Newington public meetings in 2022

Parks & Recreation Board

The Board approved the 2023 meeting schedule, the Winter Program Guide, and the Capital Improvement Projects proposal. Additionally, the Board endorsed an updated part-time and seasonal pay scale to account for a minimum wage increase effective June 1, 2023.

• Approved 2023 Board meeting dates (unanimous)
• Accepted Winter Program Guide and associated fees (unanimous)
• Approved Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) proposal (unanimous)
• Endorsed updated Part-Time/Seasonal Pay Plan effective June 1, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved October 18, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission held a special meeting to elect its leadership for the upcoming term. The commission also approved the schedule for its regular 2023 meetings.

• Elected Andreas Sadil as Chairman (5-0)
• Elected John Bachand as Vice-Chairman (5-0)
• Elected Kelly Dehaas as Secretary (5-0)
• Approved 2023 meeting schedule for the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved a town sidewalk replacement project and a parking lot expansion. A request to modify a building footprint at 197 Meadow Street was tabled for the next meeting.

• Approved Application 2022-23 for sidewalk replacement at 1936-1940 Main Street (6-0)
• Approved Application 2022-24 to expand a parking lot at 249 Day Street (6-0)
• Determined Application 2022-25 (197 Meadow Street) requires no public hearing (6-0)
• Tabled Application 2022-25 for action at the next meeting
• Accepted November 15, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Town Plan & Zoning Commission

The Town Plan & Zoning Commission approved a change of use from industrial/office to industrial/retail at 1170 Main Street. The project includes an art-deco facade redesign and the removal of a bridge connecting two buildings. The commission also agreed to request a status update from the Town Attorney regarding a zoning enforcement matter on Maple Hill Avenue.

• Approved Petition 51-22 Site Plan Modification for 1170 Main Street (7-0)
• Approved minutes of the November 21, 2022 regular meeting (7-0)
• Tabled Petition 49-22 Special Permit for 102 (rear) Halleran Drive
• Agreed to send a letter to the Town Attorney regarding zoning enforcement for vehicles on Maple Hill Avenue

Town Plan & Zoning Commission

The Commission held a special meeting to elect its leadership and establish the 2023 regular meeting schedule. It also maintained existing appointments to the CRCOG Regional Planning Commission.

• Elected Domenic Pane as Chairman (7-0)
• Elected Anthony Claffey as Vice-Chairman (7-0)
• Elected Garret Havens as Secretary (7-0)
• Approved 2023 regular meeting dates (7-0)
• Maintained appointments of Commissioner Gill and alternate Commissioner Woods to the CRCOG Regional Planning Commission (7-0)

Town Council

The Town Council authorized a lease-purchase agreement for public safety radio equipment and hired a consultant to search for a new Town Manager. The council also issued several community awards and approved property tax refunds.

• Approved Equipment Lease-Purchase Agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for up to $4,023,060.55 (9-0)
• Authorized agreement with Randi Frank Consulting, LLC for Town Manager recruitment search not to exceed $24,000 (9-0)
• Approved $15,916.20 in property tax refunds for overpayment (9-0)
• Cancelled the December 27, 2022 Regular Meeting (9-0)
• Awarded 'Building a Strong Community' recognition to Happy Harry's Wine & Liquor Warehouse, Campbell Cooling LLC, Victor & Donna Fontana, and Carol Anest & Diana Serra (9-0)
• Tabled proclamation for retirement of Marie Fox, Democrat Registrar (9-0)
• Appointed members to the EMS Committee, Metropolitan District, and Standing Insurance Committee (9-0)

Employee Insurance & Pension Benefits Committee

The committee approved recommendations from UBS to shift asset allocations for Police, Municipal, Administrative, and OPEB portfolios to a more defensive position. The changes include reducing equity exposure and moving funds into DSAM Core Plus Fixed Income. The committee also reviewed insurance claim results and a draft of ordinance changes.

• Approved meeting minutes from 8/15/22 (unanimous)
• Approved UBS investment changes to reduce equity exposure by 2% and remove Western Core Plus from portfolios (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The Board approved the minutes from the November 14, 2022 meeting. Members discussed the upcoming budget, investment strategies for restricted and unrestricted funds, and facility maintenance needs identified during a recent walk-through.

• Approved minutes of November 14, 2022

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners unanimously approved the proposed 2023-2024 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget. The budget includes twelve proposals that will be submitted to the Town Manager and Finance Department.

• Approved proposed 2023-2024 CIP budget (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council approved the employment agreement for Acting Town Manager James Krupienski and authorized the sale of the town-owned property at 690 Cedar Street. The council also discussed a public safety radio project lease.

• Approved waiver to act on Acting Town Manager Employment Agreement (9-0)
• Approved Acting Town Manager James Krupienski's employment agreement with a biweekly salary of $5,769.23 (9-0)
• Approved waiver to authorize the sale of 690 Cedar Street (8-0)
• Authorized Acting Town Manager James Krupienski to execute documents for the sale of 690 Cedar Street (8-0)

Police Community Council

The Police Community Council received updates on department staffing, crime statistics, and training initiatives. The department is working toward state accreditation and developing policies for equitable policing. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board elected its Chairperson and Vice Chair and approved the regular meeting schedule for 2023. The Board also approved a correction to the October 8, 2022, meeting minutes.

• Elected Nicole Pane as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected Timothy Hutsvagner as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 regular meeting dates (unanimous)
• Approved correction to October 8, 2022, minutes to show Commissioner Sharon Dunning was present via Zoom (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council approved updated job descriptions for the Town Planner and Groundskeeper Foreperson. The council also authorized property tax refunds totaling $3,769.39. A proclamation was issued honoring the Newington Kiwanis Club's 70th anniversary.

• Approved job description for Town Planner (A-11) (9-0)
• Approved job description for Groundskeeper Foreperson (LT-19) (9-0)
• Approved property tax refunds totaling $3,769.39 (9-0)
• Approved proclamation for Newington Kiwanis Club 70th Anniversary (9-0)
• Tabled approval of minutes (9-0)

Town Plan & Zoning Commission

The Commission approved a site plan for a 17,300 square foot flex-use building at 680 North Mountain Road and a special permit for a sign at 203 Costello Road. Additionally, the board approved amendments to zoning regulations regarding the storage of RVs, boats, and trailers in residential zones.

• Approved site plan for 17,300 sq ft industrial building at 680 North Mountain Road (7-0)
• Approved special permit for non-illuminated sign at 203 Costello Road (7-0)
• Approved zoning amendment for RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential zones (7-0)
• Tabled approval of previous meeting minutes

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved applications for a building and parking lot at 680 North Mountain Road and a building addition at 316 Maple Hill Avenue. A proposal for a new sidewalk at 1936-1940 Main Street was tabled until December. The board also determined that no public hearings are required for the Main Street sidewalk or the 249 Day Street parking expansion.

• Approved Application 2022-17 for building and parking lot at 680 North Mountain Road (5-3)
• Approved Application 2022-18 for building addition at 316 Maple Hill Avenue (5-3)
• Determined no public hearing necessary for Application 2022-23 (sidewalk at 1936-1940 Main Street) (5-0)
• Tabled Application 2022-23 (sidewalk at 1936-1940 Main Street) until December meeting
• Determined no public hearing necessary for Application 2022-24 (parking lot at 249 Day Street) (8-0)
• Tabled Application 2022-24 (parking lot at 249 Day Street) until December meeting
• Accepted minutes from September 20, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council appointed James Krupienski to serve as Acting Town Manager for up to 90 days starting December 3, 2022. The council also approved a new job description for Assistant Fire Marshal and updated the Administrative Group Pay Ranges.

• Appointed James Krupienski as Acting Town Manager for up to 90 days starting Dec 3, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved job description for Assistant Fire Marshal (A-7) (7-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to update Administrative Group Pay Ranges in the Classification and Pay Plan (7-0)

Library Board of Trustees

The Board approved a small expenditure for a Winterfest donation and reviewed the library's financial status. Members discussed facility repairs, social media strategies, and the appointment of an acting town manager.

• Approved minutes of October 17, 2022 (Passed)
• Approved purchase of books for Winterfest donation not to exceed $100 (Unanimous)

Environmental Quality Commission

The commission appointed Commissioner Boncal as its representative to the Balf Committee. Members discussed air quality monitoring at the Tilcon quarry and the possibility of hybrid car parking signage at town hall.

• Approved appointment of Commissioner Boncal to the Balf Committee (unanimous, Boncal abstained)
• Approved October 13 meeting minutes (unanimous, Boncal abstained)
• Decided to request a second air quality monitor from Town Council via the CCHD

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the updated rules and regulations for the Newington Volunteer Fire Department. The board also accepted the job description for an Assistant Fire Marshal to begin the hiring process. Other updates included the status of a new radio system and the expected January delivery of Truck 2.

• Approved October 13, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted monthly communications for October (unanimous)
• Approved ledger status (unanimous)
• Approved revised rules and regulations for Newington Volunteer Fire Department (unanimous)
• Accepted job description for Assistant Fire Marshal position (unanimous)

EMS Committee

The Newington EMS Committee is meeting to receive reports from AMR/NEMS, discuss dispatch/EMD, and share information. The agenda includes two public participation periods and an executive session for attorney-client privileged communication.

• Reports from AMR/NEMS
• Discussion of Dispatch/EMD
• Executive session under CGS §1-200(6)(E) and CGS §1-210(b)(10) for attorney-client privileged communication

Town Plan & Zoning Commission

The Commission approved a zoning amendment to allow staff to administratively approve minor temporary events, such as fireworks sales and fundraisers. It also approved a temporary construction sign for a project on Berlin Turnpike.

• Approved Zoning Regulation amendment (Sec. 3.23.4) to add regulations for temporary events (7-0)
• Approved temporary sign/construction scrim at 3333 Berlin Turnpike (7-0)
• Approved minutes of October 26, 2022 meetings (7-0)

150th Anniversary Steering Committee

The 150th Anniversary Steering Committee approved expenditures for solar lights and glow necklaces. Members discussed the potential purchase of a handicapped accessible kiosk for the town hall lobby costing approximately $12,844.

• Approved spending no more than $500 on glow sticks
• Approved $2,500 for solar lights
• Approved minutes of August 4, 2022 and September 1, 2022

Economic Development Commission

The Commission elected a Vice President and approved the minutes from the June 1, 2022 meeting. Members discussed a potential flag-based fundraising project for town beautification, which requires further regulatory and legal review.

• Elected Commissioner Havens as Vice President (4-0)
• Approved June 1, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)

Town Plan & Zoning Commission

The Commission unanimously approved a site plan and two special permits for a multi-use development at 751 Russell Road. The project will include a gas station with a drive-through restaurant, an automated car wash, and an electric vehicle showroom and service center.

• Approved Special Permit for drive-through restaurant at 751 Russell Rd (7-0)
• Approved Special Permit for motor vehicle services at 751 Russell Rd (7-0)
• Approved site plan for 751 Russell Rd, requiring one additional fire hydrant (7-0)
• Approved building height interpretation for architectural parapets to screen roof equipment
• Approved minutes of October 12, 2022 meetings (7-0)

Town Plan & Zoning Commission

The commission met for a special session to discuss pending litigation. No public decisions or votes on zoning or planning matters were recorded.

• Voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation regarding Culver Street, Mathew Kriedel and Jerzy Sajdowski

Town Council

The Town Council accepted the resignation of Town Manager Keith Chapman and established a search subcommittee for his replacement. The Council also authorized a license agreement with the State of Connecticut for a public safety radio project and approved a community assessment survey.

• Accepted resignation of Town Manager Keith Chapman, effective December 2, 2022 (8-1)
• Authorized DESSP CLRMN License Agreement with the State of Connecticut for Public Safety Radio Project (9-0)
• Endorsed preparation of Community Assessment Survey by Great Blue Research, Inc. (9-0)
• Appointed Tim Manke, Gail Budrejko, Mitch Page, and Mayor Beth DelBuono to Town Manager Search Subcommittee (9-0)
• Approved $7,490.87 in property tax refunds for overpayment (9-0)
• Accepted resignation of Jean Kappes from Environmental Quality Commission (8-0)
• Appointed Kevin Borrup and Elaina Starr to Central Connecticut Health District (9-0)
• Approved appointments to Permanent Municipal Building Commission (8-0)

Town Council

The Town Council convened for a special meeting and entered an executive session to discuss the appointment of an Acting Town Manager. No public decisions or votes on the appointment were recorded in the open session.

• Approved motion to enter Executive Session regarding Appointment of Acting Town Manager (8-0)

EMS Committee

The committee will meet to review old business regarding the CAD system. The agenda includes reports from Newington EMS and American Medical Response, as well as a discussion on dispatch and EMD.

• Discussion of CAD system
• Report from Newington EMS
• Report from American Medical Response
• Dispatch/EMD review

Conservation Commission

The Newington Conservation Commission reviewed a specific application regarding construction in an Upload Review Area. The commission granted a conditional approval for the project.

• Application 2022-13-AA: Approved with conditions for deck construction at 43 Meadowview Court

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is reviewing two applications for construction activities in Upland Review Areas. The meeting includes a continued public hearing regarding the development of single-family homes.

• Public hearing for Application #2022-05: Single family homes at 359 Church Street and 321 Tremont Street (Rear)
• Review of Application #2022-06: Construction activities at 165 Stamm Road

Conservation Commission

The Newington Conservation Commission met to review a construction application. The commission granted a conditional approval for activities in the Upland Review Area at a specific property.

• Approved with conditions Application #2022-06 for construction activities in the Upland Review Area (URA) at 165 Stamm Road

Conservation Commission

The Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a wetland map amendment and single family home construction at 359 Church Street and 321 Tremont Street. Other items include a permit extension for Carriage Hill Drive, construction activities at Stamm Road, and the replacement of a sport court.

• Wetland map amendment: 359 Church Street and 321 Tremont Street (rear)
• Single family home construction: 359 Church Street and 321 Tremont Street (rear)
• Permit extension: 98 Carriage Hill Drive
• Construction activities in the Upland Review Area: 165 Stamm Road
• Removal and replacement of a 100' x 50' sport court

Conservation Commission

The Newington Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding two applications from AA Denorfia Bldg. & Dev., LLC. The items concern property at 359 Church Street and 321 Tremont Street (rear).

• Application #2022-04: Wetland Map Amendment at 359 Church Street and 321 Tremont Street (rear)
• Application #2022-05: Construction of single family homes in the Upland Review Area at 359 Church Street and 321 Tremont Street (rear)

Conservation Commission

The Newington Conservation Commission took action on two applications on April 14, 2022. Both items were approved with conditions.

• Application 2022-09-AA: deck at 60 Pepperbush Lane in the Upland Review Area
• Application 2022-10-AA: modification of Wetland Permit 2018-03-AA at 1872 Main Street

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The committee will discuss radio system updates and an Emergency Operations Center grant. The agenda also includes American Recovery Program projects and CCHD updates.

• Radio System Updates
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant
• 2022 Meeting Schedule approval
• American Recovery Program Projects
• CCHD Updates

EMS Committee

The committee will conduct an online meeting including reports from Newington EMS and American Medical Response. The agenda includes discussions on emergency medical dispatch and new business.

• Reports from Newington EMS
• Reports from American Medical Response
• Communications regarding Emergency Medical Dispatch

Conservation Commission

The Newington Conservation Commission met to review a construction application. The commission granted a conditional approval for the project.

• Approved with conditions Application #2022-02 for construction activity at 77 & 93 Pane Road (Applicant: SBS Realty, LLC)

Conservation Commission

The Commission will review several applications regarding land use and construction. Items include a sport court replacement at Royal Villas Condos and proposed single family homes near Church Street and Tremont Street.

• Removal and replacement of a 100' x 50' sport court at 30 West Hartford Road
• Wetland map amendment at 359 Church Street and 321 Tremont Street (rear)
• Construction of single family homes in the upland review area at 359 Church Street and 321 Tremont Street (rear)
• Construction activity at 77 & 93 Pane Road

Conservation Commission

The Newington Conservation Commission met to review a single application. The commission granted conditional approval for the restoration of an upland review area.

• Application #2022-01: Restoration of the Upland Review Area at 249 Day Street (Approved with conditions)

Conservation Commission

The Commission will review a new application for construction activity at 77 & 93 Pane Road. They will also revisit an old business item regarding upland review area restoration at 249 Day Street.

• Application #2022-02: Construction Activity At 77 & 93 Pane Road
• Application #2022-01: Restoration Of The Upland Review Area At 249 Day Street

Conservation Commission

The Newington Conservation Commission is meeting to review an application for the restoration of the upland review area at 249 Day Street. The commission will also accept minutes from the December 14, 2021 meeting.

• Application #2022-01: Restoration of the Upland Review Area at 249 Day Street