Bridgewater public meetings in 2025

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Bridgewater Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss several agenda items, including short‑term rentals and H.B. 8002, a state act concerning housing growth. Other items include a ZEO report, the 2026 meeting calendar, election of officers, and by‑law matters. The meeting is scheduled for December 18, 2025 at 7:00 pm in Bridgewater Town Hall.

• Discuss Short Term Rentals
• Discuss H.B. 8002 – An Act Concerning Housing Growth
• ZEO Report
• Meeting Calendar 2026
• Election of Officers

The Bridgewater Planning & Zoning Commission approved the minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting, adopted the 2026 meeting calendar, and re‑elected the same officers as the prior year. No action was taken on by‑laws, and the commission only discussed short‑term rentals and state housing law H.B. 8002 without making any decisions.

• Approved minutes of the Nov 20, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved the 2026 meeting calendar (unanimous)
• Elected officers – Chairperson A. McNaughton, Vice Chairperson J. Wilcox, Secretary E. Degrazia (unanimous)
• No action taken on by‑laws
• Discussed short‑term rentals – no decision
• Discussed H.B. 8002 housing‑growth act – no decision

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Bridgewater Zoning Board of Appeals will hold its regular meeting. Items include approval of the December 17, 2024 minutes, public comments, and administrative business such as the 2026 meeting calendar, election of officers, and review of bylaws and a member guide. No specific zoning applications or contracts are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from the regular meeting held December 17, 2024
• Public comments and correspondence
• Adoption of the 2026 meeting calendar
• Election of board officers
• Review of bylaws and member guide

The Zoning Board unanimously approved the minutes from the December 17, 2024 meeting. It also unanimously approved a revised 2026 meeting calendar that moves the November and December meetings to the third Tuesday of each month. The board elected Joe Kuchinski as Chairperson and Susan Patrick as Secretary, both unanimously. No action was taken on bylaws or the member guide.

• Approved minutes of Dec 17, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved revised 2026 meeting calendar (unanimous)
• Elected Joe Kuchinski as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected Susan Patrick as Secretary (unanimous)
• Bylaws: No action taken
• Member Guide: No action taken

Board of Selectmen

The Board approved the minutes from the November 18 meeting. Ann Virbickas resigned as Tax Collector’s Assistant and Treasurer’s Assistant effective Jan. 1 2026. Julie Stuart was appointed Town Historian. The Board approved the tax refunds and authorized repairs to Peck House porch steps.

• Approved November 18 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Ann Virbickas resignation (effective Jan 1 2026)
• Appointed Julie Stuart as Town Historian (unanimous)
• Approved Tax Refunds as presented (unanimous)
• Approved estimate for Peck House porch steps repair (unanimous)

Conservation & Inland / Wetlands Commission

The Bridgewater Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will consider the 2026 meeting calendar and any proposed by‑law amendments, and will hold an election for commission officers. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of prior meeting minutes, public comments, and reports from officers and committees. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Review and approve 2026 meeting calendar
• Review and approve any by‑law changes
• Election of commission officers

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November 4, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved the meeting calendar for 2026. The commission elected Eric Vikstrom as Chairperson, Jeff Jones as Vice Chairperson, and Shaun Berger as Secretary. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved minutes of November 4, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting calendar (unanimous)
• Elected Eric Vikstrom as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected Jeff Jones as Vice Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected Shaun Berger as Secretary (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission will review its budget and coordinator's report. The body will discuss ongoing projects including wifi and the playground, as well as the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Budget review
• Wifi and Playground updates
• Beaver Moon Hike and Camp discussions
• Outdoor Holiday Light Contest
• Pavilion Application

The commission accepted the October meeting minutes and the current budget, both unanimously. It approved purchasing gift cards for the Holiday Light contest winners. The 2026 regular meeting schedule was adopted, and the pavilion application language and fee schedule were updated for the 2026 rental season. The meeting was adjourned at 5:43 p.m.

• Accepted October meeting minutes (All in favor)
• Accepted budget (All in favor)
• Approved purchase of gift cards for Holiday Light winners (All in favor)
• Adopted 2026 regular meeting schedule (All in favor)
• Tabled Wi‑Fi item (tabled)
• Updated pavilion application language and fee schedule for 2026 season
• Adjourned meeting at 5:43 p.m. (All in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve the application for a new 17‑ft by 5‑ft stoop, three steps, and sliding doors at 9 Clapboard Road (P 25‑11‑1). The minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting were also approved unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved minutes of Oct 16, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved 9 Clapboard Road stoop and sliding doors application (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Bridgewater Board of Finance will elect its officers and approve the minutes from the previous meeting. It will select dates for its 2026 regular meetings and hear reports from the Treasurer, the new First Selectman, and the Tax Collector. The board will discuss a possible STEAP grant application, the use of LOCIP funds, and the creation of a Road Paving Fund, as well as procedures for filling board vacancies.

• Election of Board of Finance officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary)
• Selection of 2026 regular meeting dates (proposed: 1/21, 3/11, 5/20, 7/15, 9/17, 11/18)
• Possible application for a STEAP grant
• Use of LOCIP funds
• Discussion of creating a Road Paving Fund

The Board elected Jean Robinson as Chair, Walt Barlow as Vice Chair, and Paul Hines as Secretary. It changed future meeting start times to 4:30 p.m. and approved moving earned interest to the Short‑Term Investment Fund after covering a $4,900 garden overage. The Board also allocated $20,000 from the General Fund for new accounting software and accepted a bid for the town garage roof replacement.

• Jean Robinson elected Chair (unanimous)
• Walt Barlow elected Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Paul Hines elected Secretary (unanimous)
• Future meetings to begin at 4:30 p.m. effective Jan 2026 (unanimous)
• Transfer earned interest to STIF, less $4,900 for garden overage (unanimous)
• Appropriate $20,000 from General Fund for new accounting software (unanimous)
• Accept James Leslie Group bid for town garage roof replacement (unanimous)
• Add Town Road Fund to Capital Improvement Plan (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals scheduled for November 18, 2025, has been cancelled.

Board of Selectmen

The Bridgewater Board of Selectmen will discuss a range of items, including tax refunds, reports from the Tax Collector and Treasurer, setting future meeting dates, the Town Garage roof bid results, the Capital Improvement Plan, a topographical survey for Sarah Sanford Road East, a FOIA request, and an executive‑session matter. They will also address old business such as repairing the porch steps at Peck House and reviewing the short‑term rental registration application form. No final decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Town Garage roof bid results
• Capital Improvement Plan
• CCA Topographical Survey Sarah Sanford Road East, Tot Lot
• Repair Peck House porch steps
• Short Term Rental Registration Application Form

The Selectmen approved the bid from James Leslie Roofing to replace the back half of the Town Garage roof for $32,000. They also adopted the Town of Bridgewater Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2025‑2026. Additional actions included appointing a Constable, Emergency Management Director, and ZEO, and approving the 2026 meeting schedule and tax refunds.

• Approved James Leslie Roofing bid $32,000 for Town Garage roof (all in favor)
• Approved Capital Improvement Plan 2025‑2026 (all in favor)
• Appointed Kevin Brooks as Constable for two years (all in favor)
• Appointed Ron Rotter as Emergency Management Director for two years (all in favor)
• Appointed John Cody as ZEO for one year (all in favor)
• Approved Tax Refunds as presented by the Tax Collector (all in favor)
• Approved 2026 Board of Selectmen meeting dates (all in favor)
• Tabled Town Historian and Tree Warden appointments (no vote recorded, decision to postpone)

Conservation & Inland / Wetlands Commission

The Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will meet to discuss two ongoing applications. The body is reviewing proposals for home additions and athletic surfaces.

• Application #W 25-10-1: addition and deck at 30 Millvoe Drive (Frost)
• Application #W 25-10-2: tennis backboard and playing surface at 30 Brandy Lane (Scheinberg)

The commission approved the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting. It approved the Frost project at 30 Millvoe Drive (addition and deck). The Scheinberg application was withdrawn by the applicant, so no commission action was taken. The commission then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved October 7 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Frost addition & deck application #W 25-10-1 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, has been cancelled.

Recreation Commission

The Bridgewater Recreation Commission will conduct a budget review and consider several recreation programs and facility items. Items on the agenda include Wi‑Fi, a tot lot, upcoming hikes, holiday light contest, and court improvements. The commission will also schedule future events such as the Beaver Moon Hike and discuss tennis court backboards.

• Wifi
• Tot Lot
• Hunter’s Moon Hike – October 6
• Basketball & Racquetball Courts
• Tennis Court Backboards

The Bridgewater Recreation Commission accepted the September meeting minutes and the FY 2025 budget, both unanimously. It approved a $1,500 grant for Shepaug Youth Basketball. The commission tabled discussion of the Wifi project and tennis court backboards. The meeting was adjourned at 5:37 PM.

• Accepted September meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted FY 2025 budget (unanimous)
• Approved $1,500 grant to Shepaug Youth Basketball (unanimous)
• Tabled Wifi project (postponed)
• Tabled Tennis Court Backboards (postponed)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:37 PM (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will review three residential site plan applications for additions and decks. The meeting will also include a discussion on regulations and a report from the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

• Review of site plan #P 25-10-1 for 30 Millvoe Drive
• Review of site plan #P 25-10-2 for 30 Brandy Lane
• Review of site plan #P 25-10-3 for 350 Northrop Street
• Discussion of Regulations (time permitting)
• ZEO Report

The Bridgewater Planning & Zoning Commission approved three applications for residential improvements: an addition and deck at 30 Millvoe Drive, a concrete tennis backboard at 30 Brandy Lane (subject to Wetlands Commission approval and no lighting), and a sauna pad at 350 Northrop Street (subject to a post‑project as‑built survey). All three approvals were unanimous. The commission also approved the September 18, 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved addition & deck at 30 Millvoe Drive (unanimous)
• Approved tennis backboard at 30 Brandy Lane, conditional on Wetlands Commission approval and no lighting (unanimous)
• Approved sauna pad at 350 Northrop Street, conditional on post‑project as‑built survey (unanimous)
• Approved September 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss tax refunds and review reports from the Tax Collector and Treasurer. The board is also considering a Short Term Rental Registration Application Form and discussing town-owned buildings.

• Short Term Rental Registration Application Form
• Tax refunds
• Tax Collector’s report
• Treasurer’s report
• Town owned buildings

The Board approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes. They appointed Steve Berger to the Inland Wetlands Commission and Shaun McVerry as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Board also approved the tax refunds presented by the Tax Collector. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved September 9 minutes (all voted in favor)
• Appointed Steve Berger to Inland Wetlands Commission (all voted in favor)
• Appointed Shaun McVerry as alternate on Zoning Board of Appeals (all voted in favor)
• Approved tax refunds as presented by the Tax Collector (all voted in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all voted in favor)

Conservation & Inland / Wetlands Commission

The Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will meet to approve minutes from September and discuss two new permit applications for property owners at 30 Millvoe Drive and 30 Brandy Lane.

• Approval of September 2, 2025, minutes
• Review of application #W 25-10-1 for 30 Millvoe Drive
• Review of application #W 25-10-2 for 30 Brandy Lane

The Bridgewater Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission approved the minutes of the September 2, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. The commission also unanimously voted to adjourn the October 7, 2025 meeting. No other applications or proposals were approved, denied, or tabled.

• Approved September 2, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned October 7, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The commission will review prior meeting minutes, the recreation budget, and correspondence. It will discuss ongoing items such as Wi‑Fi, the Tot Lot, the Hunter’s Moon hike on October 6, and a proposed camp survey. New business includes appointing a new member and planning an outdoor holiday light contest.

• Wi‑Fi
• Tot Lot
• Hunter’s Moon Hike – October 6
• Proposed Camp Survey
• Outdoor Holiday Light Contest

The Bridgewater Recreation Commission accepted the August meeting minutes and approved the current budget, both with all members in favor. It granted Burnham PTO permission to place a lockable deck box near the tennis courts. The commission also approved spending up to $100 for refreshments at the October 6 Hunter’s Moon Hike. Discussions on Wi‑Fi and the basketball court were tabled.

• Accepted August meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Accepted the budget (all in favor)
• Granted Burnham PTO permission to place lockable deck box near tennis courts
• Approved up to $100 for Hunter’s Moon Hike refreshments (all in favor)
• Wifi discussion tabled
• Basketball court discussion tabled
• Welcomed new member Eric Soetbeer (took oath)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:45 pm (all in favor)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals scheduled for September 23, 2025, has been cancelled.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will approve the minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting and hear public comments. It will review a ZEO report and consider a ground‑mounted solar installation at 350 Northrop Street (item #P 25-9-4). The commission may also discuss regulations if time permits.

• Approval of minutes from the regular meeting held August 21, 2025
• Public comments from residents
• Consideration of Senior/King ground‑mounted solar project at 350 Northrop Street (#P 25-9-4)
• Review of ZEO Report
• Discussion of regulations (time permitting)

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 21 meeting. A conditional approval motion for the solar application was rejected, then a second motion to approve the project without conditions passed with four votes in favor and one opposed. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 21 minutes (unanimous)
• Rejected conditional approval of #P 25-9-4 (ground‑mounted solar) (2‑3)
• Approved #P 25-9-4 ground‑mounted solar project without conditions (4‑1)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will review treasurer and First Selectman reports. Members will discuss the possible creation of a separate road paving fund and a potential application for a STEAP Grant.

• Possible application for a STEAP Grant
• Review of LOCIP funds usage
• Discussion on creating a separate road paving fund

The board did not approve the previous meeting minutes or the treasurer’s report, stating that approvals are tabled until the next meeting and that the agenda must be published at least 48 hours in advance. Members discussed preparation for a STEAP grant, including possible consultant help and projects such as paving and a police barn. They reviewed the LOCIP fund deferral and considered creating a separate town road fund and a new treasury support system, but no actions were decided. The meeting adjourned at 4:54 p.m.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes and treasurer report postponed (no vote)
• Agenda must be published 48 hours before approvals (policy requirement)

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Bridgewater Board of Assessment Appeals will approve minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting. It will conduct hearings on property tax appeals and then deliberate and vote on those appeals. The meeting follows standard procedural items before adjourning.

• Approval of minutes from 8/27/2025 meeting
• Appeal hearings
• Deliberations and votes on appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals unanimously approved the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting. The Board voted 2‑1 to grant the requested property‑tax exemption to applicant Dawn McNutt. The Board set the dates for its 2026 meetings on March 19 and September 24, 2026.

• Approved minutes from Aug 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved property tax exemption for Dawn McNutt (2-1)
• Scheduled 2026 meeting for March 19, 2026
• Scheduled 2026 meeting for September 24, 2026

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review tax refunds, receive reports from the Tax Collector and Treasurer, and discuss town building maintenance and short-term rental regulations.

• Tax refunds
• Tax Collector's report
• Treasurer's report
• Town owned buildings
• Short Term Rental Registration Application Form

The Board approved the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting. It allocated $789.34 to the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department for opioid treatment and Narcan. Eric Soetbeer was appointed to the Recreation Commission for a three‑year term. The Board also approved the tax refunds presented by the Tax Collector.

• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (all voted in favor)
• Allocated $789.34 to BVFD for opioid treatment and Narcan (all voted in favor)
• Appointed Eric Soetbeer to the Recreation Commission for three years (all voted in favor)
• Approved Tax Refunds as presented by the Tax Collector (all voted in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:31 pm (all voted in favor)

Conservation & Inland / Wetlands Commission

The commission approved Christine Cassavechia's application for an accessory shed at 420 Main Street South, with the condition that a drawing showing dimensions to the property lines and nearest stream be submitted. The minutes from the August 5 meeting were also approved, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously. The previously filed Kelley application for a pool house was withdrawn.

• Approved Cassavechia shed application (420 Main St S) with drawing condition – unanimous
• Approved minutes of August 5, 2025 meeting – unanimous
• Motion to adjourn the meeting – unanimous
• Kelley application (20 Allen Rd) withdrawn – no action taken

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Assessor, Cory Lacino, distributed Board of Assessment Appeals handbooks to all members. The meeting continued with discussion, but no formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission approved several permit applications, including a generator for Burnham School, a garage addition for Ergmann, a patio renovation for Ruppert, and a garage addition for McDonald. All approvals were unanimous. The minutes from the July 17 meeting were also approved with three votes in favor and two abstentions.

• Approved addition of Ergmann garage to agenda (unanimous)
• Approved renovation/enlarged patio at 4 Blueberry Hill Road (unanimous)
• Approved garage addition at 52 Curtis Road (unanimous)
• Approved generator for Burnham School at 80 Main Street South (unanimous)
• Approved garage for Ergmann at 149 Beach Hill Road East (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 17, 2025 meeting (3 in favor, 2 abstained)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved the May 13 meeting minutes, authorized a $1,600 recreation‑area survey, reappointed three members to the Recreation Commission for three years, approved the Tax Refunds presented by the Tax Collector, and approved the town’s agreement with the Bridgewater Fire Department. No action was taken on the Brookfield cell tower, the Route 133/67 intersection, the revaluation schedule, or short‑term rental ordinance. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

• Approved May 13 minutes (all in favor, Brown abstained)
• Approved $1,600 recreation‑area survey (unanimous)
• Reappointed Lynn Kubisek, Daniel Church, Adam Cleary to Recreation Commission (unanimous)
• Approved Tax Refunds as presented by Tax Collector (unanimous)
• Approved agreement with Bridgewater Fire Department (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:35 p.m. (unanimous)

Conservation & Inland / Wetlands Commission

The commission unanimously approved the application for an attached garage at 52 Curtis Road and the generator project at Burnham School, 80 Main Street South. They also added the pool house application at 20 Allen Road to the agenda. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved minutes of July 1, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Added #W 25-8-3 – Kelley, 20 Allen Road, pool house to agenda (unanimous)
• Approved garage addition at 52 Curtis Road (#W 25-8-1) (unanimous)
• Approved generator project at 80 Main Street South, Burnham School (#W 25-8-2) (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of meeting (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The commission accepted the June meeting minutes and approved the town recreation budget. It tabled the wifi issue and scheduled presentation of three surveying quotes at the August 12 Selectmen's meeting. The commission approved a $1,500 grant for Shepaug Youth Baseball/Softball and a $1,000 grant for the Burnham School after‑school tennis program. The meeting was adjourned at 5:33 PM.

• Accepted June meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved recreation budget (all in favor)
• Wifi issue tabled (no vote recorded)
• Will present three surveying quotes at Aug 12 Selectmen's meeting (decision made)
• Approved $1,500 grant to Shepaug Youth Baseball/Softball (all in favor)
• Approved $1,000 grant to Burnham School PT O tennis program (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:33 PM (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting. A motion to deny the Ergmann garage project at 149 Beach Hill Road East was passed. No action was taken on the applications for a patio renovation at 4 Blueberry Hill Road and a garage addition at 52 Curtis Road. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Denied Ergmann garage project at 149 Beach Hill Road East without prejudice
• No action taken on Ruppert patio renovation at 4 Blueberry Hill Road
• No action taken on McDonald garage addition at 52 Curtis Road
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation & Inland / Wetlands Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the June 3, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. It also approved the application to renovate and enlarge the patio at 4 Blueberry Hill Road for the Ruppert property, again unanimously. No other business was taken up and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved June 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved renovation and patio enlargement at 4 Blueberry Hill Road (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission unanimously accepted the May meeting minutes and the current budget. It approved a $600.00 grant to the Burnham Library for Music on Main and up to $500.00 from BSN Sports for new tennis and pickleball rollers. The wifi issue was tabled and the commission will present three Tot Lot surveying quotes at the next Selectmen’s meeting.

• Accepted May meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted budget (unanimous)
• Approved $600.00 grant to Burnham Library for Music on Main (unanimous)
• Approved up to $500.00 purchase from BSN Sports for tennis and pickleball rollers (unanimous)
• Tabled wifi discussion (unanimous)
• Committed to present three surveying quotes for Tot Lot at next Selectmen’s meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Bridgewater Planning & Zoning Commission approved the minutes from the May 15 meeting. It unanimously tabled the Ergmann garage application at 149 Beach Hill Road East. It unanimously conditionally approved Peter Wiehl’s garage application at 90 Hut Hill Road, pending Health Department approval. The commission then adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved minutes of May 15, 2025 meeting (motion passed, D. Mart abstained)
• Tabled Ergmann garage application at 149 Beach Hill Road East (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved Wiehl garage application at 90 Hut Hill Road, pending Health Dept approval (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board approved the minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting. They appointed Greg Dembowski to the Board of Assessment Appeals and Courtney McVerry to the Recreation Commission. They authorized the First Selectman to execute the Litchfield County Dispatch contract. The Town decided to send a notification to residents to register short‑term rentals and set the Grange Garden dedication for June 22 at noon.

• Approved May 13, 2025 Board of Selectmen minutes (all voted in favor)
• Appointed Greg Dembowski to Board of Assessment Appeals (motion carried)
• Appointed Courtney McVerry to Recreation Commission (motion carried)
• Authorized First Selectman to execute Litchfield County Dispatch contract (motion carried)
• Decided to send notification for short‑term rental registration (decision made)
• Scheduled Grange Garden dedication for June 22 at noon (date set)

Conservation & Inland / Wetlands Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 4, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved Peter Wiehl's application for a detached garage at 90 Hut Hill Road, noting no wetlands impact.

• Approved March 4, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved detached garage at 90 Hut Hill Road (unanimous)

Town Meetings

The Town Meeting adopted the Selectmen’s budget for July 1 2025 – June 30 2026. A $280,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Expenditures Fund was authorized. The Capital Improvement Plan and a supplemental motor‑vehicle billing schedule were approved, and the Board of Selectmen was authorized to seek state and federal grants. Angela R. Macchiarulo was appointed to the Board of Education for a four‑year term.

• Dennis MacDonald appointed moderator (unanimous)
• Meeting declared legally warned and assembled (unanimous)
• Angela R. Macchiarulo appointed to Board of Education (unanimous)
• Selectmen’s FY 2025‑26 budget approved (unanimous)
• Transfer of $280,000 to Capital Expenditures Fund approved (unanimous)
• Town Capital Improvement Plan approved (unanimous)
• Supplemental motor‑vehicle bills payment schedule approved (unanimous)
• Board of Selectmen authorized to apply for and expend state/federal grants (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission accepted the April meeting minutes and the current budget, both unanimously. It approved a $1,000.00 sponsorship to the Bridgewater Land Trust for a 5K trail run on August 10. The meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM.

• Accepted April meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted the budget (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000.00 sponsorship to Bridgewater Land Trust 5K trail run (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:47 PM (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board approved setting the 2025/2026 Bridgewater mill rate at 19.00 after a motion by Jean Robinson. A second motion approved signing the official document to record that rate. Both motions passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Set 2025/2026 Bridgewater mill rate at 19.00 (unanimous)
• Signed official document to set 2025/2026 mill rate at 19.00 (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance voted to accept the minutes from the May 6, 2025 special meeting, with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn the regular meeting was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved May 6 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned regular meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

At the May 15 meeting, the commission approved the shed permit for 23 Benson Road, subject to side‑setback requirements, and postponed the garage permit for 149 Beach Hill Road East pending health and wetlands compliance. The minutes from both April 17 meetings were also approved. The commission then adjourned.

• Approved minutes of April 17 public hearing (in favor: McNaughton, Dubos, Askey, Perlman; abstain: Pinter)
• Approved minutes of April 17 regular meeting (in favor: McNaughton, Dubos, Askey, Perlman; abstain: Pinter)
• Approved shed permit for 23 Benson Road, subject to side‑setback compliance (unanimous)
• Tabled garage permit for 149 Beach Hill Road East pending health and wetlands compliance (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting, authorized a fun run on the Recreation Area, appointed two members to the Board of Assessment Appeals, approved tax refunds, and adopted both the FY2026 Selectmen’s budget and the Capital Improvement Plan. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved April 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved use of Recreation Area for June 1 fun run (unanimous)
• Appointed Roberta Sinatra to Board of Assessment Appeals (unanimous)
• Appointed Billy New to Board of Assessment Appeals (unanimous)
• Approved Tax Refunds as submitted by Tax Collector (unanimous)
• Approved FY2026 Selectmen’s Budget (unanimous)
• Approved Capital Improvement Plan (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance voted to approve the town's 2025‑26 municipal budget as presented at the budget hearing, directing it to be placed on the ballot at the Annual Town Meeting. The motion was moved by Tom Presby, seconded by Walter Barlow, and all members voted in favor. The board then adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved 2025‑26 municipal budget for Annual Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The commission unanimously accepted the March meeting minutes and the FY 2025 budget. The Wi‑Fi project was tabled pending Verizon progress. Julie Scott was tasked with obtaining two engineer quotes for playground equipment. The May 3 fishing derby and the baseball schedule were confirmed.

• Accepted March meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved FY 2025 budget (all in favor)
• Tabled Wi‑Fi project pending Verizon progress
• Assigned Julie Scott to request two engineer quotes for playground equipment
• Confirmed May 3 fishing derby date
• Confirmed baseball schedule has no conflicts
• Adjourned meeting at 5:39 PM (all in favor)

Board of Finance

The Board approved the special meeting minutes from April 9, 2025 with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn the April 21 meeting was also passed unanimously. The Board directed Walt to ask Anne Marie to post the vacant clerk position through the usual channels.

• Approved April 9, 2025 special meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned the April 21 meeting (all in favor)
• Walt to ask Anne Marie to post and communicate the clerk vacancy

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved Level 3 Communications LLC’s application to install up to 40 antennas at 170 New Milford Road East, requiring the proposed screening to be installed. The commission also approved an above‑ground pool at 40 Hut Hill Road. Minutes from the March 20, 2025 meetings were approved unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved Level 3 telecom facility (40 antennas) with screening condition (4 in favor, 0 against, 1 abstain)
• Approved above‑ground pool at 40 Hut Hill Road (unanimous)
• Approved March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Bridgewater Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on April 17, 2025. No substantive actions were taken on the Level 3 Communications telecommunication facility application. The meeting was closed after a motion to adjourn was approved unanimously.

• Adjourned public hearing (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance approved the March 26, 2025 special meeting minutes with all members voting in favor. A motion to transfer $10,000 from the Fuel Tank Removal line to the General Fund reserve was made and seconded, but no vote result was recorded. The board then adjourned the meeting at 18:52 with unanimous agreement.

• Approved March 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 18:52 (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board approved the minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting. They formally commended the resignations of Diane Munson, Roberta Allen, and Santo Romano. A motion to reconsider the earlier vote to close Town Hall on Fridays passed 2‑1, nullifying that closure. The Board also approved the tax refunds and set the annual Town Meeting for Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Burnham School.

• Approved March 11 minutes (unanimous)
• Commended resignations of Diane Munson, Roberta Allen, Santo Romano (unanimous)
• Reconsidered Friday Town Hall closure, nullified (2-1)
• Approved Tax Refunds (unanimous)
• Set Town Meeting date May 22, 2025 at Burnham School (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The commission unanimously approved the town's recreation budget, which funds programs and facilities for residents. It also approved a free one‑week camp donation and allocated up to $1,500 for the annual fishing derby, supporting community activities. Decisions on wifi equipment and playground equipment were postponed, and the committee took a majority vote on a resignation request, though the result was not recorded.

• Approved February meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved recreation budget (unanimous)
• Approved one week of free camp donation (unanimous)
• Committee held majority vote on resignation request for Santo Romano (outcome not recorded)
• Approved up to $1,500 for fishing derby expenses (unanimous)
• Tabled wifi equipment procurement to next meeting
• Tabled playground equipment quotes to next meeting

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance approved the March 12 meeting minutes with an amendment to remove Town Hall Hours language. It also approved the Tax Collector's request to transfer $2,189.54 of uncollectable taxes to the Suspense Tax Book. A tentative timeline for upcoming budget sessions was presented. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved March 12 BOF minutes (amended) – unanimous
• Approved transfer of $2,189.54 uncollectable taxes to Suspense Tax Book – unanimous

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the February 20 minutes. It approved the Condon inground‑pool application (#P 25‑3‑1) for 290 Main Street South after a 3‑2 vote. No action was taken on the Level 3 Communications telecom facility (#P 24‑11‑5). The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved February 20 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Condon inground‑pool application #P 25‑3‑1 (3‑2)
• No action taken on Level 3 Communications telecom facility #P 24‑11‑5
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on a Level 3 Communications telecom facility application. Commissioners asked the applicant to provide a construction timeline. A motion to continue the hearing on April 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. was approved unanimously, and the meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Motion to continue public hearing on April 17, 2025 approved unanimously
• Motion to adjourn public hearing approved unanimously