Brooklyn public meetings in 2022
31 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Selectmen
The Board approved a resubmission for a CIF grant to fund sidewalks from Town Hall to the Fairgrounds. Several members were reappointed to town boards and commissions. A request for paid firemen was tabled for the January 12th meeting.
- Approved resubmission of CIF Grant for sidewalks from Town Hall to Fairgrounds (3-0)
- Reappointed Sara Deshaies and Seth Pember to Planning & Zoning (3-0)
- Reappointed Harry Adams to Recreation (3-0)
- Reappointed Brandon Zurek to Ethics (3-0)
- Reappointed Derek Lindia to WPCA (3-0)
- Reappointed Adam Brindamour to ZBA (3-0)
- Appointed Lori Corriveau to Eastern Regional Tourism District
- Tabled request for paid firemen until January 12th (3-0)
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Commission authorized a settlement agreement for a pending litigation matter regarding a gravel excavation site. The board also tabled a proposal to allow glamping in the Residential-Agricultural Zone to make modifications to the standards.
- Approved settlement for Strategic Commercial Realty, Inc. (Rawson Materials) litigation (8-0-0)
- Tabled ZRC 22-007 regarding glamping in Residential-Agricultural Zone to January 4, 2023 (8-0-0)
- Approved December 7, 2022 meeting minutes (8-0-0)
- Seated Brian Simmons as a Regular Member for the meeting (7-0-0)
Fire Commissioners
The Board approved the minutes from the November 9, 2022, special meeting. Members discussed potential changes to the volunteer tax abatement program and the creation of a job description for paid staff. No final decisions were made on the tax abatement or paid staff funding.
- Approved minutes of November 9, 2022, special meeting (6-0-0)
- Entered executive session to discuss Brooklyn Tax District/Brooklyn/Ice Box litigation (6-0-0)
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Commission approved the November meeting minutes and established a monthly meeting schedule for 2023. A proposal for new Little League dugouts at Riverside Park was presented and will be discussed further before the January meeting.
- Approved November meeting minutes (All in Favor)
- Set 2023 meeting dates for the 2nd Monday of every month starting January 9 (All in Favor)
Board of Selectmen
The Board approved a resolution for First Selectman Tanner to execute grant documents with the State of CT and appointed a new member to the Planning and Zoning commission. Three bill vouchers were approved, and the board discussed potential uses for the Community Center.
- Appointed Gil Maiato to Planning and Zoning as a regular member (3-0)
- Approved resolution for First Selectman Tanner to execute grant documents with State of CT, DESPP, and DEMHS (3-0)
- Approved bill voucher #1264 for $65.75 (3-0)
- Approved bill voucher #1259 for $1,408.06 (3-0)
- Approved bill voucher #1265 for $131,280.73 (3-0)
- Approved minutes of 11/29/2022 (3-0)
Board of Selectmen
The Board approved a decreased funding amount of $4,350 for BBA. A $250,000 request from Brooklyn Fire Commissioners was accepted for discussion but subsequently tabled. The Board authorized Austin Tanner to consult NECCOG regarding a potential study on personnel and PPE viability.
- Approved decreased BBA request of $4,350 (5-0-0)
- Accepted Brooklyn Fire Commissioners $250,000 application for discussion (5-0-0)
- Tabled Brooklyn Fire Commissioners application (5-0-0)
- Authorized A. Tanner to consult NECCOG regarding funding for a Town study on personnel and PPE (5-0-0)
- Approved minutes from 11/16/22 (5-0-0)
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Commission closed the public hearing on a proposal to allow glamping in the Residential-Agricultural Zone but tabled the final decision. Several other special permit applications for an events facility, multi-family development, and self-storage were scheduled for future hearings.
- Seated Brian Simmons as Regular Member (6-0-0)
- Approved November 15, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0-1)
- Closed public hearing for glamping RA Zone revisions (7-0-0)
- Tabled ZRC 22-007 glamping zone amendment (7-0-0)
- Scheduled self-storage facility public hearing for Jan 4, 2023 (7-0-0)
- Scheduled events facility public hearing for Jan 17, 2023 (6-0-0)
- Scheduled 50-unit condominium public hearing for Feb 1, 2023 (7-0-0)
- Withdrew SP 22-006 craftsperson application per applicant request
Conservation Commission
The Commission issued a recommendation regarding a proposed zoning amendment for glamping in the RA Zone, requiring that campgrounds not damage resources identified in the Plan of Conservation and Development. The board also discussed the potential acquisition of an 11-acre floodplain parcel on the Quinebaug River for open space and trails.
- Approved November meeting minutes as corrected (4-0-0)
- Recommended that glamping campgrounds not damage resources in the co-occurring resource inventory and that other natural resources be vetted prior to regulation change (4-0-0)
- Approved 2023 meeting calendar
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance to reduce property line setbacks for an existing building to be used as an events facility. The decision allows setbacks to be reduced from 200 ft to 175 ft for an abutter's line and from 200 ft to 77 ft for the applicants' own property line.
- Approved variance for ZBA 22-005 to reduce setbacks for events facility (unanimous)
- Approved September 9, 2022 meeting minutes
Water Pollution Control Authority
No meeting was held on November 30, 2022, due to a lack of a quorum.
Board of Selectmen
The Board approved recommendations to streamline the town retirement plan from 33 to 25 funds and authorized balance transfers of $213,666.26. Several appointments were made to the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Housing Authority. The board also approved multiple bill vouchers totaling over $407,000.
- Approved pension fund recommendations to reduce fund count from 33 to 25 (3-0)
- Approved balance transfers in the amount of $213,666.26 (3-0)
- Approved bill voucher #1246 for $406,858.93 (3-0)
- Approved bill voucher #1245 for $861.98 (3-0)
- Approved bill voucher #1249 for $191.76 (3-0)
- Accepted resignation of Patrick Gauthier from the Board of Fire Commissioners (3-0)
- Appointed Leo Berube and David Costa to the Board of Fire Commissioners (3-0)
- Appointed Anna Whalon Ramos to the Housing Authority (3-0)
Board of Selectmen
The Board discussed and advanced several funding requests from ARPA funds, including allocations for an Economic Development Director and park improvements. One request for AMVETS insurance and repairs was denied. The Board noted that 'approved' amounts are 'not to exceed' limits.
- Advanced $80,000 for Economic Development Director
- Advanced $300,000 for South Street Park
- Denied $50,000 for AMVETS Insurance & Repairs
- Advanced $70,000 for Mortlake Fire Department lost funds (2020/2021)
- Advanced $9,700 for East Brooklyn Fire Department Hurst Jaws of Life Tool
Board of Selectmen
The Board approved funding for catch basin replacements and decided not to proceed with a project for UR Community Cares. Members also discussed the agenda and notification process for an upcoming Town Forum.
- Approved $50,000 for Highway Department Catch Basins (6-0-0)
- Denied proceeding with UR Community Cares $10,000 project (6-0-0)
- Approved minutes from 11/3/2022 (5-0-1)
Ethics Board
The Board elected a chairperson and vice chairperson. Members discussed specific revisions to the ethics ordinance, including the removal of sexual harassment language and conflict of interest definitions, to be reviewed by the town attorney.
- Approved meeting minutes from 3/30/2022 (All in Favor)
- Elected Stephanie Bellows as chairperson (All in Favor)
- Elected Brandon Zurek as vice chairperson (All in Favor)
- Decided to remove sexual harassment from the ordinance
- Decided to remove the definition of Conflict of interest from 2.40.6
- Set 2023 meetings for the first Thursday of every month at 7:00pm
Town Meetings
The Town voted to acquire the Community Center at 31 Tiffany Street for $1.00. Officials also approved the sale of two tax-sale properties to abutters and amended a Planning & Zoning Commission ordinance. A budget transfer for highway vehicles was authorized.
- Approved purchase of Community Center at 31 Tiffany Street for $1.00
- Approved amendment to Planning & Zoning Commission ordinance to allow filling expired terms any time of year
- Approved sale of .84 acres on Claudia Avenue to Zachary Credit for $21,000.00
- Approved sale of .65 acres on Paradise Drive and .14 acres on Short Street to Alice & Arthur Hall for $15,000.00
- Approved transfer of $5,744.05 from highway dump truck funds to purchase a pickup truck with a plow
Emergency Management / Homeland Security (BEMHS)
The commission approved the meeting dates for 2023 and early 2024. The December meeting was cancelled due to a scheduling conflict at the Green Building. Members discussed the status of the EMPG grant and regional CERT training.
- Approved August 18, 2022 minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved 2023-2024 meeting schedule (6-0-0)
- Cancelled December meeting (6-0-0)
Housing Authority
The board approved the 2023 meeting schedule and the minutes from September 22, 2022. Members discussed the status of rental units at 5 Front St and 29 Tiffany St, as well as a proposal for solar panel installation on town land.
- Approved minutes from September 22, 2022
- Approved 2023 meeting dates
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission continued the public hearing for ZRC 22-007, which proposes allowing glamping as a special permit use in the Residential-Agricultural Zone. The commission requested further input from the Conservation Commission and additional details on unit square footage and density. A new special permit application for a craftsperson business at 481 Pomfret Road was also received.
- Seated Brian Simmons as a Regular Member (6-0-0)
- Accepted November 2, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for ZRC 22-007 glamping amendment to December 7, 2022 (7-0-0)
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Commission approved funding to relocate tennis courts to Prince Hill. Members discussed potential upgrades to South Street Park and the design of proposed Little League dugouts at Riverside Park. The October meeting minutes were approved.
- Approved funds to move Tennis Courts to Prince Hill
- Approved October meeting minutes
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen authorized the engagement of Shipman & Goodwin for legal representation regarding an HVAC proposal bid protest. The board also approved over $104,000 in bills and scheduled a future special meeting to address public comments from a resident.
- Approved legal representation from Shipman & Goodwin for HVAC proposal bid protest (2-0)
- Approved bill voucher #1213 in the amount of $104,693.56 (2-0)
- Approved minutes of 10/27/22 (2-0)
Fire Commissioners
The FD Paid Staff Sub-Committee voted to forward an ARPA funding request for long-term paid staffing strategies to the Board of Fire Commissioners. The committee also discussed draft language for a volunteer tax abatement program, including eligibility for EMTs and interior firefighters.
- Approved minutes of October 12, 2022 (4-0-0)
- Approved forwarding the ARPA Request to the Board of Fire Commissioners (4-0-0)
Fire Commissioners
The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the 2023 regular meeting schedule and the minutes from October 12, 2022. The board discussed a proposed volunteer tax abatement program and a potential ARPA request for paid staffing, both of which require further revisions. Public comment was heard regarding a lawsuit involving the East Brooklyn Fire Tax District.
- Approved minutes of October 12, 2022 (4-0-0)
- Adopted 2023 Regular Meeting Schedule (5-0-0)
- Tabled volunteer tax abatement program pending revisions by Chairman Podzaline
Conservation Commission
The Commission met with the new Parks and Recreation Director to discuss current projects and grant programs. The board also approved a change to include subdivision materials in future agendas.
- Approved October meeting minutes (4-0-0)
- Approved motion to move Parks and Recreation discussion to item 4a (4-0-0)
- Approved requirement to include subdivision materials with future agendas (4-0-0)
Board of Selectmen
The Board approved funding for tennis courts, an ambulance, paving, and a waterline. A request for a ladder truck was denied, and the catch basins request was tabled.
- Approved $260,000 for Tennis Courts (5-0-0)
- Tabled $50,000 for Catch Basins (5-0-0)
- Approved $260,000 for Mortlake Ambulance (4-0-1)
- Approved $225,000 for Paving (5-0-0)
- Approved $200,000 for Waterline (5-0-0)
- Denied $1,500,000 for Ladder Truck (5-0-0)
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Commission approved the Brooklyn Housing Plan 2022-2027 as a replacement chapter for the Plan of Conservation and Development. A public hearing regarding a proposed text amendment to allow glamping in the Residential-Agricultural Zone was held and continued to a future meeting.
- Adopted Brooklyn Housing Plan 2022-2027 as an amendment to the Plan of Conservation and Development (7-0-0)
- Closed public hearing for the Plan of Conservation and Development Update – Housing Chapter (7-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for ZRC 22-007 regarding glamping in the RA Zone to November 15, 2022 (7-0-0)
- Seated Brian Simmons as a Regular Member for the meeting (6-0-0)
- Accepted minutes of the October 18, 2022 meeting (7-0-0)
Board of Selectmen
The committee reviewed two bids for a project requiring integration with existing Siemens environmental controls. The Sav-Mor bid was disqualified for lacking a certified vendor for the Siemens system. The committee unanimously approved the contract for Grodsky and Company.
- Awarded $5,110,000 contract to Grodsky and Company (3-0)
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen approved a resolution to transfer unexpended funds between projects and scheduled a special town meeting for November 21. The board also approved over $158,000 in bills and accepted one resignation.
- Approved minutes of 10/13/2022 (3-0)
- Accepted resignation of Felix Ramos from BOFC effective 12/2/22 (3-0)
- Approved resolution to transfer unexpended funds between projects and call a special town meeting (3-0)
- Scheduled special town meeting for Monday, November 21 at 7pm (3-0)
- Approved bill voucher #1193 in the amount of $158,524.15 (3-0)
Board of Education
The committee reviewed two bids for a project requiring integration with existing Siemens environmental controls. The Sav-Mor bid was disqualified for lacking a certified vendor. The committee unanimously awarded the contract to Grodsky and Company.
- Awarded $5,110,000 contract to Grodsky and Company (3-0)
Water Pollution Control Authority
The Authority approved the meeting minutes from August 31 and September 19, 2022, and authorized payment of bills totaling $703,156.10. Chairman Robert Kiley reported that a five-year operating agreement between Killingly and Brooklyn is still under discussion with execution expected in November.
- Approved meeting minutes from August 31 and September 19, 2022
- Approved bills in the amount of $703,156.10
Board of Selectmen
The ARPA committee voted on 13 funding requests, approving 11 totaling over $1 million, including $150,000 for school HVAC, $50,000 for network infrastructure, $264,845 for BEMHS radios, $99,239 for EBFD SCBA, $300,000 for South Street Park, and $80,000 for an Economic Development Director. A $57,000 request for Salem Village doors was unanimously denied. Discussion on a $200,000 waterline extension was postponed to a future meeting.
- Approved $4,600 for QVSC (6-0)
- Approved $5,000 for Thames Valley Community Action (6-0)
- Approved $5,000 for Brooklyn Business Association (6-0)
- Approved $9,700 for EBFD Jaws of Life (6-0)
- Approved $150,000 for school HVAC pre-grant proposal (6-0)
- Approved $50,000 for network infrastructure (6-0)
- Postponed discussion on $200,000 waterline extension on South Main Street (6-0)
- Approved $264,845 for BEMHS radios (6-0)
Ethics Board
The Board of Ethics will conduct a training exercise and review current and revised ordinances. The meeting includes the nomination or election of a Chair and Vice Chair.
- Nomination/Election of Chair/Vice Chair
- Review of Current Ordinance
- Review of Revised Ordinance and Attorney’s Comments