Deep River public meetings in 2025

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss appointments for four school consolidation task forces covering governance, finance, teaching, and grade configuration. The meeting also includes a request for tax refunds and appointments to the Board of Fire Commissions and Design Advisory Board.

• Tax Collector's request for 2 refunds totaling $5,553.80
• Appointments to School Consolidation Task forces (Governance, Grade Configuration, Finance, and Teaching and Learning)
• Appointment to fill a vacancy on the Board of Fire Commissions
• Appointment of Christine Nucci to the Design Advisory Board
• Discussion of school budget workshops and storm response communication

The Deep River Board of Selectmen approved the minutes from the previous meeting, authorized tax refunds of $5,553.80, appointed members to multiple school‑consolidation task forces, and confirmed new appointments to the Fire Commission and Design Advisory Board. The board also adopted the town’s proclamation for America’s 250th anniversary. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved December 16 minutes (3-0)
• Approved tax refunds totaling $5,553.80 (3-0)
• Approved appointments to school‑consolidation task forces (3-0)
• Appointed Gary Elliott to Fire Commission, term expires 11/20/2026 (3-0)
• Appointed Christine Nucci to Design Advisory Board, term expires 12/1/2027 (3-0)
• Adopted America’s 250th anniversary proclamation (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Board of Finance

The Deep River Board of Finance will discuss updates on financing for 2025‑26, a request for additional Planning & Zoning enforcement officer hours, and the schedule for the 2026‑27 budget process. It will also review the FY 2025‑26 budget before adjourning.

• Review of FY 2025-26 budget
• 26/27 Board of Finance schedule & budget process
• Update on anticipated 2025/26 financing
• Review request for Planning & Zoning Enforcement Officer additional hours
• Update WPCA financial support

Board of Selectmen

The Deep River Board of Selectmen will appoint up to two representatives to each of four school‑consolidation task forces: Governance, School Consolidation and Grade Configuration, Finance, and Teaching and Learning. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of the December 16 minutes, public comment periods, a proclamation for America’s 250th anniversary, school budget workshops, and a discussion of storm‑response communication.

• Governance task force appointments: Jackie Calamari (Board of Finance) and Carol Jones (Board of Selectmen)
• School Consolidation and Grade Configuration task force appointment: Cynthia Torres (Board of Selectmen)
• Finance task force appointments: Scott Connor (resident) and Duane Gates (Board of Selectmen)
• Teaching and Learning task force appointments: Tracy Shirring (resident) and Mariann Rossi‑Ondusky (resident)
• Approval of meeting minutes from the December 16, 2025 regular meeting

Town Clerk

The town will vote on the appointment and reappointment of members to several committees. The meeting includes proposals for a new part-time Assistant to the Finance Director and a new Before and After School Program.

• Reappointments to Community Health Committee, Planning and Zoning, and Zoning Board of Appeals
• Appointments of Kelsey Sneed and Lauren Nichols to Community Health Committee
• Appointment of Sarah J. Makowicki to Planning and Zoning
• Creation of a temporary part-time Assistant to the Finance Director position funded by the WPCA
• Approval of a self-funding Before and After School Program by Deep River Parks and Recreation

The Special Town Meeting unanimously approved several items: reappointments to the Community Health Committee, Planning and Zoning, and the Zoning Board of Appeals; new appointments to the Community Health Committee and Planning and Zoning; creation of a temporary Assistant to the Finance Director position funded by the Water Pollution Control Authority; and a new Before and After School Program proposed by Parks & Recreation.

• Appointed Duane Gates as meeting moderator (unanimously approved)
• Reappointed members of Community Health Committee, Planning and Zoning, and Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimously approved)
• Appointed new members to Community Health Committee and Planning and Zoning (unanimously approved)
• Approved creation of Assistant to Finance Director position, funded by WPCA (unanimously approved)
• Approved new Before and After School Program by Parks & Recreation (unanimously approved)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will approve minutes from October 28 and November 25, 2025, confirm new and continuing appointments, and set the Board's meeting dates for 2026. They will also receive a Department of Public Works report, discuss school budget workshops and consolidation task forces, and schedule upcoming boards and the Town Meeting.

• Approve meeting minutes from Oct. 28 and Nov. 25, 2025
• Appointment of Brittney Rae to Sustainable and Transfer Station Committees
• Reappointment of Jonathan Kastner as Planning and Zoning alternate member
• Approve Board of Selectmen meeting dates for 2026
• Department of Public Works report

The Selectmen approved the minutes from the October 28 and November 25 meetings. They appointed Brittney Rae to the Sustainable and Transfer Station committees and extended Sarah Makowicki’s term on the Planning and Zoning commission. Jonathan Kastner was reappointed as an alternate member of the Planning and Zoning commission. The board adopted the schedule for its 2026 meetings and tabled the year‑in‑review discussion.

• Approved October 28 and November 25 meeting minutes (3‑0)
• Appointed Brittney Rae to Sustainable and Transfer Station committees; extended Sarah Makowicki term to 12/1/2027 (3‑0)
• Reappointed Jonathan Kastner as alternate for Planning and Zoning commission (3‑0)
• Adopted 2026 Board of Selectmen meeting dates (3‑0)
• Tabled Year in Review discussion (3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (3‑0)

Firehouse Building Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) and selection criteria for building program and design services. Members will also review site feasibility, project funding, and potential grant opportunities.

• Discussion on RFP issuance and selection criteria for design services
• Review of potential grant opportunities with Tony Bolduc
• Discussion of site feasibility and project funding updates
• Tracking of existing firehouse condition assessment and property values
• Tracking of town ordinances pending a Town meeting vote

The Firehouse Building Committee approved a schedule for the design RFP, with issuance on Dec 22, 2025 and key deadlines through Feb 2026. The committee also adopted a twice‑monthly meeting schedule for 2026 (third Tuesdays and first Thursdays). The secretary report was tabled and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• RFP issuance date set for Dec 22, 2025
• Optional walkthrough scheduled for Jan 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM
• Questions due by email Jan 14, 2026 (EOB)
• Proposals due Jan 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM
• Committee meeting schedule for 2026 approved: twice monthly (third Tuesdays and first Thursdays)
• Secretary report tabled
• No new business presented
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously 7‑0

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will meet to review updates on specific local properties and town representation. The body will also discuss traffic, the town website, and the winter carnival.

• Mt St John property update
• 12 Bridge Street update
• CT Main Street Center update
• Traffic update
• Winter carnival discussion

The commission could not conduct official business because a quorum was not present. No votes were taken and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled. The meeting adjourned and will reconvene on January 20, 2026.

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Deep River Water Pollution Control Authority will meet on Dec 15, 2025 at 7:30 pm. The agenda includes routine reports, approval of prior minutes, and updates on accounting support, a Chester agreement, and by‑law revisions. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed.

• Approve previous month's meeting minutes
• Monthly Operations Report
• WPCA Controllers Report
• WPCA Accounting Support Update
• Chester WPCA Agreement Vote

The board approved the November 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote. They ratified the Town of Chester’s Water Pollution Control Authority agreement, also 4‑0. The authority set 2026 meeting dates for the second Monday of each month at 6 pm, 4‑0. Extended terms were approved for Chair Nick Kornacki, Vice Chair Ryan deMik, and Secretary George “Bud” Eckenroth, each by a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved November 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved Chester WPCA agreement (4-0)
• Set 2026 meeting dates: second Monday monthly at 6 pm (4-0)
• Extended term for George “Bud” Eckenroth as Secretary (4-0)
• Extended term for Ryan deMik as Vice Chair (4-0)
• Extended term for Nick Kornacki as Chair (4-0)
• Tabled WPCA By‑Laws update (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:00 pm (4-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Deep River Planning and Zoning Commission for Thursday, December 11, 2025, has been cancelled.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Commission will consider site plan applications for a residential addition and a recycling facility. The body will also elect officers and establish the 2026 meeting schedules.

• Site plan application for four residential dwelling units at 190 Main Street
• Site plan application for a recycling and volume reduction facility at 400 Commercial Drive
• Election of officers
• Establishment of 2026 Regular Meeting and Joint Land Use Commissions schedules
• Proposed amendment to bylaws regarding the meeting schedule

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will consider an application from Regional School District #4 for a gravel emergency access and walking/running trail. The body will also determine its 2026 meeting schedule and elect officers.

• Regional School District #4 application for gravel emergency access and walking/running trail at Kelsey Hill Road (Map 48, Lot 3 and 8)
• Election of Officers
• 2026 Meeting Schedule

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November 13 meeting. It then approved the Regional School District #4 application for a gravel emergency access and trail on Kelsey Hill Road, adding three environmental stipulations. The 2026 regular meeting schedule and quarterly conservation meetings were also approved. Officers for 2026 were appointed unanimously.

• Approved November 13 minutes (4-0)
• Approved Regional School District emergency access trail with stipulations (4-0)
• Approved 2026 regular meeting schedule and quarterly conservation meetings (4-0)
• Appointed 2026 officers: Chairman Tanner Steeves, Vice Chairman John Woitovich, Treasurer Carol Libby, Secretary Susan Board (4-0)
• Discussed Westbrook Road subdivision proposal – no decision taken

Deep River Sustainable CT Committee

The SustainableCT Committee will meet to discuss the Energy Campaign and thin plastics updates. The body will also review year goals and items from the Council of Government.

• Energy Campaign update and plans
• Thin plastics update
• Electric lawn equipment discussion
• Council of Government survey
• Festival of Trees update

The Sustainable CT Committee approved the prior meeting minutes by unanimous vote. No other actions were formally decided; the remaining items were updates or deferred for future discussion.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Deep River Board of Finance will convene on December 10, 2025, to discuss the 2026 budget process and review accounting support for the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA).

• 2026 Budget Process Discussion
• WPCA Accounting Support review
• Park & Rec. Pre/Post School Program discussion

The Board of Finance unanimously approved the proposed before‑ and after‑school program at the elementary school, requiring only part‑time staff. The town will schedule a special meeting to approve a temporary WPCA‑funded finance position. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved before/after‑school program with part‑time staff only (unanimous)
• Town will hold a special meeting to approve temporary WPCA‑funded finance position (no vote recorded)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Board of Selectmen

The Deep River Board of Selectmen will approve the minutes from the November 25, 2025 meeting and set its meeting dates for 2026. It will receive a report from the Department of Public Works and review school budget projections. The board will also confirm two committee appointments for Brittney Rae and note the upcoming Holiday Stroll and Year in Review items.

• Approval of meeting minutes from the regular meeting of November 25, 2025
• Appointment of Brittney Rae to the Deep River Sustainable Committee
• Appointment of Brittney Rae to the Transfer Station Committee
• Approval of Board of Selectmen meeting dates for 2026
• Department of Public Works report

Library Trustees

The Deep River Public Library Board of Trustees will elect officers and approve the minutes from the November 10, 2025 meeting. The board will receive treasurer’s reports for the Liberty and Citizens accounts and hear the Library Director’s report on statistics, programs, streaming services, and a donation. Old business includes discussion and possible action on the 2026‑27 budget proposal and a review of the Lothrop space assessment plan.

• Election of officers
• Approval of minutes from Monday, November 10, 2025
• Treasurer’s reports for Liberty and Citizens accounts
• Discussion of Budget Proposal 2026‑27
• Discussion of Lothrop space assessment plan

The board nominated Donna Mingrone as chair, Linda Zemmel as vice chair, Sarah Field as secretary, and Alexa Jamieson as corresponding secretary. They approved the November 10 minutes, the Liberty Bank account report, and moved the proposed 2026‑27 budget forward to the Board of Selectmen. The Lothrop Associates space assessment was tabled until the January meeting.

• Nominated Donna Mingrone chair, Linda Zemmel vice chair, Sarah Field secretary, Alexa Jamieson corresponding secretary (unanimous)
• Approved November 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Liberty Bank account report (unanimous)
• Approved forwarding the Proposed Budget for 2026‑27 to the Board of Selectmen (unanimous)
• Tabled Lothrop Associates Space and Functional Needs Assessment until January meeting (no action taken)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:17 pm (unanimous)

Transfer Station Committee

The Transfer Station Committee approved the minutes from the November 10, 2025 meeting. A motion to temporarily table the meeting was carried, followed by a motion to resume the meeting, which also carried. The committee then adjourned the meeting by motion. No policy, budget, or operational decisions were finalized.

• Accepted November 10, 2025 minutes (carried)
• Tabled meeting (motion carried)
• Resumed meeting (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission is holding a special meeting and executive session. The session will focus on a ZBA decision appeal and a site plan application for 400 Commercial Drive.

• Executive session regarding 400 Commercial Drive ZBA decision appeal
• Executive session regarding 400 Commercial Drive PZC site plan application

Library Trustees

The Deep River Public Library Board of Trustees will review the results and recommendations from an investigation into library issues. The meeting includes moving into an executive session for that discussion, then returning to open session before adjourning.

• Review of results and recommendations concerning the investigation of library issues

The Deep River Public Library Board of Trustees held a special meeting where motions were made and seconded to enter and later exit executive session, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. No policy, budget, or program decisions were recorded.

• Motion to move into Executive session made and seconded
• Motion to move out of Executive session made and seconded
• Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

Municipal Ethics Commission

The Municipal Ethics Commission is meeting to establish its 2026 meeting schedule and elect officers. The body will also discuss the creation of a subcommittee to investigate adding a code of conduct to the existing code of ethics.

• Election of DRMEC officers for 2026
• Discussion on creating a subcommittee for a code of conduct
• Follow-up on a response to a complainant
• Establishment of the 2026 meeting schedule

The Municipal Ethics Commission approved the minutes from the prior meeting and adopted the 2026 meeting schedule. Commissioners elected Joan Defilippo as Chairman, Cody Layton as Co‑chairman, Josh Rutty as Secretary, and John Greene as Treasurer. The commission held and then exited an executive session before adjourning the meeting.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted 2026 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Elected 2026 officers: Joan Defilippo Chairman, Cody Layton Co‑chairman, Josh Rutty Secretary, John Greene Treasurer (unanimous)
• Moved to executive session to review response to last complainant (unanimous)
• Exited executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Community Health Committee

The Deep River Community Health Committee will discuss its backpack program, which provides holiday gifts to students. The committee will also give an update on the town’s food pantry services. In other business, members will address officer elections, bylaws updates, and other acknowledgments.

• Backpack program discussion
• Food pantry update
• Election of new officers
• Bylaws updates
• Thank you notes

The committee voted to raise the annual household fund limit to $400 for essential items. It also approved up to $300 for holiday pantry gifts and set backpack program gifts between $200 and $500. All motions were adopted without recorded vote tallies.

• Increase household fund limit to $400 per year – approved
• Allocate up to $300 for pantry holiday gifts – approved
• Set backpack program gift range $200‑$500 – approved
• Approve minutes from the November meeting – approved

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Deep River Board of Fire Commissioners will meet on Dec. 1, 2025, to approve minutes, review financial statements, and receive reports from the chief, deputy, fire marshal, and engineer.

• Approval of November 3, 2025 meeting minutes
• Financial statement and payment of bills
• Chief’s report
• Deputy’s report
• Fire Marshal and Engineer reports

The Board unanimously accepted the November 1, 2025 minutes. It also unanimously approved the yearly agenda for 2026. The Chairman announced that Riverview will be contracted for snow plowing this year. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted November 1, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 agenda (unanimous)
• Riverview contracted for snow plowing (no vote recorded)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will elect its 2025-26 chair and vice chair. Members will review the FY 2025-26 budget and receive updates on 2025 financing and year-end budget financials.

• Election of 2025-26 chair and vice chair
• Review of FY 2025-26 budget
• Update on WPCA funding and employee search
• Update on anticipated 2025 financing
• Update on FY 2024-25 year-end budget financials

The board elected Timothy Puglielli as chair and Carmela Balducci as vice chair, each vote passing unanimously (6‑0). The board approved the regular meeting minutes from October 28 and the special meeting minutes from November 10 and 18, each with a 5‑0 vote (one abstention). The board approved a $215 refund to the Building Department, vote 6‑0. No other substantive actions were taken; the board discussed staffing, financing, and a proposed after‑school program.

• Elected Timothy Puglielli as Chair (6-0)
• Elected Carmela Balducci as Vice Chair (6-0)
• Approved Oct. 28 regular meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Nov. 10 & 18 special meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved $215 Building Department refund (6-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to consider reappointments to the Economic Development Commission and Parks and Recreation. The agenda includes discussions on revaluation, the Heat Smart Program, and Region 4 project updates.

• Reappointments for Deep River Economic Development Commission and Parks and Recreation
• Discussion on revaluation
• Sustainable Committee Heat Smart Program
• Refund of building permit fees
• Region 4 project updates

The Selectmen approved the amendment to adopt the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0). They reappointed all listed members of the Economic Development Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission (3‑0). The Board also approved a $215 refund of a building permit fee (3‑0) and set the start time for next year's meetings to 6:00 PM (3‑0).

• Amended agenda to approve October 14, 2025 minutes (3‑0)
• Reappointed Economic Development Commission members (3‑0)
• Reappointed Parks & Recreation Commission members (3‑0)
• Approved $215 refund of building permit fee (3‑0)
• Set upcoming year meeting start time to 6:00 PM (3‑0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Deep River Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the October 29, 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously voted to continue the 190 Main Street application and the 400 Commercial Drive site‑plan application to the next regular meeting. The agenda order was altered and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved October 29, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Continued 190 Main Street application (unanimous)
• Continued 400 Commercial Drive site‑plan application (unanimous)
• Altered agenda order (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Deep River Planning & Zoning Commission will review several old‑business items, including a site‑plan application to add four residential dwelling units at 190 Main Street, a fine schedule, and the Downtown Masterplan. New‑business items include a site‑plan for a recycling and volume‑reduction facility at 400 Commercial Drive, a proposal to move future meetings to Wednesdays at 6 p.m., a discussion on expanding the Design Advisory Board’s review to all signs and the Harbor District, and an inquiry about a permit to add a second apartment at 447 Main Street. The meeting will also include reports from the Zoning Enforcement Officer, regulations discussion, the town attorney, the chairman, the budget office, and the RiverCOG Housing Committee, followed by payment of bills and adjournment.

• Site‑plan application for four residential units at 190 Main Street (Lot 45, mixed‑use property)
• Site‑plan application for a recycling, volume‑reduction facility at 400 Commercial Drive
• Inquiry for a permit to add a second apartment at 447 Main Street in the General Commercial District
• Review of the Downtown Masterplan
• Discussion of the fine schedule

The commission unanimously approved the October 29 special‑meeting minutes. It voted to continue the 190 Main Street residential addition and the 400 Commercial Drive recycling facility site‑plan applications to the next regular meeting. The agenda was reordered, and members agreed to shift monthly meetings to the third Wednesday at 6 p.m., with the bylaw change to follow.

• Approved Oct 29, 2025 special‑meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Continued 190 Main Street site‑plan application to next meeting (unanimous)
• Continued 400 Commercial Drive recycling facility site‑plan application to next meeting (unanimous)
• Altered agenda to place item (d) before item (b) (unanimous)
• Agreed to change monthly meeting day to third Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.; bylaw amendment pending (unanimous)
• Discussed expanding Design Advisory Board scope to signs and Harbor District (no decision)
• Decided to conduct regulations discussion at regular meetings rather than separate committees (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:04 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Deep River Board of Finance will move into an executive session to interview candidates for a board vacancy that runs until November 2027. After the interviews, the board may vote to appoint a candidate, after which the position will return to the municipal election ballot for a full term. The meeting is called to order by Vice Chair Carmela Balducci.

• Move to executive session to interview BOF vacancy candidates (term ends Nov 2027)
• Possible vote to appoint a candidate to fill the BOF vacancy (term ends Nov 2027)
• Call to order by Vice Chair Carmela Balducci

The Board of Finance entered executive session to interview candidates, then returned to open session. The board voted to appoint Kathryn Russell to the vacant Democratic seat on the Board of Finance until the 2027 municipal election. All motions, including adjournment, were approved.

• Moved into executive session for candidate interviews (passed 4-0)
• Moved out of executive session (passed 4-0)
• Appointed Kathryn Russell to vacant BOF Democratic seat until 2027 election (passed 3-2)
• Adjourned meeting (passed 4-0)

Economic Development Commission

The Deep River Economic Development Commission will review updates on the Mt St John property, 12 Bridge Street, the CT Main Street Center, and traffic conditions. Members will also receive a status report on the Economic Development Plan and other ongoing initiatives. No formal decisions are listed; the meeting appears focused on informational updates and community input.

• Mt St John property update
• 12 Bridge Street update
• CT Main Street Center update
• Traffic update
• Economic Development Plan discussion

The Economic Development Commission approved the October 2025 meeting minutes. The commission decided to hold merchant steering committee meetings monthly rather than quarterly. The next EDC meeting was scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025.

• Approved October 2025 minutes
• Changed merchant steering committee meetings to monthly
• Scheduled December 15, 2025 EDC meeting

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will meet to approve minutes from October 9, 2025, and discuss a gravel access and trail application for Regional School District #4 on Kelsey Hill Road. The agenda includes a report on finances and the payment of bills.

• Approval of October 9, 2025, minutes
• Regional School District #4 gravel access and trail application
• 2026 meeting schedule
• Enforcement report and discussion
• Finance report and payment of bills

The commission unanimously approved the corrected minutes of the October 9, 2025 meeting and the minutes of the public hearing on that date. It unanimously accepted the Regional School District #4 application for a gravel emergency‑access driveway and trail at Valley Regional High School, contingent on receiving a soil‑scientist report and wetlands flagging. The 2026 meeting schedule was tabled to the next regular meeting. New regulations were approved and the commission adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

• Approved corrected minutes of Oct 9, 2025 meeting (4-0)
• Approved minutes of Oct 9, 2025 public hearing (4-0)
• Accepted Regional School District #4 trail application, pending soil report and wetlands flagging (4-0)
• Tabled 2026 meeting schedule
• Approved new regulations
• Adjourned meeting at 8:01 p.m. (4-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will meet virtually to review reports and approve previous meeting minutes. The body will also establish its meeting calendar for 2026 and receive an update on Holiday Stroll planning.

• Approval of October Regular and Special Meeting minutes
• Creation of 2026 P&R Meeting Calendar
• Holiday Stroll planning update

The Parks & Recreation Commission approved the minutes from the October 8 regular meeting and the October 28 special meeting, each with a 5‑0 vote. The commission also received reports on ballfield irrigation repairs, upcoming summer‑camp registration, and holiday stroll planning, but no further actions were taken.

• Approved Oct. 8 regular meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Approved Oct. 28 special meeting minutes (5‑0)

Deep River Sustainable CT Committee

The Deep River Sustainable CT Committee will review and approve the prior meeting minutes, set the 2026 meeting schedule, and discuss upcoming activities. Topics include the Energy Campaign event planned for November 19, an update on fundraising and installation of new library seating, and a report on thin‑plastic initiatives. Any new business will be addressed before adjournment.

• Energy Campaign – November 19 event discussion
• Library seating fundraising and installation update
• Thin plastics update
• 2026 meeting schedule planning
• Minutes review and approval

The Deep River SustainableCT Committee approved the previous meeting minutes. The committee adopted a 2026 schedule of meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 5 PM and will publish it.

• Approved previous meeting minutes
• Adopted 2026 meeting schedule: second Thursday each month at 5 PM

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission will meet to receive updates from the Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission, Economic Development Commission, Land Trust, and Design Review. The agenda consists of procedural updates and general business.

• Update on PZC decisions
• Update on CIWC decisions
• Update on EDC decisions
• Update on LT decisions
• Update on DRC decisions

Economic Development Commission

The Deep River Planning & Zoning Commission will hear updates from several related commissions, including Planning and Zoning, Conservation and Inland Wetlands, Economic Development, Land Trust, and Design Review. The agenda also lists old business, new business, and an adjournment. No specific decisions or actions are detailed in the agenda.

• Planning and Zoning Commission: update on decisions
• Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission: update on decisions
• Economic Development Commission: update on decisions
• Land Trust: update on decisions
• Design Review: update on decisions

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The meeting consists of updates from the Planning and Zoning Commission, Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission, Economic Development Commission, Land Trust, and Design Review. No specific applications or ordinances are listed for decision.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet on November 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM. The agenda includes a discussion of the WPCA’s request to create an assistant to the finance director position. No other substantive items are listed beyond the call to order and adjournment.

• WPCA request to create an assistant to the finance director position

The Board of Finance voted 3-2 to engage a temporary staffing agency to provide a part‑time position in the Finance Department for up to 12 months to support WPCA accounting needs. The position will be fully funded by the WPCA with a fee to the town not to exceed $55,000 and will be evaluated after one year. The board also voted 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM.

• Approved engagement of a temporary staffing agency for a part‑time finance position, funded up to $55,000 (3-2)
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:55 PM (5-0)

Library Trustees

The Deep River Library Board of Trustees will review a space assessment by Lothrop Associates, approve minutes and treasurer reports, and discuss the 2026-27 budget and trustee policies.

• Lothrop Associates space assessment
• Approval of 2026 meeting dates
• First reading of 2026-27 budget
• Discussion on Trustee Code of Conduct
• Nomination for Jim Davis Service Award

The board approved the minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting and the Citizen Bank account report, both unanimously. They also unanimously adopted an updated Privacy and Security Policy and the Connecticut Statutory Policy requirements. The trustees approved the 2026 meeting calendar with specific dates and unanimously awarded Duane Gates the Jim Davis Service Award. No action was taken on the Liberty Bank account and no volunteer stepped forward for the nominating committee.

• Approved minutes of Oct 20, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Citizen Bank account report (unanimous)
• Approved updated Privacy and Security Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Connecticut Statutory Policy requirements (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting calendar with dates (unanimous)
• Awarded Duane Gates the Jim Davis Service Award (unanimous)
• No action taken on Liberty Bank account (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:56 PM (unanimous)

Transfer Station Committee

The Deep River Transfer Station Committee will review an update to the Transfer Station ordinance. It will also consider clarifications of DRES Blue Earth payments, job descriptions for the station, recycling matters, and Freedom of Information considerations. The meeting includes a public comment period and follow‑up from a recent special committee meeting.

• Update on Transfer Station (TS) Ordinance
• Clarification of DRES Blue Earth payments
• Review of TS job descriptions
• Discussion of recycling issues
• FOI (Freedom of Information) considerations

The committee approved the September meeting minutes after a motion by Jim and a second by Tom. It decided to continue holding meetings on the second Monday of each month and confirmed Lenore Grunko will remain chair. The meeting was then adjourned following a motion by Jim and a second by Tom.

• Approved September minutes (motion by Jim, second by Tom)
• Retained Lenore Grunko as chair of the committee
• Set future meetings for the second Monday of each month
• Adjourned the meeting (motion by Jim, second by Tom)

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Deep River Water Pollution Control Authority will review updates to its by‑laws, accounting support, and the Chester WPCA agreement as old business. It will also present a monthly operations report and a controllers report. Any new business may be introduced before adjournment.

• WPCA By-Laws Update
• WPCA Accouting Support Update
• Chester WPCA Agreement Update
• Monthly Operations Report
• WPCA’s Controllers Report

The board tabled approval of the October minutes until the December meeting. No votes were recorded on any other agenda items, and discussions did not result in formal decisions. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approval of October minutes tabled (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Firehouse Building Committee

The Deep River Firehouse Building Committee will approve the minutes from its October 2, 2025 meeting. It will discuss updates on site feasibility, project funding, and grant opportunities, including a review by Tony Bolduc. The committee will consider the issuance of an RFP for building design services and review the schedule for its 2026 meetings, which will be voted on. Additional items include status updates on the existing firehouse condition, property values, public communications, and pending town ordinances.

• Approve minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting
• Discuss updates on site feasibility
• Discuss updates on project funding
• Discuss grants and fundraising, inviting Tony Bolduc
• Review and vote on the 2026 meeting schedule

The committee seated Dave Berardis in place of Nicholas Kornacki (4‑0). It approved the October 2 minutes (4‑0, with one abstention). The committee voted to have Selectwoman Russell contact the Valley Courier to publish an article on the firehouse project (5‑0). It also set future meeting dates for 2026 and adjourned (both 5‑0).

• Seat Dave Berardis on committee (4‑0)
• Approve October 2 minutes (4‑0, Paradis abstained)
• Selectwoman Russell to engage Valley Courier for article (5‑0)
• Schedule meetings for 2026 on third Thursday and second Tuesday (5‑0)
• Adjourn meeting at 6:49 PM (5‑0)

Board of Selectmen

The Deep River Board of Selectmen will discuss and act to approve a new Assistant to the Finance Director position and refer it to the Board of Finance for approval. The meeting also includes appointments and reappointments to several town committees and authorities, with terms ending in 2027 or 2028. An executive session will be held to meet with Shoreline HR consultants about library personnel matters.

• Approve new Assistant to Finance Director position and move it to Board of Finance
• Appointment of Kelsey Sneed to Community Health Committee (term expires 12/1/2027)
• Reappointment of Jennie Maneri to Deep River Design Advisory (term expires 12/1/2027)
• Reappointment of Sybil Higgins as alternate member of Zoning Board of Appeals (term expires 12/1/2028)
• Executive session with Shoreline HR consultants regarding library personnel

The Selectmen approved Kelsey Sneed's appointment to the Community Health Committee (3‑0). They reappointed members of the Design Advisory, Community Health Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Water Pollution Control Authority (3‑0). After an initial vote to exclude her, E. Lori Gregan was reappointed to the Community Health Committee (2‑1). The board also approved entering an Executive Session (3‑0).

• Appointed Kelsey Sneed to Community Health Committee (3‑0)
• Reappointed Design Advisory members Jennie Maneri and Pamela Potter (3‑0)
• Reappointed Community Health Committee members Joyce Berardis and Nancy O‑Neill‑McGee (3‑0)
• Reappointed E. Lori Gregan to Community Health Committee after initial exclusion (2‑1)
• Reappointed Zoning Board of Appeals members Sybil Higgins (alternate) and Edmund Southworth (3‑0)
• Reappointed Water Pollution Control Authority members Gregory R. Demik and Nicholas J. Kornacki (3‑0)
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session (3‑0)

Design Advisory Board

The Design Advisory Board recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission require adherence to the outlined conditions as part of zoning approval for the renovation and expansion at 190 Main Street. The Board expressed no objections to the design context, site design, building design, or signage and lighting. The project adds a second floor, creates four residential units, and expands parking to 29 spaces.

• Design Board recommends PZC require adherence to specified conditions for zoning approval
• No objections to design context (window openings, door, moldings, shutters, clapboard siding)
• No objections to site design (driveway unchanged, new asphalt parking lot, vegetation protection, new stair)
• No objections to building design (Colonial style preserved, two‑story expansion, roof replacement)
• No objections to signage and lighting (existing fixtures remain, no new signage)
• Project adds second floor, creating four residential units and expanding parking to 29 spaces

Town Clerk

The Deep River Town Clerk issued a legal warning notifying electors of the municipal election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The notice lists the offices up for election, including First Selectman, Selectman, Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, and others. Early voting will be held at the Community Room of the Deep River Public Library, 150 Main Street, with specific hours from October 20‑31, 2025, and November 1‑2, 2025. Same‑Day Registration and absentee ballot counting will also be available at that location, and voting tabulators will be used.

• Municipal election on Nov 4, 2025 for multiple town offices
• Early voting Oct 20‑27, 29, & 31 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Oct 28 & 30 (8 a.m.–8 p.m.)
• Early voting Nov 1‑2 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
• Polling location: Community Room, Deep River Public Library, 150 Main Street
• Voting tabulators will be used; same‑day registration and absentee ballot counting offered

The November 4, 2025 municipal election was held in the Deep River Library community room. A total of 1,889 votes were cast, yielding a 57% turnout of 3,288 registered voters. The minutes list the vote totals for each office and indicate the elected officials with an asterisk. No other actions or resolutions were taken by the town board during this meeting.

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board will approve the minutes from the October 6, 2025 meeting and adopt the 2026 meeting calendar. It will review the latest financial statement and hear reports from the Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, Engineer and Chairman. The session will also address any old or new business before adjourning.

• Approve minutes from the regular meeting held on October 6, 2025
• Approve Board of Fire Commissioners 2026 meeting schedule (January 5 2026 through January 4 2027)
• Financial Statement/Payment of Bills
• Chief’s Report
• Old Business

The commission unanimously accepted the October minutes and moved to adjourn the meeting. The chief was instructed to contact an alternative snow‑plow contractor before signing any contract. Berardis will send a thank‑you letter to Bud from the Board of Finance for his recent service. The meeting concluded at 7:30 p.m.

• Accepted October minutes (unanimous)
• Chief to contact another snow‑plow contractor before contract signing
• Berardis to send a letter to Bud of the Board of Finance
• Meeting adjourned (unanimous)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission closed the public hearing on the dental assistant school application and then voted unanimously to approve the special permit. The commission also voted to postpone the site‑plan application for four new residential units at 190 Main Street to the November meeting. All votes were unanimous.

• Closed public hearing on Dental Assistant School application (unanimous)
• Approved Dental Assistant School special permit (unanimous)
• Continued J&J Deep River site‑plan application to November meeting (unanimous)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Deep River Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a special permit for a Dental Assistant School extension at 199 Main Street, submitted by Trust Dental Academy LLC. The same special permit will be revisited as old business. New business includes a site plan application to add four residential dwelling units at 190 Main Street, submitted by J&J Deep River LLC.

• Special Permit Application – Dental Assistant School extension at 199 Main Street (Trust Dental Academy LLC)
• Reconsideration of the same special permit as old business
• Site Plan Application – addition of four residential dwelling units at 190 Main Street (J&J Deep River LLC)

The commission unanimously closed the public hearing on the Trust Dental Academy LLC application and then unanimously approved the application as presented. They also voted unanimously to postpone the J&J Deep River LLC site‑plan application for 190 Main Street to the November meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

• Closed public hearing on Trust Dental Academy application (unanimous)
• Approved Trust Dental Academy application (unanimous)
• Continued J&J Deep River LLC site‑plan to November meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:28 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will review the FY 2025-26 budget and discuss funding for additional finance staff at the WPCA. The meeting includes a presentation on unused funds from a 2022 capital improvement project and a review of anticipated 2025 financing.

• Review of FY 2025-26 budget
• Discussion of WPCA increase for finance staff
• Presentation on 2022 Capital Improvement Borrow unused funds
• Update on anticipated 2025 financing
• Discussion of Alternative ADM measurement working group

The Board of Finance approved the September 23, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0). It voted to close the deposit account with Essex Bank and transfer $2,835.85 to the Citizens Bank General Fund (5‑0). The Board also approved a lump‑sum payment of approximately $14,000 to an employee for back wages (5‑0). The meeting was adjourned (5‑0).

• Approved September 23, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Closed Essex Bank deposit account and transferred $2,835.85 to Citizens Bank (5-0)
• Approved lump‑sum payment of approx. $14,000 back wages to employee (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will appoint and reappoint members to several town committees, including the Community Health Committee and Planning & Zoning. They will discuss the proposed P & R art installation at Plattwood Park. The meeting will also provide municipal election information, early‑voting details, and an update on repairs to the Town Hall building.

• Appointments and reappointments to the Community Health Committee, Planning & Zoning, Conservation & Inlands Wetlands Commission, and Transfer Station Committee
• Discussion of the proposed P & R art installation at Plattwood Park
• Presentation of municipal election information and early‑voting schedule
• Update on Town Hall building repairs
• Public comment periods for citizens (two audience segments)

The board approved corrected minutes from the September meeting with a 3-0 vote. Several appointments and reappointments were confirmed, including Lauren Nichols to the Community Health Committee and multiple members of Planning, Conservation and Transfer Station committees, all passing 3-0. The board also voted 3-0 to recommend that the Parks & Rec department not move forward with the $600 public art piece at Plattwood Park. A walk‑through with River Valley Transit was approved and the meeting was adjourned by a 3-0 vote.

• Accepted corrected minutes (3-0)
• Approved Lauren Nichols appointment to Community Health Committee (3-0)
• Reappointed Planning & Zoning members and promoted Sara Makowicki (3-0)
• Reappointed Conservation/Inland Wetlands members (3-0)
• Reappointed Transfer Station Committee members (3-0)
• Recommended Parks & Rec not proceed with Plattwood Park art installation (3-0)
• Approved walk‑through with River Valley Transit (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting to continue discussions regarding a proposed sculpture at Plattwood Park.

• Proposed sculpture at Plattwood Park

The commission discussed resident objections to a proposed "Water Dragon" sculpture at Plattwood Park pond. A motion was made to postpone the decision on the sculpture until the April 2026 commission meeting. The motion passed with a 4-0 vote and one abstention.

• Delay decision on "Water Dragon" sculpture until April 2026 (4-0, 1 abstention)

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will hear a presentation from Lothrop Associates Architects reviewing the Deep River Library’s space needs and expansion plan. After the presentation, trustees will hold a question‑and‑answer period. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation by Lothrop Associates Architects reviewing library expansion plan

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will hold its special quarterly meeting on October 23, 2025 at Town Hall. The agenda includes a call to order, a discussion of conservation matters, and adjournment. No specific proposals or decisions are listed.

Firehouse Building Committee

The committee will discuss the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) and selection criteria for building program and design services. Members will also review site feasibility, project funding, and potential grant opportunities.

• Discussion of RFP for building program and design services
• Review of site feasibility and alternative sites
• Discussion of project funding and grant opportunities
• Vote on the 2026 meeting schedule

Library Trustees

The Deep River Library Board will review and possibly act on three key policies: the Trustee Code of Conduct, the Privacy and Security Policy, and other statutory requirements. The meeting also includes updates on carpet replacement and an early literacy grant. No final decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Discussion and possible action on Trustee Code of Conduct
• Discussion and possible action on Privacy and Security Policy
• Discussion and possible action on Statutory Requirements
• Update on carpet replacement project
• Update on early literacy grant

The trustees voted unanimously to approve the minutes from September 8, 2025, noting a pending correction to the Trustee Code of Conduct. They also approved the Treasurer’s report for Liberty and Citizens Bank. No action was taken on the Trustee Code of Conduct or the updated State Statutory Policies, which remain pending. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:05 p.m.

• Approved September 8 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s report (unanimous)
• No action on Trustee Code of Conduct (pending input)
• No action on updated State Statutory Policies (pending changes)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development Commission

The commission will review updates on several ongoing projects, including the Mt St John property, 12 Bridge Street, and the CT Main Street Center. Members will receive reports on representation at town meetings, traffic conditions, and the commission’s website. The Economic Development Plan will be discussed, along with a winter carnival proposal and the selection of a business of the month.

• Mt St John property update
• 12 Bridge Street update
• CT Main Street Center update
• Economic Development Plan discussion
• Winter carnival discussion

The Deep River Economic Development Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 18 and September 15, 2025 meetings. Rusty Rail Tavern was selected as the Business of the Month. No other formal actions were taken; a signage sub‑committee was proposed but not decided.

• Approved August 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Selected Rusty Rail Tavern as Business of the Month

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will introduce Resident State Trooper Derek Mauriello. They will discuss a public art display for Parks and Recreation, which could be voted on. A working session will review proposed ordinances related to Parks and Recreation and Solid Waste. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Introduction of Resident State Trooper Derek Mauriello
• Discussion and possible vote on public art display (Parks and Recreation)
• Working session to review proposed ordinances for Parks and Recreation
• Working session to review proposed ordinances for Solid Waste

The Board of Selectmen voted 3‑0 to approve a dragon‑design art installation in Plattwood Park pond, provided the Parks & Recreation department can raise private funds. The $600 cost will not be taken from the department’s budget. The meeting was then adjourned by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved $600 art installation for Plattwood Park pond, contingent on private funding (3-0)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed (3-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The regular Deep River Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for October 16, 2025 was cancelled. A special meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 7:00 pm. The special meeting will include a public hearing on a special permit application to extend a Dental Assistant School within the existing Deep River Family Dental office at 199 Main Street (Map 57, Lot 113). The applicant is Trust Dental Academy LLC.

• Cancellation of the regular October 16, 2025 meeting
• Special meeting scheduled for October 29, 2025 at 7 pm
• Public hearing on a special permit for a Dental Assistant School extension at 199 Main Street (Map 57, Lot 113)
• Applicant: Trust Dental Academy LLC

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission will review and approve the September 18 meeting minutes. It will discuss a special‑permit application to expand the Deep River Family Dental office at 199 Main Street into a dental‑assistant school. Additional agenda items include a fine schedule, several agency reports, and payment of bills.

• Special permit application for Dental Assistant School at 199 Main Street
• Approval of September 18 regular meeting minutes
• Review of fine schedule
• Budget report presentation
• RiverCOG Housing Committee report

The Deep River Planning & Zoning Commission's regular meeting on October 16, 2025 was cancelled. No decisions were made at this meeting. A special meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 29 at 7 p.m. to hold a public hearing on a special permit application for a dental assistant school extension at 199 Main Street.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss the Region 4 CES School Consolidation Report and the renaming of Church Street. The meeting also includes updates from the Parks and Recreation Director regarding a proposed school program and budget concerns.

• Installation of steel rods to mark town road points on Mislick Drive
• Proposed before and after school program at DRES
• Region 4 CES School Consolidation Report
• Renaming of Church Street
• Tax refunds

The Board approved $763.13 in tax refunds (3‑0). They authorized a $2,015 payment to Doane Engineering for the Mislick Drive survey (2‑1). The after‑school program proposal was approved and referred to the Board of Finance (3‑0). Other items, such as a park sculpture and a street‑renaming request, were tabled.

• Approved $763.13 tax refunds (3-0)
• Approved $2,015 payment to Doane Engineering for Mislick Drive survey (2-1)
• Approved after‑school program and moved it to Board of Finance (3-0)
• Tabled Plattwood Park sculpture proposal (no vote)
• Tabled Church Street renaming request (no vote)

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Deep River Water Pollution Control Authority will review updates to its by‑laws, accounting support, and rate structures. It will consider a proposed increase in the Chester rate and address resident concerns on Essex Street. The meeting also includes routine reports and a press release on rates and debt servicing.

• WPCA By-Laws Update
• WPCA Accouting Support Update
• Chester Rate increase
• Essex Street Resident Concerns
• Press Release on Rates and WPCA debt servicing

The Authority approved the September operations report minutes and a rate increase for Chester water service. It postponed the by‑laws update to the November meeting and agreed to fund an accounting support position through the WPCA budget. The board also approved a plaque to honor the former chair.

• Approved previous month’s meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Chester water rate increase (unanimous)
• Postponed WPCA by‑laws update to November meeting
• Approved funding for an accounting support position and collaboration with the town Finance board
• Approved memorial plaque for the past chair

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will review a possible amendment to the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations and the associated fee schedule. The commission will also approve the minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting and receive reports on enforcement, finances, and other commission business.

• Possible action on adoption of amended Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations and fee schedule
• Approval of minutes of the September 11, 2025 regular meeting

The commission approved the August 19, 2025 meeting minutes with an amendment requiring placards every 100 ft to mark a 50‑ft disturbance limit from wetlands edges. It also adopted the amended Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations and the associated fee schedule. Finally, the commission adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m. All motions passed unanimously with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved August 19 minutes with placard amendment (4-0)
• Adopted amended Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations and fee schedule (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:28 p.m. (4-0)

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will hold a public hearing to consider adopting amended Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations for the town. The agenda also includes adopting a revised fee schedule associated with those regulations. The meeting follows standard procedural items such as a call to order and adjournment.

• Consider adoption of amended Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations
• Consider adoption of revised fee schedule for inland wetlands permits

The Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission voted 4-0 to close the public hearing. No comments were made by the commission or the public, and no decision was made on adopting the amended regulations or fee schedule.

• Closed public hearing (4-0)

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will hold a public hearing on October 9, 2025 at the Town Hall Auditorium. The commission will consider adopting amended Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations for the town, along with an updated fee schedule. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as a call to order and adjournment.

• Consider adoption of amended Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations
• Consider adoption of updated fee schedule for inland wetlands permits
• Public hearing for the commission

The commission approved the August 19, 2025 minutes with an amendment requiring placards every 100 ft to mark a 50‑foot disturbance limit (vote 4‑0). It also adopted the amended Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations and the associated fee schedule (vote 4‑0). The meeting was then adjourned (vote 4‑0).

• Approved August 19, 2025 minutes with placard amendment (4-0)
• Adopted amended Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations and fee schedule (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Deep River Sustainable CT Committee

The SustainableCT Committee will meet to decide the timing of a town-wide letter regarding an energy campaign. The body will also receive updates on thin plastics and a fundraiser for the Library Pocket Park.

• Energy campaign town-wide letter timing decision
• Library Pocket Park fundraiser update
• Thin plastics status update
• Festival of Trees ideas
• State Sustainable Awards on Oct 28 in East Haddam

The committee agreed to stop collecting thin plastics and to remove the existing bins, replacing them with signs directing residents to alternate drop‑off locations. Nancy will retrieve the bins and inform Dan to cease deliveries from Whelan, while Sara will install the new signs. The group also approved sending a town‑wide energy campaign letter immediately after the election and set a target date of Nov 18‑19 for the first HES educational program. A subcommittee for food‑scrap regulation was formed with Lenore and Brittney as members.

• Agreed to stop thin‑plastic collection and remove bins (no vote tally recorded)
• Decided to post signs indicating plastics are no longer collected and where to drop off
• Nancy to pick up collection bins and tell Dan to stop deliveries from Whelan
• Sara to place the new signage at all former bin locations
• Agreed to send the energy‑campaign letter immediately after the election
• Approved the pen‑marketing sticker color for the campaign
• Set target date of Nov 18‑19 for first HES educational program with Chester
• Formed a Reg 4 food‑scrap subcommittee; Lenore and Brittney appointed

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Deep River Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Oct. 8, 2025 at 7:00 pm. The agenda includes reports on a before‑school/after‑school program proposal, a revised facilities‑use form, and the status of a parks and recreation ordinance revision. Commissioners will discuss facilities repair and renovation projects, including work on the Little League shed, and will review the town’s budget. The meeting will also provide time for citizen comments and any old or new business.

• Before‑school/after‑school program proposal
• Revised facilities‑use form
• Facilities repair and renovation project for the Little League shed
• Status update on the parks and recreation ordinance revision
• Budget discussion

The commission voted unanimously (6‑0) to forward the proposed before‑school/after‑school program to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance. It also approved the Plattwood Pond sculpture proposal, the updated park‑usage application, and a Little League plastic shed pending site approval. All motions passed with a 6‑0 vote.

• Forward before‑school/after‑school program proposal to Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance – approved 6‑0
• Submit Plattwood Pond sculpture proposal to Board of Selectmen – approved 6‑0
• Submit updated park usage application to Board of Selectmen – approved 6‑0
• Approve Little League plastic shed pending final location – approved 6‑0

Community Health Committee

The Community Health Committee will meet to discuss the backpack program and receive an update on the food pantry. The agenda also includes items regarding a fundraising letter and Family Day.

• Backpack program discussion
• Food Pantry update
• Fundraising Letter business
• Family Day

The committee accepted the meeting minutes after a motion by Jackie Calamari and a second by Nancy McGee. A motion by Lori Gregan, seconded by Tracy Woodcock, approved the treasurer’s financial report unanimously. A motion by Joyce, seconded by Lori, allocated $150 for a banner displaying sponsor names, and the motion was approved.

• Accepted meeting minutes (motion by Jackie Calamari, second by Nancy McGee)
• Accepted treasurer's report (motion by Lori Gregan, second by Tracy Woodcock, unanimous)
• Approved $150 allocation for sponsor banner (motion by Joyce, second by Lori, approved)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Deep River Board of Fire Commissioners will vote to approve the minutes from its September 8, 2025 regular meeting. Commissioners will review the financial statement and authorize payment of outstanding bills. The meeting includes reports from the Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, Engineer, and Chairman, followed by discussion of old and new business items.

• Approve minutes from September 8, 2025 meeting
• Review financial statement and pay bills
• Chief’s report
• Deputy Chief’s report
• Fire Marshal’s report

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting. It also agreed to proceed with a $750 quote from New England Lawn and Tick for one year of yard work behind the Winthrop Fire Station. The ladder truck will be out of service for 4 to 8 weeks for corrosion repairs, and the Recruitment/Retention Committee will invite nominated residents to an Open House.

• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $750 yard‑maintenance contract for Winthrop Fire Station
• Adjourned meeting at 7:22 pm (unanimous)

Firehouse Building Committee

The Deep River Firehouse Building Committee will review the feasibility of existing and alternative firehouse sites. Members will receive updates on project funding, grants, and fundraising. The committee will also discuss issuing an RFP for building program and design services, as well as assessments of the existing firehouse condition and property values. Additional topics include community outreach and town ordinance updates.

• Site feasibility: pros/cons of existing sites and discussion of other sites
• Project funding: updates on financing for the firehouse project
• Grants and fundraising: updates on available grants and fundraising efforts
• Building program & design services: discussion of RFP issuance and selection criteria
• Existing firehouse condition assessment and property values tracking

The Firehouse Building Committee voted to seat Dave Berardis in place of absent member Alan Paradis (6‑0). The committee also approved the minutes of the October 2, 2025 regular meeting with a correction to item 8 (7‑0). Finally, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote (7‑0).

• Seat Dave Berardis as committee member (6-0)
• Approve minutes of Oct 2, 2025 meeting with correction (7-0)
• Adjourn meeting (7-0)

Town Clerk

The Special Town Meeting will consider two items. It will vote to appoint Sarah J. Makowicki as an alternate member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, with a term ending Dec. 1, 2026. It will also vote to spend $265,000 from the FY 2024‑2025 unassigned budget surplus to purchase a new payloader, a purchase previously approved up to $300 K.

• Appointment of Sarah J. Makowicki as alternate Planning and Zoning Commission member (term expires 12/1/2026)
• Approval of $265,000 expenditure from FY 2024‑2025 unassigned surplus for purchase of a new payloader (price up to $300 K)

The Special Town Meeting approved the appointment of Sarah J. Makowicki as an alternate member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, with the term ending on 12/1/2026. It also approved a $265,000 expenditure from the FY 2024‑2025 unassigned budget surplus to purchase a new payloader, with the contract already signed for $261,015. All motions were approved unanimously.

• Appointed Duane Gates as meeting moderator (approved)
• Accepted the call as read (unanimously approved)
• Appointed Sarah J. Makowicki as alternate Planning and Zoning Commission member, term to expire 12/1/2026 (unanimously approved)
• Approved $265,000 expenditure from FY 2024‑2025 unassigned surplus for new payloader (unanimously approved)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:34 pm (approved)

Board of Finance

The Deep River Board of Finance will discuss the town's financial reports, including the FY 2024-25 year‑end results and the FY 2025-26 budget proposal. It will also consider ongoing repair costs for the ladder truck, a potential purchase of a new payloader, and a request for increased funding for the WPCA financial services. Additional items include an update on town hall restoration and alternative ADM measurement work.

• Review FY 2024-25 year‑end budget financials
• Review FY 2025-26 budget
• Continuation of June‑July ladder truck repair costs
• Town meeting for new payloader
• WPCA increase in funding for financial services from town

The Board approved the minutes from the July 22 meeting (5‑0). It approved a $150,000 payment from the WPCA to the town and $6,250 for Deep River’s pump‑out boat. The WPCA increased its contribution to $70,000 to fund a full‑time finance staff position. The meeting was adjourned (5‑0).

• Approved July 22 minutes (5-0)
• Approved $150,000 WPCA payment to town and $6,250 for pump‑out boat (no vote recorded)
• Increased WPCA contribution to $70,000 to hire full‑time finance staff (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review draft revisions to the town's Conservation and Inland Wetlands regulations. The meeting includes updates on Town Hall building projects and a contractor refund request. Members will also discuss marking town road points on Mislick Drive.

• Draft revised changes to Conservation and Inland Wetlands regulations
• Installation of steel rods to mark town road points on Mislick Drive
• Town Hall building updates
• Contractor refund request discussion
• Region 4 school consolidation report presentation scheduled for September 29th

The Board adopted a resolution giving the First Selectman authority to enter agreements for CT DOT grant money for right‑of‑way projects. They approved a refund of $8,851.90 in permit fees to a contractor. The Board also approved three vendor invoices and referred them to the Board of Finance. The proposal to install steel rods on Mislick Drive was tabled pending more information.

• Resolution granting CT DOT grant authority approved (3-0)
• Refund of $8,851.90 permit fees approved (3-0)
• Three vendor invoices approved and sent to Board of Finance (3-1)
• Resolution to add CT DOT item to agenda approved (3-0)
• September 9 meeting minutes accepted with correction (3-0)
• Item on steel rods for Mislick Drive tabled (no vote)
• Motion to adjourn passed (3-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the amended Deep River Plan of Conservation and Development. It also approved a site‑plan application for an accessory dwelling unit at 214 Main Street and accepted a special‑permit application for a dental assistant school at 199 Main Street, scheduling a public hearing for October 16, 2025. Approval of the August 21, 2025 minutes was tabled to the next meeting. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved amended Deep River Plan of Conservation and Development (unanimous)
• Approved site‑plan application for accessory dwelling unit at 214 Main Street (unanimous)
• Accepted special‑permit application for Trust Dental Academy at 199 Main Street and set public hearing for Oct 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of August 21, 2025 minutes to next regular meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:45 p.m. (unanimous)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will discuss a special permit for a dental assistant school and a site plan for an accessory dwelling unit. The body will also review an amended Plan of Conservation and Development and a fine schedule.

• Special Permit Application for Dental Assistant School at 199 Main Street
• Site Plan Application for accessory dwelling unit at 214 Main Street
• Presentation of amended Deep River Plan of Conservation and Development
• Review of fine schedule

The Deep River Planning and Zoning Commission approved the August 21, 2025 motion list, the amended Plan of Conservation and Development, and a site‑plan application by Johnny Carrier with the Design Advisory Board’s recommendations. It also accepted the Trust Dental Academy application and set a public hearing for October 16, 2025. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved August 21, 2025 motion list (unanimous)
• Approved amended Plan of Conservation and Development (unanimous)
• Approved Johnny Carrier site‑plan application with modifications (unanimous)
• Accepted Trust Dental Academy application and scheduled public hearing Oct 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:45 p.m. (unanimous)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission voted unanimously to adopt the amended Deep River Plan of Conservation and Development, adding new goals and property maps. It also approved a site‑plan application for an accessory dwelling unit at 214 Main Street and accepted the special‑permit application for Trust Dental Academy, scheduling a public hearing for October 16, 2025. The approval of the August 21, 2025 minutes was tabled to the next meeting.

• Approved amended Deep River Plan of Conservation and Development (unanimous)
• Approved site‑plan application for accessory dwelling unit at 214 Main Street (unanimous)
• Accepted special‑permit application for Trust Dental Academy at 199 Main Street and set public hearing for Oct 16 2025 (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of August 21, 2025 minutes to next regular meeting (unanimous)

Firehouse Building Committee

The Firehouse Building Committee will review updates on site feasibility for a go/no‑go decision on a new firehouse location. It will also discuss project funding updates, grant and fundraising status, and the issuance of a request for proposals for design services. Additional items include the existing firehouse condition assessment and property values, as well as community outreach and town ordinance considerations.

• Site feasibility discussion (Go/No Go decision)
• Project funding updates
• Grants and fundraising status
• Issuance of RFP for design services
• Existing firehouse condition assessment

The committee approved the corrected minutes of the August 19, 2025 meeting with a 6‑0 vote. It also approved SLR invoice #10017868 for $1,750, voting 7‑0. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 7‑0 motion.

• Approve August 19, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approve SLR invoice #10017868 for $1,750 (7-0)
• Adjourn meeting (7-0)

Economic Development Commission

The Deep River Economic Development Commission will review updates on the Mt St John property, 12 Bridge Street, and the CT Main Street Center. It will discuss the town’s winter carnival and the Economic Development Plan. Additional updates on traffic, the commission website, and other business will be presented.

• Mt St John property update
• 12 Bridge Street update
• CT Main Street Center update
• Winter carnival discussion
• Economic Development Plan discussion

The commission lacked a quorum, so the meeting was not formally called to order and no votes were taken. All pending items were postponed to the October 20, 2025 meeting. A member displayed an updated EDC website, but no decisions were made.

• Mt St. John property discussion tabled
• 12 Bridge St discussion tabled
• EDC representation at town meetings discussion tabled
• CT Main Street Center update discussion tabled
• Traffic update discussion tabled
• Economic Development Plan discussion tabled
• Winter Carnival discussion tabled
• Business of the month discussion tabled

Deep River Sustainable CT Committee

The SustainableCT Committee is meeting to discuss the results of the Solarize campaign and plan for an upcoming energy campaign. The body will also review updates regarding library seating fundraising and the Source to Sea project.

• Solarize campaign results
• Energy Campaign update and planning
• Library seating update and fundraising plan
• Source to Sea project
• Sustainable Essex PURA talk proposal

The Deep River SustainableCT Committee approved the minutes from the September 15 meeting. No other formal actions, approvals, or denials were recorded; the agenda items were informational updates and planning discussions.

• Approved meeting minutes (no vote tally recorded)

Economic Development Commission

The Deep River Economic Development Commission will receive updates on the Mt. St. John property, 12 Bridge Street, and the CT Main Street Center. Commissioners will discuss the town's Economic Development Plan and the upcoming winter carnival. No formal decisions are indicated on the agenda.

• Mt St John property update
• 12 Bridge Street update
• CT Main Street Center update
• Economic Development Plan discussion
• Winter carnival discussion

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will review two citizen applications: one for a new 2,250‑sq‑ft single‑family house at 11 Hoopole Hill Road, and another for a three‑bench seating area with stone surface and plantings at 150 Main St. behind the library rain garden. The meeting will also include a public hearing on revised regulations and fee schedule scheduled for October 9, 2025, along with routine reports and approvals.

• Application for new single‑family dwelling (2,250 sq ft) at 11 Hoopole Hill Road (Map 26, Lot 16‑5)
• Application for three‑bench seating area with stone surface at 150 Main St. (Map 56, Lot 63) near library rain garden
• Public hearing on revised regulations/fee schedule set for October 9 2025

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. It also approved Brian Fischer’s application with wood‑removal, placard, and re‑vegetation requirements, and approved Sustainable Deep River’s application provided the approach walkway is shortened by at least three feet. All motions passed with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved August 19, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved Brian Fischer application with wood removal, placard placement, and re‑vegetation stipulations (4-0)
• Approved Sustainable Deep River application with walkway shortening stipulation (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:00 p.m. (4-0)

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission will discuss two public applications: a new 2,250‑sq‑ft single‑family home at 11 Hoopole Hill Road and a three‑bench seating area with stone surface at the Deep River Library parking lot, 150 Main St. The meeting also includes routine reports and the scheduling of a public hearing on revised regulations and the fee schedule for October 9, 2025.

• Application for new single‑family dwelling (2,250 sq ft) at 11 Hoopole Hill Road
• Application for three‑bench seating area with stone surface at Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St.
• Public hearing on revised regulations and fee schedule scheduled for Oct 9 2025

The Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission approved Brian Fischer’s application to build a single‑family ranch on 11 Hoopole Hill Road with specific wetland protection stipulations. The commission also approved Sustainable Deep River’s plan for a three‑bench seating area near the library, requiring the walkway to be shortened. Minutes from the August 19 meeting and the adjournment were each approved unanimously.

• Approved Brian Fischer wetland permit with removal and revegetation conditions (4-0)
• Approved Sustainable Deep River seating area with walkway reduction (4-0)
• Approved minutes of August 19, 2025 meeting (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:00 p.m. (4-0)

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Deep River Board of Assessment Appeals has scheduled a hearing for the 2024 Grand List on September 11, 2025, specifically for Motor Vehicle Appeals. The meeting will take place at 174 Main Street.

• Hearing for 2024 Grand List Motor Vehicle Appeals
• Meeting date: September 11, 2025
• Meeting time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Location: 174 Main Street, Deep River

The Board of Assessment Appeals unanimously denied requests for assessment adjustments on four motor vehicles: a 2014 VW Tiguan S, a 2016 BMW 528 XI, a 2017 GMC Yukon XL, and a 2016 Mazda CX-9 Ton. Each denial was recorded as "All in favor" with no vote split. No other actions were taken during the meeting.

• Denied assessment adjustment for 2014 VW Tiguan S (all in favor)
• Denied assessment adjustment for 2016 BMW 528 XI (all in favor)
• Denied assessment adjustment for 2017 GMC Yukon XL (all in favor)
• Denied assessment adjustment for 2016 Mazda CX-9 Ton (all in favor)

Municipal Ethics Commission

The Municipal Ethics Committee will meet to review previous meeting minutes and address a complaint. A portion of the meeting will be held in executive session to discuss findings from a meeting with TJ Jones and determine next steps.

• Review of minutes from June 4th, July 15th, and July 30th
• Executive session to discuss findings from meeting with TJ Jones
• Determination of next steps regarding a complaint

The Deep River Municipal Ethics Commission unanimously moved to executive session, approved the minutes from the previous meeting, and adjourned. No new complaints or advisory requests were received. Proposals to draft a response to a complainant and to study adding a code‑of‑conduct section to the ethics code were noted but not decided.

• Moved meeting to executive session (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from previous meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting to review committee reports, discuss the P&R logo, and address old and new business. The session will be held virtually.

• Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports
• Committee Reports: DR
• P&R Logo discussion
• Old Business/New Business
• Positions

The commission approved the secretary’s report. Tony Mingron was appointed as secretary and Jon Wolfer was appointed as treasurer. A motion to adjourn the meeting was passed. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved secretary’s report (passed)
• Appointed Tony Mingron as secretary (passed)
• Appointed Jon Wolfer as treasurer (passed)
• Motion to adjourn meeting passed

Board of Selectmen

The Deep River Board of Selectmen will discuss and possibly vote on funding to complete the installation of survey markers on Mislick Drive near Lots 6 and 6B. Other agenda items include discussions of ordinances for Parks and Recreation, updates on the Region 4 Schools security project, and a review of Town Hall building issues. The board will also address finance matters related to a DPW pay loader and set the Town Meeting agenda and date. Public comment periods are scheduled before and after the main agenda items.

• Possible vote to approve funding for survey markers on Mislick Drive (Lots 6 and 6B)
• Ordinances discussion for Parks and Recreation and other matters
• Updates on Region 4 Schools security project
• Discussion/update on Town Hall building issues
• Finance discussion for DPW pay loader and setting Town Meeting agenda/date

The Board voted 3-0 to add the Deep River Sustainable Committee item to the agenda. They also approved the minutes from prior meetings with listed corrections by a 3-0 vote. A request to fund survey markers on Mislick Drive was tabled. The meeting was adjourned by a 3-0 vote.

• Add Deep River Sustainable to agenda (passed 3-0)
• Accept prior meeting minutes with corrections (passed 3-0)
• Table survey markers funding request (tabled)
• Adjourn meeting (passed 3-0)

Library Trustees

The Deep River Library Board added Sara Conner’s outdoor‑seating proposal to the agenda (unanimous). The Board also approved the meeting minutes, the Treasurer’s report, the Trustee Code of Conduct, and an update to the Trustee By‑Laws, all by unanimous vote. Two items—Privacy and Security Policy and Capital Improvement funds—were tabled until the October meeting.

• Added Sara Conner’s outdoor‑seating proposal to agenda (unanimous)
• Approved August 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s report for Liberty and Citizen’s banks (unanimous)
• Approved Trustee Code of Conduct (unanimous)
• Approved update to Trustee By‑Laws (unanimous)
• Tabled Privacy and Security Policy discussion until October meeting
• Tabled Capital Improvement funds discussion until October meeting

Transfer Station Committee

The Transfer Station Committee accepted the minutes from the July 14 special meeting and the August 11 regular meeting. A motion to adjourn the September 8 meeting was also carried. No other formal actions were taken.

• Accepted minutes of July 14 special and August 11 regular meetings (motion carried)
• Adjourned the September 8 meeting (motion carried)

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority will review the 2024-25 budget and town audit. The board is scheduled to discuss staffing support and capital funding for an AG fuel tank project. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding a Chester rate increase.

• Review of 2024-25 Budget accuracy, actuals, and revenue
• Discussion of Capital Funding Requests for the AG Fuel Tank Project
• Discussion of Chester rate increase
• Review of town-provided accounting services
• Update to WPCA By-Laws

The board approved the June minutes unanimously (3-0). It recognized Tara House, John Ely and the operations staff for their work. The board agreed to a 10% rate increase for the Town of Chester, to be back‑dated to July 1 pending a draft letter. The board also agreed to pursue an energy‑audit study, noting it will not incur debt.

• Approved June minutes (3-0)
• Recognized Tara House, John Ely and operations staff
• Agreed to 10% Chester rate increase, back‑dated to July 1
• Agreed to seek an energy‑audit study (no debt incurred)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 4, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved a motion to solicit a minimum of three bids for snowplowing the three firehouse locations for the 2025‑2026 winter season. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:34 pm.

• Approved August 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved solicitation of minimum three snowplow bids for firehouse locations (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment at 7:34 pm (unanimous)

Design Advisory Board

The Design Advisory Board will meet to review a proposed addition at 214 Main Street. The board will also discuss solar panel installation recommendations for Zoning and revisions to storefront lighting guidelines.

• Review of 214 Main Street addition
• Solar panel installation recommendations for Zoning
• Revisions to storefront lighting guidelines

The Design Advisory Board reviewed the proposed two‑story addition and ADU at 214 Main Street and noted the owner's plans to preserve historic features. The Board recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission not require any design revisions as a condition for zoning approval. No formal vote or decision was recorded in the minutes.

Design Advisory Board

The board reviewed Johnny Carrier's black‑and‑white plans, elevations, and exterior lighting images for a renovation and addition at 214 Main Street. The recommendation was filed with the Zoning Department. No other agenda items were discussed and no formal actions or votes were recorded.

Community Health Committee

The committee accepted the previous meeting minutes. It approved spending up to $100 to create a banner listing donors for the Stuff A Cruiser event. A $100 gift certificate was approved for the Backpack Program. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted the minutes from the previous meeting (motion passed)
• Approved up to $100 to create a Community Health banner/board (motion passed)
• Approved a $100 gift certificate for the Backpack Program (motion passed)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion passed)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved an agenda amendment, approved the minutes of prior meetings, and closed the public hearing on the amended Deep River Plan of Conservation and Development, deferring further action to the next regular meeting. The commission noted that the special permit application for Deep River Farms agritourism was withdrawn and postponed the accessory dwelling unit site‑plan application for 214 Main Street. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Amended agenda to add item 3(c) for approval of joint meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 17, 2025 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 6, 2025 joint meeting (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on amended Deep River Plan of Conservation and Development (unanimous)
• Deferred action on amended Deep River Plan to next regular meeting (unanimous)
• Recorded withdrawal of Deep River Farms agritourism special permit application (no vote)
• Postponed accessory dwelling unit site‑plan application for 214 Main Street (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting to review application policies. The body will also discuss the usage of parks.

• Application policies
• Park usage discussion

The commission approved an update to the park ordinance language after discussing bounce houses and fireworks policies. It also voted unanimously to retain the security deposit from the August 16 fireworks incident, citing breach of contract. Both motions passed without opposition.

• Updated ordinance language (unanimous)
• Retained security deposit from fireworks breach (unanimous)

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The commission approved the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It approved the Mathias & Amelia Radomski wetland application on Westbrook Road with specific demarcation, fencing, and notification conditions. Applications from Brian Fischer and Sustainable Deep River were accepted, and the fee for the Sustainable Deep River application was waived except for the state fee. The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

• Approved July 10, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved Mathias & Amelia Radomski Westbrook Road application with conditions (4-0-1)
• Accepted Brian Fischer 11 Hoopole Hill Road application (5-0)
• Accepted Sustainable Deep River 150 Main Street application (5-0)
• Waived application fee for Sustainable Deep River except state fee (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:13 p.m. (5-0)

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The commission approved the Mathias & Amelia Radomski driveway application on Westbrook Road, adding specific wetland demarcation and safety‑fencing conditions (vote 4‑0‑1). It also accepted Brian Fischer’s new house application and scheduled a site walk, and accepted Sustainable Deep River’s library seating project while waiving its municipal application fee (both votes 5‑0). All other items were informational or procedural.

• Approved Mathias & Amelia Radomski driveway application with demarcation, fencing, and WEO meeting conditions (4-0-1)
• Accepted Brian Fischer single‑family dwelling application; site walk set for Sep 3 (5-0)
• Accepted Sustainable Deep River library seating area application (5-0)
• Waived municipal application fee for Sustainable Deep River project (5-0)
• Approved minutes of July 10, 2025 meeting (4-0)
• Adjoined adjournment of the meeting at 8:13 p.m. (5-0)

Firehouse Building Committee

The committee will discuss site feasibility costs and project funding updates. Members intend to review and finalize a Request for Proposals (RFP) for building program and design services. The meeting includes a vote to appoint a Chair and Vice Chair.

• Review and finalization of RFP for Building Program & Design Services
• Site feasibility cost update from Paradis regarding SLR
• Project funding update from Doak-Jones regarding insurance provider
• Nomination and vote for Chair and Vice Chair

The committee appointed Dave Berardis to replace Miriam Morrissey and approved the August 7 meeting minutes. It also named Nicholas Kornacki permanent Chair and Larry Stewart Vice Chair. The group set a timeline for the firehouse design RFP and agreed to explore site options and public outreach.

• Appointed Dave Berardis to replace Miriam Morrissey (6-0)
• Approved minutes of the August 7 regular meeting (7-0)
• Named Nicholas Kornacki permanent Chair (7-0)
• Named Larry Stewart Vice Chair (7-0)
• Established firehouse design RFP schedule (no vote)
• Agreed to develop pros/cons list for current site feasibility (no vote)
• Directed Alan Paradis to request 2–5 acre properties from Planning & Zoning (no vote)
• Planned brief public updates via Selectmen meetings and newsletter (no vote)

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will meet to discuss updates on the Mt St John and 12 Bridge Street properties. The body will also review the Economic Development Plan and updates regarding traffic and the town website.

• Mt St John property update
• 12 Bridge Street update
• Economic Development Plan discussion
• Traffic and website updates
• Winter carnival discussion

The commission unanimously approved the June and July meeting minutes. A Business of the Month was chosen by random drawing and will be announced on social media. The commission tentatively selected February 7 and February 15 as possible dates for the winter carnival.

• Approved June and July minutes (unanimous)
• Selected Business of the Month by random drawing
• Tentatively set winter carnival dates: Feb 7 and Feb 15

Board of Selectmen

The Deep River Board of Selectmen met on August 14, 2025. They discussed a resident's request for town contribution to survey‑monument costs and asked the resident to provide an invoice breakdown. Selectman Gates moved, and the Board entered an executive session at 4:13 pm to discuss two unhoused individuals, ending the session at 4:51 pm. No other actions were taken.

• Entered executive session on unhoused individuals (motion passed)

Deep River Sustainable CT Committee

The Deep River SustainableCT Committee met on August 14, 2025, but did not have a quorum. Agenda items such as the Source to Sea participation, CPI grant status, library seating update, new member recruitment, and EV charger placement were discussed, but no actions were approved, denied, or formally tabled.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission approved the secretary's report after a motion was made and seconded. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also made, seconded, and passed. No other substantive actions or policy decisions were taken.

• Approved secretary's report (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved the award of the Plattwood Park concessions and restroom building contract to Running Brook Farm (2-0-1). They also appointed Sarah Makowicki as an alternate member of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Dawn M. Caffery as Assistant Animal Control Officer, each vote 3-0. The discussion on the recent vacant‑land sale on Mislick Drive was tabled pending the buyer’s presence. The meeting agenda was expanded to include Parks & Recreation and the session was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

• Added Parks & Recreation to agenda (3-0)
• Appointed Sarah Makowicki to Planning and Zoning Commission (3-0)
• Appointed Dawn M. Caffery as Assistant Animal Control Officer (3-0)
• Awarded Plattwood Park concessions contract to Running Brook Farm (2-0-1)
• Tabled discussion of vacant land sale on Mislick Drive
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Library Trustees

The trustees unanimously approved the minutes from May 12, 2025, and the Treasurer's report for Liberty and Citizen’s banks. They also approved a $3,500 carpeting replacement near the Rooney office and elevator. The board voted to adopt an exception to the Community Meeting Room policy to accommodate the Connecticut state voting schedule. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved minutes of May 12, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's report for Liberty and Citizen’s banks (unanimous)
• Approved $3,500 carpeting replacement for flooring near Rooney’s office and elevator (unanimous)
• Approved exception to Community Meeting Room policy to accommodate CT state voting schedule
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Transfer Station Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the July 22, 2025 special meeting. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also approved. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved July 22, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved adjournment of meeting (motion carried)

Firehouse Building Committee

The Firehouse Building Committee approved the minutes of the July 17 meeting (6‑0, 1 abstention). It allocated $11,000 of previously approved funds for SLR cost analysis (7‑0). The committee also approved SLR invoice #1001666 for $1,635 (7‑0). The meeting was adjourned unanimously (7‑0).

• Approved July 17 meeting minutes (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Allocated $11,000 for SLR cost‑implication study (7-0)
• Approved SLR invoice #1001666 for $1,635 (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

A special meeting of the Deep River Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Selectmen was held on August 6, 2025. Commissioners discussed possible noise, special events, blight, short‑term rental, fee, and sidewalk ordinances, but no ordinance was approved, denied, or otherwise acted upon. A motion to adjourn was made by Lisa Demaria, seconded by Tony Bolduc, and passed unanimously.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The special meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Selectmen discussed possible noise, special‑events, blight, short‑term rental, fee, and sidewalk ordinances but took no formal action on any of them. A motion to adjourn was made by Lisa Demaria, seconded by Tony Bolduc, and was adopted unanimously at 7:15 p.m.

• Adjourned meeting unanimously (motion by Lisa Demaria, seconded by Tony Bolduc)

Community Health Committee

The committee accepted the meeting minutes and approved a $5,000 donation from Elizabeth Kuhns of Essex Savings Bank for the food pantry. A motion was approved to purchase a food‑scale costing up to $150. A unanimous vote approved a $100 gift card for Laura Kaspro. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Accepted meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved $5,000 donation from Elizabeth Kuhns for food pantry
• Approved purchase of a food‑scale up to $150
• Approved $100 gift card for Laura Kaspro (unanimous)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners unanimously approved the minutes from the July 7, 2025 meeting. No substantive business was taken up. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned.

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

Municipal Ethics Commission

The commission voted unanimously to enter an executive session to examine July 25 correspondence and attorney information. It decided to draft a response to the complainant and take additional measures to review the complaint. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Moved to executive session to review July 25 correspondence (unanimous)
• Commission will draft response to complainant and take additional review measures (unanimous)
• Bob Ghinder recused from executive session participation
• Meeting adjourned (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission unanimously approved the Democratic Town Committee's request to allow BYOB alcoholic beverages and use a personal gas grill at Plattwood Park because the provided grills are non‑working. It also unanimously approved the Deep River Fire Department's similar request for BYOB and personal grill use at the same park. The commission discussed proposing a change to the quorum requirement for the commission, but no decision was made. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved BYOB and personal gas grill use for Democratic Town Committee (unanimous)
• Approved BYOB and personal gas grill use for Deep River Fire Department (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board approved the June 24 minutes (4‑0). It agreed the fire department will proceed with ladder‑truck repairs, using surplus funds once the exact cost is known. The Board voted to recommend a town meeting to approve up to $300,000 from surplus for a new payloader (4‑0). It also changed BOS meeting time to 6 pm and tabled further financing discussions for fire‑house projects.

• Approved June 24 minutes (4-0)
• Fire Department to proceed with ladder‑truck repairs; surplus funds to cover remaining cost
• Recommended town meeting to approve up to $300,000 from surplus for payloader purchase (4-0)
• Agreed to move BOS meetings to 6 pm; BOF meetings to remain at 7 pm
• Discussion on financing fire house, fire vehicles, and payloader was tabled
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved the tax refunds requested by the tax collector with a 3‑0 vote. They also accepted the July 8 meeting minutes with corrections by a 3‑0 vote. The Board agreed to hire an outside HR firm to address library staffing issues. The appointment of Sarah Makowicki to the Planning and Zoning Commission was tabled.

• Approved tax refunds (3-0)
• Accepted July 8 minutes with corrections (3-0)
• Approved hiring outside HR company for library issues (vote not recorded)
• Appointment of Sarah Makowicki to Planning and Zoning Commission tabled
• Motion to adjourn passed (3-0)

Board of Selectmen

The committee reviewed and refined the revised Transfer Station Ordinance. No formal approvals or changes were adopted; the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was carried. A sample commercial usage spreadsheet was distributed for future data collection.

• Motion to adjourn carried

Economic Development Commission

The commission took no substantive actions at this meeting. Approval of the June 17, 2025 minutes was deferred to the August meeting because there was no quorum. The Deep River Business of the Month award was not selected for the same reason. The next Economic Development Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025.

• Approval of June 17, 2025 minutes postponed to August meeting (no quorum)
• Deep River Business of the Month not selected (no quorum)
• Next EDC meeting scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved special permits for a shed at 16 Brockway Ferry Road and a garage at 35 Winterberry Road. It also approved a text amendment adding food‑truck regulations that allow year‑round operation and align hours with brick‑and‑mortar businesses. The public hearing on the amended Deep River Plan of Conservation and Development was continued to the August 21 meeting.

• Approved shed permit at 16 Brockway Ferry Road (Unanimous)
• Approved garage permit at 35 Winterberry Road (Unanimous)
• Approved text amendment adding food‑truck regulations with year‑round operation (Unanimous)
• Continued public hearing on amended Deep River Plan of Conservation and Development to August 21 (Unanimous)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Deep River Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a text amendment regarding food trucks. It also approved a shed addition at 16 Brockway Ferry Road and a garage at 35 Winterberry Road. The public hearing on the amended Deep River Plan of Conservation and Development was continued to the August meeting. All motions were adopted unanimously.

• Approved food‑truck text amendment (unanimous)
• Approved shed addition at 16 Brockway Ferry Road (unanimous)
• Approved garage at 35 Winterberry Road (unanimous)
• Continued public hearing on amended Deep River Plan to August meeting (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on application for 16 Brockway Ferry Road (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on application for 35 Winterberry Road (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on food‑truck text amendment (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to offer a second audience of citizens (unanimous)

Municipal Ethics Commission

The Municipal Ethics Commission voted unanimously to move to an executive session to open and review the complaint received on July 10. The commission then decided to take additional measures to review the complaint. The meeting was adjourned after a unanimous vote to adjourn.

• Moved to executive session to review July 10 complaint – approved unanimously
• Commission to take additional measures to review the complaint – decided
• Motion to adjourn – approved unanimously

Firehouse Building Committee

The committee approved the minutes of the June 17, 2025 meeting (5-0). It accepted the outlined RFP timeline for the firehouse project (7-0) and approved charter revisions to capitalize “Secretary,” change “assistant” to Vice, and update the date (7-0). Items on the existing firehouse condition assessment and property values were tabled pending the site feasibility study. The meeting was adjourned (7-0).

• Approved June 17, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Accepted firehouse RFP timeline (7-0)
• Approved charter revisions (7-0)
• Tabled existing firehouse condition assessment (no vote)
• Tabled existing property values discussion (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Board approved a motion to post the vacant parcel at 100 Mislik Drive on the town website for a 10‑day period. Sealed bids are to be received by Wednesday, July 30, 2025. First Selectman Doak‑Jones will verify whether any legal notice is required before the posting proceeds. The motion passed unanimously, 3‑0.

• Approved posting of 100 Mislik Drive vacant lot for sale on town website (3‑0)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed (unanimous)

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The commission unanimously approved the application to construct a 1,252‑sq‑ft wetland crossing on Westbrook Road (Map 20, Lot 22). A site walk was scheduled for July 15, 2025. The commission also agreed to let a business at 400 Mislick Drive continue over‑ground discharge until July 18 while mitigation measures are installed.

• Approved minutes of May 8, 2025 meeting (4‑0)
• Accepted Westbrook Road wetland crossing application (4‑0)
• Allowed over‑ground discharge at 400 Mislick Drive until July 18 (unanimous agreement)
• Approved use of 2017 wetland delineation for 11 Hoopole Hill Road (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:01 p.m. (4‑0)

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission approved the minutes from the May 8, 2025 meeting. It accepted the application for Westbrook Road (Map 20, Lot 22) and scheduled a site walk for July 15, 2025. The commission then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved May 8, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Accepted Westbrook Road application (Map 20, Lot 22) (4-0)
• Scheduled site walk at Westbrook Road for July 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:01 p.m. (4-0)

Deep River Sustainable CT Committee

The Deep River SustainableCT Committee could not conduct any votes or make decisions as a quorum was not present. The meeting reviewed minutes, discussed ongoing solar and grant projects, and noted plans for future events, but all actions were deferred to future meetings.

Board of Selectmen

The Board accepted the June 30 secretary report with a correction, passing the motion 3‑0. They approved awarding the $267,626 paving contract to J.J. Dibble after a 2‑1 vote. The sale of parcel Lot 6B‑1 was confirmed and will close soon, while parcel 6B will be relisted after a special meeting. A special meeting will be scheduled to consider revisions to the town’s solid‑waste ordinance and the loitering ordinance.

• Accepted secretary report with correction (3‑0)
• Awarded paving contract to J.J. Dibble, $267,626 (2‑1)
• Confirmed sale of Lot 6B‑1 (closing soon)
• Decided to relist parcel 6B at upcoming special meeting
• Reopened Plattwood Park swimming area after safe water sample results
• Scheduled bid opening for new concession stand July 10 at 1:00 pm
• Planned special joint meeting on solid‑waste ordinance revisions
• Planned meeting to address loitering ordinance and unhoused services

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the minutes from the June 2, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:58 p.m., also by unanimous vote. No other substantive actions or decisions were taken.

• Approved June 2, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:58 p.m. (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board approved the minutes from the May 27, 2025 special meeting by unanimous vote. It then unanimously approved a variance (Application ZBA #25-02) allowing a 25‑foot by 6‑foot front deck at 27 Spring Street, with the condition that the site plan be followed. The meeting was closed by unanimous motion.

• Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 27 Spring Street front deck (unanimous)
• Closed the meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board approved the minutes from the May 27 special meeting by unanimous vote. It then unanimously approved a variance allowing a 25‑foot by 6‑foot front deck at 27 Spring Street, with the condition that the applicant follow the approved site plan. The board also unanimously approved a motion to close the meeting at 7:23 p.m.

• Approved May 27 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance for front deck at 27 Spring Street (unanimous)
• Approved motion to close meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board approved a library storage cabinet project, allowing Selectman Gates to spend up to $2,000 and accepting a $1,000 donation from the Deep River Library Friends; work will begin shortly. The Board awarded the town’s paving contract to J.J. Dibble for $267,626 with conditions that no overruns, change orders, or premium police coverage charges be allowed. Both motions were adopted, the library motion 2‑0 with one abstention and the paving motion 2‑1.

• Approved library cabinet project, authorizing up to $2,000 spend (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Awarded paving contract to J.J. Dibble for $267,626 (2-1)
• Motion to adjourn passed (3-0)

Town Clerk

The Special Town Meeting appointed Duane Gates as moderator and Amy Winchell as clerk. The town accepted the meeting call as read. It unanimously approved the town’s support of grant applications for Deep River Congregational Church, Tri‑Town Youth Services, and Deep River Housing Authority. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Appointed Duane Gates as moderator (unanimous)
• Appointed Amy Winchell as clerk (unanimous)
• Accepted call as read (unanimous)
• Approved town support for Deep River Congregational Church grant (unanimous)
• Approved town support for Tri‑Town Youth Services grant (unanimous)
• Approved town support for Deep River Housing Authority grant (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance approved the minutes from the May 27 meeting (5-0). It authorized a $15,000 additional payment to Mahoney Sabol for audit work (5-0) and approved a contract with Munistat to assist the town in issuing a short‑term note, with a $7,000 fee payable at closing (5-0). The Board also agreed to pay $1,900 toward a new oven for the Meals on Wheels program from the Political Subdivision budget.

• Approved May 27, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved $15,000 extra payment to Mahoney Sabol for audit services (5-0)
• Approved contract with Munistat for debt issuance assistance, $7,000 fee (5-0)
• Approved $1,900 payment for Meals on Wheels oven from Political Subdivision budget

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission voted to approve the secretaries report. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also passed. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved secretaries report (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Economic Development Commission

The commission approved the previous meeting minutes unanimously. It renamed an agenda item to the Merchants Steering Committee and decided the Business of the Month will be selected randomly. The commission will lead the 2026 Fire and Ice winter event and will remove the 2025 muster item from future agendas. Plans were noted to develop the commission website and to coordinate with Parks and Recreation for Deep River Day.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimously)
• Renamed agenda section to Merchants Steering Committee
• Business of the Month will be selected randomly
• EDC will lead the 2026 Fire and Ice winter carnival
• Removed 2025 muster item from future agendas
• Will develop commission website after finalizing payment details
• Will reach out to new Parks and Recreation lead for Deep River Day

Firehouse Building Committee

The Firehouse Building Committee voted 6‑0 to start a request for proposals for pre‑design services that will define programmatic and spatial requirements. Earlier motions to seat Dave Berardis (5‑0), approve the May 20 minutes (6‑0), and adjourn the meeting (6‑0) also passed unanimously. Items on site feasibility, project funding, and grants were noted as having no updates and remain pending.

• Seat Dave Berardis (5‑0)
• Approve May 20, 2025 minutes (6‑0)
• Initiate RFP for pre‑design services (6‑0)
• Adjourn meeting (6‑0)

Deep River Sustainable CT Committee

The SustainableCT Committee decided to pursue last‑minute communications about the Solarize campaign, including a town newsletter, signage, and posting the URL https://sustainableessex.com/solar. They will staff a table at the Library Energy Truck event on June 27 and register for a table at the upcoming Family Day. Sara will contact the Council of Governments to accelerate the pending heat‑pump grant.

• Pursue last‑minute Solarize communications via newsletter, signage, and website link
• Staff a table with handouts at the Library Energy Truck event on June 27
• Register for a table at Family Day, using last year’s format
• Sara to escalate the delayed heat‑pump grant through COG contacts

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved adding the minutes from the May 21 special meeting and the May 27 regular meeting to the agenda. They authorized three tax refunds totaling $378.04. They voted to support the Deep River Housing Authority’s grant application and place it on the June 24 town meeting agenda. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

• Approved addition of May 21 special meeting minutes and May 27 regular meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved adding ‘Neighborhood Assistance Grant Applicant-Deep River Housing Authority’ to agenda (3-0)
• Approved tax collector issuing three tax refunds totaling $378.04 (3-0)
• Approved supporting Deep River Housing Authority grant application and adding it to June 24 town meeting agenda (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:10 p.m. (3-0)

Library Trustees

The trustees unanimously approved the minutes from the May 12, 2025 meeting. They also unanimously approved the Treasurer’s report for Citizen’s Bank and Liberty Bank. The board then unanimously adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

• Approved minutes of May 12, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s report for Citizen’s Bank and Liberty Bank (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:15 p.m. (unanimous)

Municipal Ethics Commission

The commission unanimously accepted the minutes from the March 5, 2025 meeting. It decided that a Republican or unaffiliated member is needed for the commission. Joan Defilippo will contact the Republican Town Committee about the appointment. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:27 PM.

• Accepted March 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Decided a Republican or unaffiliated member is needed
• Joan Defilippo to contact Republican Town Committee
• Meeting adjourned (unanimous)

Community Health Committee

The committee accepted the meeting minutes without corrections. It approved a $5,000 donation from Elizabeth Kuhns of Essex Savings Bank to be used for the food pantry. A $100 gift card was awarded to Laura Kaspro for her work. The next meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2025.

• Accepted meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved $5,000 donation from Elizabeth Kuhns, Essex Savings Bank for food pantry (motion passed)
• Awarded $100 gift card to Laura Kaspro for hard work (unanimous approval)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners accepted the April 2025 minutes as written by a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:30 p.m. by unanimous consent. Financial statements were reviewed, but no formal actions were taken on them.

• Accepted April 2025 minutes as written (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:30 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Clerk

On May 27, 2025, Deep River held a budget referendum for the FY 2025‑2026 budget of $21,394,437. A total of 417 votes were counted, with 272 Yes and 14 No votes, resulting in the budget passing by 127 votes. Voter turnout was 13 %. The referendum was initiated by the Board of Selectmen and no petition was circulated.

• Approved $21,394,437 town budget (passed by 127 votes, 272‑14 tally)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance approved the April 22 minutes and unanimously appointed Tim Puglielli to fill a vacant board seat. Voters approved the budget referendum (272‑Yes, 145‑No). The board set the 2025‑26 mill rate at 31.98, a 0.6 increase over the prior year, and approved a legal notice for sealed bids on two industrial‑park properties. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved April 22 minutes (4‑0)
• Unanimously appointed Tim Puglielli to vacant board seat
• Budget referendum passed (Yes 272, No 145)
• Set 2025‑26 mill rate at 31.98 (4‑0)
• Approved legal notice for sealed bids on industrial‑park properties
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Board of Finance

The Deep River Board of Finance interviewed Timothy Puglielli, Jr. for the vacant seat. The board voted to accept him as a member, filling the vacancy left by a resignation. His term will run through November 2025.

• Accepted Timothy Puglielli, Jr. as board member (4-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved the minutes from May 19 and May 13 with spelling corrections. They appointed Kathryn Kelly to the Economic Development Commission (term ends 12/1/2026) and Michael Joia as Municipal Veterans Representative. The board tabled the electric charging station proposal and decided to create a quarterly MS4 review committee starting in September. They also approved the NAAP garden structure proposal and adjourned the meeting.

• Accepted minutes from May 19 and May 13 with corrections (3-0)
• Appointed Kathryn Kelly to Economic Development Commission, term expires 12/1/2026 (2-0, 1 abstained)
• Appointed Michael Joia as Municipal Veterans Representative (3-0)
• Tabled Resource Lighting Electric Charging Stations discussion for further information (no vote recorded)
• Decided to form a quarterly MS4 review committee beginning September (no vote recorded)
• Approved NAAP garden structure proposal, moving it to a town meeting (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 19, 2025 hearing. It then approved variance application ZBA #25-02, allowing commercial and residential uses on the same floor at 181 Main Street. Finally, the board unanimously adopted a proposal to hold regular meetings on the first or fourth Tuesday of each month, pending room availability confirmation.

• Approved February 19, 2025 hearing minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance application ZBA #25-02 for 181 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved change of regular meeting schedule to first or fourth Tuesday of each month, subject to ZEO room confirmation (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission discussed budget estimates for painting, landscaping, and roof replacement at Devitts Field. No substantive actions were approved or denied. The meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn was passed.

• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen adjourned the regular meeting at 6:42 p.m. with a 3‑0 vote. No substantive actions were approved or denied. The board discussed creating a committee to review the MS4 Draft 2024 report quarterly and the First Selectman will obtain information on the library rain garden.

• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Economic Development Commission

The commission unanimously approved the April 21, 2025 meeting minutes. It scheduled a CT Main Street consulting meeting for June 4 at 1:30 PM and set the next EDC meeting for Monday, June 16, 2025. Members discussed action items for the Economic Development Plan, including obtaining the town’s .com domain and updating the website.

• Approved April 21 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled CT Main Street consulting meeting for June 4
• Set June 16 EDC meeting date
• Planned merchants coffee‑shop meeting (pending)
• Scheduled Ginko training session for members

Firehouse Building Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the April 15 regular meeting (6‑0) with one abstention. It unanimously accepted the draft firehouse charter and will forward it to the Board of Selectmen. The committee authorized the SLR proposal to conduct a $5,500 conceptual design feasibility study, with a second $5,500 detailed engineering phase contingent on the first, passing 7‑0. The existing firehouse condition assessment was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved April 15 minutes (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Accepted draft firehouse charter (7-0)
• Authorized SLR feasibility proposal: Task 1 $5,500, Task 2 $5,500 if needed (7-0)
• Tabled existing firehouse condition assessment (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Town Clerk

The Annual Town Meeting unanimously appointed Richard Daniels as moderator. The Town also unanimously authorized the Tax Collector to collect real estate, personal property, and motor vehicle taxes on the dates set by the motion. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Appointed Richard Daniels as moderator (unanimous)
• Authorized tax collector to collect real estate and personal property taxes in two installments (July 1 2025 and Jan 1 2026) (unanimous voice vote)
• Authorized tax collector to collect regular motor vehicle taxes in one installment (July 1 2025) and supplemental motor vehicle taxes in one installment (Jan 1 2026) (unanimous voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen voted 3-0 to approve a draft letter offering the town's support to the Gateway Commission. The letter asks Eversource to file a full application for transmission line work across the Connecticut River at two locations. The meeting was then adjourned by a 3-0 vote.

• Approved draft support letter to Gateway Commission (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission continued the public hearing on the 105 River Road accessory structure to the next regular meeting. It scheduled a public hearing for June 19, 2025 on the food‑truck text amendment. It also received the Deep River Farms commercial agriculture application and set a public hearing for June 19, 2025. The Board of Finance accepted the budget proposal with a $5,000 deduction.

• Continued public hearing on 105 River Road accessory structure (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing June 19, 2025 on food‑truck text amendment (unanimous)
• Received Deep River Farms application and scheduled public hearing June 19, 2025 (unanimous)
• Board of Finance accepted budget proposal with $5,000 deduction (recorded acceptance)
• Approved minutes of March 5, 2025 special meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 20, 2025 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of April 17, 2025 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of April 24, 2025 special meeting (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission approved a motion presented by Nicole Desrosiers and seconded by Tony Mingrone. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Suzanne Sutch, seconded by Tony Mingrone, and passed. An executive‑session motion was moved and seconded, but the minutes do not record a vote outcome.

• Motion to approve (item not specified) passed
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance approved moving $40,000 from the salary line item to the maintenance line item for park and recreation projects. The motion passed unanimously with a 5‑0 vote. The Board also approved transferring $32,542.94 of uncollectable taxes from 2019 and 2020 to the Suspense account, also by a 5‑0 vote. Both motions were adopted without opposition.

• Reallocated $40,000 from salary to maintenance line item (5-0)
• Transferred $32,542.94 uncollectable taxes to Suspense account (5-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved the corrected minutes from April meetings (3‑0). They appointed Kimberly Lambert as Assistant Animal Control Officer (3‑0) and agreed to forward the Estuary's $2,500 emergency funding request to the Board of Finance (3‑0). They voted to hold the town budget vote as a referendum on May 27 at the Deep River Library (3‑0) and supported the Neighborhood Assistance Grant application, moving it to a town meeting (3‑0). The board also decided to draft a letter urging Eversource to file a full application for transmission line work and will hold a special meeting on May 19 to vote on sending it.

• Approved corrected April minutes (3‑0)
• Appointed Kimberly Lambert as Assistant Animal Control Officer (3‑0)
• Forwarded Estuary $2,500 emergency funding request to Board of Finance (3‑0)
• Moved town budget vote to a May 27 referendum at Deep River Library (3‑0)
• Supported Neighborhood Assistance Grant application and moved it to town meeting (3‑0)
• Decided to draft letter urging Eversource to file full application; special meeting set for May 19
• Adjourned meeting (3‑0)

Library Trustees

The trustees approved the minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting and the Treasurer’s report for Citizen’s Bank, both unanimously. They adopted the proposed amendments to the Library’s Patron Code of Conduct with a unanimous vote. The board also confirmed committee assignments and adjourned the meeting at 7:29 p.m.

• Approved minutes of April 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s report for Citizen’s Bank (unanimous)
• Confirmed committee assignments (Budget, Exhibits, Hospitality, House and Grounds, Personnel, Policy, Publicity, Technology)
• Accepted proposed amendments to Library Patron Code of Conduct (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:29 p.m. (unanimous)

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority unanimously approved the finalized 2026 budget. The board rejected a proposal to allocate $250,000 for bond debt service (3 Yes, 4 No). The board approved a $150,000 allocation for bond debt service with six Yes votes and one abstention.

• Approved 2026 WPCA Budget (unanimous)
• Rejected $250,000 bond debt service proposal (3 Yes, 4 No)
• Approved $150,000 bond debt service proposal (6 Yes, 1 Abstain)

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees met on May 8, 2024, to hear a presentation from architect Bob Gabalski of Lothrop Associates. He showed drawings of the existing library space and discussed the Connecticut Library Construction Grant and SHOPP grants. The trustees noted that Lothrop Associates will continue facility planning and assessment. No motions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Ad‑Hoc Committee reviewed the working draft of the Plan of Conservation & Development and made several revisions. Members agreed to retain the reference to a public safety complex, move definitions into the main text, use “multi‑town” instead of “tri‑town”, and consider adding an ADA transition plan to the upcoming Main Street plan. They also discussed terminology for the Village District and its boundaries, and set a timeline to finish edits by May 30 with a public hearing in June and a final vote in July 2025.

• Agreed to keep reference to a public safety complex in the draft
• Decided to place definitions within the main text rather than an appendix
• Preferred the term “multi‑town” over “tri‑town”
• Proposed incorporating an ADA transition plan into the Main Street plan
• Discussed and clarified terminology for Village District, Main Street, central business area, and Town Center
• Identified southern boundary as Devitts Field and noted northern boundary options (Kirtland Commons or High Nine Brewing Company)
• Set target to complete final edits by May 30, hold public hearing in June, and vote in July 2025

Town Clerk

On May 6, 2025, a budget referendum for Regional School District #4 was held at the Deep River Public Library. A total of 259 votes were counted, giving an 8% voter turnout. The budget of $24,476,619 for FY 2025‑2026 was approved by a margin of 50 votes (335 yes, 285 no).

• Approved Regional School District #4 budget of $24,476,619 (335‑285 vote)

Community Health Committee

The committee accepted the meeting minutes after correcting the Easter basket donor. The treasurer's financial report was approved. The Social Service Request form was voted on and accepted.

• Accepted meeting minutes with correction (motion passed)
• Accepted treasurer report (motion passed)
• Accepted Social Service Request form (motion passed)

Water Pollution Control Authority

The board approved the March meeting minutes unanimously. It voted to hold future meetings on the second Monday of each month, with the first FY26 meeting in September 2025. Members approved a FY26 rate increase, including a $50 raise, and agreed to fund the pump boat annually by adding $7,500 to the WPCA budget.

• Approved March meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved moving meetings to second Monday monthly, first FY26 meeting September 2025 (6-0)
• Approved FY26 rate increase for all users (4-2)
• Approved $50 increase in FY26 rates (5-1)
• Approved annual funding for pump boat, adding $7,500 to WPCA budget (5-1)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners accepted the April 2025 minutes as written after a motion by Scott, seconded by Lee. No financial statements were available, and the financial report noted upcoming higher expenses. The meeting was adjourned after a motion by Kerop, seconded by Berardis. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Accepted April 2025 minutes (motion by Scott, seconded by Lee)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Kerop, seconded by Berardis)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen adopted a resolution allowing the town to use temporary advances to pay for the purchase of two new fire trucks and related apparatus. The resolution also authorizes the First Selectman and the Treasurer to bind the town in related agreements. The motion passed unanimously, 3-0.

• Adopted resolution to finance two new fire trucks and related apparatus (3-0)

Town Clerk

The Special Town Meeting unanimously approved the appointment of First Selectman Carol Jones as meeting moderator and Amy Winchell as clerk. It also approved two alternate members for the Zoning Board of Appeals, allocated $175,000 toward a new fire‑department brush truck, and adopted changes to the ordinance establishing a Community Health Committee.

• Appointed First Selectman Carol Jones as meeting moderator (unanimous voice vote)
• Appointed Amy Winchell as clerk of the meeting (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved Jonathan Lambert as alternate ZBA member, term expires 12/1/2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Matt Verry as alternate ZBA member, term expires 12/1/2027 (unanimous)
• Approved $175,000 from FY 2024‑2025 surplus for fire‑truck purchase deposit (unanimous)
• Adopted changes to Town Ordinance establishing Community Health Committee (unanimous)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission entered an executive session at 6:03 p.m. to discuss the 400 Commercial Drive ZBA decision appeal and exited the session at 6:52 p.m. No substantive decisions were made during the session. The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m. by unanimous vote.

• Enter executive session (unanimous)
• Exit executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board approved the March 25 minutes and voted 3‑0 to recommend taking $175,000 from the surplus to initially fund the fire department’s brush truck, sending the question to a town meeting. The Board also agreed to forward the draft 2025‑26 budget to the April 30 public hearing. No action was taken on the park and recreation fund use because a quorum was not present.

• Approved March 25 minutes (unanimous)
• Motion passes 3‑0 to move $175,000 fire truck funding question to town meeting
• Agreed to send draft 2025‑26 budget to April 30 public hearing
• No action on park funds due to lack of quorum

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen voted 3-0 to add Vince Costanzo of Resource Lighting and Energy to the agenda to present on electric vehicle chargers. They also approved the minutes from the April 7, 2025 special meeting by a 3-0 vote. Courtney Huntington was sworn in as the town’s Assistant Emergency Management Director. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. after a unanimous motion.

• Added Vince Costanzo to agenda as item 5a (3-0)
• Approved April 7, 2025 special meeting minutes (3-0)
• Sworn in Courtney Huntington as Assistant Emergency Management Director
• Adjourned meeting at 7:15 p.m. (3-0)

Economic Development Commission

The Deep River Economic Development Commission unanimously approved the March 17, 2025 minutes. No substantive updates were reported on old business items. By unanimous vote the commission added an agenda item to create an EDC website using a portion of its budget, and Member Jeremy Chase was tasked with evaluating website providers. The next meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2025.

• Approved March 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Added agenda item to develop EDC website using budget (unanimous); Member Jeremy Chase to evaluate providers

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission postponed approval of the meeting minutes to the next meeting. A special permit hearing for an accessory structure at 105 River Road was continued to the next meeting. Members agreed to write a supportive letter for the Community Connectivity Grant application. A motion to hold a special litigation session on April 24 was passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Approval of minutes tabled to next meeting
• Special permit hearing continued to next meeting
• Commission agreed to write a letter supporting the Community Connectivity Grant
• Motion to schedule special litigation meeting on April 24 passed unanimously
• Adjournment motion passed unanimously

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance held a budget workshop on April 15, 2025. After presentations on the library, planning & zoning, and registrar budgets, the board recorded "No Action Taken, None Necessary." The meeting was adjourned by a 4-0 vote.

• Motion to adjourn passed 4-0
• No action taken on budget workshop items

Deep River Sustainable CT Committee

The committee reported that Sara and Jim presented the Heatsmart project to the Board of Selectmen, which approved it. The PACE memorandum of understanding has also been signed. No other formal votes or approvals were recorded in the meeting.

• Heatsmart project approved by the Board of Selectmen (presentation by Sara and Jim)
• PACE memorandum of understanding signed

Firehouse Building Committee

The Firehouse Building Committee seated alternate David Berardis (7‑0) and approved the April 3 minutes (7‑0). It agreed to cancel the scheduled May 1 meeting and will reconvene on May 20. The committee adjourned the session at 7:01 PM (7‑0). Several agenda items, including the charter discussion and site‑feasibility proposal, were tabled for future meetings.

• Seat alternate David Berardis – motion passed 7‑0
• Approve April 3 minutes – motion passed 7‑0
• Cancel May 1, 2025 meeting; reconvene May 20, 2025 – planned action
• Adjourn meeting at 7:01 PM – motion passed 7‑0
• Charter discussion tabled until next meeting
• Site feasibility proposal tabled pending Paradis submission
• Building program items (spatial requirements, design services) tabled
• SharePoint update tabled; continue using Google Drive

Library Trustees

The board voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the March 10, 2025 meeting and the Treasurer's report for both Citizen’s Bank and Liberty Bank accounts. They also unanimously approved planning the Library’s Spring Celebration scheduled for June 14, 2025. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:04 p.m.

• Approved March 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's report for Citizen’s Bank and Liberty Bank (unanimous)
• Approved planning the Spring Celebration for June 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:04 p.m. (unanimous)

Transfer Station Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the March 10, 2025 meeting. A motion to include a sticker‑display requirement in the Transfer Station ordinance was unanimously carried. The meeting was then adjourned by motion.

• Approved acceptance of March 10 minutes (motion carried)
• Added sticker‑display clause to Transfer Station ordinance (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Board of Selectmen

The Deep River Board of Selectmen met on April 10, 2025 to discuss the town's insurance coverage and budget. After discussion, a motion to adjourn was made and passed unanimously (3-0). No other actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

• Adjourned meeting (motion passed 3-0)

Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission

The commission approved the March 13 meeting minutes unanimously. It voted unanimously to send the revised fine ordinance to the Board of Selectmen. It also voted unanimously to send the revised Canfield Woods ordinance to the Board of Selectmen. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved March 13 minutes (6-0)
• Approved sending revised fine ordinance to Board of Selectmen (6-0)
• Approved sending revised Canfield Woods ordinance to Board of Selectmen (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen voted 3‑0 to have Planning & Zoning Chair Tony Bolduc present details on the procedural steps for building permits and to issue a certificate of zoning compliance for all permit applications. A separate 3‑0 vote approved the adjournment of the meeting at 8:56 a.m.

• Motion to have Bolduc present building‑permit procedure details and issue zoning‑compliance certificates passed 3-0
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed 3-0

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission approved the secretaries report. A motion to approve the July music festival at Devitts Field, contingent on permit details, was passed. The commission entered an executive session and then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved secretaries report (motion passed)
• Approved July music festival at Devitts Field pending permit details (motion passed)
• Entered executive session (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance held a budget workshop on April 8, 2025, where Superintendent Brian White presented the DRES 25‑26 budget with a 6.025 increase and a total PreK‑12 expenditure of $14,809,845. No action was taken on the proposed budget. The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.

• No action taken on the proposed 2025‑2026 budget
• Meeting adjourned (vote 4‑0)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved the minutes from the March 25 and April 7 meetings. They appointed a new Emergency Management Director, an Assistant Director, and two Zoning Board alternates. The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the town to submit documents for the 2025 Emergency Management Operational Grant. A tax rebate of $101.04 was also approved.

• Approved March 25 and April 7 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Appointed Cynthia Torres as Emergency Management Director (3-0)
• Appointed Courtney Huntington as Assistant Emergency Management Director (3-0)
• Appointed Jonathan Lambert as Zoning Board alternate (term to 12/1/2026) (3-0)
• Appointed Matt Verry as Zoning Board alternate (term to 12/1/2027) (3-0)
• Added agenda item to consider emergency management grant resolution (3-0)
• Adopted resolution to apply for the 2025 Emergency Management Operational Grant (3-0)
• Approved tax rebate totaling $101.04 (3-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen voted 3‑0 to enter an executive session to discuss the Finance Director’s position. The executive session ran until 10:10 a.m. The Board then voted 3‑0 to adjourn the meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Entered executive session to discuss Finance Director’s position (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:10 a.m. (3-0)

Board of Fire Commissioners

The board unanimously accepted the February and March meeting minutes. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also passed unanimously. The chief agreed to explore a Touch‑a‑Truck display for May 7 2025. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted February minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted March minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Chief to look into Touch‑a‑Truck display for 5/7/2025 (planned)
• Deputy to set up Horizon account for new truck tools (planned)
• Chief to insure apparatus at replacement value (planned)
• Engineer to schedule ladder and hose testing on weekdays only (policy)
• Lee to revise capital expenditures changes and email commission before submission (planned)

Firehouse Building Committee

The committee approved the March 18 regular‑meeting minutes with a 6‑0 vote. The charter discussion and the review of existing property values were tabled for the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 PM after a unanimous 7‑0 vote.

• Approved March 18 minutes (6-0)
• Charter discussion tabled until next meeting
• Existing property values review tabled until next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Firehouse Building Committee

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the March 18 meeting (6‑0). The Board of Finance approved a firehouse project budget of up to $45,000, with $30,900 available immediately and $14,100 upon notification. The BOF Chair approved a sole‑source purchase order to SLR for a site feasibility study. The committee adjourned the meeting unanimously (7‑0) and tabled several items for future discussion.

• Approved March 18 minutes (6-0)
• Board of Finance approved firehouse budget up to $45,000
• BOF Chair approved sole source purchase order to SLR
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)
• Charter discussion tabled until next meeting
• Existing property values tabled until next meeting
• Site feasibility Go/No Go decision pending
• Design services procurement documents to be drafted

Planning and Zoning Commission

A special meeting of the Ad‑Hoc Committee on the Plan of Conservation & Development was held on April 2, 2025. Members and public participants discussed the draft plan, covering zoning changes, affordable housing, municipal services, sidewalks, and the possible purchase of the Mt. St. John property. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded; the committee will compile the comments for the final plan.

Board of Finance

The Deep River Board of Finance held a budget workshop on April 1, 2025 to review the proposed 2025‑2026 budget. Members discussed Department of Public Works concerns about tree removal and paving, and the Fire Department highlighted a potential $17,900 overrun in vehicle maintenance. No actions were taken on any budget items. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.

• Adjourned meeting – motion passed 5-0
• No action taken on budget proposals

Community Health Committee

The Community Health Committee voted to give $500 to the Town of Guilford’s Women & Family Life Center and recorded the donation request to the town. Emily Chase was confirmed as the newest committee member. The meeting was formally adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

• Approved $500 donation to Guilford Women & Family Life Center (motion by Kirk, second by Lori)
• Confirmed Emily Chase as new committee member
• Approved adjournment of meeting at 7:50 p.m. (motion by Joyce, second by Kirk)

Town Clerk

The Special Town Meeting unanimously approved three actions: appointing Emily Chase to the Community Health Committee, moving $38,000 from the unassigned budget surplus to the Town Building Repairs line for mold remediation costs, and adopting updated procurement policy language. All motions passed by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.

• Approved appointment of Emily Chase to Community Health Committee (unanimous)
• Approved $38,000 transfer to Town Building Repairs for mold remediation (unanimous)
• Approved adoption of revised procurement policy ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved First Selectman as moderator (unanimous)
• Approved Amy Winchell as clerk of the meeting (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance approved the minutes from February 25, 2025 (4‑0). It approved a budget rebalancing motion (4‑0). It voted to buy a fire‑truck chassis for $175,000 from surplus funds (3‑1). A request for $28,643 for a digital sign was tabled until April.

• Approved minutes of Feb 25, 2025 (4‑0)
• Approved budget rebalancing (4‑0)
• Approved purchase of fire‑truck chassis for $175,000 from surplus (3‑1)
• Supported $3,600 HR consultant request (no vote recorded)
• Tabled $28,643 digital sign request until April

Board of Finance

The Board voted 3‑1 to purchase a fire‑truck chassis for $175,000 using surplus funds. It also approved a budget rebalancing motion unanimously. A $28,643 request for a digital sign was tabled until April, and the Board supported a $3,600 hire of an HR consultant. Minutes and the adjournment motion were each approved unanimously.

• Approved fire‑truck chassis purchase $175,000 from surplus (3‑1)
• Approved budget rebalancing as presented (4‑0)
• Tabled $28,643 digital sign request until April meeting
• Supported $3,600 HR consultant request
• Approved minutes of February 25, 2025 meeting (4‑0)
• C. Balducci agreed to attend fire‑department committee meetings
• Earmarked $10,000 of surplus for insurance‑consultant review (tentative)
• Approved adjournment of meeting (4‑0)

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved two tax rebates totaling $82.40, adopted amendments to the Community Health Committee ordinance adding nine regular members, and voted to have Deep River join the Solarize Connecticut solar incentive program. They also approved the March 11 meeting minutes and adjourned the session. No action was taken on the Planning and Zoning concerns, which will be discussed in an executive session.

• Approved minutes from March 11, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved two tax rebates totaling $82.40 (3-0)
• Approved changes to Community Health Committee ordinance, adding nine regular members (3-0)
• Approved town participation in Solarize Connecticut program (3-0)
• No action taken on Planning and Zoning issues; to be addressed in executive session
• Motion to adjourn passed (3-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a revision to Section 7B.30 that limits mixed‑use buildings to commercial ground floors and prohibits residential and commercial uses on the same floor, effective April 17, 2025. The commission also voted to refer recent building‑permit violations to the Board of Selectmen. Additional actions approved include adding a preliminary discussion of 105 River Road to the agenda and adopting a positive response to the 2024 storm‑water (MS4) report.

• Approved amendment to Section 7B.30 Mixed Use Buildings (unanimous)
• Approved motion to refer building‑permit violations to Board of Selectmen (unanimous)
• Approved addition of 105 River Road preliminary discussion to agenda (unanimous)
• Approved note with positive recommendation on MS4 2024 report (unanimous)
• Approved owner discussion of Deep River Farms project (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on text amendment (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 20, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:45 p.m. (unanimous)

Deep River Sustainable CT Committee

The committee voted to recommend that Deep River participate in the Solarize campaign, using Earthlight as the vendor, to the Board of Selectmen. They set the date for the Chester Earth Day event as April 26 on Main Street. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Recommend Solarize campaign to Board of Selectmen (agreed)
• Set Chester Earth Day event date for April 26 on Main Street (approved)