School. The commission will also hear updates on the BHS Roof/Skylight Replacement and F-Wing Replacement projects, and consider adopting the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Consider proposal from Antinozzi Associates for design services for Roof and Translucent Wall Panel Replacement at Branford High School
• Update on BHS Roof/Skylight Replacement Project
• Update on F-Wing Replacement Project
• Consider and approve 2026 Meeting Schedule

Fair Rent Commission

The Fair Rent Commission will meet to approve previous minutes and conduct a hearing regarding a specific rental complaint. The body will also address any other issues brought before the commission.

• Hearing on Complaint Number 25-2: Vander Maelen v. Paul Kuriakose, Chitra Properties LLC

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands Commission will hold a special meeting and site walk to view conditions at 596, 612, and 616 East Main Street for a proposed rehabilitation hospital project. The application (IW-25-6) includes construction of the hospital, driveways, storm drainage, and utilities. No other business will be conducted.

• Site walk for application IW-25-6 at 596, 612 & 616 East Main St
• Proposed rehabilitation hospital with driveways, storm drainage, and utilities

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will continue a public hearing on replacing the Chestnut St Bridge over Branford Supply Pond. It will also receive a new application for a rehabilitation hospital at 596, 612 & 616 East Main St and review an application for a two-family home at 42 Silver St. A show cause enforcement hearing is scheduled for alleged unauthorized vegetation removal and filling at 23-33 School Ground Rd. Additional items include agent approvals and designating staff as duly authorized agents.

• Continued public hearing on Chestnut St Bridge replacement (BRIW#25.10.01, Bridge #014001 & 200 Chestnut St)
• Receipt of application for rehabilitation hospital at 596, 612 & 616 East Main St (IW-25-6)
• Review of application for two-family home and garage addition at 42 Silver St (IW#25.09.03)
• Show cause enforcement hearing for vegetation removal and filling without permit at 23-33 School Ground Rd (CC-25.12.01)
• Jurisdictional ruling request for invasive vegetation removal at 2 Tipping Dr (JRIW-25-1)

BOE - Policy Committee

The Branford Board of Education Policy Committee will discuss and recommend revisions to four policies: three non-discrimination policies (community, students, personnel) and one medication administration policy. The non-discrimination policies add "sexual assault victim" and "human trafficking victim" as protected classes under Public Act 25-139. The medication policy updates allowed delivery methods for epinephrine and glucagon to include nasal sprays under Public Act 25-143.

• 1000 Non-Discrimination (community) — adds new protected classes and updates OCR contact info
• 5000 Non-Discrimination (students) — adds sexual assault and human trafficking victim as protected classes
• 4600 Non-Discrimination (personnel) — adds two protected classes and aligns appeal timelines
• 5300 Administration of Medication — allows nasal spray delivery for epinephrine and glucagon

The committee unanimously approved the October 8, 2025 Policy Committee minutes. It also unanimously voted to recommend policies 1000, 5000, 46000, and 5300 to the full Board for first reading. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved October 8, 2025 Policy Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended policies 1000, 5000, 46000, and 5300 for first reading (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

RTM

The Representative Town Meeting will consider a $10.8 million bond for East Industrial Road property acquisition and approve a $195,000 land purchase for the Supply Ponds Preserve. The body will also discuss a transfer of funds for fire code compliance and a request to acknowledge Jefferson Place as a Town Road.

• Approval of $10,800,000 bond for East Industrial Road acquisition
• Approval of $195,000 appropriation for Supply Ponds Preserve land
• Transfer of funds for Building/Fire Code Compliance
• Request to acknowledge Jefferson Place as a Town Road
• Approval of 2026 RTM Meeting Schedule

The RTM waived the full reading and approved a $10,800,000 appropriation for the East Industrial Road real‑property acquisition, with a split vote to re‑refer the resolution to committee. The Open Space Fund budget was increased by $195,000 to purchase 12 acres of land on Chestnut Street and Brushy Plains Road, and the 2026 RTM meeting schedule was approved. All votes were recorded as either unanimous or split as noted.

• Waived full reading of $10.8M East Industrial Road appropriation resolution (unanimous)
• Re‑referred East Industrial Road appropriation resolution to committee (split vote)
• Increased Open Space Fund budget to $291,219 (unanimous)
• Approved $195,000 transfer to Land Acquisition Fund for 12‑acre purchase (unanimous)
• Approved $128,558 education‑related fund transfers (unanimous)
• Approved $17,875 transfer to Environmental Testing (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 RTM meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Recreation

The Branford Recreation Board will hold a meeting to discuss park lighting and review staff and facility updates. The agenda includes public comment and the approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approval of 11/12/2025 meeting minutes
• Director's report: Facilities & Project Updates
• Director's report: Senior Services
• Assistant Director's report: Activities/Program/Special Events
• New Business: Park Lighting

The Board of Recreation accepted the October meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM by unanimous consent. The board heard public comments on pickleball and a lighting presentation for Sliney Field Complex and Foote Park, but no action was taken on those items.

• Accepted October minutes – unanimous vote
• Adjourned meeting at 9:20 PM – unanimous vote
• No action taken on park lighting presentation

Center Revitalization Review Board

The Town Center Revitalization Review Board will consider a sign review for 7 South Main Street, approve the 2026 meeting schedule, and discuss an advisory request from the Director.

• Approval of October 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Sign review for 7 South Main Street
• Approval of 2026 meeting schedule
• Advisory request from the Director

The board approved the sign application for 7 South Main St. It also approved the amended 2026 meeting schedule. The October 8, 2025 meeting minutes were not approved and will be reconsidered in January. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved 7 South Main St sign application
• Approved amended 2026 meeting schedule
• Deferred October 8, 2025 minutes to January
• Adjourned meeting

BOE - Personnel & Finance

The Board of Education is asked to release $300,000 in restricted transportation funds to address a current deficit and fund athletics and field trips. The funds were previously restricted to support a system analysis and cost efficiency review.

• Request to release $300,000 in restricted transportation funds
• Discussion on FY26 transportation budget and route reduction
• Presentation of findings from Transpar transportation analysis scheduled for February
• Projected deficit of roughly $200,000 in transportation line without release
• Projected deficit of nearly $100,000 in special education out-of-district tuition

BOE - Personnel & Finance

The Branford Board of Education Personnel & Finance Committee will review the FY2025/2026 monthly finance reports and hold a workshop on capital projects and grants. The committee will then consider and, if appropriate, vote to recommend the release of $300,000 in restricted transportation funds that are currently held for Board approval. Public comment and routine approvals such as the meeting minutes will also be addressed.

• Review FY2025/2026 monthly finance reports
• Workshop on capital projects and grant funding
• Vote to recommend release of $300,000 restricted transportation funds
• Discussion of FY2026 operating budget showing $2.5M overall balance
• Update on BHS roof/skylight replacement and F‑Wing HVAC design proposal

The Personnel & Finance Committee approved the October 8, 2025 meeting minutes without dissent. After reviewing monthly finance, capital, grant, and personnel updates, the committee voted to recommend that the full Board release restricted transportation funds. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved October 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended release of restricted transportation funds to full Board (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

BOE - Teaching & Learning Committee

The Teaching & Learning Committee will discuss and vote on proposed new courses and textbooks for Branford High School. The administration requests a motion to forward each proposal to the full Board of Education for approval. New courses include AP Precalculus, AP Business with Personal Finance, English 9 Honors, and several others. Textbook adoptions support both new and existing courses across multiple departments.

• New course: Spanish for Heritage Learners I for native/heritage speakers, leading to Seal of Biliteracy
• New course: AP Precalculus replacing Precalculus Honors, expanding AP math access
• New course: Math Applications for skilled trades (ATLAS program) with practical math for construction, automotive, etc.
• New course: AP Business with Personal Finance, satisfying Connecticut's financial literacy requirement
• New course: English 9 Honors to prepare freshmen for honors/AP humanities pathway

The Teaching & Learning Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved a motion to forward a list of new course proposals and associated textbooks to the full Board of Education for consideration. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved October 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved sending new course proposals and textbooks to full Board (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Human Services Board

This is a routine meeting of the Branford Human Services Board covering standard administrative items such as minutes, communications, revenue, clinical and social services (including donations), public relations/fundraising, and the director's report. No specific proposals, contracts, or public hearings are listed; the agenda consists solely of recurring procedural topics.

• Revenue update
• Clinical Services report
• Social Services – Donations and Services overview
• Public Relations/Fundraising discussion
• Director’s Report

The Human Services Board approved the minutes from the July 8, September 16, and October 14, 2025 meetings. Revenue, clinical services, and social services updates were discussed, including a hiring of a part‑time clinician and increased need for rental and heating assistance. The board announced a new member will be appointed soon and a Fair Rent Commission has been established. The board also requested to review the BCCS Operating Vision Plan for future reporting to the town.

• Approved minutes from 07/08/2025, 09/16/2025, and 10/14/2025 meetings
• Requested review of the BCCS Operating Vision Plan

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority is meeting to review a sewer access application and a budget transfer. The body will also receive reports from the Superintendent, Town Engineer, and WPCA Attorney.

• Sewer access application for 100 Commercial Pkwy
• Transfer of $5,000.00 from Chemical Account to Communications account

The Water Pollution Control Authority meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. because a quorum was not present. No actions, approvals, or denials were recorded. The agenda items listed (sewer access applications, account transfer request, and reports) were not acted upon.

Shellfish Commission

The Shellfish Commission meeting scheduled for December 9, 2025, was cancelled because there were no new items to discuss.

Shellfish Commission

The Branford Shellfish Commission will hold a regular meeting on December 9, 2025, to discuss routine items including approval of minutes, dock applications and shellfish bed impact projects, permit activity, budget and enforcement reports, and an update on lease collections. No specific proposals or dollar amounts are detailed in the agenda.

• Review of dock applications and shellfish bed impact projects
• Permit activity update
• Budget report
• Enforcement report
• Update on lease collections

Public Building Commission

The Public Building Commission will receive updates on the Police Headquarters renovation from Downes Construction and Jacunski Humes. It will then consider approving three invoices, including a $1,141,041.22 payment to Downes Construction. The meeting also includes a public comment period before adjournment.

• Update on Police Headquarters project from Downes Construction (electrical breakers study and generator revisions)
• Update on Police Headquarters project from Jacunski Humes
• Approve Downes Construction pay app no. 10 for $1,141,041.22
• Approve SES monthly invoice for $11,580
• Approve Jacunski Humes monthly invoice for $7,000

The Public Building Commission approved Downes Construction payment application #10 for $1,141,041.22, pending submittal of PCCO #5 and PCCO #6. It also approved the SES monthly invoice for $11,580 and the Jacunski Humes monthly invoice for $7,000. All three approvals were passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved Downes Construction pay app #10 $1,141,041.22 (unanimous)
• Approved SES monthly invoice $11,580 (unanimous)
• Approved Jacunski Humes monthly invoice $7,000 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Ad Hoc Advisory Committee

The Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee will vote on the 2026 meeting schedule and approve minutes from November. They will hear subcommittee reports on education, infrastructure (including bus stops), and state/regional initiatives, and consider requesting a police report about a recent incident on Route 1.

• Approve 2026 proposed BPAC meeting schedule
• Request police report for recent incident on Route 1
• Report from Education subcommittee
• Report from Infrastructure subcommittee (including bus stops)
• Report from State and Regional Initiatives subcommittee

Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Ad Hoc Advisory Committee

The Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee will hold its regular meeting to approve minutes from November 20 and the 2026 meeting schedule. First Selectman Josh Brooks will discuss communication between the committee and town offices, and fill a vacant position. Subcommittees will report on a recent Route 1 incident, education outreach, state/regional initiatives, and infrastructure including bus stops.

• Approve minutes of November 20, 2025 regular meeting
• Approve proposed 2026 BPAC meeting schedule
• First Selectman Josh Brooks to address committee on communication with town offices and vacant position
• Request police report on recent Route 1 incident
• Subcommittee reports: Education, State/Regional Initiatives (NCAT Dinner), Infrastructure (bus stops)

Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee

The Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee will hear updates on multiple ongoing projects, including the police station, animal shelter, Miyawaki forest, solar/batteries, and HeatSmart. They will also discuss the 2026 meeting schedule, a letter about Tong wind power, and the town email list. The January meeting will focus on evaluating projects for 2026.

• Project updates: police station, animal shelter, Miyawaki forest, solar/batteries, HeatSmart, Parkside II, gas leaf blowers, No Idle, school renovations, Thermal Energy Network, Canoebrook
• Discussion of Tong wind power letter
• Setting 2026 meeting schedule
• Review of town email list for clean energy communications
• January 2026 meeting to be devoted to project evaluations

The Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee approved the November meeting minutes unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 5:08 p.m. after a unanimous motion. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved November minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:08 p.m. (unanimous)

RTM Public Services Committee

The RTM Public Services Committee will consider approval of the previous meeting's minutes, adopt the 2026 meeting schedule, and name a committee clerk. The meeting also includes standard items such as call to order, roll call, introductions, and an open floor for other business before adjourning.

The RTM Public Services Committee unanimously approved the 2026 meeting schedule and added a Zoom link. Rep. Shrestha was unanimously appointed as the committee clerk. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved 2026 meeting schedule and Zoom link (unanimous)
• Approved Rep. Shrestha as committee clerk (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

James Blackstone Memorial Library

The James Blackstone Memorial Library Board of Trustees will meet to discuss financial and governance updates. The board is scheduled to take action on the FY2025 financial audit and an amendment to the by-laws.

• Action on FY2025 Financial Audit
• Action on by-laws amendment
• Update from Michael Lepore, Focus Partners

The Trustees approved the library's audit findings and a $164,000 facility condition assessment study, funding it primarily with unrestricted bequests. They also adopted a bylaws amendment allowing a one‑year term extension for board members serving as officers or committee chairs. The meeting minutes were approved.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved audit findings (motion passed)
• Approved engagement of Lothrop for facility assessment study ($164K) (motion passed)
• Approved bylaws amendment for one‑year term extension (motion passed)

Conservation and Environment Commission

The Branford Conservation and Environment Commission will meet to discuss several items, including the potential purchase of the Kinney Property for open space and amendments to the Landscaping Ordinance. They will also review a DEEP Brownfields grant program, the 2026 calendar, and the year-to-date budget. Ongoing business includes coastal permits, invasive plant control, and the Pollinator Pathway project.

• Kinney Property purchase consideration for Open Space
• Landscaping Ordinance amendments
• DEEP Brownfields Grant program
• Tweed Airport Expansion discussion
• Pollinator Pathway: fencing purchased, upcoming tree planting

The commission voted to approve the December 2, 2025 minutes and the November 5, 2025 minutes, with both motions passing. Commissioners also agreed on the dates for the 2026 calendar. No other substantive actions were decided during the meeting.

• Approved December 2, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved November 5, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Agreed to dates for the 2026 calendar

Board of Selectmen

The scheduled December 3, 2025, meeting of the Branford Board of Selectmen is canceled.

Stony Creek Architectural Review Board

The Stony Creek Architectural Review Board will vote on the town’s 2026 meeting calendar and review proposed revisions to the Coastal Area Management Regulations. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom, with public‑hearing participants required to identify themselves per Public Act 22-3. No other business items are listed.

• Approval of 2026 Calendar
• Coastal Area Management Regulations Revisions

The Stony Creek Architectural Review Board approved the 2026 calendar dates. William Murray moved to approve, John Herzan seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. No other actions were decided; the Coastal Area Management Regulations revisions were only discussed, and there were no minutes to approve.

• Approved 2026 meeting calendar (unanimous)

RTM Ways and Means Committee

The RTM Ways and Means Committee will review a resolution to authorize $10.8 million for real property acquisition on East Industrial Road via general obligation bonds. The committee will also consider a request to increase the Open Space Fund budget to purchase 12 acres of land.

• Proposed $10,800,000 appropriation for East Industrial Road real property acquisition
• Proposed increase of Open Space Fund Budget from $96,219 to $291,219
• Purchase of 12 acres of land on Chestnut Street and Brushy Plains Road
• Appropriation of $195,000 in the Land Acquisition Fund via transfer from Open Space Fund

The committee approved the purchase of 2 acres on Chestnut Street and Brushy Plains Road, funding it with a $195,000 appropriation and transferring that amount from the Open Space Fund to the Land Acquisition Fund (5‑0). A resolution to acquire the East Industrial Road property for up to $10.8 million was sent back for further review (4‑1). The 2026 meeting schedule for the Ways & Means Committee was also adopted (5‑0).

• Approved purchase of 2 acres on Chestnut St & Brushy Plains Rd, funded $195,000 (5-0)
• Increased Open Space Fund appropriation to $291,219 for the purchase (5-0)
• Transferred $195,000 from Open Space Fund to Land Acquisition Fund (5-0)
• Re‑referred $10.8 million East Industrial Road acquisition resolution (4-1)
• Adopted 2026 RTM Ways & Means meeting schedule (5-0)

Open Space Commission

The Open Space Commission is reviewing the acquisition of the Kinney property and updates on trail construction. The body is also coordinating the 2026 meeting schedule and reviewing purchase orders for pond and trail work.

• Kinney property acquisition
• Boardwalk installation at Supply Pond green trail, Pieper property entrance to Queach, and DeLeo boardwalk
• Dredging of Sed Pond
• SP line painting
• New trail construction from Red Rock Road to lower Queach

The Open Space Commission approved purchase orders to dredge the Sediment Pond, paint lines at Supply Ponds, and install boardwalks at several trail locations. The Pink Trail was reported as completed and fully blazed, and the Blue, Green and Yellow trails were re‑blazed. The commission also discussed bridge vandalism, a new trail route from Red Rock Road, trash at the Beacon Hill parking lot, and plans for the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Purchase order issued to dredge the Sediment Pond
• Purchase order issued for line painting at Supply Ponds
• Purchase order issued for boardwalk installation at Supply Pond Green Trail, Pieper Property entrance to Queach, and extension of the DeLeo Boardwalk
• Pink Trail completed and fully blazed
• Blue, Green and Yellow trails re‑blazed

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will discuss results of a Businesses Survey and receive updates from subcommittees. Commissioners will also review recent demolition applications and other correspondence. Public comment will be taken before the meeting adjourns.

• Businesses Survey presentation
• Review of demolition applications
• Subcommittee update (old business)
• Commissioners’ updates (new business)
• Public comment period

The Economic Development Commission approved the November 2025 minutes after a motion by Al Canosa and a second by Karen Ragonese, with a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned following a motion by Frank Hird and a second by Jim Fennell. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved November minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Conservation and Environment Commission

The Conservation and Environment Commission will vote on whether to submit a letter to the Ways & Means Committee and the Representative Town Meeting. The letter would express support for the Town of Branford’s purchase of the Kinney Property. No other agenda items are listed.

• Consider submitting a support letter for the town’s purchase of the Kinney Property

The Conservation and Environment Commission voted to submit a letter to the Ways & Means Committee and the Representative Town Meeting supporting the Town of Branford's purchase of the Kinney Property. The motion was made by Commissioner Neil Goodlad and seconded by Commissioner Joseph Misdraji. The motion passed. No other actions were taken.

• Approved sending support letter for Kinney Property purchase (motion passed)

RTM Administrative Services Committee

The RTM Administrative Services Committee will meet to discuss a budget transfer for environmental testing. The body will also consider the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Proposed transfer of $17,875 from Contingency to Environmental Testing for East Shore District Health Department
• Vote on the 2026 Administrative Services Meeting Schedule
• Approval of October 7, 2025 meeting minutes

The committee approved the October 7, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. It also approved a transfer request moving $17,875 from the Contingency fund to the Environmental Testing account for the East Shore District Health Department for FY2026, also unanimously. The 2026 meeting schedule was emailed to members, and the meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.

• Approved October 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $17,875 transfer from Contingency to Environmental Testing (unanimous)
• Emailed 2026 Administrative Services meeting schedule to members

RTM Administrative Services Committee

The RTM Administrative Services Committee will consider a $17,875 transfer from contingency funds to environmental testing for the East Shore District Health Department. The committee will also vote on the 2026 meeting schedule and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Transfer $17,875 from Contingency (10149040-588802) to Environmental Testing (10144040-533910) for East Shore District Health Department
• Vote on the 2026 Administrative Services Meeting Schedule
• Approval of regular meeting minutes from October 7, 2025

BOE - Policy Committee

The provided document is a schedule of meetings for the Branford Board of Education for the year 2026. It lists dates and times for regular board meetings, committee meetings, and budget workshops.

• 2026 Regular Board Meeting dates
• Teaching & Learning Committee meetings
• Personnel & Finance Committee meetings
• Budget Workshops in January and February
• BOE Budget Presentations to the Board of Finance and RTM

RTM Education Committee

The committee is considering a transfer request from the Superintendent of Schools to re-appropriate $128,558 from 15 closed capital account balances to three active projects: Building/Fire Code Compliance ($87,306), Security Cameras & Equipment ($32,327), and System-Wide Roofing Repairs ($8,925). The funds originate from items such as door replacements, boiler replacements, architectural studies, and technology equipment.

• Transfer $87,306 to Building/Fire Code Compliance (account 25406)
• Transfer $32,327 to Security Cameras & Equipment (account 25403)
• Transfer $8,925 to System-Wide Roofing Repairs (account 24414)
• Source includes $28,305 from JBS Architectural Study and $22,610 from INS Boiler Replacements
• Total of 15 source accounts contribute the $128,558

The RTM Education Committee voted to reallocate $128,558 of open capital balances to various school projects, including door replacement, boiler replacement, and security upgrades. The motion was made by Rep. Greenberg, seconded by Rep. Marasca, and passed unanimously. No other business was presented. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved $128,558 reappropriation of capital balances (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Coastal Vulnerability Ad Hoc Working Group

The Coastal Vulnerability Working Group will meet to approve minutes and present initiatives to First Selectman Josh Brooks, including a draft proposal for a roadway flooding alert system and updates on sea level monitoring and resilience projects.

• Approval of 10/28 meeting minutes
• Presentation of draft proposal for a Branford Roadway Flooding Alert system
• Presentation of current CVWG initiatives to First Selectman Josh Brooks
• Updates on CIRCA sea level monitoring pilot project
• Updates on Nuisance Flooding Tide Wall pilot project

The working group approved the minutes from the October 28 meeting. The First Selectman expressed support for the proposed Branford Roadway Flooding Alert system, and the group will proceed with next steps for a Phase 1 pilot at four locations. The meeting was unanimously adjourned.

• Approved October 28 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Proceed with Phase 1 pilot of road flood monitoring system (First Selectman's support)
• Meeting unanimously adjourned

Public Building Commission

The Public Building Commission will hear a presentation on the Branford High School infrastructure improvements project, including roof and skylight replacement, solar, and HVAC work. They will consider recommending that the Board of Education engage RFP preparation services for the roof and skylight replacement. The commission will also vote to approve two monthly invoices from Jacunsi Humes totaling $14,000.

• Presentation on BHS School Infrastructure Improvements: roof, skylight, solar, and F-Wing HVAC
• Consider recommendation to BOE for RFP preparation services for BHS Roof and Skylight Replacement
• Approval of Jacunski Humes invoice for September services, $7,000
• Approval of Jacunski Humes invoice for November services, $7,000

The commission voted unanimously to have the Board of Education obtain a proposal from Antinozzi Associates for RFP preparation services for the BHS roof and skylight replacement. It also recommended that the Board prepare an RFP for construction manager/owner’s‑rep services for the same project, excluding the Cogen/HVAC portion. Monthly invoices for September and November services ($7,000 each) were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Recommended BOE obtain proposal from Antinozzi Associates for RFP preparation services (unanimous)
• Recommended BOE prepare RFP for construction manager/owner’s‑rep services (unanimous)
• Approved Jacunski Humes invoices for September ($7,000) and November ($7,000) (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:24 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The regular Board of Finance meeting scheduled for November 24, 2025 has been cancelled. No items will be discussed or decided.

Branford Housing Authority

The Branford Housing Authority will hold a special meeting on November 24, 2025, at Parkside Village II. The board will vote on selecting a new property management company and a development company to handle a grant proposal.

• Vote on a new property management company
• Vote on a development company to oversee a grant proposal

The Branford Housing Authority board voted 5-0 to retain DeMarco Management as the property manager for Parkside Village II. The board also voted 5-0 to appoint the Housing Development Team, LLC as the redevelopment consultant to handle grant proposals.

• Approved DeMarco Management as property manager for PVII (5-0)
• Approved Housing Development Team, LLC as redevelopment consultant for grant proposals (5-0)

Green Committee

The Green Committee is reviewing its annual report for July 2024–June 2025. The report summarizes past accomplishments such as tree planting, QR code development, and grant monitoring, along with future goals including tree inventory updates and the STEAP Grant project. This meeting is procedural, focusing on adoption of the report.

• Continued development of QR code/tree tag system for public tree information
• Monitored STEAP Grant project for Green improvements including irrigation, lighting, and sidewalks
• Expanded Pollinator Garden with improved irrigation system and additional tables/chairs
• Planted a donated tree along Main Street in memory of a loved one
• Future goals include establishing a public archive of Green-related materials and installing a post clock near the bus stop kiosk

Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Ad Hoc Advisory Committee

The Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Ad Hoc Advisory Committee will meet to establish its meeting schedule and review a member interest survey. The committee will also discuss future project priorities and the potential creation of sub-committees.

• Approval of October 20, 2025 organizational meeting minutes
• Approval of the BPAC meeting schedule
• Review of the BPAC member Interest Survey
• Review of CT Active Transportation Plan and CTDOT Crash Data Dashboards
• Discussion of future projects and potential sub-committees

The Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Ad Hoc Advisory Committee approved the October 20, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved the meeting schedule extending through January 2026. The committee discussed the CT Active Transport Plan, online sidewalk maps, and created three subcommittees, assigning related action items. No other formal decisions were recorded.

• Approved Oct. 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved meeting schedule through Jan. 2026
• Created three subcommittees: State and Regional Initiatives, Education, Branford Infrastructure Improvements
• Assigned Eric Steinlauf to email town officers to introduce BPAC
• Assigned Leslie Johnson to prepare for NCAT dinner
• Assigned Judith Miller to prepare an initial Education report

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a coastal site plan application for 179 Pawson Road. The body will also determine 2026 meeting dates and elect officers.

• Public hearing for 179 Pawson Road to increase height of current retaining wall (Application #25-4)
• Approval of 2026 Meeting Dates
• Election of Officers

The commission approved Lavinia Mackell’s Coastal Site Plan to increase the height of her retaining wall at 179 Pawson Road, subject to four conditions. The minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting were approved. The 2026 meeting calendar was approved. The election of officers was postponed to the December 18 meeting.

• Approved retaining‑wall height increase (Application #25-4) with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved November 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting calendar (unanimous)
• Tabled election of officers to December 18 meeting

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Branford Planning & Zoning Commission approved an application for a retaining wall at 179 Pawson Road and approved the 2026 meeting calendar. The meeting was held on November 20, 2025.

• Approved Application #PZ 25-4 for a retaining wall at 179 Pawson Road
• Approved the 2026 Meeting Date Calendar

Community Forest Commission

The Branford Community Forest Commission will approve the October 16, 2025 meeting minutes and discuss tree planting initiatives. It will consider a budget request for the commission, a proposed schedule of meetings for 2026, and the acquisition of the Kinney property. Additional topics include a mini-forest installation using the Miyawaki method and nomination of a new chairperson.

• Approve October 16, 2025 minutes
• Tree planting initiatives
• Budget request for the Community Forest Commission
• Installation of a mini-forest using the Miyawaki method
• Kinney property acquisition

The commission voted unanimously to elect Susan Hally as chairperson. They approved an amended meeting schedule for Jan 2026‑Jan 2027. The commission also voted unanimously to submit letters of support for the town’s acquisition of three open‑space parcels near the Supply Ponds. A presentation by DEEP’s Les Welker on tree benefits is scheduled for March 11, 2026 at the Blackstone Memorial Library.

• Elected Susan Hally as chairperson (unanimous vote)
• Approved amended CFC meeting schedule for Jan 2026‑Jan 2027
• Scheduled Les Welker presentation on March 11 2026, 6:30‑8:00 pm at Blackstone Memorial Library
• Voted unanimously to submit letters of support for town acquisition of three open‑space parcels near Supply Ponds
• Approved October 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Notified Renee Arenas of corrected meeting dates

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. has been canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

Parker Memorial Park Commission

The Parker Memorial Park Commission meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025, has been cancelled.

BOE - Communication Committee

This meeting of the Branford Board of Education Communication Committee, scheduled for November 19, 2025, has been canceled. No business will be conducted.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct public hearings regarding three property variance applications. The board will also hear appeals of Zoning Enforcement Officer decisions and approve previous meeting minutes.

• 42 Silver Street: Request for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure for a residential unit
• 23 Marshall Road: Requests for front and rear setback variances and an addition to a nonconforming structure
• 34 Dudley Avenue: Request for a 14-foot front yard setback for a building addition
• Appeal of ZEO decision for 29 Brocketts Point Road
• Appeal of ZEO decision for 675 East Main Street

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved variances for properties at 42 Silver Street, 23 Marshall Road, and 34 Dudley Avenue. It also unanimously granted the appeal that overturns the Zoning Enforcement Officer’s violation at 675 East Main Street. The board approved the October 21, 2025 meeting minutes and the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Granted variance for 42 Silver Street (vertical expansion) – unanimous
• Granted variance for 23 Marshall Road (front and rear setbacks, addition) – unanimous
• Granted variance for 34 Dudley Avenue (front yard setback) – unanimous
• Granted appeal of ZEO decision for 675 East Main Street, overturning violation – unanimous
• Approved October 21, 2025 meeting minutes – unanimous
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule – approved

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals met on November 18, 2025, and made decisions on several items. Three applications for variances were granted, and an appeal of a Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO) decision at 675 East Main Street was overturned. Minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting were also approved.

• Granted variance to Greg Bozzi at 42 Silver Street
• Granted variance to Christopher Jensen at 23 Marshall Road
• Granted variance to John & Mary MacDonald at 34 Dudley Avenue
• Overturned ZEO decision regarding 675 East Main Street

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on November 18, 2025, to conduct public hearings on three applications for variances to allow residential expansions and additions at 42 Silver Street, 23 Marshall Road, and 34 Dudley Avenue.

• Public hearing for 42 Silver Street vertical expansion
• Public hearing for 23 Marshall Road setback variances
• Public hearing for 34 Dudley Avenue front yard variance
• Appeal of ZEO decision at 29 Brocketts Point Road
• Appeal of ZEO decision at 675 East Main Street

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on several variance applications. One request seeks to expand a non‑conforming structure at 42 Silver Street to add a residential unit above an existing garage. Additional applications involve setback variances and a building addition at 23 Marshall Road and 34 Dudley Avenue. The board will also consider appeals of ZEO decisions, approve meeting minutes, and adopt the 2026 meeting schedule.

• 42 Silver Street – variance to allow vertical expansion for an additional residential unit above a garage (Sec. 3.4.A.7)
• 23 Marshall Road – front setback variance (21.5 ft vs 30 ft), rear setback variance (27 ft vs 30 ft), and addition to nonconforming structure (Sec. 8.1.C.3)
• 34 Dudley Avenue – front yard setback variance (14 ft vs 16.6 ft required) for a building addition
• Appeal of ZEO decision for 29 Brocketts Point Road
• Appeal of ZEO decision for 675 East Main Street

Branford Housing Authority

The Branford Housing Authority Board will review and approve the minutes from its previous meeting. It will receive an update on open action items noted in the October 28th minutes. Reports from the tenant commissioner, management, and finance will be presented. The meeting will also allow discussion of any other matters.

• Review and approval of minutes of last meeting
• Status of open action items from October 28th meeting
• Tenant commissioner report
• Management report
• Financial report

The board unanimously approved the amendment to the October 28 minutes. It voted to pause the selection of a new property‑management company and a new development company until November 24. The $1,500 gutter‑cleaning proposal for Buildings B and C was approved. The board also authorized payment for Bob K.’s laundry services and directed staff to seek advice on speed‑bump installation.

• Amended and approved October 28 minutes (unanimous)
• Paused vote on new property‑management company until Nov 24
• Paused vote on new development company until Nov 24
• Approved $1,500 gutter‑cleaning and repair proposal (assigned to Jonathon)
• Authorized payment for Bob K.’s laundry services
• Directed Beverly and Jen to arrange laundry services with Bob K.
• Tasked Lori to contact John Hefferly for speed‑bump advice
• Recorded donation of a bench for the community room

RTM Rules and Ordinances Committee

The regularly scheduled meeting of the RTM Rules & Ordinances Committee for November 18, 2025, at the Community House is canceled.

• Meeting canceled
• No agenda items listed

RTM

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) 4th District will hold a special meeting to fill a seat vacated by Charles Witkowski. The body will also elect a Chairperson and Clerk.

• Vote to fill Charles Witkowski vacancy (Candidate: Victoria Verderame)
• Election of a Chairperson and Clerk

The 4th District Representative Town Meeting elected Gyanu Shrestha as Chairperson and Joanna Gorman as Clerk. An open roll‑call vote appointed Victoria Verderame to fill the vacancy left by Charles Witkowski, with a term ending November 15, 2027. The meeting adjourned after completing these actions.

• Elected Gyanu Shrestha as Chairperson
• Elected Joanna Gorman as Clerk
• Appointed Victoria Verderame to fill RTM District 4 vacancy (term ends Nov 15 2027)

RTM

This is an organizational meeting of the newly elected 2025-2027 Representative Town Meeting (RTM). The agenda includes swearing in elected officials, electing a moderator and clerk, and assigning committee memberships. No legislative or substantive business is scheduled.

• Oath of office for elected officials administered by Town Clerk
• Election of RTM Moderator and Clerk
• Assignment of standing committees for the new term

The Representative Town Meeting elected Tracy Everson as moderator and Ray Ingraham as clerk, each by a unanimous show of hands. Committee chairs and members for Administrative Services, Education, and Public Services were announced. No other substantive actions were taken. The meeting adjourned unanimously at 7:11 p.m.

• Elected Tracy Everson as Moderator (unanimous)
• Elected Ray Ingraham as RTM Clerk (unanimous)
• Appointed Nancy McCormack as Chair of Administrative Services Committee
• Appointed Shahida Soomro as Chair of Education Committee
• Appointed Abigail Adams as Chair of Public Services Committee
• Assigned committee members as listed in the minutes
• Adjourned the meeting unanimously at 7:11 p.m.

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from October 21, 2025, and adopt the schedule of meetings for 2026. The agenda is procedural with no substantive decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of minutes from October 21, 2025
• Approval of 2026 schedule of meetings

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting. They also unanimously approved moving the scheduled October 13, 2026 meeting to October 20, 2026 because of a religious holiday. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:35 p.m. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved 10/21/2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved change of 2026 meeting date to Oct 20, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:35 p.m. (unanimous)

Green Committee

The Branford Green Committee will consider updates on the status of the Green, an annual report, a tree donation and planting plan, and Town Green/Main Street Projects. The agenda also includes correspondence and setting 2026 meeting dates.

• Status of the Green update
• Tree donation and planting plan
• Town Green/Main Street Projects
• Annual report
• 2026 meeting dates

The Green Committee approved the September meeting minutes after a motion and second, with unanimous support. The committee also approved the 2024‑25 Annual Report by unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2024‑25 Annual Report (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Shellfish Commission

The Branford Shellfish Commission will meet to receive an update on lease collections and review dock applications and shellfish bed impact projects. The agenda also includes routine reports on permits, budget, enforcement, and communications. No specific dollar amounts or project names are provided in the agenda.

• Update on Lease Collections
• Review Dock Applications and Shellfish Bed Impact Projects
• Budget Report
• Enforcement Report
• Permit Activity

The minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting were unanimously approved. A motion by Marty Hallier to table changes to the lease paperwork for Lot #506 was adopted, pending further clarification from the applicant. The proposed 2026 meeting dates were unanimously approved by the commission.

• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled lease paperwork changes for Lot #506 (motion by Marty Hallier)
• Approved 2026 meeting dates (unanimous)

Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission

The Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission will hold a regular meeting on November 18, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the shelter. The agenda includes reviewing and approving treasurer and shelter reports, monthly donations, and meeting minutes, as well as discussing the annual report, shelter happenings, and fundraisers. No significant policy changes or budget items are on the agenda.

• Review and approve treasurer reports
• Review and approve shelter reports
• Monthly donations report/endowment
• Approve minutes for October 2025
• Annual report and fundraisers

Fair Rent Commission

The Fair Rent Commission will review procedures for an upcoming complaint hearing between tenant Vander Maelen and landlord Paul Kuriakose/Chitra Properties LLC. The commission will also approve its 2026 meeting schedule.

• Review of procedure for Vander Maelen v. Paul Kuriakose, Chitra Properties LLC complaint hearing
• Approval of 2026 meeting schedule

The Fair Rent Commission approved the 2026 meeting schedule by a unanimous vote. The commission reviewed a pending rent‑increase complaint and outlined the factors it will consider, requesting financial and lease documents from the landlord. A motion to adjourn was adopted. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved 2026 Fair Rent Meeting Schedule (unanimous)
• Adopted motion to adjourn (motion by Chairman Black, seconded by DeVito)

Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee

The committee is meeting to review follow-up items regarding the Branford Energy plan and the animal shelter. Members will also discuss a letter of support for Attorney General Tong and a mini-forest project.

• Branford Energy plan follow up
• Animal shelter follow up
• Letter of support for Attorney General Tong
• Mini-forest project
• PACE meeting review from 11/14

The committee elected Dan Rabin as the new chairperson by unanimous vote. Members agreed to sign a letter thanking Attorney General Tong for his support of offshore wind. Energy Systems Group was selected to review energy usage at the animal shelter, town hall, Willoughby‑Wallace library, and Orchard House. Tyler will work with Josh Brooks to revise the Branford Energy Plan.

• Dan Rabin elected chairperson (unanimous)
• Committee agreed to sign letter thanking Attorney General Tong (unanimous)
• Energy Systems Group selected to review energy usage for shelter, town hall, library, and Orchard House
• Tyler to collaborate with Josh Brooks to revise the Branford Energy Plan

Academy on the Green

The Academy on the Green Commission will review the secretary’s minutes and the treasurer’s report. It will discuss old business items including building repair updates, a potential new member, and monthly building checks. New business includes a discussion with the new administration, an update on window repairs, a food‑pantry update from First Congregational Church, and the status of the academy key and a parking‑lot bell‑tower issue. The commission will also address terms of office and a member‑at‑large vacancy.

• Building repair updates
• Window repair update
• Food pantry update from First Congregational Church
• Key to Academy – Britt Ryan pending
• Member‑at‑large vacancy

The commission accepted the previous meeting minutes without changes. Board members were assigned specific months for logging Academy visits. The board decided to invite First Selectman Josh Brooks to an upcoming meeting. The board also agreed to paint the basement walls to address vandalism damage.

• Accepted previous minutes into the record (no changes)
• Assigned logbook visit schedule to board members (Charles Miller: Dec‑Mar, Sue Winkel: Apr‑Jul, Don Gentile: Aug‑Nov)
• Invited First Selectman Josh Brooks to attend an upcoming meeting
• Approved painting basement walls as the remedy for vandalism damage

East Shore Health Department

This special meeting of the East Shore Health District Board of Health includes public comments, approval of minutes, an epidemiology report, and updates on grants and internships. New business features testimony on a Branford local ordinance and plans for an accreditation event. The board will enter executive session to discuss the budget, and the director's report will cover budget updates and activity reports.

• Testimony regarding Branford Local Ordinance (10/23)
• ESHD Revised Personnel Policy effective 11/1/2025
• Executive session for budget discussion
• ESHD Accreditation Event scheduled for December 12, 2025
• Approval of October 2025 meeting minutes

The board approved the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. A motion to raise the per‑capita budget by 4% for the next fiscal year was approved with all members in favor. The 2026 Board of Health meeting dates were changed to May 7 and November 19, 2026. An ESHD accreditation event was scheduled for December 12, 2025.

• Approved October 9, 2025 board minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 4% per‑capita budget increase for FY 2026‑27 (unanimous)
• Moved May 2026 meeting to May 7, 2026 (unanimous)
• Moved November 2026 meeting to November 19, 2026 (unanimous)
• Scheduled ESHD accreditation event for Dec 12, 2025 (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider a resolution to authorize First Selectman James B. Cosgrove to execute an Energy Savings Performance Contract. The agreement is between the Town of Branford and Energy Systems Group, LLC.

• Energy Savings Performance Contract with Energy Systems Group, LLC

The Board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing First Selectman James B. Cosgrove to execute an Energy Savings Performance Contract with Energy Systems Group, LLC on behalf of the town. The resolution directs the First Selectman to sign any necessary documents to implement the contract, subject to Town Counsel approval. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved resolution authorizing Energy Savings Performance Contract (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Commission on Elderly Services

This is a routine monthly meeting of the Branford Commission on Elderly Services. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, setting the 2026 meeting schedule, and reports from the director and assistant director. No votes on ordinances, contracts, or policy changes are listed.

• Approval of minutes from February 8, 2025
• Discussion of meeting schedule for 2026
• Director and Assistant Director reports
• Programming, activities, upcoming events, and social services updates
• Citizen comments

The commission unanimously approved the May 8 meeting minutes. It also unanimously accepted the proposed meeting schedule for 2026. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned at 5:34 pm. No citizens spoke during the public comment period.

• Approved May 8 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted 2026 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:34 pm (unanimous)

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands Commission will hold a public hearing on the replacement of Chestnut St Bridge (Bridge #014001) over Branford Supply Pond. The commission will also review an application for a two-family home and garage addition at 42 Silver St. An application for 3 Pepperwood Lane has been withdrawn. Other business includes discussion of activity at 71 Midwood Road and the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Public hearing: BRIW#25.10.01 – replacement of Chestnut St Bridge over Branford Supply Pond
• Application review: IW#25.09.03 – two-family home and garage addition at 42 Silver St
• Withdrawn: IW-25-2 – grade and pave driveway at 3 Pepperwood Lane
• Other business: activity at 71 Midwood Road and 24 Stone St
• Agent approval: BRIW-25-1 – install rail fence for pedestrian safety at Jefferson Rd right-of-way, 1-6 Thimble Isle

The commission unanimously approved the October 23 minutes. It voted to continue the public hearing on the Chestnut St Bridge repair (BRIW#25.10.01) until December 11, 2025. The application for a two‑family home at 42 Silver St was tabled, and the driveway grading application at 3 Pepperwood Lane was withdrawn. Commissioners also unanimously approved the 2026 Inland Wetlands Commission meeting schedule.

• Approved October 23, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Extended public hearing for Chestnut St Bridge repair to 12/11/25 (unanimous)
• Tabled 42 Silver St two‑family home construction application
• Withdrawn 3 Pepperwood Lane driveway grading application
• Approved 2026 Inland Wetlands Commission meeting dates (unanimous)
• Approved agent request BRIW-25-1 for rail fence installation

Branford School Readiness Council

The Branford School Readiness Council's monthly meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025, at 1 PM via Zoom has been canceled. No business will be conducted.

• Scheduled November 12 meeting canceled

Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library

The Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library Committee is meeting to review financial reports and board vacancies. The agenda includes discussions on building updates for the gallery, roof, and lobby, as well as a transition report for the incoming First Selectman.

• Board vacancies
• Building updates for gallery, roof, and lobby
• Transition report for incoming First Selectman
• Committee by-laws
• 2026 meeting dates

The board approved the minutes from the October 1, 2025 meeting unanimously. It adopted a monthly meeting schedule for 2026 and agreed to begin reviewing one library policy at each meeting. The board also decided to continue discussion of the Bulletin Boards policy at the January 14, 2026 meeting and to clarify the Library Discretionary Fund procedures.

• Approved October 1, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Adopted monthly library board meetings for 2026
• Agreed to review one library policy at each meeting
• Decided to continue Bulletin Boards policy discussion at Jan 14, 2026
• Agreed to develop a prioritization schedule for policy reviews
• Resolved to further clarify Director Discretionary Fund details

Solid Waste Management Commission

This meeting was cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

BOE - Policy Committee

The Branford Board of Education Policy Committee meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025, has been canceled.

Board of Recreation

The Branford Board of Recreation will approve minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting, receive reports on facilities, projects, and senior services, and discuss staffing matters. It will also decide on the calendar for the 2026 meetings and set an opening day for Sliney Field. No other decisions or contracts are listed.

• Approve minutes from the 10/08/2025 meeting
• Director’s Report: facilities & project updates
• Assistant Director’s Report: activities, programs, special events
• Old Business: staffing
• New Business: 2026 meeting schedule and Sliney Field opening day

The Board unanimously accepted the October meeting minutes after correcting a name. A unanimous motion approved the 2026 meeting schedule, setting meetings for the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., with the November meeting on the 18th. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted October minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Center Revitalization Review Board

The regularly scheduled November 12, 2025 meeting of the Town Center Revitalization & Review Board has been officially cancelled. No business was conducted or discussed.

• Meeting cancelled; no agenda items were considered

BOE - Communication Committee

This meeting of the Branford Board of Education Communication Committee, scheduled for November 19, 2025, has been canceled. No business will be conducted.

BOE - Personnel & Finance

The meeting of the Branford Board of Education Personnel & Finance Committee scheduled for November 12, 2025 has been canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

BOE - Teaching & Learning Committee

The Teaching & Learning Committee meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025, has been canceled.

Human Services Board

The regular meeting of the Branford Human Services Board scheduled for November 11, 2025, has been cancelled.

Public Building Commission

The Public Building Commission will receive updates on the Police Headquarters renovation from Downes Construction and Jacunski Humes. It will discuss two proposals for purchasing an AV system. The commission will consider and possibly approve several invoices, including a $1,532,456.88 payment to Downes Construction. The meeting also acknowledges a referral for the BHS School Infrastructure Improvements Project.

• Potential change order PCO #065 for $40,142.56 (misc grading and waterproofing)
• Potential change order PCO #040 credit of $150,000 from construction contingency
• Review of two AV system purchase proposals
• Approval of Downes Construction invoice for $1,532,456.88
• Approval of Jacunski Humes monthly invoice for $7,000

The Public Building Commission approved a $407,549.40 purchase and installation of an AV system for the police dispatch center, with a vote of 7 yeas and 1 opposed. It also unanimously approved several change orders, credits, and invoices totaling over $1.5 million. All motions were carried and the meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

• Approved PCO #065 Misc Grading & Waterproofing $40,142.56 (unanimous)
• Approved PCO #040 Credit from Construction Contingency $150,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Constant Technologies AV system purchase $407,549.40 (7 yeas, 1 opposed)
• Approved Jacunski Humes monthly invoice $7,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Downes Construction Requisition #009 $1,532,456.88 (unanimous)
• Approved Test Con Incorporated invoice $1,947.50 (unanimous)
• Approved SES invoice $1,200 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Police Commissioners

This meeting of the Branford Board of Police Commissioners has been cancelled. No agenda items were discussed or decided. Future meetings will be scheduled as needed.

Board of Police Commissioners - Traffic Committee Agenda

The November 10, 2025 Traffic Committee meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

RTM Public Services Committee

The regularly scheduled RTM Public Services Committee meeting for November 6, 2025, has been canceled. No business will be conducted.

• Meeting canceled

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved several zoning text amendments and time extensions. The body also adopted positive reports for the town's acquisition of land for open space and municipal facilities.

• Approved Zoning Text Amendments for Sections 6.8.C, 9.6.K, and 9.6.L effective December 1, 2025
• Adopted positive report for acquisition of 11.4 acres for open space at 138 Chestnut St. and 0 Brushy Plain Road
• Adopted positive report for acquisition of 5.28 acres for Public Works & Fire facilities at 15 & 21 East Industrial Road
• Approved 90-day time extension for Mylar filing for 19-37 Gould Lane Subdivision
• Withdrew Zoning Text Amendment Section 2.2 and Landscaping Regulation Amendment Section 6.3

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a regular meeting on November 6, 2025, continuing two public hearings: one for zoning text amendments (Sections 2.2, 6.8.C, 9.6.K, 9.6.L) and one for revisions to landscaping regulations (Section 6.3). Old business includes a coastal site plan for a retaining wall at 179 Pawson Road and a time extension request for 19-37 Gould Lane. Other business includes two CGS 8-24 referrals for town acquisitions of 11.4 acres for open space and 5.28 acres for municipal facilities, plus approval of 2026 meeting dates.

• Public hearing continued on zoning text amendments (Sec.2.2, 6.8.C, 9.6.K, 9.6.L, Application #25-8.3)
• Public hearing continued on landscaping regulation revisions (Sec.6.3, Application #25-8.4)
• Coastal site plan to increase height of retaining wall at 179 Pawson Road (Application #25-4)
• CGS 8-24 referral for acquisition of 11.4 acres for open space at 138 Chestnut Street and Brushy Plain Road
• CGS 8-24 referral for acquisition of 5.28 acres for municipal facilities at 15 and 21 East Industrial Road

The Planning & Zoning Commission withdrew Section 2.2 of the zoning text amendments and unanimously approved the remaining sections, effective Dec. 1, 2025. The application to revise the landscaping regulations was withdrawn and a three‑person subcommittee was created to continue the work. The commission also approved a 90‑day extension to file the Mylar for 19‑37 Gould Lane and gave positive referrals for acquiring 11.4 acres of open space and 5.28 acres for municipal facilities. All motions passed unanimously.

• Section 2.2 of zoning text amendments withdrawn (unanimous)
• Remaining zoning text amendments approved (unanimous)
• Landscaping regulations application withdrawn; subcommittee formed (unanimous)
• 90‑day extension to file Mylar for 19‑37 Gould Lane approved (unanimous)
• Referral for acquisition of 11.4 acres of open space approved (unanimous)
• Referral for acquisition of 5.28 acres for municipal facilities approved (unanimous)
• Minutes of Oct. 23, 2025 approved (unanimous)
• Positive referral CGS 8‑24 for land acquisitions approved (unanimous)

East Shore Health Department

This meeting of the East Shore District Health Department Board of Directors has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

James Blackstone Memorial Library

The James Blackstone Memorial Library Board of Trustees will meet to review reports from the Director, Treasurer, and Friends of the Library. The board is scheduled to take action on the Archives Room Shelving project and the approval of October minutes.

• Action on Archives Room Shelving project (Petrunti Design & Woodworking)
• Facilities Condition Assessment update
• Fall appeal report from the Development Committee
• Approval of October meeting minutes

The Board of Trustees voted to waive the Procurement Policy bid requirement and allocate $13,000 from the town’s library renovation fund for the Archives Room Shelving project. The meeting minutes were approved after a motion and second. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Waived Procurement Policy bid requirement and approved use of $13,000 renovation funds for Archives Room Shelving project (motion passed)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion carried)

Conservation and Environment Commission

The Commission will welcome new members, approve October minutes, and receive updates on the new Hilltop Woods Preserve and a denied variance application. They will discuss proposed landscaping amendments that would require the Commission to review plant lists, and hear reports on ongoing projects including invasive plant control, Pollinator Pathway, and Tweed Airport Expansion.

• Welcome new Commissioners Joseph Misdraji and George Aspland
• Hilltop Woods Preserve designated on Hillside Avenue, with Cedar Street access preferred
• Proposed Landscaping Amendments to be discussed; public comment at PNZ meeting Nov. 6
• Pilot Forest Stewardship Plans: burning bush mowing by All Habitat in late Nov/Dec
• Tweed Airport Expansion listed under Other for discussion

The commission approved the October 1, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved a motion to spend up to $200 on caging material for the pollinator pathway trees. No other substantive actions were taken at this meeting.

• Approved October 1, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved spending up to $200 on caging material for trees (motion passed)

Conservation and Environment Commission

These are the approved minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting of the Branford Conservation and Environment Commission. Actions included approval of prior minutes, discussion of a denied variance at 31 Pawson Road, and designation of Hilltop Woods Preserve. The commission authorized $200 for tree caging and heard a proposal from Eric Lepeak for native fruit trees at the Early Learning Center, with approval from Public Works. Updates were given on coastal resiliency and Tweed Airport expansion.

• Variance application for 31 Pawson Road denied by Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals
• Town property on Hillside Avenue designated as Hilltop Woods Preserve
• Commission voted up to $200 for caging material for fruit trees at Early Learning Center
• Eric Lepeak presented proposal for food-bearing trees on public land, approved by Public Works
• Discussions on Coastal Resiliency Plan and scenic roads committee

The commission voted to approve the minutes from the October 1, 2025 meeting. They also approved a motion to spend up to $200 on caging material for native trees at the Early Learning Center. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved October 1, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved up to $200 for tree‑caging material (motion passed)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will consider waiving the competitive bidding process for five 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles and awarding the contract to Gengras Ford at $67,532 per vehicle. They will also review the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting, a request to use the Town Green for a First Night event on January 2, 2026, and make appointments to the Public Building Commission for school infrastructure projects.

• Waive bid and award contract to Gengras Ford for five police vehicles at $67,532 each
• Approve minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting
• Approve use of Town Green on Jan 2, 2026 for First Night event
• Appoint members to Public Building Commission for BHS school roof, skylight, solar, and HVAC projects

The Board approved a $10,800,000 purchase of 5.28 acres at 15 East Industrial Road and 21 East Industrial Road for municipal facilities, with a vote of 2 yeas and 1 abstention. It also approved a $195,000 purchase of 11.77 acres for open space, waived the bid for five police vehicles and awarded the contract to Gengras Ford at $67,532 each, and approved several tax‑appeal cases, all by unanimous vote. All appointments and reappointments were confirmed unanimously.

• Approved $10,800,000 purchase of 5.28 acres for municipal facilities (2 yeas, 1 abstention)
• Approved $195,000 purchase of 11.77 acres for open space (unanimous)
• Waived bid and awarded contract for five 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles at $67,532 each to Gengras Ford (unanimous)
• Approved tax‑appeal cases: Selmon v. Town of Branford, 21 Acorn Road LLC v. Town of Branford, Capasso v. Town of Branford (two cases) (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Isaak Aronson to Public Building Commission (unanimous)
• Reappointed Joseph Mooney to Board of Finance (unanimous)
• Approved appointments to Public Building Commission and related project members (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 15, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss the purchase of land for municipal facilities and open space. The body will also consider a contract for new police vehicles and appointments to the Public Building Commission.

• Purchase of 5.28 acres at 15 and 21 East Industrial Road for $10,800,000
• Purchase of 11.77 acres for Open Space at 138 Chestnut Street and 0 Brushy Plain Road for $195,000
• Contract for five 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles from Gengras Ford at $67,532 per vehicle
• Request for Town Green use on January 2, 2026, for First Night
• Appointments to the Public Building Commission for BHS School Infrastructure Improvements Project

Stony Creek Architectural Review Board

The Stony Creek Architectural Review Board meeting scheduled for November 5, 2025, has been canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

RTM Ways and Means Committee

The regularly scheduled meeting of the RTM Ways & Means Committee for November 5, 2025 was canceled. No agenda items were discussed or decided.

Open Space Commission

The scheduled Open Space Commission meeting for November 5, 2025, has been canceled. The next meeting will be held on December 3, 2025, at the Branford Community Center.

• Meeting canceled
• Next meeting scheduled for December 3, 2025

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will meet to discuss a business survey and the 2026 meeting calendar. The body will also review correspondence regarding a demolition application for a cottage at 15 Lamphiers Cove Camp.

• Demolition application for cottage at 15 Lamphiers Cove Camp
• 2026 Meeting Calendar
• Businesses Survey

The commission approved the October 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It agreed to place a billboard on I-95 from November 24 through December 23, 2025. The commission unanimously accepted the regular 2026 meeting schedule of the first Wednesday each month, with no meeting in August. The demolition application for the cottage at 15 Lanphiers Cove Camp was received with no objections from members or the public.

• Approved October 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to run billboard on I-95 Nov 24–Dec 23, 2025
• Approved regular 2026 meeting schedule (first Wednesday each month, no August) (unanimous)
• Received demolition application for cottage at 15 Lanphiers Cove Camp; no objections recorded
• Adjourned meeting at 9:35 am after motion (unanimous)

RTM Administrative Services Committee

The November 4, 2025 meeting of the Branford RTM Administrative Services Committee has been canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will discuss the proposed acquisition of three parcels totaling 11.8 acres adjacent to the Supply Ponds Preserve for trail expansion and watershed protection. They will also review a Fire Chief's recommendation to relocate the fire department to 21 East Industrial Road as an alternative to the 32 Acorn Road site.

• Acquisition of 5.79 acres on Brushy Plain Rd (Parcel 1)
• Acquisition of 5.67 acres on Brushy Plain Rd (Parcel 2)
• Acquisition of 0.31 acres at 138 Chestnut St (Parcel 3)
• Fire Chief review of 21 East Industrial Road property for fire station relocation
• Potential trail system expansion to Highland Park mobile home park and additional public access at N. Chestnut St

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will consider two major spending proposals at this special meeting: a request to purchase 12 acres of open space on Chestnut Street and Brushy Plains Road using $195,000 from the Open Space Fund, and a proposed resolution to appropriate $10,800,000 for acquiring 15-21 East Industrial Road via general obligation bonds. The East Industrial Road acquisition would support a permanent DPW facility and a potential future firehouse, with a planned future sale of 32 Acorn Road to offset costs.

• Request to purchase 12 acres of open space on Chestnut Street and Brushy Plains Road, funded by increasing the Open Space Fund budget from $96,219 to $291,219 through a $195,000 transfer from fund balance
• Resolution to appropriate $10,800,000 and issue general obligation bonds for the purchase of 15-21 East Industrial Road, including related improvements and a master plan for a firehouse
• Discussion of taxable debt issuance due to an initial lease-back to the seller until the property converts to public use
• Anticipated future sale of 32 Acorn Road to offset borrowing costs for a new firehouse

The Board of Finance unanimously approved a $195,000 transfer from the Open Space Fund to the Land Acquisition Fund for the purchase of 1½ acres of open space. It also adopted a resolution authorizing a $10,800,000 appropriation for the East Industrial Road real‑property acquisition, recommending it for approval by the Representative Town Meeting. Both actions were passed unanimously.

• Approved $195,000 Open Space Fund transfer to Land Acquisition Fund (unanimous)
• Adopted $10,800,000 East Industrial Road acquisition resolution (unanimous)
• Waived reading of the East Industrial Road resolution text (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:50 p.m. (unanimous)

RTM

The Branford Board of Education will discuss a request for an $11,500,000 interim capital appropriation to address critical infrastructure at Branford High School. The proposal includes roof and skylight replacement, HVAC upgrades, fire/life safety systems, site safety improvements, plumbing and electrical work, ceiling and flooring replacements, and a contingency fund. This request follows a prior FY26 request of $2,479,000 that was reduced to $600,000 and is intended to fund the most urgent deficiencies identified in the June 2025 Facilities Master Plan.

• Interim capital appropriation request of $11,500,000 for Branford High School critical infrastructure
• Roof & skylights amendment – $8,200,000
• HVAC F‑Wing upgrade – $350,000
• Fire/Life Safety Systems upgrade – $350,000
• Plumbing and electrical improvements – $400,000

RTM

The RTM will consider a resolution to amend a previously approved $600,000 bond for the Branford High School roof and skylight replacement, increasing the total appropriation and bond authorization to $11.5 million. The expanded project includes roof, skylights, solar, HVAC, fire/life safety, site safety, plumbing, electrical, ceiling replacement, flooring, and a contingency. The meeting also includes authorizing grant applications and establishing building committees for the roof/skylight, solar, and HVAC projects at the high school.

• Approve bond increase from $600,000 to $11,500,000 for Branford High School infrastructure improvements
• Authorize grant application to the Commissioner of Administrative Services for roof/skylight replacement project
• Authorize grant application for solar project at Branford High School
• Authorize grant application for F-Wing HVAC project at Branford High School
• Establish Public Building Commission as building committee for all three projects

The Representative Town Meeting voted 23‑0 to amend the existing $600,000 roof and skylight resolution, increasing the appropriation and bond authorization by $10,900,000 to a total of $11,500,000. The body also approved, as a single block vote, items authorizing the Board of Education to apply for grants, establishing a Public Building Commission, and permitting schematic design work for the roof, solar and HVAC projects, all with a 23‑0 roll‑call vote. All waiver motions for reading requirements were likewise adopted unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

• Amended high‑school infrastructure appropriation to $11,500,000 (23‑0)
• Waived RTM Rule 4.4.1 to forgo full reading of the amendment resolution (23‑0)
• Waived RTM Rule 4.4.1 to allow block consideration of items #4‑12 (23‑0)
• Authorized Board of Education to apply for grant for roof and skylight replacement (23‑0)
• Established Public Building Commission as building committee for roof project (23‑0)
• Authorized preparation of schematic drawings for roof and skylight project (23‑0)
• Authorized Board of Education to apply for grant for solar project (23‑0)
• Authorized Board of Education to apply for grant for F‑Wing HVAC project (23‑0)

Branford Housing Authority

The Branford Housing Authority will hold a special meeting to approve minutes from September, discuss open action items, and receive updates on installed lifts and removal of old ones. They will also hear reports from a tenant commissioner, management, and finance, plus handle any other business.

• Review and approval of September 16 meeting minutes
• Status update on open action items from September 16
• Update on installed lifts and removal of old lifts
• Tenant commissioner report
• Management and financial reports

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 14, 2025 meeting. Chair Nadim approved the purchase of a sanitizer and paper towel dispenser for the laundry room. The authority accepted and will review proposals from three property‑management firms: Ki Property Group, DeMarco Management Corporation, and Millennium Real Estate Services. No other formal decisions were recorded; remaining items were informational updates or pending actions.

• Approved September 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of sanitizer and paper towel dispenser for laundry room (Chair approval)
• Accepted and will review proposal from Ki Property Group (151 Meadow St.)
• Accepted and will review proposal from DeMarco Management Corporation (117 Murphy Rd.)
• Accepted and will review proposal from Millennium Real Estate Services (37 Speno Ridge)

Coastal Vulnerability Ad Hoc Working Group

The Coastal Vulnerability ad hoc Working Group is meeting to discuss updates on sea level monitoring, road flooding applications, and tide gauge installations. The group will also review the status of resilience grants and potential zoning regulation modifications regarding building height limits.

• CIRCA/Branford sea level monitoring pilot project
• MyCoast road flooding photographic monitoring
• Nuisance Flooding Tide Wall pilot project
• Sentient Things proposal for Flood Net real-time road flooding monitoring
• PZC consideration of building height limit modifications

The Coastal Vulnerability Ad Hoc Working Group approved the September 23 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. No other formal actions were adopted; the group discussed ongoing sea‑level monitoring, flood‑net pilot, tide‑gauge surveys, and a building‑height regulation review.

• Approved 9/23 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Public Building Commission

The Branford Public Building Commission will consider approving minutes from two prior meetings. It will receive updates on the Police Headquarters project from contractors Downes Construction and Jacunski Humes. The commission will also review and make a recommendation on two proposals for purchasing and installing an AV system.

• Approve minutes from September 22 and October 14 (special) meetings
• Update on Police Headquarters project from Downes Construction
• Update on Police Headquarters project from Jacunski Humes
• Review and recommendation on two AV system purchase/installation proposals

The Public Building Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 22 and October 14 meetings. No substantive actions on the Police Headquarters renovation or AV system were decided, only project updates were discussed. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

• Approved September 22 and October 14 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Public Building Commission

The Public Building Commission will receive project updates on the Police Headquarters from Downes Construction and Jacunski Humes. The body will also review and make a recommendation regarding two proposals for an AV system purchase and installation.

• Police Headquarters project update from Downes Construction
• Police Headquarters project update from Jacunski Humes
• Review of two proposals for AV system purchase and installation

The Public Building Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 22 and October 14, 2025 meetings. No substantive actions on the police headquarters renovation or AV system funding were taken. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously at 7:04 p.m.

• Approved September 22, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:04 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Education is requesting an interim capital appropriation of $11,500,000 for critical infrastructure improvements at Branford High School. The request follows a Facilities Master Plan completed in June 2025 that identified many building systems as poor or very poor. Most of the appropriation is eligible for approximately 37% reimbursement through a non-priority school construction grant. The Board of Finance will decide on this request at this meeting.

• $11,500,000 total request for Branford High School critical infrastructure
• $8,800,000 for roof replacement and skylight work
• $350,000 for HVAC in F-Wing
• $350,000 for fire/life safety systems
• Approximately 37% state reimbursement eligible for most items

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will consider amending a resolution to authorize $11.5 million in bonds for the Branford High School Infrastructure Improvement Project, increasing the original $600,000 appropriation by $10.9 million. The meeting will also address capital transfers and a potential employment agreement for a Finance Director.

• Vote on $11.5M Branford High School Infrastructure Improvement Project bonds
• Approval of capital transfer requests totaling $128,558
• Recommendation on employment agreement for Finance Director Kathryn LaBanca
• Discussion of potential real estate acquisitions in executive session
• Approval of September 29, 2025 Board of Finance minutes

The Board unanimously adopted a resolution amending the existing high‑school roof and skylight project, increasing the appropriation and bond authorization by $10,900,000 to a total of $11,500,000 and recommended it to the Representative Town Meeting. It also unanimously approved Board of Education capital transfers totaling $128,558 and a $17,875 transfer for the East Shore District Health Department. The Board waived the reading of the high‑school resolution before adopting it.

• Waived reading of the Branford High School Infrastructure Improvement Resolution (unanimous)
• Adopted amendment increasing appropriation and bond authorization by $10,900,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Board of Education capital transfers totaling $128,558 (unanimous)
• Approved East Shore District Health Department transfer of $17,875 (unanimous)
• Entered Executive Session (no votes taken)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a special exception application by Teddy’s Store LLC to allow an accessory apartment over its Main Street convenience store (Application #25-8.5). The commission will also consider zoning text amendments, landscaping regulation revisions, and other special exception modifications submitted by various applicants. Old business includes coastal site plan reviews for single‑family homes, and new business includes a retaining‑wall height increase request.

• Teddy’s Store LLC – Special Exception for accessory apartment over convenience store, Application #25-8.5
• M. Wackers – Zoning text amendments (Sec.2.2, 6.8.C, 9.6.K, 9.6.L), Application #25-8.3
• M. Wackers – Revision to Landscaping Regulations (Sec.6.3), Application #25-8.4
• 447‑471 Main St LLC et al. – Parking reduction and relocation special exception, Application #25-9.4
• Tom Edwards – Special Exception for multi‑family residence at 67 Cedar Street, Application #25-9.6

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved four special‑exception applications. It granted Teddy’s Store LLC an accessory apartment over its convenience store, approved a parking‑space transfer among three Main Street properties, authorized a multi‑family residence at 67 Cedar Street, and approved a coastal‑site plan for rebuilding a home on Governors Island. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Special Exception for Teddy’s Store LLC accessory apartment over convenience store (App #25-8.5) – unanimous
• Approved Special Exception modifying parking requirements for 447-471, 529-531, and 530-550 Main St (App #25-9.4) – unanimous
• Approved Special Exception for multi‑family residence at 67 Cedar Street (App #25-9.6) – unanimous
• Approved Coastal Site Plan for 6 Governors Island (App #25-9.2) – unanimous

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved five applications at its October 23 meeting, including a special exception for a multi-family residence at 67 Cedar Street, an accessory apartment over a convenience store at 165-195 Main Street, a parking requirement modification along Main Street, and two coastal site plans for new FEMA-compliant homes on Governors Island and Limewood Avenue. All approvals were with conditions.

• Approved special exception for multi-family residence at 67 Cedar Street
• Approved accessory apartment over convenience store at 165-195 Main Street
• Approved parking requirement modification for 447-471 to 530-550 Main Street
• Approved coastal site plan for FEMA-compliant home at 6 Governors Island
• Approved coastal site plan for FEMA-compliant home at 44 Limewood Avenue

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on October 23, 2025, to consider zoning text amendments, revisions to landscaping regulations, and special exceptions for multi-family housing and parking modifications.

• Zoning text amendments proposed by Director of Planning & Zoning
• Revisions to landscaping regulations
• Special exception for multi-family residence at 67 Cedar Street
• Special modification to parking requirements at 530-550 Main Street
• Public hearings to be held remotely

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will review several applications, including a two-family home at 42 Silver Street and the replacement of the Chestnut Street Bridge. A public hearing on the bridge replacement is scheduled for November 13. The commission will also hold show-cause hearings for alleged wetland violations at 15 Pinewood Road and 3 Sycamore Way.

• IW#25.09.03: Construction of a two-family home and second-floor addition to garage at 42 Silver St
• BRIW#25.10.01: Replacement of Chestnut St Bridge over Branford Supply Pond (public hearing Nov 13)
• IW-25-2: Grade and pave existing crushed stone driveway at 3 Pepperwood Lane
• CC#25.09.01: Show cause hearing for clearing and encroachment into wetland at 15 Pinewood Rd
• CC#25.10.01: Show cause hearing for clearing without permit and vegetation removal at 3 Sycamore Way

The commission approved the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0‑1 vote, with one abstention. The 71 Midwood Road correspondence was tabled. Enforcement orders CC#25.09.01 for 15 Pine Wood Road and CC#25.10.01 for 3 Sycamore Way were each upheld and modified, adding planting and monitoring requirements, with both motions passing unanimously.

• Approved October 9, 2025 minutes (5-0-1, 1 abstention)
• Tabled 71 Midwood Road correspondence
• Upheld and modified CC#25.09.01, 15 Pine Wood Rd (unanimous)
• Upheld and modified CC#25.10.01, 3 Sycamore Way (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on three variance applications. The board will also hear appeals of ZEO decisions for two properties and consider approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Public hearing: 31 Pawson Road – variance to allow subdivision lot width of 99.2 ft where 100 ft required (Sec. 3.4.A.4).
• Public hearing: 21 Acorn Road – variances for rear setback (26 ft vs 50 ft) and impervious surface ratio (0.66 vs 0.60) to enclose existing canopy and add rear addition.
• Public hearing: 38 Acorn Road – variance to allow swimming pool within rear setback (32.3 ft vs 50 ft).
• Appeal of ZEO decision regarding 29 Brocketts Point Road.
• Appeal of ZEO decision regarding 675 East Main Street.

The Board denied the variance request for 31 Pawson Road after a public hearing, voting 3‑2. It approved the variances for 21 Acorn Road and for a swimming pool at 38 Acorn Road, each passing unanimously. The Board also approved the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Denied 31 Pawson Rd variance (3-2)
• Approved 21 Acorn Rd variances (unanimous)
• Approved 38 Acorn Rd pool variance (unanimous)
• Approved September 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 21, 2025 and issued decisions on three applications. One application (31 Pawson Road) was denied, and two (21 Acorn Road and 38 Acorn Road) were granted. The board also approved the minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting.

• 25/10-1: 31 Pawson Road – DENIED
• 25/10-2: 21 Acorn Road – GRANTED
• 25/10-3: 38 Acorn Road – GRANTED
• September 16, 2025 meeting minutes – APPROVED

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on October 21, 2025, to consider three variance applications and two appeals of Zoning Enforcement Officer decisions. The board will meet via Zoom.

• Hear variance for 31 Pawson Road to reduce required square footage for subdivision
• Hear variance for 21 Acorn Road to reduce rear setback and adjust impervious surface ratio
• Hear variance for 38 Acorn Road to allow a swimming pool within the rear setback
• Appeal of ZEO decision at 29 Brocketts Point Road
• Appeal of ZEO decision at 675 East Main Street

Branford Housing Authority

This meeting of the Branford Housing Authority, scheduled for October 21, 2025, has been canceled. No decisions or discussions took place.

RTM Rules and Ordinances Committee

The regularly scheduled October 21, 2025 meeting of the RTM Rules & Ordinances Committee has been canceled. No business was conducted or discussed.

• Meeting canceled by Chair Peter Hentschel

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority will discuss a possible reduction and refund of the sewer use fee for the property at 106 Sunset Beach Road. The board will also review a sewer access application for 165‑195 Main Street and approve a $280 voucher for legal services. Additional items include routine approvals of minutes and a report on AECOM’s efforts.

• Sewer Use Fee reduction and refund for 106 Sunset Beach Rd
• Sewer access application for 165‑195 Main St (office to residential unit)
• Approval of $280 voucher to Berdon, Young & Margolis, PC
• Approval of minutes from 09/09/2025
• Report on AECOM’s 1&1] efforts

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 9, 2025 meeting. It also approved a refund and removal of $510 in sewer access fees for 2022‑2025, eliminating any liens for 2025. Additionally, the board approved sewer access for a residential unit at 165‑195 Main Street.

• Approved minutes from 09/09/2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved $510 sewer fee refund for 2022‑2025, removing liens (unanimous)
• Approved sewer access for 1 residential unit at 165‑195 Main St (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission

The Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission will consider its monthly financial and shelter activity reports. Members will vote to approve the treasury reports, shelter reports, and the September 2025 meeting minutes. Additional items include a donations/endowment update and discussion of upcoming fundraisers.

• Review and approve treasury reports
• Review and approve shelter reports
• Monthly donations report and endowment update
• Approve minutes from September 2025 meeting
• Discuss upcoming fundraisers

The commission approved the monthly reports and the minutes from the previous meeting, both by unanimous vote. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approve monthly reports (unanimous)
• Approve previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Ad Hoc Advisory Committee

This is the inaugural meeting of the Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. The committee will hear a presentation from First Selectman Cosgrove on its formation and responsibilities, elect a chairman and clerk, and approve a meeting schedule for 2025-2026. They will also review the preliminary results of the BAPC 'Interest Survey'. No binding decisions on policy are expected.

• Presentation by First Selectman Cosgrove on committee formation and responsibilities
• Election of Chairman and Clerk
• Consideration and approval of 2025 and 2026 meeting schedule
• Review of preliminary results of the BAPC 'Interest Survey'

The committee elected Leslie Johnson as chairperson and Eric Steinlauf as clerk, with both motions carried. The members also adopted the proposed meeting schedule for the rest of 2025, with the motion carried. All actions were recorded as approved by the committee.

• Leslie Johnson elected chairperson (motion carried)
• Eric Steinlauf elected clerk (motion carried)
• Adopted 2025 meeting schedule (motion carried)

Fair Rent Commission

The Branford Fair Rent Commission's regular meeting scheduled for June 20, 2025, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted at that time.

Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee

The Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee will hear presentations on energy-efficient design for the Shoreline Grove housing project, an energy performance contract for the animal shelter, and a Green Bank update for the police station. Members will also discuss food waste initiatives, a town energy plan update, and a Charging Smart program.

• Paul Santos, Newman Architects, presents Shoreline Grove as a case study in energy-efficient design
• Vince Chiocchio and Tyler Bowne discuss an energy performance contract for the animal shelter
• Greg Ames provides a Green Bank update for the police station
• Sharon Huttner reports on food waste and the upcoming TEN4CT meeting on thermal energy networks
• Tyler Bowne presents on Charging Smart and a town energy plan update

The Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting. Members agreed to use November 17 as a substitute date for the November clean‑energy meeting. The committee then adjourned the session.

• Approved 9/8/25 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to hold substitute meeting on 11/17 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Community Forest Commission

The Branford Community Forest Commission will approve the July 2025 meeting minutes, noting that meetings in August were cancelled and September lacked a quorum. It will consider plans for the FY 2025 fall tree plantings. The agenda also includes discussion of a Blight Ordinance addendum (revision 6.3), a speaker for a public educational event, and coordination with regional tree commissions and grant opportunities.

• Approve July 2025 minutes (meeting cancelled in August, no quorum in September)
• FY 2025 fall tree plantings
• Blight Ordinance addendum; revision 6.3
• Speaker for public educational event
• Regional tree commissions communication and grant opportunities

The commission approved the July meeting minutes. Susan Hally was tasked with contacting Les Welker of DEEP Urban Forestry and submitting a public‑lecture proposal to Blackstone Library. She will also reserve meeting rooms for the 2025 CFC schedule. Doreen Larson‑Oboyski will chair the November meeting, and Shirley McCarthy will engage the DOT about roadside tree over‑cutting.

• Approved July meeting minutes
• Assigned Susan Hally to call Les Welker and submit a lecture proposal to Blackstone Library
• Assigned Susan Hally to reserve Community House rooms for the 2025 CFC schedule
• Appointed Doreen Larson‑Oboyski as chair of the November meeting
• Tasked Shirley McCarthy with engaging DOT on roadside tree over‑cutting

Branford School Readiness Council

The monthly School Readiness Council meeting scheduled for October 15, 2025 at 1 PM was canceled. No agenda items, decisions, or discussions will take place at this meeting.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider approving minutes from October 1, 2025, and a request from the Town Engineer to reject an apparent low bid and award the Main Street Reconstruction and Rehabilitation project to Colonna Concrete & Paving, LLC for $11,352,910. They will also receive a report on emergency electrical work at the Transfer Station totaling $13,800, and consider appointments to the Conservation Environmental Commission.

• Award of Main Street Reconstruction and Rehabilitation contract to Colonna Concrete & Paving, LLC for $11,352,910
• Rejection of apparent low bid from Gerber Construction, Inc.; recognition of bid order changes
• Report on emergency safety work at the Transfer Station by Finelli Electric on September 4, 2025 for $13,800
• Appointment of Joseph Misdraji to fill a vacancy on the Conservation Environmental Commission
• Appointment of George Aspland to fill a vacancy on the Conservation Environmental Commission

The Selectmen unanimously approved the award of the Main Street Reconstruction and Rehabilitation contract to Colonna Concrete & Paving, LLC for $11,352,910. They also authorized acceptance of a $1,000,000 STEAP Grant for Town Center sidewalk improvements and accepted a $13,800 emergency repair at the Transfer Station. Two new members were appointed to the Conservation Environmental Commission and term dates for three commissioners were corrected.

• Approved minutes of October 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Added STEAP Grant agenda item and commission term corrections (unanimous)
• Awarded Main Street Reconstruction contract to Colonna Concrete & Paving, LLC for $11,352,910 (unanimous)
• Accepted Transfer Station emergency repair report; work cost $13,800 (unanimous)
• Authorized acceptance of $1,000,000 STEAP Grant for Town Center Sidewalk Improvements (unanimous)
• Appointed Joseph Misdraji to Conservation Environmental Commission (unanimous)
• Appointed George Aspland to Conservation Environmental Commission (unanimous)
• Corrected term expiration dates for Christie Day, Karyl Lee Hall, and Neil Goodlad (unanimous)

Parker Memorial Park Commission

The commission will consider new 'No dogs' signage for Big Rock, review walkway installation from bocce court to Big Rock, and discuss tree condition, bathroom remodeling, and flagpole illumination. Old business includes reports on vandalism, parking lot block spacing, and updates to town websites. A public comment period and budget report are also scheduled.

• Actions for prohibited activities: new 'No dogs' sign for Big Rock
• Installation of walkway from bocce court to Big Rock (completed) and signage
• Tree condition review, including volcano mulching and cherry tree branches
• Bathroom remodeling and flagpole illumination discussion
• Parking lot block spacing and marking to prevent backing accidents

The commission adopted a plan to move the cement blocks in the main parking lot closer together, leaving two blocks apart for car passage and securing them with a locked chain for the Harbor Lights event. It also decided to install highly visible flags on the blocks and to adjust block spacing next year to meet standard dimensions. Several follow‑up tasks were assigned, including bench coordination, reviewing the townwide Parks & Rec master plan, investigating a golf cart for gate guards, and checking signage requirements.

• Approved new parking block layout: blocks placed closer together, two blocks left apart for car passage, secured with locked chain for Harbor Lights event
• Decided to install highly visible flags on cement blocks in the main parking lot
• Committed to adjust block spacing next year to meet 20‑ft row and 60‑ft between‑row standards
• Commissioner Radulski to communicate with DPW and Parks & Rec about memorial bench process
• Commissioner Radulski to research and share Townwide Master P&RD plan information and request input
• Commissioner Redman to investigate procurement of a golf cart for gate guards
• Commissioner Radulski to check signage requirements for “Slow: Children at Play” signs with Town Engineer
• Commissioner Redman to explore alternatives to shield bathhouse lights for events

BOE - Communication Committee

The Branford Board of Education Communication Committee will discuss community updates, transportation, bike safety, a review of the New Solutions K12 program, the cell phone policy, and tiered mental health student supports, including detailed staffing numbers. They will also review the proposed 2026 BOE meeting schedule.

• New Solutions K12 (NSK12) Program Review
• Cell Phone Policy discussion
• Tiered Mental Health Student Supports with staffing counts (psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses per school)
• 2026 BOE Meeting Schedule review
• Flu shot clinic dates and locations (community update)

BOE - Communication Committee

The Branford Board of Education Communication Committee is meeting to discuss updates on communications, a student mental health support system, and the 2026 BOE meeting schedule. Public comment is invited. No final decisions are expected on the agenda.

• Discussion of Communication Updates
• Discussion of Student Mental Health Support System
• Discussion of 2026 BOE Meeting Schedule

The Communication Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 17, 2025 meeting. It also approved moving the full Board of Education calendar to the Board for final approval. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September 17, 2025 Communication Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Moved full BOE calendar to Board for approval (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Public Building Commission

The Public Building Commission will receive updates on the Police Headquarters project, consider two potential change orders totaling over $55,000, review and recommend an AV system purchase and installation, and approve invoices including a $1.26 million construction requisition.

• PCO #052A – Front Entry Protection Measures without Irrigation – $13,448.29
• PCO #081 R1 – Fencing Replacement Along North Property Line – $41,709.61
• Downes Construction September 2025 Requisition #008 – $1,257,308.92
• Jacunski Humes invoice – $7,000
• Review and recommendation on two AV system proposals

The Public Building Commission approved two change orders totaling $55,157.90, a $1,257,308.92 requisition from Downes Construction, a $7,000 invoice from Jacunski Humes, and a $1,800 SES invoice. All motions passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

• Approved Front Entry Protection Change Order $13,448.29 (unanimous)
• Approved Fencing Replacement Change Order $41,709.61 (unanimous)
• Approved Downes Construction Requisition #008 $1,257,308.92 (unanimous)
• Approved Jacunski Humes invoice $7,000 (unanimous)
• Approved SES invoice $1,800 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Police Commissioners

The Branford Board of Police Commissioners will meet at The Community House to interview candidates for police officer positions and review the chief's monthly statistical and training reports.

• Interview and consider a certified/lateral candidate for Police Officer
• Interview and consider a candidate for Police Officer
• Review Monthly Statistical & Training Reports from September 2025
• Receive Building Project Update
• Receive Letters of Recognition from Chief Mulhern

The commissioners approved the September 8, 2025 minutes and entered an executive session to interview candidates. They unanimously extended employment offers to Matthew Kehoe (effective Oct 27 2025) and Christopher Morris (effective Oct 28 2025). The meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m.

• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to interview police officer candidates (unanimous)
• Extended employment offer to Matthew Kehoe, Police Officer, effective Oct 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Extended employment offer to Christopher Morris, Police Officer, effective Oct 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:23 p.m. (unanimous)

Human Services Board

The Branford Human Services Board will consider a revenue report and updates on clinical and social services. The meeting will also include reports on donations, public relations, fundraising, and the director's activities. Any remaining old or new business items will be addressed as well.

• Revenue report review
• Clinical services discussion
• Social services discussion (donations and services)
• Public relations and fundraising report
• Director’s report

The board was unable to approve the minutes from the July 8 and September 16 meetings because a quorum was not present. The board confirmed that the November meeting is cancelled because of the Veterans Day holiday. No new business was presented.

• Did not approve minutes from 07/08/2025 (no quorum)
• Did not approve minutes from 09/16/2025 (no quorum)
• Cancelled November meeting (Veterans Day holiday)
• No new business presented

Board of Police Commissioners - Traffic Committee Agenda

The Board of Police Commissioners' Traffic Committee will approve the September 8 minutes and then discuss the Engineering Department’s report on Thimble Island Road in Stony Creek. The meeting includes a period for citizen comments before adjourning.

• Approval of minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting
• Discussion of the Engineering Department’s Thimble Island Road report

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 8, 2025 traffic meeting. Commissioners recommended no action on the Stony Creek engineering report and sent it to the Sub‑Committee of Rules and Ordinances, the Financial Committee, RTM and the Board of Selectmen. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 5:05 p.m.

• Approved September 8, 2025 traffic meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended No Action on Stony Creek engineering report; referred to sub‑committee, financial committee, RTM, Board of Selectmen
• Adjourned meeting at 5:05 p.m. (unanimous)

Shellfish Commission

The Branford Shellfish Commission will meet to review dock applications, discuss a DEEP application, and address old business including a lease collection inquiry and a permit withdrawal request.

• Review of Stone & Concrete Pier application at 2 Big Curtis Island
• Discussion of DEEP Application 202408884-SDF by Clam Island Association
• Discussion of correspondence regarding 286 Linden Ave, Shellfish Bed # 79
• Request for Application Withdrawal by Jack Creamer
• Discussion of collections of Invoices for future business

The commission unanimously approved the DEEP pre‑submission consultation form for a stone and concrete pier at 2 Big Curtis Island, determining it will not adversely affect shellfish areas. The commission also unanimously approved the withdrawal request submitted by Jack Creamer. Additional actions included approval of an invoice to C.W. Shellfish Company LLC for $3,525.00, collection of $85.00 in shellfish permit fees, and approval of a new grounds lease for DJ King Losters for $531.00. The commission noted a request to update lease paperwork for Lot #506 to reflect the name Branford River Oyster Farm, to be addressed at the next meeting.

• Approved DEEP Pre‑Submission Consultation Form for stone & concrete pier at 2 Big Curtis Island (unanimous)
• Approved withdrawal request by Jack Creamer (unanimous)
• Approved invoice #2294 to C.W. Shellfish Company LLC for $3,525.00 (signed off by Chairman)
• Collected $85.00 in shellfish permit sales (recorded)
• Approved new grounds lease for DJ King Losters Lot 2025 for $531.00
• Approved minutes from August 12, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Determined maps for Maltby Cove & Clam Island to be made public when located
• Acknowledged request to update lease paperwork for Lot #506 to show Branford River Oyster Farm (to be addressed next meeting)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold six public hearings, including a continued hearing on a zoning map amendment to apply the Incentive Housing Overlay District to 230 East Main Street and a related special exception for seven residential units. Other hearings include a cannabis micro-cultivator at 45 North East Industrial Road, an accessory dwelling unit at 39 Prospect Hill Road, and a special exception for an accessory apartment over a convenience store at 165-195 Main Street. The commission will also discuss old business including zoning text amendments and landscaping regulation revisions.

• Continued public hearing: Zoning Map Amendment for Incentive Housing Overlay District at 230 East Main Street (Application #25-7.3)
• Continued public hearing: Special Exception to construct 7 residential units at 230 East Main Street (Application #25-7.4)
• Public hearing: Special Exception for cannabis micro-cultivator at 45 North East Industrial Road (Application #25-9.3)
• Public hearing: Special Exceptions and Coastal Site Plan for accessory structure, grading near wetland, and accessory dwelling unit at 39 Prospect Hill Road (Application #25-8.6)
• Public hearing: Special Exception modification for additional office space at 261 East Main Street (Application #25-8.2)

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a Zoning Map Amendment to create an Incentive Housing Overlay District at 230 East Main Street, effective October 30, 2025. It also approved a special exception for seven residential units at the same address, with conditions for affordable housing and other requirements. Additional approvals included a cannabis micro‑cultivator at 45 North East Industrial Road and an accessory structure and coastal site plan at 39 Prospect Hill Road, each with specified conditions.

• Approved Zoning Map Amendment – Incentive Housing Overlay District at 230 East Main St (unanimous)
• Approved Special Exception – 7 residential units at 230 East Main St (unanimous)
• Approved Special Exception – Cannabis micro‑cultivator at 45 North East Industrial Rd (unanimous)
• Approved Special Exception – Accessory structure, grading, and ADU at 39 Prospect Hill Rd (approved)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a zoning map amendment to add an Incentive Housing Overlay District at 230 East Main Street, along with a special exception for seven residential units there. Other approvals included a cannabis micro-cultivator at 45 North East Industrial Road, a special exception modification for liquor service at 61 East Industrial Road, and an accessory dwelling unit at 39 Prospect Hill Road. All actions were approved with conditions.

• Approved Zoning Map Amendment #25-7.3 to add Incentive Housing Overlay District at 230 East Main St.
• Approved Special Exception #25-7.4 for 7 residential units at 230 East Main St.
• Approved Special Exception #25-9.3 for a cannabis micro-cultivator at 45 North East Industrial Road.
• Approved Special Exception Modification #25-9.1 to add liquor service at 61 East Industrial Road.
• Approved Coastal Site Plan for accessory dwelling unit at 39 Prospect Hill Road.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings to consider several zoning text and regulation amendments. The body will also review applications for special exceptions regarding structures and apartments at specific local addresses.

• Zoning Text Amendments to Sec. 2.2, 6.8.C, 9.6.K & 9.6.L
• Zoning Regulation Amendment to Landscaping Regulations (Sec. 6.3)
• Special Exception for an Accessory Apartment at 165-195 Main Street
• Special Exceptions and a Coastal Site Plan for an Accessory Structure at 39 Prospect Hill Road

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings via remote technology on October 9, 2025, to consider two special exception applications. One application seeks a special exception for an accessory apartment at 165-195 Main Street by Teddy's Store LLC. The other seeks special exceptions and a coastal site plan for an accessory structure at 39 Prospect Hill Road by Richard Brooks. Public participation details will be posted 24 hours before the meeting.

• Application #25-8.5: Special Exception for an Accessory Apartment at 165-195 Main Street, applicant Teddy's Store LLC
• Application #25-8.6: Special Exceptions and Coastal Site Plan for an Accessory Structure at 39 Prospect Hill Road, applicant Richard Brooks
• Public hearings provide opportunity for public comment; written comments accepted via email

East Shore Health Department

The East Shore District Health Department Board of Health will meet to approve September minutes, hear an epidemiology report, and discuss operational updates. The board will also testify on a Branford local ordinance and hold an executive session for budget and personnel matters.

• Testifying on Branford local ordinance (10/9)
• Executive session for budget and personnel discussion
• Update on Travel Clinic Program
• Review of current and pending grants
• Staff/Board Retreat planning for fall 2025

The board approved the September 12, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous consent. A motion to enter an executive session was approved, followed by a motion to exit the session, both unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved September 12, 2025 board minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session (unanimous)
• Exited executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will hold a regular remote meeting on October 9, 2025. Key actions include a show cause hearing for clearing and vegetation removal without a permit at 3 Sycamore Way, review of a residential addition and new septic at 39 Prospect Hill Rd, and receipt of applications for a two-family home at 42 Silver St and replacement of the Chestnut St Bridge. The commission will also discuss previous applications, including a monitoring status and a request for bond return.

• Show cause hearing for enforcement case CC#25.10.01 at 3 Sycamore Way for unauthorized clearing and vegetation removal
• Application IW#25.08.04 for residential addition and new septic at 39 Prospect Hill Rd
• Application IW#25.09.03 for construction of a two-family home and second-floor addition at 42 Silver St
• Application BRIW#25.10.01 for replacement of Chestnut St Bridge (Bridge #014001) over Branford Supply Pond
• Discussion of bond return request for IW#14.11.01 at 810-814 East Main St (Memory Care Facility)

The commission approved the September 25 minutes (5‑0‑1). It approved a residential addition and new septic system at 39 Prospect Hill Rd unanimously. The Chestnut St Bridge replacement was ordered to a public hearing on Nov 13, passing 5‑1‑0. The bond for the East Main St memory‑care project was approved for return once monitoring is completed, unanimously.

• Approved September 25, 2025 minutes (5-0-1, one abstention)
• Approved IW#25.08.04 – residential addition & new septic at 39 Prospect Hill Rd (unanimous)
• Moved BRIW#25.10.01 – Chestnut St Bridge replacement to public hearing on Nov 13 2025 (5-1-0)
• Tabled 71 Midwood Road correspondence (no vote recorded)
• Approved return of bond for IW#14.11.01 – 810‑814 East Main St after satisfactory monitoring (unanimous)
• Continued show‑cause hearing for CC#25.10.01 – 3 Sycamore Way to Oct 23 2025 (no vote recorded)

Solid Waste Management Commission

The October 8 regular monthly meeting of the Solid Waste Management Commission has been cancelled. A special meeting will be held at 4 PM on October 8 instead. No agenda items for the special meeting are provided in this notice.

• Regular monthly meeting of Oct 8 cancelled
• Special meeting scheduled for 4 PM on Oct 8
• No specific agenda items listed

The Solid Waste Management Commission meeting on October 8, 2025 was held via Zoom. It was abruptly interrupted and canceled due to a disturbance from an unknown public attendee. Consequently, the Solid Waste Grant Presentation was not presented or discussed, and no agenda items were acted upon.

James Blackstone Memorial Library

The Board of Trustees will approve minutes from September, review committee reports including the Finance and Development Committees, and set the schedule for 2026 meetings and library closings.

• Approval of September minutes
• Finance Committee report
• Facilities Condition Assessment update
• Evening with the Spirits event update
• 2026 meeting dates and holidays

The Board of Trustees approved the corrected meeting minutes. They approved the proposed 2026 Board of Trustees meeting dates and the 2026 library holidays and closings. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:52 p.m. No public comment was received.

• Approved corrected minutes (motion carried)
• Approved 2026 Board of Trustees meeting dates (motion carried)
• Approved 2026 library holidays and closings (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:52 p.m. (motion carried)

BOE - Policy Committee

The Branford Board of Education Policy Committee will meet to discuss two policy items: 4350 FMLA and 5010 Kindergarten Eligibility and Grade Placement. The committee may take action on these policies after public comments and approval of minutes. This meeting is a step toward potential recommendations to the full Board.

• Discussion and possible action on policy 4350 regarding FMLA (Family and Medical Leave)
• Discussion and possible action on policy 5010 regarding kindergarten eligibility and grade placement
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Public comments (3 minutes per speaker, in person or via phone)

The committee approved the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It voted to recommend Policy 4350 (Family Medical Leave Act) and Policy 5010 (Kindergarten Eligibility and Grade Placement) to the full Board for first reading, also unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended Policy 4350 FMLA to Full Board for first reading (unanimous)
• Recommended Policy 5010 kindergarten eligibility to Full Board for first reading (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

BOE - Policy Committee

The Policy Committee is discussing revisions to two district policies. One update aligns family and medical leave with state law, while the other clarifies how incoming students are assigned to grade levels.

• Policy 4350: Expands CT FMLA and CT Paid Leave coverage to noncertified public school employees per Public Act 25-174
• Policy 5010: Establishes that children must be six before September 1 to enter first grade
• Policy 5010: Creates a monitoring period for first grade placements during the first three weeks
• Policy 5010: Defines early entrance criteria for children turning five between September 2 and January 1

RTM

The Branford Representative Town Meeting will consider and act upon 21 items, primarily budget transfers for FY2025 and FY2026, salary adjustments, and capital project funding. The most consequential item is a resolution to increase the appropriation and bond authorization for Main Street Road and related improvements by an additional $6,750,000. Other major items include funding for the Stony Creek Wharf project ($1,000,000, with grant), Town Center Sidewalks ($1,200,000, with grant), an Energy Performance Contract ($1,595,000), and the Meadow Street Boardwalk improvements ($6,100,000, largely state-funded).

• Resolution to increase Main Street Road bond authorization by $6,750,000 (total now $15,050,000)
• Stony Creek Wharf project: $1,000,000 with $800,000 state grant and $200,000 from fund balance
• Town Center Sidewalks project: $1,200,000 with $1,000,000 state grant and $200,000 from fund balance
• Energy Performance Contract: $1,595,000 for lighting and building projects at town properties
• Meadow Street Boardwalk improvements: $6,100,000 largely from state Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program

The Representative Town Meeting voted 24-1 to adopt a resolution increasing the Main Street road and related improvements appropriation and bond authorization by $6,750,000. The motion to waive the full reading of the resolution passed unanimously. The RTM also unanimously approved a series of FY25 and FY26 budget transfer requests covering Legal Services, Elderly Services, Information Technology, salary adjustments, the Lease Fund, and a Board of Education feasibility study.

• Approved $6,750,000 increase to Main Street road appropriation and bond authorization (24-1)
• Approved $113,735 transfer to Legal Services (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $4,854 transfer to Elderly Services sick leave (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $8,700 transfer to Information Technology (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $3,150 transfer to Sewer Utility Fund for salary changes (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $5,327 transfer to Human Services Fund for salary changes (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $300,000 transfer from Contingency to Lease Fund (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $150,000 transfer for Board of Education feasibility study (unanimous voice vote)

Board of Recreation

The Branford Board of Recreation will convene to approve the previous meeting's minutes, receive reports on facilities and senior services, and conduct old and new business including the budget, staffing, and officer elections.

• Approval of 9/10/2025 meeting minutes
• Director's Report on facilities and senior services
• Assistant Director's Report on activities and special events
• Old Business: Budget and Staffing
• New Business: Election of Officers

The Board unanimously approved an amendment to the September minutes, changing “Lunch and Dinner” to “Breakfast and Lunch.” The Board also unanimously re‑elected Paul Criscuolo as Chairman and appointed Nancy Drevins as Clerk. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No other formal actions were taken.

• Amended September minutes (Breakfast and Lunch) – unanimous approval
• Re‑elected Paul Criscuolo as Chairman – unanimous approval
• Appointed Nancy Drevins as Clerk – unanimous approval
• Motion to adjourn the meeting – unanimous approval

Center Revitalization Review Board

The Town Center Revitalization Review Board will consider the proposed multi‑family residence at 67 Cedar Street. The board will also approve the minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting. No other items are listed for discussion.

• Approval of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Consideration of 67 Cedar Street multi‑family residence proposal

Center Revitalization Review Board

The Town Center Revitalization Review Board will consider a multi-family residence proposal at 67 Cedar Street and a demolition notice for a camp at 45 Lanphier Cove. The board will also review and approve the minutes from its September 10, 2025 meeting. No decisions are specified; these items are listed for discussion.

• 67 Cedar Street – Multi Family Residence
• Notice to demolish at 45 Lanphier Cove Camp
• Approval of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes

The board approved the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved the 67 Cedar Street multifamily residence application with a reversed staircase turn. The board asked the architect to submit a revised site plan for staff review. No action was taken on the demolition notice for 45 Lanphier Cove Camp because it is outside the town‑center review district.

• Approved September 10, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by John Herzan, seconded by Terry Elton)
• Approved 67 Cedar Street multifamily residence application with reversed staircase turn (motion by Norbert Church, seconded by Terry Elton)
• Requested architect submit revised site plan for 67 Cedar Street for staff review
• No action taken on demolition notice for 45 Lanphier Cove Camp (project outside review district)

RTM Ways and Means Committee

The regularly scheduled October 8, 2025 meeting of the Branford RTM Ways & Means Committee is canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

BOE - Personnel & Finance

The Board of Education is reviewing the FY2026 operating budget, which has an estimated available balance of $7.1M. The body is discussing budget overages in special education and requesting interim capital funding for building projects.

• Request for $150k interim funding for feasibility and education specifications
• Establishment of a building committee appointee for roof and skylight work
• Budget overage projections for Special Education out-of-district and transportation
• Reporting of $12k year-to-date building rental revenue
• Hiring process for Director of Talent Management & Communication

BOE - Personnel & Finance

The Branford Board of Education Personnel & Finance Committee will discuss several items including the 2025/2026 monthly finance reports, an update on transportation and electrification, an interim funding request for Branford High School, and open capital reappropriation. The committee will also receive updates from the Chief Operating Officer. Public comment is permitted.

• Discussion of 2025/2026 monthly finance reports
• Transportation/electrification update
• Interim BHS funding request
• Open capital reappropriation
• Chief Operating Officer updates

The Personnel & Finance Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting. A motion to adjourn the October 8, 2025 meeting was also approved unanimously. No other actions were decided at this session.

• Approved September 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn October 8, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

BOE - Teaching & Learning Committee

The committee is discussing district-wide attendance data and specific instructional and community goals for five Branford schools. The meeting covers strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism and the implementation of the Strategic Coherence Plan.

• Review of attendance data for MTM, JBS, MRT, WIS, and BHS
• Strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism including home visits and Director of Security engagement
• Instructional goals for Mary T. Murphy and John B. Sliney schools
• Decision-making and input goals for Mary R. Tisko and Branford High School
• Questioning practices and Aimsweb growth goals for Francis Walsh Intermediate School

BOE - Teaching & Learning Committee

The Branford Board of Education Teaching & Learning Committee will meet to approve minutes and discuss K-12 school goals and 2024-25 attendance data. The meeting will be held at Walsh Intermediate School.

• Approval of minutes
• Discussion of K-12 school goals
• Discussion of 24-25 attendance data

The Teaching & Learning Committee approved the September 10, 2025 minutes unanimously. The committee then voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting. No other actions were taken.

• Approved September 10, 2025 Teaching & Learning Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

RTM Administrative Services Committee

The RTM Administrative Services Committee will consider and potentially approve multiple budget transfers and salary adjustments for FY2025 and FY2026, including a $300,000 supplemental appropriation into the Lease Fund from the Contingency account. The committee will also review town legal fees for the period from August 2024 to July 2025.

• $300,000 transfer from Contingency to Lease Fund for FY2026
• $40,413 transfer for salary adjustments for unaffiliated supervisory/managerial positions across multiple departments
• $6,682 transfer for a salary adjustment for the Director of Planning, Conservation & Development
• $113,735 transfer within Legal Services for FY25
• $8,700 transfer within Information Technology for FY25

The RTM Administrative Services Committee unanimously approved several FY2025 and FY2026 budget transfers, including a $300,000 move to the Lease Fund for a new town facility. Other approvals covered legal services funding, IT budget adjustments, and salary changes for various supervisory positions. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved $300,000 transfer from Contingency to Lease Fund (unanimous)
• Approved $113,735 legal services transfer to Tax Refunds, Tax Appeals, and Expenses & Claims (unanimous)
• Approved $8,700 IT budget transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $4,854 transfer for Elderly Services (unanimous)
• Approved $3,150 transfer to Sewer Utility Fund for salary changes (unanimous)
• Approved $5,327 transfer to Human Services Fund for salary changes (unanimous)
• Approved $6,682 transfer for Director of Planning salary adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved review of town legal fees (unanimous)

RTM Education Committee

The committee will consider and possibly approve a $150,000 transfer from the General Fund balance to the Capital Projects Fund to fund the Board of Education's master plan feasibility study. Approval would increase the FY 2025 General Fund budget from $145,913,589 to $146,063,589.

• Transfer of $150,000 from General Fund balance (Fund Balance Brought Forward) to Capital Projects Fund for BOE Feasibility Study
• Resolution to increase FY 2025 General Fund budget by $150,000 to $146,063,589
• Approval of minutes from May 5, 2025, meeting

RTM Public Services Committee

The RTM Public Services Committee will consider and possibly approve two budget transfer requests totaling $38,979 for FY25. One transfer moves $11,025 within General Government Buildings from supplies to utilities. The other shifts $27,954 within Public Works from seasonal help and streetlights to overtime and utilities, citing fleet maintenance and roadwork needs.

• Transfer $11,025 from General Government Buildings supplies ($10,588) and meal supplies ($437) to utilities
• Transfer $27,954 from Public Works seasonal/PT help ($21,377) and streetlights ($6,577) to overtime ($21,377) and utilities ($6,577)
• Public Works transfer supports overtime for roadwork and in-house fleet truck service

RTM Public Services Committee

The RTM Public Services Committee will consider two budget transfer requests for FY25: $11,025 from General Government Buildings supplies to utilities, and $27,954 from Public Works seasonal help and streetlights to overtime and utilities. The transfers reallocate existing funds within departmental budgets.

• Transfer $11,025 from General Government Buildings supplies to utilities
• Transfer $27,954 from Public Works seasonal help and streetlights to overtime and utilities
• Public Works overtime covers service to own fleet and roadwork
• Utilities transfer addresses rising utility prices and solid waste costs

The Public Services Committee approved a $11,025 transfer of funds from other supplies and meal supplies to utilities for General Government Buildings, citing higher electrical rates. It also approved a $27,954 transfer for Public Works, moving money from seasonal & PT help and streetlights to overtime and utilities. Both motions passed unanimously with a 5‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved $11,025 utilities transfer for General Government Buildings (5-0)
• Approved $27,954 transfer for Public Works overtime and utilities (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

BOE - Committee Chair

This meeting has been canceled and rescheduled to Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM. The meeting will be held virtually. No agenda items are discussed at this meeting.

• Meeting canceled, rescheduled to October 1, 2025

RTM Ways and Means Committee

The committee will review several budget transfer requests for FY25 and FY26. Key discussions include increasing bond authorization for Main Street improvements and funding for infrastructure projects using grants and fund balances.

• Proposed $6,750,000 increase in appropriation and bond authorization for Main Street road and related improvements
• Proposed $1,000,000 for Stony Creek Wharf ($800,000 grant, $200,000 fund balance)
• Proposed $1,200,000 for Town Center Sidewalks ($1 million grant, $200,000 fund balance)
• Proposed $6,100,000 for Meadow Street Boardwalk Improvements
• Proposed $1,595,000 for an Energy Performance Contract for town property lighting and buildings

The committee approved several FY25 budget transfers, including $53,799 for Parks & Recreation and $351,235 for debt service interest. It also adopted a resolution increasing the Main Street road appropriation and bond authorization by $6,750,000. Additional approvals funded the Stony Creek Wharf, Town Center sidewalks, an energy performance contract, and the Meadow Street boardwalk. All items were approved by vote, with the Main Street resolution passing 3‑1.

• Approved $53,799 Parks & Rec FY25 transfer (4‑0)
• Approved $351,235 debt service interest transfer (4‑0)
• Approved amendment increasing Main Street road appropriation and bond authorization by $6,750,000 (3‑1)
• Approved $200,000 Stony Creek Wharf fund balance transfer (4‑0)
• Approved $200,000 Town Center sidewalks fund balance transfer (4‑0)
• Approved $1,330,977 Energy Performance Contract fund transfer (4‑0)
• Approved $100,000 Meadow Street Boardwalk infrastructure enhancement transfer (4‑0)
• Approved $77,613 FY2026 HR union contract transfer to Animal Control Fund (4‑0)

Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library

The Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library Committee will meet on October 1, 2025, to discuss policy changes and a board vacancy. The library director will provide updates on the gallery refresh project, summer reading program, outdoor library project, and the art committee. The committee will also consider changing future meeting times to 5 p.m.

• Policy discussion
• Board vacancy discussion
• Gallery refresh project update
• Summer reading recap
• Outdoor Library Project update

The board approved the July 9, 2025 meeting minutes with all members in favor. A motion to change future meeting start times to 5:00 p.m. was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. The board agreed to defer agenda items 5‑7 to the next meeting.

• Approved July 9, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved changing future meeting start time to 5:00 p.m. (all in favor)
• Deferred agenda items 5‑7 to next meeting

BOE - Committee Chair

The Branford Board of Education Committee Chairs meeting will review and consider agenda items for the Teaching & Learning, Personnel & Finance, Policy, and Communication committees, as well as the agenda for the next full Board meeting. No decisions are noted; the items are for discussion.

• Review Teaching & Learning Committee agenda
• Review Personnel & Finance Committee agenda
• Review Policy Committee agenda
• Review Communication Committee agenda
• Review agenda for the next full Board of Education meeting

BOE - Committee Chair

The Branford Board of Education will hold committee meetings on October 8 and a full board meeting on October 15, 2025. Committees will discuss K-12 school goals, attendance data, finance reports, transportation electrification, and policies on FMLA and student admissions. The full board will vote on an interim funding request for Branford High School and an open capital reappropriation request.

• Full board vote on Interim BHS Funding Request
• Full board vote on Open Capital Reappropriation Request
• Teaching & Learning Committee: K-12 School Goals and 24-25 Attendance Data
• Personnel & Finance Committee: Transportation/Electrification Update and monthly finance reports
• Policy Committee: First reading of policies 4350 (FMLA) and 5010 (Admission of Students at or Before Grade 5)

The Board of Education approved the September 3, 2025 committee chairs minutes unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved September 3, 2025 committee chairs minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation and Environment Commission

The Conservation and Environment Commission will hear concerns from a guest regarding development in Stony Creek. The body will also review invasive plant control proposals and the 2025/26 fiscal year budget.

• Guest Clara Pagliaro discussion on Stony Creek development
• All Habitat's proposal for mechanical and chemical invasive plant control
• Fiscal year 2025/26 budget review
• Pollinator Pathway signage installation
• Tweed Airport Expansion discussion

The commission unanimously approved proceeding with mechanical removal of invasive plants at the Hillside location. A motion to allow up to two commissioners to attend the CACIWC conference also passed. The minutes for the May 7, May 27 (Special), and June 4, 2025 meetings were each approved unanimously. The pollinator pathway brainstorming session was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved May 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 27, 2025 (Special) minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved up to 2 commissioners attending CACIWC conference (passed)
• Approved mechanical removal at Hillside location (unanimous)
• Tabled pollinator pathway brainstorming session to next meeting

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider several requests including approving minutes from September 3, 2025; authorizing the Fire Chief to trade in a cardiac monitor for $5,000 towards a new one costing $44,113.26 with a bid waiver; waiving bids for five sets of protective suits costing $23,684.50; approving minor changes to the Employee Handbook; allowing wine service at a library event; placing a Christmas tree at Supply Pond; and granting use of the Town Green for a church event.

• Approve trade-in of one Life Pak 15 Cardiac Monitor and purchase of one Life Pak 35 from Stryker Medical for $44,113.26 (includes $5,000 trade-in)
• Waive bid for purchase of Life Pak 35 Monitor/Defibrillator
• Waive bid for purchase of five sets of structural firefighting protective suits from Firematic Supply Company, Inc. for $23,684.50
• Approve minor changes to Employee Handbook (department name, vacation accrual, sick leave)
• Approve wine service exemption for Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library StoryCreek event on November 7, 2025

The Board approved the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes and authorized a trade‑in of a LifePak 15 cardiac monitor for a new LifePak 35, including a $5,000 trade‑in value. They waived competitive bidding to award contracts for the LifePak 35 monitor ($44,113.26) and five structural firefighting suits ($23,684.50). Additional approvals included minor changes to the Employee Handbook, a wine‑serving exemption for the StoryCreek Storytelling event, placement of a Christmas tree at Supply Pond, and use of the Town Green for a Light‑the‑Night event. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved September 3, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved trade‑in of one LifePak 15 monitor for a new LifePak 35 with $5,000 value (unanimous)
• Waived bid and awarded LifePak 35 monitor contract to Stryker Medical for $44,113.26 (unanimous)
• Waived bid and awarded five structural firefighting suits to Firematic Supply for $23,684.50 (unanimous)
• Approved minor Employee Handbook changes (unanimous)
• Approved wine‑serving exemption for StoryCreek Storytelling event on Nov 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved placement of a Christmas tree at Supply Pond (unanimous)
• Approved Shoreline Community Church use of Town Green on Oct 31, 2025 for Light‑the‑Night (unanimous)

Open Space Commission

The Open Space Commission will review estimates for new boardwalk installations at the Supply Pond green trail, the Pieper property entrance to Queach, and an extension of the DeLeo boardwalk. It will also discuss approved pink trail improvements, completed brush cutting and boardwalk projects, and a proposed new trail from Red Rock Road to lower Queach. Additional items include pending boulder placement for new ATV traffic on Saltonstall Mountain and updates to the town charter proposal.

• Estimates received for boardwalk installation at Supply Pond green trail, Pieper property entrance to Queach, and extension of DeLeo boardwalk
• Proposed pink trail improvements – approved by IWC
• Heavy brush cutting in Upper Queach & Beacon Hill summit – completed
• Beacon Hill fiberglass boardwalk installation – completed
• Proposed new trail from Red Rock Road to lower Queach

The commission reported that Inland Wetlands approved the proposed Pink Trail improvements. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting focused on updates to trails, brush cutting, and other maintenance activities. Proposed changes to the Town Charter are awaiting RTM approval.

• Approved Pink Trail improvements (by Inland Wetlands)

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will meet to receive reports from staff, the Chamber, and the Selectman. The meeting includes a guest presentation by Betsy Paynter from REX.

• Guest speaker Betsy Paynter - REX
• Demolition application for Cottage at 64 Lanphiers Cove Camp Rd

The commission unanimously approved the September meeting minutes after correcting the New England Brewing Company opening date. It accepted demolition applications for cottages at 64 and 45 Lanphiers Cove Camp, noting no objections from members or the public. The meeting was then adjourned by motion of a commissioner.

• Approved September minutes with date correction (unanimous)
• Accepted demolition application for cottage at 64 Lanphiers Cove Camp (no objections)
• Accepted demolition application for cottage at 45 Lanphiers Cove Camp (no objections)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by A.Canosa, seconded by F.Hird)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will decide on a resolution to increase the Main Street Road and Related Improvements bond authorization by $6.75 million, bringing the total to $15.05 million. Several infrastructure projects are proposed, including Stony Creek Wharf ($1M), Town Center Sidewalks ($1.2M), an Energy Performance Contract ($1.595M), and Meadow Street Boardwalk ($6.1M), all funded through grants and fund balance. The board will also consider various departmental budget transfers and salary adjustments for FY2025 and FY2026.

• Resolution to increase Main Street Road bond by $6.75M to total $15.05M
• Stony Creek Wharf project: $1M with $800K state grant and $200K from fund balance
• Town Center Sidewalks project: $1.2M with $1M state grant and $200K from fund balance
• Energy Performance Contract: $1.595M for lighting and building projects at town properties
• Meadow Street Boardwalk improvements: $6.1M funded largely by state Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program

The Board of Finance unanimously adopted a resolution amending the Main Street road appropriation and bond authorization, adding $6,750,000 and recommending it to the Representative Town Meeting. It also approved budget transfers for Parks & Recreation ($53,799), Elderly Services ($4,854), Information Technology ($8,700), and Public Works ($27,954). Additional appropriations were approved for the Stony Creek Wharf, Town Center Sidewalks, and an Energy Performance Contract, each funded through fund‑balance transfers and grant allocations.

• Adopted amendment to increase Main Street road appropriation and bond authorization by $6,750,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Parks & Recreation budget transfer of $53,799 (unanimous)
• Approved Elderly Services budget transfer of $4,854 (unanimous)
• Approved IT budget transfer of $8,700 (unanimous)
• Approved Public Works budget transfer of $27,954 (unanimous)
• Approved Stony Creek Wharf fund‑balance transfers totaling $200,000 and grant allocation of $800,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Town Center Sidewalks fund‑balance transfers totaling $200,000 and grant allocation of $1,000,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Energy Performance Contract fund‑balance transfer of $1,330,977 and related appropriations (unanimous)

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will review three permit applications for vegetation removal, pesticide use, and carp introduction at 25 Blackstone Avenue, and a residential addition with a new septic system at 39 Prospect Hill Road. The commission will also continue a show‑cause hearing regarding clearing and encroachment into a wetland at 15 Pinewood Road, and consider lifting an order for vegetation removal at 35 Bayberry Lane. Additional items include a tabled correspondence about 71 Midwood Road and an announcement of the CACIWC Annual Meeting and Environmental Conference on November 15, 2025.

• Review of BRIW#25.08.01 – vegetation removal and aquatic pesticide permit at 25 Blackstone Ave (Mirror Lake)
• Review of BRIW#25.08.03 – introduction of carp to control invasive weeds at 25 Blackstone Ave (Mirror Lake)
• Review of IW#25.08.04 – residential addition and new septic system at 39 Prospect Hill Rd
• Continuation of show‑cause hearing for clearing and encroachment into wetland at 15 Pinewood Road (CC#25.09.01)
• Consideration of lifting vegetation removal order at 35 Bayberry Lane (CC#22.05.02)

The commission unanimously approved a permit (BRIW#25.08.01) to clear vegetation and create an 8‑12 foot access path at 25 Blackstone Ave, with the remainder of the application to be resubmitted later. The commission also unanimously lifted a vegetation removal order (CC#22.05.02) at 35 Bayberry Lane. A show‑cause hearing for a clearing and encroachment case at 15 Pinewood Road was continued to the October 23 meeting. Two applications—a residential addition at 39 Prospect Hill Rd and a correspondence regarding 71 Midwood Rd—were tabled.

• Approved BRIW#25.08.01 permit (partial vegetation removal) – motion passed unanimously
• Lifted order CC#22.05.02 for vegetation removal at 35 Bayberry Lane – motion passed unanimously
• Continued show‑cause hearing for CC#25.09.01 at 15 Pinewood Road to Oct. 23, 2025 – commission agreed
• Tabled IW#25.08.04 residential addition and new septic at 39 Prospect Hill Rd – postponed to Oct. 9, 2025
• Tabled 71 Midwood Road correspondence – postponed
• Approved September 11, 2025 meeting minutes – vote 4-0-1

Conservation and Environment Commission

The Branford Conservation and Environment Commission holds a special meeting to discuss and potentially decide on invasive plant control, including a proposal from All Habitat with mechanical and chemical options. They will also review Pilot Forest Stewardship Plans for Hillside and Red Rock Road, coastal permits, and ongoing projects like the Pollinator Pathway. Other business includes an update on Tweed Airport Expansion.

• All Habitat proposal for invasive plant control (mechanical and chemical options)
• Pilot Forest Stewardship Plans proposal for work at Hillside and Red Rock Road
• Expanding meadow at BELC and native food-bearing trees for Pollinator Pathway
• Coastal permits for projects and other proposed developments
• Tweed Airport Expansion listed under Other business

The commission unanimously approved a $600 expenditure for library books. It also unanimously approved up to $500 for native plantings in the pollinator pathway. No other substantive actions were decided; other items were noted for discussion at future meetings.

• Approved $600 library books purchase (unanimous)
• Approved $500 native plantings for pollinator pathway (unanimous)

Coastal Vulnerability Ad Hoc Working Group

The Coastal Vulnerability ad hoc Working Group will evaluate past initiatives and determine the group's focus for the 2025-26 term. Members will discuss the direction of the group, including new and continuing initiatives.

• Status update on CIRCA sea level monitoring and emergency notification pilot
• Discussion of 'MyCoast' Application pilot
• Review of Tide Gauge installations and Town survey work
• Update on DEEP / Nuisance Flooding Tide Wall pilot project
• Review of 'Flood Net' road-flooding monitoring system initiative

The group postponed approval of the meeting minutes to the next meeting. It decided to hold the MyCoast press release until after the November elections. Members Peter Hentschel and James Calderwood were tasked to continue studying the Flood Net feasibility. The next meeting was scheduled for October 28, 2025.

• Postponed approval of meeting minutes to next meeting
• Delayed MyCoast press release until after November elections
• Assigned Hentschel and Calderwood to continue Flood Net feasibility study
• Set next meeting date for October 28, 2025

Community Forest Commission

The Community Forest Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss its membership and mission, a blight ordinance addendum and revision, and citizen activist concerns regarding trees and the Department of Transportation. They will also review fall tree planting and summer tree loss, lecturer suggestions, mini forest and food forest projects, and Green Bank/DEEP tree programs and grants.

• Blight ordinance addendum and revision
• Fall tree planting and summer tree loss report
• Mini forest and food forest projects
• Green Bank and DEEP tree programs/grants
• Citizen activists for trees related to DOT

Community Forest Commission

The Branford Community Forest Commission will meet on September 23, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Community House. The commission will discuss membership and mission matters, a proposed addendum to the blight ordinance (revision 6.3), and plans for fall tree planting and summer tree loss. Additional topics include lecturer suggestions for town department re‑organization, proposals for Mini Forest and Food Forest projects, and updates on Green Bank and Deep Tree program grants.

• Blight ordinance addendum (revision 6.3)
• Fall tree planting plan and summer tree loss assessment
• Mini Forest and Food Forest project proposals
• Lecturer suggestions from SHally and McCarthy for town department re‑organization
• Discussion of Green Bank and Deep Tree program grants

Public Building Commission

The Public Building Commission will receive an update on the Police Headquarters project and review proposals for an AV system. They will also consider approving storage services for furniture at a cost of $490 and an invoice for $2,260 from Test Con Incorporated.

• Update on Police Headquarters project from Jacunski Humes
• Review of two proposals for purchase and installation of an AV system
• Proposal to approve $490 for storage services from Strategic Spaces
• Proposal to approve $2,260 invoice from Test Con Incorporated

The Public Building Commission approved the Test Con Incorporated invoice for $2,260 and approved a $490 proposal for Strategic Spaces to store furniture. The minutes from the August 25, 2025 meeting were also approved. No decisions were made on the police headquarters AV system or construction cost allocations.

• Approved minutes of August 25, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Strategic Spaces storage services for $490 (unanimous)
• Approved Test Con Incorporated invoice for $2,260 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on a zoning map amendment to create an Incentive Housing Overlay District at 230 East Main Street and a related special exception to construct seven residential units. Old business includes a coastal site plan for a cottage reconstruction at 45 Lanphier Cove, zoning text and landscaping regulation amendments, a special exception for an accessory apartment at 165-195 Main Street, and a special exception and coastal site plan at 39 Prospect Hill Road.

• Public hearing: Zoning map amendment to add Incentive Housing Overlay District (IHOD) at 230 East Main St (Application #25-7.3)
• Public hearing: Special exception to construct 7 residential units at 230 East Main St (Application #25-7.4)
• Old business: Coastal site plan to reconstruct existing cottage at 45 Lanphier Cove Camp (Application #25-8.1)
• Old business: Zoning text amendments to Sec.2.2, 6.8.C, 9.6.K, 9.6.L (Application #25-8.3)
• Old business: Special exception for accessory apartment over convenience store at 165-195 Main St (Application #25-8.5)

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the coastal site plan for 45 Lanphier Cove Camp, adding a condition that erosion control measures be installed before construction. The motion passed unanimously. The two public‑hearing items (the Incentive Housing Overlay District amendment and the special exception for seven residential units at 230 East Main Street) were postponed to the October 9, 2025 meeting.

• Approved Coastal Site Plan for 45 Lanphier Cove Camp (unanimous)
• Continued IHOD amendment and 7‑unit special exception to Oct 9 meeting
• Approved minutes of September 4, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a remote meeting to hear public comments on zoning map amendments and special exceptions for residential and commercial projects, including a proposed cannabis cultivator.

• Public hearing on zoning map amendment for Incentive Housing Overlay District at 230 East Main Street
• Public hearing on special exception for seven residential units at 230 East Main Street
• Public hearing on zoning text amendments to Sections 2.2, 6.8.C, 9.6.K, and 9.6.L
• Public hearing on revisions to landscaping regulations (Section 6.3)
• Public hearing on a cannabis establishment micro cultivator at 45 North East Industrial Road

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved Application #25-8.1 for a coastal site plan to demolish and rebuild a cottage at 45 Lanphier Cove Camp, with conditions. This was the only action taken at the September 18, 2025 regular meeting.

• Approval of Application #25-8.1: Coastal site plan for demolition and rebuild of a cottage at 45 Lanphier Cove Camp, with conditions

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on two related applications for 230 East Main Street: a zoning map amendment to apply the Incentive Housing Overlay District (IHOD) and a special exception to construct six residential units. Both items are scheduled for decision at the September 18, 2025 meeting.

• Application #25-7.3: Zoning Map Amendment to apply Incentive Housing Overlay District (IHOD) to 230 East Main Street (Shretsha Management LLC, owner; Attorney Len Fasano, applicant)
• Application #25-7.4: Special Exception to construct six residential units at 230 East Main Street (same owner and applicant)
• Public hearings will be held remotely at 7:00 PM on September 18, 2025

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings regarding two applications for 230 East Main Street. The body will discuss a zoning map amendment and a special exception for residential construction.

• Zoning Map Amendment to apply the Incentive Housing Overlay District (IHOD) to 230 East Main Street
• Special Exception to construct seven residential units at 230 East Main Street

Branford School Readiness Council

The School Readiness Council’s scheduled September 17 meeting was canceled. No agenda items were considered.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen’s regular meeting scheduled for September 17, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. was canceled. No agenda items were considered.

Parker Memorial Park Commission

The Parker Memorial Park Commission will meet to review budget reports, discuss park maintenance including tree trimming and bathroom remodeling, and address signage and prohibited activities.

• Installation of a walkway from the bocce court to Big Rock
• Tree condition and trimming, including mulching that may damage bark
• Bathroom remodeling and flagpole illumination
• Discussion of prohibited activities and a 'No dogs' sign for Big Rock
• Review of park hours and signage

The Parker Memorial Park Commission unanimously approved the August meeting minutes. It decided that temporary passes may be issued case‑by‑case for renters outside the park. The commission also agreed to review the Townwide Master P&RD plan, request input, and assigned several follow‑up tasks to Commissioner Radulski.

• Approved August minutes (unanimous vote)
• Determined temporary passes may be issued case‑by‑case for outside renters
• Agreed to review the Townwide Master P&RD plan and request input
• Commissioner Radulski tasked to communicate DPW bench email to involved parties
• Commissioner Radulski assigned to research the Master P&RD plan online and share with commissioners
• Commissioner Radulski assigned to monitor bocce court items regularly
• Commissioner Radulski assigned to ask DPW to continue the walkway from Big Rock parking lot
• Planned to install highly visible flags on parking‑lot cement blocks next year

BOE - Communication Committee

The committee will receive updates on district communications and the new cell‑phone use policy. It will present the results of the recent school‑climate survey and outline next steps toward Level I High Reliability School certification. No formal actions are listed beyond discussion of these items.

• Presentation of School Climate Survey results and plan for Level I HRS certification
• Updates on district communication initiatives
• Review of proposed cell‑phone use policy updates
• Approval of meeting minutes
• Public comment period

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the May 21, 2025 Communication Committee meeting. No public comments were made. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2025.

• Approved minutes from May 21, 2025 Communication Committee (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two variance applications. The first seeks a lot coverage variance for a detached garage at 7-9 Lanphiers Cove Road. The second seeks multiple lot size and frontage variances for properties at 71 Indian Neck Avenue and 2 Melrose Avenue for a lot line revision.

• 25/9-1: Variance to allow 0.28 lot coverage (0.25 allowed) for a detached garage at 7-9 Lanphiers Cove Road
• 25/9-2: Variance for 10,573 sq ft lot at 71 Indian Neck Avenue (15,000 required)
• 25/9-2: Variance for 8,174 sq ft lot at 2 Melrose Avenue (15,000 required)
• 25/9-2: Variance for 68.50 ft frontage at 2 Melrose Avenue (90 ft required)
• 25/9-2: Variance for 68.95 ft lot depth at 2 Melrose Avenue (100 ft required) for a Lot Line Revision

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals met September 16, 2025 and made final decisions on two applications. One variance was denied and one was granted. Minutes from the previous meeting were also approved.

• 25/9-1 John Castlevetro, 7-9 Lanphiers Cove Road – DENIED
• 25/9-2 Christopher Rice, 71 Indian Neck Avenue & 2 Melrose Avenue – GRANTED
• August 19, 2025 minutes approved

Branford Housing Authority

The Branford Housing Authority Board will consider minutes from the previous meeting, status updates on lift installations, a tenant survey, and reports from the tenant commissioner, management, and finance. No specific actions or approvals are listed, only informational items. The meeting concludes with any other matters.

• Review and approval of previous meeting minutes
• Update on installed lifts and removal of old ones
• Tenant survey results
• Tenant commissioner report
• Management and financial reports

The Branford Human Services Board reviewed a state notice suspending payments to employee Michele Muzyka and confirmed the suspension of $1,445.26. Revenue, clinical services, and social services updates were discussed, and upcoming public‑relations events were announced. No old, new, or other business items were presented, and no formal decisions were made.

RTM Rules and Ordinances Committee

The RTM Rules and Ordinances Committee will discuss and potentially recommend amendments to the Town Blight Ordinance, the Short Term Residential Rental Ordinance, and the Town Charter. Key proposals include revising blight definitions, increasing fines from $100 to $1,000, removing a town building exemption, adding the BR zone to the rental ordinance, and restructuring the Open Space Commission while updating park use rules to ban e-bikes and e-scooters.

• Final review of Blight Ordinance amendments including increased fines and removed town building exemption
• Amendment to Short Term Residential Rental Ordinance to add BR zone to applicable zones
• Charter amendments creating Branford Open Space Commission and updating park use rules
• Proposed ban on e-bikes, e-scooters, and other motorized vehicles in open space areas
• Increase in fine for park rule violations from $100 to $1,000

The committee approved the minutes from June 17 (5‑0) and September 9 (4‑0, 1 abstention). It voted unanimously to send an amendment adding the BR zone to the short‑term rental ordinance to the RTM. It also unanimously approved amendments to Chapter 190 parks code, changing the commission name and lowering the maximum fine to $200, and sent them to the RTM. Finally, it approved the final draft of the blight ordinance amendments (4‑0, 1 abstention) and forwarded them for possible adoption.

• Approved June 17 meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Approved September 9 meeting minutes (4‑0, 1 abstention)
• Unanimously approved addition of correspondence to agenda and reordered agenda
• Unanimously voted to send BR‑zone amendment to short‑term rental ordinance to RTM
• Unanimously approved parks code amendments, including name change and $200 fine cap, and sent to RTM
• Approved final draft of blight ordinance amendments (4‑0, 1 abstention) and sent to RTM

Human Services Board

The Branford Human Services Board will review minutes and reports on communications, revenue, clinical services, and social services. The agenda also includes a Director’s Report, discussion of old business, introduction of new business, and any other matters the board may consider.

The board reviewed minutes from July 8, 2025 and discussed a state notice suspending payments to employee Michele Muzyka. Reports were given on revenue, clinical services, social services, and fundraising activities, including a Family Day event and a mental‑health forum on October 14. A new case manager, Tabitha Brown, was announced. No old or new business items were presented and no formal decisions were made.

Green Committee

This special meeting of the Branford Green Committee is largely procedural, consisting of a call to order, the annual Green walk, and adjournment. No decisions or discussions on policy matters are listed.

• Annual Green walk (no further details provided)

Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission

The Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission holds a regular meeting to approve financial and operational reports, including the treasurer report, shelter report, monthly donations, and minutes from July 2025. The August 2025 meeting was cancelled. Discussions will cover shelter happenings and upcoming fundraisers.

• Review and approve treasurer reports
• Review and approve shelter reports
• Monthly donations report and endowment review
• Approve minutes for July 2025 (August meeting cancelled)

The commission voted unanimously to accept the monthly reports and to approve the July 15th meeting minutes. An August 2025 meeting was noted as cancelled. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved monthly reports (unanimous)
• Approved July 15th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

East Shore Health Department

The East Shore District Health Department Board of Health meets to approve June 2025 minutes, hear an epidemiology report, and receive updates on the travel clinic program, DPH/Yale partnerships, and various grants. New business includes a search for a business manager position. The board will also hold an executive session for budget and personnel discussions.

• Approval of June 2025 meeting minutes
• Epidemiology Report by Madison Wierzel
• Travel Clinic Program update
• DPH/Yale Partnership and internship status
• Business Manager Position Search

The Board approved the June 12, 2025 meeting minutes. It accepted an IT services contract for $18,000 per year on a five‑year term, and approved Sue Addiss’s resignation as vice chair while appointing Elaine Anderson to that role. The Board also adopted the department’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Approved June 12, 2025 Board minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted $18,000‑per‑year IT contract for 5 years (unanimous)
• Accepted Sue Addiss’s resignation as vice chair and appointed Elaine Anderson as vice chair (unanimous)
• Adopted the proposed ESDHD budget (unanimous)
• Moved into executive session (unanimous)
• Returned from executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:41 pm (unanimous)

Center Revitalization Review Board

The regularly scheduled Town Center Revitalization Review Board meeting for September 11, 2025, has been officially canceled. No business will be conducted.

Commission on Elderly Services

The Commission on Elderly Services meeting scheduled for September 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM at the Joe Trapasso Community House has been cancelled. No business was conducted or discussed.

• Meeting cancelled; no agenda items considered.

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands Commission will review several applications for activities affecting wetlands and watercourses, including vegetation removal and aquatic pesticide use at Mirror Lake, introduction of carp for invasive weed control at Mirror Lake, a new pedestrian trail at Branford Supply Ponds, and a residential addition with septic at 39 Prospect Hill Road. The commission will also consider an enforcement case for wetland encroachment at 15 Pinewood Road, jurisdictional rulings for phragmites removal and erosion control, requests for bond fund releases for drainage repair and new home construction, and approval of new application forms.

• 25 Blackstone Ave (Mirror Lake) – vegetation removal and aquatic pesticide permit
• 25 Blackstone Ave (Mirror Lake) – introduction of carp for invasive weed control
• 45-81 Short Rocks Rd (Branford Supply Ponds) – new pedestrian trail along roadway
• 39 Prospect Hill Rd – residential addition and new septic
• 15 Pinewood Road – enforcement for clearing and encroachment into wetland area

The commission unanimously approved a gravel trail with safety barriers along 45‑81 Short Rocks Rd. It also ruled that vegetation removal at 25 Blackstone Ave and a carp introduction project are non‑regulated activities, withdrawing the latter application. Jurisdictional requests for phragmites removal on Luisa Court and woodchip erosion control on 71 Midwood were declared "as of right." The board approved a new online application system and released bond funds of $18,000 and $4,797.60 for completed erosion‑control projects.

• Approved new trail at 45‑81 Short Rocks Rd (unanimous)
• Determined vegetation removal at 25 Blackstone Ave is non‑regulated; requested site plan (unanimous)
• Declared carp introduction at 25 Blackstone Ave non‑regulated and withdrew application (unanimous)
• Ruled phragmites removal on Luisa Court as As of Right (unanimous)
• Ruled woodchip erosion control on 71 Midwood as As of Right (unanimous)
• Approved new online application process and updated paper form (unanimous)
• Released $18,000 bond for Island View Village 1 drainage repair (unanimous)
• Returned $4,797.60 bond for 8 Sawmill Rd project (unanimous)

Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library

The September 10, 2025 meeting of the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library Committee has been cancelled because a quorum could not be reached. No business will be conducted at this meeting.

Solid Waste Management Commission

The September 10, 2025 meeting of the Branford Solid Waste Management Commission has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

BOE - Policy Committee

The Policy Committee will discuss two proposed policy updates: a new policy defining student residency eligibility for Branford Public Schools, and revisions to the Code of Ethics policy adding restrictions on personal use of district property. No votes are scheduled; this is a review and discussion of the recommended changes.

• New Policy 5020 sets residency eligibility standards and documentation requirements, with re-verification planned for spring/summer 2026
• Revision to Policy 4000 adds explicit prohibition on using district tools, technology, property, and equipment for personal gain
• Residency documentation list will be narrowed; current list considered too broad
• Policy 4000 now explicitly prohibits employees from profiting from sale or use of district materials, including those designated for disposal

BOE - Policy Committee

The Branford Board of Education Policy Committee will meet to discuss and possibly act on two policies: the 4000 Code of Ethics and 5020 Eligibility of Students to Attend Branford Public Schools. Public comments will be heard before the discussion and action items.

• Discussion and possible action on Policy 4000: Code of Ethics
• Discussion and possible action on Policy 5020: Eligibility of Students to Attend Branford Public Schools
• Public comment period at start of meeting

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the June 4, 2025 Policy Committee meeting. It also unanimously recommended Policy 4000 (Code of Ethics) and Policy 5020 (Eligibility of Students to Attend Branford Public Schools) to the full Board for first reading. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved June 4, 2025 Policy Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended Policy 4000 Code of Ethics to Full Board for First Reading (unanimous)
• Recommended Policy 5020 Eligibility of Students to Full Board for First Reading (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

RTM

The Branford Representative Town Meeting will decide on a new ordinance imposing restrictions on short-term rentals, an amendment to the town's blight ordinance, and a tentative collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Town Supervisors for 2025-2028. The meeting also includes 11 budget transfer requests across departments totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, including transfers from police and fire services to cover overtime and other costs.

• Consider creating an ordinance restricting short-term rentals
• Consider amending Chapter 124 Blight Prevention based on recommendations
• Consider approving tentative AFSCME Town Supervisors contract (July 2025–June 2028)
• Police Services budget transfer: $133,702 from wages to overtime, sick pay, fuel, and other lines
• Fire Services budget transfer: $151,339 from wages to sick pay, stipends, clothing allowance, and training

The Representative Town Meeting unanimously approved the FY25 budget transfer requests from several departments, including Police, Fire, Tax Collector and Town Clerk. It also waived a procedural rule to approve a library staffing transfer. The motion to waive the rule for the Debt Service interest transfer failed 11‑10, and a similar waiver for Legal Services was defeated 2‑19. The town’s AFSCME tentative agreement was adopted 20‑0‑1, and a short‑term‑rental ordinance passed unanimously.

• Approved June 11 RTM minutes – unanimous voice vote
• Approved July 9 RTM minutes – unanimous voice vote
• Approved FY25 budget transfer requests from multiple departments (e.g., Police, Fire, Tax Collector, Town Clerk) – unanimous voice vote
• Waived RTM Rule 4.4.1 to approve Library staffing transfer – unanimous vote
• Motion to waive Rule 4.4.1 for Debt Service – Interest failed 11‑10 (required two‑thirds)
• Motion to waive Rule 4.4.1 for Legal Services defeated 2‑19
• Adopted Tentative Agreement with AFSCME – vote 20‑0‑1
• Passed short‑term‑rental ordinance – unanimous roll‑call vote

Board of Recreation

This is a routine procedural meeting of the Branford Board of Recreation. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, public comment, and reports from the Director and Assistant Director. No specific action items, ordinances, or funding decisions are listed.

• Approval of 8/13/2025 meeting minutes
• Director's Report on activities, programs, special events
• Facilities and project updates under Director's Report
• Assistant Director's Report
• Old Business and New Business (no items specified)

The Board approved the August 13, 2025 minutes with a 3‑0 vote. No formal actions were taken on new business, including the skate park discussion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved August 13, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Center Revitalization Review Board

The Town Center Revitalization Review Board will consider a permanent outdoor food pantry at 975 Main Street and sign reviews for a nail salon and a barber shop. The board will also vote on meeting minutes from June 11, 2025.

• 975 Main Street (First Baptist Church): permanent outdoor food pantry, 6 feet wide by 8 feet high
• 562-570 Main Street (Nail Salon): sign review
• 236-316 Main Street (Barber Shop): sign review
• Approval of June 11, 2025 meeting minutes

The board approved a permanent outdoor food pantry at 975 Main Street. It also approved new signage for three businesses at 562‑570 Main Street, 236‑316 Main Street, and 566 Main Street. The agenda was amended to add the 566 Main Street item and the June 11, 2025 minutes were approved. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m., with all motions passing unanimously.

• Approved permanent outdoor food pantry at 975 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved sign for 562-570 Main Street (Nail Salon) (unanimous)
• Approved sign for 236-316 Main Street (Barber Shop) with white letters on black background (unanimous)
• Added 566 Main Street item to agenda (unanimous)
• Approved sign for 566 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved June 11, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:55 a.m. (unanimous)

BOE - Personnel & Finance

The Personnel & Finance Committee reviews the FY2026 operating budget with an estimated available balance of $11.3M. They discuss budget concerns including an unbudgeted kindergarten section at Mary R. Tisko School and a projected $101,725 overage in Special Education out-of-district/transportation. The committee also reviews capital budget, grants, food service, and personnel reports.

• Estimated available balance of $11.3M for FY2026 operating budget
• $300K in transportation funds held for BOE approval
• $140K savings from route reduction in transportation
• Unbudgeted kindergarten section at MRT (Mary R. Tisko School)
• Special Education OOD/Transportation projecting $101,725 overage

BOE - Personnel & Finance

The Branford Board of Education Personnel & Finance Committee is meeting to discuss the 2025/2026 monthly finance reports, a capital interim funding request, and updates from the Chief Operating Officer. No votes are scheduled; the agenda consists of discussion and update items only.

• Discussion of 2025/2026 Monthly Finance Reports
• Discussion of Capital Interim Funding Request
• Chief Operating Officer updates

The Personnel & Finance Committee approved the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting unanimously. It also approved a $150,000 interim capital appropriation for feasibility and design work at Murphy and Tisko schools, with all members voting in favor. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $150,000 interim capital appropriation for Murphy and Tisko schools (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

BOE - Teaching & Learning Committee

The Branford Board of Education's Teaching & Learning Committee will hold a routine meeting with public comment, approval of minutes, and a discussion/action item on student learning updates. No specific proposals, contracts, or financial items are on the agenda.

• Discussion/Action Item: Student Learning Updates

The Board of Education Teaching & Learning Committee approved the minutes from its May 7, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. No public comments were received. The committee then adjourned the September 10, 2025 meeting unanimously at 7:17 PM.

• Approved May 7, 2025 Teaching & Learning Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned September 10, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

BOE - Teaching & Learning Committee

The Branford Board of Education Teaching & Learning Committee will hold a routine meeting with public comment, approval of minutes, and a discussion/action item on student learning updates. No specific proposals or financial actions are listed on the agenda.

• Student Learning Updates discussion/action item

The Teaching & Learning Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting. The committee then unanimously voted to adjourn the September 10, 2025 meeting.

• Approved May 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals will hold a special meeting on September 9, 2025, at 5:00 pm in the Assessor's Office at Branford Town Hall. The session is for motor vehicle assessment appeals only, beginning with a brief overview of the process followed by hearings.

• Special meeting limited to motor vehicle assessment appeals
• Overview of the process at 5:00 pm
• Hearings begin after the overview

The Board met on September 9, 2025 to hear appeals and discuss the state's new vehicle assessment method. Applicants were sworn in and presented documentation, but the minutes do not include any specific approval, denial, or other outcomes. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:00 p.m.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two variance applications. One seeks to exceed maximum lot coverage at 7-9 Lanphiers Cove Road to build a detached garage. Another seeks multiple variances for lot sizes and lot line revisions at 71 Indian Neck Avenue and 2 Melrose Avenue. The board will also approve the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting.

• Variance for lot coverage at 7-9 Lanphiers Cove Road (0.28 vs 0.25 allowed) for a detached garage with storage
• Variance for lot size at 71 Indian Neck Avenue: 10,573 sq ft instead of 15,000 sq ft
• Variance for lot size at 2 Melrose Avenue: 8,174 sq ft instead of 15,000 sq ft
• Variance for lot line depth at 2 Melrose Avenue: 68.50 ft instead of 90 ft, and 68.95 ft instead of 100 ft
• Approval of August 19, 2025 meeting minutes

The board denied the variance request for a detached garage at 7‑9 Lanphiers Cove Road after a 1‑5 vote. It approved the lot‑line revision variances for 71 Indian Neck Avenue and 2 Melrose Avenue unanimously. The board also unanimously approved the August 19, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Denied garage lot‑coverage variance at 7‑9 Lanphiers Cove Road (1‑5 vote)
• Approved lot‑line revision variances for 71 Indian Neck Avenue and 2 Melrose Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved August 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

RTM Rules and Ordinances Committee

The Rules & Ordinances Committee will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Town Blight Ordinance (Chapter 124). The amendments are based on recommendations from the town's Blight Enforcement Officer. The committee will decide whether to recommend the changes to the full Town Council.

• Public hearing on proposed amendment to Town Blight Ordinance, Chapter 124

The RTM Rules & Ordinances Committee discussed proposed changes to the Town Blight Ordinance, including public concerns about natural landscaping. The committee voted 6 in favor with 1 abstention to recommend re‑referral of the amendment to the September 16 meeting for further work. No other actions were taken.

• Recommend re‑referral of Blight Ordinance amendment to 9/16 meeting (6-0-1)

Conservation and Environment Commission

The Branford Conservation and Environment Commission is holding a special remote meeting to discuss and vote on whether to present a statement responding to proposed amendments to the town's Blight Ordinance. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Discuss and vote on presenting a statement regarding proposed Blight Ordinance amendments

The Conservation and Environment Commission's special meeting on September 9, 2025 was cancelled due to insufficient attendance. No agenda items were considered, and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

Human Services Board

The regular meeting of the Branford Human Services Board scheduled for September 9, 2025, at 8:00am at Branford Counseling & Community Services has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority will consider a sewer access application to convert office space at 230 East Main Street into residential units. Other agenda items include approval of August meeting minutes, correspondence, and reports from the superintendent, town engineer, and WPCA attorney.

• Sewer access application for 230 East Main St – convert office space to residential

The Water Pollution Control Authority unanimously accepted the application to convert office space at 230 East Main St into seven residential units, subject to a sewer access agreement and assessment fees. A motion to approve the previous meeting's minutes was made and seconded, with one member abstaining; the vote tally was not recorded. The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

• Accepted application for 7 residential units at 230 East Main St (unanimous)
• Motion to approve 8/12/2025 minutes made and seconded; abstention noted, outcome not recorded

Green Committee

The Branford Green Committee meets to review minutes, correspondence, and old business. Discussion items include a tree donation and planting plan, Town Green and Main Street projects, and the annual report. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific proposals or votes listed.

• Tree donation and planting plan
• Town Green and Main Street projects
• Annual report
• Garden Club reports

The committee approved the July meeting minutes and the permanent food pantry application for First Baptist Church, both unanimously. A motion was passed unanimously to make Hammer Field the permanent site for the Branford Festival. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved July meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved permanent food pantry at First Baptist Church (unanimous)
• Approved permanent location of Branford Festival at Hammer Field (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Shellfish Commission

The Branford Shellfish Commission will meet to review dock applications and their impact on shellfish beds. The body will also receive reports on permits, budget, enforcement, and lease collections.

• Review of dock applications and shellfish bed impact projects
• Permit activity report
• Budget report
• Enforcement report
• Update on lease collections

The Branford Shellfish Commission meeting scheduled for September 9, 2023 was cancelled due to the lack of a quorum. No decisions were made or votes taken.

Board of Police Commissioners

The Branford Board of Police Commissioners will interview a candidate for a Police Officer position and review an expense for a PSAP staffing assessment. The meeting will also include approval of minutes and reports on department statistics and training.

• Interview candidate for Police Officer position
• Review expense for Branford PSAP Staffing Assessment
• Approval of July and August 2025 meeting minutes
• Review Monthly Statistical & Training Reports
• Receive Letters of Recognition for department staff

The Board approved the July 14 and August 12, 2025 meeting minutes. Commissioners voted unanimously to hire James Wilson as a police officer effective September 22, 2025. They also approved a $9,000 expense for a PSAP Staffing Assessment to be paid from the Asset Forfeiture Account. The meeting was adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

• Approved July 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (passed, 1 abstention)
• Approved hiring of James Wilson as Police Officer, effective Sep 22 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved $9,000 PSAP Staffing Assessment expense from Asset Forfeiture Account (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:13 p.m. (unanimous)

RTM Education Committee

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Branford RTM Education Committee for September 8, 2025, has been canceled. No agenda items were discussed or decided.

Board of Police Commissioners - Traffic Committee Agenda

The Branford Board of Police Commissioners Traffic Committee will discuss several Stony Creek traffic issues, including parking setbacks for mid-block crosswalks and who oversees ADA compliance. Other items include requested signage at Stony Creek Beach, a six-week traffic study, enforcement of docking time limits, and improving CSO efficiency. The committee will also address no-parking signs near the railroad bridge into Stony Creek.

• Parking setbacks for mid-block crosswalks and ADA compliance responsibility
• Two signs requested at Stony Creek Beach: no kayak unloading/launching and 10-minute passenger loading
• Request for a six-week traffic and parking study during summer months
• Enforcement of four-hour docking at Stony Creek Town Dock
• Issue with No Parking signs beginning at railroad bridge heading into Stony Creek

The committee unanimously approved the July 14, 2025 meeting minutes. It recommended no action on parking setbacks, beach signage, docking enforcement, and removal of No Parking signs. The six‑week traffic and parking study was deferred until next summer.

• Approved July 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• No action on parking setbacks for mid‑block crosswalks
• No action on beach signs prohibiting kayaks and 10‑minute loading
• Deferred six‑week traffic and parking study until next summer
• No action on enforcing four‑hour docking at Stony Creek dock
• No action on removing No Parking signs near railroad bridge

Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee

The committee will review updates on solar initiatives and the installation of EV chargers at Ecology Park. Members will also discuss projects related to the animal shelter and a mini-forest.

• Solar updates from SHuttner
• EV chargers at Ecology Park
• Animal shelter project discussion
• Mini-forest proposal by JPrins
• Sun Day synopsis from Marge and Dave Schneider

The Clean Energy Ad Hoc Committee approved the July 28 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. No other formal actions were taken; the committee noted several proposals and updates that will be considered by other bodies. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved July 28 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

RTM Public Services Committee

This is a regular meeting of the Branford RTM Public Services Committee. The committee will consider two budget transfer requests for FY25: a $133,702 transfer from Police Services and a $151,339 transfer from Fire Services. The transfers shift funds from regular wages and other accounts to cover overtime, sick pay, supplies, and other expenses.

• Police Services budget transfer of $133,702 from regular wages/supplies to overtime, sick pay, fuel, marine maintenance, and veterinary services
• Fire Services budget transfer of $151,339 from regular wages to accumulated sick pay, ambulance billing, medical supplies, safety supplies, and other accounts
• Meeting includes call to order, roll call, open floor, and adjournment

The RTM Public Services Committee unanimously approved a $133,702 budget transfer for Police Services, reallocating funds for overtime, sick pay, fuel, marine maintenance, office supplies, memberships, and veterinary services. The committee also unanimously approved a $151,339 budget transfer for Fire Services, moving funds to cover sick pay, payroll, stipends, uniforms, professional development, ambulance billing, supplies, furniture, memberships, and a transfer to Fund 203. Both motions passed with a 5‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved $133,702 police budget transfer (5-0-0)
• Approved $151,339 fire budget transfer (5-0-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings for a summer camp and a cat shelter. The body will also consider zoning amendments regarding cannabis micro-cultivators and various special exceptions for residential and commercial properties.

• Public hearing: Special Exception for summer camp at 103 Cherry Hill Road
• Public hearing: Zoning amendment to add Cannabis Establishment - Micro Cultivator
• Public hearing: Special Exception for cat animal shelter at 53 East Industrial Road (Unit 1)
• Proposed special exception for accessory apartment over convenience store at 165-195 Main Street
• Proposed special exceptions for accessory structure and dwelling unit at 39 Prospect Hill Road

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a zoning regulation amendment to allow a cannabis micro‑cultivator, effective September 22, 2025, with required text corrections and odor control provisions. The commission also unanimously approved a special exception for a summer camp at 103 Cherry Hill Road and a special exception for an animal shelter for cats at 53 East Industrial Road. All minutes were approved unanimously.

• Approved cannabis micro‑cultivator zoning amendment (unanimous)
• Approved Summer Camp special exception at 103 Cherry Hill Road (unanimous)
• Approved Animal Shelter special exception at 53 East Industrial Road (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes as presented (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold three public hearings: a special exception for a summer camp at 103 Cherry Hill Road, a zoning regulation amendment to allow cannabis micro-cultivator establishments, and a special exception for an animal shelter for cats at 53 East Industrial Road. New business includes a coastal site plan to reconstruct a cottage at 45 Lanphier Cove, zoning text amendments, revisions to landscaping regulations, a special exception for an accessory apartment at 165-195 Main Street, and a coastal site plan for an accessory structure and ADU at 39 Prospect Hill Road. Old business items for a future hearing involve an Incentive Housing Overlay District and six residential units at 230 East Main Street.

• Public hearing on zoning amendment to allow cannabis micro-cultivator establishments (Application #25-7.1)
• Public hearing on special exception for summer camp at 103 Cherry Hill Road (Application #25-6.6)
• Public hearing on animal shelter for cats at 53 East Industrial Road (Application #25-7.2)
• New business: coastal site plan to reconstruct cottage at 45 Lanphier Cove (Application #25-8.1)
• New business: special exception for accessory apartment at 165-195 Main Street (Application #25-8.5)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved three applications during its September 4 meeting. These include a zoning regulation amendment and two special exceptions for specific land uses.

• Approved zoning regulation amendment to add Cannabis Establishment – Micro Cultivator
• Approved special exception for a summer camp at 103 Cherry Hill Road
• Approved special exception for a cat animal shelter at 53 East Industrial Road (unit 1)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Branford Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on September 4, 2025, to consider zoning amendments, special exceptions for a summer camp and animal shelter, and an incentive housing overlay district.

• Zoning amendment to add Cannabis Establishment-Micro Cultivator
• Special Exception for a Summer Camp at 103 Cherry Hill Road
• Special Exception for a Cat Animal Shelter at 53 East Industrial Road
• Zoning Map Amendment for Incentive Housing Overlay District at 230 East Main Street
• Special Exception to construct 6 residential units at 230 East Main Street

James Blackstone Memorial Library

The James Blackstone Memorial Library Board of Trustees will meet to appoint a new trustee and update several library policies. The board will also receive updates on the balcony project and facilities condition assessment.

• Appointment of trustee candidate Delila Hodzic for the term September 2025–June 2028
• Action on revised or new policies for Collection Development and Maintenance, Library Displays, Program, and Material Review and Reconsideration
• Update on the balcony project
• Update on the Facilities Condition Assessment
• Update on the 'Evening with the Spirits' event scheduled for October 11

The Board appointed Delila Hodzic to the Board of Trustees and approved the meeting minutes. It also approved five revised or new library policies required for Connecticut State Library funding in 2026. No other substantive actions were voted on.

• Appointed Delila Hodzic as trustee (motion carried)
• Approved meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved five library policies (Collection Development, Library Displays, Program, Material Review, CSL checklist) (motion carried)

BOE - Committee Chair

The Branford Board of Education Committee Chairs meet virtually to discuss and plan the agendas for the Teaching & Learning, Personnel & Finance, Policy, and Communication committees, as well as the full Board of Education meeting. No votes or decisions are on the agenda; this is a procedural planning session.

• Discussion of Teaching & Learning Committee agenda
• Discussion of Personnel & Finance Committee agenda
• Discussion of Policy Committee agenda
• Discussion of Communication Committee agenda
• Discussion of full Board of Education meeting agenda

The Board of Education Committee Chairs unanimously approved the minutes from the August 6, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved August 6, 2025 committee minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

BOE - Committee Chair

The Branford Board of Education will consider and possibly vote to approve the first reading of Policy 5020, which addresses eligibility of students to attend Branford Public Schools. The meeting also includes updates from the Strategic Coherence Plan and reports from various committees. Public comment will be accepted, but the Board will not respond during the session.

• First reading vote on Policy 5020 – Eligibility of Students to Attend Branford Public Schools
• Final updates to the Strategic Coherence Plan
• Introduction of new BPS certified staff members
• Reports from ACES and CABE
• Committee reports and referrals for full board action

Conservation and Environment Commission

The Branford Conservation and Environment Commission will meet to discuss several ongoing initiatives. They will review a proposal for invasive plant control from All Habitat, including mechanical and chemical options. Other topics include Pollinator Pathway expansion, pilot forest stewardship plans at Hillside and Red Rock Road, and an update on the Sun Shines on Branford event. The commission will also receive reports on coastal resiliency, open space acquisition, and Tweed Airport Expansion.

• Review of All Habitat's invasive plant control proposal (mechanical and chemical options)
• Discussion of pilot forest stewardship plans at Hillside and Red Rock Road
• Pollinator Pathway expansion including meadow at BELC and signage
• Farm River coalition trap chemical treatment and handpulling
• Sun Shines on Branford event in September

The Conservation and Environment Commission meeting scheduled for September 3, 2025 was not held because a quorum was not present. No items were discussed, voted on, or decided. The commission will need to reconvene at a later date to address agenda items.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider awarding two contracts for water pollution control facility equipment and the formation of a bicycle pedestrian advisory committee. The meeting includes several board appointments and requests for Town Green usage.

• Contract for Hemlock Pump Station pumps from Carlsen Systems for $83,922
• Contract for oxidation basin submersible mixers from Landia for $53,768
• Formation of a Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Ad Hoc Advisory Committee
• Alcohol exemption for Canoe Brook Center to serve beer and wine on September 25, 2025
• Proclamation of September 20, 2025, as 'Sun Shines on Branford' day

The Selectmen unanimously approved two procurement waivers, awarding an $83,922 contract to Carlsen Systems for pumps and a $53,768 contract to Landia for mixers. They also adopted tax‑appeal settlements, proclaimed September 20 as “Sun Shines on Branford” day, and created a Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee with appointed members. Additional approvals included a beer‑and‑wine happy‑hour exemption and several Town Green event reservations.

• Approved $83,922 contract to Carlsen Systems for two pumps (unanimous)
• Approved $53,768 contract to Landia for two mixers (unanimous)
• Approved settlements in tax appeal cases 13A, 13B, and 13 Sagamore Cove Road (unanimous)
• Proclaimed September 20, 2025 as “Sun Shines on Branford” day (unanimous)
• Formed Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Ad Hoc Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed nine members to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved Town Green use for Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on November 29, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved exemption to serve beer and wine at Happy Hour on September 25, 2025 (unanimous)

RTM Ways and Means Committee

The RTM Ways and Means Committee will consider and, if appropriate, recommend six budget transfer requests from the Finance Director for fiscal year 2025. The transfers reallocate funds across various accounts including debt service interest, legal services, pensions, economic development, probate court, and the Board of Finance. The committee's recommendations will be forwarded to the full RTM for action.

• Debt Service: $351,235 transferred from Bond Payments to Interest accounts
• Legal Services: $113,735 transferred from Tax Refunds, Tax Appeals, and Expenses to Legal
• Pensions & Contributions: $20,000 transferred from Property Insurance to Unemployment Compensation
• Economic Development: $1,045 transferred from Memberships/Conferences to Other Purchased Services
• Board of Finance: $595 transferred from Audit/Advertising to Actuarial Services

Open Space Commission

The September 3, 2025 meeting of the Branford Parks & Open Space Authority has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for October 1, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the Branford Community Center.

Economic Development Commission

The commission will meet to review staff, planning, and zoning reports. The agenda consists of procedural items and general updates.

• Review of July minutes
• Demolition applications correspondence
• Subcommittee updates

The commission unanimously approved the June 2025 meeting minutes. It received demolition applications for 3 Waverly Park Rd, 6 Governor's Island, and 6 Second Ave and, with no objections, accepted them. No other votes or resolutions were recorded.

• Approved June 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted demolition application for 3 Waverly Park Rd (no objections)
• Accepted demolition application for 6 Governor's Island (no objections)
• Accepted demolition application for 6 Second Ave (no objections)

RTM Administrative Services Committee

The RTM Administrative Services Committee will consider and potentially approve a tentative three-year collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME for Town Supervisors for fiscal years 2026-2028. The committee will also vote on multiple FY25 budget transfer requests from the Assessor, Board of Assessment Appeals, Registrar of Voters, Tax Collector, and Town Clerk, including adjustments for wages, seasonal help, and other operational costs.

• Tentative agreement with AFSCME Branford Town Supervisors for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
• Assessor transfer: $32,060 from regular wages to seasonal/part-time help and sick pay
• Registrar of Voters transfer: $41,730 reallocation across part-time clerical, election workers, registrars, overtime, supplies, and technology
• Tax Collector transfer: $12,185 from tax refunds to wages, overtime, and advertising
• Town Clerk/Legislative transfer: $3,994 from ordinance updates and supplies to advertising and printing

The RTM Administrative Services Committee unanimously approved several FY25 budget transfer requests for the Assessor, Registrar of Voters, Tax Collector, and Town Clerk. All motions passed without dissent. The committee also approved a tentative agreement with AFSCME covering Town Supervisors from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. Minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting were approved as well.

• Approved FY25 budget transfer for Assessor: $32,060 reallocated to Seasonal & Part‑Time Help and Accumulated Sick Pay (unanimously)
• Approved FY25 budget transfer for Assessor Board of Assessment Appeals: $1,411 Overtime (unanimously)
• Approved FY25 budget transfer for Registrar of Voters: $41,730 reallocated across multiple accounts (unanimously)
• Approved FY25 budget transfer for Tax Collector: $12,185 reallocated to wages, overtime, accrued payroll, and advertising (unanimously)
• Approved FY25 budget transfer for Town Clerk: $918 reallocated to Accumulated Sick Pay and Memberships/Conferences (unanimously)
• Approved FY25 legislative budget transfer for Town Clerk: $3,994 moved to Advertising & Printing (unanimously)
• Approved tentative agreement with AFSCME for Town Supervisors (July 1 2025 – June 30 2028) (approved by Union)
• Approved minutes from July 8 2025 (unanimously)

Inland Wetlands Commission

The August 28, 2025 meeting of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission has been cancelled. No items were considered. The next meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2025 at 7 pm.

Coastal Vulnerability Ad Hoc Working Group

The Branford Coastal Vulnerability Ad Hoc Working Group canceled its regularly scheduled meeting for August 26, 2025. The cancellation was announced by Chairperson Peter Hentschel.

• Meeting canceled
• No business scheduled for August 26, 2025

Public Building Commission

The Public Building Commission will receive updates on the Police Headquarters renovation project from Downes Construction and Jacunski Humes. They will consider approval of minutes from July 28, potential change orders including PCO #081 for $44,259.58, and multiple invoices including a $1,816,783.90 requisition from Downes Construction. New business and public comment are also on the agenda.

• Potential Change Order PCO #081 for fencing revisions in the amount of $44,259.58
• Downes Construction August 2025 Requisition #007 for $1,816,783.90
• Jacunski Humes monthly invoice for $7,000
• Test Con Incorporated invoice for $3,733
• SES invoice for $1,800

The Public Building Commission approved several change orders and invoices related to the Police Headquarters renovation. The most significant action was approving Downes Construction’s August 2025 requisition for $1,816,783.90. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved minutes of July 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Front Entry Protection Measures change order option 5 and to explore cost‑reduction options (unanimous)
• Approved fencing revision PCO #081 not to exceed $44,259.58 (unanimous)
• Approved Jacunski Humes monthly invoice for $7,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Test Con Incorporated invoice for $3,733 (unanimous)
• Approved SES invoice for $1,800 (unanimous)
• Approved Downes Construction August 2025 Requisition #007 for $1,816,783.90 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:08 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will discuss a proposed appropriation for energy improvements, including solar power and lighting upgrades, funded through the undesignated fund balance. The meeting also includes several budget transfer requests for FY25 across various town departments.

• Proposed energy project including solar at the Animal Shelter and lighting at Town Hall, Willoughby Wallace Library, Orchard House, Fire Headquarters, and Volunteer Service Center
• Police Services budget transfer request of $133,702
• Fire Services budget transfer request of $151,339
• Registrar of Voters budget transfer request of $41,730
• Finance Director budget transfer for Debt Service Interest of $351,235

The Board of Finance unanimously approved a series of FY2025 budget transfer requests, the largest being a $351,235 transfer for debt‑service interest. Other approvals included transfers for fire services ($151,339), police services ($133,702), the Assessor’s budget ($32,060), the Registrar of Voters ($41,730), and the Tax Collector ($12,185). The board also discussed a future $1.5 million energy‑improvement project but deferred any appropriation decision to the next meeting.

• Approved $351,235 debt‑service interest transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $151,339 fire services transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $133,702 police services transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $32,060 Assessor transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $41,730 Registrar of Voters transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $12,185 Tax Collector transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $1,430 Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $918 Town Clerk transfer (unanimous)

Community Forest Commission

The regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 5:30 pm in the Joe Trapasso Community House, 46 Church Street, was cancelled. No agenda items were considered.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for August 20, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. has been canceled. No decisions or discussions will take place at this meeting.

• Meeting cancellation—no business conducted

Parker Memorial Park Commission

The Parker Memorial Park Commission will hold a regular meeting on August 20, 2025, to review correspondence, approve minutes, and discuss budget reports. Old business includes addressing prohibited activities enforcement (a "No dogs" sign at Big Rock), completed walkway installation from the bocce court to Big Rock, and tree condition issues. The commission will also consider memorial donations, facility maintenance (bathroom remodeling, flagpole lighting), and park hours signage.

• Enforcement of prohibited activities: installation of a 'No dogs' sign at Big Rock
• Completed walkway from bocce court to Big Rock and new signage
• Tree condition and trimming discussion, including 'volcano' mulching damage
• Bathroom remodeling, flagpole lighting, and grill repairs via welding
• Memorial/commemorative donation and installation of items (bench, plantings, tree)

The Parker Memorial Park Commission approved the June 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. No new substantive actions were decided at this meeting; the commission discussed ongoing bench installations, DPW assistance, and other park maintenance items. The next meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2025.

• Approved June 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

BOE - Personnel & Finance

This is a committee meeting of the Branford Board of Education's Personnel & Finance Committee. Members will discuss rental fee reporting and receive updates from the Chief Operating Officer. The agenda also includes public comment and approval of minutes. No votes on specific items are listed.

• Discussion on Rental Fees Reporting
• Chief Operating Officer (COO) Updates

The Personnel & Finance Committee approved the minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting unanimously. Members discussed how to track rental fees and received updates on the new athletic fields and transportation changes. The committee then adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved May 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on five applications requesting variances to zoning regulations for sheds, decks, and structure setbacks. The meeting will be held via Zoom on August 19, 2025.

• Var. Sec. 3.4.A.5: 25-foot setback for storage shed at 19 Milo Drive
• Var. Sec. 6.11.C: Interior structure closer than 50 feet to property line at 88 Pine Orchard Road
• Var. Sec. 3.8.B.3: Shed closer to street line than principal structure at 45 Old Quarry Road
• Var. Sec. 3.4.A.6: 13-foot side setback for deck extension at 34 Orchard Hill Road
• Approval of June 17, 2025 minutes (July meeting cancelled)

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals denied the variance request for a storage shed at 19 Milo Drive after a 5‑0 vote. It approved three separate variance applications—at 88 Pine Orchard Road, 45 Old Quarry Road, and 34 Orchard Hill Road—each passing unanimously. The board also approved the June 17, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Denied 25/7-1 variance for 19 Milo Drive shed setback (5-0 vote)
• Approved 25/7-2 variance for 88 Pine Orchard Road structure setback, conditional (unanimous)
• Approved 25/8-1 variance for 45 Old Quarry Road shed location (unanimous)
• Approved 25/8-2 variance for 34 Orchard Hill Road deck setback (unanimous)
• Approved June 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on four variance applications on August 19, 2025 via Zoom. The applicants seek relief from setback requirements for sheds, a deck extension, and a structure on an interior lot. The board will vote on each request after hearing public comment.

• 25/7-1: Variance for a 25-foot rear setback where 40 feet is required for a storage shed at 19 Milo Drive (owner/applicant: Pue Yong (Jane)).
• 25/7-2: Variance to allow a structure on an interior lot closer than 50 feet from a property line at 88 Pine Orchard Road (applicant: Tony Mortali, owner: Gregory Bozzi).
• 25/8-1: Variance to allow a shed closer to the street line than the principal structure at 45 Old Quarry Road (owner/applicant: Michael Dougherty).
• 25/8-2: Variance for a side setback of 13 feet where 15 feet is required for a deck extension at 34 Orchard Hill Road (owner/applicant: Michael Rondina).

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Branford Zoning Board of Appeals met August 19, 2025 via Zoom and made decisions on four variance applications. One application (19 Milo Drive) was denied, while applications at 88 Pine Orchard Road (granted with a condition), 45 Old Quarry Road, and 34 Orchard Hill Road were granted. The board also approved the minutes from the June 17, 2025 meeting.

• 25/7-1 Pue Yong (Jane) Chua, 19 Milo Drive – DENIED
• 25/7-2 Tony Mortali/Gregory Bozzi, 88 Pine Orchard Road – GRANTED WITH A CONDITION
• 25/8-1 Michael Dougherty, 45 Old Quarry Road – GRANTED
• 25/8-2 Michael Rondina, 34 Orchard Hill Road – GRANTED
• June 17, 2025 minutes – APPROVED

Branford Housing Authority

The August 19, 2025 meeting of the Branford Housing Authority Board has been cancelled. No decisions or discussions will occur at this meeting.

Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission

The August 19, 2025 meeting of the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Commission has been canceled. No items will be discussed or decided at this time.

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will review a landscaping and retaining wall application and an enforcement notice for 114 Clark Ave. The body will also consider a jurisdictional ruling for vegetation removal at 71 Midwood Road and process agent approvals for three other properties.

• Application IW#25.07.04: landscaping, retaining wall and plantings at 114 Clark Ave
• Enforcement NOV: regrading and retaining wall construction without a permit at 114 Clark Ave
• Jurisdictional Ruling JR#25.08.01: removal of Japanese Knotweed and Greenbrier at 71 Midwood Road
• Agent Approval IW#25.07.03: aboveground pool at 125 Northford Rd
• Agent Approval IW#25.07.05: 12’x16’ shed at 45 Old Quarry Road

The commission approved the July 24, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved application IW#25.07.04 for 114 Clark Ave, adding amendments to the planting plan, CAD submission, and monitoring period. The commission closed the notice of violation for the same property and approved a jurisdictional request to remove Japanese knotweed at 71 Midwood Road. Agent approvals for three other permits were noted without discussion.

• Approved July 24, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved application IW#25.07.04 for 114 Clark Ave with amendments (unanimous)
• Closed NOV for 114 Clark Ave regrading and retaining wall (commission determination)
• Approved jurisdictional request JR#25.08.01 to remove Japanese knotweed at 71 Midwood Road (unanimous)
• Recorded agent approvals for IW#25.07.03, IW#25.07.02, IW#25.07.05 (no discussion)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous implied)

Branford School Readiness Council

The monthly meeting of the Branford School Readiness Council scheduled for August 13th has been canceled. The agenda includes only the mission statement and the cancellation notice.

• Meeting canceled
• Mission statement provided

Solid Waste Management Commission

The Solid Waste Management Commission has cancelled its August 13, 2025 meeting. No business will be conducted.

RTM

The August 13, 2025 meeting of the Branford Representative Town Meeting has been cancelled. No items were considered or discussed.

• Meeting cancelled per notice from RTM Moderator Maryann Amore

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider three requests from Police Chief Jon Mulhern: waiving the bid process to purchase a 2022 Ford Transit Van from the Town of East Haven for $35,000; waiving advertising to donate a 2004 Freightliner C2500 to the Town of North Branford Police Department; and waiving advertising to donate surplus Watchguard in-car camera systems to the same department. No other business is scheduled.

• Request to waive bid and purchase a 2022 Ford Transit Van from East Haven for $35,000
• Request to waive advertising and donate a 2004 Freightliner C2500 to North Branford Police Department
• Request to waive advertising and donate surplus Watchguard in-car camera systems to North Branford Police Department

The Selectmen unanimously approved three requests from Police Chief Jon Mulhern. First, they waived the bid process to purchase a 2022 Ford Transit van for $35,000 from the Town of East Haven. Second, they waived advertising and authorized the donation of a 2004 Freightliner C2500 to the Town of North Branford Police Department. Third, they waived advertising and authorized the donation of surplus Watchguard in‑car camera equipment to the same department.

• Approved waiver of bid and purchase of 2022 Ford Transit van for $35,000 (unanimous)
• Approved waiver of advertising and donation of 2004 Freightliner C2500 to North Branford PD (unanimous)
• Approved waiver of advertising and donation of surplus Watchguard in‑car camera equipment to North Branford PD (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:35 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Recreation

The Branford Board of Recreation will hold public comment, receive the Director’s and Assistant Director’s reports, and address several old‑business items. Items include the FY 2026 recreation budget, staffing matters, field usage at Hammer Field, and the No Dogs Allowed policy. No new‑business items are listed for this meeting.

• FY 2026 Budget
• Staffing
• Field Usage / Hammer Field
• No Dogs Allowed policy
• Public Comment (up to 5‑minute remarks)

The Board approved the July 9, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. A motion to deny a written request to allow dogs at Foote Park was also passed unanimously. No new business was taken and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved July 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Denied dogs at Foote Park request (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Center Revitalization Review Board

The regularly scheduled meeting for August 13, 2025, has been officially canceled. No business was conducted.

Board of Police Commissioners

The Board of Police Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss and approve the appointment of Retired Officer John Cassella to the position of Supernumerary Officer.

• Appointment of Ret. Officer John Cassella to Supernumerary Officer

The Board entered executive session at 5:15 p.m. to discuss hiring a Supernumerary Officer. At 5:18 p.m. the Board voted unanimously to hire retired Branford Police Officer John Cassella as a Supernumerary Officer, effective immediately. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously at 5:19 p.m.

• Hire retired Officer John Cassella as Supernumerary Officer – approved unanimously
• Adjourn meeting – approved unanimously

Human Services Board

The regular August 12, 2025 meeting of the Branford Human Services Board has been cancelled. No agenda items were considered.

• Meeting cancelled; no business conducted

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority will consider sewer access applications for an office conversion at 261 East Main St and new housing at 42 Silver Street. The board will also receive an update on inflow/infiltration (I&I) progress and a fund transfer request. Routine reports from the Superintendent, Town Engineer, and WPCA Attorney are scheduled.

• Sewer access application: 261 East Main St – office building conversion from septic, new office above garage
• Sewer access application: 42 Silver Street – new 2-family and 1-family homes
• Update on inflow/infiltration (I&I) progress
• Fund transfer request (no amount or details provided)

The Water Pollution Control Authority unanimously approved the sewer access application for 261 East Main St, subject to a sewer agreement and private maintenance. It also approved the preliminary sewer access for 42 Silver St, subject to a capacity study. A request to transfer funds was approved unanimously. All motions passed without opposition.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimously)
• Approved 261 East Main St sewer access, subject to agreement (unanimously)
• Approved 42 Silver St sewer access, subject to capacity study (unanimously)
• Approved fund transfer request (unanimously)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:26 p.m. (unanimously)

Shellfish Commission

The Branford Shellfish Commission will consider several pending dock applications and associated shellfish bed impact projects. The meeting will also include routine items such as approval of minutes, budget and enforcement reports, and a public forum. No decisions are noted for new business or permits at this time.

• Review dock applications and shellfish bed impact projects
• Approval of July 8th, 2025 meeting minutes
• Budget report presentation
• Enforcement report update
• Public forum for community input

The commission approved the minutes from July 8, 2025 without dissent. It also approved Invoice #2028 for $1,968 and Invoice #2273 for $3,045, both by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at 5:52 PM by unanimous consent.

• Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Invoice #2028 for $1,968 (unanimous)
• Approved Invoice #2273 for $3,045 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:52 PM (unanimous)
• Requested additional information on Jack Creamer’s one‑acre shellfish bed proposal for review at next meeting

RTM Public Services Committee

The regularly-scheduled meeting of the Branford RTM Public Services Committee for Thursday, August 7, 2025, is canceled.

BOE - Committee Chair

The Board of Education Committee Chairs are meeting to determine the agenda items for the August 13 retreat and the August 20 full board meeting. The session includes a review of minutes from May 28, 2025.

• Discussion of agenda for August 13 BOE Retreat Meeting
• Discussion of agenda for August 20 Personnel & Finance Committee Meeting
• Discussion of agenda for August 20 Full BOE Meeting

The Board of Education Committee Chairs unanimously approved the minutes from the May 28, 2025 meeting. They also unanimously voted to adjourn the August 6, 2025 meeting. Several items were discussed for placement on upcoming agendas, including personnel and finance topics, a BOE retreat facilities tour, and full board agenda items such as a citizen award and contract approvals.

• Approved May 28, 2025 Committee Chairs meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for August 6, 2025, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

Stony Creek Architectural Review Board

The Stony Creek Architectural Review Board meeting scheduled for August 6, 2025, has been canceled.

RTM Ways and Means Committee

The regularly scheduled meeting of the RTM Ways and Means Committee for August 6, 2025, has been canceled. No business was conducted.

• The August 6, 2025, meeting was canceled; no business conducted.

Open Space Commission

The Branford Parks and Open Space Authority will discuss and vote on whether to accept or decline management of the Hilltop Woods Preserve. Other agenda items include proposed charter changes, dock installation at Supply Ponds, and trail improvements on Short Rocks Road.

• Discussion and vote to accept/decline management of Hilltop Woods Preserve
• Discussion of proposed changes to Town Charter covering Parks & Open Space
• Discussion about dock installation at Supply Ponds
• Proposed pink trail improvements on Short Rocks Road
• Fiberglass boardwalk installation at Beacon Hill (pending)

The commission approved taking responsibility for the 7.16‑acre Hilltop Woods Preserve, voting 6 in favor and 1 opposed. The board also unanimously approved a formal request to the RTM to amend five items in the town charter. Member John Tolbert announced his resignation, effective July 2026, while remaining as warden.

• Accepted management of Hilltop Woods Preserve (6‑1 vote)
• Unanimously approved request to RTM to change five charter items
• Unanimously approved motion to present charter changes to RTM
• John Tolbert resignation announced, will serve until July 2026

RTM Administrative Services Committee

The August 5, 2025 meeting of the RTM Administrative Services Committee has been canceled.

RTM Education Committee

The regularly scheduled meeting of the RTM Education Committee for August 4, 2025, has been canceled. No items will be discussed or decided.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission is holding a special remote meeting. The agenda consists of a single item regarding a legal settlement.

• Settlement of Faulkner Island Development, LLC v. Branford Planning & Zoning Commission (NNH-CV25-6150871-S)

The Planning & Zoning Commission adopted the staff‑prepared findings and conditions for the Faulkner Island Development, LLC project. The motion was approved by a 4‑to‑1 vote, with one commissioner opposed. The adopted conditions require erosion control, prohibit blasting, and mandate permits and payments before construction.

• Adopted staff findings and conditions for Faulkner Island Development (4‑1 vote)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially decide on a settlement in the lawsuit Faulkner Island Development, LLC v. Branford Planning & Zoning Commission (NNH-CV25-6150871-S). This is the only substantive item on the agenda. No financial terms or other details are provided in the agenda.

• Settlement discussion for Faulkner Island Development, LLC v. Branford Planning & Zoning Commission (Superior Court, New Haven)

The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to adopt the findings and conditions presented for the Faulkner Island Development settlement. The motion passed with four votes in favor and one opposed. The adopted conditions require erosion control before construction, prohibit blasting, and mandate required approvals and payments prior to site development.

• Adopted findings and conditions for Faulkner Island Development settlement (4-1)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Branford Planning & Zoning Commission approved, with conditions, the settlement of Faulkner Island Development, LLC v. the Commission. The approval will be announced in a single publication in The Sound newspaper on August 7, 2025. No other agenda items were listed.

• Settlement of Faulkner Island Development, LLC v. Branford Planning & Zoning Commission – approved with conditions

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is holding a special meeting to consider several contracts and event requests. Items include a two-year lease for the Department of Public Works at 30-36 East Industrial Road, a waiver of bid for network switches at $31,508, and a three-year sludge disposal contract with an estimated annual cost of $797,938.82. Also up for approval are a church fair on the Town Green and an alcohol exemption for the Canoe Brook Center.

• Two-year lease agreement with 30-36 East Industrial, LLC for DPW space at 30-36 East Industrial Road
• Waiver of bid for network switches, award to FS for $31,508
• Waiver of bid for sludge disposal contract with Synagro, estimated annual cost $797,938.82
• Trinity Episcopal Church request to use Town Green for annual fair on September 19-20, 2025
• Canoe Brook Center exemption from code to serve beer and wine at three events in 2025

The Selectmen unanimously approved a two‑year lease for the Public Works Department at 30‑36 East Industrial Road, pending final Town Attorney approval. They waived competitive bidding to award a $31,508 network‑switch contract to FS and a three‑year sludge‑disposal contract to Synagro (estimated $797,938.82 annually). The board also approved town‑green use for a church fair and an exemption to serve beer and wine at Canoe Brook Center events.

• Approved two‑year lease with 30‑36 East Industrial, LLC for Public Works building, pending Town Attorney approval (unanimous)
• Waived bid and awarded network switches contract to FS for $31,508.00 (unanimous)
• Waived bid and awarded three‑year sludge disposal contract to Synagro; estimated annual cost $797,938.82 (unanimous)
• Approved Trinity Episcopal Church use of Town Green Sep 19‑20, 2025 for Church Fair (unanimous)
• Approved exemption to serve beer and wine at Canoe Brook Center events Aug 27, Oct 29, Dec 4, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:42 p.m. (unanimous)

Public Building Commission

The commission will receive updates on the Police Headquarters project from Downes Construction and Jacunski Humes. Members will consider several change orders and invoices totaling over $3.3 million.

• Change orders for Police Headquarters including $37,022.94 for electrical main breaker and $20,816.76 for Laurel Street barrier gate reader
• Downes Construction June 2025 Requisition #005 for $1,638,506.36
• Downes Construction July 2025 Requisition #006 for $1,606,766.34
• Jacunski Humes monthly invoice for $7,000
• Discussion of Dispatch Center Video Display Wall

The Public Building Commission approved several out‑of‑scope change orders for the Police Headquarters renovation, each by unanimous vote. It also approved Downes Construction Pay Applications #5 and #6, and the Jacunski Humes monthly invoice. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved June 23, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved PCO #034 – $28,179.63 (unanimous)
• Approved PCO #037B – $0.00 (unanimous)
• Approved PCO #046B R1 – $20,816.76 (unanimous)
• Approved PCO #054 – $37,022.94 (unanimous)
• Approved PCO #074 – $18,702.91 (unanimous)
• Approved Jacunski Humes invoice – $7,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Downes Construction Pay Application #5 – $1,638,506.36 (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Branford Board of Finance will hear presentations on the police pension, OPEB, volunteer fire incentive, and coastal resiliency fund performance, then vote on a bid waiver for a three-year sludge hauling contract with Synagro Technologies worth $797,938.82 per year and a proposed lease for Public Works at 30 East Industrial Road. The board will also discuss an investment strategy for general fund investments and receive an update on the James Blackstone Memorial Library facilities assessment.

• Bid waiver request for three-year sludge hauling contract with Synagro Technologies ($797,938.82/year)
• Proposed lease agreement for 30 East Industrial Road to house Department of Public Works
• Performance presentations for police pension, OPEB, volunteer fire incentive, and coastal resiliency fund
• Update on James Blackstone Memorial Library facilities assessment study
• Discussion of investment strategy for town general fund investments

The Board approved the minutes from the May 19, 2025 meeting. It gave unanimous approval to a three‑year sludge‑hauling agreement with Synagro Technologies at $797,939 per year. The Board also unanimously approved a 24‑month lease for the Public Works operation at 30‑36 East Industrial Road. Finally, the Grand List Suspense report for 2008‑2019 was approved unanimously.

• Approved May 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Synagro Technologies three‑year sludge hauling agreement at $797,939 per year (unanimous)
• Approved Grand List Suspense report (Motor Vehicle $98,183; Personal Property $31,361; Real Estate $1,654; total $131,198) (unanimous)
• Approved 24‑month lease for Public Works at 30‑36 East Industrial Road (unanimous)