Preston public meetings in 2025

Redevelopment Agency

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Preston Redevelopment Agency for December 24, 2025, is canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for January 2026.

• Meeting cancellation notice issued
• Next meeting scheduled for January 2026

Senior Affairs Committee

The Preston Senior Affairs Committee will meet on Dec. 22, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Preston Senior Center to conduct a budget workshop. The agenda includes a call to order, the workshop discussion, and adjournment. No formal decisions are listed.

• Budget Workshop

The Preston Senior Affairs Committee adopted its recommendation to submit the Senior Affairs budget for fiscal year 2026‑2027. The motion was made by Marie Perrin, seconded by Joyce Weber, and approved. The meeting then adjourned after a motion to adjourn was approved.

• Approved submission of FY 2026‑2027 Senior Affairs budget proposal
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting

Democratic Town Committee

The Preston Democratic Town Committee's regular monthly meeting scheduled for Monday, December 22, 2025 at 7 p.m. was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed or decided. No further action is planned for this meeting.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The commission is meeting for a site walk at 31 Route 2. The agenda contains no other deliberative items or decisions.

• Site walk at 31 Route 2

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission conducted a site walk at 31 Route 2 in Preston. Members inspected four stockpiles of earthen and rock material, noted runoff under Route 2, and identified a pipe crossing the road. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were taken.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to review October year-to-date budget reports and an audit update. The agenda includes discussions on a financial report for the Preston Public Library and a Board of Finance budget request.

• October YTD Budget Reports
• Audit Update
• Preston Public Library Financial Report
• Board of Finance Budget Request

The Board of Finance approved the meeting minutes after corrections, with a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss a bid waiver for engineering services and a financial assistance proposal for the Preston Riverwalk. The agenda also includes a WPCA update and a tax refund request.

• Bid waiver for engineering services for Mathewson Mill Culvert
• Resolution regarding Preston Riverwalk Amended Financial Assistance Proposal
• Tax refund for Carolyn M. McAvoy in the amount of $816.89
• WPCA update

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a bid waiver to hire CLA Engineers for a Hydrologic & Hydraulic Analysis of the Mathewson Mill culvert at a cost of $6,500, funded from the Public Works Professional and Technical Services line item. They also unanimously approved a resolution for the Preston Riverwalk Amended Financial Assistance Proposal and a tax refund of $816.89 to Carolyn M. McAvoy. Minutes from December 10, 2025 were amended and approved. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved bid waiver for CLA Engineers engineering analysis, $6,500 (unanimous)
• Approved Preston Riverwalk Amended Financial Assistance Proposal resolution (unanimous)
• Approved tax refund to Carolyn M. McAvoy, $816.89 (unanimous)
• Approved amended December 10, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved amended December 10, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a special meeting including an executive session. The body will discuss a pending claim related to the Preston Public Library.

• Executive session regarding a pending claim for the Preston Public Library

The Board of Selectmen convened a special meeting and entered an executive session to discuss a pending library claim, then adjourned. Both the motion to enter executive session and the motion to adjourn were carried unanimously. No substantive decisions or actions were made during the meeting.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission will review and vote on the November 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It will consider Old Business item IW Permit #2025-15 for a 16 × 34 × 25 lagoon inground pool at 97 Roosevelt Ave. New Business includes noting membership terms ending January 1, 2026 for Chuck Bartnicki and Henry Wrigley, and approving the Wetland Agent mileage report. The meeting also provides a public comment period limited to 15 minutes total.

• Approval of November 18, 2025 regular meeting minutes
• Approval of IW Permit #2025-15 for a lagoon pool at 97 Roosevelt Ave
• Membership terms ending Jan 1 2026 for Chuck Bartnicki and Henry Wrigley
• Approval of Wetland Agent mileage (amounts to be specified)
• Public comment session limited to 15 minutes total

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission approved a permit for an in-ground pool at 97 Roosevelt Avenue with a $1,000 bond, and recommended reappointing two members. It also scheduled a site walk for a stockpile application at 31 Route 2, after a member recused himself due to a property conflict.

• Approved IW Permit #2025-15 for pool construction at 97 Roosevelt Ave with $1,000 bond (unanimous)
• Recommended reappointing Henry Wrigley and Chuck Bartnicki to the Commission for 5-year terms (unanimous)
• Scheduled site walk for IW Application 2025-16 at 31 Route 2 on Dec 20, 2025 at 9:00 am (unanimous)
• Approved IW Agent mileage and cell phone reimbursement of $78.10 for December 2025 (unanimous)

Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA)

The Preston Water Pollution Control Authority special meeting will approve the November 17, 2025 minutes, allow a brief public comment period, and address old business. New business includes reviewing an encroachment agreement, a forecast map, an SCRRRA environmental impact evaluation, the 2026 meeting calendar, and possibly the FY 2026‑27 budget. The board will then adjourn.

• Review Encroachment Agreement
• Review Forecast Map
• Review SCRRRA Environmental Impact Evaluation
• Adopt WPCA 2026 Calendar
• Consider WPCA FY 2026‑27 Budget (if needed)

The board approved the November 17, 2025 meeting minutes with listed corrections, passing the motion 3-0-0. It decided not to hold a regular December meeting and will call a special meeting only if needed. No other substantive actions were approved at this meeting.

• Approved November 17, 2025 minutes with corrections (motion 3-0-0)
• Decided against holding a regular December meeting; special meeting may be called if needed
• Motion to adjourn carried 3-0-0

Housing Authority

The Town of Preston Housing Authority notified that its scheduled meeting for December 11, 2025 has been cancelled. As a result, no agenda items, decisions, or public hearings will take place at this time.

Board of Selectmen

The Preston Board of Selectmen will consider and adopt the town’s holiday schedule for 2026. They will also approve the dates for the 2026 Board of Selectmen meetings. The meeting includes reappointments for the Senior Affairs Committee, a youth representative to the Youth Services Advisory Board, and the chair of the Ethics Commission. Additional updates on municipal facilities, the WPCA, and a recreational trails grant will be discussed.

• Adoption of the 2026 Town Holiday Schedule
• Approval of 2026 Board of Selectmen meeting dates
• Reappointment of five members to the Preston Senior Affairs Committee (terms Jan 1 2026 – Dec 31 2026)
• Appointment of Riley Stankiewicz as youth representative to the Preston Youth Services Advisory Board (two‑year term)
• Reappointment of Hank Podraza as Chairperson of the Ethics Commission (two‑year term)

The Selectmen unanimously approved the 2026 town holiday schedule and the 2026 Board of Selectmen meeting dates. They reappointed members of the Senior Affairs Committee, appointed a youth representative, and reappointed the Ethics Commission chair. The Board also approved a resolution to seek a Recreational Trails Grant of up to $500,000 and approved six individual tax refunds. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved reappointment of Senior Affairs Committee members Debra Eddy, Joyce Weber, Marie Perrin, Elizabeth Bassette, Frances Minor (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Riley Stankiewicz as Youth Representative to the Youth Service Advisory Board (unanimous)
• Approved reappointment of Hank Podraza as Chairperson of the Ethics Commission (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Town Holiday Schedule for Town Hall, Town Garage, and Transfer Station (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Board of Selectmen meeting dates despite one conflict (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution for Recreational Trails Grant not to exceed $500,000 (unanimous)
• Approved tax refunds for six individuals (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:27 P.M. (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Preston Board of Selectmen will hold an executive session to review documents prepared by legal counsel that contain attorney/client privileged communications. The discussion will focus on legal advice regarding a potential legal claim involving the Town and on matters related to tribal lands. No decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Discussion of privileged legal documents concerning a potential town claim
• Discussion of privileged legal documents concerning tribal lands

The Selectmen voted unanimously to move into an executive session to discuss privileged legal documents concerning a potential town claim and tribal lands. No decisions or actions were taken during the session. The board then adjourned the meeting by unanimous vote.

• Motion to enter executive session approved unanimously (5-0)
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously (5-0)

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency will vote to accept the minutes from its November 12, 2025 meeting. It will discuss task‑group activities covering finances, site clean‑up, and finalizing the master list. A public comment period limited to three minutes per speaker is also scheduled.

• Accept minutes from November 12, 2025 meeting
• Task group review of agency finances
• Task group review of site operations and clean‑up
• Task group review of closing master list
• Public comment session (max 3 minutes per speaker)

The Preston Redevelopment Agency approved the minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting. The board approved Chairman Nugent signing Shipman & Goodwin’s proposal to raise each worker’s hourly rate by $5.00. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

• Approved November 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $5.00 hourly rate increase for Shipman & Goodwin staff (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:50 p.m. (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Preston Zoning Board of Appeals will approve the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes and review a letter from Hoops & Associates regarding the First Split project. A public hearing will be held on an additional variance request by Ronald Greene for the property at 70 Lakeview Drive. The board will decide whether to reduce the side‑yard setback requirement from 20 feet to 10 feet.

• Approve October 14, 2025 regular meeting minutes
• Approve October 14, 2025 public hearing minutes
• Letter from Hoops & Associates, LLC received November 18, 2025 about First Split
• Public hearing and decision on variance to reduce side‑yard setback at 70 Lakeview Drive from 20 ft to 10 ft

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the October 14, 2025 regular meeting minutes and the October 14, 2025 public hearing minutes. It also approved Ronald Greene's variance to reduce the side‑yard setback from 12 feet to 10 feet at 70 Lakeview Drive. The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 pm.

• Approved October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes (all in favor, motion carries)
• Approved October 14, 2025 Public Hearing Minutes (all in favor, motion carries)
• Approved variance to reduce side yard setback from 12 feet to 10 feet at 70 Lakeview Drive (all in favor, motion carries)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:19 pm

Republican Town Committee

The Preston Republican Town Committee will meet to receive a state central report, review the treasurer's report, and plan meetings for 2026. The agenda also includes updates from various town meetings.

• State Central Report
• Treasurer report
• RTC Caucus January 2026
• Meetings for 2026
• Updates from various town meetings

Senior Affairs Committee

The Preston Senior Affairs Committee will discuss a review of policies and procedures, consider the Memorial Fund, and plan the town's turkey distribution. The meeting will also include a public comment period limited to 15 minutes total.

• Policy and Procedure review
• Memorial Fund review
• Review of all Policy and Procedures
• Turkey Distribution planning
• Public Comment session (15‑minute limit)

The Senior Affairs Committee approved the November 4, 2025 meeting minutes and the financial report. It accepted a set of senior‑center policies and procedures. Members re‑elected Debra Eddy as chairwoman and appointed Frances Minor as secretary. The meeting was adjourned at 1:37 p.m.

• Accepted November 4, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by J. Weber, seconded by M. Perrin)
• Accepted the financial report (motion by M. Perrin, seconded by J. Weber)
• Approved senior‑center policies and procedures, including Mission Statement and Disruptive Behavior policies
• Nominated and confirmed Debra Eddy as Chairwoman (motion by M. Perrin, seconded by J. Weber)
• Nominated and confirmed Frances Minor as Secretary (motion by M. Perrin, seconded by J. Weber; approved with abstention by F. Minor)
• Adjourned the meeting at 1:37 p.m. (motion by J. Weber, seconded by M. Perrin)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will meet to review membership vacancies and the Program Coordinator job posting. Discussions will include baseball and softball field renovations and the status of several grants.

• Baseball/Softball Field Renovations
• STEAP Grant for bandstand, pickleball courts, lighting, and drainage
• Program Coordinator job posting
• Review of grants including Community Garden, Active Transportation, and Dime Bank
• Discussion on North Stonington Sports Bubble partnership

The commission approved the minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting and accepted the treasurer’s report. It adopted the 2026 meeting calendar and appointed Jonathon Matthews to Seat 2 and James Thompson to Seat 8. The board tabled the baseball/softball field fence‑topper purchase and the discussion on expanding the softball field. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.

• Approved October 28, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Accepted Treasurer’s Report (all in favor)
• Approved 2026 meeting calendar (all in favor)
• Appointed Jonathon Matthews to Seat 2 (all in favor)
• Appointed James Thompson to Seat 8 (all in favor)
• Tabled approval of fence‑topper purchase for baseball/softball field
• Tabled discussion on softball field expansion
• Adjourned meeting at 8:55 pm (all in favor)

Redevelopment Agency

The regularly scheduled meeting for November 26, 2025, has been canceled. The agency will meet next in December 2025.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Zoning Text Amendment #2025-07, which changes the requirements for creating a first split. The meeting also reviews the open‑space subdivision schedule and a preliminary site plan for the Poquetanuck Cove & Village Heritage Trail. Additional items include a review of trailer removal at 212 Route 2 and discussion of support for the CIF Round 8 grant.

• Public hearing on Zoning Text Amendment #2025-07 (first split requirements)
• Review of SP #2019-01, trailer removal at 212 Route 2 gas station
• Preliminary Poquetanuck Cove & Village Heritage Trail site plan and floodplain application
• Schedule joint meeting on Open Space Subdivision with Conservation Agricultural Commission for Jan 27 2026
• Support for CIF Round 8 grant (matching share to TAP application and engineering funds for phase 4 of the trail)

The Planning & Zoning Commission appointed Thomas Wright as the alternate (Republican seat) for the remainder of the term ending in 2027. The commission also moved the public hearing on the first‑split zoning amendment to the January 27, 2026 meeting and approved the 2026 meeting calendar. Additional actions included approving the October 28 minutes, referring the Route 117 issue to the town attorney, and adopting a support letter for the CIF Round 8 grant.

• Appointed Thomas Wright to fill the alternate vacancy (Republican seat) through 2027 – vote 7-0-0
• Continued public hearing on Zoning Text Amendment #2025-07 to Jan 27, 2026 – vote 7-0-0
• Approved 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting calendar – vote 7-0-0
• Approved draft letter of support for CIF Round 8 grant – vote 7-0-0
• Referred HI Route 117 issue to Town Attorney for review – vote 7-0-0
• Approved minutes from Oct 28, 2025 meeting – vote 5-0-2
• Election of officers tabled until Jan 27, 2026 – vote 7-0-0
• Motion to adjourn the meeting carried – vote 7-0-0

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The Conservation & Agricultural Commission will discuss the second phase of the Mary Dora Woodland Preserve and the FY 2026-2027 budget. The body will also address membership renewals and a future joint meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding Open Space Subdivision Regulations.

• Mary Dora Woodland Preserve Phase 2: trail signage, plant inventory, and habitat areas
• FY 2026-2027 CAC Budget
• Membership renewals for Margaret Gibson, Matthew Snurkowski, and Lynwood Crary
• Joint meeting with Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 27, 2026, regarding Open Space Subdivision Regulations
• Farm Machinery Tax Credit

The Conservation & Agricultural Commission approved the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting. It adopted the 2026 meeting schedule, moving the May 25 meeting to May 18. The commission also approved the FY 2026‑2027 budget as presented.

• Approved October 27, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved 2026 meeting dates, changing May 25 to May 18 (all in favor)
• Approved FY 2026‑2027 CAC budget submission as proposed (all in favor)

Democratic Town Committee

The Democratic Town Committee will meet to review the 2025 election results and address a vacancy on the Board of Education. The agenda also includes planning for the 2026 DTC Caucus and fundraising updates.

• Review of 2025 Election Results
• Discussion of Board of Education (BoEd) vacancy
• Planning for 2026 DTC Caucus
• Fundraising updates

Board of Finance

The Preston Board of Finance will elect officers and appoint a Board of Education liaison and committee members. It will approve the minutes from its October 16, 2025 meeting and hear reports from the First Selectperson, Finance Director, and the public library. The board will also discuss draft meeting dates for 2026 and the 2026‑2027 budget calendar, followed by a public comment session.

• Election of Officers—Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk
• Appointment of Board of Education Liaison
• Approval of Minutes
• Preston Public Library Financial Report
• 2026‑2027 Draft Budget Calendar

The Board elected Thomas Wright as Chair, Andrew Sawyer as Vice Chair, and Zachary Maurice as Clerk (7-0-0 each). It appointed Thomas Wright as the Board of Education Liaison and approved the October 16, 2025 minutes (7-0-1). A supplemental appropriation of $10,000 was approved for repairing the Preston Public Library heating unit, and a bid waiver was granted for the work (both unanimous). The Board also approved the 2026 draft meeting dates and the 2026‑2027 budget calendar (both unanimous).

• Elected Thomas Wright as Chair (motion carried 7-0-0)
• Elected Andrew Sawyer as Vice Chair (motion carried 7-0-0)
• Elected Zachary Maurice as Clerk (motion carried 7-0-0)
• Appointed Thomas Wright as Board of Education Liaison (motion carried 7-0-0)
• Approved October 16, 2025 minutes (motion carried 7-0-1)
• Approved $10,000 supplemental appropriation for library heating repair (unanimous)
• Granted bid waiver for library heating repair work (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 draft meeting dates (unanimous)

Youth Services Bureau

The board will review current program updates and propose new programming ideas for 2025-2026. Members will also address board vacancies and the annual election of officers for January 2026.

• Vacancies for youth representative, youth organization representative, and police representative
• Proposed New Driver's Classes on police interactions and distracted driving
• Proposed Middle School programming regarding bullying and technology
• Proposed Narcan training and distribution
• Stuff a Cruiser event scheduled for December 6 from 9-11 a.m. at Preston City Firehouse

The board accepted the resignation of Dylan Phelps as Youth Representative. They appointed Riley Stankiewicz to fill the vacant Youth Representative seat through December 31, 2028. They re‑appointed Roberta Charpentier as an alternate member through December 31, 2026. The board approved the 2026 meeting calendar and tabled the election of officers until the January meeting.

• Accepted resignation of Dylan Phelps as Youth Representative (all in favor)
• Appointed Riley Stankiewicz as Youth Representative, term until Dec 31, 2028 (all in favor)
• Re‑appointed Roberta Charpentier as alternate member, term until Dec 31, 2026 (all in favor)
• Approved the 2026 meeting calendar (all in favor)
• Tabled election of officers to the January 2026 meeting (all in favor)
• Approved October 22, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025, is cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for December 10, 2025.

• Meeting cancellation
• Next meeting scheduled for December 10, 2025

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourse Commission will approve the October meeting minutes and discuss several permits and bond matters. It will consider amending Section 7.5 of its regulations to address ponds larger than 10 acres, including Amos Pond, Avery Pond, and the Wildlife Migration Corridor. The commission will review a bond release request for 48 McClimon Rd. and evaluate construction permits for 48 McClimon Rd. and 25 Tanglewood Dr. It will also set 2026 meeting dates and adopt the 2026 budget.

• Amendment to IWWC regulations (Section 7.5) for ponds over 10 acres – Amos Pond, Avery Pond, Wildlife Migration Corridor
• Bond release request for 48 McClimon Rd. posted by Raymond Bernier
• Permit W #2025-14: new single‑family home, driveway, utilities, septic and future pool within 100 ft of wetlands at 25 Tanglewood Dr.
• Permit W #2024-11: 30 × 30 ft metal garage within wetlands buffer zone at 48 McClimon Rd.
• Adoption of 2026 IWWC meeting dates and 2026 budget

The commission approved a timber harvest at 59 Route 165 as an as‑of‑right use without requiring a bond. It also approved the construction application for 25 Tanglewood Drive, released a $1,000 bond for 48 McClimon Rd, and adopted the 2026 budget with a $100 recorder amendment. Additional actions included mileage reimbursements, meeting date approvals, and agenda waivers.

• Approved timber harvest for 59 Route 165 as as‑of‑right use, no bond (All in favor)
• Approved application IW #2025-14 for 25 Tanglewood Drive with $1,000 bond (All in favor)
• Approved $1,000 bond return for IW #2024-11 to Raymond Bernier (All in favor)
• Approved monthly mileage reimbursement adjustment for L. Johnson ($29.96) (All in favor)
• Approved October Wetlands Agent mileage and cellphone reimbursement ($20.00) (All in favor)
• Approved 2026 IWWC meeting dates (All in favor)
• Approved 2026 IWWC budget with $100 recorder amendment, total $2,941.00 (All in favor)
• Waived timber harvest application for Kleeman, LLC at 59 Route 165 onto agenda (All in favor)

Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA)

The Water Pollution Control Authority will hold its first meeting to elect officers. Members will review the WPCA ordinance, a draft IMA, and updates to existing pump stations.

• Election of committee officers
• Review of WPCA Ordinance
• Review of Draft IMA
• Discussion of existing pump station updates
• Discussion of rates and connection fees

The Water Pollution Control Authority elected David Capacchione as Chairman, Frank Ennis as Vice Chairman, and Chris Vernott as Secretary, each by a 5‑0‑0 vote. The board expressed consensus with the WPCA Ordinance as written and approved using a uniform @preston-ct.org email address. Members agreed to hold a meeting on December 15, 2025, to review the Draft IMA and other topics.

• Elected David Capacchione Chairman (5-0-0)
• Elected Frank Ennis Vice Chairman (5-0-0)
• Appointed Chris Vernott Secretary (5-0-0)
• Approved WPCA Ordinance as written (consensus)
• Adopted uniform @preston-ct.org email address
• Scheduled December 15, 2025 meeting at 6:30 PM

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority will meet to approve minutes, review bills, and discuss an update to lease and policies. No specific decisions are listed.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Review of bills and Treasurer's Report
• Discussion of CHFA Grant (Old Business)
• Update to lease and policies (New Business)
• Public Comment period

The board decided that an interview was not required for a former tenant applying to return. The meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m. Motions to approve the previous minutes, accept the treasurer’s report, adopt updated leases and policies, and cancel a December meeting were made, but the minutes do not record the outcomes of those motions.

• Approve October 9, 2025 minutes – outcome not recorded
• Accept treasurer’s report and pay bills – outcome not recorded
• Adopt updated leases and policies effective Jan 1, 2026 – outcome not recorded
• Cancel December Housing Authority Board meeting – outcome not recorded
• Agree no interview required for returning tenant – agreed
• Adjourn meeting at 4:10 p.m. – adjourned

Redevelopment Agency

The agency will meet to review administrative updates and task group activities. The agenda includes discussions on finances, site operations, and a closing master list.

• Review of finances
• Site operations and site clean up
• Closing master list

The agency approved the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting. It approved a $229,755 change order to Manafort Brothers for additional fill and topsoil at Consolidation Area B. It also approved a $5,000 task order to Mattern Construction to board up the Administration Building. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.

• Approved October 8, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved Change Order #2 to Manafort Brothers for $229,755 fill/topsoil (all in favor)
• Approved Task Order #196 to Mattern Construction for up to $5,000 board-up work (all in favor)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting carried

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss budget parameters and a multijurisdictional shelter agreement with the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The body will also review tax refunds and updates on cell coverage and grants.

• Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) Multijurisdictional Shelter Agreement
• Budget Parameters
• Community Investment Fund (CIF) Round 8 Resolution
• Tax refund for Ruben E. Britos: $76.59
• Tax refund for Edgar A. and Sandra L. Smith: $67.29

The Selectmen unanimously approved the multi‑jurisdictional shelter agreement with the American Red Cross, the signing of a resolution to receive up to $3 million from the Community Investment Fund Round 8, and tax refunds totaling $163.67. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved October 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 29, 2025 meeting minutes amendment (unanimous)
• Approved American Red Cross multi‑jurisdictional shelter agreement (unanimous)
• Approved signing of DECD Community Investment Fund Round 8 resolution for up to $3,000,000 (unanimous)
• Approved tax refunds: $67.29 to Edgar & Sandra Smith, $19.79 to Kimberly Ryan & Richard Laneri Jr., $76.59 to Ruben Britos (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:33 PM (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for November 10, 2025, has been cancelled. The cancellation is due to a lack of business.

Senior Affairs Committee

The Preston Senior Affairs Committee will discuss an update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and a wrap‑up of the annual Flu & Pneumonia Clinic. It will also review several policy and procedure items, including the town’s transportation policy, a special account with stipulations, the TVCCA Energy Assistance Grant, and the Food Bank account. Additional agenda items include the annual turkey distribution and an update on the Preston Community Foundation grant.

• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) update
• Annual Flu & Pneumonia Clinic wrap‑up
• Transportation Policy review
• Special Account with Stipulations review
• Annual Turkey Distribution

The committee approved the October 7, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the financial report. It set the annual turkey distribution for November 19. The Preston Community Foundation grant of $1,800 was approved to reupholster 30 senior‑center chairs, with work to start Dec 2. The transportation policy was amended to delete customized service language for convalescent‑home trips and to combine two introductory paragraphs.

• Accepted October 7, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Accepted financial report (motion carried)
• Confirmed annual turkey distribution date: November 19 (time pending)
• Approved $1,800 grant to reupholster 30 senior‑center chairs; work begins Dec 2
• Amended Transportation Policy: deleted customization language and combined first two paragraphs
• Decided to send letter of interest to Board of Selectmen for committee members’ reappointment
• Adjourned meeting at 1:48 p.m. (motion carried)

Republican Town Committee

The Preston Republican Town Committee's regular meeting scheduled for November 4, 2025 has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will occur on December 2, 2025 at 7 pm in the Preston Town Library. No other agenda items were listed.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a special meeting to discuss and potentially vote on a petition for a Town Meeting. The petition was submitted by Andrew Depta on October 14, 2025.

• Vote on Town Meeting petition submitted by Andrew Depta

The Selectmen reviewed a Proposed Budget Ordinance submitted by Andrew Depta and comments from Halloran & Sage attorneys. After discussion, Ken Zachem moved, and the board unanimously voted not to send the ordinance to a Special Town Meeting. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Motion not to send Proposed Budget Ordinance to Special Town Meeting – carried unanimously
• Motion to adjourn the meeting – carried unanimously

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss staffing, including a Program Coordinator posting, and consider park maintenance projects such as baseball/softball field renovations and a STEAP grant for a bandstand, pickleball courts, lighting, and drainage. It will also review upcoming fall and winter programs, community events, and several grant opportunities. Vacancies for two commission seats will be addressed, and a discussion on the North Stonington Sports Bubble is scheduled.

• Baseball/Softball Field Renovations
• STEAP Grant – Bandstand, Pickleball Courts, Lighting, Drainage
• Program Coordinator job posting
• Community Garden Grant
• North Stonington Sports Bubble discussion

The commission accepted the minutes from the October 16 special meeting and approved the treasurer's financial report. James Thompson was approved as a member and Jonathan Mathews was approved pending a signed form. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Accepted October 16 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Approved James Thompson as commission member (unanimous)
• Approved Jonathan Mathews as commission member pending form (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:46 pm (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss extending the proposed project at 86 Schoolhouse Road to allow the Town Engineer to approve the site‑plan bond estimate. It will also review an amendment to the Preston Zoning Regulations concerning requirements for creating a first split. Additional items include a rescheduled public hearing, a review of a gas‑station trailer removal at 212 Route 2, and a draft open‑space subdivision.

• Extension of the proposed project at 86 Schoolhouse Road for site‑plan bond approval
• Amendment to Preston Zoning Regulations regarding first‑split requirements
• Public hearing rescheduled for November 25, 2025
• SP #2019‑01: review of trailer removal at 212 Route 2 (gas station)
• Draft Open Space Subdivision

The commission approved a 90‑day deadline for the owner of 32 Drawbridge Road to correct violations, with litigation to follow if not met (vote 7‑0‑0). It also approved an extension of the 86 Schoolhouse Road project to allow time for bond approval (vote 6‑0‑0). The minutes of the September 23, 2025 meeting were approved (6‑0‑1) and the meeting was adjourned (7‑0‑0). A public hearing on the first‑split zoning amendment was rescheduled for November 235, 2025.

• Approved 90‑day compliance deadline for 32 Drawbridge Road (7‑0‑0)
• Approved extension for 86 Schoolhouse Road project (6‑0‑0)
• Approved minutes of September 23, 2025 meeting (6‑0‑1)
• Adjourned meeting (7‑0‑0)
• Rescheduled public hearing on first‑split zoning amendment to Nov 235, 2025
• Allowed additional time for trailer removal at 212 Route 2 (owner effort)
• Approved amendment draft for first‑split regulation to be revised before November hearing

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The commission will approve the September 22, 2025 meeting minutes and hear public comments limited to 15 minutes. It will review updates from the CT Audubon Society and CT Land Conservation Council and consider several old‑business items such as the Sustainable CT Report, Osprey Nest, and a native‑plant inventory. New business focuses on Phase 2 of the Mary Dora Woodland Preserve, including trail signage, a plant inventory and identification of pollinator and habitat areas.

• Approval of September 22, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of communications from CT Audubon Society and CT Land Conservation Council
• Discussion of Sustainable CT Report (old business)
• Discussion of Osprey Nest (old business)
• New business: Mary Dora Woodland Preserve – Phase 2 (trail signage, plant inventory, pollinator/habitat areas)

The Preston Conservation & Agricultural Commission approved the regular meeting minutes from September 22, 2025 by unanimous vote. No other substantive actions were taken; the remainder of the meeting consisted of reports, updates, and discussion of ongoing projects.

• Approved September 22, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Democratic Town Committee

The Democratic Town Committee will meet on Oct. 27, 2025 at the Preston Library. The agenda includes routine items such as call to order, minutes, and the treasurer’s report. The committee will discuss new business, notably the 2025 municipal campaign signs and mailing, and old business concerning fundraising. Additional items include optional updates from town officials, a state central update, national issues, and public comment.

• 2025 municipal campaign signs and mailing
• Fundraising discussion
• Updates from town officials (Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, Board of Finance, PRA, P&Z, Youth Services, ROV)
• State Central Update
• Public Comment

The committee approved the September 2025 minutes, with an abstention by Sandra Allyn‑Gauthier. Fundraising activities were postponed to 2026. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM.

• Accept September minutes – motion passed (abstention by S. Allyn‑Gauthier)
• Fundraising postponed to 2026 – decision recorded
• Adjourn meeting – motion passed

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission will meet to discuss various methods for controlling vegetation in town water bodies and streams. Options include herbicides, mechanical removal, and biological control of invasive species. No decisions are recorded; the agenda is for discussion and public comment.

• Discussion of vegetation control methods (herbicides, mechanical, biological) for water bodies and streams

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission discussed methods to control vegetation, including mechanical harvesting. The commission clarified that its regulations define watercourses to include rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. It decided that a permit will be required for any mechanical harvesting in wetlands or watercourses. The meeting adjourned at 10:04 am.

• Require a permit for any mechanical harvesting in wetlands or watercourses (decision)

Sustainability Team

The Preston Sustainable CT Team will meet to assess progress and point totals toward Silver Certification. The body will also discuss potential candidates to fill a vacancy left by Dave Masalin.

• Review of Silver Certification target items
• Assessment of current points totals out of 500 for Silver Certification
• Discussion of candidates for the Dave Masalin opening

The Sustainability Team approved adding the 2026 meeting dates to the agenda after a motion was made by P. Monahan and seconded by T. Eickel. The point‑total tally for the Silver Certification was tabled until the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned by a motion of T. Eickel, seconded by C. Sawyer.

• Approved addition of 2026 meeting dates to the agenda (motion carried)
• Tabled review of current point totals for Silver Certification until next meeting
• Approved adjournment of the meeting at 7:20 pm (motion carried)

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency's regular meeting set for October 22, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were adopted. The agency announced that the next regular meeting will take place in November 2025.

Youth Services Bureau

The board will review financial reports for FY25 and FY26 and discuss programming plans for the 2025-2026 cycle. The meeting includes updates on youth services and the recommendation for a new youth representative appointment.

• Recommendation for Board of Selectmen appointment of a new youth representative
• Review of Year-End FY25 Budget and FY26 financial report
• Planning for Trunk-or-Treat on October 24, 2025
• Planning for Stuff a Cruiser on December 6 at Preston City Firehouse
• Discussion of Parent Education Narcan Training & Distribution

The Preston Youth Services Advisory Board approved the September 24, 2025 meeting minutes. The board accepted the resignation of youth representative Dylan Phelps, leaving the youth organization seat vacant. The board noted vacancies for a youth organization representative and a police representative, registered for the CYSA Annual Conference at a cost of $260, and scheduled upcoming events including a Trunk‑or‑Treat on October 24 and a “Stuff a Cruiser” on December 6.

• Approved September 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of youth rep Dylan Phelps (unanimous)
• Noted vacancies for youth organization and police representatives (no appointment)
• Registered for CYSA Annual Conference in Hartford ($260)
• Scheduled Trunk‑or‑Treat event for October 24, 2025 (21 participants signed up)
• Scheduled “Stuff a Cruiser” event for December 6, 2025 at Preston City Firehouse
• Motion to adjourn meeting at 6:27 pm (unanimous)
• No appointment made for new youth representative (no recommendation)

Board of Selectmen

The Regular Meeting of the Preston Board of Selectmen scheduled for October 22, 2025, is cancelled. The next meeting is set for November 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Lower-Level Conference Room at Town Hall.

• Meeting cancelled for Oct. 22, 2025
• Next meeting scheduled for Nov. 12, 2025

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission will approve the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes and receive status reports on upcoming conferences. It will vote on an amendment to Section 7.5 of its regulations to address ponds larger than 10 acres, specifically Amos Pond, Avery Pond, and the Wildlife Migration Corridor. The body will also consider a permit for a new single‑family home at 25 Tanglewood Dr and a request to clear invasive plants at Preston Community Park, 10 Lincoln Park Rd. A notice of violation was issued to Shetucket Recycling for the property at 31 Route 2.

• Amendment to Section 7.5 of IWWC regulations covering ponds >10 acres (Amos Pond, Avery Pond, Wildlife Migration Corridor)
• Permit request (W #2025‑14) for new single‑family home, driveway, utilities, septic and future pool at 25 Tanglewood Dr within 100 ft of wetlands
• Request (IW #2025‑15) to clear invasive plants at Preston Community Park, 10 Lincoln Park Rd to improve retention pond drainage
• Notice of Violation issued Oct 8 to Shetucket Recycling at 31 Route 2
• Approval of Inland Wetlands Agent mileage (amounts to be specified in motion)

The commission approved several items, including a dock at 222 Route 164 as a permitted use without a permit. It also approved maintenance at 10 Lincoln Park Road, a new house construction at 180 Route 2, and added two applications to the agenda. The commission authorized a $107.77 reimbursement for the wetlands agent, returned a $1,000 bond for a cancelled project, and scheduled a workshop on October 25 to discuss a regulation amendment for ponds over 10 acres. The September 16, 2025 meeting minutes were approved and the vote on the 25 Tanglewood Drive application was deferred to the November 18 meeting.

• Approved September 16, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved workshop on Oct 25 to discuss amendment to Section 7.5 (ponds over 10 acres)
• Approved maintenance work (IW #2025-15) at 10 Lincoln Park Road
• Approved new house construction application (IW #2025-12) at 180 Route 2
• Waived agenda to add IW #2025-12 and IW #2025-09 applications
• Returned $1,000 bond for IW #2025-09 after planning denial
• Approved $107.77 reimbursement for wetlands agent mileage and cell phone
• Approved dock at 222 Route 164 as a permitted use, no permit required

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The commission is conducting a site workshop focused on trail maintenance and planting. Members will perform cleaning, blazing, and seeding tasks at the preserve.

• Cleaning and re-blazing the Red Trail
• Cleaning and water sealing a signpost
• Removing brush and blazing the new Yellow Trail
• Planting pollinator clover mix on Yellow Trail and Powerline Crossing

The Preston Conservation and Agricultural Commission held a site workshop on October 18, 2025. Members cleaned and repainted markers on the Red and Yellow trails, removed overgrowth, and created a digital inventory of 48 plant species on the Red Trail. Additional work included planting a pollinator clover mix on the Yellow Trail and powerline crossing. No formal decisions or votes were recorded.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to receive reports from the First Selectperson, the Financial Policy Subcommittee, and the Board of Education Liaison. The Finance Director will present budget reports and updates on the annual audit and reports.

• Preliminary June 30, 2025 YTD (unaudited) Budget Reports
• August 30, 2025 Year-to-Date Budget Reports
• Audit Update
• Annual Reports Update

The Board of Finance approved the September 18 minutes and voted to forward a letter to the Board of Education. It added the King, King & Associates CPA invoice to the agenda and approved payment of that invoice. The meeting also discussed a recent van purchase and noted special‑education and cell‑tower funding items, then adjourned.

• Approved September 18 minutes (All in favor, motion carries)
• Approved sending letter to Board of Education (All in favor, motion carries)
• Added King, King & Associates CPA invoice to agenda (All in favor, motion carries)
• Approved payment of King, King & Associates CPA invoice (All in favor, motion carries)
• Discussed recent van purchase; no formal vote recorded
• Noted $196k special‑education excess funding (informational)
• Noted $350k cell‑tower funds could support road strategy (informational)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:55 pm (All in favor, motion carries)

Emergency Services Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to discuss updates regarding ambulance services and grants. The agenda also includes discussions on public safety manning and the Preston Riverwalk emergency services.

• Ambulance update
• Grants update
• Preston Riverwalk emergency services
• Public safety manning

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on variance #2025-01 to reduce the side yard setback from 20 feet to 8 feet for the property at 3 Holdsworth Rd. The agenda also includes approval of the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes and a brief public comment session limited to 15 minutes.

• Variance #2025-01: Reduce side yard setback from 20 ft to 8 ft at 3 Holdsworth Rd (Applicant: Roger Watrous; Owner: Timothy Wynosky)
• Approval of September 8, 2025 regular meeting minutes
• Public comment session (max 15 min, 3 min per speaker) per Town Ordinance 03.06.08

The board unanimously approved the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes. It then approved ZBA #2025-01, reducing the side‑yard setback from 20 feet to 8 feet for the property at 3 Holdsworth Road. The motion passed with all members in favor.

• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance ZBA #2025-01, side‑yard setback reduced to 8 ft at 3 Holdsworth Road (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency will accept the minutes from its October 8, 2025 meeting. It will review administration items including finances, site operations and cleanup, and the closing of its master list. A public comment period will be provided, limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Accept minutes from the October 8, 2025 regular meeting
• Discuss agency finances
• Review site operations and site cleanup
• Close the agency master list
• Public comment session (max 3 minutes per speaker)

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority will hold a regular meeting on October 9, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Park Community Room. The agenda includes roll call, approval of prior minutes, the treasurer’s report, and a discussion of a CHFA grant. The meeting also provides time for a report from the Executive Director, public comment, and adjournment.

• Roll Call
• Reading and approval of previous meeting minutes
• Treasurer’s Report
• Discussion of CHFA Grant
• Public Comment

The board approved the September 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It accepted the treasurer's report and authorized payment of the bills. The board decided no new camera policy is needed. A $50 request for coffee and creamer for the community room was approved.

• Approved September 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Accepted treasurer's report and authorized bill payments
• Decided no new camera policy is needed
• Approved $50.00 for coffee and creamer supplies

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency will hold its regular meeting to accept the September 10, 2025 minutes, receive communications, and review task‑group reports on finances, site operations and the closing master list. A public comment period, limited to three minutes per speaker, will follow. No specific projects, contracts, or rezoning actions are listed on the agenda.

• Acceptance of the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2025
• Communications (acknowledgement only)
• Task Group Activity – Finances report
• Task Group Activity – Site Operations / Site Clean Up report
• Task Group Activity – Closing Master List report

The agency denied applications for Community Investment Fund grants. The board approved the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes, with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and seconded, but the vote outcome was not recorded.

• Approved September 10, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, motion carries)
• Denied Community Investment Fund grants (no vote tally recorded)
• Motion to adjourn meeting at 8:04 pm made and seconded (outcome not recorded)

Board of Selectmen

The Preston Board of Selectmen will accept the minutes from the September 24 meeting, address several resignations and new appointments to town commissions, and discuss a bid waiver request for line striping on multiple roads. The meeting will also include updates on a grant and on the Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group. Tax refund payments to individual residents will be listed.

• Acceptance of September 24, 2025 meeting minutes
• Resignations and appointments to the Youth Services Advisory Board, Eastern Regional Tourism District, WPCA, and Parks & Recreation Commission
• Bid Waiver Request – line striping on multiple roads
• Grant update
• Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group – update

The Selectmen unanimously approved a bid waiver to contract Atlantic Pavement Markings, Inc. for line striping on town roads, not to exceed $16,000. They also approved several appointments to fill vacancies on the WPCA and Parks & Recreation Commission, and approved the listed tax refunds. A motion to place the Scarecrow Festival impact report on the agenda was also carried.

• Approved bid waiver for Atlantic Pavement Markings line‑striping contract (≤ $16,000) – unanimous
• Appointed Thomas Wright as alternate member of the WPCA (term ends May 31, 2028) – unanimous
• Appointed Jonathan Mathews as regular member of the Parks & Recreation Commission (term ends May 31, 2030) – unanimous
• Appointed Gary Deveau as alternate member of the Parks & Recreation Commission (term ends March 31, 2029) – unanimous
• Waived agenda item for the Southeast Connecticut Enterprise Region Scarecrow Festival impact report – unanimous
• Approved listed tax refunds for ten residents – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting at 6:27 P.M. – unanimous

Senior Affairs Committee

The Senior Affairs Committee will meet to review several policy and procedure documents. The body will also discuss an update regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and a tabled facility request.

• Review of Accident/incident report, Liability Waiver, Nutrition Site Server Guide, and Building and Facility Use Form
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) update
• Tabled facility request from September 2, 2025

The Senior Affairs Committee accepted the September 2 meeting minutes and the financial report. It voted to amend the Building and Facilities Use Form to include prohibitions on vaping and illegal drug use. The committee also removed the senior‑center facility request from the agenda and confirmed the October flu clinic will proceed as scheduled.

• Accepted September 2, 2025 meeting minutes (motion approved)
• Accepted the Financial Report as presented (motion approved)
• Amended Building and Facilities Use Form to add vaping and illegal drug use statement (policy will be changed)
• Removed Senior Center Facility request from the table (motion approved)
• Confirmed October flu clinic will be held as planned
• Adjourned the meeting at 1:47 p.m. (motion approved)

Republican Town Committee

The Republican Town Committee will meet to review the 2025 municipal election ballot and election timeline. The body will also receive reports from the treasurer and state central office.

• 2025 Municipal election ballot
• Timeline for 2025 elections updates
• Fundraiser information and Meet the Candidates update
• Treasurer report

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission will review a proposed expansion of Softball Field #2. They will also consider the STEAP grant that funds a bandstand, pickleball courts, lighting, and drainage improvements. Additional agenda items include staffing updates, grant applications, and upcoming community events.

• Softball Field #2 expansion
• STEAP Grant – bandstand, pickleball courts, lighting, drainage
• Program Coordinator job posting
• Community Garden Grant application
• Active Transportation Grant application

Gary Deveau was seated as a full member for the special meeting. The commission voted to accept the treasurer’s report. They also approved the minutes from the August 26 regular meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

• Seated Gary Deveau as a full member (motion carried)
• Accepted the treasurer’s report (motion carried)
• Approved the August 26 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m. (motion carried)

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Preston Board of Assessment Appeals will review the new MSRP applied to the 2024 Motor Vehicle Grand List. It will hear appeals related to the October 1, 2024 Motor Vehicle Grand List. The board will also set the dates for the March and September 2026 regular meetings and approve the minutes from this special meeting.

• Review of new MSRP in effect with the 2024 Motor Vehicle Grand List
• Hear appeals for the October 1, 2024 Motor Vehicle Grand List
• Set March and September 2026 regular meeting dates
• Review and approve the September 30, 2025 special meeting minutes

The Board of Assessment Appeals set the 2026 meeting dates as Wednesday, March 18 for the spring session and Wednesday, September 16 for the fall session. The board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 30, 2025 meeting. A motion to adjourn was also passed unanimously at 6:26 pm.

• Set spring 2026 meeting date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (unanimous)
• Set fall 2026 meeting date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approve September 30, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting at 6:26 pm (unanimous)

Redevelopment Agency

The regularly scheduled meeting for September 24, 2025, has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for October 2025.

Youth Services Bureau

The Preston Youth Services Advisory Board will approve meeting minutes and review the FY25 year‑end budget and FY26 outlook. It will address staffing changes and fill anticipated vacancies for a youth organization representative and a police representative. The board will discuss and approve program funding, including a $1,483.75 allocation for a BMX Assembly on October 24 and other event budgets. Additional program plans for the 2025‑2026 year will be presented.

• Approved $1,483.75 for BMX Assembly at Preston Park on Oct. 24 (approved 8/5/25)
• Approved $3,000 for Drumming Assembly at Preston Valley Middle School
• Approved $500 for two theater shows at Preston Community Park (approved 8/5/25)
• Reviewed FY25 year‑end budget and FY26 financial outlook
• Vacancies noted for a youth organization representative and a police representative

At the September 24 virtual meeting, the board approved the June 16 and August 5 special meeting minutes. The board approved a $1,483.75 budget for the October 2 BMX assembly at Preston Middle School, and a $500 allocation for two Looking in Theater performances. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved June 16 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 5 special meeting minutes (4 in favor, 1 abstained)
• Approved $1,483.75 budget for BMX assembly on Oct 2 (approval noted on 8/5/25)
• Approved $500 funding for Looking in Theater shows (approval noted on 8/5/25)

Board of Selectmen

The Preston Board of Selectmen will meet on September 24, 2025. The agenda includes accepting minutes from the September 10 meeting, reviewing correspondence and reports, and discussing several business items. Among the business items is a bid waiver request for Morton Salt to provide winter road‑treating services, a presentation on CT DOT wider edge line pavement markings in District 2, and a telecommunications coverage assessment. A public comment period will be held with a three‑minute limit per speaker.

• Acceptance of previous meeting minutes (Sept. 10, 2025)
• Bid waiver request — Morton Salt for winter operations road treating
• CT DOT – wider edge line pavement markings on horizontal curves in District 2
• Telecommunications coverage assessment
• Public comment session (max 3 min per speaker, per Town Ordinance 03.06.08)

The Board unanimously approved the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved a bid waiver allowing the Public Works Department to contract with Morton Salt for winter road‑salt purchases not to exceed $50,000. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Morton Salt bid waiver for winter road‑salt up to $50,000 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss expanding Softball Field #2 and several projects funded by a STEAP grant, including a bandstand, pickleball courts, lighting and drainage improvements. The meeting will also review staffing vacancies for two commission seats and upcoming community events such as Trunk or Treat and the Tree Lighting ceremony. Additional topics include grant opportunities for a community garden, active transportation, and a Dime Bank grant, as well as regional cooperation with neighboring towns.

• Softball Field #2 expansion proposal
• STEAP grant projects: bandstand, pickleball courts, lighting, drainage
• Vacant commission seats: Seat 2 (Jonathan Mathews) and Seat 8 (James Thompson)
• Community events: Trunk or Treat, Tree Lighting, Stuff‑a‑Cruiser and Santa & Sirens
• Grant applications: Community Garden, Active Transportation, Dime Bank

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission will review park maintenance and development items, including the Softball Field #2 expansion and a STEAP grant for a bandstand, pickleball courts, lighting, and drainage. It will also provide updates on programs, community events, and several grant applications. General discussion topics such as the North Stonington sports bubble and regionalization with Voluntown and North Stonington will be addressed.

• Softball Field #2 Expansion
• STEAP Grant – Bandstand, Pickleball Courts, Lighting, Drainage
• Community Garden Grant
• Active Transportation Grant
• Dime Bank Grant

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet to consider an amendment to the Preston Zoning Regulations regarding first split requirements. The body will also review a trailer removal at a gas station site.

• Proposed amendment to zoning regulations regarding requirements for creating a first split
• Review of trailer removal for SP #2019-01, Sultan Ali Javad, 212 Route 2 gas station
• Discussion of Open Space Subdivision

The commission approved the minutes of the August 26, 2025 meeting (vote 3‑0‑1). It granted a final 30‑day compliance period for trailer removal at 212 Route 2, warning of enforcement if not complied. The commission adopted a draft amendment requiring the Town Planner to review first‑lot split applications with no fee and scheduled a public hearing for the next meeting. Members agreed to draft language tying affordable‑housing units to any lot‑size reductions in the proposed open‑space subdivision regulations.

• Approved August 26, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0-1)
• Granted final 30‑day compliance period for trailer removal at 212 Route 2
• Adopted draft amendment for Town Planner review of first‑lot split applications, no fee
• Scheduled public hearing on first‑lot split amendment for next meeting
• Agreed to draft affordable‑housing percentage requirement for lot‑size reductions in open‑space subdivision
• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The Preston Conservation and Agricultural Commission will convene to approve previous meeting minutes and hear from the public. The agenda includes reviewing communications from conservation groups and discussing ongoing projects like the Osprey Nest and Mary Dora Woodlands.

• Approval of August 25, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
• Public Comment and Question Session
• Review of Sustainable CT Report
• Discussion of Osprey Nest project
• Mary Dora Woodlands Parking Lot Cleanup and Trail Blazing

The commission unanimously approved the August 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It decided to hold a Mary Dora Woodlands parking‑lot cleanup and trail‑reblazing on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with a rain‑date of October 25. No public hearings were held and the meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

• Approved August 25, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Scheduled Mary Dora Woodlands parking‑lot cleanup and trail reblazing for Oct 18, 2025 (rain date Oct 25)

Democratic Town Committee

The Preston Democratic Town Committee will consider endorsements for any vacant positions on the Board of Finance, Board of Finance Alternate, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Planning & Zoning, Planning & Zoning Alternate, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate. The meeting will also discuss the 2025 municipal campaign, fundraising efforts, and optional updates from town officials and various boards. A public comment period is scheduled before adjournment.

• Endorsements for vacant positions on Board of Finance and its alternate
• Endorsements for vacant positions on Board of Education and Board of Assessment Appeals
• Endorsements for vacant positions on Planning & Zoning and its alternate
• Endorsements for vacant positions on Zoning Board of Appeals and its alternate
• Discussion of the 2025 municipal campaign and fundraising

The Preston Democratic Town Committee unanimously accepted the August 25 minutes. A budget not to exceed $500 for campaign expenses, including signs, was approved. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted August 25 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved campaign expense budget up to $500 (approved)
• Motion to adjourn approved

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority will meet to review the treasurer's report and discuss ongoing projects. The body will address a CHFA grant and apartment and patio inspections. A new item on the agenda is the renewal of the snow contract.

• Renewal of snow contract
• CHFA Grant
• Apartment/Patio Inspections

The board approved the minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting. They approved changing the agenda to address New Business next. The treasurer's report was accepted and the bills were authorized for payment.

• Approved minutes of August 18, 2025 meeting
• Approved agenda change to cover New Business
• Approved treasurer's report and payment of bills

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will review preliminary unaudited budget reports for the period ending June 30, 2025. The meeting includes updates on the town audit, annual reports, and the Preston Riverwalk project.

• Preliminary June 30, 2025 YTD (unaudited) Budget Reports
• Audit and Annual Reports updates
• Preston Riverwalk update from Sean Nugent
• Executive Session for confidential personnel matters

The Board of Finance approved the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting with a 6‑0‑0 vote. It also approved moving agenda item 10a up to item 5, again by a 6‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 20, 2025 minutes (6-0-0)
• Moved agenda item 10a to item 5 (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission will review and vote on several items, including a permit for grading and pool installation at 105 Lewis Road, an amendment to Section 7.5 of the commission regulations concerning ponds larger than 10 acres, and bond releases for 115 River Road and 52 Lake View Drive. The meeting also includes discussion of the town’s salt shed, status reports on wetlands and a hydrilla invasion, and standard agenda items such as minutes approval and public comment.

• Approval of grading and installation of a pool at 105 Lewis Rd (Applicant: Dacia Banda).
• Amendment to Section 7.5 of IWWC regulations regarding ponds over 10 acres (Amos Pond, Avery Pond, Wildlife Migration Corridor).
• Bond release for 115 River Road to John Venables for $1,000.00.
• Bond release for 52 Lake View Dr. to John Brunelle for $1,000.00.
• New business item: Town Salt Shed.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission will review several items, including an application to construct a gravel driveway and new single‑family home near wetlands at 105 Lewis Rd. The commission will also consider an amendment to Section 7.5 of its regulations concerning ponds larger than 10 acres, specifically Amos Pond, Avery Pond, and the Wildlife Migration Corridor. Additional items include a $1,000 bond release for 115 River Road, discussion of a town salt shed, and routine reports and communications.

• Approval request for IW #2025-13: gravel driveway and single‑family home within 100 ft of wetlands at 105 Lewis Rd.
• Proposed amendment to IWWC Regulation Section 7.5 covering ponds over 10 acres (Amos Pond, Avery Pond, Wildlife Migration Corridor).
• Bond release for W #2023‑09 to John Venables for $1,000 for 115 River Road.
• Discussion of a town salt shed (new business item).
• Communications update on Lower CT River Hydrilla invasion and herbicide information (Feb 2025).

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission approved the August 19, 2025 meeting minutes and a grading and pool installation permit for 105 Lewis Rd, each with a $1,000 bond. It also released two $1,000 bonds for properties on River Road and Lake View Drive, and approved mileage reimbursement for the wetlands agent. The commission set an October workshop to discuss a regulation amendment and will continue work on the town salt shed in October.

• Approved August 19, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved TW #2025-13 grading and pool installation at 105 Lewis Rd with $1,000 bond (unanimous)
• Released $1,000 bond for 115 River Road to John Venables (unanimous)
• Released $1,000 bond for 52 Lake View Dr. to John Brunelle (unanimous)
• Approved Len Johnson’s August mileage reimbursement of $38.34 (unanimous)
• Scheduled an October workshop to work on amendment to Section 7.5 of IWWC regulations
• Decided to work further on the Town Salt Shed project in October
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals scheduled for September 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Preston Town Hall has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered or decided at this meeting.

Taxes

The Town of Preston issued a notice of tax due dates and rates. The first installment of real estate and personal property taxes over $100 is due on September 16, 2025 without penalty. Motor vehicle taxes and real estate/personal property taxes under $100 are due on August 16, 2025, payable in full. Delinquent taxes accrue interest at 1% per month after September 16, 2025.

• First installment of real estate & personal property taxes over $100 due September 16, 2025, without penalty
• Motor vehicle taxes due August 16, 2025, payable in full
• Real estate & personal property taxes under $100 due August 16, 2025, payable in full
• Tax rate set at 25.11 mills on the dollar on the 10/01/2024 Grand List
• Delinquent taxes accrue interest at 1% per month after September 16, 2025

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority announced that its next meeting will be held on September 18, 2025 at 4 p.m. in the community building. No specific agenda items were listed in the notice.

Board of Selectmen

The Board will accept the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting, appoint James Thompson as a regular member of the Parks and Recreation Commission (term ending March 31, 2028), and consider a tax‑refund disbursement list totaling $198.86. Additional items include a CIRMA members’ equity distribution, an update on the Route 2A Mohegan Pequot Bridge study, and a community park carnival impact report.

• Appointment of James Thompson to the Parks and Recreation Commission (term ends 3/31/2028)
• CIRMA members’ equity distribution
• Route 2A Mohegan Pequot Bridge Purpose and Needs Study project update
• Tax refunds: $19.58 to David C. & Heather L. Przygoda; $37.66 to Paul & Linda Menard; $117.97 to ID Builders Inc.; $23.65 to HD Investments LLC
• Public comment session (max 15 minutes total)

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting. They also unanimously appointed James Thompson as a regular member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, with a term ending March 31, 2028. Finally, the Board unanimously approved four tax refunds totaling $19.58, $37.66, $117.97, and $2365.

• Approved August 13, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of James Thompson to Parks & Recreation Commission (term ends March 31, 2028) (unanimous)
• Approved tax refunds for David C. & Heather L. Przygoda ($19.58), Paul & Linda Menard ($37.66), ID Builders Inc. ($117.97), AD Investments LLC ($2365) (unanimous)

Redevelopment Agency

The agency will meet to discuss administration, finances, and site operations. The agenda includes a review of site cleanup and a closing master list.

• Site operations and site clean up
• Finances
• Closing master list

The Preston Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved the minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved Task Order 194-1 for soil remediation at Four Point Road, limited to $10,000. No public comments were received and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 13, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Task Order 194-1 for soil remediation up to $10,000 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a variance request for a property at 3 Holdsworth Rd. The board will also discuss filling vacancy positions and setting the 2026 calendar and budget.

• ZBA #2025-01: Request to reduce side yard setback from 20 feet to 8 feet at 3 Holdsworth Rd.
• Discussion of vacancy positions
• Setting the 2026 Calendar
• Setting the 2026-27 Budget

The Zoning Board approved the March 10, 2025 meeting minutes, adopted the 2026 calendar, and adopted the 2026‑27 budget totaling $1,670.00. The budget sets recorder fees at $920, postage at $350, and reduces travel reimbursement and program supplies to $200 each. The variance request for 3 Holdsworth Road was not decided and the public hearing was postponed to next month.

• Approved March 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 calendar (unanimous)
• Approved 2026‑27 budget total $1,670.00 (unanimous)
• Recorder fees set at $920.00 (budget)
• Postage fees set at $350.00 (budget)
• Travel & meeting reimbursement reduced to $200.00 (budget)
• Program supplies reduced to $200.00 (budget)
• Postponed variance hearing for 3 Holdsworth Road to next month (no vote)

Senior Affairs Committee

The Senior Affairs Committee will meet to review several policy and procedure documents, including the mission statement and disruptive behavior policy. The body will also discuss a grant application and a facility request.

• Review of Senior Center Policy and Disruptive Behavior Policy
• Review of Building & Facilities Use Form
• Discussion of grant application
• Discussion of facility request
• Update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

The committee approved the June 3, 2025 meeting minutes and the FY 2024‑2025 financial report. The Building & Facilities Use Form policy and a facilities request were both tabled for further discussion. The meeting was adjourned at 2:04 p.m.

• Approved June 3, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved FY 2024‑2025 financial report
• Tabled Building & Facilities Use Form policy for further discussion
• Tabled facilities request pending more information
• Adjourned meeting at 2:04 p.m.

Republican Town Committee

The Preston Republican Town Committee will meet to receive a state central report, treasurer updates, and information regarding a fundraiser. The committee plans to discuss endorsements for municipal election positions and timelines for the 2025 elections.

• Endorsements for municipal election 2025 placeholders/vacant positions
• Treasurer report
• Fundraiser information
• Timeline for 2025 elections updates
• Updates from various town meetings

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency has canceled its regularly scheduled meeting for August 27, 2025. The next meeting is planned for later in September 2025.

Board of Selectmen

The Preston Board of Selectmen has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for August 27, 2025. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for September 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall's Lower-Level Conference Room.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to review treasurer reports, fill multiple vacant seats, and discuss park maintenance, community events, and grant applications. The agenda includes updates on summer programs, fall activities, and several grant proposals for park improvements.

• Advertise and fill 4 vacant seats (Seats 2, 8, 24 Alternate, and another)
• Softball Field #2 Expansion proposal
• STEAP Grant for Bandstand, Pickleball Courts, Lighting, and Drainage
• Community Garden Grant and AARP CT Livable Communities Grant
• Eastern CT Tourism and Last Green Valley Trash Cleanup Reimbursement grants

The commission voted to accept the July 22 meeting minutes and the treasurer's financial report. A motion was passed to recommend James Thompson as a full‑seat member of the commission. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted July 22 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Accepted treasurer's report (motion carried)
• Recommended James Thompson as a full‑seat member (motion carried)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion carried)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider a zoning permit for an accessory apartment on Radler Road. The body will also discuss two bond releases for work at 115 River Road and a proposed amendment to the zoning regulations regarding first splits.

• Zoning Permit #2025-04 for an accessory apartment on Radler Road
• Bond release of $11,770 to John D. Venables for erosion control at 115 River Road
• Bond release of $6,600 to John D. Venables for sight line and barrier at 115 River Road
• Proposed amendment to Section 3.14 of the Zoning Regulations regarding first split
• Discussion of outstanding site work for gas station at 212 Route 2

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the accessory apartment addition to the property at 64 Radler Road, confirming the 24‑foot setback. It also approved two bond releases to John D. Venables for work at 115 River Road, and granted a 90‑day extension for the Sweet Hill orchard permit. Additional actions included approving the meeting minutes, all correspondence, and moving an agenda item forward.

• Approved accessory apartment addition at 64 Radler Road (4-0-0)
• Approved bond release $11,770 to John D. Venables for erosion control at 115 River Road (4-0-0)
• Approved bond release $6,600 to John D. Venables for sight line & basin at 115 River Road (4-0-0)
• Approved 90‑day extension for Sweet Hill permit (3-0-0)
• Approved all correspondence submitted (4-0-0)
• Approved motion to move Agenda Item 11.f forward (4-0-0)
• Approved July 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda adjustment to advance Item 11.f (4-0-0)

Taxes

The Preston Tax Collector has issued a reminder for taxes due August 16, 2025. The tax rate is 25.11 mills on the dollar. Payments may be made in person, by mail, or online.

• Tax rate: 25.11 mills on the dollar
• Motor Vehicle taxes due in full
• Real Estate and Personal Property taxes under $100 due in full
• First installment of taxes over $100 due
• Payments accepted at 389 Route 2, Preston, CT 06365

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The Preston Conservation and Agricultural Commission will hold its regular meeting on August 25, 2025, at Preston Town Hall. The agenda is procedural with no public hearings or formal decisions listed. Members will review communications from state conservation groups and discuss ongoing projects like the Osprey Nest and Mary Dora Woodlands cleanup.

• Public comment session limited to 5 minutes total
• Sustainable CT Report and Osprey Nest updates under old business
• Open Space Incentives for Subdivisions materials available at meeting
• Town Community Garden and Mary Dora Woodland native plant inventory discussed

The Preston Conservation & Agricultural Commission approved the minutes from the July 28, 2025 regular meeting with all members in favor. No other motions were adopted; the remainder of the meeting consisted of updates and discussion on projects such as the osprey nest, pollinator pathway, open‑space incentives, and a potential community garden.

• Approved July 28, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Democratic Town Committee

The committee is meeting to consider endorsements for several vacant or placeholder positions on town boards. The group will also discuss the 2025 municipal campaign and fundraising efforts.

• Endorsements for Board of Finance and Board of Finance Alt
• Endorsements for Board of Education
• Endorsements for P&Z and P&Z Alt
• Endorsements for ZBA and ZBA Alt
• Planning for the 2025 Municipal campaign

The committee approved the August 4, 2025 minutes with a name correction. It accepted several resignations from the Board of Finance, Board of Education, and Planning & Zoning positions, and endorsed new candidates for the Board of Finance vacancy and a Planning & Zoning alternate. The committee also nominated Victoria Schulz as a Democratic Town Committee alternate.

• Approved August 4, 2025 minutes with correction (Alberto to Roberto) – motion passed
• Accepted resignation of Robert Castronova from the Board of Finance – motion passed
• Accepted resignation of Michael Hinton from the Board of Finance placeholder – motion passed
• Endorsed Robert Castronova as candidate for the Board of Finance vacancy term – motion passed
• Accepted resignation of Kayla Thompson as Board of Education placeholder – motion passed
• Accepted resignation of Teresa Eickel as Planning & Zoning candidate – motion passed
• Endorsed Teresa Eickel as Planning & Zoning alternate candidate – motion passed
• Nominated Victoria Schulz as Democratic Town Committee alternate – motion passed

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to review reports from the First Selectperson, Finance Director, and the Financial Policy Subcommittee. The board will also consider an invoice for King, King & Associates, CPAs.

• Bonding presentation by Mark Chapman of Munistat Municipal Financial Advisory Services
• Invoice approval for King, King & Associates, CPAs

The Board of Finance unanimously approved the $5,700 invoice for audit services. It also unanimously approved the minutes from the June 18, June 26 and July 24 special meetings. The board decided to delay any vote on the proposed bonding plan until more detailed numbers are available, targeting the first quarter of 2026. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved $5,700 audit services invoice (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from special meetings June 18, June 26 and July 24 (unanimous)
• Decided to postpone bonding vote until Q1 2026 (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Preston Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission will review bond releases, vote on six new wetland-related construction applications, and discuss an amendment to Section 7.5 of its regulations to include ponds over 10 acres such as Amos Pond and Avery Pond.

• Amendment to Section 7.5 of IWWC Regulations for ponds over 10 acres (Amos Pond, Avery Pond, Wildlife Migration Corridor)
• IW #2025-09: Hunting cabin at 110 Lewis Rd within 100 ft of wetlands
• IW #2025-10: Gravel driveway and single-family home at 93 Hollowell Rd within 100 ft of wetlands
• IW #2025-12: Gravel driveway and single-family home at First Split 180 Route 2 within 100 ft of wetlands
• IW #2025-13: Grading and pool installation at 105 Lewis Rd within 100 ft of wetlands

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission approved four permit applications: IW #2025-09 for a hunting cabin at 110 Lewis Road, IW #2025-10 for a driveway and home at 93 Hollowell Road, IW #2025-11 for roadway reclamation on Matthewson Mill Road (no bond required), and IW #2025-12 for a driveway and home at First Split 180 Route 2, each with the standard $1,000 bond where required. The commission also adopted a policy that applicants must post their bonds when submitting an application, added the town’s salt‑shed project to the agenda for the next meeting, and approved the wetlands agent’s July mileage and cell‑phone reimbursement of $46.20.

• Approved IW #2025-09 (110 Lewis Rd) with $1,000 bond (unanimous)
• Approved IW #2025-10 (93 Hollowell Rd) with $1,000 bond (unanimous)
• Approved IW #2025-11 (Matthewson Mill Rd) – no bond required (unanimous)
• Approved IW #2025-12 (First Split 180 Route 2) with $1,000 bond (unanimous)
• Adopted policy: applicants must post bonds with their applications (unanimous)
• Added town salt‑shed to next month’s IWWC agenda (unanimous)
• Approved wetlands agent mileage and cell‑phone reimbursement of $46.20 (unanimous)

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority will convene a special meeting on August 18, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Park Community Room. The agenda includes procedural items such as roll call, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a treasurer’s report. No substantive decisions or votes are listed.

The board approved salary increases for C. Onderdonk and an employee identified as J. Residents' request to use the authority's lawnmower was denied, and the authority will prioritize installing "No Smoking" signs. Brush removal between buildings 4 and 6 and assistance removing patio sticks were also approved.

• Motion to approve July 14, 2025 minutes (outcome not recorded)
• Motion to accept treasurer’s report and pay bills (outcome not recorded)
• Denied resident request to use authority lawnmower
• Prioritized installation of "No Smoking" signs
• Approved removal of brush between buildings 4 and 6 (will be done)
• Approved assistance to remove sticks from patio (will be provided)
• Approved pay raises for C. Onderdonk and J.
• Scheduled Tyler Rokowski to present snow‑removal proposal at next meeting

Taxes

The Tax Collector has issued a notice regarding the payment of motor vehicle, real estate, and personal property taxes. Payments made between August 16 and September 16, 2025, will not incur interest penalties.

• Tax rate of 25.11 mills on the October 1, 2024 Grand List
• Motor vehicle taxes due in full
• Real estate and personal property taxes under $100 due in full
• First installment of real estate and personal property taxes over $100 due
• Delinquent taxes accrue interest at 1% per month after September 16, 2025

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency will meet to review task group activities. The agenda includes discussions on finances, site operations, and a closing master list.

• Finances report
• Site Operations / Site Clean Up discussion
• Closing Master List review

The Preston Redevelopment Agency approved Manafort Brothers, Inc. Change Order 193‑1 for $276,135 to complete work in Consolidation Area B and excavate Fort Point Road, using funds from the DECD grant. The board also approved the July 23, 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m. No other actions were taken.

• Approved July 23, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Manafort Brothers, Inc. Change Order 193‑1 for $276,135 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:48 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to review a development assessment for the Preston Riverwalk and discuss speed enforcement cameras. The agenda also includes updates on municipal building needs and drainage on Old Jewett City Road.

• Preston Riverwalk Development Assessment
• Speed Enforcement Cameras
• Old Jewett City Road drainage and easement
• Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group update
• Resignation of David Masalin from the Sustainability Team

The Selectmen voted unanimously to refer the blight violation at 32 Drawbridge Road to the Town Attorney for legal action. They also unanimously approved the signing of the 405 Old Jewett City Road drainage easement and the Connecticut Municipal Proclamation for America’s 250th birthday. The board decided to continue researching Speed Enforcement Cameras before any implementation. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved turning blight violation at 32 Drawbridge Road over to Town Attorney (unanimous)
• Approved signing and acceptance of 405 Old Jewett City Road Drainage Easement (unanimous)
• Approved signing Connecticut Municipal Proclamation for America 250 (unanimous)
• Deferred action on Speed Enforcement Cameras pending further research
• Accepted July 23, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted July 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:04 P.M. (unanimous)

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority will hold its regular meeting on August 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Park Community Room. The agenda includes routine procedural items such as roll call, approval of previous meeting minutes, and a treasurer’s report. There is no substantive decision or discussion listed beyond a brief report on a CHFA grant under old business.

The Preston Housing Authority meeting scheduled for August 11, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The regular meeting scheduled for August 11, 2025, was cancelled due to a lack of business.

Youth Services Bureau

The board will discuss and approve the program schedule and funding for the 2025-2026 cycle. The meeting includes updates on current grants used for StoryWalk and school supplies.

• Proposed $500 for two Looking in Theater shows for PPMS grades 6-8
• Proposed $50 awards for two PPMS 8th grade students
• Planning for 'Stuff a Cruiser' event on December 6 at Preston City Firehouse
• Review of FY25 grant spending for StoryWalk and school supplies
• Discussion of Narcan Distribution parent assembly

The Youth Services Advisory Board approved $1,483.75 for a BMX assembly at Preston Public Middle School on Oct. 2. It also approved $500 for two "Looking in Theater" shows at the same school. Three items – the Preston Youth Services Award, a PVMS drumming assembly, and Screen‑Free Week – were tabled. The meeting was adjourned at 11:52 p.m.

• Approved $1,483.75 BMX Assembly at PPMS (motion carried)
• Approved $500 for two "Looking in Theater" shows at PPMS (motion carried)
• Tabled Preston Youth Services Award
• Tabled PVMS Assembly – drumming concert
• Tabled Screen‑Free Week
• Adjourned meeting at 11:52 p.m. (motion carried)

Republican Town Committee

The committee is meeting to review the 2025 caucus results and determine endorsements for vacant municipal election positions. The session will also include reports from the treasurer and state central office.

• 2025 Caucus Results
• Endorsements for 2025 municipal election placeholders and vacant positions
• Timeline for 2025 elections updates
• Treasurer report
• State Central Report

Democratic Town Committee

The Democratic Town Committee is meeting to review 2025 caucus results and determine endorsements for several vacant positions. The body will also discuss the 2025 municipal campaign and fundraising.

• 2025 Democratic caucus results
• Endorsements for Board of Finance, Board of Education, P&Z, and ZBA positions
• 2025 Municipal campaign planning
• Annual suggested donation

The committee unanimously accepted the June minutes and approved reimbursement of $136.40 to Nick Vegliante for a published notice. Members unanimously accepted Nick Vegliante's resignation as a placeholder on the Board of Education and endorsed Meghan Campbell as the candidate for that seat. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted June minutes – unanimous
• Approved reimbursement of $136.40 to Nick Vegliante – unanimous
• Accepted Nick Vegliante's resignation as Board of Education placeholder – unanimous
• Endorsed Meghan Campbell for Board of Education – unanimous
• Nick Vegliante signed document relinquishing placeholder position – submitted to town clerk
• Motion to adjourn passed – meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The commission will review communications from the CT Land Conservation Council and the CT Audubon Society. Members will discuss ongoing projects including the Pollinator Pathway Map and Mary Dora Woodlands cleanup. New business items include goals for the commission, cluster zoning, and affordable housing.

• Discussion of cluster zoning
• Discussion of affordable housing
• Mary Dora Woodlands Parking Lot Cleanup and Trail Blazing
• Donations to Audubon, Last Green Valley, and ECCD
• Review of LEAP Grant email from CT Land Conservation Council

The Preston Conservation & Agricultural Commission approved the June 23, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It adopted revised commission goals, adding an outreach and education objective while keeping existing goals. The board removed the Green Valley Institute UCONN maps from the agenda and assigned the placement of a pollinator‑pathway write‑up in the public library. The PCCC Scarecrow Festival was scheduled for September 20 and a shared website page will be discussed further.

• Approved June 23, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted revised commission goals, adding outreach and education
• Removed Green Valley Institute UCONN maps from agenda
• Assigned placement of pollinator pathway write‑up in the public library
• Scheduled PCCC Scarecrow Festival for September 20
• Planned Mary Dora Woodlands parking lot cleanup for September/October
• Discussed creation of a shared commission website page; appointment to be set
• Considered additional donations to Avalonia if land purchases continue

Sustainability Team

The Preston Sustainable CT Team is holding a special meeting to assess progress on action items for Silver Certification. The body will review an audited points tracker and discuss equity toolkit options.

• Update on action items for Silver Certification
• Review of Audited Points Tracker
• Discussion of Equity Toolkit Options for Silver Certification

The Preston Sustainable CT Team held a special meeting on July 24, 2025 to review progress toward Silver Certification and discuss various sustainability actions. Members provided updates on tourism, land stewardship, transportation, energy, and equity initiatives. No formal approvals or votes were recorded aside from the motion to adjourn, which was made by C. Sawyer, seconded by D. Masalin, and carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

• Adjourned meeting at 7:29 p.m. (motion made by C. Sawyer, seconded by D. Masalin)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is holding a special meeting following a referendum. The primary purpose is to take possible action to set the mill rate per Section 12-123 Connecticut General Statutes.

• Possible action to set mill rate based on referendum results

The Board reviewed referendum results concerning a possible mill‑rate change under Section 12‑123 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Sandra Allyn‑Gauthier reported that the results indicated no need for any Board action. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• No mill‑rate action taken (board determined unnecessary)
• Adjournment motion carried unanimously (8:10 P.M.)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to set the mill rate for the 2025-2026 budget, contingent on the results of a referendum. The board may also discuss the budget schedule.

• Setting of the 2025-2026 mill rate

The Board of Finance voted to set the mill rate for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year at 25.11. The motion was carried unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Set 2025‑2026 mill rate at 25.11 (unanimous)

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency will meet to review task group activities and administrative updates. The agenda consists of procedural items and reports on finances and site operations.

• Finances report
• Site Operations / Site Clean Up report
• Closing Master List review

The agency accepted the June 11 meeting minutes. It approved Shipman & Goodwin’s environmental services invoice for $1,363 and Meehan & Goodin’s Parcel 6 closeout invoice for $5,810. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved June 11, 2025 minutes (motion carried, all in favor)
• Approved Shipman & Goodwin environmental services invoice #665921 for $1,363 (motion carried, all in favor)
• Approved Meehan & Goodin Parcel 6 EURL closeout invoice #4111 for $5,810 (motion carried, all in favor)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to review the budget and grant updates. The body will also consider the sale of town-owned equipment and a bid waiver for Flock cameras.

• Approval of Town-owned equipment sales via GovDeals
• Flock Camera bid waiver
• Budget discussion
• Grant updates

The Selectmen unanimously approved the June 25 meeting minutes. They also approved the sale of surplus town equipment on GovDeals for a total of $15,693.00. The board unanimously granted a bid waiver to enter a 3‑year contract for two flock cameras, costing $10,950 initially with $9,000 per year thereafter. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:26 P.M.

• Approved June 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved sale of surplus equipment via GovDeals for $15,693.00 (unanimous)
• Approved bid waiver for 3‑year flock camera contract ($10,950 initial, $9,000 annually) (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:26 P.M. (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will review updates on municipal budgets and the expansion of Softball Field #2. Members will also discuss filling three vacant seats and review various grant applications.

• Softball Field #2 Expansion
• Vacancies for Seat 2, Seat 8, and 2% Alternate Seat
• STEAP, Eastern CT Tourism, and Senior Resources Title III grants
• Community Garden Grant
• AARP CT Livable Communities Grant

The Parks & Recreation Commission voted to recommend John Mathews for a full seat on the commission, with all members in favor. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously at 9:18 p.m. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Recommended John Mathews as full seat member (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:18 p.m. (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission will review updates on park maintenance, municipal budgets, and various summer and fall programs. The meeting includes discussions on filling three vacant seats and reviewing several grant applications.

• Softball Field #2 Expansion
• Vacancies for Seat 2, Seat 8, and 2% Alternate Seat
• STEAP Grant, Eastern CT Tourism, and Senior Resources Title III grants
• Community Garden Grant
• AARP CT Livable Communities Grant

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the minutes from the June 10 special meeting unanimously. It approved a zoning permit for Thomas Baker’s accessory apartment after a vote with one abstention. Two zoning text amendments were adopted unanimously: one changing home‑occupation renewal permits to every four years, and another adding a $1,000 application fee and $100 administrative review fee for the Thames River Overlay Development District. One amendment on first‑split approvals was tabled, a $1,000 bond release for monument placement was approved unanimously, and the commission agreed to refer a state bill on subdivision donations to the town attorney.

• Approved June 10, 2025 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved zoning permit #2025-01 for Thomas Baker (aye vote; one abstention)
• Approved Zoning Text Amendment #2025-05 changing renewal permits to every 4 years (unanimous)
• Approved Zoning Text Amendment #2025-06 adding $1,000 application fee and $100 admin review fee (unanimous)
• Tabled Zoning Text Amendment #2025-07 on first splits pending revisions
• Approved $1,000 bond release for pins and monuments on 14 North Shore Road (unanimous)
• Agreed to refer Bill No. 7034 review to town attorney
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Board of Finance

The regular meeting of the Board of Finance scheduled for July 17, 2025, has been cancelled. A special meeting is scheduled for the evening of July 24, 2025, following a referendum.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss and select a recipient for the Parks and Recreation Scholarship. The agenda is brief and primarily focused on this one item. The meeting will be held virtually.

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission selected three applicants for scholarship awards. Cole Bray will receive a $200 scholarship, Sophia Przekop a $150 scholarship, and Hailey Lozzia a $150 scholarship. The motion to grant the scholarships was approved, with one member abstaining.

• Awarded $200 scholarship to Cole Bray (motion approved)
• Awarded $150 scholarship to Sophia Przekop (motion approved)
• Awarded $150 scholarship to Hailey Lozzia (motion approved)
• Motion carried with all in favor; Katia Lozzia abstained

Republican Town Committee

The Republican Town Committee will meet to endorse candidates for municipal office. The meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2025, at the Preston Plains Middle School Cafeteria.

• Endorsement of candidates for municipal office

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will consider several permit applications for residential construction and a town roadway project. The body will also discuss proposed changes to the IW Zoning Regulations and the handling of bonds.

• Permit for single-family home, driveway, and septic at 163 Krug Rd.
• Permit for gravel driveway and single-family home at 93 Hollowell Rd.
• Permit for hunting cabin at 110 Lewis Rd.
• Town of Preston project for roadway reclamation, dry wells, swales, and culverts at Matthewson Mill Road
• Proposed changes to IW Zoning Regulations suggested by CAC and Pat Monahan

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission approved several items, including the June 17, 2025 meeting minutes and a $1,000 bond for a project at 163 Krug Road. It also adopted a policy that bonds must be paid at the time a wetland permit application is submitted, and approved extensions for two existing permit applications. Additional approvals covered a mileage reimbursement of $40.96 and placing a new application on the agenda.

• Approved June 17, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved IW #2025-08 for 163 Krug Road with $1,000 bond (unanimous)
• Approved extension for IW #2021-05 at 25 Tanglewood Drive (unanimous)
• Approved extension for IW #2023-08 at 70 Lakeview Drive (unanimous)
• Waived to place IW #2025-12 (Halls Mill Road) on agenda (unanimous)
• Approved requirement that bonds be paid at time of IW application (unanimous)
• Approved July 2025 Wetlands Agent mileage and cell phone reimbursement of $40.96 (unanimous)

Democratic Town Committee

The Preston Democratic Caucus is meeting to conduct internal organizational business. The body will elect a permanent Chair and Secretary and hold nominations and elections.

• Election of permanent Chair
• Election of permanent Secretary
• Nominations and elections

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority will hold a regular meeting to review financial reports and conduct general business. The body will discuss ongoing items regarding a CHFA Grant and a Kayak Launch.

• CHFA Grant
• Kayak Launch

The board voted to turn down the town’s request to locate a kayak launch on PHA property, citing liability and resident access concerns. The authority agreed to join the interview process for HARP grant instructors. It also approved selling 30 surplus garbage cans for $20 each and will have Attorney Manfredi review updates to tenant policies and lease language.

• Kayak launch request denied
• Agreed to participate in HARP grant instructor interview process
• Approved sale of 30 garbage cans for $20 each
• Directed Attorney Manfredi to review and advise on policy language updates

Emergency Services Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to discuss emergency services updates and public safety manning. The agenda includes updates on ambulances, grants, and the Preston Riverwalk.

• Ambulance update
• Grants update
• Preston Riverwalk Emergency Services
• Public Safety Manning

The committee voted 4‑0 to accept the minutes from the January 13, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved a motion to forward the emergency‑services needs assessment and recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. after a motion to adjourn was approved.

• Accept previous minutes (4-0)
• Forward emergency services assessment to Board of Selectmen (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (approved by members)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The regular meeting scheduled for July 14, 2025, has been cancelled due to a lack of business.

Board of Selectmen

The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen scheduled for July 9, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2025.

Redevelopment Agency

The regularly scheduled meeting for July 9, 2025, has been canceled. The next meeting will take place later in July 2025.

Republican Town Committee

The committee is meeting to review reports and establish the date, location, and format for the 2025 caucus. Members will also discuss the timeline for 2025 election updates and review eligible positions on town boards and commissions.

• 2025 Caucus date, location, and format
• Timeline for 2025 elections updates
• List of eligible positions on town boards and commissions
• Treasurer report
• State Central Report

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will discuss and vote on the 2025-2026 Budget to send it to Town Meeting. The board will also seek to fill a member vacancy.

• Appointment of Board of Finance Member to fill vacancy
• Discussion and vote on 2025-2026 Budget

The Board appointed Mary Gardner to fill a regular member vacancy. It approved a $200,000 reduction to the General Government budget and a $280,000 reduction to the Board of Education budget. The Board also increased the use of the Undesignated Fund Balance by $50,000 and recommended both the Board of Education and Board of Selectmen budgets for the upcoming Town Meeting.

• Appointed Mary Gardner to fill regular Board of Finance vacancy (unanimous)
• Approved $200,000 reduction to General Government budget (unanimous)
• Approved $280,000 reduction to Board of Education budget (5-1-0)
• Approved increase of Undesignated Fund Balance use by $50,000 (unanimous)
• Recommended Board of Education budget of $15,087,944 for Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended Board of Selectmen budget of $5,616,260 for Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:42 P.M. (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss LoCIP funding and a bid waiver for Long Society paving, guide rail, and line striping. The agenda includes discussions on cell connectivity, grant updates, and the conveyance of 20 Route 117.

• LoCIP Funding and Bid Waiver for Long Society Paving, Guide Rail and Line Striping
• Conveyance of 20 Route 117
• Resignation of Benjamin Wilson from Planning & Zoning Commission
• Tax refunds for David M. & Kathy M. Auerbach and Toyota Lease Trust
• Subbase Compatible Use Plan Steering Committee

The Selectmen unanimously approved a bid waiver allowing Public Works to use $185,361.38 of LoCIP funds for milling, paving, guide‑rail replacement and striping on Long Society Road. They also approved the call for a Town Meeting on July 10 and a referendum on July 24, pending the Board of Finance's decisions. Additional unanimous actions included approving amended June 11 minutes, authorizing three tax refunds, and adjourning the meeting.

• Approved June 11, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes (amended) – unanimous
• Approved bid waiver for Long Society Rd paving and guide‑rail work, authorizing $185,361.38 LoCIP funds – unanimous
• Approved call to Town Meeting on July 10 at PVMS and referendum on July 24 at PPMS, contingent on Board of Finance – unanimous
• Approved tax refunds of $152.54, $100.15, and $71.11 to listed recipients – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous

Redevelopment Agency

The regularly scheduled meeting for June 25, 2025, is canceled due to the holiday. No other business is listed.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will meet to address vacancies for Seat 2, Seat 8, and the 2nd Alternate seat. The body will discuss municipal budget updates, park maintenance, and various grant programs.

• Filling vacancies for Seat 2, Seat 8, and 2nd Alternate seat
• STEAP Grant discussion
• Need for additional port-a-potties
• Eastern CT Tourism and Senior Resources Title II grants
• Last Green Valley Trash Cleanup Reimbursement

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for June 24, 2025, has been cancelled.

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved two zoning text amendments: one changing the renewal permit interval for home occupations to every four years, and another adding application and administrative review fees for the Thames River Overlay Development District. It also approved a $1,000 bond release for monument placement on 14 North Shore Road and a zoning permit for 95 Branch Hill Road, while a third amendment on first splits was tabled for the next meeting.

• Approved amendment #2025-05 to change home‑occupation renewal permits to every 4 years (unanimous)
• Approved amendment #2025-06 adding $1,000 application fee and $100 administrative review fee for Thames River Overlay (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 bond release for pins and monuments at 14 North Shore Road (unanimous)
• Approved zoning permit for Thomas Baker, 95 Branch Hill Rd to continue (all aye, one abstention)
• Tabled amendment #2025-07 on first splits and ZEO approval to next meeting
• Approved June 10, 2025 special meeting minutes after correcting a typographical error (unanimous)

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The commission will review communications regarding state land conservation bills and discuss ongoing conservation projects. The meeting includes updates on pollinator pathways and local farming concerns.

• Discussion of Amish inputs and concerns regarding farming in Preston
• Mary Dora Woodlands parking lot cleanup and trail blazing
• PCCC Scarecrow Festival
• Review of Senate Bill No. 1522 and General Assembly Bills 5064 and 7034
• Updates on the Pollinator Pathway Map and Sustainable CT Report

The commission approved the May 19, 2025 meeting minutes with language changes about invasive‑species removal. It approved a donation of $50 to the CT Audubon Society, $225 to Last Green Valley, and $225 to the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District. The PCCC Scarecrow Festival was confirmed for September 27. The June "Boots on the Ground – Paddles in the Water" event was cancelled, with August and September sessions still scheduled.

• Approved May 19, 2025 meeting minutes with modifications (unanimous)
• Approved donation of $50 to CT Audubon Society, $225 to Last Green Valley, $225 to Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (unanimous)
• Confirmed PCCC Scarecrow Festival will be held on September 27
• Cancelled June "Boots on the Ground – Paddles in the Water" event; August and September events will proceed
• Removed Green Valley Institute UCONN Maps item from agenda (S. Pimentel to handle)
• Planned to develop Osprey Nest plans after haying season
• Discussed raising farm tax exemption to $500,000 (no vote taken)
• Proposed creating a regional farm tour using upcoming grant funding

Democratic Town Committee

The Democratic Town Committee will meet to review the budget and the 2025 Democratic caucus. The agenda also includes discussions on vacancies and fundraising.

• Budget review
• 2025 Democratic caucus
• Committee vacancies
• Fundraising efforts

The committee unanimously approved the April minutes after correcting "water" to "sewage" treatment. A 2025 Democratic caucus was scheduled for July 15 at 7 PM in the library. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved April minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Scheduled 2025 Democratic caucus for July 15, 7 PM at the library
• Motion to adjourn passed

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to determine the 2025-2026 mill rate if the referendum passes. The board will also interview potential member applicants and review the April 2025 YTD Budget Report.

• Setting of the 2025-2026 mill rate
• Interviews of potential member applicants
• Review of April 2025 YTD Budget Report
• Discussion of 2025-2026 budget schedule and revised budget actions

The Board of Finance unanimously approved the May 15 and May 22 meeting minutes. Voters rejected both the Board of Education budget (322 Yes, 439 No) and the General Government budget (322 Yes, 436 No). The board decided to target total reductions of $375,000‑$675,000, with $100,000‑$175,000 from the town budget and $280,000‑$500,000 from the education budget, and scheduled a special meeting on June 26 to develop revised budgets.

• Approved May 15 and May 22 Board of Finance minutes (unanimous)
• Approved recess at 7:35 PM (unanimous)
• Recorded rejection of 2025‑2026 Board of Education budget (322 Yes, 439 No)
• Recorded rejection of 2025‑2026 General Government budget (322 Yes, 436 No)
• Set target budget reductions of $375,000‑$675,000 total
• Set specific cuts: $100,000‑$175,000 for town budget, $280,000‑$500,000 for education budget
• Scheduled special Board of Finance meeting for June 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM
• Adjourned meeting at 8:26 PM (unanimous)

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will discuss several permit applications for construction and land grading near wetlands. The body will also consider closing several old files and reviewing proposed changes to zoning regulations.

• Septic system repair/replacement at 52 Lake View Dr
• Mobile home replacement at 7 Nelson Drive
• Land grading and brush removal at 30 Lynn Drive
• Construction within wetlands buffer zone at 397 Route 165
• Proposed changes to the Zoning Regulations

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission approved five individual wetland permits (52 Lake View Dr., 180 Route 2, 7 Nelson Drive, 30 Lynn Drive, and a waiver for 163 Krug Road). It also removed four closed applications from the status list, released a $500 bond, and approved a $39.65 mileage reimbursement for the wetlands agent.

• Approved IW #2025-04 for 52 Lake View Dr. (septic repair) – all in favor
• Approved IW #2025-05 for 180 Route 2 (Free/First Split) – all in favor
• Approved IW #2025-06 for 7 Nelson Drive (mobile home replacement) – all in favor
• Approved IW #2025-07 for 30 Lynn Drive (grading and brush removal) – all in favor
• Approved agenda amendment to waive Michael Guiher application at 163 Krug Road – all in favor
• Removed IW #2024-02 from status list (in lieu of #2024-16) – all in favor
• Removed IW #2024-03 from status list – all in favor
• Released $500 bond for IW #2023-06 – all in favor

Youth Services Bureau

The board will review year-end budget estimates and potential expenditures. Members will discuss needs for Preston youth and families and outline tentative programming plans for 2025-2026.

• Appointment of Hanna Dorff as community member
• Appointment of Resident State Trooper Lee Lukin as representative
• Review of year-end budget estimates and potential expenditures
• Updates on StoryWalk, Toy Cabinet, and Summer Enrichment Camps
• Identification of needs pertaining to Preston youth and families

The Youth Services Bureau Advisory Board approved the May 28, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved funding of $2,000 for school supplies, $200 for StoryWalk books and place mats, and $3,246 for summer camp scholarships. The Board confirmed two appointments made by the Board of Selectmen. The meeting was adjourned at 6:04 pm.

• Approved May 28, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved $2,000 for school supplies (all in favor)
• Approved $200 for StoryWalk books and place mats (all in favor)
• Approved $3,246 for summer camp scholarships and experiences (all in favor)
• Confirmed appointment of Hanna Dorff as community member (appointed by Board of Selectmen)
• Confirmed appointment of Lee Lukin as State Trooper representative (appointed by Board of Selectmen)
• Motion to adjourn passed (all in favor)

Board of Finance

The regularly scheduled Board of Finance meeting for June 12, 2025, has been cancelled.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review a budget update regarding a referendum and the Crown Castle Agreement. The meeting includes appointments to the Youth Services Advisory Board and the processing of tax refunds.

• Budget update and Referendum
• Crown Castle Agreement
• Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group update
• Tax refunds for Chester J. Izbicki ($51.86 and $49.13) and Christopher Kapilotis ($709.41)
• Appointments of Hannah Dorff and Lee Lukin to the Youth Services Advisory Board

The Selectmen approved the amendment to the town's Crown Castle cell tower agreement, including a $350,000 one‑time payment and increased rent. They also approved a temporary road closure on Schoo! House Road for a church event and confirmed all listed tax refunds. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved Crown Castle lease amendment (unanimous)
• Approved temporary closure of Schoo! House Road on June 19, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved appointments to Youth Services Advisory Board: Hannah Dorff (Seat 5) and Lee Lukin (Seat 4) (unanimous)
• Approved addition of Saint James Episcopal Church agenda item (unanimous)
• Approved listed tax refunds as presented (unanimous)
• Approved correction of tax refund amounts in the minutes (unanimous)
• Approved corrected tax refunds after amendment (unanimous)

Redevelopment Agency

The Redevelopment Agency will meet to review administrative updates and task group activities. The discussion will cover agency finances, site cleanup, and the closing master list.

• Review of agency finances
• Discussion of site operations and site clean up
• Review of the closing master list

The agency accepted the May 28, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved six invoices and a reimbursement totaling $8,534, all by unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

• Accepted May 28, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved CLA invoice #78 for $550 (unanimous)
• Approved Shipman & Goodwin invoice #664205 for $2,131 (unanimous)
• Approved Shipman & Goodwin invoice #664206 for $756 (unanimous)
• Approved Total Fence LLC invoice for $897 (unanimous)
• Approved reimbursement to Town of Preston $2,100 (unanimous)
• Approved CLA invoice #2 for $2,100 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:53 p.m. (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss amending the renewal permit frequency for home occupations. The body will also review zoning permit applications for an accessory apartment and a short-term rental.

• ZTA #2025-03: Amendment to Section 16.8.13 regarding home occupation renewal permit frequency
• ZP #2025-01: Accessory apartment request for 95 Branch Hill Rd.
• ZP #2025-02: Short-term rental request for 88 Hollowell Rd.
• Discussion regarding the Preston Riverwalk

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the amended minutes from the May 27, 2025 regular meeting. Denise Beale moved to approve, Doreen Rankin seconded, and all present voted in favor (Fred Eddy abstained). The commission also unanimously approved the motion to adjourn. No other formal actions were decided; a permit request was tabled and a short‑term rental application was discussed without a vote.

• Approved amended May 27, 2025 minutes (motion passed, Fred Eddy abstained)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)
• Expressed support for amendment changing Home Occupation renewal permits to every 4 years
• Expressed support for Riverwalk blanket‑letter review process
• Tabled ZP #2025-01 accessory apartment permit for 95 Branch Hill Rd until July meeting
• Discussed ZP #2025-02 short‑term rental request for 88 Hoillowell Rd (no decision)

Housing Authority

The provided document is a notice stating that the June 2, 2025, meeting of the Preston Housing Authority has been changed to June 4, 2025. No other agenda items or discussion topics are listed.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The regular meeting scheduled for June 9, 2025, was cancelled due to a lack of business.

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority is holding a special meeting to address old and new business. The body will discuss a CHFA grant and the appointment of a Chairman to the PHA Board.

• CHFA Grant
• Kayak Jaunch
• Appointment of Chairman to PHA Board

The board accepted the CHA Grant public invitation document. It unanimously approved awarding the architectural contract to Capital Studio Architects. David Goss was reappointed as board chairperson. The board agreed to obtain attorney advice and respond to the kayak launch easement request.

• Accepted CHA Grant public invitation document (motion passed)
• Awarded architectural contract to Capital Studio Architects (unanimous)
• Reappointed David Goss as PHA board chairperson (vote passed)
• Agreed to seek attorney advice and respond on kayak launch easement request

Youth Services Bureau

The regular meeting scheduled for June 4, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2025.

Senior Affairs Committee

The Senior Affairs Committee will meet to review financial reports and provide updates on the budget and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The committee will also discuss a staff bathroom upgrade and a Wi-Fi booster box.

• Staff bathroom upgrade
• Wi-Fi booster box
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) update
• Budget update

The committee approved the May 13, 2025 meeting minutes after a motion by Elizabeth Bassette and a second by Joyce Weber. The financial report was accepted as presented following a motion by Frances Minor, seconded by Elizabeth Bassette. The staff bathroom lever handle was upgraded and the newly installed Wi‑Fi booster box was tested successfully. The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m., and the committee will be on recess for July and August.

• Accepted May 13, 2025 meeting minutes (motion approved)
• Accepted Financial Report as presented (motion approved)
• Staff bathroom lever handle upgraded (installation completed)
• Wi‑Fi booster box installed and tested successfully (operation confirmed)
• Committee will be on recess for July–August (decision made)
• Motion to adjourn meeting approved

Republican Town Committee

The committee is meeting to review reports and determine the date, location, and format of the 2025 caucus. Members will also discuss the timeline for 2025 election updates and eligible positions on town boards and commissions.

• 2025 Caucus date, location, and format
• Timeline for 2025 elections updates
• List of eligible positions on town boards and commissions
• State Central Report
• Treasurer report

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will review the FY25/26 budget status and various grant applications. The meeting includes updates on summer programming, community events, and filling four vacant seats.

• Status of FY25/26 Parks and Recreation Budget
• Filling vacancies for Seat 2, Seat 8, and two Alternate Seats
• STEAP Grant and NRPA Afterschool Mentor Grant updates
• Discussion on the need for additional port-a-potties
• Review of Summer Sizzler Carnival and Summer Concerts

The special meeting lacked a quorum, so no formal motions were made except for an agreement to add another port-a-potty at the park. The commission noted several grant awards, including a $450,000 STEAP grant with a $100,000 town match, a $500 Last Green Valley grant for invasive‑species cleanup, and a $15,000 Chelsea Groton Bank grant for after‑school programming. The FY 25/26 Parks & Recreation budget increase proposal failed and will be reconsidered at a reduced 2% level on June 18. The meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn was passed.

• Agreed to place an additional port-a-potty at the park (no vote tally)
• STEAP Grant awarded $450,000 with $100,000 town match
• Last Green Valley grant $500 approved for invasive species cleanup
• Chelsea Groton Bank Grant $15,000 awarded for afterschool programming
• FY25/26 Parks & Recreation budget increase proposal failed; reduced from 3% to 2% (vote scheduled June 18)
• Motion to adjourn passed (motion by Mark Simmons, seconded by Gary DeVeau)

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority is holding a special meeting to address old and new business. The body will discuss a CHFA Grant and the appointment of a Chairman to the PHA Board.

• CHFA Grant
• Kayak launch
• Appointment of Chairman to PHA Board

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency will convene a regular meeting at the Town Hall Upper Conference Room on May 28, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The agenda lists only procedural and administrative items with no substantive decisions or votes scheduled.

The Preston Redevelopment Agency accepted the April 30 special meeting minutes. It approved Task Order #195 for survey services at $9,550 and approved three separate payments to Shipman & Goodwin totaling $6,885.85. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 pm.

• Accepted April 30, 2025 special meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved amendment to Task Order #195 (motion carried)
• Approved Task Order #195 for survey services, $9,550 (motion carried)
• Approved payment to Shipman & Goodwin invoice #662756, $1,045 (motion carried)
• Approved payment to Shipman & Goodwin invoice #662755, $2,088.85 (motion carried)
• Approved payment to Shipman & Goodwin invoice #662754, $3,752 (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:53 pm (motion carried)

Youth Services Bureau

The Preston Youth Services Advisory Board will hold its regular meeting on May 28, 2025, to approve minutes, fill vacancies including a youth organization representative and a resident state trooper, and review financial and program updates. The board will also discuss programming plans for 2025-2026 and decide the status of the June 4 meeting.

• Resignations: Resident State Trooper Kris Fisher
• Appointments: Hanna Dorff as community member (term ends Dec 31, 2026), Lee Lukin as Resident State Trooper representative (term ends Dec 31, 2026)
• PYSB Financial Report and Director’s Program Updates
• Library Passes funding: Mashantucket Pequot Museum ($350)
• Theater presentation at PPMS ($500) and Summer Enrichment Camps (June 23–27)

The board accepted Trooper Kris Fisher’s resignation effective May 22, 2025. Lee Lukin was appointed to replace him as the Police Representative (seat 4) through Dec 31, 2026. The board approved $350 for Mashantucket Pequot Museum library passes and up to $5,200 to subsidize summer enrichment camps. The next Youth Services Advisory Board meeting is set for June 16, 2025 at 4:00 pm.

• Accepted resignation of Resident State Trooper Kris Fisher (effective May 22, 2025) – motion carried
• Appointed Lee Lukin as Police Representative (seat 4) – term ends Dec 31, 2026 – motion carried
• Approved $350 allocation for Mashantucket Pequot Museum library passes – motion carried
• Approved up to $5,200 to subsidize Summer Enrichment Camps (Mind in Motion, Food Explorers, Babysitting) – motion carried
• Approved the April 23, 2025 meeting minutes – motion carried
• Scheduled next Youth Services Advisory Board meeting for June 16, 2025 at 4:00 pm – motion carried

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a special meeting featuring an executive session. The session is dedicated to discussing the negotiation of lease terms for certain Town-owned properties.

• Executive session regarding negotiation of terms for leases of Town-owned properties

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to move into an executive session to discuss negotiation terms of leases for certain town-owned properties. No decisions or actions were taken during the executive session. The board then unanimously adjourned the meeting.

• Entered executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review budget updates, the Annual Town Meeting, and capital planning. The body will also address board resignations and reappointments. A resolution regarding the Community Investment Fund Round 7 is on the agenda.

• Reappointment of David Goss to the Preston Housing Authority
• Resignation of John Moulson as Chairman of the Board of Finance
• Resignation of TFC Kris Fisher from the Youth Services Advisory Board
• Resolution for Community Investment Fund (CIF) Round 7
• Review of tax refunds

The Selectmen appointed five members to the Water Pollution Control Authority on a 2‑1 vote. They unanimously reappointed David Goss to the Preston Housing Authority for a five‑year term. The board also unanimously approved two resolutions to apply for Community Investment Fund Round 7 grants—up to $1.5 million for the Poquetanuck Heritage Trail and up to $250,000 for middle‑school planning.

• Approved WPCA appointments (David Capacchione, Frank Ennis, Chris Vernott as regular members; Bob Congdon, Dick Eddy as alternates) – vote 2‑1‑0
• Reappointed David Goss to Preston Housing Authority – unanimous
• Approved resolution to apply for CIF Round 7 Capital Grant up to $1.5 M for Poquetanuck Heritage Trail – unanimous
• Approved resolution to apply for CIF Round 7 Planning Grant up to $250,000 for middle‑school/center project – unanimous
• Accepted May 13, 2025 Special Meeting minutes – unanimous

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to meet at 7:30 PM on May 27, 2025, at Preston Town Hall. The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items to decide or discuss.

Democratic Town Committee

The Preston Democratic Town Committee will hold a Zoom meeting on May 27, 2025, to review standard procedural items such as minutes, treasurer’s report, and public comment. No new business, ordinances, or decisions are listed on the agenda.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings and discuss four proposed amendments to zoning regulations. These changes focus on renewal permit requirements for accessory apartments, home occupations, and project completion plans. The commission will also review a zoning permit for an accessory apartment.

• ZTA #2025-01: Removing annual renewal permit for Accessory Apartments
• ZTA #2025-02: Eliminating ZEO approval requirement for Garage, Yard, and Cellar Sales
• ZTA #2025-03: Changing Home Occupation renewal permits from annual to bi-annual
• ZTA #2025-04: Adding as-built plan requirements and changing renewal periods from two to four years
• ZP #2025-01: Accessory Apartment application for 95 Branch Hill Rd

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved four zoning text amendments, removing annual renewal permits for accessory apartments and garage/yard/cellar sales, and adding an as‑built plan requirement with a four‑year renewal period. The commission also tabled a pending accessory‑apartment permit until June, rescheduled the June meeting, and adopted a letter of support for a $5.8 M trail grant project.

• Approved April 22, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-2 vote)
• Tabled Zoning Permit #2025-01 (accessory apartment) until June agenda
• Approved ZTA #2025-01 amendment to Section 16.6 removing annual renewal permit (unanimous)
• Approved ZTA #2025-02 amendment to Section 16.10 eliminating ZEO approval for garage, yard, cellar sales (unanimous)
• Approved ZTA #2025-04 amendment to Section 18.9 adding as‑built plan requirement and changing renewal period to four years (unanimous)
• Rescheduled June PZC meeting from June 24 to June 10 (unanimous)
• Approved Letter of Support for TA and CIF trail grant project (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Democratic Town Committee

The regularly scheduled May 26 meeting of the Preston Democratic Town Committee was cancelled. A special meeting is set for May 27 at 7:00 PM via Zoom, with a second session at 7:30 PM after a recess.

Board of Finance

The Preston Board of Finance holds a special meeting immediately after the referendum to discuss and potentially set the mill rate for the 2025-2026 budget. The agenda includes roll call, public comment sessions, and correspondence, but no specific budget decisions are listed as decided at this meeting.

The board voted unanimously to reduce the town budget by $144,000, allocating cuts across the library, salaries, road management, treasurer, and assessor. It also approved a $10,000 increase to the revenue budget's interest income line. Additionally, the board unanimously reduced the Board of Education budget by $400,000. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Reduced Town Budget by $144,000 (unanimous)
• Increased Revenue Budget interest income by $10,000 (unanimous)
• Reduced Board of Education Budget by $400,000 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will consider three new applications for work near wetlands. The body will also review the Wetlands Agent report and determine mileage reimbursement amounts.

• IW #2025-04: Septic system repair/replacement at 52 Lake View Dr.
• IW #2025-05: Application for 180 Route 2
• IW #2025-06: Mobile home replacement at 7 Nelson Drive
• Approval of Wetland Agent mileage reimbursement

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission approved the As‑of‑Right timber harvest application unanimously. It also waived the timber harvest application for 551 Route 164, IW #2025‑07, and the proposed IW regulations onto the agenda, all by unanimous vote. The commission approved payment of $164.76 for the wetlands agent’s April expenses and adjourned the meeting at 6:49 P.M.

• Approved As‑of‑Right timber harvest (unanimous)
• Waived timber harvest application for 551 Route 164 onto agenda (unanimous)
• Waived IW #2025‑07 (30 Lynn Drive) onto agenda (unanimous)
• Waived proposed IW regulations onto agenda (unanimous)
• Approved payment of $164.76 to Len Johnson for April expenses (unanimous)
• Approved April 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:49 P.M. (unanimous)

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The commission will review communications regarding Mattern Farm and the CT Audubon Society. The meeting includes discussions on farming in Preston, specifically Amish inputs and concerns, and trail blazing at Mary Dora Woodlands.

• Discussion on Amish inputs and concerns regarding farming in Preston
• Mary Dora Woodlands parking lot cleanup and trail blazing
• Review of Sustainable CT Report and Pollinator Pathway Map
• Amos Lake Association report
• Discussion on Osprey Nest

The commission approved the April 28, 2025 regular meeting minutes with all members in favor. It removed the Green Valley Institute UCONN maps from the agenda and assigned staff to meet with the library on the Pollinator Pathway map and to locate a vendor for a Blue Heron display. Members also planned invasive‑plant cleanup at Mary Dora Woodlands and confirmed the Garden Club’s monthly meeting schedule. Additional follow‑up on agricultural incentives was directed to the selectwoman.

• Approved April 28, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Removed Green Valley Institute UCONN maps from agenda
• G. Piszezek to meet with M. Gibson on Pollinator Pathway map
• G. Piszczek to locate vendor for Blue Heron picture display
• L. Crary to bring equipment for invasive plant clearing at Mary Dora Woodlands
• G. Piszczek to request permission for cleanup at Mary Dora Woodlands
• G. Piszczek to follow up with Selectwoman on additional agricultural incentives
• Garden Club meeting schedule confirmed for the 4th Wednesday each month

Board of Finance

The Preston Board of Finance will hold a regular meeting to appoint an auditor, review the March 2025 YTD budget report, and discuss the capital plan update. Other items include filling a board vacancy and adopting a fixed assets policy. Public comment is limited to 15 minutes.

• Appointment of auditor for 2024-2025 fiscal year
• Discussion and potential adoption of fixed assets policy
• Update on capital plan
• Review of March 2025 YTD budget report
• Board vacancy and officer appointments

The Board scheduled a special meeting on June 12 to fill a board vacancy, approved the April 10 and April 24 meeting minutes, appointed King, King & Associates, PC to conduct the FY 2025 audit, and adopted the Fixed Assets Capitalization and Depreciation Policy. It also agreed to send a thank‑you letter to resigning member John Moulson and adjourned the meeting at 7:23 P.M.

• Scheduled special meeting June 12 to fill board vacancy (4-0-1)
• Approved April 10 and April 24 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed King, King & Associates, PC for FY 2025 audit (unanimous)
• Approved Fixed Assets Capitalization and Depreciation Policy (unanimous)
• Agreed to send thank‑you letter to resigning member John Moulson
• Adjourned meeting at 7:23 P.M. (unanimous)

Housing Authority

This notice announces that the Preston Housing Authority's May 14, 2026 meeting has been changed to May 28, 2026. No other business or agenda items are discussed in this document.

• Meeting date changed from May 14, 2026 to May 28, 2026.

Housing Authority

This agenda is a notice of change: the May 14, 2026 Preston Housing Authority meeting has been moved to May 28, 2026. No substantive decisions or discussions are included.

• Meeting date change from May 14 to May 28, 2026

Redevelopment Agency

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Preston Redevelopment Agency for May 14, 2025, has been canceled due to the holiday. The next meeting will occur later in May 2025.

• Meeting canceled; no items were discussed or decided.

Board of Selectmen

The regular May 14 Board of Selectmen meeting has been cancelled. A special meeting is scheduled for May 13 at 5:00 PM at Town Hall. No other business or agenda items are listed.

• Regular meeting of May 14 cancelled
• Special meeting scheduled for May 13 at 5:00 PM

Senior Affairs Committee

The Senior Affairs Committee will meet to review financial reports and provide updates on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the budget. The committee will also discuss the May 8 Coffee & Conversation event and plan a summer picnic.

• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) update
• Budget update
• Coffee & Conversation — May 8
• Summer picnic planning

The Senior Affairs Committee accepted the April 1, 2025 meeting minutes and the presented financial report. Both motions were approved without recorded vote counts. The meeting was then adjourned at 1:40 p.m. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved April 1, 2025 meeting minutes (motion approved)
• Approved financial report as presented (motion approved)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (motion approved)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss the upcoming budget referendum scheduled for May 22, 2025. Other items include a bid waiver for guide rail repair on Old Jewett City Road, an update on the conveyance of 20 Route 117, and a tax refund of $34.30 to Daniel Bowles. The meeting includes a 15-minute public comment session.

• Bid waiver for guide rail repair on Old Jewett City Road
• Conveyance of 20 Route 117
• Budget referendum on May 22, 2025
• Tax refund of $34.30 to Daniel Bowles
• Broadband 5G/Microcell update

The Selectmen approved the amended April 23 meeting minutes. They approved a bid waiver up to $6,500 to repair guide rails on Old Jewett City Road and a $34.30 tax refund for Daniel Bolles. The board voted to wait until the May 28 meeting for a cost quote on the Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group project.

• Approved amended April 23, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved bid waiver under DAS Contract #24-PSX0104 for guide‑rail repair up to $6,500 (unanimous)
• Approved tax refund for Daniel Bolles, $34.30 (unanimous)
• Decided to wait until May 28 for cost quote on Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group plans
• Adjourned meeting at 5:28 P.M. (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for May 12, 2025, was cancelled due to a lack of business.

Senior Affairs Committee

The May 6, 2025 meeting of the Preston Senior Affairs Committee has been postponed to Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Preston Senior Center. No other agenda items or business are listed in this notice.

• Meeting postponed from May 6 to May 13, 2025

Redevelopment Agency

The agency will hold a special meeting to discuss the FY26 budget request and site operations. The meeting includes an executive session regarding a property disposition and development agreement amendment for the sale of Preston Riverwalk to the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority.

• FY26 Budget Request
• Site Operations / Site Clean Up
• Closing Master List
• Property Disposition and Development Agreement Amendment #1 regarding Preston Riverwalk sale to Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority

The agency accepted the April 9, 2025 regular meeting minutes. It approved the WCPA ordinance and Manafort’s CHRO contract. A $9,550 Task Order #195 for survey services in Consolidation Area B was approved. The board entered an executive session and then adjourned the meeting.

• Accepted April 9, 2025 regular meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved WCPA ordinance (all in favor)
• Approved Manafort CHRO contract (all in favor)
• Approved Task Order #195 for survey services, $9,550 (all in favor)
• Moved into executive session per statute (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:27 pm (all in favor)

Sustainability Team

The Preston Sustainable CT Team is holding a special meeting to review and update action items targeted for Silver Certification. The agenda includes old business (review of action items) and new business (status update on progress). No specific proposals, contracts, or ordinances are discussed.

The team reviewed old business and discussed updates on action items for Silver Certification, noting ongoing projects and data collection. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m. after a motion by C. Sawyer was seconded by D. Masalin.

• Motion to adjourn made and seconded by C. Sawyer and D. Masalin

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing regarding the FY25/26 municipal budget. The body will also discuss filling vacant commission seats and review various community events and grant proposals.

• Public hearing on FY25/26 Municipal Budget
• Filling vacancies for Seat 2 and Seat 8
• Review of NRPA Afterschool Mentor, STEAP, and Community Connectivity grants
• Discussion of community events including Wicked Picnic and Summer Sizzler Carnival
• New addendum to Accounts Payable and Budget Reports for Boards and Commissions

Democratic Town Committee

The committee will meet to discuss the town meeting, the budget, and the 2025 municipal election. The agenda also includes reviews of vacancies and fundraising efforts.

• Town meeting and budget discussion
• 2025 Municipal election planning
• Review of vacancies
• Fundraising updates

The Preston Democratic Town Committee unanimously approved a $100 allocation for the Ann‑Etta Cannon Award, which is presented each year to a graduating PPMS student. The committee also unanimously accepted the March meeting minutes as presented. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved $100 allocation for Ann‑Etta Cannon Award (unanimous)
• Accepted March minutes as presented (unanimous)

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The commission will review communications from the CT Land Conservation Council and CT Audubon Society. Discussion items include the Sustainable CT Report, pollinator pathway mapping, and a draft amendment regarding ponds over 10 acres.

• Amendment to ponds over 10 acres draft
• Sustainable CT Report
• Pollinator Pathway Map
• Green Valley Institute UCONN maps
• Mary-Dora Woodlands Forestry Walk

The Conservation & Agricultural Commission approved the minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting. The commission approved matching the CT Audubon Society donation to last year's amount. Members nominated Bob Chapin for the Aquarion Environmental Champion Award. The commission waived the nomination letter onto the agenda.

• Approved March 24, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved matching CT Audubon Society donation (all in favor)
• Nominated Bob Chapin for Aquarion Environmental Champion Award (all in favor)
• Waived M. Gibson’s nomination letter onto agenda (all in favor)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Following the hearing, the board will act on the Board of Education, General Government, and Revenue budgets.

• Public hearing on Town of Preston Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
• Action on Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Board of Education Budget
• Action on Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 General Government Budget
• Action on Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Revenue Budget

The Board of Finance voted to recommend the FY 2026 Board of Education budget of $15,767,944 and the Board of Selectmen budget of $5,960,260 for presentation at the May 8 Town Meeting. It also approved the FY 2026 Local Revenue budget of $714,120, the Intergovernmental Revenue budget of $4,430,326, and the Debt Service budget of $720,527. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Recommended Board of Education Budget $15,767,944 for Town Meeting (5-1-0)
• Recommended Board of Selectmen Budget $5,960,260 for Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Local Revenue Budget $714,120 (unanimous)
• Approved Intergovernmental Revenue Budget $4,430,326 (unanimous)
• Approved Debt Service Budget $720,527 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Redevelopment Agency

The regularly scheduled meeting for April 23, 2025, has been canceled due to the holiday. No actions were taken.

Youth Services Bureau

The Preston Youth Services Advisory Board will consider proposed revisions to its by-laws that soften the language of its duties, changing 'will maintain' a webpage to 'will contribute to' and 'will seek' partnerships to 'will encourage and/or recommend.' The board will also hear a director's report on upcoming programs, review financial updates including year-end planning and encumbrance items, and consider a $100 award for two eighth-grade students. Standard items include approval of March minutes and filling two board vacancies.

• Proposed revisions to By-Laws Section 8(c) and 8(d) changing verb commitments for webpage and partnerships
• Director report covering D.A.R.E. 5th Grade Celebration, Flashlight Egg Hunt, Earth Day Event, Screen-Free Week, Summer Reading Kick-Off, and Summer Enrichment Camps
• Town of Preston Financial Department updates: new addendum to Accounts Payable and Budget Reports and FY24/25 encumbrance items
• Preston Youth Services Award of $100 ($50 each) for two PPMS eighth-grade students
• Vacancies for a youth organization representative and a community member

The advisory board recommended that the Board of Selectmen appoint Hannah Dorff as a community member (Seat 5) with a term ending December 2026. The board also approved a $100 donation for the Preston Youth Services Award at Preston Plains Middle School and adopted proposed revisions to its by‑laws. The March 26, 2025 meeting minutes were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Recommended appointment of Hannah Dorff as Community Member, Seat 5 (term ends 12/26/26)
• Approved $100 donation for Preston Youth Services Award at Preston Plains Middle School
• Approved proposed revisions to PYSAB By‑laws on webpage and partnership duties
• Approved the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 26 2025 (as amended)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider a LoCIP funding request for Old Jewett City Road, receive updates on economic development and road safety, and remind about an upcoming town meeting and public hearing. The board will also approve tax refunds totaling under $200 for multiple years. The agenda includes acceptance of previous meeting minutes and a public comment session.

• LoCIP Funding Request — Old Jewett City Road
• Economic Development Best Practices Update
• Road Safety Audit Update
• Town Meeting & Public Hearing Reminder
• Tax refunds for Daniel Bolles ($40.34, $40.42, $41.82, $35.06) and Victor I. Cotner, 3rd ($30.50)

The Board unanimously approved $40,000 of LoCIP funds and a $5,360 bid waiver to address drainage at Old Jewett City Road and Krug Road. It also approved several tax refunds and moved the DECD update onto the agenda. All motions, including acceptance of prior minutes and adjournment, passed unanimously.

• Approved April 9, 2025 Special Meeting Executive Session minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 9, 2025 Regular Meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $40,000 LoCIP funding for Old Jewett City Road drainage project (unanimous)
• Approved $5,360 bid waiver under DASA Contract #23-PSX02466 for drainage pipe (unanimous)
• Waived DECD update onto agenda (unanimous)
• Approved tax refunds for Daniel Bolles ($40.34, $40.42, $41.82, $35.06) and Victor I. Cotner ($30.50) (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:29 P.M. (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing on the FY25/26 municipal budget and discuss a new addendum to accounts payable and budget reports. The meeting also covers updates on spring programs, summer camp, grants (NRPA Afterschool Mentor Grant, STEAP Grant), old business on the scholarship program and 2025 facility rental fees, and community events.

• Public hearing on FY25/26 Municipal Budget
• Discussion of 2025 Facility Rental Fees
• Scholarship program update
• NRPA Afterschool Mentor Grant and other grant updates
• Spring programs: Gardening Club, Youth Volleyball, Flashlight Egg Hunt, etc.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Preston Planning & Zoning Commission will hold its regular meeting to approve minutes, hear public comments, and review zoning permits for accessory apartments and excavation renewals. The commission will also discuss draft amendments to zoning regulations and goals for the Preston Riverwalk project.

• Zoning Permit ZP #2025-01 for accessory apartment at 95 Branch Hill Rd
• Zoning Permit ZP #2025-02 for excavation renewal at 16 Pendleton Rd
• Site Plan SP #2025-01 for Poquetanuck Cove and Village Heritage Trail along Route 2A
• Coastal Site Plan CSP #2025-01 for Poquetanuck Cove and Village Heritage Trail along Route 2A
• Draft Amendment to Zoning Regulations for Accessory Apartment Renewal Permit

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved the Poquetanuck Cove and Village Heritage Trail right‑of‑way with a stipulation for additional speed‑limit signs, and also approved an excavation renewal permit for 16 Pendleton Rd. The accessory‑apartment permit for 95 Branch Hill Rd. was tabled until May. Several amendments and a 35‑day extension request were set for public hearing in May.

• Approved SP #2025-01 heritage trail ROW with speed‑limit sign stipulation (unanimous)
• Approved CSP #2025-01 coastal site plan for heritage trail (unanimous)
• Approved ZP #2025-02 excavation renewal for 16 Pendleton Rd (unanimous)
• Tabled ZP #2025-01 accessory‑apartment permit for 95 Branch Hill Rd until May (unanimous)
• Moved amendment to zoning regulations for accessory‑apartment renewal permit to May public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved Charlene Rand’s 35‑day extension to complete plans (unanimous)
• Waived two agenda items to be discussed later (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from March 25, 2025 meetings (unanimous)

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals will hold a special meeting to hear appeals regarding the October 1, 2024 Grand List (real property) and the October 1, 2023 Supplemental Motor Vehicle Grand List. The board will also review and approve draft minutes from its September 18, 2024 meeting. No other new business or old business is on the agenda.

• Hear appeals for the October 1, 2024 Grand List
• Hear appeals for the October 1, 2023 Supplemental Motor Vehicle Grand List
• Review and approve draft minutes from September 18, 2024 meeting

The Board of Assessment Appeals approved a depreciation calculation for a 2019 Highland camper, reduced the market value and assessment for the 140 Krug Rd property, and left the assessment for a 2021 Forest River camper unchanged. Two owners did not appear, so no changes were made to their assessments. The board also accepted the meeting minutes and adjourned the session.

• Accepted September 18, 2024 draft minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $87,700 MSRP × 0.65% depreciation for Andy Brodesser camper (unanimous)
• Reduced market value to $28,000 and assessment to $19,600 for 140 Krug Rd property (unanimous)
• Approved no change for 2021 Forest River camper owned by Jon W Guarino (unanimous)
• No appearance by John Jorsz; assessment unchanged
• No appearance by William Champagne; assessment unchanged
• Accepted April 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:50 pm (unanimous)

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission will review and likely vote on two permit applications: one for a walkway over Poquetanuck Brook within State Route 2A right-of-way and another for driveway construction within a wetlands buffer zone on Lewis Road. The meeting will also include a status report, agent mileage approval, and a public comment session limited to 15 minutes.

• IW #2025-01: Walkway construction over Poquetanuck Brook between 137 and 143 Route 2A
• IW #2025-02: Driveway construction at 106 Lewis Road within wetlands buffer zone
• Approval of Wetlands Agent mileage (amount to be motioned)
• Public comment session (3 minutes per speaker, 15 minutes total)

The commission approved the March 18, 2025 meeting minutes and authorized IWWC #2025-01 for a walkway project without a bond. It also approved IWWC #2025-02 for a driveway construction within a wetlands buffer zone, attaching a $500 bond. Mileage reimbursements for the Wetlands Agent for February and March ($37.03 each) were approved, and the senior center parking lot repaving was classified as maintenance, requiring no permit.

• Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved IWWC #2025-01 (walkway) without bond (unanimous)
• Approved IWWC #2025-02 (driveway) with $500 bond (unanimous)
• Approved February Wetlands Agent mileage reimbursement $37.03 (unanimous)
• Approved March Wetlands Agent mileage reimbursement $37.03 (unanimous)
• Waived Preston Senior Center agenda item (unanimous)
• Declared Senior Center parking lot repaving a maintenance matter, no permit required (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:23 p.m. (unanimous)

Emergency Services Advisory Committee

The April 14, 2025 regular quarterly meeting of the Preston Emergency Services Advisory Committee was cancelled because not enough members were present. The meeting will be rescheduled for a future date to be announced.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum; rescheduled date to be announced

Emergency Services Advisory Committee

The Preston Emergency Services Advisory Committee holds its regular quarterly meeting to receive updates on ambulance services, grants, emergency services for the Preston Riverwalk, and public safety manning. The agenda also includes standard items such as roll call, reading of previous minutes, communications, unfinished business, new business, public comment, and possible executive session. No specific decisions, votes, or dollar amounts are listed; the meeting is primarily informational and procedural.

• Ambulance Update
• Grants Update
• Preston Riverwalk Emergency Services
• Public Safety Manning

Zoning Board of Appeals

The regular April 14, 2025 meeting of the Preston Zoning Board of Appeals has been cancelled because there were no items to address. No decisions or discussions took place.

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority will meet to review treasurer reports and old business regarding grants and equipment. The board will also discuss a kayak launch and a vacant commissioner position.

• HARP Grant
• CHFA Grant
• Tractor for mowing
• Kayak launch
• Filling of a Commissioner position

The board approved a motion to write letters to the selectmen asking that Angela Armstrong be appointed to the Preston Housing Authority board, with the agreement that she will abstain from voting on maintenance matters. No other motions were recorded as approved or denied. The meeting also noted a $10,000 HARP grant award, a planned tractor purchase, and discussed a kayak launch request.

• Board to write letters to selectmen requesting Angela Armstrong’s appointment as commissioner (approved)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will discuss the 2025-2026 budget and may vote to move it to a public hearing. The meeting also includes reports on financial policy and the February 2025 year-to-date budget.

• 2025-2026 Budget discussion and potential vote to public hearing
• February 2025 YTD Budget Report
• Fixed Assets Policy discussion
• Capital Plan Update
• Financial Policy Subcommittee Report

The Board approved the Intergovernmental Budget of $4,430,326 and the Local Revenue Budget of $714,120. It adopted several budget adjustments, including a $150,000 cut to the Board of Education budget and a $10,000 reduction to the Parks and Rec salary line. The board also set a public‑hearing schedule for the Selectmen and Education budgets and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved Intergovernmental Budget of $4,430,326 (unanimously)
• Approved Local Revenue Budget of $714,120 (unanimously)
• Reduced Parks and Rec salary line by $10,000 and removed $24,793 from the budget (unanimously)
• Capped salaries at a 3% increase, reducing the budget by $26,114 (unanimously)
• Amended Library budget to add $12,500 for salaries, total $236,800 (unanimously)
• Cut Board of Education budget by $150,000 (unanimously)
• Reduced Transfer Station Hauling Fees by $17,000 (unanimously)
• Recommended Board of Selectmen budget of $5,960,250 for public hearing on April 24 (unanimously)

Board of Finance

The Preston Board of Finance will hold a regular meeting to consider the 2025-2026 budget, receive reports from subcommittees and the Finance Director, and discuss a fixed assets policy and capital plan. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per person with a 15-minute session total.

• 2025-2026 Budget discussion
• Board of Finance Financial Policy Subcommittee Report
• Board of Education Liaison Report
• Finance Director Report: February 2025 YTD Budget Report
• New Business: Fixed Assets Policy

The Board of Finance approved the minutes from three prior meetings. It adopted several budget adjustments, including a $10,000 Parks & Rec salary reduction, a 3% cap on salary increases saving $26,114, a flat Library budget of $236,800, and a $150,000 cut to the Board of Education budget. The Board also approved the Local Revenue Budget of $714,120 and related budget items. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved March 20, 2025 Board of Finance minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 27, 2025 Board of Finance minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 2, 2025 Board of Finance minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 Parks & Rec salary reduction and $24,793 budget cut, funded by Special Fund (unanimous)
• Approved cap on salary increases at 3%, reducing budget by $26,114 (unanimous)
• Approved Library budget flat at $236,800 (unanimous)
• Approved Board of Education budget cut of $150,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Local Revenue Budget of $714,120 (unanimous)

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency is meeting to approve March meeting minutes, receive communications, and hear administrative updates. Task group reports will cover finances, site cleanup, and the closing master list. Public comment is limited to 15 minutes. No substantive decisions or new business are listed.

• Approval of March 12, 2025 regular meeting minutes
• Task Group report on finances
• Task Group report on site operations and cleanup
• Task Group report on closing master list

The agency approved the chairman to sign a letter releasing up to $850,000 from the Phase B portion of a $9 million grant/loan, allowing the Mohegan Tribe to access the full $4 million allocated to Phase B. It also approved two task orders: $380,365 for Manafort Brothers to cap consolidation on Area B and remediate Fort Point Road, and up to $168,000 for Tighe & Bond for LEP services and soil remediation at Preston Riverwalk, pending DECD rate approval. The meeting accepted the March 12 minutes and adjourned unanimously.

• Authorized Chairman Sean Nugent to sign letter releasing up to $850,000 from Phase B grant (unanimous)
• Approved Manafort Brothers Task Order #193 for $380,365 for Area B capping and Fort Point Road remediation (unanimous)
• Approved payment up to $168,000 for Task Order #194 to Tighe & Bond for LEP services and Riverwalk soil remediation, contingent on DECD rate approval (unanimous)
• Accepted March 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:50 pm (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a special meeting with an executive session to discuss negotiations for leases of a town-owned property, as permitted under Connecticut law. No public votes are scheduled; the session is limited to discussion. Public comment is allowed for up to 15 minutes before the executive session.

• Executive session discussion on lease negotiations for a town-owned property (CGS 1-200(6)(D))

The Board of Selectmen moved into an executive session to discuss lease negotiations for a town‑owned property. No actions were taken during the session. The board then adjourned, with both motions passing unanimously.

• Moved to executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider a traffic study on state roads, discuss implementation of Flock cameras (automated license plate readers), and receive a budget update. A tax refund of $18.20 is proposed for Peter J. The meeting includes a public comment session limited to 3 minutes per person.

• Traffic study on state roads
• Discussion of Flock cameras for license plate recognition
• Budget update
• Tax refund of $18.20 for Peter J.
• Public comment session (3-minute limit per person)

The Board approved the March 26, 2025 regular minutes without opposition. A motion to refund $18.20 to Peter J. Allegro was passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 P.M. with a unanimous vote.

• Approved March 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $18.20 tax refund to Peter J. Allegro (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:25 P.M. (unanimous)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will hold a special meeting to review the 2025-2026 Town Budget with the First Selectwoman and Board of Selectmen. The session includes a review of the Town Revenue Budget and general budget discussion.

• Review of 2025-2026 Town Budget
• Review of Town Revenue Budget

The Board of Finance reviewed the 2025‑2026 town budget, revenue budget, and general budget but took no formal actions. Members requested additional information for the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m. by a unanimous motion.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Senior Affairs Committee

The Senior Affairs Committee approved the March 4, 2025 meeting minutes and the financial report presented by Frances Minor. Both motions were passed without recorded vote tallies. The meeting was then adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

• Approved March 4, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved Financial Report as presented (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:30 p.m. (motion passed)

Republican Town Committee

The Preston Republican Town Committee will discuss the State Central Report, delegate selection, and the timeline for the 2025 elections. They will also review the current budget schedule for the town and Board of Education. The meeting is primarily planning and procedural.

• State Central Report discussion
• Delegate selection process
• Timeline for 2025 elections
• Current budget schedule for Town and Board of Education

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will meet to review the 2025-2026 Board of Education budget with the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education. The meeting also includes a general budget discussion.

• Review of 2025-2026 Board of Education Budget
• General Budget Discussion

The Board of Finance voted to delay the General Budget discussion until the following Wednesday. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Postponed General Budget discussion to next Wednesday (decision)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously (motion carried)

Redevelopment Agency

The regularly scheduled meeting for March 26, 2025, has been canceled due to the holiday. No other business is listed.

Youth Services Bureau

The Preston Youth Services Advisory Board will consider proposed revisions to its by-laws that change how it maintains a webpage and seeks partnerships. The board will also receive updates on summer enrichment camps, the D.A.R.E. program, and a $100 youth services award for two eighth-grade students. Vacancies for a youth organization representative and a community member are open.

• Proposed revisions to by-laws section 8 on duties: change 'will maintain' to 'will contribute to' a webpage and 'will seek' to 'will encourage and/or recommend' partnerships
• $100 Preston Youth Services Award ($50 each to two PPMS eighth graders) for positive attitude and community involvement
• Program updates: Toy Cabinet, StoryWalk, D.A.R.E., Summer Enrichment Camps (vendors: Food Explorers, Mind in Motion, SkyHawks), Flashlight Egg Hunt
• Vacancies for a Preston youth organization representative and a community member on the board
• Approval of regular meeting minutes (Feb 26, 2025) and special meeting minutes (March 17, 2026)

The advisory board approved the regular meeting minutes from February 26, 2025, and the special meeting minutes from March 17, 2025, with all members in favor. The financial report, the $100 youth services award, and two by‑law items were each tabled because a quorum was not present.

• Approve February 26 and March 17 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Table financial report approval (lack of quorum)
• Table Preston Youth Services Award $100 approval (lack of quorum)
• Table by‑law duties approval (lack of quorum)
• Table proposed by‑law revisions (lack of quorum)

Board of Selectmen

The Preston Board of Selectmen will consider accepting the Preston Town and Schools Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and discuss proposed ordinances to create a Water Pollution Control Authority and restrict tobacco use at town facilities. The board will also reappoint members to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, review the Employee Handbook, and approve an Emergency Management Performance Grant resolution. A tax refund of $795.26 is also on the agenda.

• Acceptance of Preston Town and Schools Strategic Plan 2025-2030
• Proposed ordinances: create Water Pollution Control Authority and restrict tobacco use at town facilities
• Reappointments to Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (Gerald Grabarek, Matthew Gauthier, Kylie Desjardins) for six-year terms ending January 1, 2031
• Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) resolution
• Tax refund of $795.26

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen unanimously approved the Preston Town and School Strategic Plan for 2025‑2030. They also approved a call for an April 24 Town Meeting to consider creating the Preston Water Pollution Control Authority and adopting a tobacco‑use ordinance at town facilities. Additional actions included reappointing three members to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, updating the Employee Handbook for the new paid‑sick‑leave law, authorizing the $10,000 Emergency Management Performance Grant, and approving a $795.26 tax refund for Serena Tam.

• Approved Preston Town and School Strategic Plan 2025‑2030 (unanimous)
• Approved call to Town Meeting on April 24, 2025 for water‑pollution authority and tobacco ordinance (unanimous)
• Reappointed three members to Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (2‑0‑1)
• Approved revision of Employee Handbook to comply with CT Paid Sick Leave Act (unanimous)
• Authorized Sandra Allyn‑Gauthier to sign documents for $10,000 Emergency Management Performance Grant (unanimous)
• Approved tax refund for Serena Tam – $795.26 (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Preston Parks and Recreation Commission will address membership vacancies, including expiring terms for two seats and two alternate vacancies. They will discuss park maintenance, including an Eagle Scout project to expand a dog trail and a drainage/engineering report. Updates on winter and spring programs, summer camp, community events, and several grant applications will also be reviewed.

• Membership vacancies: seats for Gary Deveau and Katherine Iozzia expiring March 31, 2025, and two alternate vacancies through 2029
• Eagle Scout Project to expand dog trail, add tail map, and tree identification
• Presentation of Engineers Report on drainage and park development
• Grants discussed: NRPA Afterschool Mentor Grant, STEAP (no update), Eastern CT Tourism, Community Connectivity Grant
• Old business: 2025 Facility Rental Fees and MyRec Software updates

The commission decided to launch a new MyRec software website on April 1. It also approved starting a soccer program in the fall, beginning with younger children. The 2025 facility rental fees will remain unchanged until a quorum can vote at a future meeting. No vote tallies were recorded.

• Deferred vote on 2025 Facility Rental Fees; fees remain unchanged pending quorum
• Approved launch of new MyRec software website, to go live April 1
• Decided to start a soccer program in the fall, beginning with younger kids
• Eagle Scout project approved to proceed by Eagle Scout Committee (date TBD)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Preston Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a special exception for a farm winery, cider mill, and other farm fruit facility at 86 Schoolhouse Rd. under Section 18.18. The commission will also discuss correspondence including a letter from GDIT regarding updates to the cell tower at 101 Pierce Road and an email on modifications to mead production plans. Old business includes zoning permits for an accessory apartment at 95 Branch Hill Rd. and a revision to a home occupation mead production permit at 6 McClimon Rd.

• Public hearing: Special Exception #2024-01 for farm winery/cider mill at 86 Schoolhouse Rd.
• Discussion of cell tower update at 101 Pierce Road from GDIT letter.
• Zoning permit ZP #2025-01 for accessory apartment at 95 Branch Hill Rd.
• Revision to mead production home occupation permit ZP #2024-08a at 6 McClimon Rd.
• Consideration of minutes from February 25, 2025 regular meeting.

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a Special Exception for a farm winery, cider mill, and related facilities at 86 Schoolhouse Rd, along with the associated site plan. It also approved a revision to the home‑occupation mead production permit at 6 McClimon Rd, increased private event limits to 20 per year, raised the guest cap to 100, and reduced the parking‑lot setback from 50’ to 30’. The zoning permit for 95 Branch Hill Rd was tabled until April.

• Approved revision to home‑occupation mead production at 6 McClimon Rd (unanimous)
• Approved Special Exception for 86 Schoolhouse Rd farm winery with modifications (unanimous)
• Approved Site Plan for 86 Schoolhouse Rd farm winery (unanimous)
• Increased allowable private events from 6 to 20 per year (unanimous)
• Increased guest limit from 75 to 100 (unanimous)
• Reduced parking lot setback from 50’ to 30’ (unanimous)
• Tabled zoning permit for 95 Branch Hill Rd accessory apartment until April (unanimous)
• Forwarded 32 Drawbridge Road matter to Town Attorney (unanimous)

Democratic Town Committee

The Preston Democratic Town Committee will meet to approve minutes, hear a treasurer's report, and discuss old business including the 2025 municipal election, committee vacancies, and fundraising. Updates from town officials and a state central update are also on the agenda.

• Discussion of 2025 municipal election plans
• Filling committee vacancies
• Fundraising efforts
• Updates from town boards (BoS, BoE, BoF, PRA, P&Z, Youth Services)
• State Central update

The committee approved the February minutes after a motion and abstentions. A unanimous vote changed the Preston Democratic Town Committee bank signatories, removing Karen Stockton and Melissa Lennon and adding Robert Castronova and Gerald Grabarek. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved February minutes (abstentions: M. Lennon, A. Sabrowski, K. Thompson)
• Removed Karen Stockton and Melissa Lennon as signatories on the Chelsea Groton Bank account
• Added Robert Castronova and Gerald Grabarek as signatories on the Chelsea Groton Bank account (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn adopted

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The commission will meet to discuss a draft amendment to the Inland Wetlands (IW) Regulation regarding ponds over 10 acres. The agenda also includes updates on pollinator pathways and reports on local waterbodies.

• Draft amendment to IW Regulation for ponds over 10 acres
• Sustainable CT Report
• Pollinator Pathway Map
• Amos Lake Association report
• Welcome of new member Ray Offenbacher

The commission approved the February 24, 2025 regular meeting minutes, with Gary Piszczek abstaining and the motion carrying. It also approved the January 27, 2025 regular meeting minutes, with Margaret Gibson and Matthew Snurkowski abstaining and the motion carrying. The commission confirmed and approved the scheduled paddle events on June 6 (rain date June 7), August 15, and September 7, 2025.

• Approved February 24, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried; G. Piszczek abstained)
• Approved January 27, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried; M. Gibson and M. Snurkowski abstained)
• Approved paddle event dates: June 6 (rain date June 7), August 15, September 7, 2025

Board of Finance

The Preston Board of Finance Financial Policy Subcommittee holds a special meeting to review, discuss, and plan financial policies. The agenda includes approval of July 18, 2024 minutes and two public comment sessions. No specific policy changes or dollar amounts are listed.

• Policy review, discussion and planning (no details provided in agenda)

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance will hear an audit from King, King & Associates, review the January 2025 year-to-date budget report, and consider approval of the auditor's invoice and the Tax Collector Suspense List. Reports from the First Selectperson, Financial Policy Subcommittee, and Board of Education liaison are also scheduled. A capital plan update will be discussed under old business. Public comment is limited to 15 minutes with 3 minutes per speaker.

• Audit presentation by King, King & Associates, CPAs
• January 2025 YTD budget report from Finance Director
• Invoice approval for King, King & Associates
• Tax Collector Suspense List approval
• Capital Plan Update

The Board approved the February 20, 2025 Board of Finance meeting minutes. It also approved King, King & Associates' invoice for $6,655.00 and the Tax Collector's suspense list payment of $20,050.88. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved February 20, 2025 Board of Finance minutes (motion carried)
• Approved King, King & Associates invoice for $6,655.00 (all in favor)
• Approved Tax Collector suspense list payment of $20,050.88 (all in favor)

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will meet to discuss new business items including a timber harvest and a town project. The body will review a proposal to construct a walkway over Poquetanuck Brook.

• Walkway construction project between 137 Route 2A and 143 Route 2A over Poquetanuck Brook
• Timber harvest notification for 69 Brown School Rd (Applicant: Paul Cider; Owner: John West)
• Approval of IW Agent mileage

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved an as-of-right timber harvest for 69 Brown School Road. They also discussed a proposed walkway project along Route 2A, deferring action to the next meeting, and tabled a driveway application pending applicant attendance.

• Approved as-of-right timber harvest at 69 Brown School Road (all in favor)
• Deferred IW #2025-01 (Route 2A walkway) to next meeting
• Tabled driveway application at 106 Lewis Road until applicant attends April meeting
• Recommended re-appointment of Grabarek, Wrigley, and Desjardins to IWWC

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a special meeting to receive an update on the ERTD Grant and to discuss and take action on the town budget. A 15-minute public comment period is included, with each speaker limited to 3 minutes.

• ERTD Grant update
• Budget discussion and action

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved $147,182 in budget reductions, resulting in a town budget of $6,072,035 to be sent to the Board of Finance. Changes included increasing Parks & Rec funding by $23,500, adding $20,000 to EMS revenue, cutting PRA legal fees by $20,000, and reducing road management by $32,000. The board left the Library's request for an additional part-time person ($14,976) for the Board of Finance to decide. The budget represents an 11.8% increase over the current budget.

• Approved $147,182 in budget changes, sending $6,072,035 budget to Board of Finance (unanimous)
• Increased Parks & Rec Special Revenue Funding by $23,500
• Allocated $20,000 to EMS Revenue
• Reduced PRA Legal Fees by $20,000
• Cut $15,000 for Server Replacement
• Reduced Road Management by $32,000
• Reduced Town Planner hours from 19 to 18 per week for $3,000 savings
• Left Library part-time person request ($14,976) for Board of Finance decision

Board of Assessment Appeals

The March 18, 2025, meeting of the Board of Assessment Appeals has been cancelled.

Youth Services Bureau

The Preston Youth Services Advisory Board will hold a special meeting to review the FY2025-2026 budget request submitted by the director to the Board of Selectmen. The board will also discuss and review its current by-laws, including duties of the advisory board. Public comment periods are scheduled.

• Review of FY2025-2026 budget request submitted to Board of Selectmen
• Review of current by-laws and duties of the Preston Youth Services Advisory Board
• Public comment periods limited to 3 minutes per person, 15 minutes total

The Preston Youth Services Bureau Advisory Board approved the FY2026 budget proposal as presented, which totals $33,000 including state grants and town match. The board also voted to amend two by-law sections (8c and 8d) to change wording regarding webpage maintenance and partnership seeking. A decision on financial oversight was deferred pending direction from the Selectman's Office.

• Approved FY2026 budget proposal as presented (all in favor)
• Amended by-law 8c to change 'maintain' to 'contribute to' a webpage
• Amended by-law 8d to change 'seek' to 'encourage and/or recommend' opportunities
• Deferred decision on financial oversight until direction from Selectman's Office

Redevelopment Agency

The Redevelopment Agency will meet to review task group activities. Discussions will focus on finances, site operations, site clean up, and the closing master list.

• Review of finances
• Site operations and site clean up discussion
• Review of closing master list

The Preston Redevelopment Agency approved a payment of $11,498.48 to Shipman & Goodwin for Riverwalk environmental work, funded from the agency's Money Market account. The board also accepted the minutes from the February 26, 2025 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included updates on finances, site operations, and communications.

• Approved $11,498.48 payment to Shipman & Goodwin for Riverwalk environmental work (all in favor)
• Accepted Regular Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2025 (all in favor)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is holding a special meeting to discuss House Bill 7067, which includes a municipal option for motor vehicle depreciation schedule and a 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans' exemption. The board will also hold a budget workshop covering multiple departments including Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Library, Building, Planning & Zoning, and others.

• Discussion of House Bill 7067 with two sub-items: Municipal Option Motor Vehicle Depreciation Schedule and 100% Permanently and Totally Disabled Veterans' Exemption
• Budget workshop for Parks & Recreation/Youth Services Bureau
• Budget workshop for Public Works/Transfer Station, Library, Building, Planning & Zoning, and Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group
• Budget workshop for Animal Control, Employee Benefits, Finance Treasurer, Wages, and Miscellaneous
• Public comment session limited to 3 minutes per person and 15 minutes total

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved using House Bill 7067 to adopt a 90% starting point for the motor vehicle depreciation schedule, replacing the traditional 85% start. This change, along with recalibrating the Veterans' Exemption per new legislation, is expected to reduce the Grand List decrease from 2.51% to 1.56%. The board also held a budget workshop reviewing departmental budgets, with no other formal votes taken.

• Approved 90% motor vehicle depreciation schedule under House Bill 7067 (unanimous)
• Noted Veterans' Exemption adjustments via Certificate of Correction, reducing Grand List by under $600,000

Board of Selectmen

The Board will accept minutes from three February 26 meetings, receive reports, and handle appointments. Under business, they will discuss grant updates and the town budget. A series of tax refunds totaling $4,261.26 are listed for approval, and a 15-minute public comment session is scheduled.

• Tax refunds: Kent Tam $84.65, Edward Ortiz $284.41, George Parente $47.66, George Parenteau $49.34, Jonathan D & Armi Rowe $3,795.20
• Discussion of grant updates
• Discussion of town budget
• Acceptance of minutes from February 26, 2025 (Executive Session, Budget Workshop, Regular Meeting)
• Public comment session limited to 15 minutes, 3 minutes per person

The Board of Selectmen approved three sets of previous meeting minutes and a list of tax refunds totaling $4,261.26. They decided to hold a special meeting on March 18 at 4:30 P.M. to finalize the FY26 budget, after members requested more time to review workshop materials. No other substantive decisions were made; grant updates were informational only.

• Approved Feb 26 Executive Session Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Feb 26 Budget Workshop Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Feb 26 Regular Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved tax refunds totaling $4,261.26 (unanimous)
• Scheduled special meeting for March 18 at 4:30 P.M. to finalize FY26 budget

Housing Authority

The March 10, 2025 meeting of the Preston Housing Authority has been cancelled.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Preston Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a regular meeting to consider a bond release for property at 397 Route 165, elect officers, approve minutes from December 2024, and discuss filling alternate vacancies. A letter from the ZEO regarding the bond release will be reviewed. The board also plans to purchase a new horizontal file cabinet.

• Bond release for ZBA #2023-01, Robert Tourangeau, 397 Route 165, bond posted June 2, 2023 for $19,800
• Election of officers and possible alternates
• Approval of December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing Minutes
• Communication from ZEO Jennifer Lindo regarding bond release
• Purchase of new horizontal file cabinet

The Preston Zoning Board of Appeals approved the release of a $19,800 bond for property at 397 Route 165 after the zoning enforcement officer confirmed compliance. The board also approved contributing funds toward a new file cabinet and noted a volunteer alternate. Minutes from the December 9, 2024 meeting were approved.

• Approved release of $19,800 bond for ZBA #2023-01 (unanimous)
• Approved contributing ZBA portion for a new horizontal file cabinet (unanimous)
• Approved December 9, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Senior Affairs Committee

The Preston Senior Affairs Committee will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, review a financial report, and discuss updates on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), vehicle replacement, the budget, and the Deterra Bag Program. New business includes a planned jazz concert at Preston Plains Middle School. Public comment is limited to 15 minutes.

• Financial report provided by F. Minor
• ARPA update
• Vehicle replacement update
• Budget update
• Deterra Bag Program update

The committee approved the February minutes and the financial report as presented. No substantive policy decisions were made; updates were given on the ARPA project, the new bus, budget discussions, and Deterra bags.

• Approved February 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial report as presented (unanimous)

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency will hold a regular meeting to review administrative tasks. The body will discuss finances, site operations, and a closing master list.

• Discussion of finances
• Review of site operations and site clean up
• Review of closing master list

The Preston Redevelopment Agency approved its FY26 budget request of $198,956 and modified a prior motion to fund Task Order #192 (NTE $28,395) for CLA engineering work from the FY25 and FY26 OpEx budgets and the Money Market Account. The agency also accepted the February 12, 2025 minutes and noted that NewMind's cost will increase to $7.00 per user per month in April. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.

• Approved FY26 budget request of $198,956 (unanimous)
• Approved Task Order #192 NTE $28,395 for CLA engineering, paid from FY25/FY26 OpEx and Money Market Account (unanimous)
• Accepted February 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Youth Services Bureau

The board is reviewing a request to move $14,500 from program supplies to salary for a Program Coordinator. Members will also discuss the FY2025-2026 budget request and potential revisions to the board's by-laws.

• Reallocation of $14,500 from Line #5610 (Program Supplies) to Line #5151 (Salary)
• FY2025-2026 Budget Request submitted to Board of Selectmen
• Review of PYSAB Mission/Purpose and By-Laws
• Discussion of Summer Enrichment Camps registration fees
• Potential purchase of a storage container for food, clothes, and toys

The board approved the January 22, 2025 meeting minutes as amended, the financial report totaling $791.55, and up to $1,100 for the 5th grade D.A.R.E. celebration. Members raised concerns about unapproved spending on Family Fun Night and discussed budget and by-law revisions, tabling the by-law discussion for a special meeting.

• Approved January 22, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved financial report totaling $791.55 (unanimous)
• Approved not-to-exceed $1,100 for 5th grade D.A.R.E. celebration (unanimous)
• Tabled by-law revision discussion for a special meeting

Board of Selectmen

This is a special meeting with an executive session to discuss the negotiation of leases for a certain Town-owned property, as permitted under Connecticut General Statutes. Public comment is limited to 15 minutes and must be germane to the agency's business. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily procedural.

• Discussion concerning negotiation of terms of leases for a Town-owned property

The Board of Selectmen met in special session and immediately moved into executive session to discuss lease negotiations for a town-owned property, citing Connecticut statute. No public comment was heard, and the board adjourned with no actions taken.

• Moved into executive session to discuss lease negotiations (unanimous)
• Adjourned executive session and special meeting with no actions taken (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet for a special budget workshop. The body will discuss budget items related to several town departments and commissions.

• Budget review for Fire / EMS
• Budget review for Central Services
• Budget review for Town Clerk / Tax Collector
• Budget review for Zoning Board of Appeals
• Budget review for Ethics Commission

The Board of Selectmen held a budget workshop to review departmental budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational, with discussions on SEAT's proposed $15,433 membership fee, fire/EMS budget adjustments, and various departmental increases. The board also reviewed funding requests from local agencies, with some members suggesting contributions come from the CAC budget.

• Reviewed SEAT membership fee of $15,433 for continued service
• Discussed moving $15,100 from Property and Liability Insurance to salary in Fire/EMS budget
• Noted Technology Support increase of 17% in Central Services
• Reviewed ZBA Shared Services grant covering 75% of ZEO salary, with 100% responsibility next year
• Discussed funding requests: The Last Green Valley $500, Eastern CT Conservation District $500, Sexual Assault Crisis Center $1,411
• Mentioned adding $1,000 to Board of Selectmen budget for Dues and Fees

Board of Selectmen

The Preston Board of Selectmen will discuss an update on the New England Economic Development Grant, review draft criteria for capital planning and for the Water Pollution Control Authority, and consider a Budget PRA. The board will also act on four small tax refunds totaling $354.87 and accept minutes from previous meetings.

• New England Economic Development Grant update
• Criteria for Capital Planning — draft review
• Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) — draft review
• Tax refunds: Geoffrey & Shannon Dubuc $7.84, ACAR Leasing Ltd. $323.61, Harold W. Jr. & Carole R. West $11.97, Timothy R. Winton $11.45
• Budget PRA (discussion item)

The Board of Selectmen approved a $50,000 increase to the Preston Redevelopment Agency's (PRA) legal services line item, raising it from $100,000 to $150,000, due to higher-than-anticipated costs in the ELUR process. The board also unanimously approved four tax refunds totaling $354.87. No other substantive decisions were made; other items were informational or draft reviews.

• Increased PRA Legal Services line item from $100,000 to $150,000 (unanimous)
• Approved tax refund to Geoffrey & Shannon Dubuc for $7.84 (unanimous)
• Approved tax refund to ACAR Leasing Ltd. for $323.61 (unanimous)
• Approved tax refund to Harold W. Jr. & Carole R. West for $11.97 (unanimous)
• Approved tax refund to Timothy R. Winton for $11.45 (unanimous)
• Approved February 12, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved February 12, 2025 Budget Workshop Minutes (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will review updates on park maintenance, seasonal programming, and community events. The body is also scheduled to discuss the FY 2025/2026 budget and 2025 facility rental fees.

• FY 2025/2026 Budget
• 2025 Facility Rental Fees
• Eagle Scout Project: Dog Trail expansion, Tail Map, and Tree ID
• Lussier Field Expansion updates
• Grant proposals for NRPA Afterschool Mentor, STEAP, Eastern CT Tourism, and Local Data For Equitable Communities

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission approved the 2025/2026 fiscal year budget, which includes a proposal for a full-time park maintainer shared with the Highway Department. The commission also accepted the January meeting minutes and discussed various grants, programs, and events. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved 2025/2026 FY Budget (all in favor)
• Accepted January 28 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Preston Planning & Zoning Commission will consider two zoning permits and one special exception. Items include a short-term rental at 161 Route 2A, an accessory apartment at 95 Branch Hill Rd, and a farm fruit/orchard facility at 86 Schoolhouse Rd. The meeting also includes approval of minutes and correspondence. No public hearings are scheduled.

• ZP #2024-10 — Ivy Investment Group: short-term rental at 161 Route 2A
• ZP #2025-01 — Thomas Baker: accessory apartment at 95 Branch Hill Rd
• Sp Ex #2024-01 — Charlene Rand: farm fruit/orchard facility at 86 Schoolhouse Rd
• Approval of January 28, 2025 regular meeting minutes
• Correspondence from Quinlan Zoning Bulletin and CFPZA conference letter

The Commission approved ZP #2024-10 for a short-term rental at 161 Route 2A, contingent on a final inspection, with a 6-0-1 vote (one abstention). Two other applications—an accessory apartment and a farm fruit/orchard facility—were tabled to the March 25 meeting due to incomplete submissions. A discussion on a potential concrete business at 402 Route 2 was held, but no application was filed.

• Approved ZP #2024-10 short-term rental at 161 Route 2A, conditioned on final inspection (6-0-1)
• Tabled ZP #2025-01 accessory apartment at 95 Branch Hill Rd to March 25
• Tabled Sp Ex #2024-01 farm fruit/orchard facility at 86 Schoolhouse Rd to March 25
• Approved January 28, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)

Democratic Town Committee

The committee will review minutes and treasurer's report. Under new business, they will discuss renewing the CTVAN voter database, planning for the 2025 municipal election, and filling vacancies. Old business includes fundraising. Updates from town officials and state central will be provided.

• CTVAN renewal discussion
• 2025 municipal election planning
• Vacancies on the committee
• Fundraising status update
• Updates from Boards of Selectmen, Education, Finance, and other town bodies

The committee approved a $125 renewal for CTVAN and discussed the 2025 municipal election, noting a caucus in July. A vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals was mentioned. No other substantive decisions were made; the treasurer's report was unavailable.

• Approved CTVAN subscription renewal at $125 (unanimous)
• Accepted January minutes as presented (unanimous)

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The Preston Conservation and Agricultural Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from November, receive public comments, and discuss ongoing projects including the Sustainable CT Report, Pollinator Pathway Map, and UCONN maps. New business includes welcoming a new member and planning a Garden Club exploratory meeting and a forestry walk at Mary-Dora Woodlands. No public hearings or major decisions are scheduled.

• Approval of November 25, 2024 regular meeting minutes
• Discussion of Sustainable CT Report and Pollinator Pathway Map
• Welcome of new member Ray Offenbacher
• Garden Club exploratory meeting on Feb. 27, 2025
• Mary-Dora Woodlands Forestry Walk planned

The Preston Conservation and Agricultural Commission held a regular meeting with no public hearings or substantive decisions. They approved the November 25, 2024 meeting minutes as presented, with Vice-Chairman Snurkowski abstaining. The January 2025 minutes were tabled to the March meeting because they were not included in the packet. The rest of the meeting involved discussions on Sustainable CT, pollinator pathway photos, and upcoming events.

• Approved November 25, 2024 regular meeting minutes as presented (all in favor, Snurkowski abstained)
• Tabled January 2025 minutes to March meeting (not included in packet)

Board of Finance

This is a regular meeting of the Preston Board of Finance with reports from the First Selectperson, Financial Policy Subcommittee, and Finance Director. New business includes the Assessor's Grand List report, the Board's 2025-2026 budget request and schedule for budget workshops, and approval of an invoice from King, King & Associates, CPAs. Old business covers a capital plan update regarding the Munistat special appropriation. Public comment is limited to 15 minutes with 3-minute per speaker.

• Assessor Grand List Report
• Board of Finance 2025-2026 Budget Request (needs update)
• Board of Finance Budget Workshops schedule to be established
• King, King & Associates, CPAs Invoice Approval
• Capital Plan Update – Munistat Special Appropriation

The Board of Finance approved a corrected FY2026 budget of $34,613 for itself, replacing an incorrect amount from January. It also approved a $7,500 special appropriation for a service agreement with Munistat for capital planning, and scheduled budget workshops for late March and April. Two STEAP grant applications totaling $1,000,000 were submitted for road repairs and park improvements.

• Approved $34,613 for Board of Finance FY2026 budget (unanimous)
• Approved $7,500 special appropriation for Munistat capital planning services (unanimous)
• Scheduled budget workshops for March 27, April 2, 3, 9 at 7:00 P.M. (unanimous)
• Approved payment of $3,244 to King, King & Associates for audit invoice (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 16, 2025 meeting (5-0-1, Moulson abstained)

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will meet to discuss construction within wetland buffer zones for three properties on Doolittle Rd. The body will also elect officers and review the wetlands agent's mileage report.

• Revision to approved plan for 37 Doolittle Rd (IW #2023-01)
• Extension request for 33 Doolittle Rd (IW #2022-10)
• Extension request for 35 Doolittle Rd (IW #2023-07)
• Approval of Wetland Agent mileage

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission re-elected John Moulson as Chairman, Jerry Grabarek as Vice Chairman, and Rebecca Hayes as Secretary. It approved a minor revision to a wetlands permit for 37 Doolittle Road, granted extensions for two other permits, and approved sharing the cost of a new file cabinet with the ZBA.

• Re-elected John Moulson as Chairman (all in favor)
• Re-elected Jerry Grabarek as Vice Chairman (all in favor)
• Re-elected Rebecca Hayes as Secretary (all in favor)
• Approved January 21, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved minor revision to IW #2023-01 for 37 Doolittle Road (all in favor)
• Approved extensions for IW #2022-10 (33 Doolittle Rd) and IW #2023-07 (35 Doolittle Rd) (all in favor)
• Approved 50% of cost for new file cabinet (all in favor)
• Approved IW Agent mileage and cell phone charge for January 2025, $60.61 (all in favor)

Redevelopment Agency

This is a regular meeting of the Preston Redevelopment Agency. The board will accept minutes from the January 22, 2024 meeting and receive updates from task groups on finances, site operations/cleanup, and the closing master list. Public comment is limited to 3 minutes per person and 15 minutes total. No major decisions or new proposals are listed.

• Acceptance of regular meeting minutes from January 22, 2024
• Task group update on finances
• Task group update on site operations and site cleanup
• Task group update on closing master list
• Public comment period (3 minutes per person, 15 minutes total)

The Preston Redevelopment Agency approved four payments to Shipman & Goodwin totaling $39,710 for general, real estate, and environmental work, and approved Task Order #192 for $28,395 for engineering services by CLA. All motions passed unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included updates on grants, property transfers, and communications.

• Approved $559 payment to Shipman & Goodwin for general work (unanimous)
• Approved $4,676 payment to Shipman & Goodwin for real estate work (unanimous)
• Approved $6,079.98 payment to Shipman & Goodwin for ELUR environmental work (unanimous)
• Approved Task Order #192 NTE $28,395 for CLA engineering work (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is holding a special meeting budget workshop to discuss proposed budgets for multiple town departments and agencies, including the Assessor, Registrar of Voters, Insurance/Risk Management, Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission, Conservation & Agricultural Commission, Resident State Troopers, Public Health, Debt Service, and Senior Affairs. A SEAT request is also on the agenda. The meeting includes a public comment session limited to 15 minutes with 3-minute per speaker. This is a discussion workshop; no final decisions are expected.

• Review of proposed budgets for Assessor, Registrar of Voters, and Insurance/Risk Management
• Discussion of budgets for Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission and Conservation & Agricultural Commission
• Resident State Troopers budget review
• Debt Service and Senior Affairs budget items
• SEAT request (specific item)

The Board of Selectmen held a budget workshop to review department budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. Most budgets remain flat, with notable increases in Registrar of Voters (due to early voting costs), Resident State Trooper (2% salary increase), Public Health (per-capita increases), and Debt Services ($1,200 increase). The Board decided to invite a SEAT representative to the February 26th meeting to discuss the $15,500 membership fee, deferring any decision.

• Reviewed all department budgets, keeping most flat
• Deferred SEAT membership decision, invited representative to Feb 26 meeting
• Noted $4,000 increase in Assessor technology support, offset by decreases elsewhere
• Noted CIRMA 3-year insurance agreement with 0% first-year increase
• Discussed inviting Gary Piszczek to report on Amos Lake Association grant

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss the budget, grant updates, and STEAP resolutions. The body will also consider funding reallocations for the Youth Services Bureau and a bid waiver for Munistat.

• Extension of the Crown Castle Wireless Tower Agreement
• Munistat Bid Waiver and BOF appropriation
• Conveyance Request for 20 Route 117
• Tax refunds for Jewett City Savings Bank ($3,120.25) and Francis T. Rousseau ($106.06)
• Appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Conservation and Agricultural Commission, and Sustainability Team

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved two STEAP grant applications (up to $500,000 each) for Roosevelt Ave repairs and Community Park improvements, a $14,500 Youth Service Bureau budget reallocation, a 90-day Crown Castle lease extension, a Munistat bid waiver, and three appointments/reappointments. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved STEAP grant application for Roosevelt Ave repair/resurfacing up to $500,000 (unanimous)
• Approved STEAP grant application for Community Park amphitheater, volleyball, pickleball courts, lighting up to $500,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Youth Service Bureau reallocation of $14,500 from supplies to salary (unanimous)
• Approved 90-day extension of Crown Castle wireless tower lease (unanimous)
• Approved bid waiver for Munistat service agreement ($5,000-$10,000, contingent on BoF appropriation) (unanimous)
• Reappointed Tom Wilber to Parks & Recreation Commission, term to 2029 (unanimous)
• Appointed Ray Offenbacher to Conservation & Agricultural Commission, term to 2031 (unanimous)
• Appointed Terri Eickel to Sustainability Team, term to 2027 (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The February 10, 2025 regular meeting of the Preston Zoning Board of Appeals has been cancelled due to a lack of business items to consider.

Senior Affairs Committee

The Senior Affairs Committee will meet to review financial reports and approve minutes from three previous meetings. The body will discuss updates regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), vehicle replacement, and a budget workshop.

• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) update
• Vehicle replacement update
• Budget Workshop
• Financial reports for December 3, January 7, and February 4

The committee approved minutes and financial reports from prior meetings, and discussed a $260 Knox Box upgrade and heating oil/electricity budget increases. No major policy decisions were made; items were mostly routine approvals and updates.

• Approved December 3, 2024 meeting minutes
• Approved January 7, 2025 written report
• Approved January 13, 2025 special meeting minutes
• Approved December 3, 2024 financial report
• Approved January 7, 2025 financial report
• Approved February 4, 2025 financial report

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority will hold a special meeting to review financial reports and old business. The body will discuss a CHFA grant, bank account signers, and a tractor for mowing.

• CHFA grant
• Update bank account signers
• Tractor for mowing

The Preston Housing Authority approved the purchase of a SCAG Tiger Cat II mower for $10,454 after a 27% discount through its Sourcewell account. Members also approved amending the previous meeting's minutes to include a $100 crafts supply approval, and voted to remove a former board member as a bank signer. A quote for monthly community room cleaning was approved.

• Approved purchase of SCAG Tiger Cat II mower for $10,454 (Sourcewell discount applied)
• Amended January 13, 2026 minutes to include $100 crafts and coffee hour supplies approval
• Approved treasurer's report and payment of bills
• Approved removing Leigh Pappas as signer on all bank accounts
• Approved getting a quote for monthly community room cleaning

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission will consider new business including 2025 facility rental fees, a scholarship program, and MyRec software. They will receive updates on park maintenance projects such as security cameras, roof replacement, and electrical work. The agenda also includes review of multiple grant proposals, including a STEAP grant and conservation land acquisition grant, as well as membership vacancies and program schedules.

• 2025 Facility Rental Fees (new business)
• STEAP Grant Proposal and other grant reviews
• Updates on security system and cameras for Green and Veterans Field
• Eagle Scout project to expand dog trail, map, and tree ID
• Roof replacement on Pavilion and Lussier Field expansion (no update)

The Commission approved Cole Houghton's Eagle Scout project to clean up and improve trails at Preston Park, including adding trail markers and a small loop for younger kids. The motion carried unanimously. Other business included accepting prior meeting minutes and discussing maintenance, security cameras, and grant applications.

• Approved Cole Houghton's Eagle Scout trail cleanup project (unanimous)
• Accepted meeting minutes from October 22, 2024 (unanimous)
• Discussed trail maintenance options, including tractor use by park staff
• Noted completion of security cameras covering the entire park
• Reported pavilion roof completed at ~$18k
• Discussed drainage issues and potential STEAP grant application
• Tabled Conservation Land Acquisition Grant due to appraisal timeline
• Awarded $1,500 from Preston Community Fund for summer camp inclusion aide

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Preston Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a regular meeting on January 28, 2025. The agenda includes election of officers, approval of previous minutes, and review of correspondence. New business features zoning permits for a short-term rental at 161 Route 2A and an accessory apartment at 95 Branch Hill Rd., as well as a special exception and site plan for a farm fruit/orchard facility at 86 Schoolhouse Rd. The commission will also discuss the 2024 Plan of Conservation and Development goals and the P&Z budget.

• Election of officers for the commission
• ZP #2024-10: Short-term rental at 161 Route 2A (Ivy Investment Group LLC)
• ZP #2025-01: Accessory apartment at 95 Branch Hill Rd. (Thomas Baker)
• Sp Ex #2024-01 and SP #2024-03: Farm fruit/orchard facility at 86 Schoolhouse Rd. (Charlene Rand, Arthur Moran)
• Review of 2024 POCD goals and P&Z budget

The Preston Planning & Zoning Commission elected Art Moran as Chairman, Denise Beale as Vice Chair, and Doreen Rankin as Secretary. It tabled two zoning permit applications (short-term rental at 161 Route 2A and accessory apartment at 95 Branch Hill Rd.) until February 25, 2025, pending required documents. The commission also approved 65-day extensions for a special exception and site plan at 86 Schoolhouse Rd., and took actions on enforcement matters.

• Elected Art Moran Chairman, Denise Beale Vice Chair, Doreen Rankin Secretary (unanimous)
• Approved Nov 26, 2024 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved Dec 10, 2024 special meeting minutes (6-0-1, Moran abstained)
• Left 253 Route 2A matter open and pursue legal action (6-0-1, Raymond abstained)
• Directed ZEO to inspect 306/308 Route 164 with Mr. McGeowan (unanimous)
• Tabled ZP #2024-10 short-term rental at 161 Route 2A until Feb 25, 2025 (unanimous)
• Tabled ZP #2025-01 accessory apartment at 95 Branch Hill Rd. until Feb 25, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved 65-day extension for Sp Ex #2024-01 and SP #2024-03 at 86 Schoolhouse Rd. (6-0-1, Moran abstained)

Democratic Town Committee

The Preston Democratic Town Committee will hold a regular meeting with standard procedural items. Discussions include a recap of the 2024 election, planning for the 2025 municipal election, and fundraising activities. Updates from town officials and a state central update are also scheduled.

• Recap of the 2024 election results
• Discussion of planning for the 2025 municipal election
• Fundraising discussion under old business

The Preston Democratic Town Committee met and unanimously approved the October minutes. Treasurer Robert Castronova reported a balance of $888.92, with several members owing for 2024 election signs. The committee discussed 2025 municipal election positions and fundraising ideas, including a welcoming committee for new residents. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved October minutes unanimously
• Noted $888.92 balance in treasurer's report
• Discussed 2025 municipal election positions (BOS, BOE, BOF, P&Z)
• Shared fundraising ideas and welcoming committee concept

Conservation & Agricultural Commission

The Preston Conservation and Agricultural Commission will review routine communications and approve previous minutes. The agenda includes a letter of support to fill a membership vacancy with a term ending December 31, 2027. There are no public hearings scheduled for this meeting.

• Approval of November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
• Review of communications from CT Land Conservation Council, CT DEEP, and CT Audubon Society
• Discussion of Sustainable CT Report and Pollinator Pathway Map
• Consideration of a letter of support to fill a membership vacancy (term ending December 31, 2027)
• Discussion of 'Pushing Up Daisies' under New Business

The Preston Conservation and Agricultural Commission voted unanimously to recommend Ray Offenbacher to fill an alternate member vacancy with a term ending December 31, 2027. The commission also discussed Sustainable CT certification progress, a pollinator pathway sign distribution, and plans for an Earth Day event at the library. No other formal decisions were made.

• Recommended Ray Offenbacher for alternate vacancy, term ending Dec 31, 2027 (unanimous)

Sustainability Team

The Preston Sustainable CT Team recommended Terri Eickel to fill the committee vacancy, with a term ending 3/26/2027. The team reviewed progress toward Silver certification, currently at 405 points with 500 needed, and discussed action items across multiple categories. No other formal decisions were made; most items were updates or discussions.

• Recommended Terri Eickel to fill Sustainable CT Team vacancy (motion by Masalin, seconded by Piszczek)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:37 p.m. (motion by Sawyer, seconded by Masalin)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider correction of a Youth Services Advisory Board reappointment and appoint a Tree Warden. They will receive an update on Municipal Facilities Building Needs and a grant update. Two tax refunds totaling $150.25 are also on the agenda.

• Correction of Roberta Charpentier's reappointment to Youth Services Advisory Board term from three years to one year ending Dec. 31, 2025
• Appointment of Jarred Harris as Tree Warden for a two-year term ending Dec. 31, 2026
• Update on Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group
• Grant update
• Tax refunds to Karen E. Colson: $81.41 (2021) and $68.84 (2022)

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved three appointments: rescinding and correcting Roberta Charpentier's Youth Service Advisory Board term to one year, appointing Jarred Harris as Tree Warden for two years, and appointing Joyce Weber to the Senior Affairs Committee. They also approved two tax refunds totaling $150.25 and discussed a facilities advisory group's recommendations, including a potential Town Hall/Community Center complex.

• Rescinded Roberta Charpentier's 3-year Youth Service Advisory Board reappointment and reappointed her for 1 year ending Dec 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Appointed Jarred Harris as Tree Warden for 2-year term ending Dec 31, 2026 (unanimous)
• Appointed Joyce Weber to Senior Affairs Committee, Seat 4, term ending Dec 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved tax refunds to Karen E. Corson totaling $150.25 (unanimous)

Youth Services Bureau

The Preston Youth Services Advisory Board will discuss moving funds to cover a program coordinator salary. The board is also reviewing programming ideas for parent education and student mentorship.

• Proposed reallocation of $14,500 from YSB Program Supplies to YSB Regular Employees
• Discussion of purchasing a storage container for food, clothes, and toys ($3,500 used or $5,000 new)
• Allocation of $500 for two performances of 'Looking in Theater' at PPMS
• Reappointments of Jessica Boucher, Amanda Phelps, Sada Hammond, and Roberta Charpentier
• Resignations of BoS liaison Sandra Allyn-Gauthier and PPS liaison Dr. Seitsinger

The Preston Youth Services Bureau Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend reallocating $14,500 from Program Supplies to Regular Employees to fund the Program Coordinator's salary. The board also accepted the consent agenda, financial report, and discussed program updates and future ideas. No other formal decisions were made.

• Accepted consent agenda including November 20, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted financial report with clarification on Program Supplies & Dues (unanimous)
• Recommended $14,500 reallocation from Program Supplies (5610) to Regular Employees (5151) for Program Coordinator salary (unanimous)

Redevelopment Agency

The Preston Redevelopment Agency will approve prior meeting minutes, review FY26 budget requests and site cleanup operations, discuss the closing master list, and then hold an executive session to discuss Amendment #1 to the Property Disposition and Development Agreement for the sale of Preston Riverwalk to the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority.

• Approval of regular meeting minutes from January 8, 2025
• Discussion of FY26 Budget Request
• Discussion of Site Operations / Site Clean Up
• Discussion of Closing Master List
• Executive session to discuss Property Disposition and Development Agreement Amendment #1 for sale of Preston Riverwalk to Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority

The Preston Redevelopment Agency approved its FY26 budget request of $148,956, which includes funds for legal services, building repairs, and part-time staff. The agency also entered executive session to discuss the sale of Preston Riverwalk to the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, but no action was taken on that matter. Site cleanup remains paused, and the agency is awaiting state assessments.

• Approved FY26 budget request of $148,956 (all in favor)
• Accepted January 8, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Entered executive session to discuss Property Disposition and Development Agreement Amendment #1 (all in favor)

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will meet to discuss residential construction projects and a plan revision. The body will also elect officers and review the Wetlands Agent's report.

• IW #2024-15: Single-family home construction at 31-33 Burton Rd.
• IW #2024-16: Single-family home construction at 15 Burton Rd.
• IW #2023-01: Revision to approved plan for construction at 37 Doolittle Rd.
• Approval of Wetland Agent mileage
• Election of Officers

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission approved two single-family home construction applications within wetlands upland areas, each with a standard $1,000 bond. A third application was tabled due to the applicant's absence. The commission also discussed a water runoff issue but took no formal action.

• Approved IW #2024-15, Dawn M. Smith, 31-33 Burton Road, single-family home, with $1,000 bond (all in favor)
• Approved IW #2024-16, Bonnie and Michael Barron, 15 Burton Road, single-family home amendment, with $1,000 bond (all in favor)
• Tabled IW #2023-01, Steven and Nicholas Rice, 37 Doolittle Road, revision to approved plan (no applicant present)
• Approved IW Agent's mileage and cell phone charge for December 2024, $69.13 (all in favor)
• Approved December 17, 2024 regular meeting minutes as presented (all in favor)
• Noted water runoff at 404/405 Old Jewett City Road as general maintenance, no approval required

Board of Finance

The Preston Board of Finance will meet to discuss and potentially approve a special appropriation for the Eastern Regional Tourism District Grant, the Board's own budget request for 2025-2026, and an invoice from King, King & Associates CPAs. They will also receive reports from the First Selectperson, financial policy subcommittee, education liaison, and finance director, including an audit update and November 2024 YTD budget report. Old business includes a capital plan discussion.

• Special Appropriation—Eastern Regional Tourism District Grant
• Board of Finance 2025-2026 Budget Request
• King, King & Associates, CPAs Invoice Approval
• Audit Update and November 2024 YTD Budget Report
• Capital Plan discussion

The Board of Finance approved a $10,000 transfer to grant fund 43 to match an Eastern Regional Tourism District grant, approved its own 2025-2026 budget request of $31,812.20, and approved a $12,500 invoice from King, King & Associates. The board also voted to net out the tax refund line item against current-year property taxes. Discussions on capital projects, including HVAC replacement and vehicle purchases, were held but no decisions were made.

• Approved $10,000 transfer to grant fund 43 for tourism grant match (Sawyer abstained)
• Approved Board of Finance 2025-2026 budget request of $31,812.20
• Approved King, King & Associates invoice of $12,500
• Approved motion to net out tax refund line item against current-year property taxes

Emergency Services Advisory Committee

The Preston Emergency Services Advisory Committee meets quarterly. This meeting includes routine items such as roll call, previous minutes, and public comment, along with updates on ambulance services, grants, emergency services for Preston Riverwalk, and public safety manning. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed on the agenda.

• Ambulance Update
• Grants Update
• Preston Riverwalk Emergency Services
• Public Safety Manning

The Preston Emergency Services Advisory Committee held a regular meeting with no substantive decisions beyond approving prior minutes. Members discussed potential police, fire, and EMS needs for the future Riverwalk development, and noted that the fire departments applied for a federal grant to upgrade emergency radios.

• Approved previous meeting minutes from 10/15/24 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:25 PM

Zoning Board of Appeals

The regular January 13, 2025 meeting of the Preston Zoning Board of Appeals has been cancelled because no business items were submitted for consideration.

Senior Affairs Committee

The Senior Affairs Committee will hold a special meeting to interview candidates to fill a vacancy on the committee. The meeting includes an executive session for these interviews.

• Interviews for Senior Affairs Committee vacancy

The Preston Senior Affairs Committee held a special meeting on January 13, 2025, to interview candidates for a committee vacancy. After an executive session, the committee voted to nominate Joyce Weber for the vacancy and will recommend her to the Board of Selectmen.

• Entered executive session to interview candidates (approved)
• Nominated Joyce Weber to fill committee vacancy (approved)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:57 p.m. (approved)

Housing Authority

The Preston Housing Authority will hold a regular meeting to discuss agency business. The agenda includes reports from the treasurer and executive director.

• Discussion of CHFA grant
• Discussion of washers and dryers

The Preston Housing Authority approved adding a dumpster and recycling bin for $21 per month, accepted bids from Cyr Plumbing and Heating Services for occasional plumbing work (with H. Cyr abstaining due to family relationship), and discussed purchasing a zero-turn lawn mower. The board also approved reimbursing two tenants who lost $10 total in laundry machines if the current company does not refund them.

• Approved dumpster and recycling bin for $21/month
• Accepted bids from Cyr Plumbing and Heating Services (H. Cyr abstained)
• Approved reimbursing tenants for $10 laundry machine loss if company does not
• Approved minutes of November 13, 2024
• Accepted treasurer's report and paid bills

Ethics Commission

The Ethics Commission will meet to elect its officers and discuss a news article from The Day newspaper. The body will also consider changing its meeting start time and review the 2025-2026 commission budget.

• Election of officers
• Discussion of 2025-2026 commission budget
• Proposed change to meeting start time

The Preston Ethics Commission unanimously approved minutes from January 10, 2024, and re-elected Hank Podraza as Chairperson, Nancy Bartlett as Vice Chairperson, and Linda Christensen as Secretary. Members discussed a news article about Waterford's proposed ethics ordinance changes and decided that breaking confidentiality under Preston's Code of Ethics Section 4F is a violation, potentially subject to penalties. The commission voted to keep regular meetings at 5:30 pm and approved a $350 budget for 2025-2026.

• Approved Jan. 10, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Re-elected Hank Podraza as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Re-elected Nancy Bartlett as Vice Chairperson (unanimous)
• Re-elected Linda Christensen as Secretary (unanimous)
• Decided confidentiality breach under Section 4F is a Code violation, may seek outside counsel (unanimous)
• Kept regular meeting time at 5:30 pm (unanimous)
• Approved $350 budget for 2025-2026 (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Preston Board of Selectmen will consider a proposed calendar for the 2025-2026 budget planning process and review an updated legal services proposal for the Preston Riverwalk from Shipman & Goodwin. The board will also receive a grant update and discuss an ELUR owner affidavit for Parcel 6. Tax refunds will be considered, and public comment will be heard.

• 2025-2026 Budget Planning Proposed Calendar
• Shipman & Goodwin - Preston Riverwalk Updated Legal Services Proposal
• Grant Update
• ELUR Owner Affidavit Parcel 6 Draft
• Tax Refunds

The Board of Selectmen approved the 2025 Shipman & Goodwin legal services proposal for the Preston Riverwalk, despite a fee increase, and authorized the First Selectwoman to sign Environmental Land Use Restriction (ELUR) affidavits for Parcel 6 and other parcels needed for conveyance to the Tribe. Both motions passed unanimously. The board also reviewed the 2025-2026 budget planning calendar and discussed grant applications, including CIF and LOTCIP grants.

• Approved December 11, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Shipman & Goodwin Preston Riverwalk legal services proposal (unanimous)
• Approved resolution authorizing First Selectwoman to sign ELUR affidavits for Parcel 6 and other parcels (unanimous)

Redevelopment Agency

The agency will meet to review administrative updates and financial reports. The body is scheduled to discuss the FY26 budget request.

• FY26 Budget Request
• Finances report
• Site Operations / Site Clean Up update
• Closing Master List review

The Preston Redevelopment Agency approved moving money market funds from Jewett City Savings to a Centerville Bank CD at 4.25% if Jewett City Savings doesn't match the rate, and approved three Shipman & Goodwin invoices totaling $27,999.67 for environmental, real estate, and statutory work. The agency also accepted the December 11, 2024 meeting minutes and discussed updates on property conveyances and the FY26 budget.

• Approved moving PRA money market funds to Centerville Bank CD at 4.25% if Jewett City Savings won't match (all in favor)
• Approved Shipman & Goodwin invoice #656396 for $17,529.80 (environmental work) from Operating budget
• Approved Shipman & Goodwin invoice #656398 for $9,738.87 (real estate work) from Jewett City Savings Account
• Approved Shipman & Goodwin invoice #656402 for $731 (statutory requirements) from Operating budget
• Accepted Regular Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2024 as presented

Senior Affairs Committee

The Preston Senior Affairs Committee will meet to review financial reports, discuss updates on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and vehicle replacement, and hold a workshop for the Fiscal 2025/2026 budget. Public comment is limited to 3 minutes per person, up to 15 minutes total.

• Consideration of ARPA fund update
• Vehicle replacement update
• Fiscal 2025/2026 Budget Workshop
• Financial report provided by F. Minor
• Correspondence from Director of Finance Cindy Varricchio

The Preston Senior Affairs Committee met on January 7, 2025, but lacked a quorum, so no formal votes were taken. Members reviewed agenda items including minutes, correspondence, finance, ARPA updates, and budget discussions. They scheduled a special meeting for January 13 to interview potential new members.

• No votes taken due to lack of quorum
• Scheduled special meeting for January 13 to interview committee applicants
• Discussed submitting a flat budget request for Fiscal 2025-2026 (no vote)
• Reviewed ARPA grant for senior center parking lot upgrades (no action)